Queen's Ransom: Fog City Book 4, Layla Reyne

This is actually my first FF story and because it's an author I adore I had no second-guessing or hesitations when diving in.  I've already come to love these women throughout the previous stories in this series and I needed to know their story.

Something to keep in mind before reading...  This isn't exactly something you can read without having read the previous stories in the series because the interconnection, connected plots, danger, players, side characters...just everything, is just so much that if you started with Queen's Ransom it'd be very confusing trying to keep everyone straight (or not so straight as the personal preferences run the wonderful gamut of the Kinsey scale here in this family).

Helena and Cee could really have used a hundred more pages to delve deeper into the romantic part of this story since it wasn't a trilogy like Chris and Hawes got, but what we did get was both sweet and dramatic enough to fit well into the series and give us more angst that we'll need to really yearn for Brax and Holt's story.

Both women were passionate, caring, and while there was a considerable amount of hesitation and back and forth by Helena, it wasn't without merit and did get an adequate resolution at the end.  Cee also showed her mettle and she is every bit as wonderful as we've come to know before now.  I can't wait to rejoin their family and see their conclusion as every one of the Madigans get their HEA.

*4.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU

Add to your Goodreads TBR list!

Everyone leaves.
Love is risky business when you're an assassin.
Helena Madigan has lost loved ones to the family business before. Now that she's in charge, she's determined never to risk her heart again.
Except every time Celia enters the room, she takes Helena's breath away.

But the one time someone stays...

Celia Perri likes to be helpful.
She just wants to run the family auto shop, raise her kids, and help her brother plan his wedding.
But when a drive-by shooting targets the garage, Celia's simple life is upended.
Now ensconced within the Madigan family, there's no escaping Helena, the blonde bombshell she's been crushing on for months.

It could cost her everything.
As the Madigans investigate, Celia witnesses their love and loyalty up close.
And their business.
Instead of being afraid, she sees a place for herself among them. She could be a confidant and caregiver--if only Helena would stop pushing her away. If only she'd admit their mutual attraction might lead to more.
And if only someone would stop shooting at them long enough to find out.

*Queen's Ransom is the fourth book in the Fog City romantic suspense series. It can be read as a stand-alone but is best enjoyed after reading books one through three of the series, in fact, it's definitely my opinion that you're taking a bit of a risk starting here instead of with Prince of Killers.

About Layla

Layla Reyne is the author of the Fog City, Agents Irish and Whiskey, Trouble Brewing, and Changing Lanes series.  A Carolina Tar Heel who now calls the San Francisco Bay Area home, Layla enjoys weaving her bi-coastal experiences into her stories, along with adrenaline-fueled suspense and heart-pounding romance.

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Just My Luck, Alice Winters

I knew I'd enjoy the story overall, mostly because I adore this author's writing, but this story had a much different feel than others because it was darker and had quite a few elements that needed time and care to get to the answers and the healing.  For the issues to be tackled adequately as well as maintaining the comedic flair that makes Alice's stories all their own wasn't easy, but I think it was done well.  I fell in love with both characters, was charmed by the dog, and was definitely happy with the ending.

Killian came across as both immature and intelligent at the same time while also being oblivious and giving us a sense that he was hiding something too.  He was kind of complicated in a way I didn't expect.  And his atrocious upbringing that we got in the flashbacks made me ache for him over and over again.  He didn't grow up easy.  I think it made him an even more understanding and perfect partner for Shepherd.

The humorous moments that came from Shepherd were a bit unexpected, but surprisingly perfect for who we learn he is.  He's damaged, definitely, but I didn't predict how he reacted to the choices he was forced to make when he was young.  Part of me is torn that he found a way to be intimate with Killian because trauma doesn't always have such an easy transition.  It wasn't really easy, but the lighter moment where he realized what he felt for Killian and what he felt previously was miles apart felt easy.  So while I'm a little conflicted about that, there's an overwhelming part of me that thought that moment was necessary for both men and that it was logical yet full of feeling.

