Tag Archives: romantic suspense

Captivating Anika (On Call 9) by Freya Barker-review tour

Posted on by
13

Captivating Anika (On Call 9) by Freya Barker-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 14, 2024

Anika Jones has her future carefully plotted out and is checking the boxes, one by one, despite the bumps thrown in her path. This last one is a challenge, but she manages to stay on track; her salon is thriving, and she just bought a house. Unfortunately, when one of her employees runs into trouble, she inevitably gets sucked in, throwing her carefully paced life off-balance. It doesn’t help a friend, who’s been ghosting her for a year, suddenly makes an appearance.

He was born to pig farming, but for Noah (Hog) Hodgekins fighting fires is his calling. He wasted too many years honoring a legacy he wants no part of. But now that he’s finally free from family obligations, there’s nothing holding him back from pursuing the life he’s been dreaming of. The first step is mending bridges with the one person who is central to that future, but she comes with her own challenges, family and otherwise.

Instead of treading carefully to gain her heart, he ends up throwing caution to the wind when her recent string of bad luck lands the FBI on her doorstep.

•••••••

REVIEW: CAPTIVATING ANIKA is the ninth instalment in Freya Barker’s contemporary, adult ON CALL: Police and Fire: Operation Alpha multi-authored erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on side characters first introduced by author Susan Stoker. This is forty-nine year old farmer / fire fighter Noah ‘Hog’ Hodgekins, and thirty-nine year old, hair stylist/shop owner Anika Jones’ story line. CAPTIVATING ANIKA can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: For fans of Freya Barker, there is a slight cross over with the author’s ARROW’S EDGE MC series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Anika and Noah) CAPTIVATING ANIKA follows the building romance and relationship between Anika and Noah. Firefighter Noah ‘Hog’ Hodgekins has been pining after hair stylist Anika Jones for several years but an off-handed comment from Anika left Noah in the friend zone until an attack on Anika’s co-worker brought Noah back into the fold. All was not well when Anika’s co-worker goes missing, and our heroine finds herself the target of revenge by more than one potential suspect. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Anika and Noah, and the potential fall-out as betrayal comes from the unlikeliest source.

The world building is frantic and wild. Anika is often the victim of violence and vengeance, and in this, our heroine is suffering for the sins of someone else.

The relationship between Anika and Noah is one of mutual attraction but Noah previously misjudged Anika’s feelings, and spent months to years wondering what went wrong. Anika is keeping a secret from family and friends but her secret will reveal woman struggling to get through, every day. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is another large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including many of whom we met in the previous story lines. We are introduced to Anika’s employees and co-workers: Molly, Monique, Landon, and Kim. The requisite evil has many faces.

CAPTIVATING ANIKA is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, obsession madness, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing, captivating and twisted: the romance seductive; the characters are desperate, dynamic and determined.

Previous Reviews

Dissecting Meredith
Watching Trin
Igniting Vic

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories. 

Driven to make her books about ‘real’ people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.

Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We’ve Read All Year Award for “Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

Facebook: http://bit.ly/FreyaFacebook
Twitter: http://bit.ly/FreyaTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/FreyaInstagram
Web: http://bit.ly/FreyaWeb
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/FreyaGoodreads
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/Freya_Newsletter
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/FreyaBookBub

Share

LOCKED IN ICE (Ice Breaker: Cold Case 9) by Cynthia Eden -review

Posted on by
15

LOCKED IN ICE (Ice Breaker: Cold Case 9) by Cynthia Eden -review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 28, 2024

The world called him a monster, so he became one…

Guilty. Innocent? Definitely dangerous. The media chases Lane Lawson wherever he goes. Once upon a time, he’d been locked away because the Feds believed he was a serial killer. Every single day that he’d been in that hell, he’d had to fight for survival. Now he’s out, free, seemingly clear, but he’ll never be the man he was before a nightmare ended the life he knew.

It’s his turn to be the predator.

