Forever and a Day - Jill Shalvis

Book Blurb:
Grace never thought she'd be starting her life over from scratch. Losing everything has landed her in Lucky Harbor, working as a dog walker for overwhelmed ER doctor Josh Scott. But the day his nanny fails to show up, Grace goes from caring for Josh's lovable mutt to caring for his rambunctious son. Soon Grace is playing house with the sexy single dad . . .

With so many people depending on him, Josh has no time for anything outside of his clinic and family-until Grace arrives in town. Now this brainy blonde is turning his life inside out and giving a whole new meaning to the phrase "good bedside manner." Josh and Grace don't know if what they have can last. But in a town like Lucky Harbor, a lifetime of love starts with just one day . . .

In My Own Words:
As one of her many jobs, Grace takes on dog walking for the over worked town doctor, Josh Scott.  When dog walking turns in to live in nanny, Grace makes up her mind to set her life straight and get a job to please her family.  When her friend needs help getting her bookkeeping in order, little does Grace  know but her life is about to take a much different path.

Review:
I have loved all of the Lucky Harbor series and this is no different.  So many LOL moments and the chocolate meetings.  The friendships that were formed in this series have been awesome to read about, dropping everything at a moments notice to listen to a friend's woes, is something that every woman hopes to have in her life.  I love that Grace was the "grace" in the lives of Josh and Anna, and that she wasn't afraid to tell it like it is, no matter the cost.  Josh needed someone just like her, and so did Anna, if he wanted to admit it or not.  Recommend to all, but read in order, lots of characters from the past pop up.

Run The Risk - Lori Foster

Book Blurb:
When Detective Logan Riske goes undercover to find Pepper Yates, a potential link to his best friend's unsolved murder, he vows to gain her cooperation by any means necessary. But the elusive beauty is more suspicious—and in far more danger—than he expected. And the last thing Logan needs is to start caring for her….

Pepper has spent years dodging the corrupt club owner who will stop at nothing to keep her silenced. She can trust no one, not even the handsome new "construction worker" who's moved in next door. The heat between them is undeniable. But will surrendering to passion bring her the safety she so desires—or will her feelings for Logan draw them both into a killer's crosshairs?

In My Own Words:

After years on the run and in hiding, when a handsome new neighbor shows interest in Plain Ole Sue, Pepper can't help but take what she has so long denied herself, companionship and kindness.  Keeping herself on guard, she is slow to trust and even slower to open up.  When Logan finally gets in, she realizes he isn't what he appears to be and her trust was ill given.  Logan must convince Pepper to not only forgive him but to trust him again as the killer is now after her.  Can she trust again, not only with her life but with her heart?

Review:

What a way to start a series.  A little lust, intrigue and camouflage.  I loved everything about this book.  Suspense in that you didn't know what was going to happen next and a love connection that is severed with lies, but then mended with love.  Then you have the brother and sister element, and hide and seek. I was SURE I knew who the dirty cops were, and I was soooo very wrong.  I couldn't put this one down.  Can't wait for the next in line.

Quinn - RC Ryan

Book Blurb:
As a young boy, Quinn Conway was shattered by his mother's mysterious disappearance. Today, as the oldest of the Conway brothers, his only concern is protecting his family and their ranch. One look at beautiful, strong-willed Cheyenne O'Brien tells him she's also no stranger to tragedy. A series of increasingly dangerous "accidents" are plaguing her and her land, and Quinn can't stand idly by while a woman is in danger. Fiercely independent, Cheyenne isn't one to lean on others, yet she can't deny her attraction to the rugged rancher offering help. Soon, the passion building between them proves as wild and untamed as the land she loves-and just as impossible to resist. But a relentless enemy is about to make one final devastating move. To survive, Quinn and Cheyenne must put their cherished freedom-and their hearts-at risk . . .

In My Own Words:

While chasing down a wolf killer, Quinn is not only intrigued with what he finds he is mesmerized.  Cheyenne isn't any ole rancher, she is and independent ball of fire topped with an extra helping of sass. Soon Quinn realized that all is not what they seam in the O'Brien house hold starting with a fire that was meant to cause more harm then it did.  While staying at the Conway ranch, Cheyenne comes to love their family and soften her heart toward a certain Wolf Whisperer.  When the "accidents" and near misses start to add up, Quinn decides it is up to him to stop them.  Putting her life and her heart in Quinn's hands, Cheyenne is in for the ride of her life.

