Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne

Book Description:
The Prodigal Is Coming Home 
It’s been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington. He’s broke, but not broken, and it’s time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.
 He doesn’t expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest— a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there’s more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding...and why. 
 Colt’s return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam’s right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn’t thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch’s contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray’s Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor.  And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district’s wealth and power—or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good?

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book.  The author did a great job of setting up a new series here by introducing us to the Stafford boys.  Colt is the oldest and has come home after having issues with his job and being needed.  He came back to his family being different and a woman he never anticipated encountering.  Angelina is just what Colt and his family need.
I really liked how realistic these characters were.  They were flawed and had their own issues.  Colt came home to everything being different.  His family has it's issues and this is a good prodigal son book.  Angelina is strong in her faith where Colt isn't.  The overall theme of forgiveness is good.  I really liked the characters and the ranch that this author created.
A 4/5 for me.  I look forward to the next in this series.

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

Between (Crossroads 2) by Mary Ting

Book Description:
As the alkins head back to Crossroads, Claudia leads her normal life; but not for long. Having a special soul, Claudia attracts danger, and she soon finds out who Gamma asked to watch over her. The Twelve, known as Divine Elders on Earth, are very much involved when they find out that Aliah, one of the God's first angels, escaped from the Abyss when the gates were opened by Aden. Needing Claudia's soul to escape the only place Aliah can reside-a place between Heaven and Earth-he sends his demons in search of all Claudia Emersons on Earth. Taking her soul will enable him to be released from Between and cross over to Crossroads, which would give him immense power. As more secrets are revealed Claudia learns about the venators-nephilim, demon hunters. Now two opposing forces must work together in order to save Claudia and humanity from the most dangerous angel ever created. But along the way, trust becomes a big issue. Will love be enough to keep Claudia and Michael together? Who will make the ultimate sacrifice? Who will betray them all?

My Thoughts:
I had to start this one immediately after reading Crossroads and it didn't disappoint.  Claudia's life isn't in immediate danger so she is to live life like normal.  She won't see her guardians as often.  At least until she is once again in trouble which seems to happen to her a lot.  There is a new threat  that will force two groups to work together who don't play well with others.  The whole group is back and determined to keep Claudia safe as her power grows, but will it be enough?
Claudia is coming into her own and I love that.  The author did a good job surprising me on several occasions through this story.  We met some new characters, some I loved, and some I despised.  Michael is still more determined than ever to keep Claudia safe.  Davin is back and better than ever, along with the rest of the crew.  I absolutely hated/loved the ending of this book.
A 5/5 and I cannot wait to continue the series!

Crossroads by Mary Ting

Book Description:
Can two worlds collide in dreams? 

Protecting her from the fallen was his duty.
Falling in love was never part of his plan.
Loving her was forbidden.
Being with her was all that mattered, even if it meant he would be exiled for all eternity. 

Claudia Emerson's life is about to change when her good friend, who coincidentally shares the same first and last name, dies in a tragic accident. Distraught at the loss of her friend, Claudia's dreams become tumultuous, and through them she mysteriously travels to another world called Crossroads. There, she unexpectedly meets Michael, a nephilim--half angel, half human. Now that she's been there, fallen and demons are after her, suspecting she must be special, and it is up to Michael and the other nephilim to protect her. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most.

My Thoughts:
Great start to a promising series!  Claudia's life is spiraling out of control.  Her best friend, with ironically the same name, dies in a car accident.  Then, her dreams pull her into the Crossroads.  She meets Michael there and he is rude.  She finds out he is a half angel and half human and that for some reason the Fallen are after her.  Michael's job is to protect her, but he has feelings for her.  His feelings are against the laws he lives by and it could mean terrible consequences for both of them.
I absolutely loved Michael from the start.  He is so conflicted about loving Claudia that you can feel it.  Claudia is just as gone for him.  Michael's friends are wonderful and I adored each one of them.  I think Davin was my favorite of all of them just because he is so 'in the moment'.  I wasn't sure about Austin, but I think he is going to turn out ok.  The story is great, taking place mainly in our world but a few glimpses into Crossroads.  Claudia's life is important to all of the guardians and they will do whatever they have to, to protect her.
It was absolutely a 5/5 for me.  And I've already started on the second book.

