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Operation Escape (Space Force Rejects Book 2) by Landra Graf – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Operation Escape (Space Force Rejects Book 2)Operation Escape by Landra Graf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Operation Escape is Landra Graf’s second book in the Space Force Rejects series. This edition features Sera Klain seeking help from Markus Engle. She needs a pilot to help her find her uncle, Dr. Garsett. She asks him to fly her to Earth to speak to an ex-commando who had last seen her uncle. Earth is where all Space Force prisoners serve their sentences. Everything goes off without a problem as they begin their descent onto Earth. Without a thought, Sera leaves Markus’s spaceship, disregarding safety. Unbeknownst to Sera, Markus has been struggling with a dilemma caused by one of Dr. Garsett’s old experiments. There is something stirring in him instinctively to protect Sera, even if it costs him his life.
Markus hears Sera scream and exits the spaceship to see two convicts trying to hold her captive. A fight ensues, and Markus falls critically injured. The two men attempt to fly the spacecraft but it blows them up when they miss the timing of the opening in the barrier. Now Sera and Markus are stuck on Earth, completely defenseless against the violent criminals and wildlife that roam the planet.
A story of passion and steamy scenes, Operation Escape is a science-fiction romance novel full of adventure. The witty comments and exceptional attention to detail could place me as the proverbial fly on the wall. Moments of danger, personal growth, and trust add depth to the story and send the characters heading straight for the sequel. I look forward to reading the following books in this series.

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Savage Start (Hid Sden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite PrequelSavage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite Prequel by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Start is a part of Isla Vaughn’s Hidden Valley Elite series. Featuring the alternating views of Riley Matthews and Cole Savage, the story begins with Riley moving to Santa Monica with her mother. They had always run cons, and rarely stayed in one place for very long. That evening, she tells her mother that she is going to the beach. Riley finds a party and slips in to see people her age. She goes into the house and enters a room. Seeing a library, she scans the room and finds a lighter made of gold. She turns to leave and runs into a guy. Cole asks who she is, and Riley attempts to lie. He threatens to call the police after he takes the lighter out of her back pocket. Riley attempts to taunt him, and he steps up to her challenge. He kisses her, and Riley is shocked. She makes a mad dash from the house. Neither of them knew the other, but they both wanted more.

This is a great prequel, and I liked watching Riley’s streetwise manners fly out the window when Cole caught her trying to steal. The underlying conflict is equal on both sides. Riley’s mother is trying to hide them from Riley’s father. Cole and his brother Damon have a father who cheats on their suicidal mother. The conclusion leads well into the sequel.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1)Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

n angle, a vulnerability. Find it and exploit it.”

In Savage Lies, Riley and her mother have returned to Santa Monica after being gone for a year. This time, Riley enrolled in a private school and her mother has disappeared with her boyfriend. When Riley questions her Uncle Ronan, he assures her that Raelyn hasn’t told him anything. On the first day of school, Riley runs into Cole. Instantly she recognizes him, but since she has changed her entire look, he doesn’t. Without his knowledge, Riley lifts Cole’s wallet to learn more about him. While hiding in the bathroom, she pockets the money from the wallet. Just as she is about to exit, she runs straight into Cole. He threatens her. He will make her life miserable. Cole spreads the word to stay away from Riley. However, after school, he hears someone in the pool area. He sees Riley on the high dive and interrupts her mid-dive, but not until after he takes a picture with the clock in the background for evidence.

Cole’s father, Lucas, tells him to not worry about the alert he receives about one of their rental properties. Instead, Cole learns that his father’s new woman’s daughter was the one who set the alarm off. Raeyln and Riley are living in the rental property. Cole gets a copy of the key, intent on showing Riley he can get her anywhere. Shocked, Riley demands to know how he got the key to the house. Cole informs “Your mother is dating my dad.” From that moment, Riley intends to get revenge.

The plot thickens in the series. Both Cole and Riley are hiding dark secrets. Despite their “hatred” of each other, something undeniably attracted both of them to each other. Isla Vaughn created well-developed personalities for every person in this book and the cliffhanger ending had me desperate to read more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a romance novel with more depth than just happily ever. I am eager to read the sequel.

