Karma - Carly Phillips

Book Blurb:
Police Officer Dare Barron has had a crush on Liza McKnight ever since he was a teenager. But despite his lifelong attraction, the closest he’s ever come to interacting with her is watching Liza regularly bail out her brother at the station. Dare’s dark past with Liza’s brother, Brian, has always kept him from pursuing her.

But suddenly Liza finds herself in need of protection and Dare appoints himself as the man for the job. And while the sizzling attraction between Dare and Liza draws them together, the past that Dare and Brian share threatens to keep the two apart forever.

In My Own Words:
Sometimes the one thing we want to forget the most from our past comes back to haunt us which is the case with Dare and Liza.  He wants so much to forget and redeem himself for the party he left when he was 15 years old, resulting in the death of a friend.  The party was held at Liza's house by her brother, and every time he sees Liza, all he can think is what a screwup her brother is and how could she help him the way she does and still have a conscience?

Liza has secrets of her own, and none of them is she willing to share with the uppity Officer Barron.  When they are continually at the same place at the same time, some of the walls start to crumble and the pair start to actually like each others company.  When her brother's screw-ups start tracking her down and threatening her, Dare feels it is his responsibility to rush in and save her, until he is forced to confront demons from his own past.

Review:
These two have baggage with a capital "B".  I loved the chemistry between them, and watching them argue was almost as much fun as watching the makeup sessions.  I enjoyed getting to see the past couples and of course Tess.  It has been awesome to see this family evolve over that past 3 books not only with their romantic relationships but with each other and their new sister.  Karma was a wonderful wrap up of the family, with lots of new additions and healing coming full circle.  My only complaint was the large amount of editing issues.  Names were switched a few times, and punctuation was missing several places, it became about me finding the errors instead of focusing on the story.  I do recommend this book, and of course, the editing won't stop me from buying another Carly Phillips book, but in this one, there were more than a few.

Count to Ten - Karen Rose

Book Blurb:
In all his years in the Chicago Fire Department, Lieutenant Reed Solliday has never experienced anything like this recent outbreak of house fires—devastating, vicious, and, in one case, homicidal. He has another problem—his new partner, Detective Mia Mitchell. She's brash, bossy, and taking the case in a direction he never imagined.

Mia's instincts tell her the arsonist is making this personal. And as the infernos become more deadly, one look at the victim's tortured faces convinces her and Reed that they must work closer to catch the killer. With each new blaze, the villain ups the ante, setting firetraps for the people Reed and Mia love. The truth is almost too hot to handle: This monster's desire for death and destruction is unquenchable...and for Mia he's started the countdown to an early grave.

In My Own Words:
Coming back from her "time off" to find herself caught up in a case that will take all of her will, and sass to get through it.  Reed Solliday is pretty sure the last thing he needs in his life is a new partner, especially if that partner is a bossy, sassy know it all like Mia Mitchell that has a huge chip on her shoulder and enough guilt to sink the Titanic.  When the fires start getting bigger and the body count starts to add up, the only thing this new duo can do, is work together to figure out what is going on...while trying to stay away from each other as attraction is also magnetic.  When they start getting to close to the truth, Mia finds herself the center of the monster's sights.  Can they figure it out before one of their own family is killed, and before Mia gets caught by the very man she is hunting.

Notable Quote:
She drew in a breath. "I want to formally state my opposition to this stupid plan."
Spinnelli nodded. "Formally noted. Do it anyway."

Review:
Another heart stopping story by Karen Rose.  I have come to understand that I will probably not sleep well at night when I read her books.  She has a way of writing, that puts you in the midst of the craziness.  I enjoyed this book, it didn't take long to figure out who was the fire bug, and I wasn't sure when the book started if I could follow it.  When it started and throughout the book, you switch between story lines, and at first, I wasn't sure there was much connection, and that kind of threw me a little, but once the puzzle pieces were trickling in, I completely enjoyed it.

