Romantic Suspense – Page 4

October 4, 2018September 30, 2018

Kimberly reviews Dagger’s Edge by Lora Leigh

TITLE: Dagger’s Edge
SERIES #: Brute Force #2
CHARACTERS: Ivan & Syn
AUTHOR: Lora Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/28/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 bestselling author Lora Leigh is back–with a vengeance–in her latest novel of passion and intrigue, Dagger’s Edge, featuring the men of Brute Force.

Ivan Resnova wants nothing more than to escape his hard, brutal past. Starting over is not so easy once you’ve been a powerful crime boss but now, instead of being punished for his alleged crimes, Ivan fears that the one woman he can’t forget is in danger of paying the price.

Crimsyn “Syn” Delaney thought the danger she’d faced was over, and that she could resume her life. She never imagined it would return with a vengeance and throw her back into Ivan’s world. But when an attempt is made on her life, she needs Ivan more than ever to keep her safe–even if she is in danger of falling deeply and dangerously in love. . .

REVIEW:
For some reason I did not connect with the characters in this book. I really thought I would since the synopsis seemed so interesting but I just could not get into it.

I have to be honest and say that I ended up jumping some sections just to get done with this story.

I will pick up the next in the series and hopefully it will be better.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

October 1, 2018September 30, 2018

Kelly reviews Hidden by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Hidden
SERIES #: Deep Ops #1
CHARACTERS: Pippa Smith and Malcolm West
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: September 25, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Kindle | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hide. That’s all Pippa can do to escape the terror chasing her. But now that she’s off the grid in a safe house, she finds plenty of interesting things to watch through the window. Like her new neighbor, with his startling green eyes, killer smile, and sexy bad-boy tattoo . . .
Run. Malcolm West is fleeing the hell he unleashed in his last assignment as an undercover cop. A backwoods bungalow sounds like the perfect place to start over. Until he discovers he’s been set up . . .
Fight. Someone’s gone to a lot of trouble to bring them together. No matter how much he resents that, and his own driving needs, Malcolm will have to dig deep and let loose the banished killer inside himself, or Pippa’s fears could come true faster than the flip of a bolt in a lock

REVIEW:
Hidden is the first book in Mrs. Zanetti’s new Deep Op’s Series. This was a good start to a new series. I enjoyed the world that Mrs. Zanetti build with a bunch of rejected hero’s who are being a given a second chance. A second chance at a career, a second chance at a family and possibly a second chance at love.

I really enjoyed Malcolm and Pippa’s story. It was a little fast but you can’t fight love. And all the other characters are great! I really loved Roscoe. Who is Roscoe only the coolest dog ever (that has some very interesting quirks *wink, wink*). And the little kitten owned by Wolfe (I can’t wait to see this kitty’s personality grow).

I am already looking forward to the next installment in this series!!!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

September 10, 2018September 9, 2018

Kelly reviews What I’ve Done by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: What I’ve Done
SERIES #: Morgan Dane #4
CHARACTERS: Morgan Dane & Lance Kruger
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: September 18, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Morgan Dane’s new client has blood on her hands—and no recollection of what happened—as the #1 Amazon Charts bestselling series continues.
Haley Powell wakes up covered in blood, with no memory of the night before. When she sees a man lying in the backyard, stabbed to death, she has only one terrified thought: What have I done?
Agreeing to take the case as a favor to her PI friend Lincoln Sharp, Morgan must scale a mountain of damning circumstantial and forensic evidence to prove her client innocent. Haley couldn’t appear more guilty: her bloodstained fingerprints are on the murder weapon, and she has no alibi. But Morgan can’t shake the feeling that this shocked young woman has been framed.
Someone out there is hell-bent on sabotaging her defense, targeting Morgan, her partner, and especially Haley. Someone who will stop at nothing—and whose next move will be deadly.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Waking up covered in blood, finding a dead body on the back porch and you are the only one in the house was not how Haley Powell wanted to start her day. But there is no way she could have done this….

Is there?

Or did Haley Powell just commit murder?

It is a good thing Morgan, Lance and Sharp were on this case and not me. I was so wrong on who I thought the killer was. There are a lot of moving parts in this story line and it keep me on my toes. So many so that I really don’t want to give away anything. You will just have to pick up a copy of What I’ve Done and find out for yourself who done it!!

