Waiting on Wednesday: The Divide (The Alliance #2) by Jolina Petersheim

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that highlights upcoming eagerly anticipated releases.

This week I'm featuring The Divide (The Alliance #2) by Jolina Petersheim releasing June 6.

Summary

In this gripping conclusion to The Alliance, nearly six months have passed since Leora Ebersole’s Old Order Mennonite community fled to the mountains for refuge after an attack destroyed the power grid and altered life as they knew it. Since then, Leora has watched and waited for news of Moses Hughes, the young Englischer pilot who held off invading looters long enough for everyone to escape. Unsure Moses even survived, Leora has begun to warm to the affections of Jabil Snyder, who has courted her patiently. But she struggles to see herself as the bishop’s wife, especially when she learns that Moses is alive and has now joined a local militia.

An unexpected encounter in the woods deepens Leora’s crisis, as does a terrifying new threat that brings Moses’ militia into the community’s shaky alliance with the few Englischers left among them. When long-held beliefs are once again put to the test, Leora wrestles with the divide between having faith and taking action. Just how much will her shifting landscape change her?

Why I need it...

I loved the first book The Alliance and have been very eager for the sequel. I find books that deal with the aftermath of an EMP very interesting.

What book are you waiting on?  Leave a comment below and let me know.

Review: Hidden Threat by Connie Mann

Summary

An environmental crisis is the last thing clean-water crusader Eve Jackson expected in her hometown. She’s used to taking on powerful DC politicians in her fight, but when a baby in Safe Harbor, Florida, shows mysterious signs of possible poisoning, the danger hits painfully close to home, stirring memories of her own mother’s death.

Eve’s search leads her to the Sutton Ranch, now run by her high school crush, Cole. Focused on keeping the family business afloat as a series of deformed calves are born to his herd, Cole has no time for Eve’s crusade. But as her unwelcome questioning ostracizes her from locals, Cole’s irritation turns to intrigue—about the source of the poisoned water and the tenacious, loyal, and passionate woman determined to help.

As Eve digs deeper into Cole’s operation, she sees her suspicion of Sutton Ranch may be misplaced. Yet she can’t shake the feeling that his ranch, and perhaps his past, hold the answers she seeks. When the sabotage escalates, the two must work together to uncover the culprit—if they can survive the investigation.

• Amazon
• Goodreads

My Review:

Four Stars

When a baby gets very sick from suspected poisoned water, clean water activist Eve Jackson vows to do everything in her power to figure out the cause and make the guilty party pay. When three deformed calves are born on Cole Sutton's floundering ranch, he's desperate to find the cause and save the ranch. Eve and Cole's worlds collide when her investigation leads her straight to the Sutton Ranch.

Hidden Threat is the first Connie Mann book I've read and I devoured it as fast as I could. Though Tangled Lies is the first book in this series and some things that happened during it were discussed, I was never lost. It intrigued me enough to want to go read it, too!

I felt really bad for the way Eve was treated by a lot of the people in Safe Harbor. She's met with hostility, derision, and suspicion because of some mistakes she made as a teenager and her “environmental crusades”. She's looked at as “one of those tree huggers just looking for a cause”. I really admired her passion to her causes and standing up for what she believes in. She's a a strong woman and has a real determination to make the world a better place. Cole's a very admirable and stand up guy. He's the kind of trustworthy and steady leading man that I love to read about. They had great chemistry and I was rooting for them even though there's a bit of bad history and opposing viewpoints between them.

From the opening chapter, I was hooked. The real world faded away and I was sucked into the town of Safe Harbor. Mann does a great job at conveying the emotions of the characters in a way that I felt the exact same emotions, as well; disgust, infuriating anger, anxiety, excitement, terror, joy, anticipation... the list could go on and on. It was an intriguing thrill ride that consistently ramped up the suspense the further along into the book I read. It kept me guessing, too. There were quite a few suspects and I had no idea who the actual culprit was until the reveal. I would definitely, and highly, recommend Hidden Threat to any lover of suspense!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.

To learn more about this author, visit her website here.

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Books for Second Half of 2017

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and The Bookish.

This week's theme is the Most Anticipated Books for the Second Half of 2017.

