Tag Archives: Law Enforcement

The Promise (The Burg Series #5)

By Kristen Ashley

Synopsis

Since his brother’s death, Benny Bianchi has been nursing his grudge against the woman he thinks led to his brother’s downfall. He does this to bury the feelings he has for Francesca Concetti, his brother’s girl. But when Frankie takes a bullet while on the run with Benny’s cousin’s woman, Benny has to face those feelings.

The problem is Frankie has decided she’s paid her penance. Penance she didn’t deserve to pay. She’s done with Benny and the Bianchi family. She’s starting a new life away from Chicago and her heartbreaking history. Benny has decided differently. But Frankie has more demons she’s battling. Demons Benny wants to help her face. But life has landed so many hard knocks on Frankie she’s terrified of believing in the promise of Benny Bianchi and the good life he’s offering.

Frankie’s new life leads her to The ‘Burg, where Benny has ties, and she finds she not only hasn’t succeeded in getting away, she’s doesn’t want to.

Review

I have read “At Peace” four times and finally, I thought I was ready to read Frankie and Benny’s story.  It was always on my mind but there have been such mixed reviews.

At Peace is one of my favourite stories so I was happy to be able to see so much of these Cal, Vi & the girls in this story.  It probably made me forgive the pace and how this story was just too long.

I would have loved for her recuperation and mending fences with Benny’s family to be more in-depth and less of her living away from Benny, it really felt dragged.

The endless drama with Frankie’s family drove me nuts and I admit by the end I skimmed over their conversations as I was like I am over this drama.  

Now I did enjoy this story however it did not rock my socks and I felt the ending was rushed.  Then we were shown the wonderful life of Frankie and Benny, I would have loved to have less of their time apart and more of their life after.

A favorite character for me was Sal and how he slowly breaks down the barriers and mends fences.  He really loved Frankie like and daughter and I loved that for her.

Benny did not disappoint in his alpha protectiveness.

Look I think because this series has two of my favourite books being At Peace and Games of the Heart that I had really high hopes for The Promise.  Happy I read but will not be in my KA books that I reread endlessly.

The Promise (The Burg Series #5)

My Rating:  

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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)

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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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Keeping 6 (Rock Point #1)

By Freya Barker

Synopsis

Bookstore owner Kerry Emerson finally seems to be back in control of her life. Her failure of a marriage firmly in her rearview mirror and her recent business expansion a success, she is in charge of her own future. One that is looking better than ever.
The sight of the tall man, with the familiar salt and pepper goatee pushing open the door of her store, sets her hair on end. He doesn’t exactly bring good memories.

FBI Special Agent in Charge, Damian Gomez, is just looking for a decent cup of coffee when he walks into the small store offering books and brew. The pretty, feisty woman behind the counter is an unexpected surprise. Not at all unpleasant, especially since her finger that used to hold a wedding ring is now bare.
Her wild hair, boho style and silvery grey eyes suddenly hold a lot of promise. But when his office is pulled into an international investigation into the trafficking of rare books and manuscripts, the straight-laced SAC realizes he has to keep his distance from the woman who might well be involved.

Easier said than done, since fate seems determined to throw them together. 

Review

Keeping 6 is a wonderful mystery romance with great pace and a variety of characters to keep the story interesting.

The romance between Damien and Kerry builds really well, it is realistic for their age.  Kerry and Damien are mature characters so both have life experience and issues to overcome. Damien was a typical alpha but learned quickly about being with a strong independent woman.  Their love built up with moments in life that make you adjust your expectations.

Damien’s family were funny and frustrating and their parts in the book helped tie these two people together. Kerry needed to see what family was all about and this made her yearn for different.

The law enforcement story was a slow simmer throughout the story and built to a good climax.  I did not pick the double cross.

Would love to see if Myra gets a story after her traumatic involvement. I kind of felt a connection with Keith.

Keeping 6 was an enjoyable story that kept me entertained with a wonderful mix of characters.

Quote:  This is trust. The need to share every flaw, every thought, every honest moment. This is love.

Keeping 6 (Rock Point #1)

My Rating:  

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Anything for Love (Hunter Brothers #1)

By Lola St. Vil

Synopsis

Winter, I know your ex hurt you, but I’m not him. I can love you; let me…

Winter Bennett is on the worst date of her life, so she decides to bail and go home to her true loves: take out and Netflix. On her way out of the door, she spots her ex-boyfriend with his hot, new girl. Horrified at the thought of being seen, Winter does what any sane woman would do; she bolts into the bathroom and out the back window.