So he hunts. Adrenaline and rage fuel him, and he hunts the killers who think they’ve gotten away with their crimes. He paid for someone else’s sins before, and he’s determined that the guilty will be the ones to suffer. He’s joined up with the Ice Breakers, a team of cold case solvers—a team that helped get him out of his hell—and he will not stop until the scales of justice have been balanced.

And in this new life, he has an unlikely new partner.

PI Ophelia Raine is Lane’s opposite in every way. Fiery when he’s ice cold. Smiling when he’s ready to rip the world apart. She’s supposed to balance him, to help train him as an Ice Breaker…and, most importantly, he knows that Ophelia is supposed to keep him in check. Don’t let him go off the deep end. An order he’d heard her receive.

But the problem is that the more he’s around the gorgeous and tenacious Ophelia, the more Lane’s control begins to fracture. Because it has been far too long since he’s taken something—someone—for himself. And he very, very much wants Ophelia. A dark and desperate desire that begins to consume him.

•••••

REVIEW: LOCKED IN ICE is the ninth instalment in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary adult ICE BREAKER: COLD CASE romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Ice Breakers, an online team of crime solvers whose goal is to solve cold cases. This is former FBI agent turned PI Ophelia Raine, and cold case trainee Lane Lawson’s story line. LOCKED IN ICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from omniscient third person perspective LOCKED IN ICE follows the building relationship between our story line couple. Years earlier Ophelia Raine lost the love of her life to a killer and vowed she would spend the rest of her life saving those unable to save themselves but Ophelia never expected to be both babysitter and profiler with the Ice Breakers’ newest higher, a man who spent time in prison for a crime he did not commit. While on assignment together, Ophelia struggles with the apparent copy cat killings of a man she took down years before, killings that are getting more personal and seemingly directed at our story line heroine. What ensues is the building relationship between Ophelia and Lane, and the potential fall-out as our couple are targeted for sins of the past.

The world building is detailed and complex as there are many references to previous cases, killings, investigations and betrayal. Ophelia and Lane both struggle with issues of trust having been betrayed by the people in charge.

The relationship between Ophelia and Lane begins as a work assignment in which Ophelia battles between head and heart preferring to work alone but the boss needs someone to profile our story line hero, a man who was sentenced to prison for crimes he did not commit.Lane Lawson ‘s attraction to Ophelia is immediate and intense, and within days, Lane declares himself protector of the woman with whom he is falling in love.The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of questionable secondary and supporting characters including over zealous law enforcement, and the return of FBI Agent Oliver Foxx, and Lane’s sister Lark Lawson, and tracker Memphis Camden, and falsely accused Beau LeBlanc. The requisite evil has many faces.

LOCKED IN ICE is a story of power and control, obsession and madness, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love.The fast paced premise is intriguing and suspenseful; the characters are determined and dynamic; the romance is fated.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Frozen in Ice
Falling for the Ice Queen
Ice Cold Saint
Touched by Ice
Trapped in Ice
Forged From Ice
Buried Under Ice
Ice Cold Kiss

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

A Furious Man (Appalachian STAR 5) by Deanndra Hall-review tour

Posted on by
7

A Furious Man (Appalachian STAR 5) by Deanndra Hall-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 12, 2024

A horrific past can threaten the future …

REBOOT

Reluctance.

They say chivalry is dead, and I had to learn that truth the hard way. Helping when you’re not wanted doesn’t play out the way you think. Sometimes, more damage comes with it. So, I lay low and try not to get involved. Do my job, and that’s all.

As an Appalachian STAR EMT, I’ve seen my fair share of atrocities and destruction, but none so horrendous as the whirlwind of chaos that one woman brings into play. Not only does she take a tumble on the docks, but then, she more than destroys every meal she attempts to serve where she waits tables. Despite her clumsy nature and apologetic demeanor, everything about this woman intrigues me. And now, I’m bound and determined to get closer to her.

MAVIS

Reluctance.

My life is in shambles, a series of one mishap or misstep after another. After escaping my traumatic childhood and finding a new life, I thought everything would be easy from here on out. I was wrong. I’m on edge, careful and cautious, jumpy and unnerved.

