Tag Archives: Military / Bodyguard

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:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

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Memento Mori (Masters and Mercenaries: The Forgotten #1)

By Lexi Blake

Synopsis

Six men with no memories of the past
One leader with no hope for the future

A man without a past

Jax woke up in a lab, his memories erased, and his mind reprogrammed to serve a mad woman’s will. After being liberated from his prison, he pledged himself to the only thing he truly knows-his team. Six men who lost everything they were. They must make certain no one else gets their hands on the drugs that stole their lives, all while hiding from every intelligence organization on the planet. The trail has led him to an unforgiving mountainside and a beautiful wilderness expert who may be his only hope of finding the truth.

A woman with a bright future

River Lee knows her way around the Colorado wilderness. She’s finally found a home in a place called Bliss after years lost in darkness. The nature guide prefers to show her clients the beauty found in the land, but she also knows the secrets the mountains hold. When she meets Jax, something about the troubled man calls to her. She agrees to lead him to the site of an abandoned government facility hidden deep in the forest. She never dreamed she was stepping into the middle of a battlefield.

A love that could heal a broken soul

Spending time with River, Jax discovers a peace he’s never known. Their passion unlocks a side of himself he didn’t even know he was missing. When an old enemy makes his first move, Jax and River find themselves fighting for their lives. But when his past is revealed, will River be caught in the crosshairs of a global conspiracy?

Review

I hope that I can effectively express how Memento Mori blew me away.  I fell for this book in the acknowledgments.  Memento Mori was not a term I had not heard before but the meaning could be felt throughout this book.

Jax is the perfect character to start this lost boys spin-off series.  He is instantly likable in his dealings with other people and his brothers. He has been through so much and is learning with each interaction with everyone how to be a complete man again.  When he falls for River, his world became more complex.  He now is torn between his brothers and the person he loves.

River is a woman who has lost a lot.  Her first husband turned out to a horrible human being and then she lost her father.  She definitely has trust issues.  Jax coming into her life confuses her that much more.

The beginning of Memento Mori instantly transported me back to Bliss before I knew Sophie Oak and Lexi Blake were one in the same.  I love all the characters new and old.  Getting to know Nell again was so much fun.  She and Henry are perfect together. Also we were revisited by other residents of Bliss. I also really enjoy Ian Taggart.  He has a way of adding his special brand of advice and commentary that makes everyone think.

I can’t go into too much more without giving away major spoilers but I loved the Masters and Mercenaries series and this spin off series has captured the same magic for me.  I can’t wait to read about all the lost boys.

Memento Mori

My Rating:  5 Hearts

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Lexi Blake

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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Mixed Up Love

By Natasha Madison

Synopsis

Hunter
When my business partner asked me to do him a favor, I had no idea he was sending me on the blind date his mother had arranged for him.
I walked in the bar, saw the woman drinking her third martini, and knew I was in for an eventful night.
After the unexpected second date, she didn’t know my real name or who I really was. By that time, the lie was too far gone, and I wanted her too much to admit the truth.

Laney
It’s not every day you find out your ex-boyfriend is engaged.
I shouldn’t have agreed to the blind date, but I wasn’t in any position to turn down a night out when my mother insisted.
I will admit, I definitely shouldn’t have ordered that fourth martini before said blind date even arrived.
The man turned out to be swoon worthy, handsome, condescending— a perfect distraction.

Then I found out he was a liar.

I’ve never been in over my head to this degree.

Then again, I’ve never been mixed up in love. 

Review

Mixed Up Love has plenty of humour, tenderness and male alpha moments that simply cement Hunter and Laney’s romantic journey.  It is fast and full of stubbornness and passion.  Throw in their two friends Anthony and Sandy and I simply devoured this in a day and could not put it down.  I began reading and the next minute I looked down and realised I was at 60% and could not leave these characters.

The Blind Date was perfect, after that first night, I knew this was going to be a great romance read.

When Laney finds out her blind date is not who she thinks it was perfect and showed her sensitivity.  Anthony and Candy provide humour at this point especially when Hunter is trying to rectify his mistake with Laney.  The endless mentions of Tinder will make you laugh out loud, my favourite quote is by Hunter.

“These two …… I don’t even think Tinder knew what to do with them”, I say, looking over at them, “except to match them”

The story flows well and does take place over a few weeks, then we jump ahead 6 months and three years in Epilogue One & Two which I loved as we get to see not only Hunter & Laney but also where Anthony & Candy end up.  Lots of beautiful moments which also include their family and I was left totally satisfied.

