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Other People’s Money (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 7) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Other People's Money (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 7)Other People’s Money by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m a big fan of this series of mystery crime thrillers and so was excited to be back alongside main character, the likeable and relatable PI Madeline Dawkins. In this storyline Madeline is asked by two old friends to help them with delicate and personal matters that could have lasting consequences, involving embezzlement and gold digging. In one case Madeline and her team at MDPI have to search for a missing bookkeeper after her employer is being blamed for missing funds. The team are also asked to do a background check on the much younger fiancé of one of her old friends widowed father. Madeline soon discovers that the women is definitely not who she’s claiming to be, but then has to find out who she is. The longer the investigations go on, surprising connections begin to appear, leaving both Madeline and the reader following the trail of other people’s money. Another fast paced, gripping story with plenty of suspense and plot twists that leave you turning the pages quickly to find out what will happen next! An enjoyable and engaging read, and I look forward to book eight!

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Breach of Trust (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 8 ) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Breach of Trust (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 8)Breach of Trust by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in this gripping series, I was looking forward to this eighth instalment and once again the author delivers. I loved being back with PI Madeline Dawkins and Mike and feel invested in these main characters now. Madeline has been summoned to the assisted living complex, Monte Verde, where Mack her father lives. However, instead of a personal problem, the facility director enlists Madeline and her team at MDPI to help discover who is sending poison pen letters to the residents, someone who seems to know their past dark secrets. If these secrets are exposed then it could have devastating consequences for those involved, however the deeper Madeline looks she soon learns that everyone seems to have something their hiding.
Another case is a client of the attorney next door to the office of MDPI, who’s going through a very ugly divorce, where the estranged husband is being particularly intimidating in order to wear his wife down. The husband wants to force her into relinquishing her share of the couples community property assets, but his tactics are almost criminal. This was another fast paced page turner which had me captivated from start to finish. The plot kept me guessing, and the wonderfully descriptive narrative brought the characters and setting to life, making me feel immersed in the storyline. I’m already looking forward to book nine!

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Unexpected Entanglement (The Echo Series Book 3) by C.R. Alam – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Unexpected Entanglement (Book 3 of the Echo Series)Unexpected Entanglement by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the previous two books in the series I was looking forward to this story, and I found it as entertaining and engaging as the others. Although the characters do crossover it can be read as a standalone story. Although the inn which Rowan Kelly has inherited is not as ready or as staffed as she would like, she’s determined to provide her cousin with a beautiful wedding held there. Meanwhile, well known hotelier Chris Sullens had planned on staying in Vinalhaven for just twenty four hours, but finds himself offering to help the beautiful but fiery innkeeper plan a wedding.
Rowan knows she should be flattered by Chris’s help and use his expertise but she just finds him nosy, and a bit charming. Despite their obvious mutual attraction and sizzling chemistry, they both try to keep things professional, and we’re doing well until Chris finds himself playing the role of Rowan’s fiancé. However, the couple have to work together as strange events seem to threaten not only the wedding and the inn’s future, but also Rowan’s safety. The storyline flows well and the plot kept me hooked throughout. Both main characters are likeable and relatable, who’s chemistry really came across in the narrative. This heartwarming romantic suspense story was a real page turner.

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With Fire and Sword (Thunder On The Moor Book 4) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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With Fire and Sword (Thunder on the Moor, #4)With Fire and Sword by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in this historical time travelling romance series, I was looking forward to this novel and I was not disappointed. I recommend reading the books in order as the storyline continues throughout the series. I was excited to be back with Will and Maggie who are now in the twentieth century and with Dylan who is in the sixteenth century. Dylan gets a message to Will and Maggie asking them to return to the past, in order to mend a rent in the fabric of time, however the couple are at risk of altering events in both centuries if they can not return. Unfortunately they no longer have any stone left in the amulet, and so Dylan is left in the past realising that the threads of time have somehow snapped and torn the very fabric itself.