I always enjoy reading Melinda’s books. She is able to great a world and storyline that always feels fresh and exciting. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

September 5, 2018September 4, 2018

Kelly reviews Killman Creek by Rachel Caine

TITLE: Killman Creek
SERIES #: Stillhouse Lake #2
CHARACTERS: Gwen Proctor
AUTHOR: Rachel Caine
PUBLICATION DATE: December 12, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Every time Gwen closed her eyes, she saw him in her nightmares. Now her eyes are open, and he’s not going away.
Gwen Proctor won the battle to save her kids from her ex-husband, serial killer Melvin Royal, and his league of psychotic accomplices. But the war isn’t over. Not since Melvin broke out of prison. Not since she received a chilling text…
You’re not safe anywhere now.
Her refuge at Stillhouse Lake has become a trap. Gwen leaves her children in the protective custody of a fortified, well-armed neighbor. Now, with the help of Sam Cade, brother of one of Melvin’s victims, Gwen is going hunting. She’s learned how from one of the sickest killers alive.
But what she’s up against is beyond anything she feared—a sophisticated and savage mind game calculated to destroy her. As trust beyond her small circle of friends begins to vanish, Gwen has only fury and vengeance to believe in as she closes in on her prey. And sure as the night, one of them will die.

REVIEW:
Gwen had thought that she and her kids were safe. But this Melvin’s escape from prison and his chilling note to her. Gwen knows that no one will ever be safe again as long as Melvin is still breathing. Let the hunt begin.

Killman Creek picks up were Stillhouse Lake left off (you need to read Stillhouse Lake first. That is a must). Ms. Caine’s second installment in this series was great! We know from book one that Gwen is one tough cookie, but in Killman Creek we learn to what lengths she will go to protect her kids.

I am very excited that there will be a third installment in this series. I hope that by the end Gwen and her family will find a little bit of peace.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

August 6, 2018August 5, 2018

Kimberly reviews Collision Point by Lora Leigh

TITLE: Collision Point
SERIES #: Brute Force #1
CHARACTERS: Rory & Amara
AUTHOR: Laura Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/27/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Riordan “Rory” Malone is a force to be reckoned with. A member of the Brute Force Protection Agency and an operative working with the Elite Ops, Rory is the fiercest of warriors and protectors. Honed from the strong Irish stock of their grandfather and sharpened to a razor’s edge, Malone men live for one single purpose: to protect the women who own them, body and soul. From the moment he saw Amara Resnova, he knew she could be that woman.

But Amara, daughter of an alleged notorious crime lord, is a force in her own right. When she betrays her father, she’s finds herself in the arms of a man who is dangerous for her body and soul.

Can Rory keep Amara safe while protecting his own heart? Can Amara trust Rory not to break hers even as the danger mounts, threatening to take them and their passion to a breaking point?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a new series for Lora Leigh. I wasn’t sure what to expect and I have to say I think people will either love or dislike it. That being said I am not sure which one I am.

As for the adventure. There is a lot. Amara has lost her memory and Rory will do what he needs to do so she is protected but also does what he needs to do to have her get her memory back and to trust him again. The problem is I can’t image that sex is the best cure for amnesia.

But if you are reading this for the sex scenes that Leigh is becoming quite known for than you will love this story.

Being that this is the first in the series there is a lot of getting to know. I will certainly be picking up book 2 in the series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

August 3, 2018July 31, 2018

Kimberly reviews Covert Game by Christina Feehan

TITLE: Covert Game
SERIES #: Ghostwalkers #14
CHARACTERS: Gino & Zara
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/20/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Treason, torture and temptation haunt the GhostWalkers in their most dangerous adventure yet, as Christine Feehan’s #1 New York Times bestselling series hits an explosive new high.

Rescuing an industrial spy from the hands of a criminal mastermind is a suicide mission for the GhostWalkers. And there’s no one more up to the task than Gino Mazza. He’s the perfect killing machine–a man driven by demons so dark and destructive that his blighted soul has given up trying to find solace. But his laser-sharp focus on his target has transformed into something nearing desire.

A treasonous senator dangled top secret GhostWalker data in front of a Chinese crime lord, and he bit. Zara Hightower, one of the world’s leading experts on artificial intelligence, was sent in to psychically wipe the crime lord’s computer network. She succeeded, but at a huge cost. Now she’s the captive of a man who has descended into paranoid madness. Torture and death await her…

But GhostWalkers never leave one of their own in enemy territory. And it’s up to Gino to save Zara, or kill her if it turns out she’s led them into a trap. Either way, heaven or hell won’t stop him…

REVIEW:
The GhostWalkers! A group that gets my heart beating every time. I have been a fan of this series from the beginning. And while there have been some that I have liked more or less than others they never disappoint.

The thing about this series is the guys. There is something special about each of them and I mean that literally. And Gino is no different. As with all of the other men in the series they are diamonds in the rough. They can kill with the slightest of moves and yet when the right woman comes along their hearts melt. Ok well maybe melt is a strong word but you know what I mean.

Gino has had a terrible past. Zara was created with a specialness that even GhostWalkers may question. But they are perfect for each other. And as also Whitney is devious and as mad as they come. He is set to get and keep Zara for all the plans he set in to motion.