Even though there is a bit of a loose end with the father and the consequences he faced, the end bit with Killian and Shepherd was all kinds of lovely.  It was tender, funny, and exactly what I'd needed to read about their tumultuous journey.  Their happiness was hard-won in the face of all the danger that sought them and when Shepherd's playfulness met with Killian's sass and amusing excuses it all came together.  It was my kind of story, the kind that I could willingly re-read and recommend, which I do, whole-heartedly.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Killian
When I’m tossed into the trunk of a car, I realize that what little luck I have has finally run out—especially when I find that Tony, the man who’d abducted me, is planning on using me to get back at my father. My chances for escape look pretty bleak when I’m handcuffed to Tony’s bodyguard, an intimidating man named Shepherd who apparently loves tight shirts and seems to be amused by making my life miserable. Soon, though, I learn that Shepherd has a heart and a brain. And sometimes, those two things can be a bigger weapon than anything in a time like this. I just have to learn how to wield them.

After Shepherd gets me away from Tony’s men, I discover that he’s a survivor, a fighter, and the only person who seems willing to help me when it feels like the whole world is against me. At first, I’m not sure if I can trust the man, but the more we get to know each other, the more I realize that he’s funny and kind of sweet. He’s determined to protect me, but he doesn’t know all of my secrets. He doesn’t know that Tony isn’t the only one looking for me. But together, as we face betrayal and taking down the worst monster of all, we’re determined that we will be the lucky ones after all.

Bad Beat: Lady Luck Book 0, J.J. Anatoliy

I...I think I'm in love.

Cin and Silas are dark, tortured, hateful, vengeful, sexy, damaged, and utterly perfect for one another.  They have the ability to give one another exactly what they need while also being the catalyst to becoming something new together.  Their story is just as dark as their thoughts because the world they live in is unkind, but somehow they make most of their scenes together both hot and funny while simultaneously being utterly badA and deadly.  Their encounters with those that would destroy them are merciless and gruesome, but so very entertaining.

I love that the bad guys central to this story get their comeuppance because they are truly reprehensible and utterly disgusting humans and I'm thinking this is going to be the overarching thread that ties the whole series together.  I'm absolutely on the edge of my seat for more of Cin and Silas' brand of hilarious brutality.  Their interactions are perfect for them because they admit all the twisted things they love, their affection is disturbingly funny, and their brand of steam is absolutely electric.  And when you find a balance between their savagery with a certain type of bloodthirsty justice I think you've found a kind of magic formula that keeps readers like me champing at the bit for more.

This is admittedly a bloody tale, but there's something so engrossing about their story, their goals, and the characters that plot, maneuver, and assist them.  I'm incredibly intrigued about virtually every character we meet and while the idea that the behind-the-scenes powers is predictable, I have a feeling that we're in for a wild ride no matter who thinks they're pulling the strings.

*$2.99 on Amazon

An assassin too talented to tame.

Silas Deveroux has a problem. He has been a member of the world’s most feared assassin organization, known only as Maman, since he was nothing but a brat living on the streets of Paris. Over the years, he has been honed into a talented, ruthless killer and has claimed the coveted spot of the second most successful assassin in all of Maman. He is deadly, he is ruthless, he is feared…
And all of that is perfectly fine by Silas.

The problem is… He’s bored.

He wants out of Maman. Silas wants to live life by his own rules and he’s willing to defy his terrifying superiors to do what no one has done before him- escape Maman’s clutches.
Right when he thinks he can finally make his move; he receives a contract from his superior to take the life of a gangster half the world away. Even with this unusual assignment, he doesn’t foresee his boredom lifting any time soon.
That is, until he meets his target’s brother.

A gangster with too much attitude and too little time.

Cin Raymes is on the edge. After the brutal murder of his baby brother- the only person that Cin held dear in his shithole of a life- he’s out for blood, bone, and teeth. But he has a problem. He’s been put on a leash by his older brother, Saint, the leader of the gang that Cin was raised in. Cin’s only role is to protect Saint and he is barely even allowed to breathe without Saint’s explicit permission. His impatience and rage are building and he’s about to snap…
When an unexpected guest arrives, who shakes the foundation of Cin’s entire world.

Put them together, and what do you get?

Hell. On. Earth.

*The rest of the Lady Luck series is MF, though our favorite assassins do make an appearance or few =]

Claiming Bite, Silvia Violet

Not your average shifter love story, Emerson and King muddle through finding their path forward together amidst all the conflict and tension between them and between King and the shifter community.  I can't say this was truly effective because quite a few things were lacking, but there were some highlights here.  Side characters are a great draw, as is the potential for the world the story is set in and I wish there were enough between King and Emerson to back it all up because there were some awesome bones to build on.

