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When We Fell Again by Julie Archer – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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When We Fell Again: An angsty, second chance rockstar romanceWhen We Fell Again: An angsty, second chance rockstar romance by Julie Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance with a rockstar second chance at love theme. Band Idol Rev’s frontman Jordan and tour manger Lex have a complicated history, but now they are having to work together on the bands comeback tour. Whilst Jordan is determined to win Lex back and change his behaviour to make their relationship work this time round, Lex is just as determined not to fall for her ex again. However their undeniable chemistry is still there and so are their old feelings and soon they both decide that their relationship is worth a second chance. Then someone from Jordan’s past starts playing hell with his life which leads him on a path of self destruction, threatening both his future with the band and his relationship with Lex. When Jordan’s past demons come back to haunt him Lex is worried that he’s going to break her heart for a second time. The angsty storyline along with the realistic characters kept me happily turning the pages. The chemistry between Lex and Jordan sizzled off the page and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. The descriptive narrative brought the setting vividly to life and made me feel immersed in the couples world.

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Atonement (The McIntire County Series Book 1) by Winter Austin – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Atonement (The McIntire County Series: #1)Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a gripping first book in a new series and I was hooked throughout. Former marine sniper and current McIntire County deputy Nicolette Rivers is investigating a rash of unexplained suicides in the small town of Eider, Iowa. Nic suffers from PTSD and has her own deadly secrets, but things become dangerous for her when her investigations result in her becoming involved in a devious killer’s twisted plot. Eider police detective Con O’Hanlon is also assigned to uncover the truth behind the suicides, but Nic keeps refuses his help. However, when tragedy strikes Con is willing to help cover up the fallout, whilst ‘The Priest’ is keen on exposing Nic’s secret. This was a romantic suspense with plenty of drama and plot twists that kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. The small town setting came alive though the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the story. I felt engaged with the main characters, Nic and Con and found them both likeable and relatable. Nic’s PTSD was dealt with honestly and sensitively as part of the storyline. An entertaining and enjoyable read and I look forward to book two in the series.

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A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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A Forever Kind of ThingA Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging YA contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. The heroine of the story Mina had grown up on “the proverbial wrong side of the tracks,” and sadly had few friends and was bullied at school. She spent her childhood thinking of creative ways to escape Palmer, Georgia where she lived, until the first day of fifth grade when a new boy, Wes appeared and gave her a reason to stay. Unfortunately, Wes then left two years later, just disappeared without a word, leaving the thirteen year old Mina with a broken heart. Then Mina’s life changes and she’s gone from a Palmer trailer park to an Atlanta mansion and from wearing secondhand clothes to straight off the runway fashions. The other big change is that those that bullied her now want to be her best friend, and Mina now reigns supreme at her new prestigious high school. However, she’s still counting down the days until graduation and then a new boy arrives at her school, Wes. He just walks back into Mina’s life, threatening her new life in the process and her heart once again. This is a heartwarming teenage romance and a coming of age novel, and the storyline had me hooked. Both the characters and setting come to life through the descriptive narrative, and it has a likeable and relatable character in Mina, who I felt engaged with throughout the story.

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The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Mother's ThreatThe Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This fast paced domestic thriller had me hooked from start to finish. Violet Cleveland is an ex-covert-ops leader who now runs her own security business and so is used to having her mind running on high alert. As well as a new business to worry about she also has to keep her unstable hippie mother in line, especially when there’s a conflict of interest between her ‘make or break’ protection detail and her mothers views. When she finds out that her job is involved with some emotionally charged protests Violet alerts the authorities only to be dismissed as a fear monger. Violet then goes undercover to try and track the source of the threats, only to discovers that her own mother has blown her cover to a potential lynch mob. This was a real page turner with an intriguing storyline and plot twists that kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story. The complex mother/daughter relationship between Violet and Daisy really came across in the narrative, and I felt engaged with them. The suspense really built chapter by chapter and the psychological drama kept me gripped throughout.

