Mated to the Cyborgs by Grace Goodwin Interstellar Brides: The Colony series #2. Science fiction romance with erotica elements. M-F-M. Can be read as aMated to the Cyborgs by Grace Goodwin Interstellar Brides: The Colony series #2. Science fiction romance with erotica elements. M-F-M. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. Spin off from other interconnected series. Reading order can be found in Goodreads or on the authors website. FBI Agent Kristin Webster has spent too much time tracking down the worst of humanity and she’s burned out and lacking trust. She tests and matches in the Interstellar Bride Program and heads to two scarred Prillon warriors on the colony. When warriors begin to disappear, Kristin has the expertise to help but her mates want to protect, tame, claim and coddle her. They don’t want her anywhere near the danger. Nope. Kristin wants to protect her mates just as much as they want to protect her. She’s not going to sit on the sidelines.
That testing program is flammable and once again opens the story. The warriors are way over protective. She’s not made of glass and they should know that simply by their claiming of her. Sexy, steamy and hot. Also touching in their caring. I’m loving the loving and can’t wait to read more by this author. ...more
Fighting for Magnolia by Katie Reus Redemption Harbor Security series #4. Romantic suspense. Spin off from Redemption Harbor series and Red Stone SecurFighting for Magnolia by Katie Reus Redemption Harbor Security series #4. Romantic suspense. Spin off from Redemption Harbor series and Red Stone Security series. Second chance troupe. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series since characters and some minor story mentions overlap. Seventeen years ago, as teens in school, Magnolia Lavigne and Ezra Hunt were from very different economic backgrounds but they fell in love anyway. They were making plans for the future until suddenly he ghosted her. She found out he went into the military but was never able to find him again. Ezra is back in New Orleans helping to open and work for the new branch of Redemption Harbor Security. He didn’t want to come back to the place where his heart was torn apart but it’s his job. When he sights a drive by shooter aiming for the house he’s in front of, he drags the women to the ground in protective mode. It’s Magnolia and she has a stalker and he’s going to make sure she’s now protected. When he finds out their breakup wasn’t her but interfering family, he’s all the more determined to make sure she’s safe.
Neither ever really forgot. Both still have feelings for each other. Add in a well brought up young man by a dedicated mother and successful business woman and the trio tentatively join forces for the future. Now to figure out who is sending the threats and stop them. Ezra and Redemption Harbor Security is on it. Fast moving story, and relationships. Friendships between the members of the security team are solid, and supportive which makes for a full cast in this story. Hot and steamy scenes for the couple. And a sweet dog from the prior book visits. A great romance built in with the friendships of found family. Loved it. ...more
Wyoming Ranch Justice by Juno Rushdan Cowboy State Lawmen: Duty and Honor series #2. Harlequin Intrigue suspense with a touch of closed door romance. CWyoming Ranch Justice by Juno Rushdan Cowboy State Lawmen: Duty and Honor series #2. Harlequin Intrigue suspense with a touch of closed door romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. There is a serial killer at the Southeastern Wyoming University. On and off for ten years, three young blond women are abducted, assaulted and then killed. His DNA is left behind but no other clues. When the first victim is found, LPD Detective Hannah goes undercover, hoping to lure the killer but she interrupts his next kidnapping instead. From that point, Hannah and SWUPD Chief Matt Granger work together hoping to put together the pieces fast enough to prevent anyone else dying. But it’s rush week and parties will happen around the campus even though warnings have been issued. Can they catch the killer before the third victim dies and the killer disappears again?
