Tuesday, February 28, 2023

SEAL in Deep Waters: a Love at First Sight Romance (SEALs of Coronado Book 11) by [Paige Tyler] 

 https://amzn.to/3IWUNFY

His life is always in danger, but never his heart.

Petty Officer Ace Harmon is used to almost dying on a weekly basis. It comes with the territory. But this time there’s an actual contract on his head. Someone powerful wants him dead. The Navy figures hiding him in plain sight—like “SEAL central” San Diego—will buy them some time while they figure out who has it out for Ace. Blending in is the name of game, and the guys on TEAM 5 take him in as a brother immediately, willing to protect him as one of their own. But when he meets Tabby at a cookout, he realizes it’s
his heart that might need protecting. A licensed electrician and Jane-of-all-trades, she’s like MacGyver mixed with Megan Fox, but more down-to-earth than any woman he’s ever met, and he’s falling head-over-combat boots. But his time in San Diego is limited––so is breathing if the Team doesn’t figure out who paid to have him killed.

Until now.

Tabitha Turner isn’t your typical California beauty. Defying her high-powered parents’ plans, she’s been on her own since the ink dried on her high school diploma. Independent and proud of it, relationships have never been her thing––not after growing up in her parents' marital war zone. That is until she met Ace. They fit together like the proverbial missing pieces but getting involved with a SEAL on temporary assignment isn’t smart, and Tabby prides herself on being smart. However, keeping it casual is easier said than done because her heart isn’t listening. Even when she finds out he’s the target of a vengeful enemy, she refuses to walk away from the man who’s quickly becoming the love of her life. But when Tabby is kidnapped and used as a pawn to ambush Ace, all hell breaks loose as SEAL Team 5 jumps into action.

Ace doesn’t care if he has to break every military code ever written to rescue Tabby. He’ll get her out alive or die trying.
 
My Rating: 5/5 
When I tell you that I was slightly iffy about this storyline, I definitely mean it. It sounded a little over the top and in my head I was thinking, hmmm this might not live up to what I usually expect from this author. I am absolutely glad to say, I was wrong! Ace and Tabby have this instant connection that sucked me in from the get go, and kept me reading all the way through! There is definitely suspense and action, but honestly it was their connection that kept me involved. The addition of some of the side characters just made it even better, in my opinion! Of course, whenever there are side characters that I love-that means I need stories for them as well! Definitely glad that I read this one!
 

 

 

 https://geni.us/7HrjX3D

 Freya

I’ll do anything to escape the controlling monster who’s tormented me for years, even if it means putting my life at the mercy of a criminal. When Kane Daniels breaks into my gilded cage, he doesn’t realize his loot will include more than gold and diamonds—it’ll include me.

Bearded, built, and covered in tats, Kane looks like a sexy Viking warrior wrapped in biker gear, embodying every filthy fantasy I never knew I had. It’s been a long time since I could choose anything for myself, and I’m choosing him.

But the devil I fled has dangerous men hunting me, and they won’t hesitate to eliminate anyone who stands in their way. I’m tougher than I look and have faced unimaginable suffering many times in my life, but losing Kane could be the first thing to break me.

Kane

After getting out of Team Zulu, my life is exactly the way I want it. No commitments. No responsibilities. No killing. And then a brazen blonde forces her way into my world, turning it upside down.

Freya Palmer is exactly the kind of trouble I should avoid, but when I learn of the nightmare she’s endured, my protective instincts kick in, and the black ops skills I never wanted to use again suddenly seem mighty useful. Because the man who hurt her badly wants her back, and I’m going to be the one to stop him.

Our arrangement is temporary. She’s living with me until she’s safe, but what if my heart wants something more permanent? How can I ask Freya to stay with me when all she dreams of is being free?

 

My Rating: 5/5 Stars 

I absolutely loved this story!! Freya has been things that you don't wish on anyone, but she is such a strong woman that she never breaks! She never gives up, even when most people would. Kane has tried to step away from the life he lived before. He made a mistake and he never wants to put himself in that position again. But he is a true protector at heart, and he shows it with how he is with Freya. This book had it all for me-danger, suspense, action, romance, and a spiciness that I wasn't expecting! From the very start I was pulled in and I couldn't put it down until I was finished! I can't wait for the next read in this series!