Quote:  “Seriously?” Her voice fills the car. “You put yourself under serial killer”. She laughs.

Mixed Up Love

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

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Devoted to Pleasure (A Devoted Lovers Novel)

By Shayla Black

Synopsis

BOUND BY DUTY…

Bodyguard and former military man Cutter Bryant has always done his duty–no matter the cost. Now he’s taking one last high-octane assignment before settling down in a new role that means sacrificing his chance at love. But he never expects to share an irresistible chemistry with his beautiful new client.

…TEMPTED BY PLEASURE

As the star of a steamy television drama, Shealyn West knows fame well, but it has come at the expense of her heart. With a blackmailer watching her every move and the threat of career-ending exposure looming, Shealyn hires Cutter to shore up her security and keep her safe, never imagining their attraction will be too powerful to contain.

As Shealyn and Cutter navigate the scintillating line between business and pleasure, they unravel a web of secrets that threaten their relationship and their lives. When danger strikes, Cutter must decide whether to follow his heart for the first time, or risk losing Shealyn forever.

Review

In this first full length cross-over book between the Wicked Lovers series and the Devoted Lovers Series we find Cutter having to decide between his heart and his loyalty to his best friend.

This book captures everything that made the Wicked Lovers series so good.  It picks up at the end of Holding on Tighter.  Cutter and One-Mile definitely hate each other.

Cutter is a great guy who believes in loyalty.  He is even willing to sacrifice is own heart to save his friend from small town ridicule and her fathers wrath. When he starts to fall for the woman he is protecting he has to make serious decisions.

Shealyn is also just a good person but she has been caught in a complicated situation with no easy way out. People are depending on her for the show and their personal lives.

I loved Devoted to Pleasure.  It has great characters that just build on each other.  It was fast paced and over too soon.  I really liked the internal struggle that Cutter was having between what to do with his best friend and Shealyn.  And I really liked the mystery in this story. I can’t wait for the next addition to this series to come out.

Devoted to Pleasure

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

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My Angel (Bewitched and Bewildered # 9)

By Alanea Alder

Synopsis

Vivian Mercy has been running from the past for so long she doesn’t know any other way of life. When a panicked call comes from one of her only friends she finds herself returning to the city of her nightmares where her dedication as a doctor and resolve to help others is put to the test.

Etain Vi’Aerlin has been watching over Noctem Falls for centuries. Sent by his queen he became a silent sentinel in the shadows helping Magnus whenever he could. While the sickness around him claims more lives he discovers what it feels like to be helpless, as an ancient warrior he doesn’t have the skills to fight this unseen enemy.

At any other time finding a mate would be cause for celebration, but Etain wants Vivian as far from Noctem Falls as possible, unfortunately, as the only doctor with an intimate knowledge of diseases she has to stay in the city, and finds herself working tirelessly to discover a cure in the middle of the deadly chaos sweeping the levels.

As Vivian’s past is revealed she finds herself not only combating the terrible virus but also the rebellious faction of the Founding Families. Etain vows to stand by her, even if it means abandoning the post assigned by his queen.

It’s a race against time to unravel the lethal secrets the virus is hiding before the city itself is lost forever.

Review

MY ANGEL is the ninth book in the Bewitched and Bewildered series and was another very enjoyable read. The story continues on from MY DEFENDER and follows the mating of Etain (fae) and Vivian (vampire), and we’re still in Noctem Falls.

Quite a lot happened in this book, all of which was really exciting. I apologize if the below is spoilerish, but it was all so interesting that I can’t help but write it all down.
1 – The mysterious sickness plaguing the shifter children has now started affecting adult shifters and vampires, including Prince Magnus.
2 – The group is concerned at discovering that over 50% of the Vanguard units are unaccounted for.
3 – Two Royal families previously believed to have been extinct are reinstated in front of all the Noble and Founding family heads. Those two families align with the other two Royal families, giving Prince Magnus more support against those who seek to seize power and control of Noctem Falls.
4 – In that same scene, it was demanded that Gavriel prove he was royalty. Not only did he prove it, but he also revealed that he is over ten thousand years old and is also known as the Dark Prince from their history and legends. Without a doubt, this was my favorite scene.

In regards to the two main characters of this story, there’s not much I can say about Etain because apart from being Vivian’s mate and having a close connection to the Fae Queen, there’s really nothing else to him. Vivian stands out more because she was pivotal in quite a few scenes throughout the story.