He knows that getting Will and Maggie back could be the only way to mend it, but hates to ask them to put their lives at risk once again and travel back in time. Meanwhile, another time traveller Richie Carnaby has selective amnesia, as there are many parts of his sixteenth century life that he can’t remember, and Will and Maggie wonder if this is connected. The couple try to find a way of returning to the past to repair the tattered fabric, knowing that if they don’t the threads of time will continue to unravel, altering history. As usual this is a fast paced story with a gripping and engaging plot which had me hooked from start to finish. The descriptive narrative along with the added historical details made me feel as though I had been transported back in time, along with the characters. A real page turner which I recommend.

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The Romanov Heiress by Jennifer Laam – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Romanov HeiressThe Romanov Heiress by Jennifer Laam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping historical novel, which kept me captivated throughout. This story gives the Romanovs an alternate future, and the wonderfully descriptive narrative along with the added historical details brought the storyline vividly to life, making it a very realistic and immersive read. Grand Duchess Olga Romanova must keep her younger sisters safe as her parents and brother are missing, presumed dead. Meanwhile the Bolsheviks are determined to eliminate the tsarist regime, which includes finding and murdering the last Romanovs. The sisters flee to England and to safety but must remain hidden in order to protect their identities, but their isolation puts a strain on their relationships and they can not stay hidden from the world forever.
However, when Olga learns of a rumour being spread by a peer of the realm that accuses her mother, the late Empress Alexandra of betraying Russia and her allies during the Great War, she must act to prevent it destroying both her mother’s reputation and her sisters futures. After all, she knows that her mother never disclosed military secrets to the enemy whilst under the spell of the scheming Grigori Rasputin. Olga hatches a plan to discover the truth, and so disguised as wartime nurse turned maid “Olivia,” accepts a position in Lord Hammond’s household. It’s here that Olga meets his lordship’s heir, a veteran who has a tragic past and who she has a complicated and potentially dangerous connection with. Overall she must discover her own family’s legacy, and keep herself and her sisters safe. I was hooked from page one by the engaging and intriguing historical storyline and by the wonderfully defined characters. A five star read and one which I definitely recommend.

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Under My Care (Chase Care Book 3) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Under My Care (Chase Care Book 3)Under My Care by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This romantic medical thriller had plenty of drama and suspense which kept me gripped throughout. Pete Walter has been an Air Force pararescue jumper who is used to leaping into hostile territory, he’s also been a physician assistant and is now Clinical Facility Director for Chase Care. When he’s called on to help rescue a kidnapped mother and daughter he doesn’t hesitate. Meanwhile, Dr. Rowena Andersen returned to her family’s ranch in Montana with her two children after her divorce. She now works as an ER doctor at Guardian Hospital, and the rural location on the outskirts of an American Indian Reservation means she can keep her whereabouts secret.
During a severe blizzard Pete and Rowena’s present and pasts collide, and their chemistry is just as sizzling as it ever was. Rowena soon learns that secrets are not easy to keep, but being older and wiser Pete is now more willing to sacrifice. As they begin a roller coaster of a relationship, they also need a miracle to survive. This was an exciting read, the storyline flowed well and the plot kept me hooked from start to finish. The setting and characters were brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, and the chemistry between the main characters really came across in the writing. It can be read as a standalone story or as part of the series.

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Just One Time (Beaumont Creek Book 1) by Samantha Baca – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Just One Time (Beaumont Creek, #1)Just One Time by Samantha Baca
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging small town best friends to lovers romance which had me hooked from page one. Abby is turning forty and she can hear her biological clock ticking, as she’s always wanted to be a mother, but never found Mr Right. Successful cafe owner Abby lives in the small town of Beaumont Creek, where everyone knows everyone’s business and gossip spreads quickly. Unfortunately Abby’s mother is very controlling and judgmental, and by trying to set her daughter up with any new bachelors in town she helps keep the gossip alive surrounding Abby’s love life, or lack of it. Nate is Abby’s best friend and is willing to do anything to make her happy, even offering to be the father of her baby!
They agree to spend one night together and see if she becomes pregnant. However, after one very passionate and steamy night, lines definitely become blurred between friendship and lovers and miscommunications and misunderstandings may jeopardise their future relationship. This is a heartwarming romance, with relatable and likeable characters, and I particularly liked having slightly older main characters. The chemistry between Abby and Nate really came across in the narrative and the small town setting was brought to life. I felt immersed in the storyline and invested in the characters, and I look forward to returning to Beaumont Creek!