Falling smack-dab in the middle of a sting operation wasn’t part of the plan, but that’s exactly what happened. And now, bullets are flying overhead. Thankfully, a sexy NYPD homicide detective by the name of Wyatt Hunter saves her. He is furious with her for ruining his operation but he’s even more upset when he can’t get her off his mind. Soon he falls for her — hard. Unfortunately, Winter’s heart has been broken and she’s too afraid to let anyone in. Does Wyatt have what it takes to get Winter to give love one more try?

This steamy romance is a roller coaster ride that will make you hot, make you laugh, and even shed a few tears. It’s a full-length standalone novel. NO cheating, NO cliffhangers, and a guaranteed Happily-ever-after! This book has adult content for ages 18 and over.

Review

Loved this slow burn romance, both Wyatt and Winter are easy characters to fall in love with.

“When it’s over, we don’t let go. I think that’s why I love him: he never let’s go.”

The above sums up why I loved this story, Wyatt is such a good guy, he is alpha but oh so sensitive.  When he falls for Winter it is deep, loving, possessive and such a beautiful relationship to watch develop.

Two of my favourite shows are referenced in this story, it made me smile, Friends and Man v Food, I love when that happens, it’s like they are on my wavelength.

We meet their families and in particular Wyatt and his brother’s who will form this series. They are very likable men who will provide alpha romance.

One character I adored was Decker and there are some twists in his side story which made me so happy – he was the perfect soup guy – read this story and it will make your heart sing.

Wyatt was just such a strong alpha male and I loved his perseverance with winter. You will understand Winter’s reluctance at intimacy and her trust issues and once known I gave her the space to develop.  Their physical moments once the barrier was broken were very satisfying.

The flow of this story is easy to read, keeps you entertained and is light and will make you happy.  The epilogue tied up loose ends nicely and we get to go a few years ahead to witness special moments.

Anything for Love was simply a lovely romantic read with all the feel-good moments to make you smile and swoon.

Quote:  “No you weren’t ready baby, but it’s okay. You’re my girl and I’ll wait for you…”

Anything for Love (Hunter Brothers #1)

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Destiny Mine (Tormentor Mine #3)

By Anna Zaires

Synopsis

Fate made us enemies. I made us lovers.

In a different world, we were meant for each other.

This is not that world.

Note: For optimal enjoyment, it’s recommended you read the Twist Me trilogy prior to starting this book.

Review

Not my favourite of this series, however, it is a must read to understand where the final book of the series will go.  Just the Epilogue leaves your aghast as to how the final book will play out.

I felt such loneliness for Sara as she waited for Peter.  The frustration that Peter felt and the build-up to the event that allows him to return to her left me a little deflated.  It really did seem to happen so easily after all that build up of being an impossible and dangerous exercise.  

My main problem with this story upon reflection is that Peter and Sara are separated for so much.  I love their chemistry and emotion when they are together in the story.  So I am putting that down to why this was not my favourite, I still enjoyed it but it did not set the sky alight.

Destiny Mine (Tormentor Mine #3)

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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A Shameless Little Bet (Shameless #3)

By Meli Raine

Synopsis

How do I prove a negative?

I need to prove Jane is innocent, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Mirrors, smoke, and lies can conjure a truth that isn’t real. Money, bribes, and power can twist reality. What we call proof is all an elaborate magic act.

So is love.

How do you prove you’re in love? How can you know with unrelenting certainty that the person you can’t live without really loves you?

It’s all about what you believe. Who you believe. And I believe Jane. I love her. But it might be too late.

Or, worse – it might all be an illusion. If proof is just a magician’s sleight of hand, then we’re caught in a sick trick.

A deadly one.

One that doesn’t end with applause.

But with a bang.

Read the entire Shameless series now!

A Shameless Little Con (#1)
A Shameless Little Lie (#2)
A Shameless Little Bet (#3)
The trilogy is complete!

Review

A Shameless Little Bet has brilliantly completed this series.  This final installment has answered all my thoughts on not only Jane & Silas but also Lindsay & Drew.

In a Shameless Little Bet,  Jane’s emotional state continues to unravel yet she begins to trust her instincts more. Lindsay and Jane both became stronger and determined together to find answers.

This final installment is a major read, it has revelations that have always been there.  Throughout this series, I have questioned characters and motives for which I am glad to have been answered.  It is strange how characters up front and center whom I dismissed have come back to play.