Feehan is one of the best and this is just another shining star in the series. Can’t wait for the next!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

August 2, 2018July 31, 2018

Kimberly reviews A Dangerous Game by Heather Graham

TITLE: A Dangerous Game
SERIES #: New York Confidential #3
CHARACTERS: Kieran & Craig
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/13/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The third novel in the New York Confidential series by long-established NYT bestselling romantic suspense author Heather Graham. This is the author’s romantic-suspense stream, in addition to her successful ongoing mass market paperback paranormal romantic suspense series.

Psychologist Kieran Finnegan is thrust into the middle of an investigation into human trafficking when a desperate woman shoves an infant into her arms and then flees…only to be murdered minutes later on a busy Manhattan street. Despite the fact that it isn’t an FBI case, Special Agent Craig Frasier starts poking around, because Kieran can’t stop thinking about the child and the victim. Their one lead comes through the pub, Finnegan’s on Broadway. One of the waitresses also volunteers at a church outreach center, and had been in contact with a distraught young pregnant woman, whom she recommended Kieran to as someone who might be able to help her. When Kieran goes to the outreach center to do some off-the-books investigating of her own, she is approached by two women who are worried for their missing friend, and who reveal that they were part of a human trafficking ring that did business in babies. As Craig and Kieran delve deeper into the underbelly of NYC trying to find out more, the dangerous elements of the ring come to the surface, hoping to silence Kieran before she exposes them.

REVIEW:
I honestly am not sure why I keep requesting this series. Other than it is Heather Graham I have no reason to pick it out. I have not been a fan of this series from the beginning but I keep trying it. And again this just didn’t strike me.

I am a HUGE fan of Graham’s and a HUGER (yeah I know that is not a word) fan of the Krewe of Hunters series. Maybe if I didn’t have those books to compare to I would enjoy this one more but it is hard to not see exactly what is missing from this series to the other.

I can imagine fans of Graham’s that do not like the Krewe series might find this series worth the read. And knowing me I will request the next one too. But 3 stars is the best I can do.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

February 26, 2018February 25, 2018

Kimberly reviews Survive The Night by Katie Ruggle

TITLE: Survive The Night
SERIES #: Rocky Mountain K9 Unit #3
CHARACTERS: Otto & Sarah
AUTHOR: Katie Ruggle
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/06/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s always been a haven:
For the lost. The sick. The injured.
But when a hunted woman takes shelter in his arms, this gentle giant swears he’ll do more than heal her battered spirit―he’ll defend her with his life.

K9 Officer Otto Gunnersen always had a soft spot for anyone in need. As Monroe’s very own Dr. Doolittle, he dedicates himself to rehabilitating the injured souls that cross his path―but for all his big heart, he’s never been in love.

Until he meets Sarah Clifton’s haunted eyes. Until he realizes he’ll do anything to save her.

All Sarah wants is to escape a life caught between ambitious crime families, but there’s no outrunning her past. Her power-mad brother would hunt her to the ends of the earth…but he’d never expect Sarah to fight back. With Otto and the whole of Monroe, Colorado by her side, Sarah’s finally ready to face whatever comes her way.

It’s time to take a stand.

REVIEW:
Another great read in the series. One of the things I enjoy in a series is background characters making cameos and this series has Mr. Espino. He helps women who need to “disappear” to find a place to go and it ends up being in Monroe, CO.

This romance is between Alice/Sarah and Otto. Of course we have met Otoo is previous books and I actually think he might have been one of my favorite background characters. There is just something about him. He is just so Alpha and has a heart of gold. Alice/Sarah is running from her horrible brother and Logan Jovanovich which is another character we have met throughout the series.

This is a great story and a great series with a lot of twist and turns and action but with sweet romance mixed in. Trust me this is a wonderful book but I suggest reading the others in the series first since there are so many recurring characters and storyline.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

February 22, 2018February 19, 2018

Kimberly reviews Out Of The Darkness by Heather Graham

TITLE: Out Of The Darkness
SERIES #: The Finnigan Connection #3
CHARACTERS: Sarah & Tyler
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/16/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A love rekindled…or a deadly reunion?

Even after a decade, Sarah Hampton is haunted by the night that nearly ended in a bloody massacre and destroyed her high school romance with handsome Tyler Grant. Now the horror has returned. It’s a reckoning from the events of that terrifying night—and a love they never let go. Only this time Tyler must protect Sarah from the killer hiding in the darkness…or lose her forever.

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts Ok so first let me say two things. 1) I love Heather Graham’s books especially her Krewe Of Hunters series and 2) I set myself up each time I pick the books from this series so why I do it I do not know.