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Doctor Frank Enstein (Doctors of Eastport General) by C.A. King – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Doctor Frank Enstein (Doctors of Eastport General)Doctor Frank Enstein by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and entertaining contemporary romance, which can be read as a standalone story or as part of the Doctors of Eastport General series. Set in Eastport General Hospital, and Dr. Frank Enstein starts an assignment on the new burns unit. Having spent years as a sought-after cosmetic surgeon, he’s pleased to now be working somewhere he can really make a difference. Frank was fed up of seeing superficial women demanding changes to their perfectly fine bodies. When he meets Barbara, a busty barmaid who starts up a conversation with him, asking about breast reductions, Frank fears that he will be dragged back into the practice he’s just left behind. However, their chemistry is instant and what starts off as a casual affair could turn into something longer term for them both. As long as Franks tragic past does not stop him from enjoying a future with Barbara. This is a fairly short read, which has a heartwarming romantic storyline, wonderful characters and an intriguing setting, all of which kept me happily turning the pages. I loved the characters, and the chemistry between Frank and Barbara sizzles off the page, leading to some steamy scenes. I look forward to returning to Eastport General Hospital soon!

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Right in Front of You (Morris Valley Gang Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Right in Front of You: Volume One: Brinley & Adrian (Morris Valley Gang Book 1)Right in Front of You: Volume One: Brinley & Adrian by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging romance, which had me hooked throughout. Brinley is an Olympian shooter, who returns to her childhood home of Morris Valley when she’s in danger from a stalker. She’s always kept in touch with her group of friends, and so was looking forward to being one of the ‘tribe’ again. Whilst in the local pub she’s introduced to rancher Adrian Cook, and their chemistry is instant. Adrian loves being a rancher but remains single after his last girlfriend left having discovered that being a rancher is not how it looks on the TV. As Brin and Adrian, with some help from Miss Polly get to know each, Brin’s stalker turns up and she’s once again in danger.
Adrian, along with her friends hatch a plan to help keep her safe. Although their relationship started as a fling they both feel that it could be something deeper, but Brin never planned on staying. I loved all the characters in this romantic suspense and the plot kept me gripped. The descriptive narrative brought both the small town setting and the characters vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the storyline. The chemistry between Brin and Adrian sizzled off the page and led to some romantic, but steamy scenes. I also liked how their connection developed over the story, and enjoyed the interactions and banter between the friends. I really felt as though I was one of the Morris Valley gang and I look forward to reading each characters story.

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Return to Hoodoo (Boudin, Bourbon, and Barbecue, Book 1) by Reggi Dupree – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo Book 1)Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in a new paranormal women’s fiction series, and it had me captivated from start to finish. Main character Gwen Carter is not happy having been summoned to her hometown of Hoodoo, Texas, and gained a second magical disability. Having accepted an inheritance which was too complicated to refuse, Gwen is then a witness to a murder by black magic. When Gwen finds herself at the top of the suspect list, she fears that she won’t be able to break her family’s curse. It’s not just her family legacy at stake if she can’t prove that she’s not behind the murders, it’s her life. Gwen is convinced that the current murders are actually connected to the one that made her leave her home in shame. This is an enjoyable and engaging supernatural thriller, with a wonderful main character, Gwen who is both likeable and relatable. The descriptive narrative brings both the characters and the setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the storyline.