1. A Matter of Trust (Montana Rescue Book #3) 

by Susan May Warren

Releasing July 4, 2017

2. Over Maya Dead Body (Serena Jones Mystery #3)

by Sandra Orchard

Releasing July 4, 2017

3. All This Time (Walker Family #4)

by Melissa Tagg

Releasing August, 2017

4. The Texas Rancher's New Family (Blue Thorn Ranch)

by Allie Pleiter

Releasing September 1, 2017

5. Crown of Souls (The Tox Files Book #2)

by Ronie Kendig

Releasing September 5, 2017

6. A Dangerous Legacy

by Elizabeth Camden

Releasing October 3, 2017

7. Dangerous Illusions (Code of Honor Book #1)

by Irene Hannon

Releasing October 3, 2017

8. A Name Unknown (Shadows Over England Book #1)

by Roseanna M. White

Releasing July 4, 2017

9. Blue Ridge Sunrise (A Blue Ridge Romance)

by Denise Hunter

Releasing November 7, 2017

10. Crisis Shot (The Line of Duty #1)

by Janice Cantore

Releasing September 5,  2017

What are some of your most anticipated books releasing in the second half of the year?

Book Beginnings: The Soldier and the Single Mom by Lee Tobin McClain

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, along with your initial thoughts/impressions. 

This week I'm featuring The Soldier and the Single Mom by Lee Tobin McClain.

It was 2:00 a.m. on a mild March night when Buck Armstrong saw his dead wife walking toward the town of Rescue River, Ohio, carrying their baby on one hip.

My Thoughts:

Okay, I'm hooked! I want to know what's going on!

What's the first line (or so) of the book you're currently reading? Leave a comment and let me know.

Review: Ready to Fumble (The Worst Detective Ever Book 1) by Christy Barritt

Summary:
I'm not really a private detective. I just play one on TV.

Joey Darling, better known to the world as Raven Remington, detective extraordinaire, is trying to separate herself from her invincible alter ego. She played the spunky character for five years on the hit TV show Relentless, which catapulted her to fame and into the role of Hollywood’s sweetheart.

When her marriage falls apart, her finances dwindle to nothing, and her father disappears, Joey finds herself on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, trying to piece her life back together away from the limelight. A woman finds Raven—er, Joey—and insists on hiring her fictional counterpart to find a missing boyfriend. When someone begins staging crime scenes to match an episode of Relentless, Joey has no choice but to get involved.

Joey’s bumbling sleuthing abilities have her butting heads with Detective Jackson Sullivan and kindling sparks with thrill-seeking neighbor Zane Oakley. Can Joey channel her inner Raven and unearth whodunit before she ends up totally done in? And where is her father anyway? Can she handle fame, or is disappearing into obscurity the wiser option?

Get Ready To Fumble your way through this enchanting new series.

• Amazon
• Goodreads

My Review:

Four Stars

Ready to Fumble was such a fun book! When I first heard about it, I knew I had to read it! I loved the premise: an actress who plays a TV detective tries to play detective in real life. Joey Darling believes herself to be "the worst detective ever" and the exact opposite of her TV alter ego Raven Remington. Joey heads to North Carolina to investigate the disappearance of her father. Before she can do much, she's pulled into a different mystery when a murder is eerily similar to one from her TV show.

I really liked all of the characters. Even though Joey is a famous actress, she was totally relatable and instantly likable. There seems to be a bit of a love triangle developing, so that will be interesting to see how it turns out. Zane or Jackson? Hmm... I don't know. The mystery was really great, too. I didn't figure it out until it was revealed. All in all, this was wonderful start to a new series and I can't wait to read the next one! I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys mysteries!

• Reign of Error (The Worst Detective Ever Book 2) 
• Safety in Blunders (The Worst Detective Ever Book 3)

To learn more about Christy Barritt, visit her website here.

Waiting on Wednesday: High as the Heavens by Kate Breslin

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that highlights upcoming eagerly anticipated releases.

This week I'm featuring High as the Heavens by Kate Breslin releasing June 6.

Summary

Page-Turning Intrigue and Romance from an Up-and-Coming Historical Romance Talent
In 1917, Evelyn Marche is just one of many women who has been widowed by the war. A British nurse trapped in German-occupied Brussels, she spends her days working at a hospital and her nights as a waitress in her aunt and uncle's café. Eve also has a carefully guarded secret keeping her in constant danger: She's a spy working for a Belgian resistance group in league with the British Secret Service.

When a British plane crashes in Brussels Park, Eve is the first to reach the downed plane and is shocked to discover she recognizes the badly injured pilot. British RFC Captain Simon Forrester is now a prisoner of war, and Eve knows he could be shot as a spy at any time. She risks her own life to hide him from the Germans, but as the danger mounts and the secrets between them grow, their chance of survival looks grim. And even if they do make it out alive, the truth of what lies between them may be more than any love can overcome.