The Daffodils Still Grow

Book Description:
The Daffodils Still Grow is a full-color illustrated book that portrays life after a loved one dies as seen from the observations of a motherless child.

My Thoughts:
This was a good little book. The author wrote it from her experience losing her mother and it is to help young girls who have experienced that loss. The illustrations are very well done and the story while sad, is well written. There comes a point in the story where it becomes more uplifting and encouraging. I think a lot of young girls who lose their mother would benefit from reading the book, but it could also be used just as a teaching/helping tool if used correctly. Overall, I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it.
I rate it a 4/5. It is a well written and would be beneficial book.

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.

Hold Your Breath by Katie Ruggle

Book Description:

In the remote Rocky Mountains, lives depend on the Search & Rescue brotherhood. But in a place this far off the map, trust is hard to come by and secrets can be murder...

As the captain of Field County's ice rescue dive team, Callum Cook is driven to perfection. But when he meets new diver Louise "Lou" Sparks, all that hard-won order is obliterated in an instant. Lou is a hurricane. A walking disaster. And with her, he's never felt more alive...even if keeping her safe may just kill him.

Lou's new to the Rockies, intent on escaping her controlling ex, and she's determined to make it on her own terms...no matter how tempting Callum may be. But when a routine training exercise unearths a body, Lou and Callum find themselves thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a killer who will stop at nothing to silence Lou-and prove that not even her new Search and Rescue family can keep her safe forever.

Search and Rescue:
On His Watch (novella)
Hold Your Breath
Fan the Flames
Gone too Deep
In Safe Hands

My thoughts:

Thoroughly enjoyed this one.  Lou is new(ish) to the area but she is on the ice dive rescue team.  While practicing a rescue, she comes across a horrible discovery!  Cal is her boss and with the problems Lou suddenly has, he has decided to stay close to her.  In fact. he decides to stay extremely close.  There is someone out there trying to kill Lou and it may be more than Cal can handle to keep her alive.

I really liked Lou.  She is strong and determined.  She didn't cave when she found a dead body, but decided to handle it like a pro.  I really liked the whole group of characters in this book.  There were some that I really liked and some I couldn't stand, but overall they were good.  I really liked Cal and how he took care of his team.  The whole story unfolded quickly and I didn't want to put it down.

It was an absolute 4/5 for me.  I'm excited to see who the next book is about.

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.

Bitter Bite by Jennifer Estep

Book Description

Which is stronger: blood ties or a battle-tested friendship? That’s the question Gin Blanco asks when a friend’s long-lost relative strolls into town. The suspicious reunion is a surprise for everyone—and a big problem for Gin. Book fourteen in the New York Times bestselling urban fantasy series RT Book Reviews calls “unbeatable entertainment!”
It’s not easy being queen bee of an underworld abuzz with crooks and killers. Wielding my potent Ice and Stone elemental magic will only get me so far—my real secret is my tight-knit makeshift family, a motley crew of cops and criminals, dwarves and playboys. My foster brother Finnegan Lane is my right-hand man, but when his suddenly not-dead relative comes back into the picture, I’m the one on the outside looking in.
It’s funny how life works: one minute your best friend is rock-steady, and the next he’s doe-eyed and buying into this whole loving-relative routine to the point of ignoring you. I’d like to be happy for Finn, I really would. But all of my instincts are telling me that beneath the syrupy sweet demeanor and old-fashioned charm, this sudden interloper is planning something. The whole shtick leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. This person might have avoided the grave once, but I’ll put anyone who hurts Finn in the ground—for good.

My Thoughts:
I was so excited for this book!  Gin is back and still the leader of Ashland's underworld.  Her wonderful sister, assistant and boyfriend are there.  So is her brother, Finn.  The problem is, Finn's mother, who is supposed to be dead, is back as well.  She and Finn have built a relationship that threatens Gin, but there is something more to it.  Gin doesn't trust her, but is wondering if it is because of Fletcher's warning or just her insecurities.
Gin is still a kick butt assassin, leader of the underworld and fierce friend.  I still love her and Owen together, and the call backs to previous books.  I felt so bad to Finn wanting his mother's love so badly.  I also loved that Gin was determined to help Finn regardless of if he wanted it or not.  The characters in the book are family and have each other's backs no matter what and I think that is why I adore this series.
It was a 5/5.  If you are already a fan of the Spider series, you will love this one, if not, start with book one and it is great.

