Fallen

Book Review of Fallen  (Deep Ops Series)

Title:Fallen

Series: Deep Ops Series

Author: Rebecca Zanetti

Date Published:September 24th 2019

Date Read: September 23, 2019  

The Blurb:

Too quiet. A talented hacker who got caught, Brigid Banaghan is now forced to work with a secret Deep Ops unit. But she won’t reveal any more to these renegade Feds than she has to. Especially not to Raider Tanaka, her control freak of a bodyguard and handler. It’s enough that his body is tensed for action and his heated gaze is always on her . . .
 
Too sharp. Raider knows there’s more to his new assignment than he’s been told. Why send a deadly agent of his experience to guard a computer genius—even a gorgeous, unpredictable, undisciplined one? But when Brigid’s estranged father is named in an investigation into Boston’s organized crime, Raider’s mind switches onto high alert, just like his senses . . .
 
Too close. To clear her father’s name, Brigid needs Raider’s help. The Unit’s idea that she bring a straight-laced Fed in as her “fiancé” won’t fly, though—not unless Raider can release his inner bad boy and become the rebel Brigid can’t resist . . .

My Review

5 Bad boy dork Stars

Fallen is my favorite book of this series to date. OMG I loved Tanaka and Brigid. I have been reading each book as they come out, and I was really hoping this book would be Wolfe's. So when I got Fallen on Netgalley, I was a little bit sad it was Tanaka and not My crazy coffee drinking, kitten toting ex-soldier. However as I started reading I fell in love with Tanaka. He was so sexy and protective. OMG but he totally did it for me. I couldn't believe how much I ended up loving him. I really liked Brigid too. I loved how smart she was. She wasn't a kick-ass fighter, but she was very smart and could think fast on her feet. The whole team and I'm including Dana, KAT, Roscoe and Pippa (who isn't really part of the team) were amazing. They are all very likable, and interesting in their own way.

The plot of the book was good. The mob/human trafficking angle was a nail biter. The pace of the book was really good. Tons of action with tons of romance too. Tanaka and Brigid.... omg you could feel the sexual tension through my kindle. They made a great couple. I liked Brigid's dad, but I hated Rutherford. I kinda hope his hateful ass gets a little karma. Wolfe was amazing in this book. Of course he is amazing in every book. I truly love that fictional character like he was a real man. OMG everything about him is spot on. I really liked Dana too. I think she and Wolfe will make a great couple. My heart hurt for what Dana went through in the book. At the end of the book there is a little excerpt from the next book, Broken, which is Wolfe's (Thank you Lord!!!!!). That little taste was so damn good. I can not wait to get my hands on Broken...... OMG I just know it's going to be epic!

The Bastard

Book Review of The Bastard (Filthy Series)

Title: The Bastard

Series: Filthy Series

Author: Lisa Renee Jones

Date Published: November 14th 2018

Date Read: June 13 2019

The Blurb:

ERIC MITCHELL'S STORY

I'm the bastard child, son to the mistress, my father's backup heir to the Mitchell empire. He sent me to Harvard. I left and became a Navy SEAL, but I'm back now, and I finished school on my own dime. I'm now the right hand man to Grayson Bennett, the billionaire who runs the Bennett Empire. I'm now a few months from being a billionaire myself. I don't need my father's company or his love. My "brother" can have it. I will never go back there. I will never be the mistake my father made, the way he was the mistake my mother made.

And then she walks in the door, the princess I'd once wanted more than I'd wanted my father's love. She wants me to come back. She says my father needs to be saved. I don't want to save my father but I do want her. Deeply. Passionately. More than I want anything else.

But she's The Princess and I'm The Bastard. We don't fit. We don't belong together and yet she says he needs me, that she needs me. We're like sugar and spice, we don't mix, but I really crave a taste. Just one. What harm can just one taste do?