First is the less-than awesome points.  The moment of connection between Emerson and King is great, but very soon after that it's as if the mate connection becomes a burden and something to hide rather than come to grips with and to develop.  It gets resolved later, but only after King does what he does and makes decisions on behalf of others.  Which leads me to something else that bothered me.  I totally get the power exchange and the inherent respect that should exist between D/s couplings and I just didn't feel King's commitment to true training.  Instead it was more that he was domineering and kinky and more concerned with bending Emerson's obedience to his will rather than delving into Emerson's true needs.

That was something else that was a concern.  From their first discussion about Emerson's needs it was clear there was an underlying need in his restlessness and felt bigger than merely being drawn to a possible mate and should have been given its due.  Either make it about the mate bond drawing them together so their sexual needs can be met, or resolve the why of why Emerson needs the domination beyond fantasies.  There was also something incredibly lacking in the background of both men.  We're given a clear picture of King's community and business motivations, but beyond that I have no idea who he really is.  And even less about Emerson is given.  Sure he had a dick of an ex, but that's the sum total of his background.  Because we get so little about these men their D/s dynamic feels more about lust than a lifestyle and their actual connection lacks depth.

On a high note was the world built around them.  It was far more compelling than the MC's unfortunately, but it's a world that I was pretty drawn into and wonder if there's a potential for a series to come from it, especially because there are a few characters and possible relationships we're given a glimpse of and they're definitely tantalizing.  The steam is definitely there despite lacking the punch of a deep connection to ground it.  With a great cast to support Emerson and King as well as the story there's a well of interest to draw on and I do hope for more from this world.  I wish the story were more effective, more powerful, but there are some things to enjoy, particularly if we get more in the future.

*$4.99 on Amazon

What if the one thing you wanted most was forbidden?

Alpha werewolf King Howler seems to have everything he could want: power, wealth, and his own club where he can act out his dominant fantasies. But the one thing he lacks is his fated mate.

Shy loner Emerson has always craved submission, not to another human—to a shifter. Handing over control to anyone could be dangerous, but with a shifter, it might be deadly. Yet all his fantasies star a werewolf who can make him beg.

When King and Emerson meet, the bond between them is instinctive and undeniable. King can't resist the pull he feels toward the younger man, even though giving Emerson what he longs for is risky. Emerson doesn't care how vulnerable he is. He knows he belongs with King, and he's willing to do anything to prove it. As longing turns to love, King knows he must find a way to keep Emerson safe, both from his enemies and from himself, because in the end, nothing can stop an alpha from claiming his mate.

The Marshal's PI: Yours to Protect Book 2, Este Holland

I think I have a new book to add to my favorite shelf.  With drama, action, sweet confessions, and a whole lot of steam to drool over, this is easily one of my favorite reads of the year.  I was immediately drawn into the story and was glad I chose to start the book after my kids were in bed because I didn't stop reading until it I got to the end.  There was something so captivating about Kai and Gannin and the story itself was believable.  Add in a fantastic cast that's absolutely going to bring me back for more and I'm sold.

Kai is quirky, amusing, brash, and exactly what Gannin needs in his life to find his mellow.  I liked that Kai knows himself, makes no excuses, and still thinks before he acts most of the time.  There are some characters that think they know more than they do and unwittingly put themselves and many others in more danger than without their "assistance" and Kai wasn't like that.  Yes, he wanted to have more control over what he did, but when push came to shove, he let others take the lead.  What really made him memorable to me was his personality and the way he was with Gannin.  He wasn't in so much denial to everyone and himself about his feelings, he merely had no experience with deeper connections and wasn't completely convinced that he was diving headlong into love.

And with Gannin there to catch him, there was nowhere safer to land.  Gannin is a big, hard man who is focused beyond most people's capability.  His honesty and determination rule his life and there's no other way I would want him to be.  He's made of loyalty and passion, he just hasn't yet had a focus outside his job that earned all of him.  While his attraction to the crazy man-child bothered him at first, it didn't take long to become something he didn't want to be without.  The straightforward way he treated Kai and his feelings toward him totally won me over.  He was clear, direct, and so surprisingly soft that I pretty much melted.

The steam was another case of melting, for sure.  Their chemistry was beyond palpable and I loved that it didn't take the center stage for the whole book, that there were different facets to their relationship that balanced out their passion.  It also didn't dominate the story's overall plot.  We got a whole lot of non-sexual action too so I felt the story was extremely well balanced.  There was a slightly more disturbing part and I found that believable and that it added depth to the story where so many other novels produce the nick-of-time saves when we all know that's so unlike reality.

