Book #Review ~ Huntress and the Splintered Court (The World of the Hunter Order #2) by D.C. Gambel @AuthorDCGambel #PNR

 

Is she a Beauty or the Beast?
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Isabel knows her place in the world and falling for a werewolf was never a part of her plan, but the universe doesn’t care about her plan. With her mind and heart at war, she is more confused than ever over what her destiny truly is.
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As the alpha, Gideon isn’t use to hearing the word no, so falling for the smart mouthed huntress, who tests him at every turn, is more than he bargained for, and yet he’ll risk death itself to keep her.
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As a rebellion brews within the preternatural community, Isabel must decide. Take her rightful place in the Order to which she was born? Or stand at Gideon’s side to become the next Luna of the Thorn Court?

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ASIN: B08MCWNW13
Publication Date: February 16, 2021
Print Length: 121 pages

My Review:

Isabel and Gideon are falling for each other despite everything working against them. Timing could be better but then again, in any other instance, they wouldn't have been together. Both are trying to prevent an outright war between The Order and the wolves and other paranormal groups. As they work together, Isabel and Gideon run full bore into lies, espionage, rebellion, and betrayal.

As the movement toward war increases, Isabel's confusion over her true destiny grows. She's falling for a werewolf and needs to figure out where her loyalties lie. Will she take her place as leader of The Order when the time comes, or stand next to Gideon as his mate and Luna of the pack?

The path the author took Isabel and Gideon down was not straight and easy to navigate. The roadblocks they encountered were hard, full of anger and sadness, maybe some despair, but they conquered them and rose above to learn to work together, as both leaders and lovers. The world building was awesome, and the descriptions were vivid, and I felt like I was there in the story.

I enjoyed Huntress and the Splintered Court. The book is raw and edgy with twists, turns, and ultimate betrayals. The enemies-to-lovers trope was developed well. The author did a remarkable job writing two characters who, in other stories, would never have given each other a second look. I enjoyed their coming together and how the author didn't make it easy for either of them.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

Book #Review ~ Huntress and the Thorn Court by D.C. Gambel @AuthorDCGambel ~ (The World of the Hunter Order, Book #1) #UF

 

What happens at the Thorn Court stays at the Thorn Court.

Isabel is not your average princess. All she wants to do is keep peace among the preternatural community, but when she mistakenly kills an innocent werewolf, the cost of peace may be a steeper price than she’s willing to pay.

Gideon is a beast of a man. As the pack alpha he has to be. When an opportunity practically lands in his lap, he’s driven to seize it, even if it means taking Isabel, a princess of The Order, as his prisoner.

When attraction blooms, Isabel has no choice but to resist the sexy alpha. If she doesn’t, her very future at the order could be in jeopardy.

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ASIN: B08V4QCP21
Publication Date: February 3, 2021
Print length : 155 pages

My Review:

As a member of The Order, Isabel has a certain image to uphold. Isabel is also the princess, next in line to lead The Order. One fateful night, her life gets upended when she accidental kills an innocent young wolf. Now a prisoner of the Thorn Court, Isabel finds herself surrounded by those she typically helps keep in line.

As the pack alpha, Gideon has a responsibility to his members to make those who transgress, pay. Even if it means punishing a huntress of The Order. Her being the princess doesn't absolve her of guilt. Gideon also realizes he can use her as bait to flesh out some possible traitors in his pack.

Neither expected their chemistry to be off the charts. A huntress isn't permitted to mate with otherworldly beings and an alpha must mate with another wolf. Nothing about these two is typical. Resistance of their mutual attraction almost seems futile but resist they must. Nothing good can come of a union between a huntress princess and an alpha, can it?

Huntress and the Thorn Court is a great book. I enjoyed the character development and the blossoming passion between Isabel and Gideon. All of the characters were written well. The chemistry between Isabel and Gideon was evident right from the very start, even though their pairing may be forbidden. Partnering together to flush out a potential traitor seems innocent enough but toss them in close proximity to one another and all bets may be off. The world building was awesome, and the descriptions were vivid, and I felt like I was there in the story. I can't wait for the next book!

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

#Contemporary #Romance #Review ~ Song for a Cowboy by Sasha Summers @sashawrites ~ @SourcebooksCasa ~ Kings of Country, 2 #Romance @SourcebooksCasa

 

Song for a Cowboy

by Sasha Summers

Publication Date: 1/26/2021

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Amazon: https://amzn.to/3sxOi27

About the Book: 

Country star Emmy Lou King is singing the blues…

 Emmy Lou King’s whole family is legendary in country music. When she lands the opportunity to sing the American Football League anthem and serve on one of the AFL’s anti-drug charities, she’s sure she can handle working with Brock Watson even though she’s barely recovered from their breakup—and she’s never loved anyone else.

