Risking Trust - Adrienne Giordano

Book Blurb:
Roxann Thorgesson's world is out of control. After her father suffers a fatal heart attack, she must take over as publisher of Chicago's second-largest newspaper. Then her ex-boyfriend Michael Taylor, CEO of his own security company, shows up needing a favor. The last thing Roxann needs is Michael around causing trouble—and potential heartbreak—but he's involved in a scandalous story she can't pass up.

Twelve years ago, Michael walked out on Roxann without explanation. Now he needs her help. Michael's estranged wife has been murdered and he is the prime suspect. He offers something no newspaperwoman could refuse: exclusive access to his headline-making murder accusation, in exchange for her help in uncovering the true killer. When their investigation leads them to a city hall conspiracy, both their lives and their newly reignited flame could be permanently extinguished...

In My Own Words:

The well organized life of Roxann Thorgesson, has been turned upside down.  Her father dies suddenly in front of her...she inherits the newspaper her father spent his life building...her old flame comes to her to clear his name...and her press is sabotaged all in a matter of weeks.  The former Olympian just want organization back, but can't help the thought of what Michael Taylor's story might do for her paper, but being so close to Michael poses problems of its own.

When Michael's soon-to-be ex-wife is found murdered, he is the prime and only suspect the police are looking for.  When he teams up with his old love, things start to point to corruption at City Hall.  When the pressure is mounting and Roxann starts publishing articles about the case and the corruption, all hell breaks loose.  When the puzzle pieces are finally revealed, the game is just that much more confusing...and hurtful.

Review:

This is the first book in the Private Protectors series.  And before I begin with my thoughts on the book, this book was released 3rd in the series, but is the actual start.  If I would have read the other two first, I can't say my thoughts on the book would be all that good.  Key players were introduced in this book, and it would be weird to read out of order and not know the story of the leader of the private protection agency.

That being said...I really liked this book.  The banter between Roxann and Michael was refreshing.  The hurt seemed very real and the pain Roxann was going through about losing her father was heartbreaking.  You could tell the author had her own personal experience to lean on and it showed in the writing.  I really enjoyed meeting some of the secondary characters such as Vic and Gina and the kids.  I was a little upset there wasn't more with Gina's oldest son, it seemed that Michael was a mentor of sorts for him, but after one run away, there wasn't much more said.  I felt if the kid was dealing with the loss of his father, Michael would have been more front and center for him.  I found this book to be very fast to read, probably because I couldn't put it down.  I thought I knew who-done-it early on, but I was very surprised with the ending, which was a bonus for me.  Finding out the villain early on in a book is a real turn off for me.  Adrienne is a new author to me, but I can honestly say, I can't wait for Vic's book.  I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense.

Because of You - Jessica Scott

Book Blurb:
Keeping his men alive is all that matters to Sergeant First Class Shane Garrison. But meeting Jen St. James the night before his latest deployment makes Shane wonder if there’s more to life than war. He leaves for Iraq remembering a single kiss with a woman he’ll never see again—until a near fatal attack lands him back at home and in her care.

Jen has survived her own brush with death and endured its scars. And yet there’s a fire in Shane that makes Jen forget all about her past. He may be her patient, but when this warrior looks her in the eyes, she feels—for the first time in a long time—like a woman. Shane is too proud to ask for help, but for Jen, caring for him is more than a duty—it’s a need. And as Jen guides Shane through the fires of healing, she finds something she never expected—her deepest desire.

In My Own Words:
A soldier through and through, Shane Garrison is about to deploy again when one last night out with his men yields him one of the hottest kisses he has ever had, and a memory that would have to last him a lifetime.  He is done with the happily ever after crap.  Jen, having her own demons to conquer, is just happy to get through the evening without her form falling out of her bra.  When they meet, by chance, the next day and she gives in to his pleas, she wonders if she will ever see the handsome soldier again.

When a mission goes wrong, Shane is sent stateside and right in to the capable hands of Nurse Jen.  While helping him heal from his outside wounds, she quickly realizes that most of his major wounds are wounds of the heart and soul.

