I'm not sure if I've ever read (or listened to) anything by S.C. Wynne before, but this series hooked me and pulled me in. I mean, city-boy doctor in I'm not sure if I've ever read (or listened to) anything by S.C. Wynne before, but this series hooked me and pulled me in. I mean, city-boy doctor in a fish-out-of-water story who relocates to a small town in Texas? Smoking hot local sheriff? Yeah, count me in.
The well-thought-out mystery plot had me guessing until the end. Now I need to make my way through the next installments. I was disappointed to find they weren't all out in audio yet, for with age I find it's easier for me to listen to audiobooks than to read a book, but for this series, I'll do it.
The narrator was new to me also, and did a fantastic job with the material. ...more
I am hooked on Meghan Maslow's Charm City stories (all her stories, really), and this one didn't disappoint.
Carter the cocky cat shifter and Bengal DI am hooked on Meghan Maslow's Charm City stories (all her stories, really), and this one didn't disappoint.
Carter the cocky cat shifter and Bengal Damon-Cowles the somewhat arrogant Rakshasa caught my attention in the first book, which I adored, and the second definitely lives up to the first.
These two are the perfect foil for each other and learning about the Rakshasa's true nature took me by surprise, but in hindsight, I see how the author set this concept up for us way in advance. The dialog is truly genius, and I think the one character--I won't give spoilers--having multiple accents was a challenge to narrator Greg Boudreaux. He took the challenge and ran with it. Between an incredible story and amazing narration, I found I couldn't walk away from this book. I'll apologize to my family later for my non-availability while enjoying Cat's Chance in Hell.
Not only did I learn more about the characters that I knew and loved, the author introduced some new ones that I can't wait to learn more about.
I've been on a forced marriage kick in my reading choices lately, and a friend recommended Honeythorn. I don't read as much as I used to, preferring aI've been on a forced marriage kick in my reading choices lately, and a friend recommended Honeythorn. I don't read as much as I used to, preferring audiobooks, but once I got started, I couldn't put the book down. Oh, how my heart broke for poor Milan, and I'm actually ashamed of some of the more creative punishments I devised for Alpha Raphael. I mean, I never knew I could be so bloodthirsty. Thank goodness it was only against a fictional character.
Anyhow, Milan is a quiet hero, who rides out the storm and proves just how strong he is. I forgave Raphael before I started devising fictional places to hide his body.
Marina Vivancos really puts these guys through the wringer, but the HEA is worth it.
I'm saving those evil thoughts about Raphael to plot a revenge story. Stay tuned. Now, on to the sequel!
I went right into this story after finishing the first installment, because I had to know what happened next. Through twists and turns our protags leaI went right into this story after finishing the first installment, because I had to know what happened next. Through twists and turns our protags learn forgiveness, how to trust each other, and mostly, how to love someone so different and what "home" really means.
Lots of action in this one and never a dull moment, complete with an "I need a cigarette now, and don't even smoke" ending. 'Cause, dang! Keira Andrews nailed the ending.
Highly recommended, but left me hungry for more forced marriage stories. ...more
Right book, right time! Seemed I'd been longing for a forced marriage story without realizing. Especially when the two protags were so very different,Right book, right time! Seemed I'd been longing for a forced marriage story without realizing. Especially when the two protags were so very different, but ended up acknowledging how strong they were together because of those differences.
But wow, it took a lot of heartache to get us there. In the end, there are issues to overcome, but we trust the characters by then to make the right decisions and mend what's broken.
Intrigue, secrets, assumptions...
And two intriguing characters dangerously underestimating each other.
Highly recommended, and I was so glad the sequel was available. I had to know what happened next. ...more
Rare Vigilance (Whitethorn Agency 1) by M.A. Grant, as narrated by John Solo, caught me up and took me on an eventful journey, with a unique look at sRare Vigilance (Whitethorn Agency 1) by M.A. Grant, as narrated by John Solo, caught me up and took me on an eventful journey, with a unique look at some well-known tropes. I won't give spoilers, but suffice it to say that after finishing this book, I binged the next two, needing to know how the story ended.
Great, well-executed plot, combined with the perfect narration.
I accidentally read the second book first, so had to come back for the first installment.
I cried. Oh, how I cried. My soldier father collected militaI accidentally read the second book first, so had to come back for the first installment.
