Veiled

Veiled Rapture’s Edge Episode 2 by Caris Roane

Publisher: Twin Bridges Creations LLC

March 2015

Pages: 175

Contemporary, Paranormal Romance

Duncan is being tortured by his past, which is getting in the way of his being able loving his woman.

Warrior Duncan has failed on all fronts the last several weeks after professing his intention of trying to make his relationship with Rachel work. He isn’t sure how to explain the serpent that seems to live in his gut that poisons him against her. Duncan’s visions have returned full force.  The black ops team is heading back to Third Earth’s darkening grid and Duncan needs to confront his demons or he will lose everything that is important to him.

Rachel wants her vampire mate, her breh, but the issues that tore them apart in the past are still causing problems.

Rachel will not give up on Duncan though.  She needs him more than ever even if he has remained aloof because of his tortured past. The breh-hedden keeps her focused solely on Duncan, the man she loves, and her desire for him has reached outrageous levels. The question becomes if he will be able to let go of the past and embrace life with her.

This is proving to be a series that is very engrossing.  Everything on Second Earth is changing and for some they are going to have to figure out how to maneuver Third Earth if those on Second Earth are going to have to have a chance to survive.  The action is fast and keeps the story moving at a fast pace.  This book also throws several twists and turns that readers won’t see coming.  It will also have reader wanting to know what will happen next and to all the different characters.  The world building is amazing and gets better with each book.  This is a paranormal book that lovers of paranormal romances needs to check out. 

Received a review copy

I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

LRH

Secrets

Secrets The Battling McGuire Boys by Cynthia Eden

Publisher: Harlequin

March 2015

ISBN: 978-0-373-69819-6

Pages: 218

Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Austin, Texas

As a Navy SEAL Brodie McGuire had his orders: get the hostage out alive.  Once he got Jennifer Wesley to safety the terror and need they felt ignited into passion.  Brodie is haunted by the memories of the night Jennifer and he spent together after the mission was over. He never expected to see the Louisiana society girl again.  Now she has show up at McGuire Securities.

It has been six years since Jennifer’s life was saved by Brodie. She finds that she needs his protection again.  The problem is that Brodie doesn’t know who she really is.  Their attraction flares while they are on his family’s Texas ranch and it takes them over the edge.  Suddenly Jennifer’s violent past is exploding into the present.  She has to find a way to earn Brodie’s trust or else her deadly secrets will get them both killed.

This story picks up a few months after the first one ended.  The action from the first book keeps pace in this book and never stops. This story has so many twists and turns that the reader won’t know if they are coming or going. While some of the answers are found for the central mystery that weaves the stories together there are still a lot of questions.  The book has a very satisfying ending with no cliffhangers other than the central mystery. This story will also have readers wishing they didn’t have to wait months for the next book to come out.  It will have readers wanting several characters getting their own books so that readers can see how things work out for each and every one of them.  This is a book that readers will read in one sitting.

Receive a review copy

I give this one 5 red roses

LRH

No Mercy

No Mercy Lawmen Book 2 by Cheyenne McCray

Publisher: Pink Zebra Publishing

January 2015

ISBN: 1507592841

Pages: 252

Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Bisbee, Arizona

Belle ran away over twenty years ago when she was just a teenager. She ran from everything just to escape her abusive stepfather. Left behind was a circle of friends that were like family and the boy she loved, all of whom she had known since her childhood.

Now she is back years later after the death of one of her close friends.  It also brings her face to face to the boy she left behind. Only now he is a man and no longer a boy.

Dylan never got over Belle leaving years ago.  Nate, one of their Circle of Seven friends, dies which draws Belle and Dylan together again.  Dylan soon realizes he now has a second chance to make Belle his.

Belle had a second reason for leaving Dylan, a reason that just might destroy any chance at a future with him.  It is a secret that hangs over her as she falls in love with Dylan all over again.

Now a dangerous drug cartel is targeting the Circle of Seven friends.  Dylan is going to need to use his contacts and his federal law enforcement training to stay one step ahead of the danger.  Nate left behind clues and Dylan needs to solve the puzzle before they all end up dead.

This is the second book in a series that is proving to be very addictive.  While each book can be read as a standalone readers will find reading them a lot more enjoyable when they are read in order.  This one picks up a little while after the first one left off.  This proves to be a story that will have readers wondering just how this is going to turn out for everyone.  It will also have them wanting to read the next book in the series right away.  This is proving to be series that readers will want to read and get addicted to. 

Received a review copy

I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

LRH
 

Confessions

Confessions The Battling McGuire Boys by Cynthia Eden

Publisher: Harlequin

February 2015

ISBN: 978-0-373-69812-7

Pages: 218

Contemporary, Romantic Suspense

Austin, Texas

Scarlett Stone is being framed for murder and she is desperate to prove it.  Now she must entrust her life and reputation to the man that once broke her heart. Grant McGuire is now a detective but he was once a army ranger that hasn’t been the same since his military action. Though his demeanor is cold behind it he still burns for Scarlett.

