Tainted by Marsha R West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a sweet but also suspenseful book. The main character, Liz, is very lovable. The book was a little bit wordy in descriptions for me so it took me a minute to get into it but by the 3rd chapter or so I was hooked. This is one of my most favorite kind of romance books because it has a happily ever after ending. When you think you have everything figured out something else happens and surprises you.
The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Marcy Series box set is a great set of books to read. I really enjoyed them and would definitely recommend them to other readers. The set contains books 1-3 in the series – Rage, Confusion and Agony &Ecstasy. I really enjoyed the authors writing, it was very engaging and there were some great twists and turns along the way.
I really like Marcy she is such a great character to read about. She is quite a complex character that you really do have to get to know and understand. There was so much going on for her and she has some real heart-breaking decisions to make. I think by the end of this book I really felt like I knew Marcy well.
The authors writing definitely developed as the stories progressed and I am really looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a box set you must read if you like action, suspense and/or thrillers. I don’t think I have read anything that has kept me on the edge-of-my-seat from page 1 and not let go until the end. Marcy deals with some emotional issues that are causing big issues in her life. She has an unintentional love triangle going on and memories popping up. The feelings are big. The men are direct opposites of each other. I feel she would have been better off with one. The books are meant to be read in order. As the action builds, Marcy does find her strength and confidence to rebuild her life and get back on her feet. She learns she has friends. Power packed and full of twists, the author has put together a plot that is like dynamite waiting to blow and it just takes you along to the very end. I would give this a 10 star rating if I could. Highly recommend!
Unbreakable by Tee Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book one of the diamond series and I loved it. Will definitely be continuing the series. Loved the characters from the start and the chemistry between them. Two completely different people with opposite pasts drawn to eachother despite either of them wanting a relationship. This book had lots of up’s and downs to keep you interested, with a couple twists I definitely didn’t see coming! The writing was good and everything seemed to flow well. Can’t wait to read book 2!
TAINTED by Marsha R. West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a book so easy to get hooked into, as well as really foot for our heroine, she was defiantly someone strong willed and was a character we all wanted things to turn out ok for in the end. This novel had it all, suspense, characters you hated very on, and ones that you wanted to pull through in the end. I loved the relationship with Lauren and Liz. They reminded me very much of me and my mom.
The suspense was so good in this book. Liz and Lauren are heading to a certain meet point. The reason why? The gap of the past few years are filled in with a very descriptive way of writing as well as to where we are now with a visit from the FBI. These two ladies go through a lot. And I mean a lot. They go through shady characters, an old love even, and dangerous times. The author did an amazing job at keeping the reader on their seat. It was like a good action book that never stopped. You had to always be ready to keep going. I really enjoyed it. And when everything else settles down, you can breathe yourself as the reader and really smile that your two main characters stuck together and made it! It was a fun read and the suspense really made good twists and turns and I literally needed some popcorn while reading!
The writing description of events and characters by this author was well done! I really enjoyed reading this and going on the car ride with Liz and Lauren. It was a fun ride, maybe a bit dangerous at times, but that’s what makes it an adventure! I really loved it and yes I’m recommending this to everyone. Its a read you do not want o miss out on. The author keeps the reader interested, give them a moment to read, then the suspense and action starts up again! Very fun read and amazing writing by an amazing author!
The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Marcy Series Boxset is the first three books in the series. Linda J Burson does an amazing job of grabbing my attention and holding throughout the series. Her attention to detail paints a beautiful picture in my mind’s eye. She introduces Marcy, Brad, and Liam in book one Rage. Marcy is living the American Dream, her own house, and business. She has some issues and she is working through them. I love how much Marcy grows through the series. I highly recommend this box set to follow Marcy and her relationships.