I've found that I'm at a loss when trying to think about the story's negative aspects and I'm supremely thrilled that I'm having this problem.  I suppose I could sing its praises again, but I'm sure you're tired of reading my thoughts at this point, so we'll just leave it at, "This book was awesome and I immensely enjoyed reading it."

*$3.99 on Amazon!

Dodging bullets shouldn’t be fun…should it? 

It is when the man protecting you is hot as sin.
Kai is a happy-go-lucky guy. At least, he was before the mob came knocking on his door.
He’ll go to any length to protect a secret, even work with US Marshal Gannin West.
The only man who can help.
The only man who drives him crazy.

To figure out how to stop the one who wants Kai erased, he’ll have to cooperate… But will it be too late?

The Sinner and the Liar: Seeking Asylum Book 1, Alice Winters

Dark and twisted, not something I expected from this author, yet I couldn't help but truly enjoy the story as I watched Sin and Eastyn battle feelings, deception, angst, and the hard life in their world.  Neither man had a lot of glowing morals to hold them through the tough times, but it was their grit and the passion and compassion they brought out in one another that moved me.  While the story felt quite long because it got bogged down in the dark, hard things a little too often, it wasn't enough to diminish their triumph or my enjoyment.

Sin had a lot of hurt and bitterness within him all buried beneath a shallow grave of apathy.  He says he doesn't care, but the truth is he cares too much and if he were to give in to all those feelings, he'd crumble.  When he "meets" Eastyn it's as if his soul is drawn to him despite knowing that the beautiful young man is an unapologetic liar.  There's something that connects them and when we finally learn the "six degrees of separation" that links them, it's a doozy, I tell you.  Wow...did not see that coming until Eastyn finally started sharing what gave him the mental fortitude to survive.  It's big, heartbreaking.

The banter and snark between them was just as entertaining as their chemistry.  It was definitely a codependent situation as it deepened, but it couldn't truly be anything else under their circumstances.  Despite that, I felt they could really be everything the other person needed to find their peace and freedom.  I was never bored by everything they experienced.  There were a few moments that I thought were a bit predictable and a little over the top, but there was enough going on in the story to distract from that and to keep us revolving around their twisted story.

It's the world around them that we get a sense of, but nothing concrete enough for me to build it in my imagination.  We get quite a bit about this particular city, some about the walls, and definitely enough about the social dynamic between law enforcement and the mob in this city.  What I needed was a more solid world build.  The setup was there, the immediate circumstances were there, but it was missing the rest of the world to give us a clearer picture of why this city was so bad, how it compared to others, what life might be like if escape were truly possible, what the implications would be of life elsewhere...just something to give perspective.  Not that I wanted to get stuck in details that didn't directly pertain to Sin and Eastyn's stories, but just a bit of something to secure their world in my mind.

I'll be back for more from this series for sure.  For me it's because even though the darkness was a departure from her normal style, this author hasn't yet failed to move me in some way.  I'm interested to see where we go next in this world and if the second one improves on our introduction of it.

*$3.99 on Amazon!

Sin is a hard man caught in a crumbling city filled with crime. Drifting through life, he takes on mercenary jobs by day and drinks away the memories of a happier time at night. Life has no color and little direction until he saves a gorgeous young man from a vicious attack. Resisting the determined, feisty, and seemingly innocent young man presents the first challenge Sin has had in ages. Eastyn brings brightness and humor to Sin’s previously dark and grim world, but there’s far more to Eastyn than he lets on.

Eastyn is trapped, a victim of circumstance, and he wants only to find a way out. He gambles everything to bend one dangerous man to his will in order to escape another. Falling in love was never part of that plan, but with Sin, he suddenly has the power to become the person he has always wanted but never dared to be. 

In a fractured city poised between order and chaos, two men find the chance of a love stronger than the evil that surrounds them. But claiming and keeping that love will be the riskiest thing either of them will ever have to do. Because Eastyn is unlike anyone Sin has ever met before, and he might be the very thing needed to save Sin from himself.

Whispering Hills Books 1-2, Tabatha Austin

Objectively, these are pretty good books.  There's shifting, mpreg, hard-won romance, drama, sexy times, and happily ever afters.  Objectively, they probably deserve a little higher star ratings.  But there's just something about the storytelling, the characters, the world-building...just quite a few somethings that didn't jive with me personally.  They're not amazing, they're not bad, on the whole they're just acceptably nice stories with a whole lot of potential.

