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Showing posts from 2023

Calling on the Matchmaker

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Looking for a fast paced historical romance that features Irish culture in America? This may be the book for you. Jody Hedlund delivers an engaging romance with plenty of swoony romantic moments.  The beginning had moments that had me raising an eyebrow of where this was going.  The physical attraction was quite strong in the beginning.  I personally enjoy romance that  has a strong physical chemistry but this beginning was a little different for me. However once I got into the story I enjoyed it.   The pacing kept me eagerly flipping through pages right up until the end to see how these characters found their way.  I enjoyed the hero with his intentional pursuit of the heroine.   I am looking forward to reading book two as there are several side characters that I can't wait to see what happens to them and if they will get their own book. I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are honest and completely my own.

Notorious

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Notorious is a redemptive tale that has all the classic elements of everything the makes Tamera Leigh books my top pick in all things medieval romance.  In this book you see a Via nna who has been present in earlier books, but we don't understand why she is in the position she is. She is an enigma.  Leigh masterfully let's us experience the perspective of heroine in a way that doesn't whitewash her path but doesn't overdo it either. It is a perfect balance of grace and the harsh reality of a woman in a dangerous situation.  And then enter a hero who has misconceptions about her character and loyalties. Forced proximity. Let me tell you it is a recipe for another epic romance that may be one of my favorite in the series.  It has elements that remind me of a tale similar to Rahab from the book of Joshua yet set in a medieval time period.  There are so many layers and such depth to both main characters that I was utterly captivated by their story and cheering them on as th

Havoc

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Ronie Kendig's characters don't merely walk onto the page they stride in and in two seconds flat they own the room. . That is definitely true of the characters in Havoc. This book is fantastic. The perfect read for someone who wants action, fast paced intrigue, MWD's, deep characters, romantic tension that practically crackles, yes I could go on. . I I was instantly drawn in by Crew, his backstory, loyalty and resilience was something that felt so real and authentic. He had struggles to be sure, but also such a confidence that totally made me adore his character. Havoc is definitely a scene stealer. I love dogs and have such respect for these high octane, four legged operators. I loved how Ronie Kendig showed the devotion and bond between dog and human. Having that element in some of the action scenes had me truly holding my breath! Bravo. Vienna was so well written. I enjoyed the banter and the chemestry between her and Crew so much. The perfect balance for a well written

Creed

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An ending to the series that brings the action, the romance, and the hope that has been a trademark of this series.  I loved this installment and the climax of this family's story that is so full of heart and characters that move you, and make you feel as if you are living through their journey right along with them .  I loved how we got to see Creed overcome so much through this saga and I hope to see more of him in the future.  I really loved that we got more time with Fraser and Pippa as well. I think they may be my favorite couple in the series.   An interwoven message of hope, family and faith that kept me up late to see what would happen next.  Such a satisfying ending with a glimpse into possibly more to come.  It didn't disappoint and was a pleasure to read this series as it came out this year. I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are honest and completely my own.

Flirtation and Faceoff

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If you are looking for: He falls first  Fake dating  Bookish heroine  Flirty banter Teammate dynamics  Hockey.... You will definitely need to add the DC Eagles to your list! This is book two in the series so the author gave little hints at these characters in book one and I was so looking forward to reading it. This book was definitely engaging.  As soon as I got my copy I devoured it as fast as I could read. The banter between the two main characters had me so engaged and I couldn't wait for Noel to realize it was time to take a chance on Colby. Colby was a flirty,bold, cinnamon roll of a hero with his own conflicts.  I loved seeing his protective caring side and all round very well rounded character. Noel was relatable and flawed in her own ways. But I loved seeing her grow from her past wounds.  I just was rooting for them the whole time! Disclaimer: this book has some pg13 level language. 4.5 stars I recieved a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts and

Iris

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Book 4 in this interwoven family series brings so many new elements to this story. Of course you have the suspense and fantastic push and pull of Iris and Hudson's romance.  Which is fantastic. Hudson as a hero was so good, we met him in Ned and he was just such a complex and different from the Marshall brothers, but absolute hero material in his own way. Iris was unique and had her own struggles and strengths.  I loved seeing them banter and grow together.  *sigh* There was a whole extra level to this book that drew me in, in a very different way.  There is an element of family drama in this book that made me remember the Christiansen family series! It added so much to the story and a completely different angle for the high stakes that we will face going into the last book (Creed). This series has been a highlight for me this year! So yes I recommend it!

Ned

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As expected this book was a wild ride jammed packed with intense situations that kept me flying through the pages as fast as I could read. . There was suspense, romance, and faith all woven together with just the right dose of humor to break up the intense life and death stakes that Ned and Shae found themselves in.  . Susan May Warren gave us just enough  closer and clarity in Ned and Shae' story to leave you sati6and at the same time left enough hanging unfinished to make you eager to hear what they are going to be up to next. I love how we get some good page time with the characters in the next book to absolutely love them. Their banter and forced proximity had me hooked.  I can't wait for Iris' book. Not just because of the situation she left her in at the end of Ned, but because I ADORE the characters and I want to see more of them. . And while this book is just how I like my RS, with plenty of action and romance broken up with some lighter moments, it had

the Vanishing at Castle Moreau

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Jaime jo Wright once again crafts a mystery in a spooky setting with twists and false clues to leave you guessing. I always appreciate her tight writing style in spit time and the way she weaves them together.  This book is a great one to start with if you don't know how much creepy you can take. I found it not as scary as some of her other books. They mystery was good and many layers to it. I was kinda expecting a different twist to come that didn't (that is usually what happens in her books for me). I kinda guessed at what was going on and I was right. The characters are well drawn and layered and I enjoyed it. The faith thread is a bit lighter then some of her other books. If you are looking for a mystery set in a gothic feel this may be one for you. I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally.  All thoughts and opinions are honest and completely my own.