I never guessed all the final outcomes, who would have thought we would come this far from A Harmless LIttle Game.  I loved the way the author completed this story, we are given happiness and contentment and above all else peace and silence for Jane & Lindsay.

A Shameless Little Bet (Shameless #3)

My Rating:  

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A Shameless Little Lie (Shameless #2)

By Meli Raine

Synopsis

I did it. I admit it.

I fell in love with Silas. My bodyguard. My protector.

My new informant.

We’re playing a cat-and-mouse game. I’m not sure whether I’m the cat or the mouse, but I can definitely tell I’m in a trap.

A trap with no way out.

I’m not who everyone thought I was. The truth is out there, finally turning the lie about me inside out. I am the shameless little lie. It’s finally been revealed, and now even more people want to kill me.

As a presidential campaign hangs in the balance, a delicate web of international relations and economic stability at risk, power becomes more important than anything else.

Even my life.

Especially my life. I’m a nothing. A no one. Just a tool, remember?

But tools can be used to open locks. Cracking open the truth and exposing it could change the balance of power. Tip the scales. Make a presidential campaign turn on a dime.

Too bad Silas doesn’t believe me when I tell the truth.

And that may make him the biggest tool of all.

A Shameless Little Lie is book two in the Shameless trilogy by USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine

Read the whole series:

Book 1: A Shameless Little CON
Book 2: A Shameless Little LIE
Book 3: A Shameless Little BET

Review

A Shameless Little Lie is not full of little lies.  It has large, blow your mind, hate all character big lies.  I finished this and in all honesty, I hated all of them except Jane.  I do not know who is telling the truth and who is telling a lie.  One asks how is Jane not losing her mind?  Jane has turned around and become my favorite character of this entire series. She really has become the pivotal character in both the Harmless and Shameless series.

Lindsay and Drew did my head in, I am not sure what their game is?  Silas went from hot to cold and again I have too many questions.  Duff is a character who has more questions hanging around him as does Lily.

Meli Raine is amazing how she manipulates the secrets.  As a result, there are so many moments leaving you lost and second-guessing characters motives.  Interesting was finding out more about Jane’s upbringing and how the Senator played a silent part.

The pace of the story and suspense is woven perfectly for me and I had a feeling a major change in the game would occur.  Did I suspect the final move, no I did not?

Silas and Jane’s sexual moments were intense, emotional and passionate.  At times I felt teary for Jane as I knew her happiness would be short-lived.

As a reader, I really need Jane to find peace as I feel as exhausted.

A Shameless Little Lie (Shameless #2)

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Trusting Liam (Taking Chances #2)

By Molly McAdams

Synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling author of Taking Chances, From Ashes, and Stealing Harper, comes the new unforgettable adult romance Molly McAdams’ fans have been waiting for—the sizzling story of a young woman who must place her trust in the one man who can break through her defenses.

A night they will always remember…a connection neither can deny…a secret that could destroy it all…

When Kennedy Ryan moves to California, she never expects to come face-to-face with Liam Taylor—the intriguing man who has haunted her thoughts for a year. A man who led her to breaking every one of her rules for a single night of passion that ended up meaning more than it was ever supposed to. Accustomed to disastrous experiences with men, Kennedy shields herself before he can break down more of the carefully built control she’s clung to for the last four years. But every time she sees Liam, she feels her resolve weakening.

Liam Taylor has been asked to help socialize his boss’s nieces. But what he thinks sounds more like a babysitting job ends up leading him to the only girl who ever slipped away before morning—a girl he thought he’d never find again. And now that she’s within reach, Liam’s determined to never let her go.

But when a secret from her past tests their relationship, will they be able to cling to the trust Liam has worked so hard to build?

Review

Trusting Liam is a slow burn romance and unfortunately towards the end wore me down and lost my interest.

I had not read Taking Chances the first book in this series and honestly, you do not have to.

Kennedy became annoying by the end with her indecision and Kira just faded to the background for me.  Blown out of proportion were Kennedy’s issues and I became confused by her.

The danger to the girls just faded to the background and became a non-issue.  I was expecting her dad and uncle to play more of a part in this story.

Liam was a great character as were his family.  The family actually provided me with enough interest to finish this story.  The relationship Liam had with all the adults in his life was heartwarming and showed his great character. Liam, in the end, made me accept Kennedy in his life.

The epilogue for Trusting Liam was a wonderful surprise.  Upon finishing it had me wanting to know more about this twelve months.

Trusting Liam (TakingChances #2)

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