The First Sin - Cheyenne McCray

Book Blurb:
Alexi Steele is determined, relentless, and driven to protect the innocent. She’s a top agent of the NSA’s clandestine Recovery Enforcement Division, specializing in human trafficking and sex crimes. Her current mission: To infiltrate the inner circle of Boston’s exclusive S&M clubs in order to save thirteen young women who are about to be auctioned off to the highest bidders. But Lexi’s only way in is under the “control” of her new partner in crime, Nicholas Donovan.

Nick will do whatever it takes to bring down the billionaire sex-ring mastermind who’s kidnapped his sister. But the games he must play as Lexi’s “dominant” are burning away his icy control, and blurring the lines between partners. Meanwhile, their enemies are closing in as they enter a devastating race against time…bringing them dangerously close to THE FIRST SIN.

In My Own Words:
Lexi has already been to hell and back in a previous life, and now she will take on the monsters that are stealing young women for profit.  Being assigned a new sexy partner wasn't part of the deal though, she is the boss and that is that.  Until orders come down from the top, and she realizes she has no choice.  Nick has his own reasons for wanting to take down this human trafficking ring.  His sister had been taken and he would do anything to get her back.  Now all they have to do is get invited to the inner circle of the the high class BDSM club, become members, learn their secrets and take them down.  Simple enough...but when things don't go as planned, Lexi and Nick are up against the clock and some really bad people.

Notable Quote:
"I'll do my therapy with my Glock."

Review:
Holy Cow, is the first thing I thought of when describing this book.  Romantic Suspense, BDSM and craziness all wrapped up in one book.  When I was almost done, all I could think was what else can this poor girl go through?  Lexi is a strong, sassy, intelligent RED agent.  She is leading her own team and refuses to take failure as an option.  Her professional life has been what nightmares are made of and she is determined to be good at her newest job as a team leader.  I enjoyed watching her realizes her strengths and her weaknesses.  This book is not for the faint of heart.  It takes you in to the deep dark world of human trafficking and BDSM clubs.  I describe it as being very disturbing while being super hot at the same time.  The author knows exactly how to make you "feel" for and with the characters.  There is someone in this book that you will relate to, no matter who you are.  I highly recommend this one.

Larkspur Road - Jill Gregory

Book Blurb:
Fifth grade teacher Mia Quinn expected a tranquil summer in her hometown of Lonesome Way, Montana, sewing for her quilting group’s exhibition fundraiser and caring for her rescued dog, Samson. But all her plans for a relaxing break are thrown out the window when Travis Tanner—the boy who broke her heart in high school—returns to town with his ten year old adopted step-son.

A former FBI agent, the boy Mia once knew is now well over six feet of male muscle—and he still has the power to make Mia lose her train of thought with just a glance. When Travis asks her to tutor his troubled son, Mia quickly discovers that the sparks between them are hotter than ever. As danger comes to Lonesome Way and family secrets come to light, will Travis and Mia realize that love can be even better the second time around?

In My Own Words:
Family secrets seems to be what is on the agenda for Mia's summer vacation.  Between trying to find out what happened with her grandmother and her estranged aunt, and her niece showing up out of the blue carrying her own secrets, Mia's summer is looking like it will be anything but relaxing, especially when she finds out her first love is back home in Lonesome Way.

Travis is looking to set down some roots, reconnect with his son, reevaluate his career and try to rekindle what once was.  Many years to late, he isn't sure the last is possible until it becomes evident that his son may need a little tutoring and Mia comes highly recommended.  When he can finally look directly in her eyes, he sees a glimmer of the past, and vowes to do his best to make things right.

Notable Quote:
The promises of a man are as meaningless as the ramblings of a fortune cookie. (I love old sayings that pop up in books)

Review:
I was looking forward to this second book in the Sage Creek series and I wasn't disappointed.  I feel this book is a book about second chances.  The second chances that come by family, love and friendship.  The author did an awesome job of expressing anguish, pain and love either by the thoughts the characters were thinking or the actions you followed in their journey.  I loved all of the references to the country music groups, made you feel like you were there, in the moment with the characters.  I highly recommend this book to anyone that needs a great contemporary comfort read.  (On a side note, Travis starts his own security company in this book, full of Navy SEALS....I am seriously hoping that turns in to a new Romantic Suspense series....HINT HINT).