I cried. Oh, how I cried. My soldier father collected military books, and though I couldn't read them at the time, I poured through the images of young soldiers and weapons, wondering about their lives and what became of them. (Until Mom found me with one of the books, took it away, and told me I was much too young to look at those books.) Anyway, while I listened to this wonderful story by Jackie North, I recalled those books and pictures that I haven't seen since childhood. I have no idea what happened to them. They were just gone one day. Maybe because a child kept trying to read them.
Anyway, Devon struck a chord with me in many ways, me being the nerdy type, and Stanley appealed in so many ways. Both wanted someone to love, and through the magic of fiction, they found what they needed. However, Stanley couldn't simply enjoy his good fortune, not with a mission to complete that could save the lives of the friends whose death he blamed himself for.
I never got to read my father's books, so didn't know facts and such, but came into this believing that the author blended fact with fiction, so didn't look up the battle, etc. Though I still might, just to find out more. Nerd, remember?
Anyway, this book hit me straight in the heartstrings and pulled. While filled with the brutality of war, it wasn't particularly graphic, and the romance was gentle and sweet.
The narrator, as usual, did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life.
It's been a while since I've read an A.E. Via book, and I don't understand how that happened. So many books, so little time.
I love that her characterIt's been a while since I've read an A.E. Via book, and I don't understand how that happened. So many books, so little time.
I love that her characters aren't rich, or don't have a rich person in their lives who can make their problems go away with a credit card. These men seem real, with real struggles that they must work hard to overcome.
Bishop and Edison made a fantastic couple, each with weaknesses, but also with strengths that helped the other.
I enjoyed this book in audio, and was impressed by the new to me narrator. I've binged with the second book in the series, but wish the third was out in audio. These days, it's easier for me to listen than to read.
This book deserves a whole lot more attention than it seems to be getting at the moment. A secret organization of good guy who get things done? Check.This book deserves a whole lot more attention than it seems to be getting at the moment. A secret organization of good guy who get things done? Check. Lots of action both in the bedroom and outside of it? Check. Hotness> Check.
Not your average boy next door offering. The story kept me entertained from start to finish but left me with a lot of questions. Hopefully, a sequel cNot your average boy next door offering. The story kept me entertained from start to finish but left me with a lot of questions. Hopefully, a sequel could answer those. ...more
A great start to a highly entertaining series that introduced many wonderful characters (Perry, anyone? Cute, piHow did I forget to review this book?
A great start to a highly entertaining series that introduced many wonderful characters (Perry, anyone? Cute, pink dragons?), with the perfect mix of humor.
The brothers weren't too kind to Alistair, but he amused the heck out of me.
I enjoyed this book in audio format and Greg Boudreaux was amazing as always in bringing the characters to life. I especialOh, wow. Where can I start?
I enjoyed this book in audio format and Greg Boudreaux was amazing as always in bringing the characters to life. I especially loved the Southern drawl he gave to Tommy, which works so well with him calling Poe "Sugar".
Meghan Maslow always infuses her work with action, suspense, a healthy dose of romance, and humor. Murder-twink anyone? Why Poe is convinced he can't be the roost's alpha is beyond everyone but him, as he's already doing the job, and doing it as well as he possibly can. Both characters' personalities are nuanced, with wonderful development.
I loved that the hurt/comfort went both ways. Tommy, though old and powerful, wasn't infallible, and Poe, though scruffy and "from the wrong side of Baltimore" has more class than he lets on. We got to see them each take care of the other, and you can truly understand their bond.
Some of the scenes were so good that I had to replay them a few times, such as the showdown scene.
This author is an auto-buy for me, and I have loved every one of her works. I can hardly wait for Ollie's story!
From the opening paragraphs of The Enemy Within until the end, this book is a fast-paced, heart-pounding thriller, wiWhat a rollercoaster thrill ride!
From the opening paragraphs of The Enemy Within until the end, this book is a fast-paced, heart-pounding thriller, with twists and turns I never saw coming. There are a lot of characters, and many POVs, some for brief periods, others for longer, but over the course of this series, I've become attached to so many. While I loved Jack and Ethan, the characters of Sasha and Sergey, Adam and Faisel, Elizabeth, Scott, Doc, and several others (looking at you, Pete!" captured my heart and kept me going, wanting to find out what happened next.