Fast moving action. Gripping and suspenseful from beginning to end. Wow. This one is intense! Couldn’t put it down and stayed up way later than I should have on a work night. It was worth it. Now an auto-buy author. ...more
Errands & Espionage by Sam Tschida Mystery, cozy style if a bit longer. Gabby Greene is a housewife, mother of two young children, burner of meatloaf, Errands & Espionage by Sam Tschida Mystery, cozy style if a bit longer. Gabby Greene is a housewife, mother of two young children, burner of meatloaf, and in the process of divorce. Laundry is a lot cause. Gabby is surprised by two secret government agents at her door one night. Apparently she is almost an exact double of an agent that was recently killed and they want Gabby’s help to finish the case against a local business man allegedly deal with the Russian mob. Gabby will have to figure out how to get the kids back and forth to school and activities when she agrees to go undercover. With a grandmother that defected from Russia as a young woman, Gabby knows a few words of Russian, so when a couple of mob men kidnap her when she’s taking out the garbage, she figures out what’s going on. An amateur in the spy business, Gabby does her best to learn and solve the problems no ordinarily housewife should have to deal with. When granny moves in with her boyfriend, it helps with taking care of the children, but why is she being nice and chatting with the men in the car parked at the end of the driveway? She should know how the mob works.
Lots of humorous action and slapstick, while the housewife does a better job undercover than expected. The children’s attitudes and actions are typical and add to the stress Gabby has but she clearly loves and supports them. Handsome co-agent Marcus is a temptation and it’s fun to see Gabby run circles around him. Better than I expected from an amateur spy story. Gabby is smart and figures things out even when asking friends to get involved without sharing the whole spy thing. I can easily see this becoming a series as the housewife out-spies the pros.
He thinks she is adorable. Everything from the dimple in her smile, to her sweet innocence and clear want in her eyes. EvInnocent Target by Katie Reus
He thinks she is adorable. Everything from the dimple in her smile, to her sweet innocence and clear want in her eyes. Even the silly pajamas with the dogs all over them is adorable. He will change who he is for her. “He’d been drowning for a long time in his own loneliness and meeting Hadley had been like seeing the light. Because that’s what she was, a light in the darkness.” Not that she’s asking for him to change.
A romantic suspense novel. 4th in the Redemption Harbor series. Can be read as a stand alone but don’t miss the others. I’m so looking forward to reading the next book. Fantastic adventures and series. These are not “nice” men, but they are good and they will do anything to protect their family.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I have also purchased a copy to gift.
Merged review:
Innocent Target by Katie Reus
He thinks she is adorable. Everything from the dimple in her smile, to her sweet innocence and clear want in her eyes. Even the silly pajamas with the dogs all over them is adorable. He will change who he is for her. “He’d been drowning for a long time in his own loneliness and meeting Hadley had been like seeing the light. Because that’s what she was, a light in the darkness.” Not that she’s asking for him to change.
A romantic suspense novel. 4th in the Redemption Harbor series. Can be read as a stand alone but don’t miss the others. I’m so looking forward to reading the next book. Fantastic adventures and series. These are not “nice” men, but they are good and they will do anything to protect their family.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I have also purchased a copy to gift....more
5th Book in the Redemption Harbor romantic suspense series. It’s best to have read prior books. In particular because the Hunting Danger by Katie Reus
5th Book in the Redemption Harbor romantic suspense series. It’s best to have read prior books. In particular because the last few chapters deal with criminals from the prior books and other character storylines.
Action, suspense, romance and love. Characters that steal your heart because of their unexpressed feelings. Such as: “Her friendship was one of the most important things in his life.” A group of coworkers that have deep and unwavering support of each their. A fantastic series. I can’t wait for the next book.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to share
Merged review:
Hunting Danger by Katie Reus
5th Book in the Redemption Harbor romantic suspense series. It’s best to have read prior books. In particular because the last few chapters deal with criminals from the prior books and other character storylines.
Action, suspense, romance and love. Characters that steal your heart because of their unexpressed feelings. Such as: “Her friendship was one of the most important things in his life.” A group of coworkers that have deep and unwavering support of each their. A fantastic series. I can’t wait for the next book.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to share...more
2nd book in the Verona Bay series. Spinoff from Redemption Harbor. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Autumn isDeadly Past by Katie Reus
2nd book in the Verona Bay series. Spinoff from Redemption Harbor. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Autumn is in witness protection and still has a active threat after her. Lincoln is the sheriff, her next door neighbor, and lover. When danger gets closer, Lincoln and her friends will protector her. She’s found a home in Verona Bay and wants to stay.