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.

Cursed by Christina Bauer

Book Description:
Most days, Elea couldn’t care less about having Necromancer magick. Who needs to conjure skeletons and sprits when you’re a farm girl? Elea only uses her powers to speed up chores and scare off suitors.
Everything changes when the evil Necromancer Tsar curses Elea. Now, she only has five years left before she burns as a ghost, tortured for all eternity. They say there’s nothing she can do, but Elea disagrees. She decides to embrace her Necromancer powers, train as a magickal assassin, and kill the Tsar… All before his curse kills her. Impossible as it may sound, Elea thinks she has it in the bag, but then everything goes horribly wrong. 
That’s when a handsome mage named Rowan steps up to help. Elea wants an ally, but she doesn’t need all the mixed-up feelings that come along with Rowan’s crooked smile.
An assassination mission is no time to fall in love, but Elea’s heart may have other ideas…

My Thoughts:
Great book!  Elea is cursed.  She has no way to escape the curse but to kill the man who cursed her.  To do that she must become a trained Necromancer, but does she have enough time?  Her plan is iffy at best but then she meets Rowan and things change.  Her plan changes and perhaps her heart as well.  Rowan is a Mage who has a power unlike anything Elea has seen before.  Together they are in a race against time to lift the curse on Elea and free the land.The whole cast of characters was great to me.  Elea is strong and doesn't exactly fit what a Necromancer should be but she is the best out there.  Rowan is just as strong, if not stronger, and dedicated to his people and Elea.  Together they are unstoppable.  I loved Rowan's group, I liked them all...well most of them.  There was one, but I think he is going to grow on me as more happens in future books.  There is plenty of action, magic, suspense, love, romance, and friendship through this book and it is woven together in a wonderfully addictive way.
Absolute 5/5 for me.  I cannot wait to see what happens next with these characters.

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.

Redemption (Dueling Dragons MC Book Two) by Angie Sakai Reveal!

Redemption (Dueling Dragons MC Book Two)

By: Angie Sakai

Publisher: Booktrope

Release Date: May 2016

Cover Designer: R.A. Mizer with Shoutlines Design

Ryder thought this last run was going to be simple, but little did he know that what was about to happen would not only test him but test the whole Dueling Dragons MC. 

Follow along with the MC and Ryder as they are pinned brother against brother, leader against leader and lastly lover against lover. Will Ryder find his way out of this to get back to Faith? Or will he be left to ride alone again?

Angie, a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, can usually be found snuggled up on her couch with her husband and fur-babies watching Netflix or screaming herself hoarse at a rock concert. She is an avid reader and her favorite genre at the moment is Erotica. She has been writing for years as a way to cope with life and finally realized her dream of publishing her novels. She loves a great story with tough as nails characters who have heart. The grittier, the better.

Social Media Links:

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon

Hosted By:

Saving My Heart Release Day Blitz with Jenn Leigh

Title: Saving My Heart

Author: Jenn Leigh

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

Blurb: Cassie Bradley had been through hell and back, suffering the worst types of atrocities at the hands of her former foster family. After becoming a runaway, a chance run-in with her actual family had made Cassie’s dreams come true. Years later, she headed off to college to new friends, new experiences, and a seemingly fresh start on life. Just when you thought things had settled down for Cassie, though, the darkness of her past came creeping in. 

Noah Grainger was the typical all-American college student: great friends, star baseball player, studied hard and played harder. The start of his sophomore year was looking awesome … until he met Cassie Bradley, the painfully shy girl he just could not stay away from. 

Cassie and Noah worked through many obstacles in their new relationship, but when her dark past reared its ugly head, would they survive the fallout? 

Jenn Leigh is an administrative professional by day and a domestic engineer by night with a splash of author when the time is right. Married with two children, when not wrangling her kids and people in her profession, Jenn likes to read, write, go to the movies, and play sports. She plays soccer, volleyball, and flag football on a regular basis. 

Jenn has always had a knack for writing, but she admits to being scared of the process, and as a result, she tamped down her desire to write until recently. When a story needs to come out, it just makes itself known, and thus started Jenn on her journey to becoming an author. Her goal is not fame or fortune, just for readers to enjoy the story as much as she enjoys writing it. 