I started out listening to audio but staying up all night to finish had me downloading the ebook to quietly read into the night. I haven't stayed up until 5 a.m. reading in years! Then woke three hours later to finish. The book is that good.
John Solo's narration is excellent.
The bad part about listening to the audio, though, is that it isn't easy to go back, find the spot I wanted, and recheck facts. (view spoiler)[At one point my heart was broken because I thought Doc was a bad guy. (hide spoiler)] I was so relieved to find out that wasn't true. Also, the author includes explanations and terms in the ebook that aren't available to audio listeners.
As with most Tal Bauer books, there were action scenes that I had to reread several times, just to recapture the original feelings brought about by an intense conflict. (view spoiler)[Sasha's plane going down, anyone? (hide spoiler)] Picture me, rereading a scene, then shivering like a hyena in The Lion King when someone says, "Mufasa." Then rereading the tense moment again. And trust me, plenty of tense moments here. Especially when the team reaches the Arctic.
Did I happen to mention that I love suspense/thrillers? And action/adventure. Of course, the part of me that enjoys hurt/comfort got its fix too.
Once the action really got going, it didn't let up. At all. Sorry, no breaks to run to the kitchen for a coffee refill. I kept thinking, "Surely the author will ease up on the gas soon." Nope. Didn't happen.
As with all Tal Bauer books I've enjoyed, the attention to detail is insane. I'm very familiar with doing research for a novel, but this level of research? When did the author actually have time to write?
I'd like to apologize to my family for being totally unavailable all weekend (except for a quick pizza run) as I simply couldn't stop listening/reading. Be sure to allow plenty of time, folks, like requesting vacation days at work, because you might be tempted to call in sick if you don't. I've never been more grateful to be retired.
I can't recommend this series highly enough. Now, excuse me. I need to go take a nap....more
Action-adventure, hurt/comfort, suspense, lots of well-considered plot, engrossing details, fantastic narration, hints of sci-fi, excellent 3-Wow.....
Action-adventure, hurt/comfort, suspense, lots of well-considered plot, engrossing details, fantastic narration, hints of sci-fi, excellent 3-dimensional characters including secondary characters... Should I go on?
This book checks off a list of things I love in a book. Plus, we get three couples! And I love them all.
The plot thickens as Jack and Ethan team up to defeat a crazy general and his followers. There are so many twists and turns, with our heroes not knowing who to trust. It's a whirlwind, folks!
I loved every minute. Now, on to the third installment! I must also say that I had to apologize to my family for my unavailability for the duration of this series. They're used to it by now, though. ...more
Let me start by saying that I LOVE this story. And I stayed up late into the night listening.
Trevor lives his life to the fullest of his abilities, kLet me start by saying that I LOVE this story. And I stayed up late into the night listening.
Trevor lives his life to the fullest of his abilities, knowing how precious and limited time is. Marc is so career-driven, so goal-oriented, that he doesn't actually live life outside the office. He knows so little about his coworkers, even, since he only interacts with them in the office, and not outside.
One man with plenty of time left who isn't living, one for whom time is running out. A snowstorm captures them in the tiny bubble of a hotel room, and then Marc's home, muffling outside noises and allowing them to focus on each other. Once free of their distractions, they find exactly what they need. For the first time in forever, Trevor feels desire, and Marc feels something so intense that he wants more. I don't think this is so much insta-love as two people who only have a short time together, aren't looking for more, so let their guards down and are therefore free to focus on the now.
One of the great parts of this story, for me, was Marc's character development. How he realizes that living his life to please someone he never can is no way to live. I cheered when he deleted his mother's phone number. Then came the scene at the bar, surrounded by coworkers, realizing they were friends too. That he wasn't alone if he'd but take off the blinders and look.
I loved that his reasoning to try to save Trevor is just so Trevor can still exist in the world, and that is enough for Marc. And because they have zero expectations of each other, fate hands them everything they ever wanted or needed.
I cannot recommend this story highly enough. I ugly cried, I smiled, and in the end, had a major case of book hangover. ...more
As much as I admire L.C. Chase's writing, I didn't see any way the author could make Scott Gillard into a worthy romantic lead.