My Review

4 Big Bastard Stars

I have never read Lisa Renee Jones before. I own some of her books and I have had her on my tbr list for a while, but this is my first real taste of her writing. It took me a while to get use to her writing. At times, especially in the beginning, it felt choppy, or rushed. Then at time it felt really flowery. At the start of the book the author really wanted to drive home the fact that Eric was the Bastard. It was commented on so much that it was like getting beat over the head with it. Around the 30% mark I really started to get into the book. But the first 30% I had a hard time staying with it. I almost DNFed the book. I am really glad I didn't though. I liked both Eric and Harper and for the most part I liked them together. However I felt there was way too much mistrust coming from Eric and at the end the way he did what he did....What a big bastard. The book ends in a cliffhanger and I plan on reading the next one because I have to see what happens next. 

Vow Of Silence

Book Review of Vow Of Silence 

Title: Vow Of Silence

Series: Novel

Author: Melynda Price

Date Published:May 27th 2019

Date Read: June 4, 2019

The Blurb:

A killer is hiding in Plain sight…

The hunt for a serial killer leads Homicide Detective Josiah Troyer back to his Amish roots. To catch a madman preying on young women, Joe must return to Lancaster County and regain the trust of a shattered community.

The FBI knows Joe is the best chance they have of solving this case. By returning to Lancaster, he will face shunning, and resentment from the people he once called family and friends.

Hannah’s heart was broken when Josiah abandoned her eight-years ago to live with the Englishers. Forced to wed a man not of her choosing, her husband’s untimely death has left her struggling to put her life back together.

When unspeakable tragedy strikes again, Josiah unexpectedly returns, investigating the murder of her sister and two other young Amish women. Hannah quickly discovers the man that’s come back is not the same one she fell in love with.

Gone are Josiah’s easy smiles and gentle ways. He’s harder, colder—a true Englisher… But not even shunning can stop the attraction from consuming them both, and Josiah soon opens Hannah’s eyes to a world of passion and pleasure she never imagined. Choosing Josiah would mean walking away from the only world she’s ever known.

Josiah’s investigation begins to unravel when he discovers the killer is closer than he thought. Soon, he's in a race against time to save the only woman he’s ever loved before she becomes the next victim.

My Review

5 Edge Of My Seat Stars

I love Melynda Price's work. I fell in love with her Against the Cage series, and have read every book from her that I could get my hands on. So when I seen Vow Of Silence on Netgalley, I was really curious. I was use to her sexy, bad-ass MMA fighter romances, so I didn't know what to expect going into a book set in Amish country. BUT OMG!!!! OMFG it was so good. To say I was on the edge of my seat, is putting it mildly. I didn't know who the killer was until a few pages before it was revealed in the book. That doesn't happen often for me. Most of the time I know who the killer is right away. Melynda Price did an amazing job of weaving a world filled with questionable characters, a sick twisted killer, and a sweet, angsty second chance romance. I loved every minute of it. I didn't put it down till I finished it. 

Joe (Josiah) Troyer was just so yummy. I have a thing for cops (well men in uniforms really) and I love protective, alpha heroes. Joe was all that and more. He was brave, smart, sweet, and bad-ass. His love for Hannah came through strong on the pages. I didn't feel like there was a big part of their relationship missing, and I didn't feel like it lacked anything. Hannah and Joe had a strong chemistry. Hannah was also amazing. I loved that she was spirited, strong willed, and had a mind of her own. The bravery of Hannah and her inner strength really made her shine in this book. Their second chance love was on point. I loved how deep I felt their connection. Not to mention Joe's connection to Hannah's son Eli. My heart broke for that poor baby losing so much. 