Author Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenn-Leigh-Au- thor/655347554593823

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1RAyhOP

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/a uthor/show/7567274.Jenn_Leigh

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorjennleigh

Web: https://authorjennleigh.wordpress.com/

Buy Links: US: http://amzn.to/1RAwZDr

Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01D98SXGC< /o:p>

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01D98SXGC

 “I think we need to celebrate,” Noah stated as we sat together on the front step of my house, needing some alone time.

“What? Why?” I questioned.

“To turning over a new leaf, a fresh start—you name the phrase. Let’s go and celebrate it. I want to take you out some-where nice.” Noah watched my face for a reaction.

I can honestly say that nothing seemed to faze Noah, and that scared me. Mostly, it was because all of this was foreign territory. I had taken to heart everything he had said to me in the woods that day, and I was still trying to be less … stand-offish. However, it was hard to switch gears from what you had always known to trying out something new. 

“Stop over-thinking it and let me do this for you. You deserve it.” Noah really didn’t have to convince me. I just needed to convince myself that I was worth it. I wasn’t there quite yet.

I blew out a breath. “Okay.”

I heard Noah let out a big breath as he got up from the step. “Great. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

I looked back at him, confused. “That’s, like, four hours from now.”

“Yes, it is, Sherlock. Now go and get dressed.”

I scoffed. “I don’t need four hours to get ready.” 

“Ah, ah, ah, beautiful. No thinking bad thoughts. Go and take a nap or do something else with the four hours. I’ll be here at seven.”

The next thing I knew, his lips were on mine. 

To say I was shocked was an understatement, and my first response was to push him, which I quickly did. 

He moved back just enough to gauge my reaction, stating, “I’m not sorry I kissed you.” 

My lips were warm and tingly where his kiss lingered. I touched them to see if what I was feeling was real. I mean, his touch always made me feel warm and tingly, but I needed to know I wasn’t imagining that feeling. 

I watched his eyes dance with mirth and something else while he watched me work through my thoughts. Then I pulled him back to me and looked in his eyes. The look he gave was an approving one. Little did he know it was sheer curiosity that made me do it. 

I kissed him this time, bringing my hands up to his neck and lightly touching his hair, not really sure what to do with my hands. This made him hold me to him more tightly, but it also freaked me out a bit, so I pushed him back again. This time, our labored breathing was equal. 

Noah stood to his full height. “I don’t have words, Cassie, but I can tell you with absolute certainty that I have never felt like that from just a kiss.” It was barely above a whisper, but his sentiment was loud enough for me.

A Keeper's Truth Release Blitz!!!

Title: A Keepers Truth 
Author: Dee Willson
Genre: Literary Romance
Release Blitz: April 1st

Every one of us has a soul.

Some are new, some old, and a few, the dangerous, are lost.

But only twelve know why we have a soul at all.

Only twelve remember mankind’s forbidden past.

Tess thinks she’s going crazy when only she sees the naked man in the crowded café, comatose woman in his arms. The nightmares, the visions: something’s not right. But Tess is entitled to moments of insanity. She’s the daughter of mental illness, suicide, and her husband was just killed in a car accident, leaving her an inept single mom at twenty-six.

Then Tess meets Bryce, Carlisle’s illusive bachelor who spins tales from ancient mythology with knowledge beyond his years. His truths intrigue Tess, pull her from the depths, and might just be what she needs to survive.

Compulsively readable, A Keeper’s Truth is an emotionally charged tale of fate, belief, and the power of the human mind. A story that will have you questioning everything you know about the history of mankind, and wondering if somewhere, deep inside, you knew the truth all along.

Amazon US: http://ow.ly/Zo4AV

DEE WILLSON, felt the writer’s call at fifteen, when she penned her first novel and received her first rejection letter to go with it. Over twenty years later, with two successful businesses under her belt (both with Canada’s largest book retailer, Indigo Books), Dee Willson rekindled her passion for novels. She joined a hard-core book club, published short stories and interviews, contributed to blogs, and wrote the novel A Keeper’s Truth, followed by GOT (Gift of Travel). Dee is presently working on the second installment in the Keeper’s series, and Meant 2 B, a crazy ghost story riddled with fate.

Social Links: Amazon | Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Goodreads 

Hosted By