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Braving Lily (True Platinum Series Book 7) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Braving Lily (True Platinum, #7)Braving Lily by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lily Tyler is a rock star. Rhys Jones is IT support.

A charity auction date caused their paths to cross’.
Rhys had stood Lilly up twice, so she had gone to his house to find out why.
Something between them sparked her interest, and Rhys offered to go to a coffee shop. Despite being escorted by Noel, Lily’s bodyguard, Rhys’ niece, Sienna, interferes with their date. Lily doesn’t get upset and even promises to appear at Sienna’s birthday party. Rhys has a confidence issue since he divorced after catching his wife and best friend sleeping together.
He offers to take Lily on a proper date. The second was in a private room in a Japanese restaurant and both of them agreed to continue their dates. The only problem is Lily is going on an international tour in two weeks. Can they manage a long distance relationship or avoid becoming emotionally attached?

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Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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

Mina’s mother, Valentina, has made enemies with the Santriano mob, and her father, Cutter, has decided that Mina should stay in New Orleans with the Hawke family. Mina is frustrated and packs bags for Vivianna, her four-year-old daughter, and herself.
Vivianna arrives at the Hawke law firm and is placed in Isaac Hawke’s office. Mina notices that Stone Hawke looks similar to someone from her past, but Isaac’s entrance eliminates any doubts.
Isaac and Mina used the false names Nolan and Jack to spend a weekend together in Chicago, but Mina left a message and snuck away as her father picked her up. Isaac tried to find her but ended up going home to New Orleans. When he sees Jack, he is shocked to learn that he is the father of Vivianna, a fact that Mina has not revealed to anyone.
Isaac volunteers his condo for Mina and Vivianna to stay in but is upset that Mina has not told him he is a father. Mina tries to reason with him, but he feels like he has missed important parts of his daughter’s life. How are they going to tell Vivianna that he is her father?
The Hawke family is having difficulty building a hotel due to their competitor, Falco, using their brand. Isaac decides to hire a private investigator to obtain incriminating photographs of Broussard, one of the zoning board members, accepting a bribe from Falco’s attorney.
Isaac wants to protect Mina and be involved in Vivianna’s upbringing, but Mina believes he doesn’t want to
be a father. Isaac is aware that Mina doesn’t really want to stay in New Orleans, but he still wants to find out if she felt like he did when they were in Chicago.
I found it amazing that Issac and Mina were reunited for the exact reason that Mina abandoned him. I loved the family dynamics between the Hawkes, especially with how quickly they accepted Mina and Vivianna. Vivianna was quite mature and yet her resilience is exactly how a 4-year-old should be.

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

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Shameless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #2)Shameless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My complete opinion is this story just seemed a little unrealistic. But put that aside, the character perspectives were written well. I didn’t really like Elyse because I felt she was a bit trashy and out for an easy target. She really didn’t focus on Becky as she should have.

Shameless Love is the second book in KG Fletcher’s The Bennetts of Langston Falls series. The story alternates between the views of Walter Bennett and Elyse Farrell. Walter Bennett has moved into the Kirby residence after purchasing the property from Mrs. Kirby. Glen Kirby, her son, still blamed Walter’s brother, Ted, for the death of his brother, Joe. Something subconsciously makes Walt take extra precautions while he is at his new home. While Becky is visiting Walter, a cat shows up, and its collar shows it belongs to Mrs. Kirby. Walt names the cat Garth.

Elyse Farrell and Albert Tompkins have come from Atlanta to ask Becky if she would like to do a screen test. Becky is unsure if she wants to go alone. Elyse offers to hire an assistant for Becky, but Walter states that he will accompany her. Elyse manages to schedule Becky and Walt before New Year’s Eve. She has her eyes on Walt, hoping to catch his attention as well.

After Walt and Elyse both acknowledge their attraction to each other, they end up spending the New Year’s Eve weekend together. Things don’t work smoothly when Becky is dressed professionally and the camera crew zooms in on her cleavage. Walt punches one of the cameramen. Becky decides she isn’t going to continue with the screen test because she isn’t comfortable with the circumstances. Elyse shut Walt out and refused to acknowledge their potential relationship.