So sneaky. All the thiAs much as I admire L.C. Chase's writing, I didn't see any way the author could make Scott Gillard into a worthy romantic lead.
So sneaky. All the things I thought he'd been guilty of? Nope. Not him. Except for being a homophobic jerk. That didn't stop his guilt though. My heart kind of broke for him, a man who fought against his nature, and hid so long behind a facade that he no longer really knew himself.
Cory Ackerson was the kind of man Scott once made fun of, but who turned out to be Scott's salvation, teaching him to love himself, accept his flaws, and move on. For such a young man, he'd learned a lot of wisdom. Being young, small, and flamboyant meant those who cared for him tended to be overprotective, but Cory proved his toughness time and again. Tough, while still able to be tender. The perfect match for Scott. And with patience to spare!
I loved this installment and highly recommend the entire series. ...more
I can't believe it took me this long to read this book, as it's been on my TBR list for a while. Then it came out on audio, which is my favorite formaI can't believe it took me this long to read this book, as it's been on my TBR list for a while. Then it came out on audio, which is my favorite format.
This story had so many elements I dearly love: suspense, men who have to work at the relationship, likable, relatable characters, to name a few. The crime part of the story kept me riveted, as did the slowly developing relationship between our main characters.
I actually thought there were more perpetrators of the crime and was glad that someone I expected to see arrested wasn't involved.
This is the first in a series, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Highly recommended, as are all the books I've read by this author. ...more
As much as I've loved Kaje Harper's Hidden Wolves series, this installment is by far my favorite. Not only do we catch up with a familiar pairing, we'As much as I've loved Kaje Harper's Hidden Wolves series, this installment is by far my favorite. Not only do we catch up with a familiar pairing, we're introduced to two new wolves with a history and a lot of years under their romantic bridge. It's rare to see a story about an older couple in a romance novel these days, and Rory and Nikolai don't disappoint. From two different worlds, they came together for a time and left a lasting impression on the other's heart. The lost years are heartbreaking.
The scenes were riveting and I found I couldn't put the book down. So many of the conflicts in the story offer a mirror image to society's problems today. I understand there is to be a final novella. I'm thrilled, but kind of sad too, to say goodbye to a group of shifters who have wormed their way into my heart.
For this fifth installment of Kaje Harper's Hidden Wolves series, we break away from Aaron's pack and encounter two completely new wolves, whose storyFor this fifth installment of Kaje Harper's Hidden Wolves series, we break away from Aaron's pack and encounter two completely new wolves, whose story answers many hanging questions from the last book. (And we finally get to meet Rick Brown, the Chicago alpha and head of the council!)
As hard as this shifter world is on those who grew up to it, poor Dylan is totally ignorant of his heritage and finds out the hard way that he's a werewolf. Rather than have a strong mentor like Aaron, he has to learn from a relatively low-key wolf who is also on dangerous ground and at the mercy of the local alpha.
I like how Aaron's pack weaves through each story without having to be the focal point, and I'm enjoying meeting each new wolf (and human). Alex and Dylan alone are kind of lost, but together, they can overcome almost any obstacle-- with the help of a few alpha wolves. The writing, as always, is excellent, and I highly recommend this series....more
Okay, so I definitely couldn't stop at one Hidden Wolves book, and I'd hoped the next was about Aaron, as I found him so intriguing in the first. Yay!Okay, so I definitely couldn't stop at one Hidden Wolves book, and I'd hoped the next was about Aaron, as I found him so intriguing in the first. Yay! I got my wish!
This is a different take on werewolves, and there is a distinct hierarchy in the world Kaje Harper created, and rules. Oh, damn, the rules. One false move could mean getting killed by your own family. I love that Aaron is strong but not perfect, and can show his vulnerability to Zach.
Zach, on the other hand, needs to see that vulnerability, know his hero isn't perfect, and it allows them to meet in the middle. Aaron didn't want to be in the position of ultimate power, but made the choice when not acting could mean destruction for the pack.
These stories show characters who must walk a tightrope, and do things, bad things, they might not want to do for the good of all. It's a terrifying world at times, but Aaron has learned how to navigate the pitfalls to protect those he calls his.
I'm really loving this series and am in awe of the writing. This was a page-turner and tightly recommended. Now on to the next!...more
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