Review:

I am a huge fan of RC Ryan, and was very excited for this new series.  I loved the chemistry between Quinn and Cheyenne.  I wasn't sure who was taming whom, which was fun to watch.  The first few scenes had me in tears, and I wasn't sure I wanted to read a tear jerker, but I am so glad that I pressed on.  That teary scene made Quinn who he is, and in the same way, each brother took something from that day.  The brothers are all so different but yet so much of their blood is in the ranch.  The "bad guy" was glaringly apparent to me from the start, but I didn't think that took away from the story at all.  My only issue was the redundancy in some of the wording.  I can't wait to get started on Josh.

The Last Honest Woman - Nora Roberts

Book Blurb:
After her racecar driver husband dies in a crash, Abby O’Hurley Rockwell is left with two sons—and secrets to keep. Journalist Dylan Crosby is convinced that there is more to the young widow than meets the eye, though he’s unprepared for just how different Abby is from what he expects. Far from being a pampered, spoiled housewife, Abby proves to be a woman of substance, with just enough of a mystery to her and her past to keep Dylan intrigued—and wanting more…

In My Own Words:
Finally deciding it was time to tell her side of the story, Abby O'Hurley makes a deal with the devil.  Well, a devil with a pen and paper.  Dylan Crosby is known for his biographies, known for getting the truth no matter the cost.  When he smells some half truths coming from Abby, he vows to get to the bottom of it.  He knows the kind of woman Abby is, pampered, sheltered and loaded but when his illusions are put to the test, is the truth really what he is after or is Abby's heart more important?

Review:
Abby is spunky and loving and a mother we all wish we had.  I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, especially the family.  Unfortunately that is where the "like" about this book ends.  I was a bit disappointed at the abruptness of the ending especially having so many loose ends left.  The whole point of this story was that Dylan was there to write a book, yet the story ends with no book.  Being left with nothing by the mother in law, seems to be that should have been resolved as well, especially for the children.  I don't see the second book in my future.

No One To Trust - Katie Reus

Book Blurb:
Computer security specialist Elizabeth Martinez has never been able to turn her back on her brother Benny. When his risky lifestyle finally lands him in harm’s way, Elizabeth finds herself dragged into the dangerous underworld with him and into the cross hairs of one of Miami’s death-dealing drug lords. Only after her ex-boyfriend saves her does she realize she might have no choice but to depend on the one man she has tried so desperately to forget.

Former Marine Porter Caldwell never should have let Elizabeth walk away from him all those months ago. She means more to him than anything and now that she’s in danger and turned to him for help, he won’t make that mistake again. When a local gang targets her and she’s nearly killed in a drive by shooting, Porter vows to do whatever it takes to keep her alive. Even if it means turning his back on all that he’s sworn to uphold.

In My Own Words:
While finding herself, AGAIN, bailing out her brother.  Elizabeth finds herself in need of some bailing out herself.  Coming face to face with one of the worlds most ruthless, vile drug dealers.  He gives her a proposition...if he could have her for 6 months, the debt her brother owes would be forgiven.  Before she could even answer, in barges Porter, her boss' brother and operator at Red Stone Security, oh and he is her ex-boyfriend.  While trying to keep Lizzie safe, Porter must remember that she broke up with HIM and his job is just that, a job.  Easier said than done.  As the hail of bullets keep coming, Porter realizes he would do anything for her, now he just had to prove that to her without getting them both killed.

Review:
I really wanted to like this book.  It had everything that a good RS should have, but the ending was very abrupt which was really annoying.  There was a HUGE build up with the bad guy, Orlando, then all of a sudden he is arrested and Porter loves her and all is well.  It was just a little off putting for all of the drama in the beginning then at the end just wrapped it all up with a sweet little bow.  That being said, I will still be reading book 2 in the series, as I really did enjoy the characters.

Twisted - Laura Griffin

Book Blurb:
Rookie detective Allison Doyle only has room in her life for one goal: to prove to everyone that she is every bit as capable as the men in her small-town Texas police department. But when a vicious murder sends shockwaves through her community, Allison finds herself at the epicenter of a bigger challenge than she ever imagined. Legendary FBI profiler Mark Wolfe arrives to consult on the case and puts forth a startling new theory—that the crime is not the handiwork of the police’s prime suspect, but of an elusive psychopath Mark has been hunting for more than a decade.

Teaming up with Mark puts Allison’s professional reputation—and her heart—in jeopardy, but she shoves these risks aside so she can tap into one of the FBI’s best assets. With Mark’s help, as well as the elite group of forensic scientists known as the Tracers, Allison uncovers the killer’s true identity. Or does she? As the net tightens around a psychopath, Allison begins to wonder if she and Mark have trapped a killer or become ensnared themselves….