Immediately gripping and action packed. Multiple storylines and twists makes this a fast and engaging read. With Autumn and Lincoln moving their relationship from neighbors to lovers and friends, it includes some hot and steamy pages too. Romantic suspense with all the feels.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to keep.
Merged review:
Deadly Past by Katie Reus
2nd book in the Verona Bay series. Spinoff from Redemption Harbor. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Autumn is in witness protection and still has a active threat after her. Lincoln is the sheriff, her next door neighbor, and lover. When danger gets closer, Lincoln and her friends will protector her. She’s found a home in Verona Bay and wants to stay.
Immediately gripping and action packed. Multiple storylines and twists makes this a fast and engaging read. With Autumn and Lincoln moving their relationship from neighbors to lovers and friends, it includes some hot and steamy pages too. Romantic suspense with all the feels.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to keep....more
4th book in the Declan’s Defender series by Harlequin Intrigue. Jane Doe has escaped from torture in Syria and is hoping thDriving Force by Elle James
4th book in the Declan’s Defender series by Harlequin Intrigue. Jane Doe has escaped from torture in Syria and is hoping that Charlotte knows who she is. Gus doesn’t trust Jane but can’t resist the dark eyed beauty. As Declan’s Defenders work to figure out Jane’s history, the mystery of Charlotte’s husbands murder is slowly revealed.
Ongoing arc for the series, this story moves fast with non stop action. Jane is enterprising and creative in getting to Charlotte. Did I miss how she got the black dress to attend the party? Regardless, I certainly wouldn’t want to get in Jane’s way! But I sure would love to learn to fight like her. Wouldn’t you like to be a fighting ninja?
Merged review:
Driving Force by Elle James
4th book in the Declan’s Defender series by Harlequin Intrigue. Jane Doe has escaped from torture in Syria and is hoping that Charlotte knows who she is. Gus doesn’t trust Jane but can’t resist the dark eyed beauty. As Declan’s Defenders work to figure out Jane’s history, the mystery of Charlotte’s husbands murder is slowly revealed.
Ongoing arc for the series, this story moves fast with non stop action. Jane is enterprising and creative in getting to Charlotte. Did I miss how she got the black dress to attend the party? Regardless, I certainly wouldn’t want to get in Jane’s way! But I sure would love to learn to fight like her. Wouldn’t you like to be a fighting ninja?...more
Beau by Elle James Bayou Brotherhood Protectors series #4. Spin off of other Brotherhood Protector series. Can be read as a stand-alone. Some PTSD for Beau by Elle James Bayou Brotherhood Protectors series #4. Spin off of other Brotherhood Protector series. Can be read as a stand-alone. Some PTSD for both the hero and heroine in the past. Beau Boyette has joined the Bayou branch of the Brotherhood Protectors, close to his huge extended family. Beau’s first assignment is to pose as a bodyguard to the daughter of the state senator, Aurelie Anderson. She’s an activist fighting to keep the bayou free from dumping violations and receiving death threats from an unknown source. Beau’s job is to keep her alive. It seems the mafia has other ideas.
Fast moving action: danger, protection, connection, and winning resolution. Aka, they meet. He protects. They fall for each other. They get steamy! The villain gets caught. One more successful protection and match. Yes, it’s a formula but it’s also an ex soldier getting his well deserved hea. A romantic suspense story to fill an afternoon with an armchair adventure. And love. ...more
Escape the Everglades by Caridad Pineiro South Beach Security: K9 Division series #2. Spin off from the South Beach Security series. Can be read as a sEscape the Everglades by Caridad Pineiro South Beach Security: K9 Division series #2. Spin off from the South Beach Security series. Can be read as a stand-alone but characters from the first trilogy are supporting characters in the story. Harlequin Intrigue. Romantic suspense. Latinx, own voices. PTSD. Two years after his wife’s death, ex-marine Carlos Ruiz isn’t looking for romance. But then army vet and security expert Natalie Rodriguez and her K-9 partner Missy, arrive to help search for poachers and protect his family and business. Natalie has the backing of South Beach Security and together they can stop the threat. Natalie and Missy search for evidence and suspects while protecting Carlos and Lucas.