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His Forever Muse (The Echo Series Book 2) by C.R. Alam – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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His Forever Muse (Book 2 of The Echo Series)His Forever Muse by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging romantic suspense, which kept me entertained from start to finish. I loved the second chance at romance storyline, where childhood friends become adult lovers. Calliope is a hard-working Parisian art gallerist who has gone through dark times in her life and has felt broken, but who has put herself back together again, bit by bit. Meanwhile, Brandon Rossi is the boy-next-door in a rock star package, as the front man of rock band, Canis Major, and is also Callie’s little brother’s best friend. When the pair meet up again in the middle of the desert in Morocco, he realises that she was the one who got away, and she realises she’s been in love with him since they were children. Brandon has always expressed himself through his music, but has hit an invisible wall and he can’t seem to create anymore.
Having headed off to find inspiration, once he finds Callie, she is his muse. Brandon is able to remind Callie of who she is and their connection has only intensified over the years. Their chemistry sizzles off the page, and Brandon is willing to give her everything, but she’s unsure of opening up to him, and then there’s the fact he’s her younger brothers best friend. However, ultimately it’s her past that may cause problems for the couple. A heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story, I felt fully immersed in the storyline and felt invested in the characters. The story does deal with some domestic violence themes, however these are dealt with sensitively and do give a backstory to the characters situation. It can be read as a standalone story, however, I have read and enjoyed the previous book in this series, and so would recommend them both.

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Mission 3047: One Soul’s Fantasy by Stuart Ledwith – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Mission 3047: One Soul's FantasyMission 3047: One Soul’s Fantasy by Stuart Ledwith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging read with an intriguing storyline which kept my attention throughout. Due to the title I thought this was going to be more of a sci-fi story, however the extra-terrestrial elements come through the main characters job. June, who also occasionally goes by Chloe has a top secret job, which involves missions along with friend and confidante Sarge. Closer to home and June is married to Joe who is incapacitated following an accident, and has teenage daughters, Livy and Cora. When not working June cares for her comatose husband, along with health care aide Barb. The descriptive narrative really brings both the setting and unique characters to life, making me feel immersed in the story. June is a great main character who seems to have a lot on her plate. I was a bit confused by her relationship with Sarge, as their chemistry which came across in the narrative was more of lovers maybe than friends. Overall this was an entertaining read, and one which I would recommend.

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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls Book 2) by Libby Kay – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls, #2)Falling for You by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging sweet romance set in the wonderful small town, Buckeye Falls, Ohio. It can be read as a standalone story, however, having read and enjoyed the previous book in the series, I was looking forward to this one and I was not disappointed. The setting of Buckeye Falls was again brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, and you really get that small town, everyone knows everyone feeling. CeCe LaRue is focused on her job as a pastry chef, and likes having control in the kitchen. She definitely doesn’t have time for distractions, especially not her sweet, coworker, Evan Lawson.
Evan is a chronic optimist, and has a sunny disposition which he brings to his job at the diner. Evan loves his job, but also has a long term crush on CeCe, but he’s been biding his time realising that love can’t be rushed. However, when a face from CeCe’s past turns up in town, as the celebrity chef host of a major food competition, Evan worries he may have left it too late. CeCe was hesitant to enter the competition despite her culinary skills, but when she comes face to face with the celebrity chef she has to confront her painful past. I was fully immersed in the storyline, and loved the main characters and the chemistry between CeCe and Evan. I was cheering them on, hoping they would get their HEA.

