Great Views

One Last Kiss by Kat Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sam Bridger and Liberty Hale should be oil and water. After all he was a Colorado rancher and she was a high priced makeup model. Turns out someone know what was what in bring them together. Loved the look at the Colorado outdoors. Against that scenery there is trouble, tension, danger and of course romance. Loved the side characters and hope we get to see their HEA. Sam and Libby find their HEA is a record amount of time.

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Perfect For Each Other

The Perfect Murder by Kat Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

These two just cannot get a break. Just when you think everything is going to be OK all **** breaks loose. Loved the Kinzie and Reese Garrett They are the perfect mix and just belong together. Not that that works out anytime soon. Another Garrett brother is off the market. Good job Kenzie and Reese.


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New Series

The Last Goodnight by Kat Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Don't expect this one any time soon. I got my Kat Martin books confused and read the Oct one. No spoilers but a interesting set of characters. Lots of action and romance with a mystery until the end. Start to a new series and it looks very good.

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Surprise

The Ultimate Betrayal by Kat Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full of twists and turns Jessie Kegan is determined to clear her Father's name. Enter Brandon Garrett, her brothers best friend and now her bodyguard. They both think that is all he should be but of course than ends up falling by the wayside as they run from danger. I guessed who the bad guy was early in the story. That did not keep me from continuing to read a story that was hard to put down. Great addition to the series.

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Fun Novella

Before Nightfall by Kat Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fun novella set in the Maximum Security world. A kick ass female private detective and a recently retired special ops man get together to rescue a young boy kidnapped by his drug dealing father. Lots of action and romance. A nice quick read perfect for today.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 344 - A Soldier's Return by RaeAnne Thayne, The Conspiracy by Kat Martin

A Soldier's Return by RaeAnne Thayne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What does a child, dogs and two very nice people have in common. In this case it is a nice sweet story that uses each to keep me reading. I loved the way both of the dogs played a part and it was fun to see everyone in Brambleberry House. The house itself has a personality of its own. This was my first time to visit Brambelerry but not the first time for romances take place, For RaeAnne Thayne this is a return to tell new stories in a treasured place. Great story and interesting lead in to the story of another person living Brambleberry House.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


The Conspiracy by Kat Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I once read that a story should be scene/sequel with the scene being the action and the sequel the time for the characters to rest. The Conspiracy uses that outline to keep the characters first in danger and then out only to be in danger again and then repeat, repeat, repeat. I loved how the story flowed with Harper Winston going to Chase Garrett for help in finding her brother Michael only to find that rescuing Michael puts Harper in danger. This is a thrill a minute action adventure with great characters and an over the top plot. First in a new series that looks like a great lead in for more excitement in future books.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 312 - Uneasy Lies the Crown by Tasha Alexander, Wait Until Dark by Kat Martin

Uneasy Lies the Crown by Tasha Alexander
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Not my favorite story. I like Lady Emily and enjoyed the previous book where she told two stories; one current and one from the past. They did a good job of putting the two stories together. This time I did not enjoy the past and found that it really slowed the story down. Lady Emily is looking for a killer and Colin is trying to solve a puzzle. That puzzle is the reason for the story set in the past. I liked the current mystery and skimmed the past story. There was a connection but it just did not catch me and as a result this is the first time a book form this series gets only 3 stars.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


Wait Until Dark by Kat Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A nice short start to a new series by Kat Martin. Jonah Wolfe and April Vale are both interesting characters. When April is set up to take the blame for a murder she turns to Jonah. The result is an exciting story with enough twists and turns to keep the story interesting while keeping the ending a surprise. Nice start to a new series.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 244 - Beyond Control by Kat Martin, By Fire Above by Robyn Dennis

Beyond Control by Kat Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just when you think you know where all the danger is coming from another threat arrives. This time it is Josh Cain's time to get thrown off balance. Victoria Bradford is running from a abusive ex fiancé and Josh gives her a job and a place to hide. Then Josh becomes the target because of his military background. Between the two they cannot relax their guard. This has it all. Danger from two sides and tension between the two main characters. Both must face their past and decide what they want for their future. A great ending to the Texas Trilogy.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


By Fire Above by Robyn Bennis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved The Guns Above and was excited when By Fire Above came out. While I enjoyed the book I felt it was not up to the standard set by book one. This time Josette Dupre spends more time on the ground than in the air. First it is politics, something that she fails at in spite of the help Lord Bernat and his older brother give her. All of this was rather slow and while interesting I just kept wanting Josette back in the air. The real action did not start until the very last part of the book. There once again the story took off and was hard to put down. Josette and Bernat are both interesting characters and it is fun to see more of their backstory and history. Bernat is changing and becoming a much nicer character. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next Signal Airship book.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 182 - Beyond Danger by Kat Martin, The Alpha's Mate by Eve Langlais