Brock Watson is feeling the pressure. From dealing with his father’s declining health, keeping their ranch running, staying in game-ready shape, and his dedication to the charity that changed his life, there’s no time for anything else. Emmy Lou included. After six years, he’d like to think she couldn’t mess with his head anymore. But one look, one smile—and he knows she’s as dangerous as ever. He can’t resist her—he never could.

The more time Emmy Lou spends with Brock, the harder it is for them to keep their distance.

My Review: 

Song for a Cowboy enthralled me, intrigued me, and kept me wanting more. Emmy Lou King is just one component of the King family dynasty. She has the chance to do a solo gig to support one of the AFL's anti-drug charity. Unfortunately, the gig involves working with her ex-boyfriend, Brock Watson, a football player for the Houston Roughnecks. His abrupt end to their relationship six years ago left her broken, still broken, but she's sure seeing him won't be an issue.

Emmy Lou King is the one who got away. Scratch that, she's the one who left him a broken man. He has too much to worry about between playing football, supporting his dad and aunt, and running the ranch, but then she appears. Emmy Lou King, the one person he would still do anything for, despite their past. Roadblock after roadblock continue to be tossed in front of them, preventing their happily-ever-after. He doubts this opportunity will be any different. 

The book is about two broken souls, each with their own stories over the past 6 years, each with the same question of why?, and each reunited for a good cause. Two people who still feel the same love toward each other, the same pull, the same everything. Emmy Lou and Brock's pasts collide in a drama-filled contemporary romance complete with laughter, tears, and longing. So much pain, so much heartache, and so many lies. Not between each other, but spouted by others. Controlling and manipulative people, who claim to be protecting, providing safety, helping, all in the name of love. 

The author wrote realistic characters in Emmy Lou and Brock. The connection between them was intense, fierce, and magnetic. The chemistry when they were together on the pages was electric and easily felt by the reader. My heart ached for Emmy Lou and Brock. They traversed the past six years without each other, but clearly missing one another. 

The banter of Emmy Lou's siblings brought another level of enjoyment to the story. Brock's immense respect and love for his father and aunt jumped off the pages. Sawyer intrigued me, Emmy Lou's father wasn't as strong as I thought he should be, and Emmy Lou's mother was a horrible, horrible woman. The wrap up of the past was done a little too neatly but overall the story is fantastic and I devoured the book. I'll have to go back and read book 1 and look forward to reading book 2.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

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#RomanticSuspense #Review ~ A Night of Southern Comfort (The Boys Are Back in Town, Book 1) by Robin Covington @RobinCovington @EntangledPub

One night of passion…

Detective Jackson Cantrell never imagined that one night with an irresistible stranger would turn his life upside down. He’s spent years living in the shadows, but Dr. Michaela Roarke awakened a passion inside him he’d buried years ago.

He never expected the woman would turn out to be the governor’s daughter…and his next assignment. The governor blackmails Jackson to secretly watch over Michaela and protect her from a stalker, or kiss his dream job at the FBI good-bye. Swearing to keep things strictly professional, Jackson moves in with Michaela. Too bad his heart can’t keep the same promise.

But when the stalker’s attacks quickly escalate beyond mere photographs to bodily harm, Jackson must race to save Michaela’s life. And he’ll have to figure out how to keep her once she discovers his lie.

ASIN: B00BFQDDZ2
Publisher: Entangled: Indulgence
Publication date: June 14, 2012
Print length: 200 pages
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My Review:

It was only supposed to be one night. One night of reckless abandon. One night of unbridled passion. One night of anonymity. Two lives passing in the night. The, Dr. Michaela Roarke walks into her father's home and comes face-to-face with the man she can't stop thinking about. Jackson Cantrell is shocked to find out the woman who rocked his world is none other than the governor's daughter, and he's being blackmailed into protecting her. There is a stalker on the loose who wants nothing more than to ruin Michaela's life and, in turn, the governor's.

A Night of Southern Comfort was an amazing romantic suspense novel. The author created a spectacular setting for this story, one that was easily visualized and perfectly staged. The stalker aspect was full of twists and turns and I enjoyed how the storyline played out. The revelation was shocking and the reason not all all what I preconceived in my mind. The romance was well executed and I loved that the one night stand became so much more. 