Unforgivable - Laura Griffin

Book Blurb:
At first, Mia Voss thinks it’s just bad luck when her already lousy day ends with a carjacking, but what seems like a random incident is followed by another sinister episode. A DNA expert, Mia has made it her mission to put away vicious criminals. Suddenly, she’s become the target of one. And the only way to protect the people she loves most is to deliberately destroy her reputation and risk letting a killer walk free.

Once, Mia trusted Detective Ric Santos, but that was before Ric let his turbulent past ruin his chances with Mia, the sexiest, most intriguing woman he’s ever met. But he can tell when she’s lying—and when she’s scared. The key to catching a sadistic madman lies within a long-buried cold case that has haunted Mia for years. Only she can uncover the truth, but first, Ric will have to get her to entrust him with her secrets . . . and her life.

In My Own Words:
Mia has spent years building up her reputation as a leading DNA expert. Priding herself on being ahead of the criminals AND up on the newest research, Mia is a sought after expert.  When Mia's life takes a turn with a seemingly cut and dry carjacking, she is shaken but refuses to let the bad guy get the better of her...until her sister and nephew are threatened.  When that call comes, she realizes she will do anything to keep them safe, including risking her reputation, her job and her life to keep them safe.

Detective Ric Santos has worked with Mia before.  He respected her then, and at the time thought something more could come of it before his old demons came to the forefront.  Now he is working with her again and can tell she is holding back from him.  Can he get her to trust him in time to help her?  Will he be to late to save her life AND her reputation?  And can he keep his hands off of her in the mean time?

Review:
Book 3 in the Tracers series keeps the action on high octane.  I really enjoyed this book, and I think it was my favorite of the series thus far.  Each book seems to offer a different "type" of Tracer.  Mia is a meek mannered woman who has a sole focus on her career but don't discount her as mild, she can have sass when she needs to and she isn't afraid to get down and dirty when the need arises.  Ric fights his attraction for a long time, and it is fun to see him cave and let loose.  They are not only a great couple, but they make an awesome team as well.  I liked that there are a lot of technical information in the book without overwhelming you with mumbo jumbo that doesn't really affect the outcome of the story.  I can't wait for the next Tracer book.

Somebody To Love - Kristan Higgins

Book Blurb:
After her father loses the family fortune in an insider-trading scheme, single mom Parker Welles is faced with some hard decisions. First order of business: go to Gideon's Cove, Maine, to sell the only thing she now owns—a decrepit house in need of some serious flipping. When her father's wingman, James Cahill, asks to go with her, she's not thrilled…even if he is fairly gorgeous and knows his way around a toolbox.

Having to fend for herself financially for the first time in her life, Parker signs on as a florist's assistant and starts to find out who she really is. Maybe James isn't the glib lawyer she always thought he was. And maybe the house isn't the only thing that needs a little TLC….

In My Own Words:
The ultimate betrayal would be being betrayed by your parents, and Parker Welles learns this first hand when her father is caught, tried and convicted of insider trading.  In order to pay the money back that he owes, he had to liquidate everything, including Parker's trust fund, her son's trust fund and selling all of their possessions.  The only thing left to her name is a shack that was left to her by an old aunt.  Shack might be a little bit to generous of a term.

James Cahill is Parker's father's personal attorney, and as far as Parker is concerned, he is the devil himself.  Knowing that James helped her father leave her and her son with nothing, he isn't earning many points for himself by asking if he can help fix up the shack to sell.

So many ups and downs Parker and James go through in the weeks it takes to rebuild the house.  Getting to know each other and become friendly, staying friendly might take a little more work.  When secrets start to unravel and crazy family starts popping up, they are lucky to keep their sanity much less a friendship or anything else.