Why I need it...

Kate Breslin's first book For Such a Time was one of my favorite reads in 2014 (I still think about it today) and this new book sounds so good!  I haven't read as many World War I novels as I have World War II, so High as the Heavens sounds like a great one to add to my list!

What book are you waiting on?  Leave a comment below and let me know.

Top Ten Tuesday: Summer Reads

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and The Bookish.

This week's theme is a Summer Reads Freebie, so I thought I'd post a list of books that I think are great to read on vacation.

1. The Montana Fire Series
by Susan May Warren

2. The Thirteenth Chance

by Amy Matayo

3. The Montana Rescue Series

by Susan May Warren

4. Romance Grows in Arcadia Valley 
by Mary Jane Hathaway, Elizabeth Maddrey, Lee Tobin McClain, Valerie Comer, Danica Favorite, Annalisa Daughety

5. Weddings by Bella Series
by Janice Thompson

6. The Lady and the Lionheart

by Joanne Bischof

7. A Class of Their Own Series

by Jen Turano

8. Just the Way You Are
by Pepper Basham

9. The Hope Harbor Series

by Irene Hannon

10. The Matchmakers Series by Kaye Dacus

What are your favorite "summer reads"?  Leave a comment below and let me know!

Review: The Wedding Charm by Susan Hatler

Summary:

Maid of honor Sarah Carlton hasn’t failed at anything since her high school science project was sabotaged by a relentless competitor. So, she’ll do whatever it takes to make her best friend Jill’s wedding absolutely perfect. That includes taking the next flight out of Sacramento to retrieve the panicked bride’s cherished family wedding charm from her late grandmother’s attic in Atlanta Georgia.

Unfortunately, someone else has offered to come to the bride’s rescue—best man Ben Atkins, the same man who destroyed Sarah’s high school science project all those years ago. Now he wants to one-up her by retrieving the charm first? Sarah refuses to let that happen. The race is on.

When Sarah and Ben arrive in Atlanta, instead of finding the wedding charm there’s a letter from the bride’s grandmother directing the bride and groom to complete a series of tasks in order to prove their commitment to each other. With the wedding only two days away, Sarah and Ben must join forces by pretending to be the bride and groom in order to earn the wedding charm. Should be a cinch. After all, how hard can it be to fake true love for forty-eight hours?

• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• Goodreads
• Kobo

My Review:

Four Stars

Maid of honor Sarah Carlton is none too happy to find out her childhood nemesis, Ben Atkins, is the best man at her best friend's wedding. He's been constantly one-upping her since they were in school, which totally infuriates her. When they're thrown together on a quest to find the bride's family wedding charm and forced to complete a series of tasks to retrieve it, they've gotta set aside the past and learn to work together.

I completely adored The Wedding Charm! It was perfectly paced, keeping me entertained the whole way through. I read it in one afternoon, it was so good! Written in first person from Sarah's point of view, she was a fun and sassy narrator. Ben was super charming and swoon-worthy with a funny side to him. They're super competitive and complete opposites, but the perfect match. I loved Moose the dog... so adorable! This was such a delightful and fun, feel-good romance that I would definitely recommend to lovers of sweet romantic comedies!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.

To learn more about this author, visit her website here.

Book Beginnings: The Noble Servant by Melanie Dickerson

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, along with your initial thoughts/impressions. 

This week I'm featuring The Noble Servant by Melanie Dickerson

The year 1365, Barony of Mallin, the Holy Roman Empire

"Where do you think you are going looking like a beggar?" Mother asked.  Magdalen's hand was on the door.  "Just walking."

My Thoughts:

I'm very interested to know where Magdalen's going and why she's dressed the way she is.

What's the first line (or so) of the book you're currently reading?  Leave a comment and let me know.

Review: Romance Grows in Arcadia Valley

Summary:

Join us in the fictional town of Arcadia Valley, Idaho, where a foodie culture and romance grow hand-in-hand.

Six popular and bestselling authors of contemporary Christian romance have teamed up to create an entire world exploring food, friends, and family.

This is not your usual collection of novellas! Each one is set in Arcadia Valley. Each kicks off a three-book series, intertwined with the works of the other authors. This permanent collection is only the beginning of your adventure with us.