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The True Garza (Red Cage Book 3) by S. Ann Cole – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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The True Garza (Red Cage, #3)The True Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

London Bridge is furious. She is living with her sister, Brook, out of necessity rather than choice. She tries to bury her anger with alcohol. She has been in a downward spiral since her fiance chose to leave her for his ex, followed by her father’s death. Out of impulse, she allowed herself to pick up a one-night stand; only “Mateo” was everything she needed. After a week, Mateo returns to work. London ends up leaving her cabin in Colorado and moving in with her sister.
Despite blaming her mother and Uncle Walter for a painful divorce, “Lonny” agrees to meet with him for a job. As a private investigator who is well known for her ability to get her job done, Walter knows she is a perfect agent for the LXVI. However, he has a request for Lonny to contract with the infamous Red Cage Security. She accepts the assignment and goes to the company. After going through multiple security points, Lonny is escorted into a meeting room. There she meets Guy and her assigned partner, Sacha. She finally meets the man she slept with in Colorado. True Garza is the vice president of Red Cage. He and his twin, Trent, need Lonny to go undercover to take down a human trafficking ring. However, the group underestimated Lonny completely. While they are still trying to infiltrate the headmen of the operation, Lonny manages to take down men at the local level with planted bugs. Then she returns to Red Cage and tells them to hire her. Trent knows that True has more than a professional interest in Lonny. His brother has never forgotten his time in the cabin. True has been adamant about always being single and never marrying anyone. However, since Lonny started working with the company, True has lost focus on anything except her. When a major meeting requiring a vice president to attend comes up, Trent assigns Lonny to accompany True to the event. Will they finally admit their feelings, or will the entire plan backfire and permanently separate the couple?
I will be honest. Lonny frustrated me when it came to how she treated people without any regard for how they felt. True’s parents didn’t do a good job of teaching him how to treat women either. That said, the quality of this book exceeded my expectations with its unpredictable twists and well-developed characters. It is exceedingly easy to see how the Garza family is close-knit. I look forward to reading more books in the Red Cage series.

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The Golden Garza (Red Cage Book 4) by S. Ann Cole – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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The Golden Garza (Red Cage, #4)The Golden Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

S.Ann Cole brings another exciting book to her Red Cage Series with The Golden Garza. The beginning of the book contains a Quick Information Guide with all of the characters that are part of the series. This book focuses on Soleil and Tripp. Soleil is best friends with Tillie and has decided to visit her in Los Angeles. Soleil (aka Sunny) is a YouTube fitness trainer and has been able to save up the money she needs to get an interview with Red Cage to help her find out what her real identity is. Tillie is elated when she greets Sunny at the airport. Then the shoe drops—they are staying at Tripp’s house because Tillie’s has had to be worked on and is not inhabitable currently. Sunny likes Tripp, but he is not a fan of her after their past. While she was drunk and in Costa Rica with the Garza family, she attempted to kiss Tripp while he was sleeping. He woke and shoved her away. Six years had passed since then, but he still avoided her like the plague. Tillie reassures her that Tripp is away at work and insists that Sunny occupy his room while she takes the guest room. However, Tripp returns in the middle of the night. Sunny has a secret crush on Tripp, and when he starts to become intimate with her, she goes along with it. Right before he reaches to put a condom on, Sunny tries to kiss him.

Tripp Garza does not kiss! He stops and turns the light on to discover Sunny in his bed and not his long-term friend with benefits, Maggie. Sunny tries to apologize, and Tripp knows that Tillie is responsible for the bedroom fiasco. He tells Sunny to stay in his room and that things will be sorted out in the morning. He leaves the room. The following day, Sunny is waiting for a taxi to Red Cage for her appointment when Tripp pulls up beside her on his motorcycle. He tells her to get on, and they zip through traffic, arriving in time for her to be early for her appointment. When she starts to say thank you, Tripp drives away.

Soleil goes to the meeting with Red Cage. Trent, Guy, and Ruebin are at the meeting where she tells them about her dilemma. She had been adopted and had no recollection of her memories before age thirteen. Her “father” died, and that was when she discovered he was not her real father. When she was willing to sign over the gym to Lance, the co-owner of the business, he disappeared. They tell her they will call her in a few days with their decision. Trent is against taking the case because of the cost and knowing she can’t afford it. Tripp has compassion for her and says he will pay for it. Guy also contributes $200,000 to the pot. Unbeknownst to Soleil, Tripp has feelings he is trying to hide, and they all go back to before the attempted kiss in Costa Rica.