Notable Quote:
"Do you know I've gained eleven pounds since last year? You hit thirty-five and bam, all those things you ate in your twenties launch themselves on to your ass."

Review:
From the beginning till the end, I had a hard time putting this book down.  There isn't really any huge plot you have to figure out.  No bad guys hiding behind any bushes (unless you count crazy family members). But this was an enjoyable read.  I loved that even though everything was taken from her Parker didn't just say "oh me, what to do now?" She pushed up her sleeves and got to work.  James had an uphill battle from the start, but was persistent and genuine.  I LOVED how she called him Thing-One.  I got a giggle each time I read that.  The complex but easy friendship that Parker has with her son's husband was refreshing and real.  Such a great comfort read.

Afterglow - Cherry Adair

Book Blurb:
Pleasure with a price.

A high-profile celebrity wedding in Monaco is the kind of A-list event security specialist Rand Maguire excels at. Everything goes like clockwork, until guests start inexplicably losing all their inhibitions. . . .

Painful secrets from the past.

Rand is no stranger to the effects of Rapture. His chemist father’s attempt at a cure for depression caused Rand’s mother’s death years ago, and put his father away for her murder. Now someone is circulating Rapture in a campaign of terror, intending to manufacture and sell it on a global scale. But with no leads, Rand feels the heat.

Passion with no limits.

Sexy Lodestone agent Dakota North is sent to help Rand kick-start his search, armed only with her uncanny sixth sense. But what they discover in their race across Europe is more far-reaching and lethal than an erotic street drug. From a Barcelona bank heist to a million-dollar arms deal in Paris, Dakota and Rand give in to an insatiable craving for each other in nights of pure carnal delight, no senses left untouched. No Rapture necessary.

In My Own Words:
There are worse things then having to work a high-profile destination wedding, but not so sure there are worse things than said wedding guests drinking spiked champagne.  When the wedding guests toast with the drink, then all of them immediately start having sex like rabbits, Rand Maguire is flabbergasted.  He immediately calls his friend at Lodestone who promises to send his best agent to help.

Dakota North walks in to the room of embarrassed wedding guests, she is immediately aware that the drug they ingested was Rapture. But that seemed impossible since the recipe and everyone else that knew about it was blown up several years before.  Having had a relationship with Rand in the past, she knows working with him will be a recipe for disaster but when the leads say that this drug is being manufactured for global use, there seems to be no other choice.  Dakota and Rand must work together to help stop what could possibly be the worst epidemic in history.  BUT, can Rand forgive the woman that sent his mother the drug that killed her and also was the person to put his father behind bars?  Can Dakota possibly keep her own secrets safe while Rand is so close?

Notable Quote:
..."or kill you"
"They almost succeeded"...."Bummer for the bad guys, YAY for me."

Review:
I am intrigued by the abilities the agents of Lodestone have, so I was excited to read Afterglow.  I am on the fence about this one.  The villain was truthfully one of the worst I have ever read (which is great), I thought I knew who it was, then I was certain that it couldn't be, then it turned out it was.  I enjoyed watching the interaction between Dakota and Rand, and when all the secrets finally came out, watching them accept who they are and who they can be together.  Dakota had lived through so much, and Rand, dealing with his own demons, had turned cynical and almost mean.  The part I didn't really care for was the drug.  I mean, really....a drug that takes away your inhibitions and makes you have sex anywhere, anyhow with anyone??  It just wasn't a drug that I believe, especially for mass market and terrorism.  That being said, I really do look forward to the next book, and seeing more of these special gifts the Lodestone agents posses.

Against The Sun - Kat Martin

Book Blurb:
She's got the face of an angel and the body of… well, isn't that what he'd expect from an exotic dancer? But there's something about this girl that Johnnie Riggs can't shake. The former army ranger is hot on the trail of an elusive drug lord—and suddenly very hot under the collar, as well.