The Sound of Silence Audio Book by Dakota Willink is a gripping and intense story that literally had my pulse racing. For so much of this book I found myself on the edge of my seat. It almost felt like I was right there with Gia and there were times when my heart was in my throat at the thought of what was about to happen. The author has done such an incredible job with this book. It is heartbreaking and uplifting all at the same time. I loved how she used the multiple POV’s to really add depth to the story. For me it made it even better. This book definitely contains triggers so for those that may be sensitive of them I would say read with caution. However I also cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is easily my favourite one by this author and it is also one of the best books that I have listened to or read this year! I am already looking forward to experiencing this one again. An amazing and emotional book I would urge everyone to pick up today!!!
Stripped by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the 1st murder mystery book I have read. I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it. This is book one of the Stripped series and it’s a spin off of the Bruised series. I can’t wait to go back and read the other series. This book takes Dee the main character through some very serious soul searching. The love triangle, the steam, and the suspense were all great!!!
Tainted by Marsha R West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There is something to be said for a strong, courageous female lead. Regardless of the genre, I find that these novels pull me in, and spit me out wanting to be a little bit better, a little bit stronger, and a little more independent. This story was comprised of a couple strong female characters, being Liz, and Lauran (her daughter.) Their relationship alone tells you what kind of Mother Liz is, and how much of her life she devoted to motherhood. Her little pup Charley seems to be quite adorable as well.
We’re thrown into a whirlwind of events when the FBI come pounding on Liz’s door in the wee hours of the morning, and you’re quickly brought up to speed on the goings on of what she’s been through over the last couple years. Once you get the backstory, Lauran and Liz make their way to Red River, NM, from Fort Worth, Tx. Marsha R. West does a phenomenal job at setting the scene, and you feel as though you are along for the ride, through the scenic drive. The easy conversation, and getting to know both these characters is done, flawlessly!
The trials and tribulations that these women, and their friends/acquaintances go through are crazy, intense, and quick. I found myself getting more and more curious as to what would happen with Liz, and her old love interest from high school, Marshal Matt Thornton, as it quickly becomes a suspense and second chance romance. I didn’t ever put this book down and was lost in it from page 1 until the ending. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Will be recommending to my Mother, as Liz and Lauran’s relationship reminds me of our own.
Ride For Me by VR Baucke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ride For Me (North Shore Crew Book 1) by Vi Summers has romance and suspense. Best of both worlds.
Gage’s life was ripped apart by tragedy in his past. Three years of grief and a refusal to feel had taken their toll. He’s a shell of the guy he used to be, content to be numb and resentful. Gage is pushed into his cousin’s environment in a last-ditch effort to turn his life around. The Crew’s universe. One crew member, out of his depth and reeling, reawakens long-forgotten sentiments. Gage is anxious to keep his emotions hidden. His bond with Lil, on the other hand, is all-consuming. Uncontrollable. One minute it’s scorching hot; The next, it’s freezing cold. Gage thought that lightning doesn’t strike again. But, when it came to losing the woman of his life, he was adamant. It strikes again as Lil’s history rears its ugly head, pushing Gage to face his demons. All while attempting to prevent the painful past from repeating.
I loved this story and the concept of it as well. I loved every page of it. Every chapter was exciting. This is the first book in the series and I can’t wait to read more.
The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When I started this series, I had no idea there were thirteen books! Linda Burson has created an amazing story with Marcy, Liam, Brad, and all of the other characters. It was nearly impossible to put down. I am looking forward to diving deep into the other ten books to see what happens after the initial three.
Book one introduces us to Marcy and her rage. She has been irritable, violent, and unlike herself for quite some time. There is no fathomable explanation for it, but everyone in her life has noticed a change in her. We meet Brad, who doesn’t come across as the most reliable or understanding partner, but we discover all about how they met and the memories that they’ve shared. We meet Liam, who has an heir of mystery about him that is BEGGING to be discovered. Marcy’s friends and family (and all those who work in her cafe) are wonderfully written. They obviously care about her and put her best interests at heart always. After an ultimatum, Marcy decides to get some insight into why she is feeling the way that she is – which only opens the door for more revelations and ‘confusion’.
