Tag Archives: Kidnapping

From Here to You (Crash and Burn #1)

By Jamie McGuire

Synopsis

As Darby Dixon sits in a tiny Texas church bathroom on her wedding day holding a positive pregnancy test, she realizes that of all the bad decisions she’s made in her life, marrying her abusive fiancé would be the worst. She’s never been able to stand up for herself, but she’ll sure as hell stand up for her baby. With just the cash she has on hand, she runs to get a bus ticket to the farthest place she can afford. Between her sheer grit and pageant-queen smile, she lands a job as a front desk clerk at the Colorado Springs Hotel. It’s not a glamorous life, but she and her baby are all that matters.

A former Marine, Scott “Trex” Trexler has worked in the most dangerous, corrupt, war-torn places on earth. Now he finally has a chance to return to the last place he’d felt at peace–Colorado Springs, Colorado, to take a new job with the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, a top-secret military installation buried deep within the granite.

The moment Trex walks into the inn, Darby knows he’s dangerous. There’s no way she wants to get involved with another man who seems to be keeping way too many secrets. As charming and devastatingly gorgeous as Trex is, he clearly isn’t telling her everything. But as wildfires rage on the mountain and Darby’s ex-fiancé shows he isn’t so willing to let her go, both she and Trex are soon to find out that what you don’t know absolutely can hurt you.

Review

Really lovely story and Darcy was strong yet so compassionate and loving.  From the first few pages, you will fall in love with her.  It was uplifting to watch her fight for good in her life and make such integral changes in her life for her own safety.

The connection between Darcy and Trex was so passionate but also filled with miscommunications. At times I felt slightly frustrated as they definitely were on a roller coaster with their relationship.

The length of time this story follows was perfect, it was believable considering Darcy’s history with the ex-fiancee. I did find myself constantly on edge waiting for him to make his presence felt.

There are many references to God and faith in this story.  Trex is a preachers son and now atheist and Darcy has a strong faith, this did not bother me much.

The ending was perfect, I felt satisfied, you get a beautiful happy every after for Darcy and she certainly deserved it.

From Here to You (Crash and Burn #1)

My Rating:  

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Dirty, Reckless Love (The Boys of Jackson Harbour #3)

By Lexi Ryan

Synopsis

I’m in love with a man who tried to kill me. At least that’s what they tell me . . .

Six weeks ago, paramedics found me unconscious in my apartment. Beaten. Bruised. Hardly breathing. When I woke up, I couldn’t remember the last three years or anything about my life in Jackson Harbor. They tell me my fiancé, Colton McKinley, is on the run for what he did to me. They tell me I’m safer if I stay away.

I don’t care if my memories ever come back. I want nothing to do with those missing years . . . until a sexy stranger with angry eyes shows up on my doorstep and demands I stop ignoring him.

Levi Jackson is my fiancé’s best friend, but seeing him sparks something inside me. As the truth unravels in my mind, I know they’re wrong about Colton. My own secrets are far more dangerous than the man I was engaged to.

I return to Jackson Harbor to search for answers and find myself running from a faceless boogeyman and seeking refuge in Levi’s arms. And in his bed.

I can’t deny my feelings for Levi. But as the pile of lies between us grows, I realize that sometimes the truth can’t set us free. Sometimes, it’s the very thing that can destroy us.

Review

Levi, Ellie, and Colton each brought their own vulnerabilities to this love story which makes you fall in love with all of them.

Dirty, Reckless Love is full of twists, lies and lust and love that goes deep in your bones.  Ellie is passionate, confused, headstrong and determined for a better life full of love.

The story is past and present and we move between the two effortlessly as the author weaves her tale.  As the ending nears the gap in Ellie’s memory connects the two periods of time until they clash.  There are moments you think you know who the danger is and I did not pick this twist.

The dynamic between Ellie, Colton and Levi’s friendship provided moments of heartache and passion Whilst not a full on love triangle which I hate, this is told really well.  I put that down to Levihonoringg his friendship with Colton at the beginning but then like all romantic love stories the heart takes over.

What i loved about the ending was how the author gave Ellie her time at the conclusion to find herself before she found her true love.

