10000 stars! I adored this book. Dimitri and Natalia are just such fabulous characters that I adored. It's been awhile since I read a book where I con10000 stars! I adored this book. Dimitri and Natalia are just such fabulous characters that I adored. It's been awhile since I read a book where I connected with and loved both of the characters, so this was just lovely! I wish the pacing of the plot had been a little different but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of it. This is a must read!...more
This was so good! I loved both Penny and Holt and watching their story unfold. The suspense is high, as per Eason's usual, and keeps you on your toes!This was so good! I loved both Penny and Holt and watching their story unfold. The suspense is high, as per Eason's usual, and keeps you on your toes! I couldn't put this one down. The flight medic aspect was really interesting to me and I enjoyed learning more about that job. The bad guy was very creepy and twisty and I was confused as to his identity for the longest time! Also, that cover! Absolutely gorgeous and definitely wins the book brownie points. All in all, well done, Eason! You've done it again. Highly recommend this book! ...more
This was such a sweet conclusion to the series, although I'm sad it's over! First off, how cute is that cover?? I love it! The baking theme was so funThis was such a sweet conclusion to the series, although I'm sad it's over! First off, how cute is that cover?? I love it! The baking theme was so fun, as I love baking myself. I really enjoyed following along on both the main characters' journey throughout the story. I had a hard time relating with Holly as I felt like she was stuck in the same rut for most of the book until the very end where she finally has her heart change. I really liked Jed and his storyline though. I feel like the way he reacted to certain scenarios was very realistic and well done. The plot twist at the end I somehow didn't see coming at all and I was shocked! It's not often a contemporary romance has any kind of major plot twist, but this one worked really well.
All in all, I greatly enjoyed this sweet read (pun intended?) I highly recommend this series if you love contemporary romance with a split timeline. (Which I usually don't like but found very fascinating in this series!) I haven't read a Robin Lee Hatcher book I didn't like yet.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Wow . . . I don't know what I was expecting out of this novel, but it far exceeded any expectations I may have had. Very quickly I was drawn into the Wow . . . I don't know what I was expecting out of this novel, but it far exceeded any expectations I may have had. Very quickly I was drawn into the story, and despite being a somewhat slow-paced book with nothing much major happening plot-wise . . . I still didn't want to put it down! I can't help but attribute that to Deese's engaging writing style and gripping characters. I'm not a huge fan of first person POV, but it did work well for this story. There was humor mixed in with the more serious themes and kept the story moving.
Lauren is an incredibly realistic and relatable character. She's flawed and struggles just as much as the rest of us. I enjoyed getting to know her and follow the ups and downs of her story. Joshua is a very sweet character as well and he was a great counterpart to Lauren. I loved how he pursued her but was still so very respectful and supported her in her dreams. Can I get a Joshua pretty please???
The theme of adoption was unique and very moving. Adoption is something that is very close to my heart, so it was fascinating to learn more about it. I loved that Deese showed the realisticality of adoption in Lauren's storyline. It isn't easy or painless. But it is worth it.
Overall, this was simply a beautiful novel and fully deserving of all 5 stars! I highly recommend this is you love moving contemporary fiction or if adoption is a subject you're interested in! Well done, Ms. Deese!...more
Having heard wonderful things about Wilson's debut novel, I, of course, leaped at the chance to nab a copy of Midnight on the River Grey. And I'm so gHaving heard wonderful things about Wilson's debut novel, I, of course, leaped at the chance to nab a copy of Midnight on the River Grey. And I'm so glad I did! From page one, this book drew me right into the story and I did not want to put it down.
Wilson has a beautiful writing style that fits the time period so perfectly and drew me right into the story. Everything down to the characters' dialogue is so perfectly accurate, although there were a few instances of dialogue that I felt were too modern. The plot was intriguing and kept me on my toes, guessing as to how the story would end. Although I did surmise the ending ahead of time, that didn't take away from the enjoyment of the story for me.