Review:
I was skeptical about reading this book.  As a military brat myself, and having an active duty brother that is currently on his 3 tour overseas, I know what a family feels when loved ones are in harms way.  I know that Mrs. Scott has been in the military, so I knew she would hit the military life but wasn't sure how real the family life would be portrayed.  I am so very happy to say, this is a book I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.  The war scenes are expertly written and you feel like you are in the thick of the hell they are going through.  Everything about this book, makes you believe this could very well be a true story.  There are amazing characters that are developed throughout the book, and it ended setting up book 2 perfectly, I know I can't wait until it released to find out....What The HELL?? Jen's spunk and sass gave me many "you tell him girl" moments.  I was also happy (and not trying to give away spoilers) the way that Carponti story was written and came to fruition.  There were lots of highs and lots of lows, an emotional but entertaining book.  My one negative would be, the e-copy I got had a lot of words missing.  I had to guess what the author was trying to say several times.  Didn't really take away from the story, but became annoying after a while.  Knowing that this is the debut book for this author is astounding for me, I love her writing style and she knew exactly how to get her point out there.  I loved it, and am dying for the next book, Back To You, in May of 2012.

Moving Target - Cheyenne McCray

Book Blurb:
Ani King left her entire life behind when the Russian mafia brutally murdered her family. The Witness Security Program has kept her safe for two years, but with one simple phone call her cover is destroyed—and there is only one man left who can save her.

Protecting the brave, beautiful Ani became more than just a job a long time ago for Deputy Marshal Daniel Parker. And now, just days before the trial where she’s slated to give a damning testimony, the criminals who want her dead are on her trail. To keep Ani safe, Daniel has to keep her close—and her enemies closer. Because soon there’s nowhere for Ani to hide…but in his arms.

In My Own Words:

After Ani King's family is brutally murdered by the Russian mob, she goes in to hiding with the help of the Witness Protection Service.  Her plan, to testify and put the murdering bastard behind bars for the rest of his life.  What she doesn't count on is that her heart is just a little to big.  And with one phone call to help a little boy in need, her cover is blown.

Daniel Parker has been Ani's Marshall for over a year and their weekly calls has settled her in his heart.  On this Friday, his call is answered and he learns that Ani has gone against protocol and has contacted someone from her past.  No matter the reason, she is now in grave danger.  A rush against the clock has him speeding through Arizona to get to her before the mafia does.  Once he has her safely with him, now the job is to get her safely to court to testify.  

Review:

In an effort for full disclosure, I have been in a reading slump lately.  Not much has kept my attention, and there have been several books I have started and not finished.  Luckily, THIS isn't one of those books.  I loved this one from cover to cover.  There is nonstop action and hotness between Ani and Daniel.  Up against all odds, she had backbone and gumption and steel determination.  Daniel tried, he really tried to see her as only his charge, but all those weekly phone calls, really cemented her in his life and finally gave up being her Marshall and became her protector, lover and best friend all rolled up in one nice hot package.  There is one big secret that threatens their relationship, it was a secret you can easily figure out early on in the book, but I don't think knowing it took away from the story at all.  This wasn't your normal who-done-it book, as you know who did it, you are just waiting to see if they can do it to her.  An all in all great romantic suspense read.

Book Blurb:
Posey Osterhagen can't complain. She owns a successful architectural salvaging company, she's surrounded by her lovable, if off-center, family and she has a boyfriend—sort of. Still, something's missing. Something tall, brooding and criminally good-looking…something like Liam Murphy.

When Posey was sixteen, the bad boy of Bellsford, New Hampshire, broke her heart. But now he's back, sending Posey's traitorous schoolgirl heart into overdrive once again. She should be giving him a wide berth, but it seems fate has other ideas….

In My Own Words:
Living up to her parents expectations is something that Posey hasn't ever been able to quite accomplish.  Living in the shadow of her famous cousin, she has that one down pat.  When her first love comes back to town with a teen age daughter in tow, Posey decides the best thing for her, and her heart, is to ignore him, maybe he will go away.  Unfortunately, her luck can't be that good.  Circumstance after circumstance seems to have them both thrown together.  What she doesn't need is her mother making goo goo eyes at Liam for her traitorous cousin who by the way, has never had anything nice to say about Posey at all.  Will Posey finally stand up to her family and take what she has always wanted, happiness.

