Protecting His Witness (Red Stone Security #7)

Seven years ago she broke his heart…

Leaving Vincent was the hardest thing Jordan Alvarado ever had to do, but she had no choice. Now she’s back and looking for forgiveness so she can move on with her life. She doesn’t expect the smoldering attraction between them to still be there, burning hotter than ever. After the way she hurt him she knows things will never be the same again and that in the end, she’s the one who will get her heart broken when he walks away.

He’s not letting her go again…

Former SEAL Vincent Hansen never got over Jordan and the way she up and left him without a trace. After she suddenly reappears and explains what happened, he’s even more furious. He doesn’t know what he wants from her, but when she’s targeted in a series of potentially deadly attacks, he realizes he can’t give her up again. He won’t. Now he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe and convince her that she was always meant to be his.

4.5/5 Stars

I'm fairly new to Katie Reus and have read a couple of her books in each genre she writes and have come to the conclusion that she is one hellva writer. This was my first book of this series and I can already tell you that I'm itching to go buy the rest of them. I didn't feel as if I lost anything in not reading the other books first, so this can be read as a stand alone. My only complaint with this book is it was too short! I want more Vincent and Jordan. There was the insta-love that I usually don't like, but with these two it worked since they'd had a prior relationship. I can't wait to read more from this series, but since I haven't read the first six, I definitely have something to tide me over.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
 

Getting Rowdy (Love Undercover #3) by Lori Foster

An alpha hero's attraction to the one woman he can't have could draw him into a killer's snare in the sizzling new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster
Charismatic bar owner Rowdy Yates isn't the kind of man women say no to. So when he approaches waitress Avery Mullins, he fully expects to get her number. However, the elusive beauty has her reasons for keeping her distance-including a past that might come back to haunt them both.

Avery spends her nights working for tips...and trying to forget the secret Rowdy is determined to unearth. But when history threatens to repeat itself, Avery grows to rely on Rowdy's protective presence. As the sparks between them ignite, she will be forced to choose between the security she's finally found...and the passion she's always wanted.

5/5 Stars

I have loved Rowdy from the very moment he burst into this series and have been looking forward to reading his story from the beginning. He so needed a HEA and I think Avery was perfect for him. At times his story was sad and other times I couldn't help but shake my head at his antics. He's just so damn lovable even when he's being a jerk. Hopefully there will be more books in this series (Dash and Cannon) because I can't wait to see peaks of his life as a married man and eventually a father (you just know he'll make a kick-ass father). Strongly recommend this book, but even though it can be read as a stand alone in order to get the full effect of his awesomeness it should be read in order.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

The Lost Wolf's Destiny (Harlequin Nocturne #167) by Karen Whiddon

A desperate mother. A scarred man. A powerful bond...

The moment he saw Blythe Daphne on the television news, Lucas Kenyon knew three things: she was a shapeshifter, like him. She was the most desirable creature he had ever seen. And she was in terrible danger.

Now, the wolf in Lucas is driving him to save Blythe and her young daughter from a man he knows is evil personified. A man who believes all shapeshifters are demons straight from hell. But Lucas knows he must never reveal the secret that threatens to tear him apart--not even to the one woman who could heal him.
    

ebook, 304 pages

Published September 1st 2013 by Harlequin Nocturne

 

 

2/5 Stars

 

This was the first book by Ms. Whiddon that I've read and I was looking forward to discovering a new author, but I'm not sure this is the author for me. I was first drawn in by the beautiful cover then the blurb sounded promising. I just found myself rolling my eyes enough to make me dizzy. I just couldn't stand some of the decisions made by both MCs and though the idea of the book sounded great it just didn't deliver. There was a lot of repeating, too. I guess maybe if I had read some of the prior books of this series I would've had a better understanding of what being Pack meant or was suppose to mean, but I found them almost as bad as the church. I mean, they steal the sick child away from her mother after the stuff she went thru with the church? But it was for her own good. Really?! There were other things I disliked but I don't want to write anymore spoilers. This is just a series I'll pass on in the future, but I encourage you to make your own decision.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

 

Against the Ropes by Sarah Castille

 

He scared me. He thrilled me. And after one touch, all I could think about was getting more…

Makayla never thought she’d set foot in an underground mixed-martial arts club. But if anyone needs a medic on hand, it’s these guys. Trouble is, at her first sight of the club’s owner she’s the one feeling breathless.

All sleek muscle and restrained power, the man they call Torment plays to win at any cost. Whether it’s in the ring or in the bedroom, he knows exactly when to use a soft touch and when to launch a full-on assault. He always knows just how far he can push. And he’s about to tempt Makayla in ways she never imagined…
    

ebook

Published September 3rd 2013 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

 

4.5/5 stars

 

After reading mixed reviews about this book I decided that I just needed to read it myself. What I decided was that I really liked it which is odd considering there are so many things about the book that I usually find unappealing. For instance, I tend to stay far away from New Adult genre (IMO they all have the same plot...two people who are broken by some tragic secret can only be saved by each other) I hate reading about millionaires/billionaires who are into BDSM and I really dislike moustache-twirling bad guys (here there was a couple...debt collector #2, dudes from Geek Club). But somehow I found myself sucked into this story. I liked Max and just really liked the way he dealt with Makayla. He wanted to protect her so bad that it came out almost controlling but he knew she wouldn't put up with it so he compromised with her....sorta. Makayla definitely had some spunk to her and at times I found her quite comical other times I wanted to shake the stupid out of her but overall I liked her. I'd love to read more about these guys at Redemption, though I'd love to get rid of some of the nicknames.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Hearts in Darkness: Nikki and Michael Book 2 (Nikki & Michael #2)

Private Investigator Nikki James has a lot to contend with. Her lover, Michael Kelly, walked out without so much as a goodbye, and what seemed like a simple case of stopping a runaway teen brought her face-to-face with another clutch of deadly vampires. But if that seemed bad, it is about to get a lot worse, because when Michael returns, it is not for her, but for the case.