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Shadow (Devil’s Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter Book 2) by D.M. Earl – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Shadow (Devil's Handmaidens MC-Book Two)Shadow by D.M. Earl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another gripping story about the all women’s motorcycle club, the Devil’s Handmaidens MC, the Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter. Full of action, drama, suspense and a little steamy romance this book kept me hooked throughout. Zoey “Shadow” Jeffries is the club’s enforcer, and has a heartbreaking back story, of being sold into slavery as a child, then being left for dead and having to fight for her freedom. Shadow, along with the club now help protect and save other young trafficked victims from sexual predators.
When Shadow meets Panther, a sexy Navajo horse rancher, they become a team navigating the dangerous world of human trafficking, in order to save the women. However, working together they can’t deny their mutual attraction or chemistry, which sizzles off the page. Both have their own pain but they might just find their own happy ever after together. Another dark storyline which is not always an easy read, but the great characters and the connections between them make this an engaging story. I felt completely immersed in the MC’s world thanks to the descriptive narrative, and I look forward to returning to it, with the next book in the series.

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The Summer I Went Crazy by Laura Koerber – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Summer I Went CrazyThe Summer I Went Crazy by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an emotional and engaging read, which grabbed my attention from the first line and held it until the last. Written from the point of view of Ben, a well educated young man from a rich family, who spend their summers in Europe. Ben was on a fast track to success, off to Yale, with family connections to plenty of influential people and future job opportunities, and then, he witnesses a rape. Although at the time he’s not sure if it is rape, as he is drunk, as is the girl and so is everyone else, but it plays on his mind, for forty years until he makes a phone call. At the heart of this book it’s a coming of age story, but it’s also an honest and sensitive look at how a rape affects all those involved. It’s an original storyline, in that it’s written from not only a young man’s point of view, but also from a witness to a rapes view point, and I think it works well. It’s a difficult read, as its so well written I felt totally immersed in the story, and so felt everything that Ben did. The difficult subject matter is written about with sensitivity, and the story definitely gets the reader thinking. After all the story shows how one drunken summer night can change your whole life.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions (Notebook Mysteries Book 5) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions (Notebook Mysteries book #5)Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the previous books in this series I was looking forward to being back with Emma and Jeremy, solving yet more mysteries. As usual the descriptive narrative and historical details transported me back in time, making me feel immersed in the story. Set in January 1889, the Pinkertons and Emma find themselves involved in a heart-rending case. Emma and Jeremy find it challenging and emotionally draining, and it tests their investigating skills. However, their partnership is also tested as they struggle to support each other during such a difficult case. Independent sleuth Emma is soon involved in yet more mysteries, as three families reach out to her. Emma knows who the man is at the centre as each mystery links back to her past. Meanwhile, Emma’s safe home life with her tight family is put at risk when a past-haunted stranger arrives. An action packed storyline full of adventure, mysteries, crimes and a little romance, kept me happily turning the pages. The plot twists kept me guessing, and I was gripped throughout. This series keeps getting better and better!

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The Thieves (The Millersville series) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The ThievesThe Thieves by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found this novel to be an entertaining page turner, with a gripping storyline, quirky characters and plenty of drama and action. It’s a fast paced crime thriller that had me hooked from page one, and the twists and turns kept me guessing, and turning the pages! Jasmine Bucker only turns to crime in order to provide her father with the cash needed to save him from a rare lung disease. Her plan is to steal the money from her shady boor of a boss, but things don’t go to plan when sirens are heard during the getaway. Jasmine soon discovers that the cops are bogus and have stolen the money from her. Although she’s stranded and broke, she’s determined to get the life saving money back, and so must outwit the more professional crooks, and pull off a high stakes recovery mission. This was an enjoyable and engaging read, with an action packed plot and wonderful characters, whether they were good guys or bad ones. I felt completely immersed in the storyline and felt invested in the outcome along with Jasmine.