Amy's got her own agenda to pursue: her sister is missing and Amy seems to be the only one who cares. She'll enlist Johnnie's help and do her best to ignore her growing attraction to finally get some answers. But when the two trails begin to converge and reveal something even more sinister than they imagined, their mutual desire is the least of their problems. They'll bring the truth to light…or die trying.

In My Own Words:
While leaving the comforts of her home and her job teaching kindergartners behind wasn't easy for Amy, she knew she would do what ever possible to find out what happened to her sister.  She heads for the bright lights and big city, takes over her sister's last job as a stripper and starts working angles to see if she can dig up any leads.  When the trail is more than ice cold, Amy has no choice but to suck in her pride and ask for his help.

Johnnie Riggs' knows that Amy isn't what she appears, but what the hell does he care, right?  When Amy approaches Johnnie about helping her find her sister, he just can't say no.  As soon as Johnnie starts poking around, things seem to get weirder and weirder.  When the trail suddenly looks like it is leading them to a notorious drug lord, Johnnie is no long only afraid for only the sister, he is also worried for Amy.

Notable Quote:
And he'd have to let her go.  He was who he was and she was who she was.  A not-so-ex-Army Ranger and a kindergarten teacher.

Just another of God's little jokes.

Review:
I think this is my favorite so far of the Raines of Wind Canyon series.  Johnnie is a major hottie and a protective streak that can make you swoon.  Amy is determined and no slouch, has a get it done attitude and takes no crap from anyone.  Coming together they are almost combustable, and sparks to fly.  Amy isn't to fond of taking orders and Johnnie isn't to fond of orders not being followed, but it works.  This series seems to get better and better with each book.

His Secret Past - Katie Reus

Book Blurb:
Six years ago, Alexis Baptiste's world was turned upside down when Hunter Cassidy disappeared without a trace, leaving her alone and pregnant. She's finally moving on with her life when he resurfaces, just in time to rescue her from a would-be assassin. Forced to join him on the run to protect herself and her young son, Alexis is now in even more danger: danger of falling for Hunter all over again.

Betrayed by rogue CIA agents after infiltrating an infamous drug cartel, former DEA agent Hunter Cassidy has spent years trying to clear his name. He's not proud of the things he's done, and knows he doesn't deserve a future with Alexis, or the son he never knew he had, but he's determined to protect them from the men who ruined his life. Convincing Alexis to trust him—and denying his feelings for her—is going to be the hardest mission he's ever faced.

In My Own Words:
When Hunter left Alexis 6 years ago without a word, all she could do was heal her broken heart and move forward.  It wasn't until later she realized she was pregnant with his son.  Now, she has put her life together and started a wonderful life for her and her son, until she catches a glimpse of him watching her.  Why is he back? Does he know that he is a father?  What does he want?  So many questions that need many more answers than she wanted to think about.  BUT, when someone tries to kill her and Hunter is there to save the day, the list of questions mount.

Hunter left the best thing he had ever had and all because he was blackmailed by a rogue CIA agent that would rather work for money than his country.  Trying to clear his name, he knows that the agent that betrayed him knows his only weakness....Alexis.  In a race against the clock and a battle in trying to figure out the good guys from the bad ones, Alexis and Hunter must also figure out how they handle each other, knowing they still both have strong feeling for each other, and a son.

Review:
I enjoyed this story.  I liked that Alexis was sassy and smart, not the kind of girl that needed help constantly but yet she was first and foremost a mother and she took that very seriously.  Hunter was a typical alpha male, but tried so hard to stay away from Alexis for her own safety, not wanting her mixed up in his world.  The chemistry written between the characters was immediate and I enjoyed watching them struggle to keep their distance.  I was pretty sure I knew the bad guys from the good guys, but the story really had you guessing right up till the end.  My one issue was with the editing, it just seemed in the ebook copy I have, there were tons of mistakes, mis-working and punctuation.