In My Own Words:
Not many police forces are keen on accepting help from the FBI so when rookie Allison teams up with Mark Wolfe, no one thinks this is the best move for her career.  But when Mark tells Allison and the task force his idea that the prime suspect in a recent murder isn't the guy they are looking for, Allison decides to take her own path and follow Mark's lead.  Mark has been hunting this killer for years, the last thing he needs is a young rookie cop mucking up his investigation.  Soon Mark figures out that Allison is a good person to have on his side and they form an easy relationship.  When Allison believes that she knows the bad guy, the heat is on.  But who is the one caught, the bad guy or them?

Review:
This was not my favorite Tracer book.  I didn't feel that the Tracers were very involved.  One of the reasons I love the Tracer series is to get to see the inner workings of the Dephi Center, not a whole lot of that.  The chemistry between Mark and Allison seemed almost forced.  I wish there would have been a little....more.

Rev It Up - Julie Ann Walker

Book Blurb:
     He Never Misses A Target
Jake "the Snake" Sommers earned his SEAL code name by striking quickly and quietly-and with lethal force. That's also how he broke Michelle Carter's heart. It was the only way to keep her safe-from himself. Four long years later, Jake is determined to get a second chance. But to steal back into Michelle's loving arms, Jake is going to have to prove he can take things slow. Real slow...

     She Aims To Make Him Beg
Michelle Carter has never forgiven Jake for being so cliché as to "love her and leave her." But when her brother, head of the Black Knights elite ops agency, ticks off the wrong mobster, she must do the unimaginable: place her life in Jake's hands. No matter what they call him, this man is far from cold-blooded. And once he's wrapped around her heat, he'll never let her go...

In My Own Words:
4 years ago, Jake made one of the biggest mistakes of his life.  He left the woman he loves and let his friend have her, hell he pushed them to be together.  Now, he hopes to rectify that situation and make her understand why he said the things he said and that he has never stopped loving her.  Michelle has been through lots of loss, one being her husband and best friend.  What she doesn't plan on doing is making the same mistake twice so when Jake walks back in to her life, her mission is to make him walk back out before he can cause more damage.  But when danger comes knocking, she must put her life and the life of her son in Jakes capable hands and thus leave her heart wide open.

Review:
This is the 3rd book in the Black Knight series and I think it keeps getting better and better.  I love the dynamic of the team and how once you are one of them, you are always one of them, no matter how much time escapes.  I was pretty sure I knew Michelle's secret, but I loved how it came about, and it was cheesy or drawn out.  One of the other really cool things is the flow of the books.  Each book seamlessly flows to the next.  Great series, I highly recommend.

Creed - Kristen Ashley

Book Blurb:
Way too young, eleven year old Tucker Creed and his six year old neighbor, Sylvie Bissenette, find they have something awful in common. Creed then decides he’s going to do everything in his limited power to shield his Sylvie from her ordeal. So he does and Creed and Sylvie form a bond that grows and blossoms with their ages.

They plot to leave their lives behind, the town they live in that will hold them down and the histories they share that, unless they break free, will bury them. Sylvie goes to their special place, Creed never shows and she doesn’t see him again until it’s too late.

With Creed gone, Sylvie is forced to endure a nightmare and do the unspeakable to end it. To deal, she develops a hard shell with sharp edges that very few can break through. So when Creed again finds his Sylvie, he discovers the girl he loved is locked away and he has to find his way back into her heart without getting shredded in the process.

In My Own Words:
Is it possible to be grown by the age of 6?  Sylvie Bissenette proves that she is well beyond her age while running from an abusive father in to the arms of much older and from the wrong side of the tracks Tucker Creed.  While sharing in their own misery over the years, a strong unbreakable bond is formed. On Sylvie's 18th birthday, the day they planned to leave all of the evil behind, Creed left...without her.  Sylvie left on her own must endure her own brand of hell until she finds her own brand of strength.  Many years later, Creed is back with one thing on his mind.  Win her back, at all costs.

Review:
This is the second book in the series and I just loved it.  I liked that you get bits and pieces of the history as the main story goes along, you aren't hit with all kinds of history at the beginning.  Sylvie is sassy and smart and tough as nails, but she has a soft side that only the ones closest to her get to see.  Creed is wounded, and needs to be put back together.  The two of them together is dynamic and great reading.