Review: Ford (The Montana Marshalls #3) by Susan May Warren

About the Book

Family…country…or the woman he loves…

Navy Seal Ford Marshall isn’t the kind to stand by and let a woman get hurt—especially when it involves his twin sister, RJ. So, when she makes the news, accused of sparking an international incident, he doesn’t care what it takes—he’s going to find her and bring her home.

But he might need a little help, so he calls on the woman who has had his back during the last three years—Petty Officer Scarlett Hathaway, former communications expert-turned Rescue Swimmer candidate. She’ll help him get into the country, watch his back, and…well, they might be able to have one last mission together before she leaves for a new life, a life he very much wants to be a part of now that she is off his team. Maybe he can convince her to give them a chance to kindle the spark that’s simmered between them for years.

Scarlett Hathaway isn’t sure what future she wants—not when she suddenly has to care for her little brother. Maybe she should quit the Navy and start a life with the man she can’t seem to get out of her heart. So yes, she’ll help Ford find his sister. And maybe, along the way, figure out if they have a future.

But finding RJ somewhere in the vastness of Russia with the FSB chasing them will push Scarlett beyond even her courage and make her question everything she thought she wanted…including Ford. What will it cost her to love a man who saves the world?

And when Ford is asked to choose between saving his sister, saving the world from a war, and rescuing the woman he loves…can he live with his decision?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I was so excited for this novel. Ford's side story in Tate was my favorite thing about that book, so I was very eager to get to know him and Scarlett better. To see where their journey took them. And I absolutely loved it! It's one of those books where I'm struggling to come up with the right words to express just how much I liked it. I had the same trouble with Knox and I liked this one even more.

It starts out so action-packed and that breakneck pace continues throughout the entire story. The characters get into some seriously dangerous and life-threatening situations that had me questioning if it just might be possible that things weren't going to work out this time. My heart certainly got a workout, that's for sure.

I've gotta say that I really enjoy the way Warren has formatted these books to include a main story featuring one couple, but also has a secondary story featuring a different couple. The stories always mesh so well together and, yet, it feels like I'm getting two for the price of one. Love that!

This has been a fantastic series so far and I'm so excited for Wyatt. He's still a little bit of a mystery and I'm eager to find out what excitement and adventures await him.

Five Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Legacy Rejected (The Legacy #1) by Robin Patchen

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Legacy Rejected (The Legacy #1) by Robin Patchen.

About the Book

All she wants is a home, but there is no safe haven when mobsters are after you.

  

Realtor Ginny Lamont's family has abandoned her, leaving her with nothing but a warning that she’s in danger. But Ginny's built a home in New Hampshire. After a childhood of nomadic living, she’s not running again, certainly not because of some nameless, baseless threat.

Real estate developer Kade Powers is thrilled to go out with Nutfield’s beautiful new real estate agent. But the prowler they surprise after their first date offers a glimpse into Ginny's past and the legacy of lies her parents left her with. She brings a mystery, one he’s determined to help her solve.

With Kade’s help, Ginny searches for the truth of her parents’ criminal activity while her enemies close in. When the mobsters show up in her quaint New England town, will she find a way to bring them down, or will she lose the life—and the man—she’s come to love?

Book Beginning

Ginny Lamont stepped onto her front porch and breathed in the sunshine. She loved everything about her new home. Even the cold New Hampshire winter had felt cozy and homey here.

Friday 56

"You're a friend, Kade. I'm just saying you should distance yourself from Ginny Lamont, or your dreams are going to fall apart."

Have you ever wished that there were official government bookish holidays, and that, by law, employers HAD to give their workers a paid day off? If so, what kind of bookish holiday would you like to have?

Oooh, I hadn't thought of that before, but that'd be a neat idea! A holiday just for reading? I'm in!

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Waves (Love in Chaos #1) by Amy Matayo

About the Book

Dillon Hayes is twenty-eight and single, an unfortunate status her overbearing family is determined to fix. So when she’s stuck on a cruise ship for a seven-day reunion with the lot of them, she's desperate for any escape she can find, even if it means partnering with a sketchy stranger for an off-the-beaten-path snorkeling excursion. After her mother's last matchmaking attempt, Dillon is more than willing to trade all her good sense for a few hours of solace.

Liam Gamble is stuck in the middle of family vacation hell. The worst part: it's not even his family. This will be the last time he ever accepts a free-vacation invitation from his best friend. At this point, he'd be willing to hand over his life savings to get off this crazy ship. So when he catches one of his friend's cousins sneaking off board, he decides to join her, hijacking her private excursion and nearly blowing her cover. If she gets to leave, so does he.