🐺🐺🐾🐺🐺

On the run from an unsavory past, Alex finds himself trapped in a nowhere town by a bunch of freaks who think they can turn into wolves.  Oh, and they can't prove it.  And he's mated to a deliciously "country-handsome" man who is too nice to be believed.  Jake has been waiting for Alex and all the hopes he had pinned on finding a mate meet reality and nothing goes according to anyone's plans.

There was a whole lot of potential for these two men and while they had complicated pasts, I thought they, as individuals, lacked depth.  I had hoped they would spend time getting to know one another with their forced situation, but instead there's a lot of "you just don't understand," and both men are at fault for putting unrealistic expectations on one another.  Everything works out in the end, but getting to that point is filled with more disappointment than exultation.  There was a whole lot of description too.  Not like the author was telling rather than showing, just doing a whole lot of showing.  It's one thing to paint a picture for the reader, but to describe each brushstroke is excessive.  It took away from the imagination and artistry that could have been achieved otherwise.  As for the drama, it was excessively violent, I feel.

The world-building was confusing as were the terms and descriptions along the way.  I felt so lost in the beginning, wondering why Alex was treated the way he was, why they went about introducing him to the town and Alphas the way he was, and all that went into the agreement with Westley.  There was just something missing from each of those points that I had a really hard time staying with the story from start to finish.  2.5 stars.

Where book one wasn't as great with the definitions of terms, world-building, and individual depth, My Shifter Hero did much better.  Because Truman was excessively wordy at times and due to his personality, when he described something he did it well.  Where he was lacking, other characters picked up the slack when Luke had his big doubts and questions.  It wasn't entirely adequate, but it was better.  Their relationship felt more solid because of the way they learned to communicate, the little things they did to understand one another, and the way they had to earn their own individual acceptance before they could truly accept their mate.  Their trials felt more magical and emotional rather than physical.

One thing that was missing from their "welcome" to the pack was the Sheriff acknowledging the strengths of each man when they came back after their trials.  What they brought to the pack was more valuable, I feel than what I've seen others "offer", but that seemed glossed over.

A moment that stands out as being overly simplistic, showing a serious lack of creativity, and pretty absurd, was the "reasoning" given to the drastic change Luke's mother experienced.  I was pretty disappointed with that and it soured so many of the good things going on in that scene.  Other than that, the overly descriptive story is an improvement on the first, but I'm not sure that it sold me on coming back for more of the series.  It's not a bad read at all, it just wasn't my type of story in the end.  3 stars.

We Met in Death, K.A. Merikan

A dangerous encounter saves two lives rather than just one, but the act of conscience comes with mortal consequences.  Nathan and Robert are forced to run, to hide, to survive however they can as they try to find a way out of the mess they've both created and found themselves in.  Along the way they'll face deep parts of themselves that they've been blind to, have ignored, have denied for years.  They'll either survive or die, but the real question is whether they'll do it together.

Robert is troubled, to say the least.  He's frustrating, hurtful, and yet I ache for him.  To know who he is and then to deny it just to survive and keep scraps of what he's protecting is disheartening.  When I look at him I just see survival.  Not pretty survival, or even strong survival, just knee-jerk reactions to stay alive and provide for a family he distances himself from to protect.  I find so much about him that's redeemable and I think he really grows and finds his way back to the light by the end of the story.

I feel like I'm in the minority here in regards to preferring Robert over Nathan.  Yes, Robert is deeply closeted and hurtful to Nathan and others, but despite the "I can't be gay" thing (which is pretty understandable given his location, family's beliefs, and his professional restrictions and expectations), Nathan's behavior is deplorable on many, many more occasions.  Outing Robert, even unsuccessfully, because he's offended, knowing being gay can get them both killed regardless of Vogel's obsession, giving an impressionable young girl the idea to sleep with the guy bullying her because that's what he did, thinking nothing of spending someone else's money, getting Robert shot, exposing them over and over...I mean, I could go on but I think you get the idea, yeah?  With Nathan's reactions over and over I question what's so great about him aside from his looks.  There's a bit of caring and self-awareness that happens once they're with Robert's family, but even then those are flashes rather than an upward trend.  Most of how Nathan describes being gay and his identity comes down to sex rather than who he really is.  Being unable to express himself is and understandable frustration, I'm not faulting him for those feelings at all.  What I am faulting him for is his treatment of Robert, his constant need to throw gay sex in everyone's faces when ignorant, hurtful things are said, and his self-centered actions.  I'm not even won over by the end.

