Kill Without Shame by Alexandra Ivy

Book Description:

Five brave military heroes have survived the hell of a Taliban prison to return home—and take on civilian missions no one else can. They're the men of ARES Security. Highly skilled, intimidating, invincible, and one by one, tested again and again…

Lucas St. Clair's prestigious family had a political future neatly planned out for him—one that didn't include his high school sweetheart, Mia Ramon. Under their pressure, Lucas gave her up. But since surviving captivity, he's a changed man—and a crucial member of ARES Security. When he discovers a dead man clutching a picture of Mia that bears a threatening message, his fiercest protective instincts kick in, and he knows he must go to her.

Mia has never forgiven Lucas for breaking her heart, and she's convinced her feelings for him are in the past. But it's soon clear that isn't true for either of them. Now, determined to solve the crime and keep Mia safe, with his ARES buddies backing him up, Lucas will have to reconstruct the murder victim's last days—and follow a lethal trail that leads right back to the fate of the woman he still loves…

My Thoughts:

I really do love this series by Alexandra Ivy!  In this book, Lucas hears that a guy he went to school with was murdered.  Not only that but he is carrying around two things that make Lucas go into protective mode of his old girlfriend, Mia.  The two of them parted on less than good terms but Lucas is determined to keep Mia safe.  I absolutely adore the men in these books.  They are so close and have each others' backs through it all.
Lucas dropped everything to make sure Mia was safe and his friend/business partners backed him up.  There is still the sub-story about what is going on with the notes being left and I can't wait to see where that goes.  I enjoy 'watching' the investigation and how things unfold right in front of the men and the action they have to take to stay alive.  Mia was a good, strong woman but there was no doubt that she and Lucas were made for each other!  It doesn't hurt a strong woman to want/need a strong man ;)
It was a 5/5 for me.  I will follow this series to the end!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Kiss the Bride by McClone, Hatcher and Springer

Book Description:
Meet the people who make it all happen—the planners, the photographers, the musicians who have helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples—as they find their own happy endings in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.


Picture Perfect Love: A June Wedding Story by Melissa McClone

When image becomes everything, it’s up to love to refocus the heart.

Photographer Jenna Harrison wants every bride and groom to look picture perfect on their special day. But her own heart is still broken, the unworn wedding dress hanging in her closet a reminder that relationships aren’t always as perfect as they look through her camera lens.

Attorney Ashton Vance is the one that got away, but he wrongly blamed Jenna for ruining his political aspirations. Even if Jenna can forgive him, dare he hope for a second chance at her love?


I Hope You Dance: A July Wedding Story by Robin Lee Hatcher

Can two left feet lead to one perfect romance?

Grant Nichols is a genius in the kitchen and a klutz on the dance floor. But his friend’s wedding is shaping up to be a shindig the likes of which Kings Meadow has never seen—including dancing. Lots of dancing.

Former rodeo queen Skye Foster is offering dance lessons for the wedding party. Grant and Skye are no match on paper. But when they step onto the dance floor, they create a melody all their own.


Love on a Deadline: An August Wedding Story by Kathryn Springer

MacKenzie “Mac” Davis returns to her hometown of Red Leaf, Wisconsin, and takes a job at the weekly newspaper writing about social events.

When Hollis Channing, Mac’s high school nemesis, returns to Red Leaf to marry her celebrity fiancé, the editor asks Mac to cover all the festivities for the newspaper. The last thing Mac wants to do is reconnect with the person who made her life miserable when she was a teenager . . . unless it’s spending time with Ethan Channing, the bride’s older brother—and Mac’s first crush.