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Spirit Guide (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 3) by Byrd Nash – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Spirit Guide (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #3)Spirit Guide by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the previous books in this series, I was looking forward to being back alongside Elinor Chalamet investigating another mystery. Ghost Talker Elinor, and love interest Tristan Fontaine, the Duke de Archambeau have to work together when a nobleman’s daughter goes missing. The pair must discover who has kidnapped her and why, but when others go missing they wonder if the missing girls are linked to a mysterious séance, where ghosts become flesh. Elinor is also still looking for her father’s killer in Alenbonné, and wonders if the Society is hiding something from her. When Elinor decides to investigate alone, despite Tristan demanding she doesn’t, she must use all her wits and ghost talking skills. However, when Tristan discovers that she is now also missing, no one can face his wrath! This is an entertaining story, with great character and a gripping storyline all of which kept me gripped throughout. As usual the descriptive narrative and historical details transported me back in time, making me feel immersed in Elinor’s world.

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Ocean’s Three (Made In Heaven #2) by Elena Kincaid – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Ocean's Three (Made In Heaven, #2)Ocean’s Three by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging paranormal romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Cameron Pompeo sees and feels things that he cannot explain, like the young girl, Jocelyn who appears nightly in his dreams, and seems so real. When his cousin Reed also shows up in his dream he realises that Jocelyn is real, and is important to both of them. Meanwhile, Jocelyn Parker has struggled with her guilt ever since her mother was tragically killed in an accident. She has convinced herself that she has made up the two most important people in her life, although something in her soul tells her that the two men are real. The three of them are finally brought together on a cruise to the Mediterranean. They finally meet, make real memories together and make promises of a future with the three of them being together. However, with outside forces threatening their relationship they may not be able to stay together when the cruise is over. This is an entertaining read, with an intriguing storyline and plenty of steamy romance. The characters are likeable and relatable, and the chemistry between Cameron, Jocelyn and Reed sizzles off the page.

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The Forlorn Cowboy (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Forlorn Cowboy by Stacy-Deanne (The Studs of Clear Creek County)The Forlorn Cowboy by Stacy-Deanne by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging historical romance with a western feel to it. The storyline has interracial, age gap and forbidden love themes, and cowboys! Rancher Christopher falls in love with the much younger Greta Fay, but unfortunately for him he’s already marrying socialite Minnie Locke. To complicate things further, Greta Fay is a black activist fighting for the rights of Clear Creek County’s black citizens. Christopher has to choose between his growing love for Greta Fay, and the fact that if he marries Minnie he will become a very rich man. Meanwhile, Greta Fay’s dreams of fighting for Negro equality have put her at odds against her parents and the law. However, it’s her growing attraction to Christopher that threaten everything she stands for. I felt the chemistry between Christopher and Greta Fay, and liked how their relationship developed. The descriptive narrative brings both the characters and the setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story.

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Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1)Ruthless Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read and loved the prequel to this novel, and been left with a real cliffhanger I was looking forward to this novel, and I was not disappointed. This page turner of a story continues Isaac and Jack’s story, but it’s five years since their anonymous weekend together. Isaac is part of the Hawke family, who have an empire in New Orleans, and run everything from the courtrooms to the streets. They are known as being ruthless and willing to do anything to protect what’s there’s. When Isaac is told to expect a women who needs to be kept safe, he was not expecting a face from his past, the mysterious ‘Jack’. He definitely wasn’t expecting the little girl with her, who has his own Hawke blue eyes. Unfortunately, they bring danger with them, but for Isaac it’s now personal. This is a fast paced, action packed read, with great characters, and a gripping storyline. I was hooked throughout I and felt fully immersed in the Hawke’s world. I loved Isaac and Jack, and their chemistry was still sizzling off the page. This can be read as a standalone, but I recommend the prequel, and I can’t wait for book two in the series!

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His Protector by Sara Vinduska – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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His ProtectorHis Protector by Sara Vinduska
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining and engaging romantic suspense, which kept me hooked throughout. President Jack Amborn is left grieving the death of his wife and unborn child, following a botched assassination attempt. Although the assassin is still at large, he’s determined to carryout his Presidential duties, after all that’s what his expert security detail is for, to keep him from harm. That job goes to Secret Service agent Ginger Carver who has literally spent her life preparing for this job. She has put in endless hours, and meticulous planning and constant vigilance are second nature to her. However, she never planned for falling in love with the man that she’s duty-bound to protect! This is an action packed story, with great characters and a refreshing storyline, having a female protector for a change. I loved the chemistry between Jack and Ginger, and how their slow burn romance developed. Meanwhile, the plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story.