The overall story felt disjointed, unfocused, and way too long for what the point was.  Inconsistencies and content issues bothered me quite a lot and I wanted to skim so much of the story.  It's Robert's redemption, making amends, changing for the better, and eventual honesty that saves the story from being a 2 star book for me.  Lots of other people liked it, and that's totally great, so make of this what you will, but I went from being intrigued to disappointed very quickly.  Also?  The cover is unappealing.  With a lot of unrealized potential I'm hard-pressed to recommend this story as a good representation of the author's true abilities.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Dead Man Walking: Cold Case Psychic Book 9, Pandora Pine

Tragedy led Ronan and his best friend, Tony to have a falling out and the release of a homegrown mafia leader brings them back together.  But their reunion is definitely not one of heartfelt apologies or peace, instead it's fraught with lashing out physically and verbally with promises of cutting ties forever.  Ronan's prepared to be just as stubborn right back if it means saving his best friend's life.  If there's anyone more stubborn than Ronan, though, it's his husband.  Tennyson's visions help to guide everyone's investigation but when a surprise entity shows up and tests all his loyalties and his marriage, it sets them all on a path that could end in betrayal, distrust, and hurt.  Fate isn't done testing everyone's resolve and inner strength if they can survive the threat of the past.

In Dead of Night I had a very difficult time with Tennyson's attitude toward Ronan regarding their future.  While we did get a bit of clarification there for his reasoning it still doesn't excuse the fact that he almost sacrificed his present in favor of the future...except to have what he knew would come to them, he needed Ronan.  His "can't see the forest for the trees" mentality isn't exactly fixed, though he does show his fierce loyalty to his husband when it counts here in Dead Man Walking.  Him telling someone off after being threatened was stunning as well as moving.  So while I don't think he's found balance and harmony in his emotional outbursts and ups and downs, I do think he's making progress and getting to a better place within himself.

Ronan continues to surprise me with his goodness and his heart as well as his increasingly level head.  While he still reacts in typical Ronan fashion at times, it's not nearly as volcanic and irrational as it was when we first met him.  He's much more in touch with rationality and his feelings than ever before and it allows him to deepen friendships, see reason, and to express himself.

The drama is big and the confrontation is just as tense as we've come to expect from this series.  Though I will say the position Tennyson, Carlie, and everyone else is put in is unreasonable and a bit disappointing.  I think that playing on threads of mistrust, self-doubt, and secrecy is an unfortunate way to move things along to the next big dramatic events of the series.  Adding that to the implication that these men are nothing more than adolescents carried away by their emotions and reactions rather than the maturity and life experience they've forged under incredible circumstances while surrounded by supportive, loving friends and family is disappointing to say the least.  There has to be a better way for the series to continue!  I mean, it's not out of the realm of possibility that Ronan could accept the choices made simply because he has made similar decisions and concessions in his profession; that beyond the initial surprise and justified hurt that he could accept and forgive.  Let's hope it's maturity, compassion, forgiveness, and understanding that reigns in Dead to the World.

So overall, the story was big and dramatic and pretty well done in terms of keeping the story's events cohesive and relevant to their individual situations and in relation to past events.  The relationship's dynamics between Tennyson and Ronan are getting back on track but still have a bit farther to go before I can trust that they're truly invested, that I won't worry about the external threats because they've both found balance on their own and harmony and unity together.  Moving forward from here I have my doubts about the creativity and intent in regards to what elements are being chosen to move the series along, but I haven't lost faith that we'll get something good, whatever the outcome.  I'm definitely excited for the next spin-off series focusing on Jude and Copeland in The Haunted Souls series.  So yeah, I liked the book but am not in love and am holding out hope for a better turn of events in Dead to the World.

*$3.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Defending Chloe: Mountain Mercenaries Book 2, Susan Stoker

Family should be our first line of support when life throws us curve balls, but that's often not the case, unfortunately.  For Chloe, the support offered by her brother is deceiving and covers a number of ulterior motives that ultimately trap her under his control.  A foot to the back and being stranded by that same brother puts her on the radar of a sexy, quietly dangerous, and fiercely protective Ronan.  His mission in life is to assist his brothers in helping women and children in abusive and dangerous situations.  The curvy Chloe calls to all his protective instincts and no matter the trials he has to face, he'll help her escape.  If he can get her to fall just as hard for him as he has for her in the process, then all the better.