My thoughts:
All 3 of these novellas were good, clean, quick reads.  The first one, Picture Perfect Love, was ok, I had issues with the man but the writer did a good job with the story.  I just didn't connect or maybe I just took issues with some of the things he did.  Either way, still a good story and very much about second chances.
I Hope You Dance was better.  Very much an instant love.  I loved the dancing element to it.  I kind of wish this one had been longer, maybe a full length book, all by itself.  It really was a good novella, I just wanted more of it!  The last one, Love on a Deadline, was my favorite of the three.  Mac was always just a kid to Ethan but now she is all grown up.  I liked it was a first crush and coming home story.  Like the second one, I wanted more but that was mainly because I really connected with these characters and didn't want it to end.
Overall, I enjoyed these novellas.  3.5 rounded up to a 4/5 for me.


Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via BookLook).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Sweet on You by Chautona Havig

Book Description:
It is my hypothesis that social conventions are created to test our fortitude.
Rockland circa 1900~ As the mayor's daughter, Madeline Brown enjoys a rich social life that many might envy.  But a sharp mind and a growing talent for observation leaves Madeline torn between avoiding social censure and exploring the world around her.
With an aunt who considers higher education and employment equally unsuitable for the mayor's daughter, there is little to amuse her save endless committee meetings, evening socials, and her favorite pastime: curling up with an exciting detective novel.  The temperance and suffrage movements hold little interest for a young woman who has just endured the rigors of her father's mayoral campaign.
So when a young man shows interest in her friend, Madeline's interest piques--until his actions hint that he might not be the upstanding gentleman everyone presumes him to be.  Unable to ignore her concerns, Madeline finds herself in the middle of an investigation into his character and discovers a side of Rockland she's never encountered.
Will her new hobby reduce the tedium of her life, or will her "meddling" create tension for herself and her father?  Will she be forced to squelch this budding skill of hers or has Madeline finally found her calling in life.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this author's style of writing.  It wasn't what I was used to, but it really made me like the characters.  As this is a historical mystery, Madeline is not a traditional lady for the time period in which she is born.  She absolutely doesn't conform to the 'norm' but she isn't mean  or flaunting about it.  As the mayor's daughter, she knows the boundaries (even if she likes to push them).
Madeline is a smart cookie.  When something seems off about her friend's love interest, she has to investigate it.  She sees the 'meddling' she does as a good thing, but it causes issues as well.  This isn't a suspenseful mystery but it will absolutely keep your attention.  As you read one page, a piece clicks into place, but you really want to know more so you must keep reading.  I kept hoping for something between her and Russell and really hope that happens in the future.
It was a 4/5 for me.  I do want to see what happens next with these characters.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via Celebrate Lit).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Scripture Doodle and Scripture Doodle God's Promises

Book Description:

With inspiring exercises and prompts, this unique interactive guide introduces readers to a creative connection between Bible study, artistic expression, and worship.

Often, in the busyness of life, Christians forget that God created them to enjoy creativity. With guided instruction and completed examples, this beautiful book invites readers to draw closer to God through their own art.

More than a coloring book, ScriptureDoodle is a combination of Bible study, creative expression, and artistic community with artwork shared online at #scripturedoodle. Exploring topics such as being generous, finding rest, and facing grief, ScriptureDoodle gives the heart the creative space it needs. This book stimulates the reader's imagination and helps integrate God's Word into everyday life.

ScriptureDoodle God's Promises refreshes believers who are feeling burned out or stuck in a rut in their relationship with God. Each of the creative worship prompts in this interactive guide includes biblical encouragement and ideas for worship through art. Artist April Knight includes creative lettering tips, color ideas, and completed examples to inspire readers to respond to promises in Scripture related to trust, faith, and the power of God's Word in all circumstances.

This unique blend of Bible study and creative expression provides the opportunity to connect with God as Creator in a new, life-changing way.

My thoughts:

I absolutely loved these two books!  They were just what I needed right now and I think everyone should have them.  Both books guide you but let's you discover on your own the lessons it is helping with.  Each time you go back, you will learn something new.  I'm not an artist but I didn't feel self-conscious about doodling in these books.  

The artwork in them is pretty and works right along with guiding you through the topics.  I enjoyed coloring and doodling as I thought about the scriptures and having my hands busy as my mind was as well, made it just connect more.  I'm not certain how to explain it, but this was the absolute best book and Bible study I could have done!