Grant takes her case knowing it is an easy decision that is also dangerous. Together they must find the real killer all the while racing against the clock. A killer that now wants them both dead. Their reignited passion proves to be even more dangerous. Grant wants a second chance with Scarlett and will do anything to get it.  Scarlett is determined to keep a secret she never wanted Grant to know.

This story starts off fast and the action never stops until the end. This is a book readers will not put down for anything.  The plot and characters are amazing and complex enough to make this story seem a lot longer than it really is.  The twists and turns in the book come at the reader fast and furious and will have readers guessing until the very end as to who the killer really is and why they are doing what they are doing.  This starts a new series off is such a way that the reader will want all the books now.  The central plot that weaves the books together makes for an even better story than what is in this story alone.  Readers will want to read this series again and again.

Receive a review copy

I give this one 5 red roses

LRH

Ship of Dreams

Ship of Dreams by Brenda Hiatt

Publisher: Brenda Hiatt

December 2010

Pages: 400

Historical Romance

Della flees San Francisco aboard a ship after being accused of a crime she didn’t commit. Della then introduces herself as Kent Bradford’s wife to an important investor, shocking Kent. Determined to not cause a scene he goes along with the ruse.

The story is set amid the real events of the final voyage of the ill-fated SS Central America. 

This is a story that takes the reader back in history and brings a tragic part of history to life for the reader.  The reader gets to know some historical people that were on a voyage that ended up having a very tragic end.  While the ship had a tragic ending the story of Della and Kent does not.  The reader is pulled into the story so well that they can picture the people and everything that happened quite well. Based in fact the story reads more like a story that is pure fiction and not the reality it really is. For readers that enjoy history and romance this is definitely a book worth reading and getting lost in.

Received a review copy

I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

LRH

Embrace the Magic

Embrace the Magic (Blood Rose Book 2) by Caris Roane

Publisher: Smashwords

November 2013

Pages: 259

Contemporary Paranormal Romance

Shreveport, Louisiana & Bergisson Realm 

Ethan is a mastyr vampire of the Bergisson Realm.  He never thought he would find a blood rose let alone one that is his.  A woman that could ease the blood-starvation that he has had to endure for decades.  Samantha has newly discovered fae heritage and as it emerges it shows that she has a level of power that proves very surprising. As she connects with Ethan’s personal realm frequency it ignites his passion. Ethan’s commitment has always been to ruling Bergisson and it is his priority, even with his driving need to be with Samantha. Ethan soon finds himself drawn to the web of his relentless, driving need for her as their desire rises.  Now Ethan is going to have to decide if his guilt over the past will prevent him from being able to embrace his blood rose and living life to the fullest.

Samantha’s plans never included anything to do with the world of the Nine Realms. A world where mastyr vampires rule millions of realm-folk. She can’t believe she is the woman that can meet the needs of a mastyr vampire, a blood rose. Though learning she is half-fae has changed everything for her.  Suddenly she is cast into a war against the dreaded Invictus with Ethan’s blood-needs that soon become a life-or-death struggle.  She has to see if she can embrace her new fae powers and be able to change her life completely. Samantha has to decide if her life’s ambition is what she wants to follow and leave behind love, passion and unbelievable fae power or if she can be what Ethan needs as a blood rose forever.

This story picks up shortly after the first one leaves off and yet it can be read as a standalone book but readers will find it much better if they read the first book before this one.  The world building is further enhanced with this story and makes for a world that is amazing all on its own.  The characters are complex and as reader watch them deal with what they have always wanted for what they have suddenly found when the least expect it makes for an engrossing read.  With a mystery that is woven through the books it links the books together so well that readers will want to sit and read the book all together.  While the full mystery isn’t completely solved in this book, the story itself has a very nice ending without any cliffhangers. 

Received a review copy

I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

LRH

The Slayer

The Slayer Chronicles of the Fallen Book 1 by Brenda Huber

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

March 2015

Pages: 265

 Contemporary Paranormal Romance

Isle Minnesota & Rocky Mountains

Xander was born of heaven but forged in hellfire and damnation.  He now roams the Earth protecting the innocent even though he is an unlikely protector. Xander helps his brothers-in-arms as they all try to recover four Sacred Relics that are rumored to be Lucifer’s downfall, as they are grudgingly embroiled in a demon uprising.

The stakes are simple. If Xander doesn’t succeed than a new regime will take over the underworld and the boundaries between earth and hell will disappear.  Salvation, long-awaited could be his if he succeeds.  Then the price of that redemption seems to be too steep when a beautiful innocent ends up caught in the crossfire.