Wealthy men are starting to vanish from a resort in Jackson Hole—which is exactly where Nikki’s runaway teen seems to be as well. Something nefarious is going on at the luxury spa, but what? The last thing Michael needs is a confrontation with Nikki—especially when his control over his bloodlust is still so tenuous. But posing as a newlywed couple at the swanky resort may be the best way for both of them to solve their respective cases. This time, Nikki is determined to make Michael see that life apart is worse than death. Yet before she can make him see the light, a specter from Michael’s past rises that could destroy any hope she has of a future with him. Because this time the threat isn’t physical. It’s a matter of the heart.

4.5/5 Stars

I'm really happy that the author decided to reissue these books because even though they were on my TBR pile they were way at the bottom of that pile. When I saw them offered at Netgalley I though it was a perfect time to read them and I'm very happy with that decision. Nikki and Michael are a great couple and their relationship is full of that delightful tension that compels you to want to read more and hope that they get together in the end. The secondary characters are well rounded and are actually believable as real people especially Jake. I can't wait to read the next book and hope there will be more in the future.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Against the Mark (Raines of Wind Canyon #9)

The perfect murder is a work of art

In one catastrophic instant, Haley Warren's estranged father was taken from her. She never got the chance to reconnect with him, so now she's doing it the only way she's got left: by proving the explosion that killed him was no accident.

When Tyler Brodie, the provocative and handsome P.I. hired by Haley, discovers that her father was investigating a suspected art theft, he knows his death is no coincidence. After all, tens of millions of dollars worth of stolen art could motivate a thief to go to any lengths--including getting rid of anyone poking around where they don't belong.

As Haley and Ty get closer to the truth, the truth gets ugly: Did Haley's dad know too much...or was he in on the take? And although Ty's a consummate professional, he's having trouble focusing on the facts of the case, and not the figure of his gorgeous client. The two are determined to get to the bottom of the case, even if it means they die trying.

www.KatMartin.com    

ebook, 400 pages

Expected publication: September 1st 2013 by Mira Books

 

 

 

5/5 Stars

 

Even though I just picked this series up with the last book I'm totally loving it. Its full of romance and adventure and of course very desirable men that make your blood run hot. In this book we have Ty, who I only met through the last book (and much too briefly) but I gather he has been in a couple previous books and his client/romantic interest Haley. With his laid-back country boy and ex-military background, Ty was pretty popular with the ladies (and me) even though he hadn't met that one lady he could see himself with until he sees Haley smiling at him. He agrees to help her look into the supposed accidental death of her father as a favor to her great aunt and his good friend, Ellie. That is when the fun began. Throughout their investigation they learn that her father was indeed murdered but more importantly Haley learns that taking a chance on someone isn't the scariest thing out there but living a life without Ty might be.

I really liked this book and its non-stop action; just when they thought they were safe something or someone else came along to shake things up. I really want to go back and read this series from the beginning because these characters are fascinating. Even though this is a series with reoccuring characters Ms. Martin does a great job of recapping the stories when it's needed. Can't wait to read more of these books.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

A Rake's Midnight Kiss (Sons of Sin #2)

It Takes A Lady

Brilliant scholar Genevieve Barrett knows how to keep a secret. Her identity as the author of her father's academic articles has always been her greatest deception—until a charming housebreaker tries to steal the mysterious Harmsworth Jewel from her. She doesn't reveal that she recognizes her father's devastatingly handsome new student as the thief himself. For Genevieve, this will be the most seductive secret of all...

To Catch A Thief

Sir Richard Harmsworth has been living a lie, maintaining a rakish façade to show society that he doesn't care about his status as a bastard. Yet long haunted by his unknown father's identity, Richard believes the Harmsworth Jewel will confirm his claim as the rightful heir. But when Richard sets out to seduce the bookworm who possesses the stone, he instead falls for its beautiful owner. But even as she steals Richard's heart, Genevieve will be in greater danger than her coveted treasure...    

ebook, 384 pages

Expected publication: August 27th 2013 by Forever

 

4/5 Stars

 

I really love this series and find the concept of the Sons of Sins or a "bunch of bastards" (as they've been called) intriguing. We always read about the member of the Ton that's born out of wedlock, but we never get to read about how the status of being born a bastard really makes them feel. Most times the character isn't bothered by it and life goes on its merry way. In this book Richard acts as if he's not affected but deep down he just wants to be seen as the rightful heir to the baronetcy and thinks finding the family jewel will do that. That's when he comes to meet Genevieve and suddenly the jewel is the last thing on his mind.

I felt as if parts of the book dragged a bit but for the most part this was a great book full of romance and plenty of conflict between two suitors. I loved getting to know Cam a little better and can't wait to meet the woman who upsets his tidy life. Looking forward to many more books by Ms. Campbell.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.