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Hit on You by Brooke May – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Hit on YouHit on You by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brooke May created this romance with the Russian Bratva finding Luke. Luke hates her name and doesn’t want to end up like her mother. Growing up her mother was always looking for a man to support her, leaving Luke to take care of her sister. When her sister follows in her mother’s footsteps, Luke ends up in Las Vegas with Nikolai Bazhenov. When she begins getting feelings for him, Luke flees and goes to Seattle. She gets a job as a burlesque dancer and lives in a studio apartment above a bar run by her friend, Tony. As Luke is leaving work, she unwittingly witnesses the murder of her boss Eryn. Now someone else has a target on Luke’s back. Tony tells her she needs security, and walks to Nikolai. Shocked, Luke can’t believe the man that she ran away from has found her.

Nikolai was a very secretive man throughout the entire book. The story alternates between the views of both characters and his lifestyle gives the perfect background for finding people. I thought his family was very supportive of his obsession with Luke. It appears that the Bratva puts family first. The thirst for power seems to be the predominant reason for the death of Eryn and Luke’s life is on the line, but not in a manner one would expect. The unpredictable elements added into this book makes Hit On You more than just a steamy romance novel.

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Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Married Blind (Kings of Screen, #2)Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Married Blind is a slow-burn romance featuring Finn Mcarthy and Abi Johnson. Finn’s agent insists he participates in a reality show that has celebrities marry normal people. Begrudgingly, he agrees. Abi’s sister, Eva, and best friend, Roseline, send her the application to join the show. Abi agrees because of the promised money that would help pay off her sister’s medical bills. Interspersed throughout the story are interviews from Tyler. Finn adamantly skirts around the questions. When Abi is surprised to see she is being married to Finn, she decides she will try to make the relationship work. Finn has already decided that after the three months of the show, he would get a divorce and possibly get more work. However, the honeymoon in Bora Bora seems to show Finn and Abi that Tyler had intentionally exploited some of Abi’s fears to force them to interact. Finn was initially attracted to Abi, and he fights the feelings. Abi doesn’t know when Finn is being himself or acting.

This was a great unpredictable romance book. The involvement of the reality show and the various obstacles the couple faces mix comedy, and steamy moments to keep any reader’s interest. The end of the book had me in tears.

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Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Prequel) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation #0.5)Night Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gwyn Mcnamee created Night Hawke: A Second Generation Hawke Family Prequel as a taste of what is coming in this series. The book features Issac and the beguiling redhead who uses the name “Jack.” When Issac approaches the woman she gives him the name Jack so he uses the name Nolan. She isn’t worried about this, because both of them seem interested in a one night stand. Issac takes her to a fancy hotel called the Palmer House. Neither of them try to divulge anything about their lives. Issac is leaving Chicago to join his father in a family business, while Jack doesn’t say anything beyond that she grew up in Chicago. The cliffhanger ending left me eager to start this series. The mystery that started when the two met continues into Ruthless Hawke, and I know I am going to pick up a copy to dive into the story.

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Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Degrees of Innocence (Prestian Series, #1)Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

17 chapters of a whirlwind romance with an edge of mystery, Degrees Of Innocence won’t lack in capturing the reader’s attention. Katarina narrates her time in Aruba working on a project to make healthcare more accessible. When a man collapses in the dining room of the resort, Katarina begins CPR when another man assists her. After the man is taken to an ambulance, Chase buys her dinner and escorts her to her room where they exchange phone numbers. Chase promises to give her a tour of the island. Katarina finds she can’t stop thinking about Chase. Meanwhile, she continues to work on setting up for the conference. Much to her dismay, the owner of Prestian Corporation keeps emailing her to stop working so she can enjoy the resort.

Sunday, Katarina and Chase go on a tour of the island. Both of them admit to their attraction and while Katarina would willingly allow Chase in her room that evening, Chase promises they can spend their time on Monday evening where he intends to spend his time focused completely on her. When Monday morning arrives, Katarina is shocked to see Chase in a business suit. Chase is the owner of Prestian Corporation! The story progresses delving into the dynamic of Katarina and Chase’s relationship. Rumors turn into dangerous threats and Katarina is faced with her mother’s past which is a serious threat to her life and Chase’s company. This is a promising series and I eagerly look forward to reading this romance series.