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As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An emotional and engaging read which kept me captivated throughout. When Julie Mercer donated her eggs in order to help her brother and sister-in-law conceive via in-vitro fertilization, she never thought that just a few years later she would be taking full responsibility for those children, following the death of their parents in a car crash. Julie suddenly has to make room for her four year old twin niece and nephew, not only in her small apartment but in her life. Having decided that she never wanted children she doubts her ability to bring up Lucy and Mikey as her own. As well as her own grief and trauma she has to deal with the twins, which causes Lucy to throw intense tantrums and Mikey to stop talking. Then to complicate things further, the twins’ uncle, and also their biological father Grant turns up on her doorstep saying that he wants to help, but Julie worries that he may want to fight her for custody. Julie also has to deal with an inflexible and unsympathetic boss which puts her job on the line, and then on top of all these new life changes and challenges her family start questioning her role as guardian. Julie herself then needs to determine if the twins parents made the best decision making her their guardian. This is a heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story, which took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst I was reading it. I really felt engaged with the likeable and relatable Julie and the extremely difficult position she found herself in. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and setting to life making me feel immersed in the story. I recommend having a box of tissues handy when you pick up this must read page turner!

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Dead Sound (Things Unseen Series Book1) by Anise Eden – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Dead Sound (Things Unseen, #1)Dead Sound by Anise Eden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This romantic suspense story had me hooked from start to finish. Psychotherapist Neve Keane is just returning to the hospital where she works having been stabbed by a patient, when she’s surrounded by a crowd of people claiming that she needs to help stop the apocalypse! Neve joins forces with Cornelius O’Brien, a rather streetwise doctor as the crowds leader is also a patient of his, things become even more complicated when he falls into a mysterious coma. The pair are pulled into a Byzantine plot that seems to transforms the Capitol Hill General into a dangerous place. Neve and Cornelius must follow the clues that their comatose patient left behind, but this leads them into the underworld of Washington DC, and into a world of shadowy political forces with deadly intentions. With threats and betrayal everywhere the couple race to unravel the sinister conspiracy which seems to lead back to the White House, all whilst having targets on their backs. This was an action packed page turner, which kept me gripped throughout. The main characters were both likeable and relatable which helped make me feel engaged with the story. The storyline had plenty of drama and the suspense really built chapter by chapter, keeping me happily turning the pages!

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Dead Keen (Things Unseen Book 2) by Anise Eden – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Dead Keen (Things Unseen #2)Dead Keen by Anise Eden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed book one in this series I was looking forward to being back with the main characters, Con and Neve, and I was not disappointed. In this story Con O’Brien, a doctor and his new girlfriend, psychotherapist Neve Keane have traveled to Ireland to meet Con’s family, but also to help solve a medical mystery, that could destroy his brother’s life. Con and Neve are getting away from the dangers that still lurk in Washington, DC, and Neve believes that the key to curing a baffling illness lies with an elusive video game designer who lives in Galway, and as he’s not answering his phone she’s going to see him in person. Meanwhile, the leader of a cult, who believes he has gained the favour of an accident god is demanding the ultimate sacrifice.
Their time in Ireland turns out to be anything but a break and they soon find themselves in danger, uncovering sinister secrets, having to rescue innocent victims and stop deadly evil! This action packed and fast paced story had me hooked from page one and kept me gripped throughout. Once again the descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting vividly to life, and made me feel immersed in Con and Neve’s world again. The romantic suspense storyline along with plenty of drama and the building suspense kept me entertained, and the plot kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. An entertaining and enjoyable read and I look forward to more novels featuring the main characters.

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A Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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A Rainbow Like YouA Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging read which had me hooked throughout, this was an original story and not the usual rockstar romance. Adrian ‘Jazzer’ Johnson had a gilded rock and roll career which is the stuff of legend, having gone from playing in dive bars to his band reaching the pinnacle of success. However, following this whirlwind decade Adrian was left broken and questioning his life, and then just seemed to disappear. A year later and he’s back on tour but still struggling and now he’s under pressure to deliver his next big bit. When he finds a runaway teen hiding in the tour bus he’s doesn’t expect to meet Hastings Sinclair, who is a synesthete, who see’s music in color.
The colour blind Adrian and Hastings then work together to break through Adrian’s ‘creative block’. Unfortunately both of them have troubles that won’t go away and soon calamity strikes, along with a scheming journalist with a vendetta. Adrian finds everything, and everyone he values and cares about is at risk, and he needs to reconcile with his own past and literally face the music! This wonderfully written, almost lyrical novel had an intriguing storyline, and along with the wonderful characters I was captivated throughout. I felt immersed in the story as the descriptive narrative brought both the setting and characters vividly to life. An emotional read, which is both heartwarming and at times heartbreaking, I was kept happily turning the pages of this page turner.