Kyanna Hughes is a hereditary Guardian.  She is sworn to protect a Sacred Relic at all costs. All her life she has been taught to hate anything and all things demon.  That is soon turned upside down with her unwanted attraction to Xander. 

Though the danger she faces isn’t just to her heart. Kyanna isn’t just a Guardian but she is also a Keeper of Secrets which makes things even more dangerous.  So dangerous that even the angels in heaven would see her dead before letting demon get their hands on the information.

This book begins the series amazingly well.  It starts with action that doesn’t stop until the very last page.  It also will have readers eagerly clamoring for the next book in the series.  This has a great twist to demon and angels that makes for a story that is in a class all its own.  The characters are complex and make for a story that is very hard to put down.  With all the twists and turns this one takes readers will never know just what is going to happen next.  This is a story that is definitely worth checking out and it will also have readers wanting to see more from this author.

Received a review copy

I give this one 5 red roses

LRH

A Real Cowboy

A Real Cowboy by Carla Cassidy

Publisher: Harlequin

March 2015

ISBN: 978-0-373-27909-8

Pages: 282

Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Bitterroot, Oklahoma

Lucas Taylor is a cowboy that works on the Holiday Ranch. When he meets New Yorker Nicolette Kendal he warns her that he rides alone.  At least he always has until things change with the arrival of Nicolette and her son, Sammy.  Lucas becomes Sammy’s bodyguard, a beloved one at that after a frightening kidnapping attempt.  Lucas also tries hard to resist the white hot sparks between him and Sammy’s city-slicker mom. 

Nicolette feels the attraction too. She has had her heart broken once too often already and isn’t willing to hitch her star to a man only interested in a fling.  At least until the danger is to her life not to mention her heart.  But will she trade her heels in for a pair of cowboy boots?

This is a story that is full of suspense and action.  Reading how the characters overcome their different and troubled pasts makes for a read that is very hard to put down. There are also plenty of suspects as to what is happening to Sammy and his mother and makes for a story that will have readers guessing just who is behind what is going on and why it might be happening.  It also has a great ending that should make the next book in the series an interesting read.  It will also have readers eagerly awaiting the next book just to see what is going to happen.  For a modern day western this is a fantastic book to read.

Received a review copy

I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

LRH

Reap Not the Dragon

Reap Not the Dragon (The Age of the Hybrid Book 2) by Debra Kristi

Publisher: Ghost Girl Publishing

February 2015

Pages: 126

Contemporary, Paranormal Romance

Sebastian isn’t going to follow commands anymore no matter what the higher powers want.  He has an agenda of his own.  He is determined to find Kyra and help her recover her memory.

His plan is going better than expected for the would-be Reaper. Just as life is starting to look up for Sebastian his metaphorical sickle gets caught in a web of complications.

When it comes to Sebastian and Kyra things are never smooth.

An unexpected and unwelcome detour takes Sebastian into a grave situation.  The cards he has been dealt are misfortune and misunderstanding.  The events are not in his favor.

Being a young Reaper makes him the target of creatures from hell that all want a piece of him. If he ends up dead he can accept that because he has a more grievous beast to worry about.  Sebastian will venture into the heart of an all-powerful fire demon to save the woman he loves. 

Sebastian needs to find a missing dragon along with the key to Kyra’s missing memory and manage to not be devoured by sinister beasts.  He also needs to make sure he isn’t consumed by his own demons either.

This second book picks up were the first one left off quite nicely.  While it answers some of the question left from the first book it gives readers some more questions that they will be dying to have the answers to and it also ends with a bit of cliffhanger.  This is proving to be an interesting series that keeps readers hooked as they will want to find out just were this one is going to take them and how ultimately it will end.  The characters are complex and make for a story that pulls readers in as they venture into the world of the story.  When readers get to the last page they will be mourning the fact that they will have to wait for the next book to come out to get more from this fascinating world.  This is one world worth getting lost in.

Received a review copy.

I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

LRH

The Marine's Temptation

The Marine’s Temptation (The Adair Affairs) by Jennifer Morey

Publisher: Harlequin

March 2015

ISBN: 978-0-373-27910-4

Pages: 284

Contemporary, Romantic Suspense

Georgia Mason is a librarian that has seen what money can do to people.  She has seen a wealthy Adair ruin her stepmother’s life.  She is also determined not to get involved with his son, Carson. Carson might be a former special ops soldier who showers her with gifts and he might be hot but she isn’t going to let that change her mind. As Carson searches for his long-lost stepbrother and also searches for the traitor behind his last mission that was botched, it makes it very hard for Georgia to hate him especially when he is the sexiest man she has ever met. Carson protects Georgia when her life is threatened and by doing so it ignites the passion between them.  Georgia is finding that just maybe the love of money isn’t the root of all evil.  There might be more to Carson to respect, trust and love.