When the handsome EMT helps me find employment more suitable for me, I slowly begin to let down my guard, not truly ready to let a stranger into my life—or into my heart. But after my past comes barreling back, threatening to hurt others just as they hurt me, I snap.

They’re not touching one more innocent child. Not while I’m alive.

My plan has flaws. But thankfully, I have a rugged and strong Furious Man on my side.

•••••

REVIEW:A FURIOUS MAN is the fifth instalment in Deanndra Hall’s contemporary, adult APPALACHIAN STAR erotic, romantic suspense series set in the Special Forces: Operation Alpha world featuring characters first introduced in the books and series by Susan Stoker. This is metal worker Derek ‘Reboot’ Colvin, and website designer Mavis Waterfield’s story line. The Appalachian STAR series focuses on the search and rescue operation that hires former inmates from US prisons. A FURIOUS MAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers

Told from dual first person perspectives (Derek and Mavis) A FURIOUS MAN follows the building romance and relationship between our story line couple. Mavis Waterfield is a klutz; a clumsy woman desperate to fit in but a woman with a dark and heart breaking past. Having witnessed not one but two times wherein Mavis was fired for her blunderous and bumbling actions, Derek ‘Reboot’ Colvin couldn’t stop thinking about the woman who would quickly steal his heart. Desperate to upgrade their online presence, the Appalachian STAR operation hires our story line heroine, and in the process gains a new member of the family to guard and protect but Mavis’ past refuses to let go, and with their return, demons from the past, target the youngest and most vulnerable. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Mavis and Derek, and the potential target when Mavis sets out to rescue those unable to rescue themselves.

The world building continues to focus on the team and members of Appalachian STAR: their backstories and rehabilitation, the search and rescues of which not all are successful. Derek knows Mavis has a history but refuses to push, and in this Mavis is willing to reveal the extent of her pain and past.

The relationship between Mavis and Derek begins accidentally when Derek witnesses the fallout of Mavis’ bumbling actions. With her arrival at Applachian STAR alongside her beloved Aunt Sarah, Derek sees an opportunity to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text but my only concern is the abrupt 0-100 turnaround in our story line heroine.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including the team at Appalachian STAR, their extended families and friends, as well as several characters from the interconnected Special Forces: Operation Alpha world.

A FURIOUS MAN is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and abuse, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is intriguing, emotional and haunting; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken but struggling to move forward.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
A Desperate Man
A Bitter Man
A Broken Man
A Twisted Man

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Deanndra Hall is a working author living in the far western end of the beautiful Bluegrass State with her husband of over 35 years and small menagerie of weird little dogs. When she’s not writing, she’s editing. When she’s doing neither of those two things, she’s having dinner with friends, spending time with family, kayaking, eating chocolate, drinking beer or moonshine, or looking for something that she put in the wrong place and can’t seem to find (which is pretty much everything she owns).

 

Amazon | BookBub / Facebook / Bookbub / Twitter/ Goodreads

Share

LIVE,LOVE,SPY (Masters & Mercenaries:New Recruits 2)by Lexi Blake

Posted on by
14

LIVE, LOVE, SPY (Masters & Mercenaries: New Recruits 2) by Lexi Blake -review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Apple /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 5, 2024

Life can often be awkward when you are a child genius. For Louisa Ward, that came in the form of meeting her one true love at age 12. TJ Taggart was perfect. But being a year younger and a full year ahead of him in school always made things weird. Working in the CIA has made her into a strong and capable woman. Until she sees TJ. Fifteen years later, she still gets butterflies every time she sees the gorgeous soldier, but she’s tired of waiting and ready to find love, even if it can’t be with him.

Not everyone knows what they want out of life when they are a teenager, but TJ Taggart could always see exactly where he wanted to go. But joining the Army would require a sacrifice. Since meeting Louisa, TJ knew his cousin’s brilliant, oddball friend was the woman he wanted to spend his life with. He couldn’t ask her to live that life with him. She was meant to change the world at some prestigious research job or maybe teach a new generation of geniuses like herself at an Ivy League school. There would be a chance to sweep her off her feet when his time in this dangerous life was done, and their happily ever after could begin.