Whilst this is a series, I have not read the others and this story is a standalone.

Quote:  “Yes, but if you’ve only ever seen sunshine, how do you know you can face the storm”

Dirty, Reckless Love (The Boys of Jackson Harbour #3)

My Rating:  

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Holding On (Colorado High Country # 6)

By Pamela Clare

Synopsis

A hero barely holding on…

Harrison Conrad returned to Scarlet Springs from Nepal, the sole survivor of a freak accident on Mt. Everest. Shattered and grieving for his friends, he vows never to climb again and retreats into a bottle of whiskey—until Kenzie Morgan shows up at his door with a tiny puppy asking for his help. He’s the last person in the world she should ask to foster this little furball. He’s barely capable of managing his own life right now, let alone caring for a helpless, adorable, fluffy puppy. But Conrad has always had a thing for Kenzie with her bright smile and sweet curves. One look into her pleading blue eyes, and he can’t say no.

The woman who won’t let him fall…

Kenzie Morgan’s life went to the dogs years ago. A successful search dog trainer and kennel owner, she gets her fill of adventure volunteering for the Rocky Mountain Search & Rescue Team. The only thing missing from her busy life is love. It’s not easy finding Mr. Right in a small mountain town, especially when she’s unwilling to date climbers. She long ago swore never again to fall for a guy who might one day leave her for a rock. When Conrad returns from a climbing trip haunted by the catastrophe that killed his best friend, Kenzie can see he’s hurting and wants to help. She just might have the perfect way to bring him back to the world of the living. But friendship quickly turns into something more—and now she’s risking her heart to heal his.

Review

I don’t know if it was me or the book, but I found HOLDING ON to be just an okay read. I’ve read and enjoyed many books from Pamela Clare, but when I got to the end of this one, I realized that I had not been invested in the story or its main characters.

That being said, I did like the sweet and emotional ending. I also liked Kenzie, who was ballsy and laughed in the face of danger when she was terrified.

HOLDING ON is told in dual POVs and while it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. However, when Meg was updating Harrison about everyone back home, there were a lot of names thrown out and even though I’ve read the previous five books in this series, I felt confused trying to remember who everyone was.

While I didn’t love HOLDING ON, I would gladly read more from this series.

Holding On (Colorado High Country # 6)

My Rating:  

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Colorado High Country Series

Giovanni

By Natasha Knight

Synopsis

I’m the right-hand man of the mafia king.
She’s a girl with a past she’s desperate to hide.

But I need something from her.
And I know she won’t help me. Not willingly.
She’ll need some persuading.

Lucky for her, I can do that.

Something about this girl makes me curious, though, and it’s more than the scars that line her back. She’s on the edge of something. Something bad. She’s like a perfect, beautiful doll coming apart at the seams. And the last string is about to snap.

She thinks I’ll hurt her. Break her.
But thing is, she’s already broken. And she and I, we’re two peas in a pod. She’s my match, the perfect opponent. She’ll fight me to the finish, but I’ll win. I always do.

Because I’m a man used to getting what I want. And what I want is her.

Author’s Note: Giovanni is a STANDALONE dark mafia romance set in the Benedetti Brothers Mafia World. It’s an emotionally gripping enemies-to-lovers romance with a hard-earned HEA.

Review

Firstly, I got to chapter 22 and literally put the book down, I took some deep breaths and thought to myself you need to see this story through.  Be like Emilia, this strong and courageous woman, I was beside myself with fear and what a reward for the ending.  When Emilia faces her past to try and move forward, amazed at her bravery.

I loved, loved, loved this story, Giovanni captured me from those first few pages and Emilia takes you on a roller coaster of emotions.

You know Emilia’s story is harrowing but I had no idea the depths of deception she endured.  Giovanni is her saviour, her warrior, and her lover and he balances those throughout this story perfectly.

Their passionate scenes are off the charts however the depth of emotion these two encounter is what surprised me.  This is more than just a mafia romance, so many layers for both main characters that just make this story simply perfect in my eyes. Again this author has given us a wonderful Mafia story to be addicted to and devour in a day.