The novel is fast-paced and, at 200 pages, is a quick and captivating read. The hero and heroine were likable characters, even if Michaela was a bit stubborn. Her daddy issues clouded her mind and judgment several times. The chemistry between Michaela and Jackson was off the charts. Every time they are together the page sizzles, and I'm not just talking about their bedroom sexcapades. They also have a connection deeper than just sexual, making their relationship much more meaningful. The epilogue is outstanding!! An excellent story with loveable characters. I can't wait to dive into the next book in The Boys Are Back in Town series.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

#ParanormalRomance #Review ~ Bjorn Cursed (Forgotten Brotherhood, Book 4) by N.J. Walters @njwaltersauthor @EntangledPub #PNR

 

Lucifer is up to his old tricks, causing problems for the Forgotten Brotherhood. This time, he’s had a woman removed from the Norse afterlife and placed her right in the path of Bjorn Knutson. After the slaughter of his wife and family centuries ago, tortured and broken, Bjorn was cursed as the first Norse werewolf. Now he’s been tasked by Odin himself with killing the woman who escaped. Failure is not an option.

Before he can track her, he stumbles across a woman being accosted by three men in the middle of the night. Even though she’s human, he intervenes and is shocked to recognize the face of the one woman he could never kill — his wife Anja.

She’s also the one he’s hunting…and if he doesn’t kill her then both their lives are at stake.

ASIN : B08PSF72N3
Publisher : Entangled: Amara
Publication date : January 18, 2021
Print length : 220 pages

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My Review:

The Forgotten Brotherhood cannot catch a break. Lucifer stops at nothing to reek havoc in their lives and does the unthinkable in Bjorn Cursed. After being tasked by Odin to capture and kill an escapee from Freya's Hall, Bjorn seeks out the aid of Maccus and Asher. On his way to Maccus's home, he comes across a woman being attacked. Bjorn cannot believe the woman he is about to rescues is his long-dead wife, Anja. She is also who Bjorn has been commanded to seek out and destroy. 

Bjorn Cursed is an amazing and epic paranormal novel. The author continues a good versus evil storyline with so many twists, turns, and events the reader won't see coming. I was completely engaged in this story and the characters. I enjoyed the path Bjorn and Anja had to travel in order to get to their ultimate destinations. I loved how the continued storyline makes a dramatic collision in Bjorn Cursed. Someone is out to destroy the Forgotten Brotherhood from the inside out and the attempts continue to increase. The events occurring at the end of the novel left me reeling. 

The author crafted a unique world and a story that was intriguing. The book is full of mystery, suspense, action, and wonderful characters. I was easily drawn into the book and found myself completely immersed in the lives of Bjorn and Anja. How they get to the events occurring in the book is heartbreaking. Their backstory, history, and lives they've lived while apart broke my heart. Their reunion is a complete shock and I felt the emotions of both Bjorn and Anja. I love the world created by N.J. Walters and look forward to reading more by the author.

A special thank you to Entangled Publishing for a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

Contemporary #Romance Review ~ A Highlander in a Pickup (Highland, Georgia Book 2) by Laura Trentham @LauraTrentham @StMartinsPress

 

A Highlander in a Pickup is the second book in award-winning author Laura Trentham's romantic comedy Highland Georgia series, full of love, laughs...and highlanders!

When a gorgeous new man—in a kilt—comes to town, life in Highland, Georgia will never be the same…

Iain Connors is the poster boy for the strong and silent type. Growing up a loner at Cairndow Castle in Scotland with only the cliffs and moors for company, it’s understood Iain will assume the mantle of Cairndow groundskeeper when his father is ready to relinquish it. But his stint in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces has opened up a whole new world—and now, rather than settle down, he accepts an invitation to travel to the States to take charge of the Highland Games. After all, he’s led men into battle, how hard can planning a party be?

Anna Maitland is ready to step up for her best friend Isabel Blackmoor, who can’t run the Games in their hometown this year. Surely Anna, a dance instructor with boundless energy, spirit, and charm, is up for the challenge? What she doesn’t anticipate is a man in a kilt who turns up claiming he’s the one in charge. What’s worse about this Iain? He’s so infuriatingly handsome that she can’t help but fantasize about him whispering sweet-nothings in her ear in his rumbly, sexy brogue. . .

ASIN: B07SBQCK1Y
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Publication date: February 25, 2020
Print length: 313 pages
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My Review:

A Highlander in a Pickup was a cute clashing of two different people. Player one, an American woman left in charge of Highland, GA's Highland Games since her bestie Isabel is in Scotland awaiting the birth of her child. Player two, a Scottish man sent by Isabel's family to assist player one with the Games. Their worlds collide as Anna tries to do everything, including run her own business, by herself and Iain was sent to help a woman who clearly isn't interested in handing over any of the reins.

Happy to get of Scotland for awhile and away from the mantle of command he's to assume as the Carndow groundskeeper from his father, he knows it's only a matter of time until he has to step up. Coming to the US is a reprieve from burden he carries. He's fully intent on upholding his expectations until he meets Anna Maitland. There is something about her strength, determination, and passion drawing him to her despite her inability to hand anything off to him regarding the Games.