Something I find a lot in Romantic suspense novels is that they will either lack in the romance part, or in the suspense part. Very rarely do I find a book that has that perfect balance. This is one of those rare jewels. The plot of this book was so good. OMG so good. It took me on a ride that had me guessing who the killer was, then 20 minutes later changing my mind. The killer was written well. He was a sick sob, and the things he did...... lets just say I would have liked his justice to be a bit more bloody. This book would have been perfect, but for one little thing. It of course didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book, but I would have loved for Hannah's father to pay for his sins as well. Still this book blew me away. I am so glad I got it and I hope Melynda Price writes more books like this. Maybe set in this world. Maybe we can get a peek into how Josiah and Hannah are doing deeper into their HEA. A girl can hope! If you like Romantic Suspense I totally recommend this book. 

Taken

Book Review of Taken  (Deep Ops Series)

Title:Taken

Series: Deep Ops Series

Author: Rebecca Zanetti

Date Published:  April 30th 2019

Date Read: April 22, 2019

The Blurb:

Hunter Holt might be the most stubborn ex-soldier ever born, but when he’s called on to help find a lost foster kid, he jumps into action. Even if it means working with the woman who broke his heart five years ago—the woman who still haunts his dreams . . .

Faye Smith has spent five long years trying to get her life back on track. She knows she should’ve turned toward Hunter and not away from him. But they both had too many demons to destroy. Maybe now they’ll get another chance—and save someone else’s life too . . .

But first they’ll have to stop arguing long enough to trust the Deep Ops team. Hunter was a lost boy himself once. In fact, he ran away from the exact same man, their monster of a father. Now he and Faye will have to unite to find the brother he never knew—and maybe each other . . . 

My Review

5 Completely and Forever Stars

Taken was an awesome second chance romance. Hunter Holt and Faye Smith had a powerful connection. I was totally rooting for them from the start. Their love story was very sweet and felt real. This read was a novella, but it didn't feel rushed or thin. The action was spot on, the romance well developed, and the plot was intriguing. I loved every minute of this book. Faye and Hunter made a cute couple. Jackson stole my heart. Raider has me waiting impatiently for his story which is coming in September. Can't wait for Fallen! I loved getting more of Wolfe again. He was my favorite from book 1 and I can't wait for him to get his own love story. I also have to say there was a Dark Protector cameo that had me losing my fangirl mind. Overall a great read and I'm really enjoying this series!

My Favorite Cowboy

Book Review of My Favorite Cowboy (Heart of Texas Series)

Title:My Favorite Cowboy

Series: Heart of Texas Series

Author: Donna Grant

Date Published:  February 26th 2019

Date Read: March 3, 2019

The Blurb:

Audrey Martinez is a veterinarian who has devoted her whole life to the care and protection of horses―even if doing so leaves her little time for meeting a man. Who would have thought that a strange case of criminal horseplay would lead her to falling deeply, wildly in love? If only the man who makes her heart race faster than a wild mustang would let his guard down, that is. . .

Caleb Harper is no ordinary cowboy. Sure, he wears his hat, boots, and jeans like a second skin, and displays an easygoing charm that comes from years of working on the ranch. But with his military background, and Army buddies at his side, he is tried-and-true Texas tough. Audrey knows she can trust a man like Caleb to help her save horses. But can Caleb trust himself to resist his attraction to Audrey―or will the sparks of their desire end up getting them burned?

My Review

3 Abandonment Issues Stars

May Have Mild Spoilers

OK I'm gonna be honest here and I'm gonna try not to spoil anything while letting you know why this book was just alright for me. After reading Cowboy, Cross My Heart I was really looking forward to Caleb's book. I hate to say it, but the book didn't live up to my expectations. No not the book really, it was Caleb and Audrey relationship that didn't work for me. I actually liked the plot which is why I gave this book 3 stars instead of less. Those stars were for the plot and catching up with Naomi and Brice. So let me lay out what didn't work for me with Caleb and Audrey's love. 

1. They had an unrealistic insta-love. They fell in love in like 2 days, however it didn't feel like love to me. It just felt forced. 