Book two, aptly named confusion, follows Marcy on her journey to discover what her heart truly wants. She gets an opportunity that most never do – falling in love with more than one person and getting to explore that love with both of them until she is able to decide what her choice should be. There is so much being uncovered in her therapy sessions that she needs to deal with, but her priority seems to be focusing on her love life. Trauma is a hard thing to recover from and avoidance is usually the easiest way to handle it. We follow her journey with Liam mostly in this book and learn more about him – as we did with Brad in book one. Safe to say, I have made my choice by this point.
Book three was a rollercoaster at night with a blindfold. Marcy has made her decision, told everyone she cares about, started on a new path towards her future, and made AMAZING strides in discovering her entire past to move past the traumatizing experiences she faced. Things never go the way that you think they will with Linda Burson and I am absolutely addicted to this series due to the twists and turns, shocking revelations, and character storylines.
There are no cliffhangers here, but I will say that you will be left wanting so much more. I am so excited to continue this series and find out what happens to all of the characters. These books have caused me to be very thorough when reading and I find myself being suspicious of the things that are being said or the way that the characters are acting on each page. I love the way this story is progressing and that there is still so much left to uncover. Seriously, if you’re thinking about it – read them! Don’t hesitate. You won’t regret it. *TW: descriptive violence & self-harm*
The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Just wow! Those are my opening words that I am using, as nothing else seems to give an impact as these books did for me! The book themselves and their storylines really impact you in different ways. And lets not forget the characters, their emotions and their drama make you feel literally everything! Its a rollercoaster of suspense, drama, and emotions needless to say! All in all, impeccable writing!
The first novel follows our lead character named Macy. She is having a rough time, and at times I truly felt for her. She did not have the best boyfriend in my opinion and she’s got issues. I mean we all do in some way and I can speak from experience that support is supper important to help us! This novel surrounds Macy and her nightmares, and her nightmares are more than the word heavy can define. What do they mean? It was a mystery and brain like thing to comprehend. Along her way trying to figure things out she meets Liam. Who basically rocks her world and shifts everything that she knows! She felt like she was losing it at times through out this novel, but perhaps there was a key in all of this that was more visible than anyone ever suspected of thought? Yes, I really loved this opening book.
We join Macy and her story continuing in the next novel. This one lives up perfectly to the one previous to it. Macy is very much confused with matters of her heart, hence the book title. Plus everything going on with her does she really need her own heart pulling her into different directions? This one brought more to the table than expected and I was hooked even more. More and more things came to light that really bought the suspense and then some. Like holy cow, this series with this second one made me feel even more, my feelings were all over the place with the characters, and I was truly entranced with this series!
We reach the final one, and yes I felt sad this series was coming to an end. I was so emotionally invested that I really grew with all the drama and suspense surrounding Macy, that I was not ready to say her story had reached its conclusion. This book bought more impact to me than the first two even did, and I truly did not think that was possible. This series bought so much and this third one really finalized everything and gave the reader for that thrill ride like no ever experienced, at least in my opinion. Macy has to go through a lot in this one, a lot of pain and suffering, what she thought she had she very much didn’t, Everything changes more than lightly for Macy, and she has to shift her world to get to the true understanding of all things that she knows! Macy is very strong, but even the strongest souls can be weakened to their knees with life! The emotions of this one were even heavy for me, and like Macy who had to continue on with her life, despite everything, I pushed through those emotions to see what would happen to Macy and all things that surrounded her! Seriously what an explosive conclusion to this one!
Seriously, I was so invested in this series and these characters I could not put this down. I was so in love with this series and all it brought to the table. This author quickly became a new favorite for me, and that’s needless to say. I am going to be stalking them for more books. the impact and feelings they brought on to me with their writing was indescribable. If an author has that power then you defiantly should pick these books up I say, I highly say to do so, your in for a treat that you can only experience upon reading these novels! Its a series that will suck you in, and make you feel everything!