I know this is not it because I doubt Graham would put her reputation on the line but it is like this series is written by someone else and put her name on it. The characters are just not interesting and while the storyline was interesting if not original.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

February 20, 2018February 19, 2018

Kimberly reviews Never Let Go by Jill Sanders

TITLE: Never Let Go
SERIES #: Haven, Montana #2
CHARACTERS: Trent & Adrianna
AUTHOR: Jill Sanders
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/20/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Activist meets corporate in this sizzling romance by New York Times bestselling author Jill Sanders.
Trent McGowan has never been the guy who doesn’t get what he wants. He and his brothers are making a go of the oil business, and he’s always had a bit of a reputation with the ladies. Only lately, something’s been missing—something Trent never realized he needed…until he sees his childhood crush standing on the picket line, trying to destroy his company. And what happened to turn sweet Addy Collins into a sexy activist?
Environmentalist Adrianna Collins has returned to her hometown of Haven, Montana, on a mission to stop destructive oil mining. She never imagined that the corporate face on the other side of the protest line would be her lifelong crush. The Trent she remembers is better known for flirting than, uh, fracking, and she can’t believe he’d risk his city to make a quick buck.
Now Trent’s determined to prove that he’s not the person she thinks he is. If he can earn Addy’s trust, he might be able to save his company—and bring Addy home for good.

REVIEW:
I really enjoy the writing of Jill Sanders. I thought this story was sweet, heartfelt and had some real “ah ha” moments… at least for me.

This is the second in the series and while each books romance can be a stand alone there is a background story that continues throughout the series.

I thought the characters were very real. They feel what a normal person would in the exact situation(s). I have enjoyed both books so far and look forward to #3. I think any fan of the romance with a bit of suspense would enjoy it too.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

January 18, 2018January 15, 2018

Kimberly reviews Promise Not To Tell by Jayne Ann Krentz

TITLE: Promise Not To Tell
SERIES #: Cutler, Sutter & Salinas #2
CHARACTERS: Virginia & Cabot
AUTHOR: Jayne Ann Krentz
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/02/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A painter of fiery, nightmarish visions throws herself into the sea—but she leaves her secrets behind . . .
Seattle gallery owner Virginia Troy has spent years battling the demons that stem from her childhood time in a cult and the night a fire burned through the compound, killing her mother. And now one of her artists has taken her own life, but not before sending Virginia a last picture: a painting that makes Virginia doubt everything about the so-called suicide—and her own past.
Like Virginia, private investigator Cabot Sutter was one of the children in the cult who survived that fire… and only he can help her now. As they struggle to unravel the clues in the painting, it becomes clear that someone thinks Virginia knows more than she does and that she must be stopped. Thrown into an inferno of desire and deception, Virginia and Cabot draw ever closer to the mystery of their shared memories—and the shocking fate of the one man who still wields the power to destroy everything they hold dear.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Let me say that Krentz is high on my list of favorite authors but this book just didn’t do it for me. It seemed very long and yet each chapter was very short.
Virginia and Cabot knew each other as kids living in a cult and dealing with horrendous conditions and almost being killed. Now they are adults and believe the cult leader is back.
The story just wasn’t suspensive enough and I never really connected to the characters. I suggest reading any of Krentz’s books but don’t start with this one as you will not really get the feel of Krentz’s work.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

January 11, 2018January 7, 2018

Kelly reviews A Merciful Secret by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: A Merciful Secret
SERIES #: Mercy Kilpatrick #3
CHARACTERS: Mercy Kilpatrick & Truman Daly
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: January 16, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A pair of ritual murders could expose Mercy Kilpatrick to something terrifying: her own past…
Raised off the grid by survivalists, Mercy Kilpatrick believed in no greater safeguard than the backwoods of Oregon. Unforgiven by her father for abandoning the fold for the FBI, Mercy still holds to her past convictions. They’re in her blood. They’re her secrets—as guarded as her private survival retreat hidden away in the foothills.
In a cabin near her hideaway, Mercy encounters a young girl whose grandmother is dying from multiple knife wounds. Hundreds of miles away, a body is discovered slashed to death in a similar way. The victims—a city judge and an old woman living in the woods—couldn’t be more different. With the help of police chief Truman Daly, Mercy must find the killer before the body count rises. Mercy knows that the past has an edge on her. So does her family. How can she keep her secrets now…when they’re the only things that can save her?

REVIEW:
Again I find myself immersed in the world of Mercy Kilpatrick. In A Merciful Secret Mercy finds herself the first person on the scene of a vicious knife attack that turns into a murder investigation.
But that is not the only murder that the small town of Eagle’s Nest has to deal with, one of the local resident’s father has also been killed up in the big city of Portland. The only connection between these two murders is that both are very similar in method.
But neither Mercy or Truman were prepared for the wild ride that these two murders were going to take them on. When all the questions are answered someone’s hopes and dream will go up in flame.
Another wonderful book from Mrs. Elliot! I always love picking up a copy of her books. I really enjoyed seeing the connection between Mercy and Truman grow. These two are so perfect together and can work through anything as long as they are together!
I can’t wait to see what is next in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.