Notable Quote:
"Well, I love you, even if you did ruin my life by turning into a teeneager"... (Liam and his daughter disagreeing....again)

Review:
I loved so many things about this book.  Posey was eccentric and sassy, but also kind and faithful.  Liam had his heart broken by losing his wife and trying to raise his daughter alone.  I felt for him a lot during this book.  I think I connected with him before any other characters.  Posey's family....you just can't help but laugh.  Posey has such wonderful friends that aren't afraid to tell her how it is, and put her straight.  I can't think of one thing that I didn't really like about this book.  It was a great comfort contemporary read, and one I would recommend to anyone.

Have You Seen Her? ~ Karen Rose

Book Blurb:
One by one, the girls disappear from their beds at night. Each one is pretty, with long dark hair. And each one is found brutally murdered.

Special Agent Steven Thatcher has sworn to find the serial killer preying on this small town. As the investigation pulls him one way, his family pulls him in another. A widower haunted by loss, he now worries about his son Brad slipping away. But there's a bright light in his life: his son's teacher, Jenna Marshall, has reached out to help. She's beautiful, kind, and considerate--and slowly, tentatively, she and Steven are starting to fall in love. But both have been hurt before--badly. And as the two try to find the courage to bare their souls, a murderer who has slain many looks for the real treasure he craves. He sets his traps. And waits. For Jenna...

In My Own Words:

When Jenna Marshall decided to become a teacher, the last thing she thought she would have to deal with was a football player's family and friends threatening and terrorizing her for failing him, thus keeping him off the field.  When the threats become a bit overwhelming, she turns to the father of another student, Special Agent Steven Thatcher, who has had his own bouts with someone terrorizing his family when his son was taken 6 months prior.  Since that time, little Nicky hasn't been or had much joy in his little life.  When meddling Aunt Helen starts her plan to get Steven married off, the plan couldn't have backfired more when Steven thinks that Jenna is part of the plan.  When the cards are stacked against them, they seem to find their way back to each other, but when the body count starts to rise, even Jenna's friends aren't safe.

Notable Quote:

..."I was going to have icecream for dinner. Want some?"

"You really need to have better nutrition, Jenna."  Seth stood up. "Butter pecan is my favorite."

"It's Rocky Road."

....."Like I said, Rocky Road is my favorite."

Review:

I have to admit, I had a hard time getting in to this particular book in the series.  We met several different people right away, and trying to keep them all straight got a bit trying at times.  I also didn't feel any chemistry with really any of the characters.  After about 1/3 of the way through, I began to piece it together, and I started to feel for Steven, it wasn't until then that I started to enjoy the book.  Several parts of this book stick out in my mind, the relationship between dad and sons.  There are two completely different family dynamics that you witness, and they are polar opposites.  The way that Steven always seemed to be saying "I'm sorry" to Jenna, and seeming to truly mean it.  The meddling Aunt and neighbor were highlights to me.  I did figure out "who done it" before it was revealed, but I had quite a hard time deducing the perp until a few things slipped.  I wasn't put off by knowing who the bad guy actually was, though.  All in all, I would say, this is a good book.  It wasn't one of my favorites, but I enjoyed it eventually, and was pulling for some of the main characters.  I hope Davies gets his own story.  He played a pivotal roll in the investigation and in Steven & Jenna's relationship.

Serendipity - Carly Phillips

Book Blurb:
Faith Harrington was the classic girl of privilege–until her father was convicted of running a Ponzi scheme and then her marriage crashed and burned.

Now Faith is back in her hometown, hoping for a fresh start. But her father’s betrayal has rocked Serendipity – and not everyone is ready to welcome her with open arms. Then she runs into her teenage crush — the dark, brooding Ethan Barron. Ethan, no stranger to scandal himself, never imagined he’d own the mansion on the hill, much less ever again come face to face with Faith–the princess he once kissed senseless. The chance meeting reignites the electric charge between them.