Both Natalie and K-9 Missy have a form of PTSD. A recovery method for Missy, the dog, is a bath with lavender soap and a good massage. Intriguing concept. Probably much better behaved than a dog that doesn’t listen and would jump out of the bath tub and run around the house, shaking water off everywhere, as has been my experience. I liked the privacy that Carlos gave his son but wondered if at ten, it was too much? A few times I wondered too, if just because he’s sleeping, should he have been left alone? Granted, Carlos was just outside and on the property and the house security system and alarms were on, but ok at ten? I don’t know. The family support and work connections (from most of the prior books) were plentiful and helpful. They would all have happily dropped their plans to support Carlos and Lucas as well as Natalie. That was impressive for me since my family is small and we wouldn’t actually think of asking for help. I’d say cultural differences but was impressed again, and again, regardless of why. More intrigue and action than romance which is the format for this category line. Great animal and specific information for the Everglades. I didn’t know about the golden brown panthers or the old Nike Missile Base there. Love learning new (to me) facts. ...more
Pardon My Frenchie by Farrah Rochen Contemporary romance, romantic comedy. Own voices, diverse. First in series. Ashanti Wright owns and runs a successPardon My Frenchie by Farrah Rochen Contemporary romance, romantic comedy. Own voices, diverse. First in series. Ashanti Wright owns and runs a successful dog boarding business. She wants to expand the business to include a bake shop, but hesitates. It’s a big decision. Buying a bigger property when she’s already maxed out between the business and family obligations is a toss up between risk and reward. Thaddeus Sims is not a dog person but with his grandmother moving into a senior living facility, he has no choice but to become at least friendly with Puddin’. After all, she’s financing his dream of opening a sports bar and hangout space for former servicemen. Puddin’ and Ashanti’s dog Duchess, are besties. When their two dogs are caught in a video that goes viral, her business is pushed to the next level, whether Ashanti is ready or not. Spending more time with the buff and handsome ex-military hero is contentious to start but soon the romance is not limited to the canines.
Laugh-out-loud situations and adorable pet behavior make this romance a romping good read.
Fighting for Adalyn by Katie Reus Redemption Harbor Security series #3. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone, but characters from the previoFighting for Adalyn by Katie Reus Redemption Harbor Security series #3. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone, but characters from the previous books help work on the case as secondary characters. Spin off from both Redemption Harbor and Red Stone Security. Years ago, Adalyn trusted the wrong source and it cost the lives of her team. At the time, Rowan blamed Adalyn, but he’s since realized that was just emotional grief and not reality. Bun Adalyn still carries the burden of fault in her heart. Adalyn gets a text threatening her family so she heads to New Orleans and Redemption Harbor Security has her back. The threats and violence continue and the team tracks down the responsible killer during Marci Gras week before they can destroy the whole city.
Fast moving action and suspense after the first victim hits too close to home for Adalyn. Rowan knows he needs to help Adalyn understand the past was not her fault and that he wants more from her than just being coworkers. And he’s willing to put his mouth on hers, over and over, to prove his interest. Advanced technology helps the team that sounded pretty cool. A mask that can’t be seen to the naked eye, but that seen on a camera will obscure the face.
Gripping, steamy, and a thrilling adventure. ...more
Double Tap by Cindy Dees Helen Warwick series #2. Mystery, thriller, spy games. Helen Warwick is an ex CIA elite assassin. She tried to retire and walkDouble Tap by Cindy Dees Helen Warwick series #2. Mystery, thriller, spy games. Helen Warwick is an ex CIA elite assassin. She tried to retire and walk away to be with family and future grandchildren. With her son in the public eye as a political candidate, Helen is right onstage when he’s targeted by a laser from a rifle scope and she jumps into action to save him. Helen is drawn back into the espionage life and the hunt for Scorpius, a threat that reaches the highest levels of the government.