Former GRS Operator and Navy SEAL Garrett Davis is the walking, talking definition of regret. His guilt weighs heavy. The pain and misery he carries cripples him. When a tragic accident takes him back to his hometown, he’s not prepared to face the woman he left behind. The woman who should’ve been his—was his, until he broke her heart.​

Mellie doesn’t have time for Garrett to strong-arm his way back into her life. She doesn’t want to remember all the ways he loved and protected her when they were children. It’s not easy to dream of a life full of love when your high school sweetheart dumps you before you make it down the aisle. She’s long ago given up on happy endings. Besides, all thoughts of happiness evaporate when your sister is murdered but the police don’t believe you.​

But what she wants and what she needs are very different things when her sister’s killer turns his attention on her.​

Garrett has one shot to protect the woman he’s loved since they were kids. One shot to heal two broken hearts. One chance to prove their future is worth fighting for. Garrett’s redemption won’t come easy; Melissa Rivers is not the same girl he broke.​

Spoiler alert: he fails. So he does what he figures any man who is faced with losing everything does—he kidnaps her and takes to the only person he knows who can help him—Zane Lewis
 
My Rating: 5/5 Stars 
 
 I knew that this story was going to be emotional, and it truly is. Yes, you have the suspense and the action portions-but there is so much more to this story than that! Garrett has been a favorite of mine since the very beginning of seeing him. I knew there had to be one hell of a back story-and there definitely is! And knowing how much pain and guilt he hides behind his calm mask was heart breaking. He and Mellie have this unbelievable love of a lifetime that they still managed to mess up. But them putting everything back together and making it right, makes for an unforgettable and beautiful love story. I loved every minute of this book, from Garrett making himself vulnerable to Mellie to them both realizing that they have to learn to trust each other again. That the love has never faded but without trust, it means nothing. I loved how everything plays out, right down to the introduction of a new team and being able to see other characters we know and love! I don't think you could have gotten this story any better or to fit this couple any better. I loved it all! Now I have to impatiently wait for Silver Team!

 

https://amzn.to/3IIIayt

 Cannon West left his hockey playing days behind to care for his dying wife but has since found success on the other side of the bench. Now, as the youngest head coach in league history, he’s hoping to lead the Pittsburgh Titans to a winning season. The last thing he’s looking for is a relationship, but life sometimes takes us in another direction.

The Pittsburgh Titans are still working to move on from the tragic plane crash that forever changed the landscape of their organization. Having lost my wife, I know all about grief and the guilt of survival which makes me uniquely equipped to take this team to the next level. From the very first time I stepped inside the Titans’ arena, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.

New to town, I’m still establishing my routine, but I have the most important aspect under control—the coffee shop where I stop on my way to the arena every morning. A strong cup of java and the gorgeous manager who I can’t help but chat up is quickly becoming my favorite way to start the day. But no matter how much I enjoy the blush that stains Ava Cavanaugh’s cheeks with my admittedly awkward attempt at flirting, I know it will never be more than brazen banter with a new friend. My job consumes almost all my time, and I know firsthand what that level of commitment can do to a relationship.

That doesn’t mean I’m not open to some fun. My career comes first, but Ava understands my boundaries. The only problem is that once I give into her temptation, the rules I set for myself become blurred, and my mixed signals hurt Ava—the one thing I promised I wouldn’t do. I’ve put myself in what seems to be an untenable situation, but I’ve faced those before. Now I need to find the strength to move past my fears, or risk losing my second chance at love with the woman who has stolen my heart.

 

My Rating: 4/5 Stars 

 I loved Cannon and all his dirty talk! The chemistry between these two was phenomenal and off the charts hot! But beyond that, I loved that Cannon realizes what he can have and actually takes the time to push himself to be able to get there with Ava. Ava is sweet and strong and even though she has some issues of her own, she isn't afraid to truly work for what she wants and needs either. These two are perfect for each other, even beyond the sexy times! My only drawback? I hated the ex-mother in law and thought her presence in the book was completely unnecessary. If there is a person I would love to get away with hitting? She would be it. Otherwise, I loved everything else in this book and as always, I am impatient for the next now!

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

 New Releases 02/21/2023

 This is a great list this week! Definitely something for 

everyone!! Don't miss out!