Beyond Danger by Kat Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another exciting story in The Texas Trilogy. Beau and Cassidy start out on the wrong foot but have to start working together when Stewart, Beau's Father is killed. Seems something just does not make sense. There does not seem to be a reason for the murder. Stewart is a wheeler dealer who has made some enemies but all of the obvious ones are cleared. There is a exciting twist to the story line. Martin builds a large amount of tension as the plot continues to develop. Beau and Cassidy are both interesting and well developed characters. Fast paced and hard to put down are both qualities in Beyond Danger.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


The Alpha's Mate by Eve Langlais
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A short and fun read in the Eve Langlois tradition. Fabian just does not know what to do with the woman he saved and she does know who she is. That does not keep her from letting him know she is not a push over. It was great watching Fabian try to protect her while she tries to do her own thing. Add in the fact that she is his mate and you have almost more fun than you can stand.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 105 - Star Cluster Seven by Alex Random, Beyond Reason by Kat Martin, Injection Burn by Jason M. Hough

Star Cluster Seven by Alex Random
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a re-release of a book originally written back in the 70's. It holds up well as far as plot. There is a slight Star Trek flavor in the backstory. Primarily this is a mystery. Rex Alston a Star Fleet Command officer was convicted of smuggling but he was framed. The entire story revolves around how and who did the framing. There is a side love story for added interest. I found the dialog a little stilted and the love story less than believable. An OK read with some tension and an ending that solved the mystery.


Beyond Reason by Kat Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beyond Reason is the first book in Martin's new Texas Trilogy. I found this to have a little different flavor from her previous books. The two main characters are both in business. Cain is very successful while Carly is trying to rescue her grandfather's trucking firm. She needs help and Cain has promised her grandfather he will look after her. The business aspect is what gives this a unique flavor. There is an element of danger. Someone is trying to us Carly's trucking firm to run contraband. One person has been killed and there is the threat of more deaths. I loved the interaction between Carly and Cain. I found the danger believable and the action spot on. A really good start to a new series. Here's looking forward to the next book featuring Cain's partner.


Injection Burn by Jason M. Hough
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Injection Burn starts with the three man crew of a space ship from Earth trying to run a blockade and find a missing ship. Then it leaves that crew and goes over to a ship that left Earth thousands of years ago. That is when I realized that this was a spin off from the Dire Earth Cycle and this crew was one I knew from that trilogy. As the action heats up and the two crews come the tension increases. Don't look for a solution to the problems facing both crews. This is like one book divided into two parts. Injection Burn ends with everything up in the air. I enjoyed meeting the characters both new and old and am looking forward to finding out how they solve the problems they are facing. Turns out Earth's survival may depend on their actions.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 68 - Into the Firestorm by Kat Martin, Trusting Miss Trentham by Emily Larkin, Archangel's Heart by Nalini Singh

Into the Firestorm by Kat Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of Into the Firestorm in return for an honest review. The is Luke Brodie's, the last of the Brodie brothers, story. He is full of contradictions and they all come into play when he meets Emma Cassidy. Emma is also full of contradictions. The two make a really great team in a book with a exciting story line. You can feel the connection when the two first meet. From there on it is an exciting ride. This is book three in the Boss trilogy and part of the fun is getting to visit again with some of the characters from the previous books. Into the Firestorm is a great finish to the series.


Trusting Miss Trentham by Emily Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of Trusting Miss Trentham from the author in return for an honest review. Letitia Trentham caught and held my attention from the very first scene when she hears "Clang" for every lie being told. Letitia is very wealthy and many have wanted to marry her for her money. The ability to hear lies is why she is still single. The ability to hear lies is her gift from her Baleful Godmother. When Mr Reid approaches her for help she is intrigued. He does not want her for her money. He wants her for her ability to tell truth from lies. The two start on a adventure that changes things for both. A great addition to the Baleful Godmother series. I was expecting the story to go in a slightly different direction and loved it when the author fooled me with a much better plot line.


Archangel's Heart by Nalini Singh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Where is Lijuan, the Archangel of China? While that is the question that the plot hangs on it is not the main theme of the book. That is the fact that Elena is Raphael's heart and her past is becoming more and more important. Singh does a very good job of weaving Elena's story into every part of the plot. This is a multi-layer story with answers to some of the question while leaving other open for future books. I think it can stand alone but is much better if you have read the series from book one.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews #14 (Into the Whirlwind, Like a Boss, Daughters of the Bride)

Into the Whirlwind (Boss #2) by Kat Martin

Contemporary Romance

We last saw Megan and Dirk at the end of Book One in the Boss series.  What had started as a wonderful romance ended when Megan told Dirk he just was not what she needed for her young son.  Now her son has been kidnapped and Megan needs Dirk to rescue him.  Will this be the start of a new romance.  Maybe or maybe not.  Read Into the Whirlwind and find out.  A really good story line with lots of tension.  A perfect second book with a set up for Luke’s story in the next book.