5 Stars
The Sound of Silence AUDIO BOOK by Dakota Willink
Holy Cow! What an intense yet gut wrenching romantic suspense that will have you turning the pages while on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what is going to happen next. This author never ceases to amaze me, this is my favorite yet. The narrators done a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life and making you feel like you are right there with them. This is an emotional rollercoaster ride that in some parts I had to push stop and take a minute to gather myself then I was right back to listening. This is about Gia she’s a woman who thought she found love with Ethan but she soon found out what you see is definitely not what you get! Ethan is a abusive man . Gia finds the strength and courage to get away. Will she be safe? Can she trust another man? Find out what happens next in this must listen/read. I can’t wait to read/listen to more books by this author.
Stripped by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I never read a book about detectives on a case before. I’ve only ever watched TV shows and movies. But reading in a book is just as enticing, if not more. The author does a great way of describing the places and making each suspect give off a particular aura that keeps you guessing. Stripped is about Dee, a detective who is assigned a new partner, Connie, who she dislikes greatly. They are put on a homicide case that is turning up at many odd angles with many rich and successful people involved. If you like books with an air of mystery around them that keeps you guessing until the very end, this is the book for you.
Tainted by Marsha R West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a very nicely written book. Liz ex husband Gerry has left her in a pickle she’s now trying to rebuild her life. I admit the cover didn’t atract me to the book but once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. I have downright love every minute of reading this book. Liz and Matt I connect so much with them I rooted all the way. I will be looking forward to reading more from this author.
Tainted by Marsha R West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I completed Tainted by Marsha R West last night but had to sit on my response to the book. This book is about a women rebuilding her life after her now ex husband was arrested and sentenced for fraud detailing with the family restaurant businesses. It follows Liz Hartman on a journey of rediscovery to rebound from her ex-husbands morally corrupt ways. Unfortunately, Liz must cope with multiple attacks to overcome this man who refuses to let her go.
I did like the story as a whole. The New Mexico setting is someplace I would love to be, the characters were lovely and well defined and the romantic suspense part was good. I would definitely recommend to fellow fans of romance and intrigue. I had two minor issues with this book. In some places, it felt repetitious in describing the setting or scenario. It felt like there were several brief summaries throughout the story that felt unnecessary as a reader so I would skim these sections. My second issue was the dog. I typically love animals in stories, but for some reason, this animal and the way Liz treated the dog annoyed me. After the first half, the dog became less of the story line so I was able to finish it without my eye roll of treating a dog like a baby. I know, very weird but this is the only character that I was overall annoyed about and reading so much about. Again, the story as a whole is well with the read but I did need to include my honest opinion on why I could not fully give this a 5 star rating.
Ride For Me by Vi Summers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an emotional second chance love story. The author does an amazing job with the characters which means the story I believable and has you gripped from the very beginning.
Gage has suffered a huge trauma when the love of his life passes away. Convinced that he will never love again he resigns himself to a life alone. However a chance meeting of his cousins friend Lil turns his world upside down and sends sparks through his body that he thought he would never feel again. Can he risk his heart again? Can he resist the attraction and chemistry between himself and Lil?
Lil has a past of her own as well and when her past comes calling putting her in danger Gage realises he needs to fight his demons if he wants to protect the woman he loves and stop history repeating itself.
It is a really emotional story and anyone who has dealt with loss will be able to relate with the emotions that Gage goes through and understand his hot and cold attitude and feelings of guilt that he experiences.
I can’t wait to read more in this series.
Forged by Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Forged by Secrets is the third book in the deadly isles special ops series by Amy McKinley and revolves around the third brother Ty and Malina. Ty and Milene have always had sort of a push and pull relationship in large part due to the secrets from Milene this past. When faced with unpredictable circumstances that come out of nowhere Milene has no choice but to rely on the one man she doesn’t think she could trust. Ty has a secret of his own that involves Milene , One that he holds onto until a special moment. The story is filled with action, love, and crime. They soon realize that in order to resolve what’s truly going on they will have to let down their walls and lean on each other. The author does a great job with her writing style, details, and relationship building. If you enjoy an action filled romance then you’ll definitely enjoy this latest novel.