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Sing For Me (The Balefire Series Book 2) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Sing For Me (Balefire, #2)Sing For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the previous book in this series I was looking forward to being back with the members of the band, Balefire, and I was not disappointed. This is lead singer Blu’s story, his entire life is his music and he loves everything that comes with it, “sex, booze and rock ‘n’ roll”. Whilst touring with the band Blu has his pick of female groupies and celebrities keen to be seen with him, and he’s usually fine with one night flings, until he meets Ashleigh. Ashleigh Baker is the girl next door who spends her days creating flower show pieces, in her cute floppy hat and with dirt on her knees. Unfortunately for Blu, whilst she’s all he can think about, she just wants to avoid him, and she does. Ashleigh is a freelance music reviewer, who’s happy with her little house with a much longed for long term lease. She can’t believe it when the guy on the Harley, her neighbour, is actually Blu Connolly from her favourite band. However Ashleigh is well aware of his reputation and has no plans to get involved with him, even though he’s temptation on two legs. Her plan to avoid him would be easier if Blu wasn’t on a mission to spend as much time as possible with her. This was a heartwarming opposites attract romance which kept me gripped throughout. Once again the descriptive narrative brought the characters and setting vividly to life, and made me feel apart of the Balefire bands world!

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Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Love & StilettosLove & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which kept me hooked throughout. Twenty eight year old widow Mia leaves to attend Bellarmine University, where she comes face to face with her childhood best friend Mitch and his fiancée Lacey. Mia and Mitch used to spend the Summer’s together but their friendship ended when he didn’t attend her wedding. However, the spark between them is still there, and Lacey is determined to keep them apart even if she has to use lies and manipulation to do so. When Mia starts to realise that Lacey may actually be the villain not a victim, she uncovers more than she expected, including secret identities. Mia and Mitch need to work together to stop Lacey before she ruins Mia’s life, including her expulsion from the University. The storyline had plenty of drama and romance to keep me happily turning the pages and the plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome. The characters were all well defined and I felt immersed in the setting as the descriptive narrative brought their world to life.

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The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula Series Book 2) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Guardsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 2)The Guardsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the first book in this series I was looking forward to this second instalment, and I was not disappointed. It can be read as a standalone story but the characters do crossover, as Liam is Ali’s brother, who is missing and presumed dead in book one. Liam and his twin sister had a tough childhood in the foster care system where Liam helped keep them both safe, so when he was blown up in a terroirs attack whilst abroad, Ali was determined to prove that he was still alive. Then three years after he went missing an investigator locates him in Jerusalem working as a security guard. Liam is scarred mentally and physically and so agrees to join Ali and her new husband Joe at their home, on a large estate in Port Townsend, Washington. At the same time Joe’s sister Teresa, who is fleeing a broken engagement and wanting to get away from her controlling mother, is also staying with them. His first impression of Teresa is that she’s the kind of rich society princess that he avoids, however, he finds it hard to stay away from her. When she needs a protector, having become suspiciously accident prone, Liam steps in. I was kept happily turning the pages by this heartwarming romantic suspense novel. The characters and the setting are brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the storyline. I liked ‘catching up’ with Ali and Joe, as well as having the new relationship between Liam and Teresa develop throughout the story. An enjoyable and engaging read.

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Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales #1)Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was hooked from page one by this fast paced crime thriller and the storyline kept me gripped throughout. Detective James Sheldon’s perfect life was shattered in an instant, leading to him being homeless and begging for loose change whilst contemplating suicide just eighteen months later. Then in a strange twist of fate James then wins big on the lottery, a record breaking 168 million, which is literally life changing for him. However, what should have been a dream come true becomes a nightmare when he finds himself mixed up with drug dealers and crime bosses who are out to destroy him. James also has to tackle his own personal demons which particularly plague him at night. As the blurb says, this is not your usual crime novel plot, and the storyline is totally unpredictable with plenty of twists and turns. The descriptive narrative made both the characters and the setting come vividly to life, and I found James an engaging main character. This was an action packed story and one which I recommend.