Anna Maitland misses her best friend, Isabel. Due to her pregnancy, Isabel and her family are staying in Scotland, unable to come back to Georgia to run the Games. They put Anna in charge, completely stressing her out but giving her a sense of pride and excitement at the challenge. Unfortunately, Isabel's family sends along a man in kilt who claims to be in charge of coordinating the Games. They butt heads when Anna doesn't want to relinquish any control. Her body, on the other, hand wants to relinquish all control to Iain.

Anna's determination to run the Games herself indicates a large amount of stubbornness governing her decisions. She doesn't want to be seen as weak and unable to pull together everything needed for the Games to be a success. I found her attitude and treatment of Iain a bit exhausting. I don't care how strong you are, eventually you'll need help. Requiring assistance isn't a sign of weakness or an indication of inability to perform tasks. Anna is also very insecure and it jumps off the pages at the reader. Her backstory puts a lot of her actions into perspective, however, and you learn to empathize with her. 

Iain's character is very laid back. He was sent to Highland, GA to assist with a very important local event. One that the previous organizers hold very dear to their hearts. Those people also know it takes more than just one person to put the whole event together, even in Anna doesn't see it at first. He has a lot in his past that make him the way his is, as well. 

I enjoyed watching both characters eventually opening up to one another. Anna and Iain don't have an easy go of things at first. It's not love at first sight - lust maybe, but not love. I found both characters to be realistic and I enjoyed going on their journey throughout the book. I was engaged from the beginning and loved the author's writing style. This is the first book I've read by Laura Trentham and it won't be my last. 

I was given a paperback copy of this book as a gift.

My Rating:

 

#ContemporaryRomance #Review ~ Delivered with a Kiss by Marie Harte @MHarte_Author ~ Veteran Movers, Book 4

Will one wrong move

Bring Erin love

With the right guy?

Smith Ramsey knows all about hard knocks. So, when his newest client gets dumped by her boyfriend, he gets her an apartment in his complex. He tries to steer clear of her, having enough troubles of his own. He's got estranged brothers to deal with on top of learning his mother wasn't his mother. But he can't forget pretty Erin Briggs. And soon he's addicted to more than her cookies...

Erin thought she'd been in love, but now independent and looking at life through clear eyes, she realizes what she felt for her ex in no way compares to what she's feeling for the tough ex-Marine who picked her up when she was down.

Actions speak louder than words. Smith's kindness and gentle core lay buried under old hurts. But can he forgive and forget the past to make a future with Erin? And is she making a mistake by trusting in love for the wrong man all over again?

ASIN: B081K72VG4
Publisher: No Box Books
Publication Date: November 19, 2019
Print Length: 344 pages
Purchase Link: Amazon
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My Review:

Delivered with a Kiss has a heroine who uproots her life for a man she thought she loved and a hero so down trodden I couldn't help but infuriated on his behalf. Erin moves all the way from Kansas to Washington based on an ultimatum issued from her boyfriend Cody. When she arrives, her entire life shatters on Cody's front lawn, and in front of Smith, the moving company employee. She doesn't expect any kindness or assistance from the burly, scowling Marine standing beside her but then he surprises her.

Smith Ramsey has had a helluva past few weeks and seeing a pretty woman on the verge of collapse tops it right off. While his upbringing wasn't anything to brag about, leaving her alone, defenseless, and with nowhere to live was not in his repertoire. Smith quickly jumps into action and secures Erin with housing in his apartment building and a part-time job assisting the landlady. Pretty soon the duo are dancing around each other while sparks fly and attraction begins to consume them.

There is a large amount of emotion the author poured into this book. Smith's childhood was awful and after returning from his time in the Marine Corp, his life, which he thought couldn't get any worse, actually does get worse. Much, much worse. He learns his mother isn't biologically his and he has brothers. A struggle to stay afloat, Smith hides his feelings from everyone until it just about breaks him. This book tests the bonds between family members and between a man and woman. There is a reason communication is the key to any relationship and there is a serious lack of it throughout a good portion of the book.

Please note Delivered with a Kiss is the first book I've had the chance to read in Marie Harte's Veteran Movers series. I typically read series books in order but wandered off the path for this one. I will be going back to the beginning and reading the rest of the series. That said, having never met the supporting characters from the first three books, I thought maybe I'd have a hard time figuring things out. That is not the case, as the author does a great job bringing the reader up-to-speed without taking away from the present events, couple, and situations. The supporting characters are unique in their own right and I enjoyed getting to know them along with Erin and Smith. I also love the way the author firmly lets the characters know that family isn't just those with the same blood pumping through their veins. Family is anyone you want it to include.

I was provided a copy of this book to read but the thoughts, opinions, and rating are my own.

My Rating: