Hot Target Cowboy by June Faver

Description

His loyalty is to his family. But his heart belongs to her.

Eldest son Colt Garrett is the biggest, strongest and steadiest of the Garrett brothers. Colt accepts his responsibilities, knowing his future is tied to the land. Colt has stayed centered—but when he falls in love, he falls hard. He is mesmerized by Misty Dalton, the younger sister of one of his brother’s friends.

Misty Dalton has held together a family plagued with problems since her mother passed away. But when the threats to her family turn deadly, Misty turns to Colt. If anybody wants to hurt Misty, they’re going to have to go through the toughest of the Garrett boys first.

My Thoughts:

This was very much a rescue a damsel in distress book.  Colt is from a prominent family in the community and there has been a clear path laid out for him.  For the most part, I liked Colt.  He wanted to save Misty and her little brother from the moment he met them and knew they were in danger.  There was plenty of action through the book.
I had issues with Misty. She is a sweet girl but sometimes I just wanted to scream at her to use her brain. She couldn't seem to work through an issue other than how to keep money away from her brother, without help.  She was young so I am going to say I just didn't relate well to the character.  I had major issues with Colt's father though. He was just rude.
Overall, 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.

Magic in Disguise by Katie Salidas

Book Description:
You've marveled at the world hidden under our very noses, discovered the four families of magic (Terra, Ethereal, Shade, & Elemental), and witnessed the well-oiled machine that is A.S.S.E.T (Anonymous Supernatural Security and Elimination Taskforce). Now, watch it all fall into anarchy unless one rogue agent can destroy the Weapon of Magical Destruction once and for all. 

All magic comes at a price. 

Using the Weapon of Magical Destruction might not have been Sage's smartest idea, but what choice did she have? Now she's slowly dying from the effects of the magic absorbing seed embedded in her hand. 

If that weren't enough to ruin her day, news of Sage's criminal misconduct has spread like wildfire landing her on top of the Magical Most Wanted list. Can't a girl catch a break? 

Being hunted by the shadow clans, and cut off from A.S.S.E.T. Sage is forced to go deep under cover, on a quest to collect the elements needed invoke the magic of the Mother Goddess to destroy the seed once and for all. 

Not an easy task when every shadow is a potential enemy. 

If she fails, it's game over. If she succeeds, she's still a wanted criminal for using forbidden magic. But at least then she might live long enough to clear her name, right?

My Thoughts:
Oh my gosh!  This book is the 3rd in this series so start with the 1st and get caught up. Sage is dying. Literally. What she used to stop the bad guys in the last book is slowly killing her.  She and Grey have to find a cure. Matt is having his own issues with Zack watching over him (Matt may still be my favorite character with his overprotective streak, but he may have some serious competition now).
I've said before that I wasn't sure I liked Grey, but I am now in love with him! He is a truly good guy and would do anything to help his partner. The story didn't slow down, or let up throughout.  There were twists, turns and surprises. Sage has all sorts of people hunting her, including ASSET and Grey doesn't hesitate with his protection.
It was a 5/5. Loved it. Love the series. Ready for more.
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.

Sabotaged Christmas by Carole Brown

Book Description:
Toni DeLuca, the Italian owner of DeLuca Construction, finds herself confronted with doubts about her father and his possible deceptions—all because of the mysterious pink notes she’s been receiving. 

Relations with Perrin Douglas who has a troubled history—but the first man in years who’s interested her—is building to a peak. Yet Perrin‘s own personal problems and his doubts about women and God, keep getting in the way. 

Gossip, a Spanish proposal, an inheritance, and a sabotaged construction business may ruin Christmas for Toni’s employees as well as her own happiness.
Will a mysterious person succeed in pulling off the biggest scam Appleton, West Virginia has ever seen? And will this culprit destroy Toni's last chance at happiness with the man of her dreams?

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book.  Toni owns her late father's construction business. Strange and unsettling things start happening from threatening letters to missing supplies on job sites.  Perrin is new to town and hires Toni's business to work on his place.
I really enjoyed the characters the author created here. They were flawed, and I appreciated that. I dislike 'perfect' characters who have an easy time of it. Perrin's son is probably my favorite character. I love his personality.  
It was a 4/5 for me. I will absolutely be reading more from this author.

Thank you to the author (via Celebrate Lit) 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.

Bio: Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in Southeast Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

From the Grave by Karina Espinosa

Title: From the Grave

Author: Karina Espinosa

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Cover Designer: Orina Kafe ArtWorks

Editor: Beyond DEF Publication Date: December 13^th, 2018

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

Blurb: Secrets don’t stay buried forever.

Mackenzie Grey is a lone wolf who’s earned her fair share of battle scars from the past, but that’s all over now. Or so she thought.

Known as the Freedom Princess, her heroic deeds have come with a heavy price when a mysterious new villain emerges, one who’s intent on killing Sebastian. As a new breed of danger lurks on the horizon, secrets between Bash and Kenz pile up and her worst nightmare is realized.

Mackenzie spent the last three years learning who she was in Origins. Now she will face her greatest challenges in Trials ...

My Thoughts:

More Mackenzie Grey!  This is a spin off book from the Mackenzie Grey series, but follows the same characters. This book starts off with a 'crisis' and doesn't slow down. There is the relationship between Mackenzie and Bash that isn't brand new but is still in the new stages. I love that Mackenzie speaks her mind, even if occasionally it should have been thought through first! 

I don't want to give too much away but there was a surprise character I wasn't expecting in here and I was happy but conflicted about it. The fact that just because one issue has past, doesn't mean that it will be smooth sailing, is completely true in this book and Mackenzie is ready to jump in with both feet to protect those she loves.

It was a 4/5 for me.  I cannot wait to see what happens next.

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

Buy Links:

From the Grave: https://amzn.to/2Pxlmm6

*Disclaimer* While it’s not required to read Mackenzie Grey: Origins before From the Grave, it is recommended.

Shift: https://amzn.to/2RbKrV7

Caged: https://amzn.to/2q4U78a

Alpha:  https://amzn.to/2SabDVn

Omega: https://amzn.to/2PQ0is5

Box Set: https://amzn.to/2SbSkuX

 Karina Espinosa is the Urban Fantasy author of the Sins of the Fallen series and the Mackenzie Grey novels. Infatuated with travel, pop culture, and the need to write everything down, she spends much of her days in front of a computer working on her next book, shopping online, and listening to music. With nomadic tendencies, she is currently resting her head in South Florida until the itch to move strikes again. You can usually catch her on Facebook, Instagram and live-tweeting during episodes of Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, and Orphan Black. Follow her on social media!

Author Links:

Web: https://www.karinaespinosa.com/

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2rQFsj2

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7784354.Karina_Espinosa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKarinaEspinosa/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TweetsByKarina

Buy Links:

From the Grave: https://amzn.to/2Pxlmm6

*Disclaimer* While it’s not required to read Mackenzie Grey: Origins before From the Grave, it is recommended.

Shift: https://amzn.to/2RbKrV7

Caged: https://amzn.to/2q4U78a

Alpha:  https://amzn.to/2SabDVn

Omega: https://amzn.to/2PQ0is5

Box Set: https://amzn.to/2SbSkuX

Mind Games by Nancy Mehl

About the Book

Book: Mind Games

Author: Nancy Mehl

Genre: Suspense

Release Date: December, 2018

Publisher: Bethany House

FBI Behavioral Analyst Kaely Quinn’s methods may be highly unorthodox, but her talent is undeniable. She’s done her best to establish a new life for herself after being demoted and transferred to St. Louis when a reporter revealed she’s the daughter of an infamous serial killer. But when that same reporter claims to have received an anonymous poem predicting a string of murders, ending with Kaely’s, it seems her old life has followed her.

When a body is found that fits the poem’s morbid predictions, Kaely and her new partner, Special Agent Noah Hunter, are forced to move past his skepticism of her approach and work together to unravel the deadly riddle.

With a brazen serial killer who breaks all the normal patterns on the loose, Noah and Kaely are tested to their limits to catch the murderer before anyone else, including Kaely, is killed.

 My Thoughts:
This was a truly good book.  Kaely is determined to catch all the bad guys she can.  Her boss is determined to protect her, and in this case that means assigning her a new partner.  Noah Hunter is not thrilled with the idea given Kaely's reputation within the Bureau, but he is going to do his job.
I liked that the author didn't make this into a romance book. It had some mentions here and there but the main focus was the case.  Getting the bad guy caught, and that kept me guessing to the end.  I would decide it was one person only to change my mind and then change it again.  Loved it. There are plenty of twists and I liked that Noah is learning more and more about Kaely as we go.  Can't wait to see where the author takes them next.
It was a 5/5 for me.