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Raine Down (The Shadow Guardians Book 1) by CB Samet – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Raine Down (The Shadow Guardians, #1)Raine Down by C.B. Samet
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raine is a Shadow Guardian hunting a known killer, Jor, when FBI Agent Will Decker appears. To prevent Will from being hurt by the demonic serpent, Raine intervenes by shooting Jor and being stabbed in the forearm. Jor was not mortally wounded and escaped. Will takes Raine to an emergency room for the stab wound, but the wound is gone. Since she had lost a lot of blood and passed out, Will takes her to a safe house. While he is asleep, Raine sneaks out of the house to see her mentor, Usha Bakshi. Less than a week later, Raine and Will are paired together as partners on an interagency case pursuing Jor.

Raine starts telling Will about the supernatural and nine realms when she notices that all of Jor’s victims are Vanir. Raine is puzzled when Will accepts her explanation of how she was able to heal herself. To complicate matters, Raine has begun to have feelings for Will. A man who never commits to any relationship, Will is confused by his need to gain Raine’s affection. Both of them do not show their feelings. They are complete opposites in how they solve cases as well. Raine has no issue with killing her opponent, whereas Will prefers to apprehend criminals. Will has a secret that he doesn’t reveal until the duo encounters Jor and nearly both nearly lose their lives. What is he hiding? Why is Jor targeting Vanir’s descendants?

Raine Downe is the first book in the Shadow Guardian series by C.B Samet. I found the story to be engaging and despite some of the supernatural elements, the dialogue is realistically depicted. The detail of the story is vivid, making it easy to envision every moment of the story. I definitely recommend this fantasy romance novel to anyone who likes an unpredictable story with strong lead characters. I plan on reading the rest of the series.

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Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #1)Faultless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After five years of being in prison, Ted Bennett is on his way home to his hoe in Langston Falls. He has one year left on his parole and he intends to stay out of trouble. His parole officer, Ms. Sam McNeil, automatically meets him at the Family Christmas Tree Farm and Winery. She is adament about Ted staying at the farm but only doing the work for the Christmas trees as a condition of his parole.

What did Ted do that made him serve prison time? Robyn Morgan, his high school sweetheart, knows exactly what he didn’t do. She was a law student but quit pursuing her dream when she watched the justice system fail when Ted was sentenced to prison. Now, she works in a flower shop and has a horrible relationship with Anderson. Anderson tries to get her to go for the bar exam and move to Atlanta, but Robyn feels that Langston Falls is her home. Her relationship with Anderson falls into the backdrop when Ted walks into the flower shop. Their love never died.

Ted and Robyn begin spending more time together and prepare for an annual Festival on the Bennett farm. However, Robyn never broke off her relationship with Anderson. Anderson drops in at the festival. Ted is crushed when Robyn leaves with Anderson back to her house. Robyn and Anderson break off their relationship, both admitting there was no love between them.

Later, during the music concert that Ted’s brother Hank performs in, Ms. Kirby approaches Ted and asks to speak to him in private. She tells him about the security video that proves his innocence. Before anything else could be said, Glen Kirby finds his mother and Ted. He tries to instigate a fight only to be held back by Ted’s brother Walt. Robyn enters with Ms. McNeil. Walt lets Glen go and he knocks her out by punching her in the face. Ted hit Glen twice, dropping him to the ground. Then Glen laughs “I’m pressing charges, you just violated your parole murderer!” Violating his parole means Ted will return to prison. What does Ted do now? What about Robyn?

This is a well-written story about how justice isn’t always served in a nice box like many of us would like to think. I found the story relatable in some aspects since I have experienced the court system on both sides as prosecuting and defendant. The label of justice being blind is true; in all ways. Read this story to see if Robyn and Ted can continue their relationship or will everything fall apart if Ted is sent back to prison. The end is unpredictable to say the least.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An amazing start to a series favorite of mine. Amy McKinley has the ability to create an interesting story full of characters you can’t help to love.
Defiant Princess is a Mafia Elite Prequel that focuses on the females in the five families. Marissa
is officially engaged to Tony Caruso. Emiliana has been rescued from a human trafficking ring
that presumably claimed the life of Elena. Lilliana isn’t promised to anybody yet and is waiting
for her father to destroy her. Sofia has a crush on Enzo but refuses to act on her feelings. Ivan
from the Russian Bratva has appeared and Marissa wants to ask him about her sister Camila.
The group tries to convince her to stay away from him, especially since Tony was known for being
possessive and would act violently out of jealousy.
To avoid spoilers, I can only state that Marissa’s decisions will affect all of the girls. What does she do?