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Firewall by Jessica Mehring – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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FirewallFirewall by Jessica Mehring
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fast paced and gripping read which had me hooked throughout. Respected IT security professional Veronica Clark works for one of the largest financial management firms in San Francisco. Having found evidence that the company has been hacked, Veronica finds herself in danger and needing her own security. Veronica’s best friends brother, Angus Miller, who is a fire chief of Station 62 steps in to protect her. However, he soon discovers that battling fires is easier than keeping her safe, as the people behind the hacking want to silence her. Things become more complicated as their mutual attraction grows with the more time they spend together. Although a fairly short read the storyline has everything from drama, danger, suspense, and of course romance. The plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story and the characters were very well defined. An entertaining and engaging read.

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Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Back to the 80'sBack to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and entertaining contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. According to Blaine Reynolds, owner of the novelty shop “Back to the 80’s”, the 80s were the best decade ever, and she’s prepared to risk everything to prove it. When developer Eric Morales plans to destroy her late mothers shop in order to build a new brewery, Blaine makes a bet with him. That she just needs 30 days to prove to him why the 80’s were ‘totally rad’ and why her store is worth saving. Neither Blaine or Eric intend to lose the bet, but neither of them expected that they may lose their hearts. This was a lighthearted enemies to lovers romance with likeable and relatable characters in Blaine and Eric. The story was full of popular items from the 80’s, including Cabbage Patch dolls and classic video games, giving it a nostalgic feel, which I enjoyed.

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Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4) by Isobel Reed – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4)Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable and engaging story in the Bluestone County Series, and I love being back in this small town and meeting its residents. Finding herself back in Bluestone County where she grew up was not in Summer’s plan, neither was having no home or job. Having left behind a dangerous ex boyfriend Summer still dreams of being able to take over her grandfather’s bar, but she soon learns that it’s already been bought, and by her childhood friend Teddy. I don’t know who was more surprised Summer of retired Navy SEAL Teddy when she completely looses it and starts throwing very expensive bottles of whiskey at him! However, Teddy had missed his old friend and was interested in more than friendship with her, having already missed his chance with her once before he was not going to let that happen again. This is a second chance at love romance with a friends to lovers theme. I loved both Summer and Teddy, and although they are complete opposites their chemistry sizzled off the page. As usual the descriptive narrative really brings the characters and the small town feeling to life, making me feel immersed in the story.

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Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Leaving No Traces (Commissario Scala #5)Leaving No Traces by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A gripping Italian murder mystery which had me hooked from start to finish. Set in Rome and featuring Detective Maurizio Scala, this action packed, fast paced novel kept me guessing until the end. The detective investigates when a young woman’s car is discovered at a service station, abandoned but with blood splatters on the driver’s seat. Then a second murder is discovered, and as Scala digs deeper he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit, along with a link to the mafia. As well as trying to catch a killer, the detective is also protecting a key witness whose life hangs in the balance. As the underworld threatens to consume him, Scala must crack the case before it’s to late. The gritty storyline and plot twists made this a real page turner, and once again the Rome setting is brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative. I always enjoy solving a murder mystery alongside the realistic Detective Scala, and I was not disappointed by this latest novel. I look forward to the next book in this series!

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Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Softest TouchSoftest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Billionaire and owner of Wilson Creations, Derek has everything, fame, fortune and success but no one to share it with. When he meets Melinda he’s drawn to her sharp wit and fiery spirit, however she’s also his new assistant. They become a formidable team, business wise, following a rather rocky start and after awhile Derek sees Melinda in a different light. They face any challenges that arise, finding strength in each other, but their forbidden feelings may not be enough to overcome all obstacles, especially when their are forces that want to keep them apart. This is a fairly short read, but one which hooks you from the start. The descriptive narrative brings both the characters and setting vividly to life, which made me feel immersed in the story.