Before he can make it home on his latest leave, TJ is kidnapped by an unknown adversary. As he waits to die, all he can think of is the time he wasted and how badly he wants to be with Lou. He’s more than a little surprised when his sweet, quiet girl shows up leading a CIA special ops squad to bust him out. Back in Dallas, it’s time to claim the woman of his dreams. He has a plan to win her over, until the adversary who almost killed him returns to finish the job.

••••••

REVIEW:LIVE, LOVE, SPY is the second instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult MASTERS & MERCENARIES: NEW RECRUITS erotic, Dom/sub romantic suspense series-a spin off-next generation series set in the author’s Master & Mercenaries worlds. This is Special Forces soldier TJ Taggart, and genius / CIA operative Louisa ‘Lou’ Ward’s story line. LIVE, LOVE SPY can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading book one LOVE THE WAY YOU SPY. Lou is the daughter of Boomer and Daphne Ward, and TJ is the son of Theo and Erin Taggart.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including Dom/sub interactions, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from omniscient third person perspective LIVE, LOVE, SPY follows the best friends to lovers relationship between our story line couple. TJ Taggart and Louisa Ward have been best friends most of their lives, and their developing love for one another was constantly being tested. Believing TJ didn’t feel the same Lou was considering looking elsewhere for love until an emergency call sent her team to Germany in an effort to rescue the man that she loved. A rescue, a seduction, an operation involving the CIA, MI6, CSIS and international espionage finds TJ and Louisa facing an adversary that may or may not be connected to the past. What ensues is the rescue and recovery of TJ Taggart, the developing Dom/sub/ love relationship between TJ and Lou, and the potential fall-out as the team is targeted for sins of the past.

Once again, the world building is innovative, intricate and complex; the characters are numerous, charismatic and captivating. The man in charge, Ian ‘Big Tag’ Taggart is overwhelmed by the shenanigans and sex lives of the next generation, often sending Big Tag into a tail spin in an effort to ‘bleach’ the images from his mind. The moments are humorous, fun and alone, worth the price of admission.

The relationship between Lou and TJ is a best friends to Dom/sub to lovers. TJ and Lou have struggled with their attraction to one another for as long as they can remember. Lou’s attempts at seduction have been rejected by our story line hero but both suffer with issues of low self esteem, both believing they are now worthy of the other’s love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate; the Dom/sub scenes are provocative.

LIVE, LOVE, SPY is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, espionage and deception, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is elaborate and entertaining; the romance is seductive; the characters are powerful, determined and resolute.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one LOVE THE WAY YOU SPY

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. Since starting her publishing journey in 2010, she’s sold over three million copies of her books. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings.

GOODREADS/ INSTAGRAM/ BOOKBUB / PINTERESTFACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Share

EDGE OF NOWHERE (Arrow’s Edge MC 7) by Freya Barker -review tour

Posted on by
13

EDGE OF NOWHERE (Arrow’s Edge MC 7) by Freya Barker-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 5, 2024

Open roads and honor meets poke bowls and self-control

I’m a homesick nomad.
A protégé, a mountain man, an ally, and a seeker.

My name is Wapi.

I’m a work in progress looking to belong, and though my road has been a winding one, my heart has found focus. I’m a straightlaced hellcat. A princess, a fool, a target, and a handle.

My name is Lindsey.

I can lash out fiercely when wounded, but my claws retract and my love glows bright in the hands of the right man. We got off on the wrong foot—hostility thick between us—but when murder hits close to home bringing about a second chance, those sparks now stoke a different flame.

Setting hearts on fire.