Like a Boss (Windswept Book Two) by Adam Rakunas

Science Fiction

I loved the twists and turns in Windswept, Book One in the series.  Once again Padma Mehta is in trouble.  It all starts with the rum distillery and moves on from there. Like a Boss has some additional back story and world building along with a almost new cast of characters.  There is a lot of trouble in the wind and Padma is the only one who can find the cause and a solution.  Great follow up to Windswept.  There is the same tension, plot surprise and humor that is a hallmark of the series.  Can’t wait to see what happens next.

Daughters of the Bride by Susan Mallery

Contemporary Romance

Three daughters, one Mother and one wedding make for a fun story.  Courtney, Sienna and Rachel are the daughters.  Each has their own personality and their own problems.  Mother on the other hand just wants a really nice wedding.  Look for a lot of emotion, tension and romance in a story that is very hard to put down.  This is a stand-alone.

What Else I Read in December 2015

Books:

The Cowboys Convenient Bride by Donna Alward - We met Laura Jessup in the previous book in this series.  She is running from the Father of her baby and has let the small town believe someone else is the Father.  I wondered how Alward would bring Tanner and Laura together.  She does it in a very convincing way.  A great follow up to The Cowboy’s Christmas Family.  Both are great feel good books.

Rustler’s Moon (Ransom Canyon #2)  by Jodi Thomas – Another great story in Thomas’s new series for Harlequin.  She does a great job with stories with an ensemble cast.   Angela Harrell is new to the series.  She is the perfect match for Wilkes Wagner but of course it takes awhile for him to realize that he wants to do more than protect her from danger.  Lauren Brigman and Lucas Reyes are back in the story along with another new character, Lauren’s’ college roommate.  Look for a surprising development for one of the original character from book one.

One Rogue at a Time (Rakes and Rogues #2) by Jade Lee – Two very interesting characters meet and fall in love in book 2 of Jade Lee’s Rakes and Rogues series.  I loved Maybelle.  She knows what she wants and does not hesitate to go after it.  Bram is the opposite.  He has settled for life on the edge of the ton.  While I really liked both Maybelle and Bram I really disliked their family members and really enjoyed seeing the two fall in love and get their HEA.

Into The Fury by Kat Martin - I started reading Kat Martin when she started the Against series. After awhile I stopped even though I enjoyed all that I read. When Amazon Prime offered Into the Fury book one in the new Boss trilogy I decided to give them another try. The format is the same. There is danger to a female character. She is supported and helped by the very dangerous male characters. They end up with an HEA. It was fun to see the men from the first trilogy re-appear in the Boss trilogy. The characters were predictable but fun to meet. The same with the plot. There is a hook for the next book in the series and I will be looking for it to see what happens. If you like contemporary romance with danger attached try this series. All of the book stand alone so start anywhere.

Wildfire in His Arms by Johanna Lindsey.  This is the first time for an Johanna Lindsey book.  I started with an audio book.  Then two of the disk had bad spots on them so I finished with the hard copy.  Both gave me some really good laughs and smiles.  A very fun read.

Taking Aim At The Sheriff by Delores Fossen – Book two in the new Appaloosa Pass Ranch series.  A good addition to the story 

line.  Like all Intrigue books this is full of danger, tension and romance.  The two main characters are from two families who are bitter enemies.  Laura Tate loves Jericho Crockett but has kept a dangerous secret to protect him.  Jericho knows even being with Laura is dangerous but then that secret comes out and he has to protect her and the secret.  Good plot and story line.  If you like the books in Harlequin’s Intrigue series check out the ones written by Fossen.

Jail for the Damned by T.S. Mercer – A familiar theme with a twist.  The jail is a supermax located somewhere on Earth in the very near future.  The prisoners do not know where it is located and no one has ever escaped and lived to tell it.  Feral humans who love to capture and kill the inmates surround it.  A interesting story that was listed as SciFi.  I did not find much SciFi in it.  The main characters were interesting, the story predictable and the plot very simple.

Anything for You (Blue Heron #5) by Kristan Higgins – A new Blue Heron book that features Connor O’Rourke and Jessica Dunn 

with visits from all the other favorites in the series.  This is a story that is very long in the making.  It tells the history of both from the time they were 12 and now they are both in their 30’s.  It does not look good for the two of them as Jessica always holds back but in the end they have a great HEA.  A nice addition to the series.

Kill Without Mercy (ARES Security #1) by Alexandra Ivy – Military heroes are very popular right now.  Kill Without Mercy 

features 5 former Taliban Prisoners why have banded together to start a security business.  The concept is not new but Ivy makes it sound fresh.  I love the five main characters.  Each has his own different strength and personality.  They are very close and each is there for the other.  This first book features Rafe Vargas.  Annie White is in trouble and Rafe is just the one to help but he does not do it alone.  The story brings all five in to help and providing a little of the back-story for each.  I think the series will be a real winner.