Tainted by Marsha R West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
Tainted by Marsha R. West is an action-packed romantic suspense story. The characters are well developed, and I easily connected to them. There is non-stop action as trouble follows them in their wake. It is easy to picture the setting as Marsha vividly tells her tale. It is also a second chance story where old friends catch up again after 25 years.
Liz needs to get away with her daughter from the life she had. They find themselves in a beautiful place, but their serenity is short lived. However, where there is danger there is one man who has sworn to serve and protect.
I look forward to what comes next.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Stripped by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a 4 star read, it took me just a little bit to get pulled into the story.
A woman is dead and Connie and Dee are investigating it. The investigation takes them to The Circle, a cult that is led by Jonathan. Jonathan is intrigued by Dee and wants her to join The Circle. The other difficult thing she is dealing with is her current boyfriend and her ex. Who will she choose? Will they be able to find the murderer?
Overall this was a good read. All of the characters added a great element to the story. I look forward to reading more from this author and series. 1-click and get started today.
We get suspense, murder, drama and so much more.
Reviewed by @Mab54615
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Unbreakable by Tee Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Unbreakable shares the story or Erin and Curtis “Ripper.”
Ripper is a man that feels tainted by his life choices, and trapped with his demons in which he deems himself a man no woman can love. When a night out ends with him being stabbed he ends up at a Free Clinic and meets Erin who is his nurse. Both have pasts they cant ignore, and secrets they cant escape, but an attraction and need for another that they also cant deny. Its a beautiful story about 2 mismatched people that despite all odds were meant to be with an unbreakable love that knows no bounds. Tee Smith wrote a great book.
Stripped by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I haven’t read a good suspense book in a while, but this book was absolutely thrilling! I have a bad habit of guessing who was the killer and most of the time I’m able to figure it out way in advance of the big reveal. The red herrings in this were so well done that I couldn’t even get close to figuring it out. I loved it! This book has it all, a badass female protagonist, thrills for days, sexy people, cults, intrigue I mean you name it and it was there. I read this book in one session and am eager to read more. I really love an unpredictable ending, and a suspense book that keeps me guessing. I can’t wait to read the other released books in this series. Definitely a must read!
Reviewed by @prettybird-marie
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Stripped by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stripped (Stripped Book 1) by Stacy-Deanne is my first read by this author and I was definitely not disappointed. This mystery/ romance had so much to offer including intrigue, plot twists, fantastic characters, and more. Ms. Deanne had me hooked from the very beginning and after finishing this book I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and see what happens to her terrific characters. The authors writing really seemed to just flow right off the page, her characters and plot were both just terrific and really made me love her story even that much more. Personally I can’t wait for book two, to see what happens next.
Stripped by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a great romantic mystery. We meet Dee Quarter a police detective who has just lost her partner from an accident on the job. She gets paired with Connie Wilks who she has personality differences with. It may just be that they are a lot the same. The case that gets thrown their way is a woman who was strangled. Their investigation leads them in a couple directions, one of them being a cult called The Circle, led by Jonathan Wild, another her ex-Grayson.
Will Dee be drawn into Jonathan’s world or will she be able to hold onto her romance with Winston Lewis. I feel Dee’s struggle, the pull she feels to Jonathan, Grayson not wanting to let go of the love he has for her, and Dee just wanting to have her relationship with Winston. Can she keep a hold of who she is? Or will this case pull her in directions she really doesn’t want to go?
Unbreakable by Tee Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If anyone knows me, they know I’m a SUCKER for any kind of dark, angst-y, moody, sexy bad boy romance. Especially if they are anything like Ripper! This is my first book from Tee Smith and y’all. 👀. This book is *chefs kiss*. It hits all those sweet spots for me. A heroine with secrets- and a smoking hot bad boy who you KNOW has his own secrets and a past of his own just from his description alone! Was I in love with every aspect of their romance? No! And I’m pretty sure we aren’t supposed to be! I can’t wait for the next one and y’all should check it out too! Onto the next! 💖
The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a wonderful boxed set with so many different areas of interest covered for young adult readers that it would be a wonderful one to snag a gift or read for yourself! I love box sets from my favorite authors for this reason! I can share all my favorites in such a convenient way and start people with a wonderful series. The Marcy Series has something for everyone like I said with a strong female lead and really brings to a whole host of supporting side characters to fall in love with as well. I have included below the review for the first two books in the series individually as well so you can get a taste of what is in them in depth a bit more but this is one that you do not want to miss out on!