•••••••

REVIEW:  EDGE OF NOWHERE is the seventh instalment in Freya Barker’s contemporary, adult ARROW’S EDGE erotic, MC romantic suspense series. This is MC member Wapi, and legal assistant Lindsey Zimmerman’s story line. EDGE OF NOWHERE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Some of the characters from the author’s HIGH MOUNTAIN TRACKERS series cross over throughout the story line content.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Wapi and Lindsey) EDGE OF NOWHERE follows the building romance and relationship between our leading couple. Four years earlier Lindsey was abducted and Wapi, struggling with the guilt, took off for places unknown. Fast forward to present day, Wapi has returned to the Arrow’s Edge MC, and once again, finds himself at the beck and call for our story line heroine but all does not go according to plan when our couple find themselves at the centre of a murder investigation, on the run from the FBI, and in the direct line of fire from a possible criminal organization. With the help from extended family and friends, Wapi and Lindsey seek protection with the High Mountain Trackers, only to be targeted on their trip back home. What ensues is the building romance between Wapi and Lindsey, and the potential fall-out as the FBI and local law enforcement suspect something else is going on.

The world building follows several paths including the return of Lindsey’s ex boyfriend, a man whose obsession of Lindsey adds another dimension to the ongoing investigation. A run in at the airport on the way home from her best friend’s wedding is the impetus for everything that follows.

The relationship between Wapi and Lindsey is acrimonious at best as the couple are constantly at odds with one another but an attack against Lindsey sends our heroine on the run, and with Wapi’s help, finds solace in the building relationship with our story line hero. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and charismatic secondary and supporting characters from the Arrow’s Edge MC, and the High Mountain Trackers. We are introduced to Lindsey’s mother/attorney Melanie, her father Dave Zimmerman, and her brother Dan; ex-boyfriend Galen Wagner, and several members of law enforcement . The requisite evil has many evils.

EDGE OF NOWHERE is a story of betrayal, vengeance and obsession; secrets and lies, power and control, family, friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced premise is detailed, dramatic and exciting; the romance is seductive ; the characters are determined and sure of wha they want.

Reading Order and Previous reviews

Edge of Reason
Edge of Darkness
Edge of Tomorrow
Edge of Fear
Edge of Reality
Edge of Trust

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.

Driven to make her books about ‘real’ people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.

Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We’ve Read All Year Award for “Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

Facebook: http://bit.ly/FreyaFacebook
Twitter: http://bit.ly/FreyaTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/FreyaInstagram
Web: http://bit.ly/FreyaWeb
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/FreyaGoodreads
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/Freya_Newsletter
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/FreyaBookBub

Share

Fighting for Hailey by Katie Reus-review

Posted on by
13

Fighting for Hailey (Redemption Harbor Security 1) by Katie Reus-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 23,2024

She’s the one who got away…

They grew up together, dated for years—but when Jesse Lennox had a chance at a college scholarship and a new life, Hailey abruptly ended things. She wanted him to have the life he deserved, and with her track record knew she’d just bring him down. Now they’re both grown and she runs the new branch of Redemption Harbor Consulting, heading up their security division. But her past is about to collide with her present in a big way, and she can’t outrun her demons any longer.

This time, he’s playing for keeps…

Years ago Hailey joined the military and ruthlessly cut all her foster siblings out her life. Now that one of them is in danger she’s back—and Jesse isn’t letting her push him away ever again. One of their own has been kidnapped and with the clock ticking, they have no choice but to work together to find him before it’s too late. But the threat is much worse than they imagined. It will take all their combined skills—and breaking through Hailey’s walls— to unravel the clues in time to save him.

•••••

REVIEW:FIGHT FOR HAILEY is the first instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult REDEMPTION HARBOR SECURITY romantic suspense series-a spin off from the author’s REDEMPTION HARBOR series. This is Redemption Harbor operative Hailey West, and billionaire businessman Jesse Lennox’s story line.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Jesse and Hailey) FIGHTING FOR HAILEY follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Hailey West grew up in the foster care system, and considered Jesse Lennox, Constantine ‘Cash’ Pierce, and Easton Reed family and friends but when Easton Reed goes missing, Hailey working as an operative for Redemption Harbor, is determined to uncover the truth, coming face to face with her past in the guise of Jesse Lennox. Jesse is also worried about the apparent kidnapping of their friend, their brother Easton, a world renowned scientist on the cusp of medical history. With the help of Cash Pierce, and some of the agents at Redemption Harbor, Jesse and Hailey begin an investigation of their own, only to discover a convoluted path of money and politicians hoping to make a score. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Jesse and Hailey, as they hunt for the people who took their friend.