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Love, Only Better (Bold Journeys Book 1) by Paulette Stout – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Love, Only BetterLove, Only Better by Paulette Stout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This wonderfully written and honest novel really does explore “a topic too long kept in the shadows: women’s pleasure”, and it does so with vulnerability and sensitivity. Obviously the storyline does contain some intimate scenes! Rebecca’s relationships do not last long and her intimate love life is definitely not satisfying, apart from the chocolate she eats afterwards. After yet another boyfriend storms out of the bedroom, and believing she’s the only women in Manhattan who ‘can’t finish in the bedroom’, she realises she needs to do something about it. Having seen multiple doctors and undergone embarrassing examinations, doctors either say she is fine or are a bit unorthodox, and she’s still not getting any satisfaction.
Then Kyle moves in across the hall from her, and the confident, gorgeous, charming, motorcycle riding photographer takes her breath away. They have instant chemistry and when they are together all Rebecca’s troubles seem to melt away. However, sadly not her main one, and as their relationship develops and their connection grows stronger she is unable to keep her secret hidden. Rebecca knows she needs to fight for the life she wants, with Kyle, knowing that otherwise she may not get a second chance at love. I love Rebecca and think she’s so likeable and relatable, and the chemistry between her and Kyle really sizzles off the page. This definitely has an original and intriguing storyline, but I like how the author has incorporated a ‘taboo’ subject into a heartwarming and inspiring romance. An enjoyable and engaging read.

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Reticent Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend's Older Sister Forbidden Romance (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2)Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend’s Older Sister Forbidden Romance by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable and engaging novel in this addictive series, I love being back with the Hawke family, and as usual I was hooked from page one. The storyline focuses on Jude and Angelina, who he can’t stop thinking about and who he’s in love with, however she’s off limits as she’s his best friends older sister, and a Hawke. This story took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst Jude dealt with issues from his past, as well as being conflicted by his feelings for Angelina. Trusting anyone was difficult for Jude after years of living on the streets, and it was the Hawke’s who took him in and made him family. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the billionaires world that the Hawke’s live in. I loved both Jude and Angelina and their chemistry sizzled off the page, however I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story and enjoyed the reverse age gap, older women theme. An entertaining read, and I can’t wait to be back with the Hawke’s in the next book, hopefully soon!

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Shadowed Obsession (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 1) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 1)Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This action packed romantic suspense thriller was a real page turner and it had me hooked throughout. When PR rep Keira O’Ryan’s life in invaded by a dangerous stalker she turns to her new neighbour, a former SEAL for help. Cade Hartford is now a Private military contractor, who is fed up with being on office duty while he’s rehabbing, and so he jumps at the chance to help Keira. He realises that catching the faceless stalker will be difficult as he’s already eluded the Montana police. When the stalker escalates his plan, Cade finds himself trying to outwit an adversary who seems to be one step ahead of him all the time. With Keira and Cade working together they can’t ignore their growing attraction, but as their relationship develops Cade is worried about mixing business with pleasure. With Keira uncertain who she can trust and her life in danger, Cade must uncover the identity of the stalker in time to save her. I was gripped by the fast paced storyline and the plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. I enjoyed the slow burn romance between the main characters, both of whom were likeable and relatable. The chemistry between Keira and Cade definitely came across in the narrative, and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. An entertaining and enjoyable read!

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Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Liz's Road TripLiz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m always excited when this author has a new book out, and I was definitely not disappointed by this latest novel. The storyline focuses on Liz Evans who has set out on a cross-country road trip, along with her grandmother’s cat, to carry out the final wishes of her grandmother. Along the way Liz learns that the grandmother that she knew, who was always collecting coupons was actually a very wealthy women, and a Hollywood icon who had many international lovers. Having been raised by Betsy, Liz is shocked by her discoveries, and even more so when she meets biographer, Mark Watts, who is living in her grandmother’s Palm Beach home, which she also knew nothing about. Mark is then able to tell Liz about her grandmother’s past, becoming a confidant in the process. As their friendship turns into something more and their relationship develops, the Liz who likes her solitude realises that she might just need a house in Palm Beach, a man and her grandmother’s crazy cat to be happy! I thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming romance which had me hooked from page one. I loved the characters and the chemistry between Liz and Mark really came across in the narrative. An enjoyable and engaging read.

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Granting Katelyn (Sweet Valley Series) by S.E. Reichert – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Granting KatelynGranting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging western romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Katelyn Sullivan has to travel across the country in order to help treat an injured prized thoroughbred, however when she arrives, the owner, Grant Tennyson stands in her way. It soon becomes clear that if Katelyn wants to save the horse, then she needs to get close enough to Grant to find out why he doesn’t want her to help. As Katelyn gets closer to Grant she realises that his painful past may be stopping him from moving forward. However, she didn’t expect that losing her heart might be an option when getting to know the grumpy Grant. This is book two in the series and Katelyn is Elle (from book one) sister, however it can be read as a standalone story. Both Katelyn and Grant are likeable and relatable characters and their chemistry sizzled off the page. It was an emotional rollercoaster of a read, as the characters overcome issues both in their pasts and in the present. The descriptive narrative once again brought the setting to life which made me feel immersed in the storyline.