I’m still having a lot of trouble keeping track of all the characters we’ve been introduced to so far, and the number of characters increases by at least two with every new book. It’s gotten to a point where if I’m struggling to remember who a character is, I stop trying and just continue on with the story, otherwise it does my head in. This does take away some of the enjoyment from the story, but the mystery of what is going on around them keeps me coming back for more, so I’ll just have to deal with it.

MY ANGEL is told in dual POVs, with the epilogue being told in Micah’s POV as he’ll get the next book. While each book is about a different couple, the books in this series cannot be read as a stand-alone and must be read in order.

My Angel (Bewitched and Bewildered # 9)

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon | iBooks

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Bewitched & Bewildered Series

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:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

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Series Link:  Click Here

 

On Her Master’s Secret Service (Masters & Mercenaries #4)

By Lexi Blake

Synopsis

Her submission fulfilled her

When Eve St. James married Alex McKay, she had her whole life ahead of her. They were the FBI’s golden couple by day, but by night Eve gave herself over to her husband’s world of Dominance and submission filled with pleasures she came to crave.

His betrayal destroyed her

Worried for her safety, Alex left Eve behind to tackle a dangerous mission. But Alex never suspected that Eve was the real target and her security is destroyed by a madman. By the time he rescues her, his wife has been changed forever.

But when her life is in danger he is her only hope

Unable to heal the damage, Alex and Eve are still trapped together in a cycle of pleasure and misery that even their divorce cannot sever. But when a threat from Eve’s past resurfaces, Alex will stop at nothing to save her life and reclaim her heart.

Review

Alex and Eve’s story has blown this series out of the park, this is my favourite so far.  So much action, emotion, passion, and secrets.

Firstly, about halfway through I had a feeling about a character, I was beside myself wanting to know if I was right, the ramifications!!  What a fine tale the author wove and I can only imagine what Big Tag’s story is going to give us.  The last few pages give us an insight and I am so excited.

Alex and Eve have been two characters who held my attention from the first book.  Eve has played her part in helping Sean, Adam, Jake, and Liam to open their hearts to love.  Can Eve open hers again?  Her story is tragic and one I was not prepared for.  This story flowed really well and I could not put this down.

I kept changing my thoughts and opinions on characters, who the bad guys were, who would be Eve’s saviors?  She is a fighter and my heart wept with joy with her returning to Alex and his strength and dominance.  These two characters are simply soul mates and I loved seeing them return to each other.  I hope further miracles happen for these two.

On Her Master’s Secret Service (Masters & Mercenaries #4)

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

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Series Link:  Click Here

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:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Author:  Click Here


Series Link Click Here

A is for Alpha (Homefront: The Sheridans # 4)

By Kate Aster

Synopsis

Who put the “O” in Aloha?

Yeah, that’s me. Camden Sheridan.
A guy who will bring you to “O” faster than you can text it.
Former Army Ranger with the standard issue 8-pack.
And now, a bartender who’ll get you safely back to your hotel after too many margaritas… and you won’t want me to leave.
Believe me, you won’t.

I live life by my rules in my bachelor pad paradise here on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Until a Ranger brother needs me to take care of his little girl while he deploys.
A four-year-old cockblock in pigtails.
My sex life comes to a screeching halt.
Then the babysitter shows up.

Annie.
Smart, principled, good with kids. All the things I don’t look for in a woman.
I want her anyway.
Annie’s got a fortress of secrets surrounding her. But I’ll break it down and claim her as mine.

If this kid will just take a nap.

Review

So I thought FAKING IT would be the last book in the Homefront: The Sheridans series, but it turns out I was wrong. In A IS FOR ALHPA, we meet three of the Sheridans’ cousins: Camden, Fenway and Dodger. Yes, their parents named them after baseball stadiums. Sick of being known as the “other” Sheridans, they moved to the Big Island to get away from the rich and successful side of their family.

A IS FOR ALPHA was an easy and average read for me. Both Camden and Annie are likable characters, but there isn’t anything about them that stands out. The same could be said for the story, because even though it’s only been a few days since I read it, I’m struggling to remember what happened. What I remember most is how often Annie alluded to something that happened to her on the mainland. Something so bad it forced her into hiding on the Big Island. I remember it because I was already annoyed by the repeated teasing at the 35% mark, before the incident was finally revealed at the 60% mark. 

A IS FOR ALPHA is told in dual POVs, comes with a sweet HEA for Camden and Annie, and while it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. Will Fenway and Dodger get their own stories? I’m not sure. Would I read them? Yeah, I think I would.

A is for Alpha (Homefront: The Sheridans # 4)

My Rating:  

Buy Links:  Amazon

Visit Kate Aster:  Click Here


Homefront: The Sheridans Series