Romance Grows in Arcadia Valley includes:
Spring’s Blessing (Seasons of Faith) by Mary Jane Hathaway
Life gets complicated for Charlotte MacGregor when a motherless child and a handsome widower encroach on her carefully laid plans. Will she keep her heart above the fray, or take a leap of faith?

Loaves and Wishes (A Baxter Family Bakery Romance) by Elizabeth Maddrey
Inheriting her friend’s Bed and Breakfast in Idaho is a second chance to succeed, but falling for the farmer next door wasn’t in the plan.

Sheltered Hearts (Romance from the Heart) by Lee Tobin McClain
A curvy jilted bride gets stranded in a snowstorm with a handsome restaurant cook who’s not what he seems to be.

Sow in Love (A Garden Grown Romance) by Valerie Comer
A real estate consultant’s ideas for fulfilling a living trust are shot down by the elderly greenhouse owner’s grandson, but some of the arrows piercing her heart come directly from Cupid’s bow.

The Scent of Romance (Legacy of the Heart) by Danica Favorite
A high-powered lawyer must convince a woman determined to protect her family’s legacy to sell the family farm to his father’s development company, but finds his heart leading him away from everything he’s spent his life trying to accomplish.

A Romance Rekindled (A Homegrown Love Story) by Annalisa Daughety
When former engaged couple, Kate and Drew, find themselves thrown together after more than a decade apart, neither of them are thrilled about it. Can they let go of the past and consider a future together?

Get your copy of Romance Grows in Arcadia Valley today and join us at www.ArcadiaValleyRomance.com to keep up with all the latest.

• Amazon
• Goodreads

My Review:

Five Stars

Springs Blessing (Seasons of Faith) by Mary Jane Hathaway
What happens when you add a big city woman new to a small town, a widowed man, an adorably precocious child, and a mischievous rabbit? Spring Blessings, a sweet and heartwarming romance! I instantly liked Nico. He's a bit shy and quiet and an all around great guy. I really admired Charlotte's determination. This was the first time I've read anything by Mary Jane Hathaway, but won't be the last. Loved this!

Loaves and Wishes (A Baxter Family Bakery Romance) by Elizabeth Maddrey
When Ruth inherits a B&B from her best friend, she can't help but be drawn to the farmer across the street, Corban. This was a great story with a really cute romance. I'm very much looking forward to reading the Baxter brothers' stories (especially Malachi's).

Sheltered Hearts (Romance from the Heart) by Lee Tobin McClain
When a snowstorm shuts down all the roads, Alex and Patricia become stranded at his family Mexican restaurant El Corazon where they discover not everything is as it appears. I loved this first story of Lee Tobin McClain's that I read. It was a very sweet romance and I can't wait to read more about the Quintana family and visit El Corazon again.

Sow in Love (A Garden Grown Romance) by Valerie Comer
A real estate consultant clashes with the grandson of the owner of the latest property she's in charge of. Both Grady and Joanna have trust issues, having been hurt badly by people they thought loved them. I liked watching them grow and learn to trust one another. This was another great one from Comer and I can't wait to see what she has in store for this series.

The Scent of Romance (Legacy of the Heart) by Danica Favorite
Caroline's parent's, aunts, and uncles plan to sell the family farm for millions and turn it into a resort community with the help of a big time lawyer. She's furious and vows to not let that happen. This was a fantastic story, maybe my favorite in this collection. Gram was my fave character. Her spunky and feisty nature reminded me a little of my own grandma. This was the first time I've read anything by Danica Favorite and I completely loved it! I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the Legacy of the Heart series!

A Romance Rekindled (A Homegrown Love Story) by Annalisa Daughety
Back in Arcadia Valley after eleven years and overseeing the renovations of her childhood home and her dad's office at the farmer's market, Kate is constantly finding herself in the company of Drew, her former flame. This was a great story about second chances. It had a bit of a somber beginning, but that didn't dampen my enjoyment one bit. I've read a couple of Daughety's past books and this one is just as good as those. Can't wait for the rest of this series!

I'm so excited about Arcadia Valley. What a fantastic concept for a series! Due to my allergies and chemical sensitivities, over the past few years I've become very passionate about eating organic and living a healthier life in general. So when I heard about this series, I was thrilled! I love the town of Arcadia Valley and the closeness of the community; how everyone supports everyone else and the passion for supporting local farmers, sustainable living, etc. It's a town I wish were real because I'd love to call it home. There's a quote in A Romance Rekindled, “Know your farmer, know your food,” that I think exemplifies a big part of this series and my mindset, as well. I also really liked that there was a strong focus on God in each novella. All six of the stories in this collection were excellent and I can't wait to read the full length ones that go along with them! Highly recommend!