RAGE: BOOK 1-
“As I fall asleep, all I can think of is a four-letter word: Rage.”
This was my first time reading anything by Linda Burson, and I don’t generally pick up many novels in these genres either, but was wanting to switch it up a bit and the synopsis grabbed my attention from the get go. I was really intrigued by the fact that this was looking to lean more towards an alpha female lead rather than focusing on an alpha male lead for a change. So, I jumped in with an open mind and was fully ready for some kick butt female lead story lines.
So, we meet the lovely and deeply aggravated Marcy. She is the owner of a bakery, Coffee, Tea, & Treats, engaged to Brad, and seems like life is going fairly well. Except it really isn’t. She has been plagued with these nightmares for quite some time now and it is affecting every person and aspect of her life.
“I haven’t been my sweet self for a while. I’m not trying to be difficult, but the nightmares I’ve been having are taking their toll on me.”
All that seems to be the norm in her life as far as feelings go anymore is rage.
“As I fall asleep, all I can think of is a four-letter word: Rage.”
Eventually it takes its final toll on her relationship with her fiancé and an ultimatum is given to her, she either gets help or he is gone.
“That’s it, damn it! I’m done! Do you hear me? I’m fed up with your craziness. I’m leaving. You need help and you need it now!”
This eventually leads her to a newfound love and friend, Liam. They embark on a journey together that will either heal them or tear them apart more.
I will say that this isn’t necessarily a cliffhanger book, but there are unanswered questions and loose ends. It is book 1 in a series and you will definitely want book 2 after this one is done so that you can get the answers to some of those questions left hanging in the air after this one is done. The one reason that I did not give this five stars was because for me this book was in a lot of ways disjointed. It almost felt like two stories with an intermission of excessive information. I have a feeling that it will make all the more sense when reading the second book but it was a tad confusing in the sense that it was introduced in this novel rather than spread throughout the next few books. Otherwise I did enjoy it and will give the next one a go to see what comes next for Marcy and the rest of the characters.
CONFUSION: BOOK 2-
“Marcy, sometimes we can’t explain why the heart wants what it wants. It doesn’t mean it’s wrong; it just means we get confused…”
This is the second installment in The Marcy series by Linda Burson and I was very much impressed with the flow and improvement with the storyline progression in this book. I liked the idea behind the series in book one and wanted it to go blossom in this one and it didn’t disappoint!
“Marcy, sometimes we can’t explain why the heart wants what it wants. It doesn’t mean it’s wrong; it just means we get confused. You need to incorporate your mind; use your intelligence to logically figure out why you feel so connected to him. The heart will lead us astray, but our hearts combined with our reason helps us decipher what the right answer is for us.”
This pretty much picks up where the precious book leaves off, with Marcy confused as to where she wants to settle her heart with, between Liam or Brad. She knows that she has ‘feelings’ for both of them but which one does she love? Luckily, she gets the opportunity to have time to figure this out with both of them, something that is not traditional in most relationships in the modern age, also made for a very interesting and captivating read.
This also contained all the drama, suspense, mystery, and intrigue that balanced so well in the previous novel. It really takes the reader on a roller coaster of a ride. Marcy has quite the intense life both in the present and in her history and she is still uncovering a lot of details. I look forward to reading more about this in future installments in this series.