The world building focuses on the search for Easton Reed, and the history between our story line couple. Jesse and Hailey were once a couple but life, fear and the future took each of them in different directions, and Hailey would eventually ghost them all.

The relationship between Hailey and Jesse is one of second chances but Hailey is afraid to reveal the truth about the past, a past she was hoping to forget. Enlisting in the military, Hailey did her time, as the three men in her life, struggled to make sense of why she ran. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to the new team and operatives for Redemption Harbor Security including Cash Pierce, Easton Reed, Hailey’s friend and fellow agent Reese, and Elijah. Reese and Cash’s story line is next.

FIGHTING FOR HAILEY is a story of second chances, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, family, friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined, engaging, dynamic and inventive.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.

Connect with Katie:

Facebook | Blog| Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Website

Share

FROSTBITTEN (Deep Ops 6) by Rebecca Zanetti -a review

Posted on by
13

FROSTBITTEN (Deep Ops 6) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 2, 2024

Enigmatic. With a wildly gifted mind, and an untamed head of hair to match, petite powerhouse Millicent Frost is brilliant when it comes to gadgets and electronics—less so with people. After an attempt to bust a bank scam goes awry, Millie is in hot water with Homeland Security and targeted by lethal enemies. In the midst of the trouble, she heads home to help out with the family hunting and fishing business. But when their rival competitor and Millie’s ex is murdered, she’s the number one suspect . . .

Irresistible. Former Marine turned lawyer Scott Terentson devotes himself to getting his clients out of tricky binds. A loner, the last thing he wants is to belong to any team, yet the Deep Ops group considers him one of their own—and he pays the price by getting shot at by their enemies. Now Millie is seeking his help—just as he’s dealing with a brutal fail regarding a recent trial. Both are a headache, yet he’s drawn to Millie in spite of himself. They’re opposites, but maybe the old adage is true . . .

Electric. Working together, Millie and Scott soon have more on their hands than they bargained for as the danger escalates—along with the sizzling heat between them. And when a disappearance is thrown into the mix, all bets are off . . .

••••••

REVIEW:  FROSTBITTEN is the sixth instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult DEEP OPS romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women of the Requisition Force, Deep Ops Team, a division of the Homeland Defense Department ( HDD) of the FBI. This is former Marine Force Reconnaissance turned attorney Scott Terentson, and FBI Agent Millicent ‘Millie’ Frost’s story line FROSTBITTEN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Scott and Millie) FROSTBITTEN follows several interconnected paths in the wake of an undercover investigation that collapsed when Millie was called in to testify at the divorce proceedings of the man in question. Placed on leave by Homeland Security, Millie heads home where she will be implicated in the murder of a small town hero, a murder that may or may not be connected to the trouble at work. Enter Scott Terentson, Millie’s attorney, and the man with whom our heroine will fall in love. As Scot and Millie struggle to prove Millie’s innocence, someone else is taking aim at our story line couple. What ensues is the building relationship between Scott and Millie, and the potential fall-out as more than one person takes aim at our story line heroine.

The world building is complex and detailed, with several potential suspects, numerous accusations and finger pointing, as well as the couple’s connections to the Requisition Force Deep Ops Team. Hoping to uncover the truth, Millie and Scott go it alone but as the investigation continues to spiral out of control, Scott calls in the team at Requisition Force, who have the ability to get the job done.

The relationship between Millie and Scott begins acrimoniously. Scott and Millie know one another from the HDD but when Scott interferes in Millie’s undercover operation, our couple find themselves working together to prove Millie’s innocence,in the wake of the overwhelming evidence that continues to grow. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and enterprising secondary and supporting characters including most of the Requisition Force Deep Ops Team, as well as new team members MI6 Agents Ian and Oliver Villan, Roscoe and Kat. We are introduced to Millie’s great aunt Mae, Chief Wyatt, several townies and former friends and frenemies who are willing to support our story line heroine. The requisite evil has many faces.