I loved each of the characters as well, but I have to say, they felt rather flat to me. I feel like more depth could have been added and made the story that much better. While they were good characters, and I enjoyed their story, they could have been better characters with a little more fleshing out.
All in all, I very much enjoyed this intriguing Regency novel and look forward to reading more by this talented author! If this is only her second book and it's already this good, I look forward to reading even more excellent works! I highly recommend checking this book out! You won't regret it.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions. ...more
Um, wow. What a wild conclusion to this explosive series! Packed with loads of action, plot twists (oh, those plot twists . . . ), snark, emotion, andUm, wow. What a wild conclusion to this explosive series! Packed with loads of action, plot twists (oh, those plot twists . . . ), snark, emotion, and a tad bit of romance, Thirst of Steel will keep you on the edge of your seat! I could not have asked for a better conclusion to the series, and while my emotions are still recovering from the hit they took at the end of the book, I am supremely happy with that ending. :D If you love a good military thriller, then definitely check out this series!...more
One word to describe Ronie Kendig's books: Intense. With a capital I.
Kings Falling was even better than book one in the series, Storm Rising. I can'tOne word to describe Ronie Kendig's books: Intense. With a capital I.
Kings Falling was even better than book one in the series, Storm Rising. I can't wait to see what book three will hold! From page one I was drawn back into the story and finished it in a matter of hours. My one complaint: that cliffhanger! How will I survive until October brings book three?
I loved the evolution of Leif and Iskra's relationship in this one. A lot of the physical attraction and rather heated kisses that annoyed me in the first book was replaced by a deeper mutual respect and falling in love between the two characters. Leif's character arc in this book was very intense, ending with that annoying\awesome cliffhanger that leaves you literally on the edge of your seat and you're not even sure which side he's on anymore. Iskra has really matured in this book, and I found that I actually like her now and am able to relate and empathize with her.
The story is never-ending suspense. The plot wraps up nicely by the end of the book, while still leaving the overarching story to be finalized in the last book of the series. (It bears mentioning again: THAT CLIFFHANGER. Beware.)
My overall thoughts . . . I'M DYING FOR BOOK THREE. If you love inTENSE suspense, romance, and paramilitary themes, definitely dig into The Book of the Wars series! You won't regret it.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions....more
Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of many novels, but the first that I picked up was Who I Am With You, book one in the A Legacy of Faith seri4.5 stars!
Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of many novels, but the first that I picked up was Who I Am With You, book one in the A Legacy of Faith series. And I quickly fell in love with Hatcher's writing style and her beautiful characters. So, of course, I was anxious to read book two!
Our main characters, Ben Henning and Ashley Showalter, are both unique and engaging characters. Ben is quite the gentleman, although he's not one of those too-perfect love interest characters. In fact, he has quite the backstory. I quickly fell in love with him and his kind heart. Ashley took a little longer, as she is just so different than me, but soon I loved her too, and was rooting for both of these characters and their story.
The storyline is fairly slow moving, but regardless it kept my interest and I found myself wanting to just keep reading where other books with similarly paced storylines would have left me bored. There's just something about Hatcher's writing style and the setting of her stories that makes me want to go spend a day--or a while--with these characters in small-town Idaho. The author also does a fabulous job incorporating the dual-time period. I'm not usually a fan of those types of stories, but I love Hatcher's unique take on the idea!
I also loved the representation of equine therapy that was featured in Cross My Heart; it is a subject that has always interested me and I've done a lot of reading on it. It is clear that Hatcher has done her research on the subject, for which I give her kudos. Similarly, the redemptive themes and themes of faith included were incredibly well done. So often I feel like Christian authors have the tendency to force that aspect and it becomes "preachy." Not so with Hatcher; it is just a natural and beautiful addition to the story.
The only complaint I have is that this was too short! I wish the climax had taken place a little sooner in the book, therefore leaving more time for wrapping up. But really, that is just a minor issue.
All in all, I greatly enjoyed this addition to the A Legacy of Faith series! I highly recommend this series to lovers of sweet, contemporary romance with deep themes. I will be eagerly awaiting book three!...more
I am ridiculously happy right now. Y'all. More Maple Valley? You know I'm down for that.