Quote:  “To answer your question, no, I don’t think I can break you, Emilia. I think you’re already broken”

Giovanni

My Rating:  

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A Change of Pace (Northern Lights #3)

By Freya Barker

Synopsis

Once a man who lived by the letter of the law.

Newt Tobias will do anything for his little girl. Even take early retirement, sell his city home, and move to cottage country, hoping that the simpler life will provide a better balance for his troubled teenage daughter.

Yet, not long after they’ve settled, he finds himself toe-to-toe with a stubborn, fiery-tempered woman with pretty brown eyes.

Once a recluse preferring to live alone.

Working with troubled adolescents, Frederique Marchand doesn’t suffer fools and won’t put up with bullies. Especially handsome strangers like Newt who think they can run roughshod over her. She loves her work, but on her own time, she much prefers the company of her menagerie of animals.

But with the welfare of a teenager at stake, she must put aside rocky first impressions and work with a man who needs her as much as she’ll come to need him.

Review

A Change of Pace is now my favourite of this series, I did not think anything could top Book 1 but this Author has told such an incredibly heartfelt story with too many wonderful characters.

I simply loved the dedication at the beginning to motherhood – it sets the tone of the entire story.  A woman can be a mother to a child without giving birth, love knows no boundaries.

The journey that Freddy and Millie take together was just inspiring and to see Millie grown as a young woman will melt your heart.

With sensitive subjects covered we are given moments of small-town humour and adolescent struggles.  The story continues with so many rich layers of new families forming and solid friendships.

The menagerie of animals and children and the concept of different families strengthened the message in A Change of Pace of motherhood in all different forms.

These characters, in particular, the trio of Freddy, Newt, and Millie all had battle scars of loss.  They all fought in their own way to want to live fulfilling lives and believe in love and second chances.

Newt’s love of his daughter knew no bounds and his desire for her to find herself again by trusting others.  Jim and Jordan’s storyline is another I loved as father and son and what a surprise with Phyllis – loved that curveball.

Finally, the Epilogue gives hope and also wonderful closure for Millie, Newt and Freddy.

Quote:  “Sometimes you need time to slow down so you can appreciate the wealth around you.  Most days we just run past it”

A Change of Pace (Northern Lights #3)

My Rating:  

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Sidney’s Triple Shot (Apache Crossing #1)

By Lori King

Synopsis

Sidney Rowe has been abused in ways that most people can’t even imagine. After a horrific miscarriage, she left behind everything she had to escape her ex-boyfriend. She finds refuge in the kindness of the three Dawson brothers. They give her a job and a sense of security in the small town of Apache Crossing.

Xavier, Tyce, and Noah Dawson have built their bar, Triple Shot, into a profitable enterprise. The three former Marines have also built a reputation for integrity in the community, but their sex appeal and charm are legendary. They enjoy their playboy status…that is until a jumpy, skittish Sidney stumbles into their lives needing their help.

Sexual tension explodes when the brothers decide they want to protect and share Sidney, but to have her they have to stop her ex from haunting her. Can they keep her safe and win her damaged heart?

Review

Loved this Menage romance, it had great suspense, humour and strong personalities from the four main characters.  There is a solid build up with their romantic and physical relationship, it was not rushed and was allowed to develop.

The three men, Xavier, Tyce and Noah all brought their own individuality to the relationship with Sidney.  I loved how they all in their own way assisted Sidney in moving forward from her previous relationship.

The suspense story that revolved around Sidney’s previous life provides great moments towards the end of the story.  I would have loved for her story to end where it started but in a happy moment for her and the men, like a rebirth of such.

Sidney’s emotional state and moments where she falls apart are well written and show how the three men give her confidence.  When she begins to stand up for herself, sing, laugh and enjoy moments with the men are my favorites.

The menage scenes were hot, steamy but also full of emotional attachment.

I do feel that the ending was slightly rushed and I have a few questions, perhaps they will be answered in the next book in the series.  There are certainly many characters, their marine friends,  that could have their own story.