FROSTBITTEN is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, greed and madness, friendships and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is meticulous and multi-layered; the romance is spirited and heated; the characters are determined, daring and dynamic.

Previous Reviews and reading order

Hidden
Taken (1.5)
Fallen
Broken
Driven
Unforgiven

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Charge (Locked Security 3) by Senna Kincaid-review tour

Posted on by
13

Charge (Locked Security 3) by Senna Kincaid-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

RELEASE DATE : December 21, 2023

There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for the only woman he’s ever loved. Even if she’s now married to another man.

Growing up with absent parents, the only family Archer Bennett has ever known were his sister and her best friend Thea. And he was certain that no matter what path his life would take, he’d always have them by his side.

But life doesn’t always go as planned.

And instead of living the life he dreamed of with the two people he loved most, he walks away from his family and ends up working for Locked Security, a firm that specializes in hostage situations and personal protection.

Thea Barlowe learned from an early age that to survive, she had to do whatever was necessary. When she gets an offer that would change her life, she jumps at the chance. Even if it means marrying a man almost double her age.

When Thea is in danger, her husband hires Locked Security to keep her safe. And her new bodyguard is someone she knows well. Archer.

There’s nothing Archer wouldn’t do for the only woman he’s ever loved. Even if she’s now married to another man.

•••••

REVIEW: CHARGE is the third instalment in Senna Kincaid’s contemporary, adult LOCKED SECURITY romantic suspense series focusing on the men who work for LOCKED SECURITY. This is former US Army soldier Archer Bennett, and Thea Barlowe’s story line. CHARGE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading book two DECEPTION for some back story and cohesion. Archer is Everleigh Bennett Costa’s brother (Deception 2).

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

CHARGE by Senna Kincaid was originally published under the pen name Sarah Peis

Told from dual first person perspectives (Thea and Archer) CHARGE follows the childhood friends to lovers between our story line couple. Years earlier, in the wake of abuse and neglect at home, Thea sought refuge with her best friend Everleigh Bennett, and her brother Archer but Archer would eventually enlist in the army, pulling away from everyone he loved upon his return. A rescue mission at sea finds Archer face to face with the woman he has always loved, a woman who is now married to someone else. Enter Thea Barlowe, whose life is nothing like she had ever expected. When threats against Thea and her husband become personal, Thea’s husband William hires Locked Security, and in doing, once again brings Thea face to face with the man who broke her heart. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship and growing romance between Thea and Archer, and the potential fall-out as the past refuses to let go.

The world building takes the reader from the past to the present in which we are up close and personal with the abuse and mistreatment of our story line heroine. Finding safety with the Bennett family, Thea would fall in love with a man who would eventually break her heart. Desperate to escape the horrors back home, Thea would marry a man twice her age but a man who is willing to protect a woman who cannot love him back.

The relationship between Thea and Archer is a childhood friends to lovers in which their rekindling friendship would break through years of doubt and perceived abandonment for our story line heroine. Archer’s return from service in Guyana left our hero a shell of his former self, eventually pulling away from everyone he loved. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are dynamic and familiar. We are reintroduced to Everleigh Bennett Costa, Gunner and Freya (Stealth 1), as well as the introduction of William Barlowe, Ciel; security specialists Devon, and Carter.

CHARGE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and friendships, forgiveness and love. The premise is intriguing, engaging and captivating but the conflict resolution was too quick, and everything was solved behind the scenes and off page; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are charismatic and dynamic.

READING ORDER and Previous Reviews

Stealth
Deception

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Come to the dark side, we have cookies

Books are my passion and I have always been an avid reader. Sneaking my mom’s romance books when I was too young to read them turned into a lifelong obsession.

And now I not only read kissing books, I also get to write them. Dark romance and romantic suspense have always been favourites of mine to read, and I hope you enjoy the worlds and characters in my books as much as I love creating them.

I currently live in a small town in Victoria, Australia, with the love of my life, our two little humans and two fur babies.

Connect with Senna Kincaid:

Website/ Facebook/ Facebook Group/ Instagram

Share