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Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Murder in a Gated CommunityMurder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I didn’t really know what to expect from this fairly short novella, as the blurb was a little vague, however I was hooked from page one. I thought it was going to be a typical cozy mystery, but the fairly lighthearted storyline about the residents of an upscale gated community, Oaken Acres, has a quirky and unique plot. The characters are all well defined and I felt like I knew them all by the end of the story, the majority of the narrative is centred on the community garden and it’s politics. The descriptive narrative brought both the setting of Oaken Acres and its residents vividly to life, and I felt immersed in their world, of dog barking, gardening plot disputes, drones and golfers. This darkly funny story definitely kept me turning the pages, the meetings from the BOD meetings in particular providing some laugh out loud moments. The list of characters at the beginning was very useful, and I enjoyed the authors writing style, whilst the unpredictable plot kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. A quick read which had me captivated throughout.

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

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The Reluctant Suitor: BWWM Historical Western (The Studs of Clear Creek County)The Reluctant Suitor: BWWM Historical Western by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary western style romance which kept me happily turning the pages. The storyline features an interracial relationship between college educated Billie Jean Wills and the wealthy Fisher Hines. When Billie Jean finds out that the blacks at the Locke Farm are working under horrible conditions she decides to fight for their rights, along with her cousin Greta Fay. However, to force any real change in their small town they have to take on one of the most powerful families, the Lockes. Billie Jean did not expect to feel an instant connection with the supervisor of Locke Farm, and therefore the enemy, Fisher Hines. Fisher is proud to be the supervisor and has finally gained the admiration of his high society parents, but he can’t deny the feelings he has for Billie Jean. Fisher wants a future and a chance at true love with Billie Jean, but by her going up against the Lockes it threatens everything that not only him but his family has worked for. The small town setting was really brought to life through the descriptive narrative as were the characters. The chemistry between Billie Jean and Fisher sizzled off the page, and I liked how their relationship developed despite several barriers, including race, an age gap and forbidden love. The author is not afraid to tackle some major issues and does so sensitively. An entertaining read, and one which I recommend.

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Saved by the Everyday Hero (Limited Edition Romance Collections) by Naomi Valkyrie & Various Authors – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Saved by the Everyday HeroSaved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and entertaining collection of romance stories each one written by a different author. This anthology contains a selection of stories by thirteen different authors, and each one is the first book of a series. Meaning it’s a great way of checking out different authors writing styles and getting started with some engaging new series. Each story is about how the everyday hero can sweep you off your feet and provide a happy ever after, just as much as any knight in shining armour can! Most of the stories were written by authors I was not familiar with, so I’m pleased to have discovered some new favourites. However, I was excited to find that Naomi Valkyrie had written one of the romances as I always enjoy her books. ‘Unexpected Heroes’ is a M/M Romance which introduces us to Elijah and Jude, who meet when Elijah and his baby son move in next door to Jude. Jude helps out with the crying baby one night and a friendship develops between the men, and despite both of them having troubled pasts they can’t deny their chemistry or their instant connection. The chemistry sizzled off the page between the likeable Jude and Elijah and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. I thoroughly enjoyed every story in this romance collection, and I liked that there are a variety of storylines, so definitely something for every reader.

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The Anchor Knot (The Knot Series Book 2) by DonnaLee Overly – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Anchor Knot:securing the knot of truth (Knot, #6The Anchor Knot:securing the knot of truth (Knot, #6 by DonnaLee Overly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Gabby King is engaged to Richard Wright who is campaigning to be the next governor of Texas, however if the citizens of Texas new that he had a son as the result of an affair with a married woman it would cause a scandal. Although Gabby has her doubts about marrying Richard, her influential father has big plans to put the couple into the governor’s mansion. However, Amanda Jason, Richard’s campaign manger also has her sights on being the Texas First Lady and is willing to do anything to take Gabby’s place. When Gabby is invited to the adventurous world of Formula One Racing whilst on the campaign trail, a talk with a team engineer unsettles her, and could change her future having spoken a surprising truth. Amongst the whirlwind Gabby is caught up in, she’s lost sense of who she actually is, and what she wants from life, but in this story celebrating female empowerment, Gabby needs to listen to her inner voice before it’s too late. Gabby is a wonderful main character who is both likeable and relatable, and I love how her character develops throughout the story, as she finds herself and becomes empowered.