 

Lexi Blake, The Dom Who Came in from the Cold: https://amzn.to/3QB1XRe
Cherise Sinclair, It’ll be an Adventure: https://amzn.to/3I9MdTT
Janie Crouch, Texas Bodyguard: Luke: https://amzn.to/3CKbzod
LaQuette, Designs on a Rancher: https://amzn.to/3IBIKxw
Ella Maven, The Guest with Claws: https://amzn.to/3wOSLAK
January Bell, Wed to the Alien Beast: https://amzn.to/3HVac7N
Lucy Score, Things We Hide from the Light: https://amzn.to/3AUJ4DN
Cynthia Sax, Raw Desire: https://amzn.to/3IEhG0J
Jennifer Probst, Save the Best for Last: https://amzn.to/3Tcfjos
                                 Leanne Tyler Fighting for Charli: https://amzn.to/3IkDrkL
                           Stacey Trocchia Wilk, Fighting for Tessa: https://amzn.to/3KuwdgY
                            Deanna L. Rowley, Fighting for Kora: https://amzn.to/3IGnreq
                               Kris Norris, Fighting for Fiona: https://amzn.to/3ZbfqU5
                                    Sam Crescent, Her Hero: https://amzn.to/3ZszCkH
                                   Em Petrova, Final Target: https://amzn.to/3Z8OhB5

 Royal Creed (Broken Crown Trilogy Book 1) by [T.K. Leigh] 

His princess. Her secret. Their forbidden love.

All my life, every decision has been made for me. What to say. How to dress. And now, who I'm to marry. When you're second in line to the throne, it's just how things are. I've always gone along with it.

Until now.

I may not have a say in who I marry, but I refuse to let someone dictate who I give my v-card to.

So I offer it to the only man I trust not to go to the paparazzi.

Creed Lawson.
Body of an Adonis.
Strength of a warrior.
And my brother's best friend.

It was only supposed to be one night. To the outside world, I'm supposed to be in love with someone else. And Creed's about to be sworn in as a member of the Royal Guard.

That doesn't stop us from fantasizing about what could be. About ignoring our duty and following our hearts.

But when the consequences of our secret tryst become much more dangerous than either of us originally bargained for, can I find the courage to fight for what I want? Or will I always remain a pawn in the palace's deadly game?

 

My Review 4/5

 This is the first book in a new trilogy and it in no way disappoints! If you are someone who likes books with a royal in it, then you will definitely like this one! Esme is a princess who has been betrothed to a man she doesn't know. But she knows it's her duty, and she will do what she is told. Until Creed comes back into her life. Creed is this super hot, but also super sweet man with a dirty side. The chemistry between these two is off the charts-but it's more than that with them. Yes, there are sexy times because what is a romance without them? But the way he treats Esme and how much he tries to push her towards the things that will truly make her happy in her life? I loved him! There are a few twists and turns but it is what makes the story more interesting! As usual with this author, it ends on a cliffhanger. So if you don't like them-wait until the rest of the books are out before reading! But it is well worth a read!

 

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

 The Phantom: A Paranormal Novel (Rise of the Warlords Book 3) by [Gena Showalter]

 

As the son of a war god, Roux Pyroesis has suffered unending pain—he’s caused it, too, dispatching his foes with alarming ease. Now he’s tasked with cutting out the heart of a powerful queen who rules an ancient prison realm inhabited by the most vicious immortal females in existence.

Blythe the Undoing is a decorated harpy warrior determined to annihilate Roux, the invader who killed her beloved consort. Nothing will stop her. Even if she must trap herself for eternity by sneaking into the brutal realm and taking the crown, pitting herself against the merciless male she’s sworn to despise.

Having never known desire, Roux is ill prepared for the stunning beauty who challenges him at every turn. For the survival of his army, duty comes first. Always. But what happens when the flames of Blythe’s hatred burn out and she craves him, too…but only one of them can live?

                     https://geni.us/PhantomKindle

 

 

My Rating 4/5 Stars

 This is the 3rd book in the Rise of the Warlords series but it can absolutely be read as a standalone and completely understand everything that happens. Now, that isn't to say that I don't recommend the other books-because they are great reads and well worth it! In this one we get Blythe and Roux's story. Roux kills Blythe's consort in the beginning of the book and this unleashes Blythe onto her quest for revenge against him. This is most definitely a true enemies to lovers book, but there is a lot more to it than just that. There is action, adventure, humor, and of course a great love story! I don't want to say too much because I really don't want to wreck this story for anyone else, but I loved most of it!

Now, the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. The beginning was slightly slow for me. I had a hard time getting into the story at first and I wasn't sure that I would really like it, but I pushed through and once you get through that portion-I couldn't put it down after that! As always, Gena Showalter pulls it together and gives a great story that leaves you wanting more and being impatient for the next!

    https://amzn.to/3IWUNFY His life is always in danger, but never his heart. Petty Officer Ace Harmon is used to almost dying on a weekl...