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Into the Light (Moon Harbor Series Book 3) by Kate McWilliams – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Into the LightInto the Light by Kate McWilliams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ellie and Rafael both have a crush on each other. However, Ellie has no clue about his attraction to her and Rafael attempts to hide his feelings. Rafael is best friends with Ellie’s older brother and takes on the role of a protector of Ellie’s best interests. Ellie doesn’t want to be viewed as a little sister anymore.
At Rafael’s birthday party, Ellie is wearing a tiny red dress, and Rafael is mortified when he sees other men ogling her. He shadows her and whispers about how inappropriate her dress appears. Angry, Ellie tells him off and then slips through the crowd, making it a point to not look at him. Before she leaves, she hands him his gift and leaves. He quickly follows but not before she runs into her ex-boyfriend David. David is still interested in Ellie, and she invites him to go to her brother’s wedding. Rafael and Ellie are torn into a dance of hiding their feelings or allowing their vulnerability to show.
Meanwhile, darkness from Rafael’s past has followed him. His past could cost him his relationship with Ellie and his reputation with the tiny town he has called home.

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Operation Pinpoint (Space Force Rejects Book 1) by Landra Graf – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Operation PinpointOperation Pinpoint by Landra Graf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ravenna has to be in the search and rescue team of Perseus. After getting Admiral Penchant to assign her to the team, he then drops the bomb that she will be under Captain Rothschild’s command. She follows the order. She has to find her love, Yve. Yve was one scientist on the missing ship and the only light in Ravenna’s life. When she arrives at the Mothership Prisoner Holding Facility, she meets up with Rothschild, Kuchi, and two other commandos. The deputies bring in a yellow-eyed Hirudan Tracker and release him. They gave the huge tracker a human prisoner, causing everyone but Ravenna to feel terrified. They give Ravenna a termination code to a chip embedded in Dravos. If Dravos becomes uncontrollable, the code would kill him. Having fed, Dravos is willing to go and Ravenna leads him to the ship. Ravenna feels odd around Dravos, and the feeling is mutual. When they find Perseus, a message comes across. Ravenna and Dravos are searching the ship. Everyone still aboard the ship is dead, including Yve. Rothschild announces he is going to blow up the ship to finally get rid of Ravenna. Dravos saves Ravenna into an escape pod despite her desperate attempt to die alongside Yve. A jolt shows that a larger ship has locked onto the pod. Is it Rothschild? Is it an enemy space alien who wants to kill or eat them?

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Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1) by Toni Denise – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1)Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake is having issues finding a woman interested in him instead of his money and social status. He accepts his friends setting him up on four blind dates through a new restaurant his friend, Evan, was investing in. The new place was made for blind dates, where the room was dark, and the patrons were unable to see each other.
Meanwhile, Lauren is looking for a new place to live since she was living with a toxic roommate. Her best friend, Catherine, keeps offering her a place to stay. The only problem Lauren has is Catherine is the sister of her boss, Cade. Cade dismisses the idea and even pays for her move.
Jake has gone on his first blind date. He couldn’t get away from the woman fast enough. He decides he will text the next blind date throughout the week to learn more about her.
Catherine begs Lauren to go on a blind date, stating she knows the perfect person. Lauren finally relents. At the blind date restaurant, Lauren finds herself at ease with the stranger on the other side of the screen. He asks her if they could continue the date outside the restaurant, but Lauren declines. However, she agrees to continue messaging him to get to know him better. Could Lauren let her walls down and meet her mystery date? Can Jake find someone who didn’t care about his money?