2. I got really annoyed at the amount of days both Caleb and Audrey let go between talking to each other. Let me give a few examples. After they sleep together, they have a bit of a fight, and kinda make up(I'm trying not to give away spoilers). Then there is an misunderstanding, and instead of Caleb going after her he waits days. Days! Letting her sit there in pain thinking all kinds "he don't want me" thoughts. Then when he does finally come to her and tells her he wants her, she does the same damn thing. As the days past, I found myself getting more and more pissed off. They both just acted like cowards. That's my second biggest pet peeve in books next to cheating. If they would have only waited once, or for one day I would have been able to understand it, but it was too much too long. 

3. They spent more time apart or fighting their feels than together. They maybe spent a total of 24 hours actually being together the rest of the time it was drama and fear. So after such little time I don't get how they fell in love at all. 

4. lastly I didn't buy how quickly Caleb got over his mommy issues. Which was one of the reasons he feared letting Audrey into his heart. 

Still I liked the plot. I really liked Maddy, Audrey's sister. I liked both Caleb and Audrey as individuals just didn't feel their relationship, which bummed me out. My heart broke for Brice and Naomi. I need them to get some good news in the next book. Overall this was an okay read for me. Donna Grant is a great writer, but this book just had a pet peeve that drove me nuts, so even though I didn't like it as much as the other I will read more from Donna Grant. 

Chasing Fire

Book Review of Chasing Fire (Colorado High Country Series)

Title:Chasing Fire 

Series: Colorado High Country/I-Team Series

Author: Pamela Clare

Date Published:  December 15th 2018

Date Read: January 1, 2019

The Blurb:

For fans of Pamela Clare’s acclaimed I-Team and Colorado High Country series…

An I-Team/Colorado High Country Crossover Novel

Fire chief Eric Hawke knows it’s only a matter of time until the next big wildfire. He’s done everything he can to prepare his crews for the inevitable. When high winds turn a small blaze into a raging crown fire that threatens Scarlet Springs, he, Brandon Silver, and the rest of Scarlet FD put their lives on the line to save the town and its citizens. But the one thing Hawke hadn’t planned for was bureaucratic red tape and waffling from higher-ups that could turn this crisis into a catastrophe. When his requests for support go unheeded, he’s faced with the prospect of watching the town he loves burn to ashes.

But sometimes help comes from unexpected places.

Marc Hunter, Julian Darcangelo, and Zach McBride are in the mountains above Scarlet Springs for an interagency training exercise when they see a single wisp of smoke to the west. What begins as a fun day of playing cops and bad guys soon becomes a battle against time, as they join forces with Hawke and members of the Rocky Mountain Search & Rescue Team to save friends trapped by the fire.

Together, they pit their strength and courage against a terrifying and unforgiving force of nature. Will it be enough? Or will the ravenous flames claim lives—and leave the people of Scarlet Springs forever scarred?

My Review

5 The gangs all here Stars

Well I started the New Year off with a bang from two of my favorite Colorado gangs. Hey look that rhymed lol. Anyways this book was pure genius. I love both the I-Team series and Colorado High Country series. So taking current events like the wild fires and two of my favorite series and putting them together in one action packed, heart melting book was like giving all the fan-girls and guys a bookgasm. Seeing all my favorite past characters as they fight to save lives and the town of Scarlet Springs had my heart racing almost the whole book. I don't know if you have read my review on Dead By Midnight An I-Team Christmas, but after I read that book the I-Team wasn't the only one to suffer from PTSD. I swear thinking my Marc was shot had me losing my shit! So when Marc and other beloved heroes almost lost their lives in this book I had some really ugly fan girl freak outs. 

