REVIEW: Duchess by Deception by Marie Force
Veena’s review of Duchess by Deception (Gilded, Book 1) by Marie Force
Historical Romance published by Zebra 20 Jan 19
I don’t know if this is the author’s first historical or just my first by her, but she successfully makes a transition from her contemporary romances into historical romance. Derek became duke at the young age of six and must marry by his birthday in a few weeks to keep his title. Alas, the current crop of debutantes bore him and he’s seriously considering walking away from everything, until fate delivers his ideal mate digging in his extensive grounds. Ironically, Catherine hates the aristocracy. A match made in heaven? Or not?
REVIEW: Boundless by Lynne Connolly
Stevie‘s review of Boundless (The Shaws, Book 3) by Lynne Connolly
Historical Romance published by Lyrical Press 04 Dec 18
I’m always sorry to see one of Lynne Connolly’s excellent historical series come to an end, and The Shaws has been particularly enjoyable. Of course, there was bound to come a point when everyone had been paired off, and the only remaining sibling of this bunch has already decided she won’t ever marry long before the start of our story. But then events transpire to make her change her mind.
REVIEW: Blood Vow by J.R. Ward
Sammy’s review of Blood Vow (Black Dagger Legacy, Book 2) by J.R. Ward
Paranormal Romance published by Ballantine Books 06 Dec 16
I put the Legacy books on hold, and I am happy to report that I am one book away from being caught up. To be completely honest, I wasn’t wowed by Blood Kiss, so I let the books linger on my huge TBR pile. I am hoping 2019 will be the year that I actually put a dent in it. I’m also happy I read Blood Vow because it was fantastic. The emotional arc in this book regarding Rhage, Mary, and Bitty is heart wrenching. Throw in an angry, complicated vampire civilian, and an aristocratic female, and you know the sparks are going to fly. Especially that the bad boy vampire has an immediate attraction to the one female he has sworn to protect. It’s all the ingredients to make a good book great.
REVIEW: Close to the Bone by Kendra Elliot
Stevie‘s review of Close to the Bone (Widow’s Island Novella, Book 1) by Kendra Elliot
Contemporary Romantic Suspense published by Montlake Romance 23 Oct 18
Continuing my fascination with shared universes, I decided to investigate a new series by a pair of new-to-me authors, overcoming my general wariness around romantic suspense. This first book follows an FBI agent returning to her childhood home, staying with the grandmother who raised her while on medical leave, although she soon finds herself embroiled in a pair of murder mysteries, one considerably older than the other, and helped by one of the two best friends from her youth.
REVIEW: The Conspiracy by Kat Martin
Veena’s review of The Conspiracy (Maximum Security, Book 1) by Kat Martin
Romantic Suspense published by HQN Books 22 Jan 19
Chase Garret had once been friends with Michael Winston, but, given Michael’s father’s reputation as a crime lord and Michael’s drug addiction, that friendship petered out long ago. Harper Winston knows the only person who can help her find her brother and bring him safely home is Michael’s one-time friend, owner of Maximum Security. Get ready for another dose of Ms. Martin’s spine-tingling romance with a hefty dose of action and adventure and a whole new slew of characters to get to know.
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REVIEW: Securing Caite by Susan Stoker
Sammy’s review of Securing Caite (SEAL of Protection: Legacy, Book 1) by Susan Stoker
Romantic Suspense published by Stoker Aces Production 15 Jan 19
If I could title my reviews, this one would be called “52 Times.” Susan Stoker is a new-to-me author. I happen to love any and all military books. I keep chasing the Brockmann feeling. While I really liked the book and the cast of characters, and the fact that there are many, many, books on her backlist I can dive into, I could have done without the pet name the hero calls our heroine 52 times in this book. After the 10th time I was over it. “Ma Petite Fée” (My little fairy) could die in a fire. Calling a woman little anything irritates the fuck out of me. Good thing I loved her voice, the story, and the characters to ignore that annoying name. Which, by the way, he said in a bad french accent – 52 fucking times. See my point?
REVIEW: The Suspect by Fiona Barton
Stevie‘s review of The Suspect (Kate Waters, Book 3) by Fiona Barton
Contemporary Crime Thriller published by Berkley 22 Jan 19
As I’ve mentioned before, Fiona Barton’s Kate Waters stories (and they are now officially a series) have simple titles that don’t give much away. The blurb is intriguing, but doesn’t give enough clues as to how twisty this investigation is going to turn out to be for Kate and her long-term police contact DI Bob Sparkes, or the huge impact their respective family issues will have on the case – and vice versa.
REVIEW: Playing for Keeps by Jill Shalvis
Sandy M’s review of Playing for Keeps (Heartbreaker Bay, book 7) by Jill Shalvis
Contemporary Romance published by Avon 22 Jan 19
I thank my lucky stars every time I read a Jill Shalvis book lately that she’s the talented author she is – she’s never disappointed me when it comes to her stories. I’ve given up on a number of authors over the last year – favorite authors – who have disappointed me, so you can imagine how heartbroken I would be if Jill Shalvis were to ever move to that list. But with this newest release, I have a feeling that will never happen.
REVIEW: Band Sinister by KJ Charles
Stevie‘s review of Band Sinister by KJ Charles
Gay Historical Romance published by KJC Books 11 Oct 18
KJ Charles can always be relied upon to show us a more interesting side of history. This time it’s the worlds of hellfire clubs and sensationalist gothic novels, with one hero being a founding member of one of the former, and the other hero being brother to the author of one of the latter. Of course, living in close proximity to the home of a notorious rake, who was brother to an even more notorious rake, can provide no end of story ideas for an imaginative young woman with a talent for writing and no other means of diversion.
REVIEW: Strictly Confidential by Lynda Aicher
Veena’s review of Strictly Confidential (The Boardroom, Book 5) by Lynda Aicher
Erotic Romance published by Carina Press 28 Aug 18
Ms. Aicher writes erotic romance with a heart. I am so enjoying the different dynamics of this series, where deep, dark desires are satisfied in boardrooms across the Bay Area. I love how the author blends technology, sex, and love in a series of romances where it’s not just about sex.
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