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Shameless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 2) by KG Fletcher – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Shameless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #2)Shameless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed book one in this series I was looking forward to being back in Langston Falls with the Bennett’s, and I was not disappointed. This story focuses on small town Walter (Walt) Bennett and city girl Elyse Farrell, in an opposites attracts steamy romance. Broody and a bit grumpy Walt has worked hard to protect his family and make a life for himself in Langston Falls, whilst the sexy television producer, Elyse has no interest in settling down in a small town. Therefore, he knows that he should have looked the other way when he saw Elyse in a very revealing dress at a studio party, but he couldn’t resist their chemistry and neither could she. Thinking they can only ever be friends who shared a passionate night together, they plan on going their separate ways. However, when then get trapped together during a freak snowstorm they realise there connection maybe stronger than they thought. The descriptive narrative once again brought the small town feeling of Langston Falls vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the storyline. The chemistry between Walt and Elyse really came across in the writing and I was hoping they would get their promised HEA.

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Frozen By Lies (Sleigh Riders Book 1) by Martha Sweeney – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Frozen by Lies (Sleigh Riders #1)Frozen by Lies by Martha Sweeney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging paranormal romantic fantasy adventure. As promised it was a mix of bikers, feuding clans, swearing, mates and magic, spiked hot chocolate and plenty of innuendos. The feud between the Frost Clan and the Klaus Clan has been going on for so many generations that most of them don’t know the origins. All anyone knows is that, ‘the bitter fault of one caused the magic from within to wither and die”. Things become complicated when Noelle Frost and Nikolaus Klaus find themselves drawn to each other. However, this could destroy both their worlds, unless the couple have the power to restore balance to the world by bridging the ancient chasm. The storyline obviously has echoes of Romeo and Juliet, but with spiked hot chocolate!The descriptive narrative brings the characters and the setting magically to life which made me feel immersed in this fantasy story.

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Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Streets of ShadowStreets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this historical YA novel which had me hooked from start to finish. I fell in love with the main character, Kenna literally on page one when the reader is introduced to her, whilst she’s scaling a wall in her skirts! Of course the book is set in 1665 so a fifteen year old girl should definitely not be scaling walls. This act alone gives the reader a taste of Kenna’s character and personality. Kenna is fleeing from her grandfather’s Scottish estate having suspected that her sister was murdered by her husband, and fears that she will be next. However, as she was fleeing she is kidnapped by a stranger who takes her into the city of Edinburgh, where she is locked inside the gate at the head of Stewart’s Close.
The Close is a long, narrow alleyway into the poorest part of the city. Kenna is accused by the local lawman of leaving a plague stricken house, so a white cloth is tied outside to warn others that the disease has struck, and no one can enter or leave the close. Without money, or friends she has no way of leaving, all she wanted was to find justice for her murdered sister, but now she needs to survive and escape herself. This has a gripping storyline with plenty of plot twists that kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. The descriptive narrative brought the setting vividly to life, and the added historical details transported me to Edinburgh in 1665.

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Cry Baby (Pierce Brothers Book 4) by Belinda Williams – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Cry Baby (Pierce Brothers, #4)Cry Baby by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An enjoyable, emotional and engaging read which kept me happily turning the pages until late at night. Although book four in a series it can be read as a standalone story, as each book focuses on one of the naughty but nice Pierce brothers. Having read and loved the previous stories, I was looking forward to this instalment and was not disappointed. Amy takes a live in nanny job but forgets the first rule of being a nanny, don’t fall for your boss! Confirmed bachelor Noah Pierce prefers numbers to people, but when one of his close friends dies unexpectedly his life changes.
His friend has left Noah sole guardianship of her baby girl, Amelia, and so Noah takes on Amy as a nanny. Amy sees Noah as the brooding silent type, but whilst Noah seems determined to find Amelia’s dad, Amy thinks Noah can do a great job as her guardian. Amy definitely didn’t expect to fall for her boss, anymore than Noah planned on falling for the nanny, after all they both stand to lose if their relationship crosses the line from professional to personal. As usual I fell in love with the characters who are likeable and relatable. The chemistry between Amy and Noah really came across in the narrative. The emotional storyline had me hooked throughout, and was a good mix of romance, humour and emotions. A heartwarming story which I definitely recommend.