Chloe is a very intelligent woman and while I was shocked at first that she could be so smart and yet get stuck in her horrendous situation, it became clear that it wasn't just the obvious abuse from her brother and his girlfriend that kept her seemingly compliant.  There were much bigger foes she was afraid of that kept her mostly in line.  What I loved the most about her was that she quietly amassed information and inner strength to escape and rebuild her life.  Her fight and her determination to survive was definitely admirable.

Ronan's heart was always in the right place, though it didn't always keep him out of trouble with Chloe.  His reliance on his team and his staunch belief in serving their brand of justice to abusers of all types is incredible.  Learning of his relationship with his family was a mixed bag of feelings because I certainly wasn't expecting what we got, but it felt genuine in it's complicated nature.  It was a unique personal conflict that gave a different kind of depth to the man.  And loving Chloe the way he did was as sweet as it was sexy.

One thing I will say is that while I don't have a problem with insta-lust or when one or both of the MC's feel and know who their one person is, there were quite a lot of sexual situations, and crude descriptions during those moments, that occurred in a really short timeline.  The language of the more sexual stuff in this author's books can never be described as shy, subtle, or even tame, and I'm a fan of that, there were just a couple moments that I had to cringe a little.  Other than that, this was a super sexy story with a whole lot of tenderness wrapped up in a suspenseful package.  I love strong women and alphamallows and we get both here.  It was most definitely an enjoyable read and I can't wait for more from this series.

*$1.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Gorgeous women don’t just stumble onto Ronan Cross’s remote property. But this one—vulnerable, victimized, and needing the kind of help only Ronan can offer—tells a story that makes his blood boil almost as hot as his need to protect her.

Since her father’s death, Chloe Harris has become a prisoner. Her own brother, a flesh peddler and low-level player in the Denver Mafia, is forcing her to sell her body for an endgame Chloe never saw coming: control over a vast fortune. Her only way out is to run—straight into the arms of the one hard-bodied man she can trust.

Defending Chloe could rain punishment down on the Mountain Mercenaries. Her brother has Mob connections and the local police in his pocket. But Ronan still has an edge—the unshakable loyalty of his deadly teammates. As well as an unquenchable thirst for retribution…and Chloe.

His Scottish Detective: Victorian Gay Detective Book 3, Summer Devon

Joshua Smith is caught in a compromising location.  He only wanted to ease his loneliness and fulfill a craving but he should have known that his moment of weakness would land him in deeper trouble than he could handle.  For Munro, this is a rather ill-fated meeting.  Already struggling to maintain professionalism in an antagonistic work environment, his choice to save a man effectively ends his policing career.  A man up against the law, a man who is the law.  Both have secrets to protect but a woman in danger brings them together in ways neither man expected.

This book seemed accurate for the time period depicted.  Every time photographs were mentioned I'd have to think about what year it was and whether or not they could get crime scene photos and such.  Despite those instances that jarred me out of the moment, the language and descriptions of the setting fit.  Though I will say there was an incredible amount of verbal dancing.  With so many words and seemingly never getting to the point in any of the conversations, it made the story feel much longer than necessary.

I liked Joshua and was sad that he kept getting the short end of the stick and doubted all the time.  Yes, the evidence often pointed to him, but for all of Munro's ability to see beyond the surface of the words and the situation, Joshua was constantly battling against Munro's skepticism, among other issues.  Joshua's thoughts were much more clear as were his feelings.  I enjoyed getting to know Joshua, his vulnerabilities, motivations, fears, and his heart.

Munro was a bit more difficult to know.  While I feel he is a good match for Joshua, and it's obvious Joshua enjoys him very much, his slightly contrary and intriguing personality seems a little nebulous.  We don't get too much of his history or learn of his motivations beyond his experience on the force in Perth.  His feelings for Joshua remain unclear for the most part.  We are left to infer their depths through his suggestive words and blushes but some kind of clear assurance of feelings, even in his inner musings, would be greatly appreciated.