Jonas

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A thrilling ride! When you pick up a Susan May Warren romantic suspense, you expect action, great characters, swoon-worthy romance and high stakes. Jonas delivers all of that! I love how different each of the Marshalls are and we see them individually struggle with and overcome something individual to them. Susan May Warren crafts fantastic characters. Period. Her characters have always felt alive to me but put them in a wild globetrotting adventure. Yeah it's hard to battle the book hangover. We met Jonas way back in her Montana Rescue series and I love the glimpse into what makes him tick. Though he didn't follow in the Navy Seal footsteps of his older brother, he has his own desire to rescue and help people. Sibba is such a unique heroine but I think she was paired perfectly with Jonas. I had never read of a woman with her profession and her story and motivation was so interesting. There were so many layers to this book and it had me hooked and reading until late

The Sound of Light

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A beautiful conclusion to this series. Though each book could be read as a stand alone. This book had so much to offer I particularly loved the "hidden identities " and the way the momentum built and grew in tension until that last part where you were racing to find out what was going to happen to the characters! . I loved the setting and as always Sarah Sundin transports her readers to the times and locations of all her books. I felt like l learned about what the occupation was like in ww2 Denmark while experiencing it through the eyes of the characters. The characters really grabed me. I loved seeing the hero grow into his strengths and overcoming his struggles  through the book. The heroine was well crafted and I thought she was an exceptionally well written woman in the scientific field. I feel like her type of character can too often becomes it's own stereotype that turns me off. But Elsa breaks that mold. I identified with her, not just because I was told to, but be

Brooke

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Brooke and Cord's banter and sparks have definitely grabbed my attention right from their first scene together. . I have really admired this series. It tackles several different situations and nations and unique situations of the human trafficking world. . This whole series has the grit paired with the intensity that is characteristic to this author's work. . I lived seeing the Metcalfe brothers together. Having them all together and the banter between them was one of my favorite things.  Cord. I loved Cord. He was dedicated to his mission and so funny with his internal dialogue and the sharp banter he exchanged with Brooke. That banter was exactly what this book needed. Brooke was a unique heroine in a crazy situation that had me holding my breath.  This book deals with some heavy things that happen to the characters. Based on the subject it is understandable. Still it was hard. And so sad. But it is the harsh truth to far too many people in this world. The ending carried that

Wild About Rory

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I LOVED IT! Sara Blackard once again delivers a book that is an absolute pleasure to read. And it was an enemies to lovers. So fun, and absolutely swoony! I lived the down to earth vulnerability of Rory but she has a strength all her own and paired with Dax....all the heart eyes. Dax is a fantastic, masculine, protective hero with his own past mistakes and insecurities that he needed to grow through. And the kisses...#swoonworthy people! I keep thinking each book is my new favorite and this one is no different.  All the fun of the "fish-out-of-water " and the tension of "enemies to lovers " was a recipe for the perfect fast paced romance. Did I mention the kisses? . I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts and opinions are honest and completely my own.

spotlight and Shadow

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This dueling timeline had me completely pulled into the story and eagerly wanting to find out what was going to happen next. Rachel Scott McDaniel has a unique style of writing 1920s and contemporary romance that makes the characters relatable, the situations page turning, and the stories full of hope. I loved it. I was pulled in and eagerly flipping pages to see how everything was going to unfold.  She had me hooked! And the romance had me feeling all the feels! I loved the message of second chances and hope beyond past disappointments. I loved how she had her characters connected over the story in a way that held so much meaning and made the theme of the book that much richer. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys split time novels, 1920s with a dash of mystery. And anyone who enjoys a second chance romance! I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally all opinions in this review are honest and completely my own. 

The Brilliance of Stars

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If there were more WW1 books with this kind of energy it would probably be my most read genre! This book has most of the things that check my boxes for a perfect read. Action- check Adventure-check Swoony romance - check Intrigue - check High stakes - check check Fast paced - check! Seriously, these are the kind of stories that I crave. Daring adventure, protective heroes, heroines that you can root for. Imagery Imagry and settings from around the world. A villain that you just cant wait for him to be vanquished. If I had to compare it to something....its like and American version of The Kingsman, mission impossible, and Sherlock with what seems to be a supernatural twist but better because, Hello, Jack. Loved Jack's integrity and loyalty, a great hero. And Ive was smart, loyal and a crucial part of the team in a way that didn't have her striving to be something she wasn't. A great pairing. The only thing that I felt was lacking was a faith content. There were mentions of g

Scandalous

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To be honest I was so wrapped up in the previous books story that I barely paid any attention to the set up for this one. Oh boy, was it another amazing story! I shouldn't have been surprised, because she always delivers, but I was surprised at the twists and direction this story took you! Tamara Leigh's books have that powerful way of drawing you into the characters struggles and journey. I really was surprised by how much I think I needed this story about giving vengeance over to God. Like Adelaide, I get deeply angered but the actions of vile people against children. So I sympathized with her motives. I loved how she paired her with The hero who was such a supportive leader in their relationship. This book is on the steamy side and does discuss the couple in their married relationship.  I feel it is done with both honesty and respect for the union. There is a suicide mentioned and medieval action violence. I love how real her characters feel and this one was no different. A