Sidney’s Triple Shot (Apache Crossing #1)

My Rating:  

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Rescuing Rayne (Delta Force Heroes #1)

By Susan Stoker

Synopsis

As a flight attendant, Rayne Jackson is used to cancellations, but she never dreamed her latest would lead to a whirlwind tour of London with a handsome stranger…or a life-altering night in his bed. One evening is all the enigmatic man can give her, and Rayne greedily takes it, despite suspecting it will never be enough.

Heading home after another extreme mission, Keane “Ghost” Bryson hadn’t planned to seduce someone during his layover, but Rayne is too sweet to resist. Being a Delta Force member means lying to protect his identity, which is unfortunate, considering Rayne seems made for Ghost, right down to the tattoo on her back. For the first time in his life, regret fills him as he slips away the following morning.

Both are shocked when, months later, they meet again—under the worst possible circumstances. Seems fate has given them a second chance…if they can survive the terrorist situation they’re in. If Rayne can forgive Ghost his lies. And if Ghost can trust Rayne to be strong enough to endure the secrets and uncertainty that come with loving a Delta Force soldier.

** Rescuing Rayne is the 1st book in the Delta Force Heroes Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.

Review

I actually read and loved Rescuing Emily (Book 2 of the Delta Force Heroes) first and it was great to see that story overlap with this one.  Emily and Fletch were wonderful characters and I loved their story.

Ghost and Rayne’s story takes place over a long period of time, they first meet and then reconnect months later.  The initial meeting I really enjoyed, there were no expectations, they had fun and enjoyed their moment in time.  Their one night stand was passionate and when he leaves broke my heart.

Fast forward and Rayne’s life being in danger, that was harrowing and I was begging for Ghost and his team to rescue her. Whilst she recuperated, their relationship deepens and we also meet more of the Delta Force team, they are all definitely alpha.

Rescuing Rayne is a very easy story, has great flow, moments of tension and in the end a great romantic journey with a HEA, all the elements to make you happy.

Rescuing Rayne (Delta Force Heroes #1)

My Rating:  

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A Dom is Forever (Masters & Mercenaries #3)

By Lexi Blake

Synopsis

A Man with a Past…

Liam O’Donnell fled his native Ireland years ago after one of his missions ended in tragedy and he is accused of killing several of his fellow agents. Shrouded in mystery, Liam can’t remember that fateful night. He came to the United States in disgrace, seeking redemption for crimes he may or may not have committed. But the hunt for an international terrorist leads him to London and right back into the world he left behind.

A Woman Looking for a Future…

Avery Charles followed her boss to London, eager to help the philanthropist with his many charities. When she meets a mysterious man who promises to show her London’s fetish scene, she can’t help but indulge in her darkest fantasies. Liam becomes her Dom, her protector, her lover. She opens her heart and her home to him, only to discover he’s a man on a mission and she’s just a means to an end.

When Avery’s boss leads them to the traitorous Mr. Black, Liam must put together the puzzle of his past or Avery might not have a future.

Review

A Dom is Forever continued on with the mystery and suspense of book 1 and I for one loved this.  Liam’s past held me captivated and with so many questions and secrets, I did not pick the surprise revelations.

Avery is my favorite female character so far, she had such strength and integrity.  Once you know her hardships she will enter your heart and stay there.  The way Liam and Avery connected was pure romance.  Liam was so protective of her and rightly so.

One couple who keep me guessing are Alex and Eve, I have an awful feeling their story is going to be emotional and not an easy journey.  I really want Alex to have his wife again.  Eve seems so alone and isolated.

All characters of McKay-Taggart take part in this story and it is also interesting to see Sean and Ian’s relationship still struggling from book 1.

This story flows well, I love the cover and I recommend you read at least book 1 to know the background.  I cannot wait to pick up book 4 and continue this journey.

A Dom is Forever (Masters & Mercenaries #3)

My Rating:  

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The Men with the Golden Cuffs (Masters & Mercenaries #2)

By Lexi Blake

Synopsis

A woman in danger…

Serena Brooks is a bestselling author of erotic fiction. She knows how to write a happy ending but hasn’t managed to find one of her own. Divorced and alone, she has no one to turn to when a stalker begins to threaten her life. The cops don’t believe her. Her ex-husband thinks she’s making the whole story up. She has no one left to turn to except a pair of hired bodyguards. They promise to guard her body, but no one can protect her heart.