The end was hopeful and a tentative HEA.  Joshua's hope, eagerness, and excitement was very cute, almost contagious.  Munro's reaction to Joshua's suggestion felt right for who we know Munro to be and I'm not sure I'd wish for something different in that setting.  If we got an epilogue, maybe I might feel better about the ending, but as it was written, it seemed open yet hopeful.  I just wish the tentative could have been removed from their HEA.

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Heartless: Merciless Duet Book 2, Willow Winters

Willow Winters continues Carter and Aria's tumultuous story.

Coming July 17, 2018...

At first, his words were harsh and his touch cold.

I knew he was a dangerous man and he could destroy me if only he wanted to.

That’s not what he wanted though. 

It’s so easy to get lost in the touch of a man who’s powerful and unattainable. 

A man who wants for nothing … except me.

Soft touches and stolen glances made my blood heat and my heart beat in a way I never knew it could.

Yes, it’s easy to fall into a haze of lust and desire.

But there’s a reason his reputation is one of a heartless man.

And I should have known better.

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Start Carter and Aria's story from the beginning...

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Author Bio

Willow Winters is so happy to be a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and #1 Contemporary Bestselling Romance Author. She likes her action hot and her bad boys hotter. She certainly doesn’t hold back on either one in her writing!

Willow started writing after having her little girl, Evie, December 2015. All during her pregnancy with Evie she continued to read and she only wanted to read romance. She was reading a book a day — sometimes two.

In January 2016 Willow was staying up late with Evie and just thinking of all these stories. They came to her constantly so she finally sat down and just started writing. She always wanted to do it so she figured, why not? Today Willow cannot be happier for making that decision!

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Merciless: Merciless Duet Book 1, Willow Winters

Two words.  Stockholm Syndrome.  Not Okay.  Inappropriate Relationship.  Disturbing Methods.  ...take your pick, they all fit this story.  Was the story good?  It's very well written and most of the characters we've met in previous stories and therefore have a bit of background.  Aside from that I'm not sure I could really sink deep into this story without some serious red flags, icky feelings, and extreme reservations.  Is the relationship believable?  Umm...yes?  I mean, Stockholm Syndrome is a real thing, it's been known to happen, documented cases of relationships forming because of forced captivity.  So yes, I can believe a relationship would form under these circumstances.  Does that translate into a lasting and true romantic relationship that could have formed without the captivity and breaking of wills?  No.  I don't buy it.

So we have Carter, the eldest brother in the Cross family.  He inherited a role he never wanted but still took to it like a duck to water.  We meet him briefly when we get Daniel and Addison's story, Possessive, and we see someone cold at the top but has a heart for his family.  What we're "tempted" with here is a man without a heart.  Someone stone cold with no heart at all.  He was forced to be this kind of man and yet he appears to embrace it with all of himself.  And yet there's the hope for that cold, cold heart...

Aria Talvery is a casualty of war.  At least that's what everyone thinks she'll be.  And they're all partially right.  Because of the violent interactions between the gangs in their area she's been hiding and now stolen in the name of brokering alliances and negotiations.  She's vulnerable, scared, and lonely.  Her loyalty is to her father despite knowing what he is and what he does.  When her world is turned upside down and she finds herself at the mercy of a merciless man, it'll take an inner strength she has neglected over the years.  If she can't find the strength she won't just submit, she'll break beyond repair.

The story takes a really long time to get anywhere.  Like, a really, really long time.  A lot of it is the plodding of time and the setup for betrayals, gang rivalries, emotional motivations, cryptic backstory, a few points of narrative exposition, and a whole lot of the disheartening inner monologues from both characters.  I find Aria shallow and weak.  Add in the whole Stockholm business and we've got a shell of a woman who had potential, a girl with a couple of interesting points that could have been developed but haven't been as of yet.  And Carter.  I wanted so much to like him.  To see something more than the incessant assurances that he's a horrible man who only wants to break Aria for his sexual use.  There's a whole evolution that we're not getting, in fact, we are barely getting any hints of one on the horizon in the sequel, Heartless, to be coming soon.

Overall I found the story slow-moving, extremely disturbing, the characters seemingly nonredeemable and quite unremarkable, and the "war" to be one that might never come to fruition.  With a severe lack of transparency for the audience, us the readers, despite getting both points of view, I'm finding it difficult to want to continue the story.  I probably will because I'm a little bit of a glutton for punishment.  If only to get more of the siblings so I can have something to look forward to as the Cross brothers each get their own book.  So I didn't hate the story, but I didn't like it ether.

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