Still, when Ethan hires her to redecorate what was once her childhood home, Faith is sure that getting involved with the town’s notorious bad boy will only lead to trouble. But her heart has other ideas. And so do the townspeople of Serendipity …

In My Own Words:
Classic story of good little rich girl, falls for bad boy on a motorcycle.  But, Serendipity gives us a twist.  In the years since Faith and Ethan's spark charged kiss on the back of his motorcycle, many lives have changed, and not necessarily for the better.  Ethan's parents were killed by a drunk driver on the way to bail Ethan out of jail, thus starting a tailspin affect where Ethan leaves his two younger brothers to try and make it on his own.  While he has amassed lots of fortune and has come back to make things right, neither Nash or Dare are ready to buy what he is selling.  Old wounds cut very deep with these three.

Coming back to her hometown licking her own wounds, Faith stops by the one place that she will always remember as home.  Her mansion on the hill.  After her father is arrested for bilking people out of millions of dollars, to basically keep him in the style he has been accustomed.  When the arrest is made, her husband of convenience (on his part) decided to make it known he himself had a side attraction, to other females.  Coming home seemed the right thing to do, until her visit to her childhood home brought her face to face with Ethan Barron.

Faith and Ethan come to an understanding and start a working relationship while Faith helps him decorate his new mansion and he helps build her new design company.  All seems to be going well, and headed towards great things, until one night he is delivered a gift, by way of a teen with a chip on her shoulder.  Can this teen-goth-hellion be the glue this family so desperately needs?

Notable Quote:
"It's interesting how the mighty have fallen" (Ethan and Faith's first conversation since coming home)

Review:
I really enjoyed Serendipity.  I thought the teen brought a huge element to the book and made Ethan seem more....human.  There were several relationships to the story.  One the friendships that people make throughout their lives, the friendship between Kate and Lissa which are very different, but very dear to Faith.  The relationship between mother and daughter.  It was interesting to see their interaction and watch Faith stand up for herself.  The relationships between brothers.  As Ethan tries to put his family back together after tragedy.  It was almost heartbreaking to read, to know so much pain existed.  The relationship between brothers and sister.  That was an interesting dynamic.  Watching Tess bounce off each and every one of them, and then bonding to tightly with the one everyone swore had no heart.  Finally the relationship with the town.  As much as both Ethan and Faith hated what home represented, they both wound up there to heal.  I am VERY interested in Nash and Kelly's story.  The spark almost made my Nook burn up when she appeared.

Against The Storm - Kat Martin

Book Blurb:
Redheads like Maggie O'Connell are nothing but trouble. But Trace Rawlins, a former army ranger turned private investigator, takes the case anyway. After all, he knows a thing or two about women.

Trace can sense that something is wrong—Maggie isn't telling him everything. If these menacing calls and messages are real, why won't the police help her? And if they aren't real, what is she hiding?

As Trace digs deeper to find the source of Maggie's threats, he discovers a secret that no one was meant to uncover. And the only puzzle left to be solved is whether the danger comes from an unknown stalker…or from the woman he's trying his hardest not to fall for.

In My Own Words:
When Maggie can't ignore all of the weird hang-ups and notes left for her, she decides it is time to take matters in to her own hands and hire the best private investigator she has heard of...Trace Rawlins.  Trace has a sweet spot for redheads, and knows he looses his mind when they are near.  But can't help but take her case when the danger seems all to real.  As Trace begins to dig deeper in to the case, he realizes that Maggie hasn't been 100% honest with him, and he isn't sure what part of her story is real or fake.  As the calls become more frequent, and the danger becomes really close, will Trace bite the bullet and believe Maggie and help, or will Maggie be left to her own devices?

Review:
We met Trace in one of the previous "Against" books, and I loved him since then.  A rugged cowboy type that has a military background and a love for life...and redheads.  I really liked the secondary characters, I enjoyed getting to know them almost as much as the main characters.  Roxanne, the bestfriend....I sincerely hope she gets a story, she seems like she has a lot to say, I think she would be a kick in the pants.  The flow of this story was good, and I didn't ever feel like I was bored, but I also wasn't riveted to the pages like I have been with previous Kat Martin books.  So while this was a good edition to the "Against" series, I guess I look for more action when it comes to this series.  I did like it though, and am looking forward to the next book.