Thank you to the author/publisher 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.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Nancy Mehl (www.nancymehl.com) is the author of more than thirty books, including the Road to Kingdom, Finding Sanctuary, and Defenders of Justice series. She received the ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award in 2009. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW and RWA. She writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their Puggle, Watson. She is part of The Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com, along with several other popular suspense authors. She is also very active on Facebook.

Guest Post from Nancy

Writing Mind Games is a dream come true. I’ve been interested in FBI profiling for years. I’ve read about it, studied it, and watched every TV special I could find on the subject. So when the chance finally came to write the book I’ve always wanted to write, I jumped at it. Thankfully, through the help of another writer, I was hooked up with a retired FBI profiler. I was so excited. Until I found out I had almost everything wrong. Yes, I had some understanding about profiling, but I knew nothing about the FBI and how it works.

First of all, the FBI doesn’t call the men and women who profile criminals, profilers. They’re called Behavioral Analysts. The plot for Mind Games had my analyst running around the country solving crimes while she was stationed in St. Louis. Uh, no. Behavioral analysts do travel, but they all work out of Quantico in Virginia. So…I rewrote.

There were ways around my conundrum, but one solution led to more and more problems. We finally worked through them. Then I spent the next few months learning acronyms. CIRG, CJIS, NCAVC, HRT, UNSUB, CNU, THU, ViCap, CODIS, SWAT, ERTU, OPU, THRU, ERT… Well, the list goes on and on. The FBI is made up of many specialized units. And a plethora of acronyms, it seems.

I rewrote Mind Games three times before my source said we were good to go.

If you assume I’m out of the woods now, you’d be wrong. I haven’t had the nerve to open up the manuscript I sent her for book two in my Kaely Quinn Profiler series. I figured I had Fire Storm right but… Well, I can tell from her email comments I’ll be doing more rewriting. Sigh.

So is it worth it? A resounding yes! I love learning, and as long as my analyst friend hangs in with me (she has the patience of Job), I’ll keep at it.

I hope you enjoy Mind Games. It’s edgy but fun. Kaely Quinn is a quirky character. She was thrown out of Quantico because her version of profiling is… Well, you’ll just have to read the book to find out!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 11

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 11

The Lit Addict, December 11

amandainpa, December 11

A Reader’s Brain, December 12

Daysong Reflections, December 12

Livin’ Lit, December 12

Reading Is My SuperPower, December 13

By The Book, December 13

Lighthouse Academy, December 13

Multifarious, December 14

Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis and Christ Collide, December 14

Splashes of Joy, December 14

Back Porch Reads, December 15

Real World Bible Study, December 15

Robin is Bookish, December 15

Janices book reviews, December 15

C Jane Read, December 16

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 16

The Becca Files, December 16

Bigreadersite, December 16

Quiet Quilter, December 17

Margaret Kazmierczak, December 17

Godly Book Reviews, December 17

All-of-a-kind Mom, December 18

Just the Write Escape, December 18

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, December 18

Simple Harvest Reads, December 19 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Mary Hake, December 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 19

For the Love of Literature, December 20

Remembrancy, December 20

Inklings and notions, December 20

Carpe Diem, December 20

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 21

Pause for Tales, December 21

A Baker’s Perspective, December 21

Have A Wonderful Day, December 22

Book by Book, December 22

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 22

Bibliophile Reviews, December 23

To Everything a Season, December 23

Southern Gal Loves to Read, December 23

Cafinated Reads, December 24

Texas Book-aholic, December 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Nancy is giving away a grand prize of a copy of Mind Games and the three books in Nancy’s Defenders of Justice series, plus a $20 Starbucks gift card!

Two additional winners will also receive a copy of Mind Games!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d73b/mind-games-celebration-tour-giveaway

From the Grave Release Blitz!

Title: From the Grave

Author: Karina Espinosa

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Cover Designer: Orina Kafe ArtWorks

Editor: Beyond DEF Publication Date: December 13^th, 2018

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

Blurb: Secrets don’t stay buried forever.

Mackenzie Grey is a lone wolf who’s earned her fair share of battle scars from the past, but that’s all over now. Or so she thought.