The story plot starts with a good idea but doesn’t quite reach its potential. While the story isn’t bad at times the way it jumps between scenes makes it a little confusing to follow. The characters are a little too one dimensional, specifically, the book would have made for a great read if the characters feelings and thoughts would have been explored a little more. For example, Georgia’s reaction to different situations makes it difficult to connect with her. For readers looking to read a book for light reading this one would work.  Sadly the potential was there but didn’t quite deliver.  Some readers might find it still worth checking out as things work out in the end, but it could have much better if the characters were developed a bit more.

Received a review copy

I give this one 3-1/2 red roses

LRH

Need Me

Need Me (Dark Obsession Book 3) by Cynthia Eden

Publisher: Hocus Pocus Publishing, Inc.

February 2015

Pages: 195

Contemporary, Romantic Suspense

Julianna Smith is believed to be a murderer, at least by the cops.  She claims she is innocent but no one is listening to her claims and suspicion is mounting against her.  Julianna is the only one that knows the truth about being hunted by a killer.

Devlin Slade doesn’t trust easily.  When Julianna walks into his security firm, VJS Protection, he knows about her reputation. A sexy blond that could easily be a cold-blooded murderer.  Though when he looks at her cold isn’t what he is feeling.  An attraction that is hot, fierce, primal and instant springs up between them.  He agrees to be her bodyguard and keep her safe from the enemy that is hunting her.  He is also determined to find out the truth about Julianna.  If he finds out she is a killer he will personally hand her over to the cops.

Julianna is walking a very dangerous line with Devlin and she knows it.  She never expected to want him so badly or for them to get close.  She soon realizes that he is working to uncover her secrets.  Secrets that are worth killing for.  She can’t let anyone discover them either not even Devlin.

The thin line between right and wrong is soon blurred.  Devlin soon finds the case becoming personal and that the only thing that matters is Julianna.  Keeping her safe and stopping the stalker that is after her.  The deeper into Julianna’s dangerous world that Devlin goes the more his own darkness rises.  Now his mask is falling away even though he has always played the good guy.  Devlin will cross any line he needs to so that Julianna is safe because he isn’t safe or controlled.

This is third book in the series and proves to hold up just as well as the first two books.  The suspense is woven so very well throughout the story that it keeps readers on the edge of their seats turning the pages just to see what will happen next and where this one is headed.  The twists and turns in this story takes readers on an amazing ride that doesn’t stop until the very end.  Readers will not want to put this one down until the very end and even then they will wish it wasn’t over yet.  The book is action packed that starts at the beginning and doesn’t stop at all during the whole story.  With each secret that is revealed it shows more yet to be discovered.  Just as readers think they have it figured out another secret is discovered and the reader will be left guessing if they are on the right track or not. This one does not disappoint at all.

Received a review copy

I give this one 5 red roses

LRH

The Harvest

The Harvest (The Last Orphans Book 2) by N.W. Harris

Publisher: Clean Teen Publishing

April 2015

ISBN: 978-1634220729

Pages: 362

Contemporary, Sci-fi, YA, Romance

Tennessee & Egypt

Shane Tucker and his friends thought with the machined that killed the adult population now destroyed the world was now safe.  Unfortunately what no one was prepared for is a war that is now about to begin.  Shane and his friends find themselves joining a secret organization that will give them the ability to fight to survive by training them.  With other teenage survivors they are hidden away at a base that is deep within the mountain and together they will learn to repel an attack by an ancient race of aliens.

Shane and his friends are determined to safeguard the children that are under their charge.  To do that they must compete for the ultimate prize of a suicide mission against the flagship of the alien fleet.  As Shane’s feelings for Kelly deepening he finds a need to protect her which causes his emotions to cloud his judgment.  He will do anything for her even die. He just won’t die with her. Soon they find that even with all the training they have endured it isn’t enough to prepare them for what is coming. Even with everything they have faced so far all of that is going to be eclipsed by what is coming.  The freedom of humanity is now hanging in the balance.

This is a series that is proving to get better with each book.  The first book was excellent but the second one takes that and gets even better.  It is proving to be an amazing mix of Red Dawn, War of the Worlds and Stargate.  The story takes so many twists and turns that the reader isn’t able to guess what is going to happen next which makes for a story that readers won’t want to put down and will have them impatiently waiting for the next book to come out.  The characters are written amazingly well and are so very relatable that it makes for a story that anyone can and will greatly enjoy.  While it ends with a cliffhanger it actually ends up being better that way because it doesn’t give all the answers but keeps the suspense built up. 

I give this one 5 red roses

LRH