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Tequila Midnight (Southwest Suspense Novels Book 1) by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Tequila MidnightTequila Midnight by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A gripping, suspenseful crime drama which had me hooked from page one. Starting off in Texas, and Jessica Watts is determined not to get hurt again and so keeps people at arm’s length, whilst keeping the tequila near by. She’s still scarred from her parents corruption and lack of love, but the cross-border broker, known for being tough-as-nails, softens when a Mexican tycoon, with shady connections begs her to find his missing daughter. Jessica starts interviewing the missing woman’s friends but all this does is put her in danger, resulting in her being drugged and beaten.
However, Jessica is keen to carry on, even when the trail leads from Boston to Central America. Not only is she hunted by dangerous thugs but also by her own demons, but the deal maker turned detective is determined to succeed, and to survive to find peace. Jessica is a great main character, she’s stubborn, independent, tough, determined, but also haunted and drinks a bit too much tequila, all of which just makes her more likeable and relatable. The unique settings were brought vividly to life making me feel immersed in the story, whilst the fast paced storyline and plot twists kept me happily turning the pages!

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A heartwarming and at times heartbreaking YA novel which kept me captivated throughout. The main character, high school senior Claire Jackson is an inspirational teenager who’s life changes dramatically following an unplanned pregnancy, the twist though is that the baby is her mothers, not hers. Claire finds herself taking on the main caring role for her half brother so much so that most people seem to think he is her son. No one seems to know who Harry’s father is and Claire’s mother is sinking deeper and deeper into despair. Things get worse when her mother uses Claire’s college fund to pay for day care for Harry, however when her uncle offers to replenish the fund on the condition that Harry be given up for adoption, Claire has a complicated choice to make. This was a real page turner of a novel and it had me hooked from from start to finish.

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The Secrets they Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) by P J Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A gripping Italian murder mystery which had me hooked throughout. Set in Rome and Detective Maurizio Scala has sworn to protect its citizens and deliver justice to any victims of crimes. In this fast paced story Scala has to find and stop the killer of a young man found dead in a cemetery, before he becomes a victim himself. Along with the body a note was found which mentioned his dark secrets, and as the Detective digs deeper into the victim’s life he discovers a tangled web of lies and corruption. Scala’s investigation hits a breakthrough when other seemingly unconnected murders have a link to the latest one. Scala then needs to identify the killer before there are anymore victims. The storyline is full of drama and suspense, whilst the plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. I liked the relatable Detective Scala, who as the main character really brought the story together. The descriptive narrative made the Italian setting come to life and I felt immersed in Scala’s world. An entertaining and engaging novel, and I look forward to future books featuring the Detective.

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The Ring of Eagna (The Cross of Ciaran Book 4) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Ring of Eagna (The Cross of Ciaran #4)The Ring of Eagna by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a fan of this historical romance with a paranormal twist, I was excited to read this latest novel and I was not disappointed. The story continues, with Ciarán and Aodhán Donnelly who feel like old friends now. A monk in tenth-century Ireland records the legend of a mythical treasure which needs three ancient rings to access it. A thousand years later, and Ciarán and Aodhán then discover the manuscript and are convinced the tale refers to the relics of their fifth-century priesthood. However, the tome warns that to retrieve the fabled cache without the rings will cause dire consequences. As the brothers already have two rings they decide to locate the third, whilst recovering the hidden artefacts for the museum. Their treasure hunt soon turns deadly when they realise they are not the only ones searching for the sacred artefacts, and it seems their rivals are willing to do anything to find them. However, they would need to acquire the rings they already have, and they will not relinquish them without a fight! As usual the descriptive narrative brings both the characters and setting vividly to life making me feel immersed in the story. The storyline continues from the previous book, so I would personally recommend reading the series in order. I was hooked throughout and the plot kept me gripped and happily turning the pages. The historical details transported me back in time and I found the glossary at the end of the book very helpful. An enjoyable and engaging read.

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