To learn more about the authors and this series, click here.

Waiting on Wednesday: Hidden Threat by Connie Mann

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that highlights upcoming eagerly anticipated releases.

This week I'm featuring Hidden Threat by Connie Mann releasing May 30

Summary

An environmental crisis is the last thing clean-water crusader Eve Jackson expected in her hometown. She’s used to taking on powerful DC politicians in her fight, but when a baby in Safe Harbor, Florida, shows mysterious signs of possible poisoning, the danger hits painfully close to home, stirring memories of her own mother’s death.

Eve’s search leads her to the Sutton Ranch, now run by her high school crush, Cole. Focused on keeping the family business afloat as a series of deformed calves are born to his herd, Cole has no time for Eve’s crusade. But as her unwelcome questioning ostracizes her from locals, Cole’s irritation turns to intrigue—about the source of the poisoned water and the tenacious, loyal, and passionate woman determined to help.

As Eve digs deeper into Cole’s operation, she sees her suspicion of Sutton Ranch may be misplaced. Yet she can’t shake the feeling that his ranch, and perhaps his past, hold the answers she seeks. When the sabotage escalates, the two must work together to uncover the culprit—if they can survive the investigation.

Why I need it...

Oh my goodness, this sounds SO good!  I love a good mystery and this one sounds very intriguing!

What book are you waiting on?  Leave a comment below and let me know.

Review: The Matchmaking Game by Donna Hatch

Summary:

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes the Timeless Romance Singles line.

THE MATCHMAKING GAME: A brand new historical romance novella from bestselling author Donna Hatch.

Rowena’s childhood friend, Evan, has returned home from war a handsome, but mysterious stranger. In an effort to bring happiness to her father, not to mention uncover the Evan she remembers from their youth, Rowena seeks to unite their parents. Who better to match a lonely widow and widower together than their adoring children? Her matchmaking game could help their parents find happiness and draw out her childhood friend buried beneath Evan’s new reserve … or it could break more than one heart.

More Timeless Romance Singles:
FROM CAIRO, WITH LOVE by Nancy Campbell Allen
SOPHIA'S LEAP-YEAR COURTSHIP by Kristin Holt
STARTING OVER IN STEEPLE RIDGE by Liz Isaacson

• Amazon
• Goodreads

My Review:

Five Stars

Rowena and Evan have been best friends since childhood, but ever since Evan came back from the war, he's been different. Rowena comes up with a new scheme, matchmaking her father and his mother together, and hopes that by roping him into it, the old Evan will come back. What transpires next is more than she ever could have imagined.

From the opening line of The Matchmaking Game, “Rowena Emerson studied her longtime friend, Evan Barnes, and tried to judge by his expression if he'd be game for a new scheme.”, I knew I was absolutely going to love this novella! Rowena's a really fun character (plus, I really love her name). She's vibrant, full of life, and maybe a tad mischievous, but always with the best of intentions. Evan's an honorable, upstanding, true gentleman. I admired his commitment to his family and to doing the right thing, even when he really didn't want to. They have such a sweet friendship. One of my favorite parts was when they visited Nurse Murray and she shared stories about Rowena and Evan's friendship from their younger days.

The Matchmaking Game is a superbly written, clean regency romance, one of the best I've read, that I did not want to end. I can't believe this is only the second Donna Hatch book I've read! I'm definitely going to be checking out her other books soon! Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.

To learn more about this author, visit her website here.

Book Beginnings: The Matchmaking Game by Donna Hatch

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, along with your initial thoughts/impressions. 

This week I'm featuring The Matchmaking Game by Donna Hatch

Rowena Emerson studied her longtime friend, Evan Barnes, and tried to judge by his expression if he'd be game for a new scheme.  It was hard to tell; he had come home from the war a mysterious stranger, with only glimpses of his former playful self who had always been ready for a new lark, no matter how madcap.

My Thoughts:

Oooh, this is gonna be good! I wonder what kind of scheme Rowena's gonna come up with and if Evan will go along with it.

What's the first line (or so) of the book you're currently reading?  Leave a comment and let me know.

Review: Without Warning (Elite Guardians #2) by Lynette Eason

Summary:

Intensity. Skill. Tenacity.
The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have it all.

Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business.