Review by @lizaileen
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Stripped by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a fast paced page turner which had me hooked from start to finish. The main character Baltimore Detective Dee Quarter is a strong and independent female lead who really brings the story together and I felt that she is a relatable and realistic character, making her easy to engage with. Dee and her partner Detective Connie Wilks have a case to solve when a woman is strangled to death. The investigation becomes personal for Dee when it leads to her ex boyfriend Grayson and causes her current relationship with Winston to be strained. The case also introduces them to cult leader Jonathan Wild, of The Circle. As they continue to investigate it becomes clear that Jonathon wants Dee as a member of The Circle, whether she wants to be or not.
The storyline flows well and the plot twists kept me guessing until the end and had me happily turning the pages. It turns out that this series is a spinoff of the authors Bruised Series, and I did feel as I was reading the novel that certain things that were referred to had maybe happened in a previous book. Although this book can be read as a standalone story, I feel that the reader may understand Dee’s backstory better if they have read the other series first. I found this gripping romantic suspense to be an enjoyable and engaging read and I am now keen to read other books by Stacy-Deanne as I liked her writing style.
The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
THE MARCY SERIES BOXSET: BOOKS 1-3 by Linda J. Burson. The 1st book is Rage ( The Marcy Series Book 1) by Linda Burson. This is the where it all started. The very beginning. Book one is Rage ( The Marcy Series Book 1) This is the where it all started. The very beginning. I’ve read all the books so now we are back to square one and it did not disappoint! This is the story of Marcy and her having nightmares that are causing her life to fall apart. Her partner tells her to get help or they are done. In the midst of all this she is held at gunpoint during a Robbery, she meets Liam and vows to help him find his parents murderers. Liam and Marcy begin to have feelings for each other and she’s never felt like this before. This love is new to Marcy, its kind, positive and happy. Jealousy, confusion, and heartbreak are in the works with her old love. In the Second book Confusion Marcy starts having nightmares due to her trauma. Her past is keeping her from completely healing and she doesn’t know what to do about it. Brad has to make a decision about his father and he’s struggling with that. Liam and Marcy are growing closer and that causes confusion with Brad. Agony & Ectasy is the 3rd book and the characters are just as confused as ever. Brad makes a decision that throws them all off, Liam gets the revenge he thinks will fix everthing and Marcy is still trying to get help for her nightmares from therapy. Once Liam talks to the therapist thinks start to break open and he won’t leave Marcy’s side. Liam makes a decision that turns Marcy’s world upside down. Read this series it will keep you turning pages for hours.
Unbreakable by Tee Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Unbreakable (The Diamonds Book 1) by Tee Smith. This is the story of Erin who is a beautiful red headed nurse who has had her share of heartbreak. When she returns home to Rosewood Bay to care for her ailing mother she never dreams of meeting bad boy Curtis “Ripper” Bandura. Ripper is a bad boy to the bone and he’s not one for falling in love and settling down but when he meets Erin, sexy, beautiful Erin he’s willing to ride it out and see what happens. When Erin and Curtis connect it is pure chemistry! Erin knows that Ripper is not the kind of guy to settle down but she’s afraid she’s falling for him. When Ripper’s past comes haunting him it may solve everything because they are out for blood! Will Ripper survive the doom of his past and will he and Erin find a way to make it work? Read Unbreakable to find out!
Stripped by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Stripped (The Stripped Series Book 1) by Stacy-Deanne is a compelling love triangle suspense novel. A spin-off of the Bruised series by the same author, this book follows Detective Dee of Baltimore. When a murder investigation takes her straight to her ex, she must contend, also, with the leader of a cult. All the while, she must stay true to her love Winston and, more importantly, to herself. Dee struggles with her loyalty to Winston while combating her interest in Jonathan, and she is a character you find yourself rooting for. This book will suck you right in and keep you until the very end. It is the first installment in The Stripped series, so rest assured there will be more to come! Seriously, don’t miss out on this read. The combination of romance and dealings with The Circle (Jonathan’s cult) will definitely keep your interest while satisfying your romantic side. Definitely don’t miss out on the Bruised series to get to know the characters first – however, this can be read as a standalone and enjoyed just fine.