But what starts off as a secret escape turns into a very real nightmare when their shady tour guide leaves them stranded on an uninhabited island with nothing but the clothes on their backs and no idea how to keep themselves alive.

As hours turn into days, and the weather proves as threatening as their need for food and water, Dillon and Liam must join forces and rely on each other if they have any hope of seeing their families again. Funny thing: sometimes in life, the end of the rope is when you discover everything you value has been in front of you all along.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Going on a week-long cruise with your meddlesome, nightmare of a family is bad enough. Things can't get worse right? Well... later, getting stranded on a deserted island with your cousin's best friend, a virtual stranger, with almost no food and water. That's way past worse and is the situation Dillon finds herself in. Can you imagine how terrifying that would be?

Author Amy Matayo made me feel so many different emotions with this read. Desperation, panic, hope, dread, gratitude, frustration, love, and so many more. There was sarcastic, self-deprecating humor that I could relate to so much. Seriously, there were so many times I was laughing out loud. I didn't expect that, but I loved it!

I pretty much loved everything about this fantastically entertaining romance. I can't recommend it highly enough!

Five Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: Deadly Deceit (Harbored Secrets #2) by Natalie Walters

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Deadly Deceit (Harbored Secrets #2) by Natalie Walters releasing November 5.

About the Book
Independent and tenacious journalist Vivian DeMarco is back in Walton, Georgia, for one reason--to do her job and get out. When her boss suddenly dies under suspicious circumstances, Vivian's only hope for finding the truth--and the next big story--is small-town law enforcement's lanky poster boy, Deputy Ryan Frost. But the deeper they dig, the more twisted the truth becomes, and Vivian finds herself fighting for not only answers but also her life. False leads, incriminating emails, and someone called The Watcher force Vivian to confront the secret of her past and decide: How much is she willing to risk for the sake of a headline?

Author Natalie Walters welcomes you back to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret.

Why I Need It
I really enjoyed Living Lies, the first book in the series, and have been so eager for this sequel. I'm always on the lookout for great romantic suspense and if Deadly Deceit is anything like it's predecessor, I know I'm in for a real treat.

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Cover Reveal: Thirst by Jill Williamson

I'm so excited to reveal the cover for Thirst by Jill Williamson today! It's a prequel to The Safe Lands Trilogy and book one in a duology. I read The Safe Lands Trilogy a few years ago and LOVED it, so to say that I'm ecstatic for Thirst is an understatement! Releasing November 21, you can preorder your copy right now, at this link http://jillwilliamson.com/thirst/. The ebook is only $2.99!


Before we get to the gorgeous cover, here's a little bit about the book:

The end of the world is only the beginning. A waterborne disease has contaminated the world’s fresh water, decimating the human race. Seventeen-year-old Eli McShane and his friends flee the chaos and violence in Phoenix and journey north toward the rumored location of a safe water source. They add several to their number, including the mysterious Hannah, who is being hunted by a dangerous man. Desperation brings our the worst in many of the travelers, infecting even those closest to Eli. When division comes, will he be able to hold his group together or will each fall victim to their own thirst for survival?

Join some old friends from Glenrock and Jack's Peak in this thrilling first book of the Thirst Duology. Best-selling author Jill Williamson has brought back the breathtaking suspense of the The Safe Lands series in this chilling prequel that will leave readers panting for the next installment.

Sounds great right? And now, THE COVER!

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How awesome it that?! I LOVE IT!


Here's the preorder link again: http://jillwilliamson.com/thirst/

Review: The Unkindest Tide (October Daye #13) by Seanan McGuire

About the Book

Hundreds of years ago, the Selkies made a deal with the sea witch: they would have the sea for as long as she allowed it, and when the time came, she would call in all their debts at once. Many people assumed that day would never come. Those people were wrong.

When the Luidaeg—October "Toby" Daye's oldest and most dangerous ally—tells her the time has come for the Selkies to fulfill their side of the bargain, and that Toby must be a part of the process, Toby can't refuse. Literally. The Selkies aren't the only ones in debt to the Luidaeg, and Toby has to pay what she owes like anyone else. They will travel to the fabled Duchy of Ships and call a convocation of the Selkies, telling them to come and meet the Luidaeg's price...or face the consequences.

Of course, nothing is that simple. When Dianda Lorden's brother appears to arrest Dianda for treason against the Undersea, when a Selkie woman is stripped of her skin and then murdered, when everything is falling apart, that's when Toby will have to answer the real question of the hour.

Is she going to sink? Or is she going to swim?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Liar's daughter, come to turn back the tide.

You ever read a book and feel like you're at home in it? You sink into the pages and get hopelessly, happily lost? Feel like you're right in the thick of things, experiencing everything right alongside the characters? Not just as an observer, but an actual participant? Every single time I open the pages to a book in this series, I experience that magic. And I love every second of it.

In The Unkindest Tide, the Luidaeg has finally called in Toby's debts. She can't refuse to help Luidaeg, even if she wanted to. She doesn't mind, not really. She'll be helping to set right a wrong that's needed to be done for centuries. But the outcome will affect Toby's daughter in a way that there's no turning back from. The almost nonexistent relationship between mother and daughter has the potential to deteriorate even more, past the point of no return.

I always try to take my time with the new Toby book. I try to savor it, make it last as long as I can. But that never seems to work out. It never fails, I reach a certain point and I can't help but read it as fast as possible. I inevitably reach the end long before I want to and my journey with these characters concludes swifter than I was ready for.

The Unkindest Tide was another epic book in this favorite series of mine. It was exactly what I was hoping it would be and so much more. We learn a lot and yet there's still many more answers to be revealed, leaving me so hungry for the next book. If you're a fan of urban fantasy, pick up this series. It's the best! Start with book one, though. There's a lot of history that's not to be missed out on.

NOTE: This book contains strong language.

Quotes:

• My family tree has a lot of thorns, and a tendency to draw blood. 

(Toby talking about the Luidaeg)

• She’s the bogeyman fae parents use to threaten their children, the terrifying sea witch who will spirit them away to where the bad kids go if they don’t eat their vegetables or practice their illusions or make their beds. Out of all Faerie’s monsters, she’s painted as the one with the sharpest teeth, the cruelest claws. I suspect that’s more of Evening’s work, because while the Luidaeg can be harsh, she’s rarely cruel. Her gifts come with a cost. That doesn’t make them evil. It just makes them expensive.

• “Sir October Christine Daye, Knight of Lost Words, daughter of Amandine the Liar, sworn in service to Duke Sylvester Torquill of Shadowed Hills, hero of the realm in the Mists, there are debts between us,” she said, and her voice was cold and hollow, and filled with ancient echoes.

• I can heal a broken bone in minutes and bring myself back from the dead, and I still can’t cure migraines. Sometimes the world is just unfair. 

• “Sometimes you need to take peoples’ minds off their problems if you want those problems to resolve themselves,” said Marcia. “Focusing on things can make them worse.”
  

Five Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: The Waves (Love in Chaos #1) by Amy Matayo

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring The Waves (Love in Chaos #1) by Amy Matayo.

About the Book

Dillon Hayes is twenty-eight and single, an unfortunate status her overbearing family is determined to fix. So when she’s stuck on a cruise ship for a seven-day reunion with the lot of them, she's desperate for any escape she can find, even if it means partnering with a sketchy stranger for an off-the-beaten-path snorkeling excursion. After her mother's last matchmaking attempt, Dillon is more than willing to trade all her good sense for a few hours of solace.

Liam Gamble is stuck in the middle of family vacation hell. The worst part: it's not even his family. This will be the last time he ever accepts a free-vacation invitation from his best friend. At this point, he'd be willing to hand over his life savings to get off this crazy ship. So when he catches one of his friend's cousins sneaking off board, he decides to join her, hijacking her private excursion and nearly blowing her cover. If she gets to leave, so does he.

But what starts off as a secret escape turns into a very real nightmare when their shady tour guide leaves them stranded on an uninhabited island with nothing but the clothes on their backs and no idea how to keep themselves alive.

As hours turn into days, and the weather proves as threatening as their need for food and water, Dillon and Liam must join forces and rely on each other if they have any hope of seeing their families again. Funny thing: sometimes in life, the end of the rope is when you discover everything you value has been in front of you all along.

Book Beginning

I'm drowning again.

Friday 56

I crawl into the little nook I cleared inside the shack and sit next to Dillon. The wind is coming at us with brutal force, shaking the walls and whooshing through the open slats in the old building.

How long does it usually take you to finish a book?

It depends on how big the book is and what's going on in 'real life', but I'd say my average is probably around three days. Sometimes longer, sometimes shorter.

What have you been reading lately?