After scaring the crap out of my husband and kids by yelling every 20 mins or so " OMG Noooooo Please NO NO NONOONONONOOOOOOOOO." I had to go into my bedroom with the door closed and read so as not to disturb my family. To say this book was action packed is an understatement. It was pulse pounding, edge of your seat. I loved every freaking minute of it. Of course Marc, Julian, Nate, Gabe, Jesse, Eric, Vicki, and Sophie were the shining stars of the book for me. Marc Hunter being my all time favorite Pamela Clare hero. He is just panty melting delicious. Any book with Marc in it will be a hit for me. Truly though this book had a great plot. After watching and praying as wildfires devastated California it was moving to read a story related to it with a shining light on the everyday heroes that put their lives on the line in these situations. I don't know about anyone else but it gave me a look into how hard their jobs are. I mean I know they are hard but getting a deeper look into all they do to protect us, all their families go through worrying that they may lose their loved ones, it humbles me. And even though this book is a work of fiction, you can tell Pamela Clare did her research. This book really was a fangirl dream and if you liked the I-Team or Colorado High Country series then this book is a must. And if you haven't read them and you are looks for some great Contemporary/Romantic Suspense books give them a try. 

Cold Secrets

Book Review Cold Secrets (Cold Justice Series)

Title:Cold Secrets

Series: Cold Justice Series

Author: Toni Anderson

Date Published:  January 31st 2017

Date Read: November 25, 2018

The Blurb:

When an international ring of sex traffickers kidnaps an eight-year-old girl in Boston, FBI Agent Lucas Randall heads undercover. But his rescue operation goes disastrously wrong and Lucas barely escapes with his life. Now the ruthless traffickers are hunting him down, along with everyone else who threatens their operation.

Computer expert Ashley Chen joined the FBI to fight against evil in the world—evil she experienced firsthand. She has mad skills, and deadly secrets, and once she starts working with Lucas, she also has big trouble, because after years of pushing people away, she’s falling for the guy. The feeling is more than mutual, but as Ashley intensifies her online pursuit of the trafficking ring, her traumatic past collides with her present and suddenly Lucas can’t tell which side she’s on. And as the case escalates into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, it turns out Ashley isn’t the only one with something to hide.

If neither can trust the other with their secrets, how can they trust each other with their hearts?

My Review

4 Secret Family Shame Stars

May Have Mild Spoilers

Wow did Cold Secrets take me on a dark ride or what??? This book jumped straight into dark no wine and dine. However I wouldn't call this book a dark read per se, just dealt with a dark theme. The opener has Lucas, an undercover FBI Agent, entering a sex slave house asking for a young girl. Toni Anderson must have done her research, the sex trafficking plot was very detailed and felt realistic. To know this kind of stuff happens in the real world gave the book an extra spine chilling factor. It was like watching Law and Order SVU, but sexier. Cold Secret had very hard to read moments, as it dealt with child sex slavery, sex trafficking, and gruesome murders. On a side note, I didn't read any other book in this series and had no problem following this book, so it can be read as a stand alone. 

Lucas Randall was all that was yummy. Brave, honorable, sexy, and caring he was a true hero. I love how close he was to the girls he saved. Lucas was playful, sweet and really wanted to save the world. I fell hard for Lucas. Ashley Chen was harder to connect to. She was hiding something and it made it hard to get a clear picture of who she really was. I could tell she wanted to prove herself and make a different in the world. However she was also cold, and closed off at times. Ashley would push Lucas away, and I didn't know why for the longest time. Which bothered me, I didn't like Lucas getting hurt even a little. Once Ashley's secret was out I totally got why she lied and hid her past and I could forgive her coldness towards Lucas. 

Lucas and Ashley had tons of sexual tension. Their connection was fast and hard, but it didn't feel rushed like a insta-love, mainly because Ashley fought it for so long. When they did finally get together omg it was hot. Lucas was a beast! I loved the secondary character Alex Parker. I checked and he is the hero from book 1, which I plan to go back and read as soon as I can. Alex didn't play a huge role in this book but there was something about him that got me intrigued. The plot was really, really good. On the darker side but really entertaining. The bad guys were evil and creepy, even more so because there are really people like them out in the world. The only reason this book wasn't a 5 star read for me was Ashley took a while to warm up too. The plot and Lucas were spot on and I really enjoyed this read.