5/5.  I am seriously buying these for gifts this year.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of these books (via litfuse).  I received these books in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Avalon Dreams by Alexa Whitewolf

Book Description:
“It was impossible they had met before – of that she was certain. Yet his hold on her was undisputable, an irrational pull to the utmost recesses of her soul.”

Vivienne du Lac has everything she could wish for – a normal, peaceful life, a good job, cushy nest egg, and a semi-social nightlife. The only problem? She’s clueless to being the reincarnation of the Lady of the Lake, mythical sorceress from King Arthur's time, and Merlin's apprentice. 

Sebastien Dubois is the guy you wouldn’t take home to mom and dad. He’s the one you jump off on a motorcycle with, to ride into the sunset. The sexual chemistry between them is sizzling from the start – but there’s more to the tall, dark and handsome stranger. When a magical past tumbles into her orderly reality, he is Vivienne’s only hope at survival. 

Caught between darkness and light, a battle she has no intention to fight – let alone the knowledge to win – Vivienne quickly finds out not even closest allies can be trusted. 

Can she look within and access powers from long past, become the enchantress Merlin meant her to be… Or will she lose it all over love, for Sebastien’s salvation? This is a battle between 

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book.  It is an original book and I liked how it mixed the past and present.  Vivienne is a princess and much more, she just doesn't remember it.  Sebastien is a bad man who does really bad things.  The instant attraction the two of them have surprises Vivienne.  He is gorgeous but she has never had that kind of reaction to a man.  Her friend doesn't seem to like him but her dog does...and so does she!
I love how devoted Sebastien is to Vivienne.  She doesn't know the evil that is out to get her but he does and feels it is his duty to stop it.  I love Vivienne's dog.  He is completely awesome and more than meets the eye.  The flashes between the past and present are done really well and explain some of the different issues the characters are having.  I both loved and hated Merlin at different times throughout.  I couldn't believe the lengths Sebastien went to in his job to save Vivienne.  The author did a great job of answering questions but creating new ones at the end to ensure you have to read the next book!
A 4/5 for me and I cannot wait to see what happens next to these characters.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

My Wild Irish Dragon by Ashlyn Chase

Description

"Pure pleasure. It's like spending time with your favorite friends."-Night Owl Reviews, TOP PICK, for How to Date a Dragon

ONE JOB OPENING
TWO SHIFTERS APPLY...
SPARKS FLY
Dragon shifter Chloe Arish is hell-bent on becoming a Boston firefighter. She uses her Irish charm and fake documents to score an interview, knowing she has to work every bit as hard as a man-harder if she wants their respect.

Born into a legendary Boston firefighting family, phoenix shifter Ryan Fiero can't possibly let someone best him on the training course or the job. He'd never hear the end of it. When a feisty new recruit comes along who's determined to do just that, Ryan plots to kick her out-until their sizzling chemistry turns explosive...

My Thoughts:

This was an intriguing book.  Chloe is a princess but is determined to be a firefighter (and the best one) too.  She and Ryan are up for the same job.  Each has their strengths and neither is backing down.  The initial attraction is mutual but both want the job so try to ignore it.  The fact that others recognized the attraction before the two of them made me laugh.  That happens so often in life.
I like that both Chloe and Ryan are shifters and have to keep that secret.  So even if they were to get together it would be a secret from the other.  Ryan's family was interesting to me.  I liked them on one level but didn't on another.  I laughed at parts, shook my head at others, and could have strangled several characters at different points.  I do want to see what happens next to these dragons (especially Chloe's cousin)!
It was a 3/5 for me.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

A Royal Christmas Wedding by Rachel Hauck

Book Description:
It’s been five years since Avery Truitt and Prince Colin of Brighton Kingdom fell in love. But he broke her heart with no explanation.

Fast forward to present day, and Colin is Brighton’s most eligible bachelor now that cousin Stephen has married. When Avery’s father dies of a heart attack, she puts her life on hold and returns home to St. Simons Island, Georgia, to help Mama with the family restaurant. But Mama misses Avery’s sister Susanna, who lives four thousand miles away in Brighton Kingdom—and is expecting her first child. So Mama insists she and Avery spend the Christmas season in Brighton.