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My Darling Rogue (A Wicked Rogues Romance Book 1) by April Moran – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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My Darling RogueMy Darling Rogue by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sebastian Cain, the Earl of Ravenswood, tries to convince Gabriel Rose to pursue Lady Celia Buchannan. However, Gabriel feels he is unworthy since he is a bastard child. Lady Celia wants to be with Gabriel, but being of high society, she doubts her family would approve. Gabriel follows Sebastion’s advice but has second thoughts. He sees Celia entertain advances from other men like Lord Harvey, but never accepts any suitors or marriage. When Gabriel rescues her from being forced into a marriage after Lord Harvey tries to challenge her virtue, he decides he will make her chase him instead. Just when it seems that Celia has finally fallen for Gabriel, she tells him she cannot marry him. She tells him it is not because he is a commoner. Celia hides a secret that even her family is unaware of. Gabriel is about to leave Ravenswood when a message arrives for him that could change their lives completely.

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nico is staying in the Cayman Islands awaiting a storm to move in. What he doesn’t expect is another storm in the form of Mia pointing a gun at his chest. Mia has sought Nico out after her stepbrother Ricco imprisoned her in a holding cell for a forced marriage to Guido. She knows that she can’t return to New York and needs protection. She proposes that Nico marry her and, in exchange, she would help him take her father and brother’s sex sex-trafficking business. After some thinking, Nico agrees and seals the deal with a blood oath. Mia knows that if she violates this oath, she faces an immediate death. However, Nico doesn’t trust Mia. There are only two possibilities he sees – she is a traitor to her family, or a spy working for her family.

I am a diehard Amy McKinley fan and have followed the Mafia Elite Series from the very beginning. I was a bit saddened to see that this is the final book in the series, but I also know that she will continue with a spin-off series that I eagerly am looking forward to. Every story in the Mafia Elite Series contains danger, unique situations, and relatable characters with passion. I highly recommend this 5 star book without hesitation.

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The Secret Cure: A Gripping Psychological Thriller with a Twist by JD Spero – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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The Secret CureThe Secret Cure by J.D. Spero
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rosalie is unable to move due Guillain-Barre Syndrome. J.D. Spero created the perfect drama filled with passion and revenge. Rosalie has a home health nurse, Cate, who has formed an attachment to spending days with her. Likewise, her husband, Vincent, has become detached and begins going to therapy. However, Anastasia has fallen in love with her patient, and finally reveals her feelings to Vincent. Vincent’s upbringing has taught him to take full advantage of the situation, and he convinces Anastasia he feels the same way.

Then one day, Rosalie utters a word. Cate, happily wants to let Vincent know his wife has started to recover, however Rosalie persuades her to keep her progress secret. Cate doesn’t fully understand but agrees to. Meanwhile, she is having to deal with her pessimistic mother’s declining health and seeks a counselor. Cate served as a medic during the Iraq war and started therapy with Anastasia. How will this drama unfold?

An unpredictable plot filled with deception, I found the justification for Rosalie’s anger to be on point. I’m not sure if I could have betrayed the one person who I could depend on though. Being stuck in a mental and physical prison for several years obviously changes a person’s view on their circumstances.

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Love in the Roses (Love Through the Ages Book 1) by TL Clark – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Love in the RosesLove in the Roses by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set in the year of 1484, this story begins with Lady Everett teaching her daughter, Isabel, her role as a woman. Isabel learns how to manage her home as well as how to receive guests. When her father arrives home, she learns she is to be married to Sir William Ward of Rocham. Her upbringing showed her family had an allegiance to the House of York, and yet her father was to have her marry the opposing House of Lancaster. Despite this betrothal, Isabel does as her mother instructs her and lays her faith in her father’s wisdom.

Upon her wedding day, Isabel become Lady Ward. She was quite nervous and, despite being a knight, William appears to be so as well. Two days pass, and they begin a long journey, upon which, Isabel notices that, Sir Robert does not seem to be fond of the union. She learns that her husband was not in full allegiance to the House of Lancaster as much as Sir Robert. When Sir Robert is not following them further than Baron Sanford’s estate, William confides in Isabel that their union was also a test for the angry knight. He failed by his behavior and was to be tried for treason.

The couple becomes more solidified in their relationship, but soon they both discover there is much to learn. When her Uncle Walter appears, Isabel was careful to remember her mother’s words, “Being a woman does have its benefits. You sit and observe, unnoticed by others.” Those words became a strength for Isabel throughout the remainder of the story.