Daniel might be concerned, but he's not convinced that a bodyguard--and a female one at that--is necessary. A new attack and his niece's urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who's behind the intimidation and threats--before a would-be killer strikes again.

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, and the Hidden Identity series, as well as Always Watching in the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of an ACFW Carol Award, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award. She lives in South Carolina.

• Amazon
• Goodreads

My Review:

Four Stars

When a fired employee is found hanging in the basement of Daniel Matthews' restaurant and then another one of his restaurants is set on fire, it becomes obvious that someone is targeting Daniel and his interests. His teenage niece, Riley, suggests Katie, her self defense teacher and partner of Elite Guardians Protection Agency, be his bodyguard. Daniel's a very capable man who can take care of himself, so he doesn't like the idea, but reluctantly agrees. He's smart enough to realize the seriousness of the situation and accepts Katie's help.

The suspense in this book was off the charts and the pace is lightning fast, having me glued to the pages trying to figure out what was going on and what was going to happen next. While the suspense was great, it did take me about half the book before I really connected with Daniel and Katie. I really liked Riley, though. She had a really strong, deep faith and seemed very mature and wise for her seventeen years. I suspected who the bad guy was, but could not figure out what their motive might be, but it all made sense when it was revealed.

All in all, Without Warning was another action-packed suspenseful read from Lynette Eason that I'm sure any fan of romantic suspense will enjoy. It had been awhile since I read Always Watching, the first book in this series, so I was a little worried about being lost, but I had no need to fret. I'm pretty sure this could standalone just fine. I'm definitely looking forward to getting my hands on Moving Target, book three, to see what threat the Elite Guardians encounter next.

Books in this series:

• Always Watching (Elite Guardians #1)
• Without Warning (Elite Guardians #2)
• Moving Target (Elite Guardians #3)
• Chasing Secrets (Elite Guardians #4)

To learn more from this author, go to her website here.

Waiting on Wednesday: I'll Be There: A Deep Haven Montana Fire novel by Susan May Warren

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that highlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm featuring I'll Be There: A Deep Haven Montana Fire novel by Susan May Warren releasing May 16.

Summary

From a USA Today bestselling and RITA-award winning author, a novel uniting two beloved series:

Smokejumper Conner Young can't wait to marry the woman who's stood by him for three years as he fought fires in the forests of the northwest. The only wound in the weekend is the lack of his best man--a brother whose murder is still unsolved. It's unfinished business that haunts him, keeping him from truly moving on.

Liza Beaumont, long time Deep Haven artist is a survivor of a brutal grizzly attack. Struggling with nightmares, she's not sure she's ready to join Conner's world. He's a hero, yes, but his life is rife with danger and stress and frankly she's not sure she has the courage to be the wife of a man who may not come home again.

When Liza's wedding invitation unearths a witness in his brother's murder, Conner's hope of solving the case is reignited. Suddenly, it's a choice between showing up to help Liza knit together their perfect day--or tracking down his brother's killer. But when his investigation finds its way to Deep Haven, and Liza's life is threatened, there may not be a wedding at all.

What happens when the smokejumpers from Montana Fire come to Deep Haven? Sparks, fire and hopefully...a happy ending.

Why I need it...

It's Susan May Warren... enough said, lol.  I loved the Montana Fire series and am really excited to read more about these characters.

What book are you waiting on?  Leave a comment below and let me know.

Review: Just a Kiss (A Summer Harbor Novel) by Denise Hunter

Summary:

Riley Callahan’s plans to reveal his secret feelings for his best friend are ruined when his life is drastically altered in Afghanistan.

Watching the love of his life falling for his brother was enough to send Riley straight to boot camp. But over a year later, he’s officially a marine, and Beau and Paige are no longer an item. When Riley’s tour in Afghanistan is up, he intends to confess his feelings to Paige and win his best friend’s heart once and for all.

But all that changes when an IED takes the life of a comrade and leaves Riley an amputee. Now he’s heading home, injured and troubled. His plans to win Paige are a distant dream. She deserves so much more than the man that’s left. All he can do now is put some healthy distance between them. But upon his return he discovers his family has arranged for him to stay with Paige.

Paige is a nurturer at heart and happy to take care of her best buddy. By all appearances he’s adjusting miraculously well to his disability. But as the days pass, Paige begins to see that the smiles and laughter are just a mask for the pain he’s hiding. He has nightmares and mood swings, and his unwavering independence keeps him from accepting help from anyone, including her. To make matters worse, her job is in serious jeopardy. The animal shelter that she’s poured her heart into has lost its funding, and she has three months to come up the money needed to save it.

As the weeks wear on with the two in such close proximity, Paige’s feelings for Riley begin to shift into unchartered territory. Why is she suddenly noticing his corded arm muscles and the way his lips curl at the corners? Will she be able to deny her feelings for another Callahan brother? And will Riley let his heart heal so he can let Paige in?

• Amazon
• Goodreads

My Review:

Four Stars

I have no idea why it took me so long to get to reading Just a Kiss. Denise Hunter is one of my all time favorite authors, plus I've been really looking forward to Riley and Paige's story since the very first book in this series. I have no excuses, so I'll just get on with my thoughts for this book.

What can I say about Riley? He's just such a likable guy and I was always rooting for him. After he comes back from Afghanistan wounded, he hides his pain and frustration behind smiles and jokes, but he's really hurting inside. His pride and dignity are wounded and he hates asking for help. He's independent and stubborn, which is not a great combination at the moment. And he's sure not happy when he finds out Paige, his best friend and girl he's secretly in love with, will be the one helping take care of him.

Paige is a great friend. She's strong and even when everything seems to be piling up on her, she takes it in stride and does her very best to get the job done. When she's informed the shelter will most likely be closing, she does everything in her power to stop that from happening. I really admired her commitment and love for her job, the shelter, and the animals, plus her allegiance to Riley in the midst of all her own struggles.

Just a Kiss was another fantastic contemporary romance from Denise Hunter. It was great to go back to Summer Harbor and catch up with the Callahan clan. And I was so happy to finally learn all about the history between Miss Trudy and Sheriff Colton. Even though this is book three, it can totally standalone. If you haven't read the first two books, I don't believe you'd be lost at all. I highly recommend and can't wait to read whatever comes next from Denise Hunter!

Books in this series:

• Falling Like Snowflakes
• The Goodbye Bride
• Just a Kiss

To learn more about this author, visit her website here.

Book Beginnings: Just a Kiss (A Summer Harbor Novel) by Denise Hunter

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, along with your initial thoughts/impressions. 

This week I'm featuring Just a Kiss by Denise Hunter

Paige Warren checked her watch, then peeked around Miss Trudy's silver head for the dozenth time.  Riley's plane had landed, and the steady stream of passengers moving toward Bangor Airport's baggage claim had begun to dwindle.

My thoughts:

Where's Riley?  What's going on?  I've been looking forward to Riley's story since first meeting him in Falling Like Snowflakes, so I'm super interested to know what's going on with him.

What's the first line (or so) of the book you're currently reading?  Leave a comment and let me know.

Waiting on Wednesday: Fatal Mistake (White Knights #1) by Susan Sleeman

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that highlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm featuring Fatal Mistake (White Knights #1) by Susan Sleeman, releasing May 9.

Summary

An FBI agent must protect the woman who can identify a terrorist bomber in bestselling author Susan Sleeman's riveting romantic suspense novel.

Each day could be her last...but not if he can help it.

Tara Parrish is the only person ever to survive an attack by the Lone Wolf bomber. Scared and emotionally scarred by her near death, she goes into hiding with only one plan--to stay alive for another day. She knows he's coming after her, and if he finds her, he will finish what he started.

Agent Cal Riggins has had only one goal for the past six months--to save lives by ending the Lone Wolf's bombing spree. To succeed, he needs the help of Tara Parrish, the one person who can lead them to the bomber. Cal puts his all into finding Tara, but once he locates her, he realizes if he can find her, the Lone Wolf can, too. He must protect Tara at all costs, and they'll both need to resist the mutual attraction growing between them to focus on hunting down the bomber, because one wrong move could be fatal.

Why I need it...

Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres and as soon as I read the summary for Fatal Mistake, I knew I had to read it!  I've never read anything by Susan Sleeman, but I've heard so many great things about her books and can't wait to try out this one!


What book are you 'waiting' on?  Leave a comment and let me know.

Review: The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachael Anderson

Summary:

When Colin Cavendish, the new earl of Drayson, informs Lucy Beresford that she and her mother need to vacate the house they've called home for the past two years, Lucy is fit to be tied. They have no money, no relations they can turn to for help, and nowhere to go. How dare the earl break the promise his father had made to the Beresfords without so much as a twinge of conscience?

Fate plays her hand when Lucy discovers the earl unconscious and injured in the middle of the road. When he awakens with no recollection of who he is, Lucy seizes the opportunity to teach the earl a much-needed lesson in humility and tells him that he is nothing more than a mere servant. Her servant, in fact.

And thus begins the charming tale of a pompous lord and an impetuous young woman, caught together in a web so tangled that it begs the question: Will they ever get out?

• Amazon
• Goodreads

My Review:

Four Stars

I'm a huge fan of Rachael Anderson and have loved everything I've read of hers, so I've been super eager to check out her new foray into regency romance. (She usually writes contemporary). And let me say, The Fall of Lord Drayson did not disappoint.

Lucy Beresford's parents always told her never to tell a lie. And she never did tell an outright lie (maybe some creative truth telling here and there) until the day Colin Cavendish informs her that he is selling Tanglewood, the property Lucy and her mother currently reside, and they have two months to vacate the premises. When Colin bumps his head and forgets who he is, Lucy intends on teaching him a lesson he won't soon forget, but along the way it's Lucy who learns a valuable lesson, as well.

Lucy's a bit of an eccentric, not conforming to the societal norms of what a lady of quality should/shouldn't do, like helping clean the house and tending to her garden. But she's got such a tender heart and good soul. Colin doesn't make the best first impression. He seems cold, pompous, and selfish, but he really redeems himself quite fast and shows the caring and funny guy he actually is. The witty banter between Lucy and Colin started from their very first conversation and continued throughout the entire book. I've gotta say though, that my two favorite characters were Georgy and Mr. Shepherd. They added a lot to the story and I wouldn't have minded even more of the loyal friend or the reclusive old scholar.

I know when I pick up a Rachael Anderson book it will always be a clean romance of the highest quality. The Fall of Lord Drayson was a nice trip to regency England that I enjoyed very much. I look forward to the next book in this series, The Rise of Miss Notley.

Books in this series:

• The Fall of Lord Drayson (Tanglewood #1)
• The Rise of Miss Notley (Tanglewood #2)
• The Splash of Lady Harriett (Tanglewood #3)

To learn more about this author, visit her website here.

Killer Jam (A Dewberry Farm Mystery #1) by Karen MacInerney

Summary:

When Houston reporter Lucy Resnick cashes in her retirement to buy her grandmother’s farm in Buttercup, Texas, she’s looking forward to a simple life as a homesteader. But Lucy has barely finished putting up her first batch of Killer Dewberry Jam when an oil exploration truck rolls up to the farm and announces plans to replace her broccoli patch with an oil derrick. Two days later, Nettie Kocurek, the woman who ordered the drilling, turns up dead at the Founders’ Day Festival with a bratwurst skewer through her heart and one of Lucy’s jam jars beside her…and the sheriff fingers Lucy as the prime suspect.

Horrified, Lucy begins to talk to Nettie’s neighbors, but the more she gets to know the townspeople, the more she realizes she’s not the only one who had a beef with Nettie. Can she clear her name, or will her dream life turn into a nightmare?

• Amazon
• Goodreads

My Review:

Four Stars

Lucy Resnick goes from big city reporter to small town homesteader when she buys her grandparents old farm. Her lifelong dream hits a snag, though, when she finds out that the woman she bought the house from, Nettie Kocurek, kept the mineral rights and plans to set up an oil rig right in the middle of Lucy's farm. Things get even worse when Nettie's found murdered just a couple days later, making Lucy the prime suspect.

Buttercup was a charming small town, but like most small towns, news travels fast, gossip faster, everybody knows everybody else, and newcomers are looked at with suspicion. And since Lucy's the newest resident of Buttercup, she's automatically prime suspect number one when Nettie's killed, even though there were many, many people who had their own motives to off the loathsome old lady.

I loved the animals in this book; Blossom the cow formerly know as #82, what a mischievous one she is, lol, and Chuck the adorable apricot poodle who reminds me of one of my dogs.

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. It kept me guessing about who the culprit was. I thought I knew who did it, but I wasn't 100 percent sure because there were so many viable suspects. I also really liked getting a peek into Lucy's new homesteading way of life. There were times, though, when things were repeated quite often, even right after it was first mentioned, which got kinda annoying. Other than that, I loved Killer Jam and am looking forward to reading the next book in this series, Fatal Frost.

Books in this series:

• Killer Jam (A Dewberry Farm Mystery #1)
• Fatal Frost (A Dewberry Farm Mystery #2)

To learn more about this author, visit her website here.