Colin and Avery are going to see each other a lot while she’s visiting. But she can’t forget the way he hurt her, and he didn’t expect his feelings to still be so strong.

Avery is torn between considering a future in Brighton and taking a coaching job in Georgia, and Colin is finally pushed to pursue what he really wants. Is it too late to convince Avery that she is his true love? And even if he does, will she make it to the chapel on Christmas Day to give him her heart?

My Thoughts:
I was in the mood for a good Christmas romance and this one fit the bill!  Avery and Colin's love is already there from years before and he broke her heart.  Just because there is a broken heart, doesn't mean the love goes away.  That is why there are stories like this of second chances and God's timing.  
I really liked the characters this author invents.  They are now real to me and always will be.  It was a good read seeing these two and what they had to go through to be together.  The author doesn't just give it to them, there are obstacles.  Still it is a feel good romance that makes me want to go back and read the previous books in the series just so I can meet some other wonderful characters.
This one was a 4/5 for me.  It is a good, fast, romance read that you will enjoy!

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.


To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card plus a copy of A Royal Christmas Wedding and a copy of The Wedding Shop. Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post to earn 9 extra entries in the giveaway! https://promosimple.com/ps/aaeb 

A Primary Decision by Dr. Kevin Leman and Jeff Nesbit

Book Description:
Forces Conspire to Take the Worthington Family Down
Sarah Worthington never expected to become the US attorney general--at least not this early in her career. Plunged into the vicious vetting process, with all sides digging for secrets in her family closet, she steels herself for the path forward. Nothing will deter her from making her mark on the world in the biggest way possible--even if that means prosecuting the current president of the United States. Yet powerful forces conspire behind the scenes to take the Worthington family down, and the president orders her to close the investigation. Will she comply? Or turn the tables to pursue her ultimate dream--the US presidency? 
This exciting conclusion to The Worthington Destiny series will have readers on the edge of their seats--just in time for the 2016 presidential race.

My Thoughts:
This is a good read.  It is the third in this series so it catches you up on some previous characters.  That being said, it can be read as a stand alone and enjoyed.  Sarah is ambitious like the rest of her family.  Still she is young to be made attorney general.  She takes her job and responsibilities very serious and she will not just 'brush things under the rug' because of who someone is.
I liked that this book kept my interest and didn't do what I expected of the characters.  I thought they would do one thing and they did the opposite.  It was a political book but also showed a female lead with a backbone to stand against those in power.  Her family interactions was great.  I liked that the family stuck together even if they weren't completely up front with everything.  
It was a 4/5 for me.  I really enjoyed this and will go back and read the previous books in the series.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Storm by Bonnie S. Calhoun

Book Description:
Now That Glade, Selah's Protecting Force, Is Gone, the Hunt Is On to Capture Her
Selah has survived the forces of both man and nature to reunite her family. But her happiness is short-lived as they are forced into a barren world of volcanic ash that conceals the storm boiling beneath. The clock is ticking and Selah's abilities are growing--along with the list of those out for her blood. 

Selah feels unworthy of her status as a novarium and is tortured by the knowledge of lives lost to protect her. Her physical and mental abilities will tempt her to be reckless, but she must learn to wield such power responsibly. Time is running out as more lives are tragically cut short and the search for the Third Protocol takes Selah into lands that have fallen into legend. Can Selah follow the trail of ancient artifacts and finish the quest? Or have she and her companions pinned their hopes on nothing more than a fanciful story?

Calhoun's characters race headlong into an explosive combination of futuristic technology, age-old greed, and the sacrifices for love that drive them to impossible choices.