Before I even started this, I knew I would love it. And I wasI am ridiculously happy right now. Y'all. More Maple Valley? You know I'm down for that.
Before I even started this, I knew I would love it. And I was not wrong. I have not had anywhere near as much time as I'd like to read lately, but I finished this within less than 48 hours, and I have no regrets.
Tagg's characters are always so unique, with compelling backstories, fun quirks, epic banter, and more, and Mara and Marshall were no different! From the prologue, I fell in love with Marshall. He may have made me cry a couple--okay, several--times. Can I just give the poor guy a hug, please? And Mara . . . wow, I can relate to her a lot! Both these characters are just so fabulous, and I completely love them.
The storyline moves along at a pretty good pace, although not too quickly. There was never a time I was bored or uninterested. Tagg deals with topics like abandonment, grief, and others in an incredibly realistic and moving way, and, as I mentioned, I was brought to tears more than once. The author always weaves in a storyline of mystery that was incredibly intriguing, and I don't think she has done that before. But I definitely hope she does it again!
Just a couple of quick notes: (view spoiler)[There are a couple of things I disliked about this book, but overall I loved the rest of it for it not to affect my 5-star rating. The first would be the kissing. Um. *coughs* It was a little passionate at times, and to be honest, I wish there had been less of it. But that's just my personal preference when it comes to romance. The other little scruple I had was with how Marshall didn't deal with any withdrawal after cutting cold turkey on his meds after 2+ years of constant use. It was kind of explained towards the end of the book, but I still feel like that may not have been the most realistic scenario, although it could have been. I guess I personally would have liked to see that play more into the storyline, but again, that's just me. (hide spoiler)]
All in all, I am in love with this book and these characters. I cannot wait for book 2! I am hoping for a Jen + Lucas story (have been since Keep Holding On!) or a book about Sam . . . or both. If you are a lover of romance with deep themes and epic banter, plus a bit of mystery, I highly suggest you check out Now and Then and Always!
DiAnn Mills' books have been hit or miss for me, and there's only been one or two I've really liked. But her newest release, Fatal Strike, is a fascinDiAnn Mills' books have been hit or miss for me, and there's only been one or two I've really liked. But her newest release, Fatal Strike, is a fascinating and page-turning suspense novel with fabulous characters and a touch of romance. Five stars from me!
Honestly, the romance aspect may have been one of my favorite parts of this book. Both characters acted like the adults and professionals they were and, instead of acting like hormonal teenagers, they communicated (!!!) and didn't let their feelings for each other get in the way of their job or other relationships. Well done, Mills! I also really appreciated how instead of finding a significant other and their problems magically melting away, the characters found themselves having to confront their issues and pasts and in that process drew the other to God.
The plot was full of suspense and plot twists and I was left guessing at every turn! The story felt like a unique twist on your typical suspense novel, which was a breath of fresh air. Both our main characters are very realistic humans that I found easy to relate to. The faith themes, as I briefly mentioned, were woven throughout the story and weren't too backseat, while also not being too prominent and "in your face."
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this romantic suspense novel and look forward to reading what Mills writes next! I highly recommend checking this one out if you love suspense, realistic characters, and a bit of romance.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions. ...more
I haven't been a huge fan of Mills' books, but this one was very interesting. April and Jason were very interesting characters and I loved following aI haven't been a huge fan of Mills' books, but this one was very interesting. April and Jason were very interesting characters and I loved following along in their unique story. I found it somewhat hard to connect with them, which is why I docked a star. Isabella was also a very adorable addition. The plot is quite twisty and keeps you on your toes. Pretty early on you know who the villain is, but that didn't take away from the suspense. Car chases, late-night reconnaissance, no-one-to-trust, subtle romance, gun-fights, this book has got it all! Plus there's the gorgeous cover.