Two men in search of love…

Adam Miles and Jacob Dean are halves of a whole. They’ve spent their entire adult lives searching for the one woman who can handle them both. Adam is the playful, indulgent lover, while Jacob is the possessive, loving Dom. When Serena comes into their lives, Adam is certain that she’s the one. But Jacob’s past comes back to haunt them all. He is suspicious of Serena’s story, and his concerns are driving a wedge between him and Adam. But when the stalker strikes, they will have to come together or lose each other forever…

Review

Book 2 of Masters and Mercenaries takes a different path from the first.  Ian Taggart is doing a favour so the Mr. Black storyline is put aside for a moment. This story has lots of twists and turns and I did not guess the final result of who the danger was.  It was surprising and provided for an action-packed ending.

Serena is lovely, is an author and very passionate and creative.  Adam and Jake were two characters in book 1 that I immediately connected to. I am very happy they have found such a lovely lady they get to share and make a new life.  I enjoyed that both men had their own characteristics, Adam more sensual and Jake definitely was the dominant of the two, it balanced the story.

The sexual scenes in this story are hot and steamy, there are individual but also Menage.  The flow is perfect and Serena’s danger is always underlying amongst the romance.

There were moments in this story that my heart hurt and I teared up.  Serena takes so much to heart and when she shuts down on the guys, that was some hard and heavy reading.  When the trust is broken it does take some strong teamwork by Jake and Adam to bring her back to them.

Again all the crew from McKay-Taggart play a part and we learn more about them.  I for one am incredibly interested in Alex and Eve.

The Men with the Golden Cuffs (Masters & Mercenaries #2)

My Rating:  

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Rescuing Emily (Delta Force Heroes #2)

By Susan Stoker

Synopsis

Renting out the apartment over his garage shouldn’t be a life-changing decision, but when Delta soldier Cormac “Fletch” Fletcher meets Emily Grant, he feels an instant connection. He can’t stand the thought of Emily and her young daughter living anywhere unsafe. Offering cheap rent is a small price to pay for their safety…and Fletch’s peace of mind.

Being a single mother is difficult at best, but renting the extremely affordable space from Fletch makes Emily’s life a lot easier…until it doesn’t. Suddenly all the money she’s saving thanks to Fletch’s generosity is going into the hands of a blackmailer. And what little food Emily can afford goes to her daughter Annie, so the girl doesn’t go to bed hungry…leaving Emily weaker and weaker.

When miscommunication has Emily assuming Fletch is in on the blackmail, he not only has to gain her trust but also deal with a man holding a grudge against Fletch and his entire Delta Force team. A task made more difficult when the dangerous man gets his hands on Emily and Annie…

** Rescuing Emily is the 2nd book in the Delta Force Heroes Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings

Review

Rescuing Emily was a guilty little romance read that has all the elements that leave you satisfied with a gorgeous happy ever after.  I have not read any of the other in this series, it is standalone and easy to follow.  You meet a group of strong alpha men who have hearts of gold.

This story flowed well and held my interest in that I finished it in a couple of days.

My favourite character was Annie, wow she was simply beautiful and gave such light to this story. For a young child, she was front and center in building the romance journey for her mother and was such an integral part of melting Fletch’s resolve.

The chapter when Annie seeks Fletch for help when her mother was sick made tears well in my eyes and my heart hurt.  What a strong and and resilient character and a testament to the way Emily raised her.

Emily has had such a hard start in life and I immediately loved the break she was given by Fletch.  This story is told over many months so the build-up of the relationship is realistic.  Emily & Fletch have incredible heat and passion and their transformation into a family with Annie is just heartwarming.  This story will give you all the feels of love and new beginnings.

The action and drama towards the end gives you some suspense and just reaffirms the Delta Force family.  Annie’s declaration for Fletch at the end will make your smile and feel so happy.

Rescuing Emily (Delta Force Heroes #2)

My Rating:  

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