Fast moving action, lots of high tech weaponry and unraveling of secrets and cover-ups. For her age, Helen is amazingly fit and keeping up with the younger spy set. She’s got the training and experience, and most importantly, the instincts to out-spy and at least come out alive. So far. Some resolution but not everything so yes, cliffhanger. 4.5
End Game by Tracey Devlyn Steele Ridge: The Blackwells series #5 and conclusion. Spin off of prior Steele Ridge series. Romantic suspense. Can be read End Game by Tracey Devlyn Steele Ridge: The Blackwells series #5 and conclusion. Spin off of prior Steele Ridge series. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. Lobbyist Kayla Krowne knows how to play the political games. After witnessing the assassination of a public official, she turns to Special Agent Asher Cameron Blackwell for help. She’s always been impressed and a little infatuated with Ash, but she needs his protection now to figure out the maze of lies under the cover of politics. Ash was ordered to investigate Kayla, but finding her the possible target, rather than witness to a murder has Ash confronting his own issues.
Political manipulation and game playing. Very subtle game play I will never understand, nor master. “He infused warmth into his features”, “rearranged his features”, “he’d moved the congenitally needle too far”, “a master at reading body language “. These people are masters of the game. If this were real life, it would all go straight over my head. Reading about the manipulations is fascinating and mystifying. Intriguing and intellectually scary. At the same time the romance is hot and dashing. Fantastic romance suspense. ...more
A Rogue Cowboy’s Heart by Stephanie Rowe The Hart Ranch Billionaires series #4. Spin off from the Wyoming Rebels series. Romance with some suspense. CaA Rogue Cowboy’s Heart by Stephanie Rowe The Hart Ranch Billionaires series #4. Spin off from the Wyoming Rebels series. Romance with some suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone, but better as part of the series because you want to know and fall in love with the characters and families. 100% protectors and supporting individuals and their strengths. Rancher Luke Hart trusts only his family. He tracks down Maddie Vale as a favor for his brother, to make sure she’s okay. But she’s not okay. Maddie has severe anxiety from her days as a child being held by a dangerous criminal. She has a therapy dog and good friends and a business with her father, but her days are mostly uncomfortable. When she spots Lucas following her, she’s terrified. Lucas is able to reach and assure Maddie that he is there to protect only and soon the two become more than just bodyguard and victim. The threat is real though and they will need to stay vigilant.
Yes there is some suspense here, but it’s more relationship building and family support and falling in love. It’s romance with heart. Loved so much the support from all the family popping up at crunch time from the Harts to a couple of the Stocktons! So awesome. It’s what they do. Be there when needed. And even sometimes when they’re not needed. A great addition to the series. Heartbreakingly romantic. ...more
Athens Affair by Elle James Brotherhood Protectors International series #1. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone but best if familiar with aAthens Affair by Elle James Brotherhood Protectors International series #1. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone but best if familiar with any of multiple series. Second chance troupe, secret baby. Former Navy SEAL Ace Hammerson is working a security detail in Jordan when he recognizes the interpreter as the woman he met and fell in love with four years ago after a week spent together on vacation. They lost touch when he was sent on a mission and she changed jobs. Now in the museum as a movie is being filmed, he watches Jasmine Nassar disappear into a side room. When Ace discovers some missing artifacts, he confronts Jasmine and learns her son has been kidnapped and is being held hostage in exchange for the stolen goods. Unfortunately, Jasmine is mugged by a rival wanting the artifacts and now Jasmine doesn’t have any leverage to save her son. Ace and the Brotherhood Protectors to the rescue.
Fast moving action and steamy romance. Exactly what you’d expect from the Brotherhood Protector series as the teams across the U.S. help and expand into Europe. Heroes, guns and blowing things up, strong men and women fighting for the underdog, and a sexy night of romance, all before the bad apple loses and the hea commences. ...more
Fighting for Reece by Katie Reus Redemption Harbor Security series #2. Spin off from the Red Stone Security series. Romantic Suspense. Can be read as aFighting for Reece by Katie Reus Redemption Harbor Security series #2. Spin off from the Red Stone Security series. Romantic Suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone. Reese and Cash had a brief hookup at a friend’s wedding. She ran. He’s in pursuit. The two are assigned to work together on a missing person’s case at a couples resort. And it starts out fairly tame up until they find the body, witness a drug deal and a murder. They need to figure out if the police are covering up or caught up and then the Albanians show up. And a mountain lion. Is a busy week and an undercover winter adventure. Just another job for Redemption Harbor Security.