Known as the Freedom Princess, her heroic deeds have come with a heavy price when a mysterious new villain emerges, one who’s intent on killing Sebastian. As a new breed of danger lurks on the horizon, secrets between Bash and Kenz pile up and her worst nightmare is realized.

Mackenzie spent the last three years learning who she was in Origins. Now she will face her greatest challenges in Trials ...

Buy Links:

From the Grave: https://amzn.to/2Pxlmm6

*Disclaimer* While it’s not required to read Mackenzie Grey: Origins before From the Grave, it is recommended.

Shift: https://amzn.to/2RbKrV7

Caged: https://amzn.to/2q4U78a

Alpha:  https://amzn.to/2SabDVn

Omega: https://amzn.to/2PQ0is5

Box Set: https://amzn.to/2SbSkuX

 Karina Espinosa is the Urban Fantasy author of the Sins of the Fallen series and the Mackenzie Grey novels. Infatuated with travel, pop culture, and the need to write everything down, she spends much of her days in front of a computer working on her next book, shopping online, and listening to music. With nomadic tendencies, she is currently resting her head in South Florida until the itch to move strikes again. You can usually catch her on Facebook, Instagram and live-tweeting during episodes of Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, and Orphan Black. Follow her on social media!

Author Links:

Web: https://www.karinaespinosa.com/

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2rQFsj2

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7784354.Karina_Espinosa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKarinaEspinosa/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TweetsByKarina

Buy Links:

From the Grave: https://amzn.to/2Pxlmm6

*Disclaimer* While it’s not required to read Mackenzie Grey: Origins before From the Grave, it is recommended.

Shift: https://amzn.to/2RbKrV7

Caged: https://amzn.to/2q4U78a

Alpha:  https://amzn.to/2SabDVn

Omega: https://amzn.to/2PQ0is5

Box Set: https://amzn.to/2SbSkuX

Fragments of Ash by Katy Regnery

Book Description:
From New York Times bestselling author Katy Regnery comes a dark and twisted retelling of the beloved fairytale, Cinderella!

My name is Ashley Ellis…

I was thirteen years old when my mother – retired supermodel, Tig – married Mosier Răumann, who was twice her age and the head of the Răumann crime family.

When I turned eighteen, my mother mysteriously died. Only then did I discover the dark plans my stepfather had in store for me all along; the debauched "work" he expected me to do.

With the help of my godfather, Gus, I have escaped from Mosier's clutches, but his twin sons and henchmen have been tasked with hunting me down. And they will stop at nothing to return my virgin body to their father

…dead or alive.

** Contemporary Romance. Due to profanity and very strong sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.** 

My Thoughts:
This book is twisted! Ash's life has been a roller coaster ride to say the least. Her 'sister' is really her mother but no one can know because it would ruin her 'sister's' career. Her grandparents are cold/cruel. I felt so heartbroken for Ashley as she went though the horrors after her mother's death.
She might be legally an adult but she is still a little girl. I loved her godfather Gus. Protective and willing to do anything for her, he is the kind of adult every kid needs in their life. There is a good dynamic between all the characters.  The story line played out pretty much how I thought it would from the start but it was an entertaining ride.
It was a 3/5 for me. 

**Adult themes/language used throughout the book.

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

Holiday Amnesia by Lynette Eason

Book Description

With no memory, who can she trust?

A deadly Christmas in Wrangler’s Corner

Robin Hardy survived an explosion in her university lab—but her memories are gone. With danger lurking behind every Christmas tree, she needs shelter from the attackers she can’t identify. She’ll trust fellow professor Toby Potter to safely hide her away. But when his secrets come between them, the truth could mean the difference between life and death this holiday season.

Look for 6 new titles from Love Inspired Suspense every month!

Love Inspired Suspense: Suspenseful romances… strong heroes and heroines facing challenges to their faith… and to their lives.

My Thoughts:
I really liked this book.  Robin doesn't remember Toby, but he seems to be the only one trying to keep her alive instead of kill her. I love their interactions and the extra sense that Robin gets about their relationship. There is plenty of action and difficulty to stay safe throughout the story.  
Toby really was a good guy and I felt bad that he got put into the situation he did.  I felt even worse with who the bad guy turned out to be.  I was sure that was who it was going to be but hoped not.  The author did a good job with the storyline.
It was a 5/5 for me.


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.