I definitely recommend fans of romantic suspense--light on romance, heavy on suspense--check this one out! ...more
Full of intrigue, plot twists, suspense, action, heart, wit (boatloads of wit!) and a sweet romance, Against the Tide is Camden at her best. Plus thatFull of intrigue, plot twists, suspense, action, heart, wit (boatloads of wit!) and a sweet romance, Against the Tide is Camden at her best. Plus that cover is so gorgeous! There is something about Camden’s books that really hooks my interest right away and I don’t want to stop reading. The historical setting and details in this one are so rich, and the fight against the use of opiates and drug addiction was fascinating and eye-opening. Bane and Lydia are such realistic characters that I quickly fell in love with, and their witty banter is A+! Well done, Ms. Camden! I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves intriguing historical stories with a dash of romance and a goodly bit of well-written banter. ...more
Bradley has been a hit-or-miss author for me in the past, but I have really enjoyed her Memphis Cold Case series. Justice Delivered, book 4,4.5 stars.
Bradley has been a hit-or-miss author for me in the past, but I have really enjoyed her Memphis Cold Case series. Justice Delivered, book 4, really blows it out of the waters, though!
Firstly, I should mention that this book deals heavily with the topic of human trafficking, specifically the sex trade. This is a subject that is very close to my heart, so I was very interested to see how Bradley would tackle this difficult topic. I was greatly impressed. Bradley shows the reality and the horror of this abominable crime against humankind, yet does so with great sensitivity and respect. Kudos to the author for that. Human trafficking is not something that is talked about enough, so I highly recommend this book for that reason. But that being said, I would not recommend this book to young or sensitive readers.
The mystery and suspense definitely kept me on my toes and constantly guessing. For quite a while, you have no idea who is good, and who is not. The action was nearly non-stop, and my adrenaline was pumping in certain scenes. Once you pick up this book, you will not be able to put it down.
I feel like there were more characters and points of views in this book than the others, but I actually really liked that. I loved the inclusion of David Raines story and was so happy to see him and Maggie finally get their happy ending. I also really loved the characters of Carly and Logan and found them incredibly relatable. (view spoiler)[I particularly liked how the reader is unsure whether Logan is trustworthy or not. That's definitely a twist you don't find a lot in these types of romantic stories. (hide spoiler)]
All in all, I highly recommend this suspenseful story with a sweet romance line and a very realistic topic.
FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions. ...more
Camden is my new favorite historical fiction author! No matter how many I read, I just can't find one I don't like! Camden is a master of this genre. Camden is my new favorite historical fiction author! No matter how many I read, I just can't find one I don't like! Camden is a master of this genre.
Annabelle Larkin is an adorably naive and innocent character, but that's not to say she doesn't have a backbone. She is passionate, tender-hearted, and nearly always optimistic, as well as patriotic with strong morals. I quickly fell in love with her sweet character. Grey Delacroix is quite the opposite. Embittered against the government for having wronged his family in the past, he is reclusive and sarcastic, yet he too has a strong moral code and is incredibly loyal to his family, which is a trait I am always drawn to.
The story starts out with a series of (rather humorous) letters, and quickly draw the reader in. I was a bit surprised by how quickly the romance took place in the course of the book, but it definitely made sense plot-wise and still was very realistic. (No insta-love either, thankfully.) But the story is certainly not all about romance. There is suspense, treason, betrayal, politics, intrigue, sabotage and more. This is a jam-packed story that is sure to keep your interest! And, of course, the book is well-laced with Camden's trademark humor and witty banter. I found myself laughing out loud at times.
All in all, The Spice King is an epic opening to Camden's newest series, and I am greatly looking forward to the rest of the series! I highly recommend checking this book out, as well as any of Camden's numerous other works!
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions. ...more
Wow . . . that was so good. Definitely one of the best! I am so happy to have finally read Lisa and Quinn's story! I love how each book explores diffeWow . . . that was so good. Definitely one of the best! I am so happy to have finally read Lisa and Quinn's story! I love how each book explores different themes of Christianity, and I absolutely loved how Henderson handled the topics in this one! So good. The mystery was also really well done, if on the creepy side for me.