Fast moving action, friendships strengthening, romance and sexy interludes. Plus a job well done and the bad guys caught. A winning combination for a reading escape into love and adventure....more
Kiana’s Hero by Elle James Brotherhood Protectors Hawaii series book #3. Spinoff of Brotherhood Protectors. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-aKiana’s Hero by Elle James Brotherhood Protectors Hawaii series book #3. Spinoff of Brotherhood Protectors. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone. Former Marine Force Recon, Devlin Mulhaney had joined the Hawaii branch of the Brotherhood Protectors. His first task is to protect Kiana Williams and help find her missing friend. They arrive at the friends apartment and realize others more dangerous are searching for Meredith too. Gangs, drugs, and dead con men won’t slow down the Brotherhood from doing the right thing and ending up as heroes.
Fast moving action and suspense. Super sexy scenes as they find a safe pace to rest for the night. Extra help from the rest of the branches and ex special forces to fly in and help with the organized infiltrations. Rescue and follow-up as the Brotherhood once again proves their support for all things good and family. Formulaic, sure. But a great adventure and a swooning couple fall in love so it’s a win for them and a spicy romance to spend an afternoon reading for me. 4.5. ...more
Tempered Beats by Michel Prince Contemporary police procedural. Mystery. Detective Lisa Donald of Denver is called to investigate a death at the localTempered Beats by Michel Prince Contemporary police procedural. Mystery. Detective Lisa Donald of Denver is called to investigate a death at the local glass blowing studio. Blowing Hot Sand is known for catering to veterans looking for an adrenaline rush and danger of the extremely hot ovens needed to create glass artwork. Specialist Paul Castor is found dead and it’s up to Lisa to ask the right questions from the group of veterans that have already been through more trauma than most. Lisa will also have to deal with her own bottled up and hidden emotions to wrap up the case.
Good mystery of the unusual method of death. Sad treatment of the ex military men and women that need more support after their years of service. I’ve watched some glass blowing in person and on television contests and am always amazed and impressed at the creativity and delicacy of the finished art. While this is not the focus of this story, I have to hope that if our veterans do find working with glass to be helpful, that they be given every opportunity to do so. I was also intrigued by Lisa and her hidden emotional issues. How long can she work without acknowledging her own trauma before she burns out or worse? This is also not answered in this particular story, but I expect it will be a significant focus of future books in this series. ...more
Sabotage Operation by Caridad Pineiro South Beach Security: K-9 Division series #1. Spin off from the prior South Beach Security series. Harlequin IntrSabotage Operation by Caridad Pineiro South Beach Security: K-9 Division series #1. Spin off from the prior South Beach Security series. Harlequin Intrigue. Can be read as a stand-alone but characters from the first trilogy appear as supporting characters in this story. Teresa Rodriguez owns a ranch in Florida where she raises, trains, and breeds thoroughbred horses. After a series of accidents on the ranch, Frijoles, her top stallion, is poisoned via his feed. Teresa contacts South Beach Security in Miami to help investigate. She thinks it may be a former employee that was fired but his offenses wouldn’t be a significant sentence from the Racing Commission. Security Expert Matt Perez and his K-9 partner Butter are assigned to Teresa and her ranch to investigate and protect. As the danger escalates, so does the attraction between Teresa and Matt.
Matt, Butter, and Teresa search and follow clues around the ranch as more threats occur. As they work and spend time together, Matt and Teresa get to know each other. He was initially hesitant about the “rich girl” but she soon disabuses him of that notion and shows him that she’s just a hard working ranch hand. Butter does a lot of the work tracking down scent trails.
A good combination of anxiety, romance, investigation, and sexy interludes. Latinx characters with several phrases in Spanish throughout the text. Engaging, suspenseful and steamy. 4.5...more