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The Exchange by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Exchange: A NovelThe Exchange: A Novel by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A gripping psychological thriller which had me hooked from page one. The intriguing storyline and plot twists definitely made this an unpredictable story, and it kept me guessing until the end. Sam Crawford moves to Los Angeles having finished high school to pursue acting, but after several failed prospects she is no further forward with her plans. She then meets a man who promises that he can help her with her acting, and being desperate to succeed Sam takes Corey up on his offer. However, she was not expecting his proposition to be an exchange, that involves her unwanted baby. When her child goes missing four years later she doesn’t know what to think, has the exchange finally happened, or has Sam become a mastermind of organised crime. Sam is a great main character who really brings the story together, however she’s not a very reliable narrator, meaning as a reader you never really know who to trust or believe in this story, making it a suspenseful read. It definitely had me reading late until the night and I wasn’t expecting the promised incredible twist!

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Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Ale's Fair in Love and War (Love on Tap, #1)Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging romantic comedy which kept me happily turning the pages. I love the main characters, Cash and Hollis who are both likeable and relatable characters with plenty of chemistry. Cash runs his family’s brewery and Hollis is a dog groomer and they are neighbours, the worst neighbours, this is an enemies to lovers romance. The pair have plenty of banter between them and they like to play pranks on one another, but when Cash thinks Hollis has gone too far, he’s willing to play dirty to save his business. This is a fun, lighthearted story with plenty of laugh out loud moments, but also full of emotion and of course romance. The couples sizzling chemistry leads to some rather steamy scenes, and I was cheering them on to a HEA.

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A Stranger in Disguise (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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A Stranger in Disguise: An Italian Murder Mystery (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)A Stranger in Disguise: An Italian Murder Mystery by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a gripping crime mystery story full of suspense, which had me hooked from start to finish. Detective Maurizio Scala is in Rome, Italy, where he has a case to solve, a member of a foreign acting company has been brutally murdered. The Detective believes the last person to see the victim is a suspect, but then later fears he has a killer on his hands when she’s found by the river dead. As Detective Scala investigates he discovers that the apparent simple life of the victim is actually very complex. As more secrets emerge the Detective must stop the killer before they strike again. A thrilling whodunit, this is actually book four in a series, but I easily read it as a standalone story, however having been introduced to the Detective, I’m intrigued to read the rest of the series. The characters and setting came alive through the detailed descriptive narrative, and the plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. An entertaining and engaging read, which I recommend.

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How To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by TL Clark – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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How To Write A Historical Novel And Love ItHow To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by T.L. Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an interesting and informative yet lighthearted non-fiction guide to writing a historical novel, aimed at a novice writer. Written in a fun and approachable style, I felt as though I was sat down with the author having a chat over a cup of coffee. Set out in chapters each one with a different topic, the book is easy to navigate and to go back to chapters if needed. I particularly liked the ‘tasks’ at the end of each chapter which made me think, and do a bit of homework! The author is obviously very knowledgeable about both writing historical novels and of the publishing process, after all she is a best selling author with ten years of experience, and it shows. The author has openly and honestly provided the beginner novelist with her years of wisdom, whilst not shying away from the fact that writing is hard work. Tips on writing, formatting, publishing, and advertising are all provided along with a bit of hand holding from a professional, who you feel wants you to succeed.

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