My Thoughts:
Really good book.  This is the third in a series so it works best if you read them in order.  Selah has done everything she can to bring her family together.  That being said, she has to search for the Third Protocol and there is an urgency to that.  There was plenty of action and I felt like I was in the middle of this story along with the characters for the ride!  
Selah is coming in to her own and I've enjoyed watching this character grow and change.  Some want to kill her and others want to save her but she has so much on her being the one with all the power.  Their search leads them to new places and new people.  The group wonders who they can trust and if perhaps they have put their trust in the wrong person.  I liked the ending.  It is all tied up but the author also left it where there could be another book!It was a good book, 4/5.  As I said, the story is a bit complex so you would do well to read them in order.  Worthwhile read! 

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Wicked Winter Anthology (Bitter by Alexia Purdy)

Anthology Description:
Warm up your chilly nights with 15 never before released stories by some of today’s hottest USA Today, and Amazon bestselling authors as they tell you tales of vampires, shifters, elementals, fae, and demons trying to find a little love this winter. 
All proceeds will be donated to help support the Alzheimer’s Association in the fight to find a cure.

Bitter by Alexia Purdy
Imara by Jessica Cage
Winter Runes by Rebecca Brooke 
The Fall of Winter by Virginia Cantrell
The Oak by S.L. Dearing
Frigid by Rene Folsom
Holly by Danielle Gavan
Immortal Revealed by Magen McMinimy
Cooling by Morgan Jane Mitchell
Turned by Katherine Rhodes
Mated by Katie Salidas
Cold Hearts by Emma Shade
The Cottage by Lavinia Urban
Everlee Frost by Emily Walker
Petals in the Snow by Jax Walsh 


Book Description:
Hayden was once a soldier part of an elite agency trained to keep supernatural nuisances under wraps. He didn't plan on being contaminated during a routine extermination of a rogue wolf pack. He didn't count on it changing everything he believed ties humans and supernaturals together. It'll take everything he's got to survive the bitter winter in the midst of a deadly struggle between them all.

My Thoughts:
I've not read all the books in this set but I do adore all these authors and cannot wait to delve into their stories (so I will update my review as I go).  Bitter by Alexia Purdy was great!  I liked Hayden from the start.  He was a strong soldier but had a premonition.  He hunted things that aren't supposed to exist in our world and sometimes that catches up to the soldier.  
When he is changed into something he thinks he hates, his outlook changes and he wants revenge.  He meets a female werewolf, she isn't what he expected but the pack leader is.  I like how this book is a story in and of itself, but sets up for the potential of a follow up story that I cannot wait to read!
It was a 5/5 for me and I want to go to the Grove again soon!

Flash of Fire by M.L. Buchman

Book Description:

The elite firefighters of Mount Hood Aviation fly into places even the CIA can’t penetrate.

FROM WILDFIRE TO GUNFIRE
When former Army National Guard helicopter pilot Robin Harrow joins Mount Hood Aviation, she expect to fight fires for only one season. Instead, she finds herself getting deeply entrenched with one of the most elite firefighting teams in the world. And that’s before they send her on a mission that’s seriously top secret, with a flight partner who’s seriously hot.

Mickey Hamilton loves flying, firefighting, and women, in that order. But when Robin Harrow roars across his radar, his priorities go out the window. On a critical mission deep in enemy territory, their past burns away and they must face each other. Their one shot at a future demands that they first survive the present—together.

My Thoughts:

This was a good one.  Robin has just joined up with the MHA to be a pilot and fight wildfires.  She and all the ladies in her family before her have never needed men in their lives, except for an occasional good time.  Mickey loves flying in the MHA and hooking up with women along the way.  When Mickey and Robin fly out in the same group, sparks are flying from more than just the fire.
I love the characters the author has made here.  There is a depth to them and more happening than what you expect.  Robin had a hard time thinking that she could have more than just a fling with Mickey.  She isn't supposed the love a man, no woman in her family has ever kept one around.  Mickey is a fun go-lucky guy and enjoys Ron immensely.  They are both surprised by everything they have to do on their mission and it could be more dangerous than either ever anticipated.
It was a 3/5 for me.  I really enjoyed the characters in this one.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.