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Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 2) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder #2)Body Checked by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To overcome a past that has your reputation in question is difficult. Bridger McKelty is a professional hockey player for the Astoria Bay Thunder. He is a self-avowed bachelor and recognized as having a different woman with him at every public event. However, his luck has run out with bad media headlines and going through a slump during games. He undergoes a whole life makeover and comes up with an idea for a team calendar for a fundraiser event.

Tia Ferris has agreed to accompany her friend Brynn to a photoshoot. Tia has just lost her job because of incriminating photographs taken by her ex-boyfriend, Jonas Logie. When she left him, he promised she would be nothing without him. Every job Tia has worked at, Jonas has somehow infiltrated, and she is terminated. Now, seeking employment, nobody seems willing to hire her. Little does she know she is about to meet someone who will have her breaking her own rules.

Bridger seriously seems sincere with having Tia’s best interests at heart. Her problem with trust seems to be a barrier, and he is exceedingly patient with her on and off feelings for him. My favorite part of the book was his impulsive first date. To avoid spoilers, I can’t describe it, but I am sure it will make readers laugh.

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Queen of Hearts (Heels, Rhymes & Nursery Crimes Vol. 21) By Natalina Reis – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Queen of Hearts (Heels, Rhymes & Nursery Crimes, #21)Queen of Hearts by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mimi Mioyo is the star of this dark fantasy story set in the late Victorian age. As an abused woman, she had sought safety with Seree, the woman who provided shelter for women under the guise of a gentleman’s club. They had dubbed Mimi the Queen of Hearts. She would play a card game, with a night in her bedroom as the prize. She would purposely lose, and when the man arrived in her bedroom, she would offer him some wine laced with poison. Only, she didn’t kill the men. She hit them below the belt, literally, as the poison would render them unable to achieve an erection permanently.

Mimi needed more herbs to make her poison, but becomes alarmed when her normal supplier doesn’t arrive. Jacques “Jac” Tourville tells her he had bad luck and that Jac would be her supplier. Much to her dismay, Jac shows up at the gentleman’s club and plays the card game. He wins and follows her to her room. However, Jac has no intention of drinking anything, nor is he wanting to have sex with her. Instead, he offers her something much more sinister.

This is a short story of revenge on vile men who cheat and abuse women. Mimi was a type of vigilante, but there are always holes in every plan. Jac turns out to be the hole in her plan. I recommend readers who like strong female characters who also are not innocent to read this book.

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The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising Book 1) by Nadia Han – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising, #1)The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A murder scars five teen boys who skipped school to work on their dream creation of a video game. When a man, who went by the name of Slash, warns them to forget the murder, or they would end up dead, the boys never mention it again.

Years later, Remi is buying Lafayette Marketing when he sees a distressed Audri. He hadn’t seen his best friend, Grayson, little sister in years since he had moved to New York. Unaware of what was causing her distress, he decides he will follow up with her later. Audri is walking to the human resources department to speak about her sexual harassment complaint against Lawrence Lafayette. The meeting didn’t go well, and Audri leaves work upset. She goes to her brother’s housewarming party and runs into Remi. Audri can’t deny the attraction she has for Remi, but he keeps a distance from her. Remi tries to avoid attachments, but something about Audri has piqued his interest.

Audri is out to lunch with her friends when she sees Remi as well. Her phone pings, and a lewd message appears. Remi notices and approaches the table to see what is wrong. Audri admits that this is the third message she has received since Remi purchased Lafayette Marketing from different numbers. From that moment, Remi feels the need to protect Audri and a tense relationship forms between them. Who is sending the messages? Will a relationship actu

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Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6)Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book six of the Mafia Elite series is just as amazing as the previous five stories! In this edition, Trey La Rosa’s Mafia background comes into play when Allen Mitchell’s stepdaughter, Hailey, is abducted in the hospital parking lot. After watching the security tape, Trey recognizes Hailey from a charity event a year ago. After sending a copy of the security tape to Nico, less than an hour later, Trey is setting up a retrieval of Hailey. Upon finding Hailey’s location, Trey was curious about how friendly she was with her kidnapper. Trey decided to turn the tables and snatches Hailey from her best friend, Justin. After finding out why Hailey had staged her abduction, Trey decides to help her with her plan to blackmail Allen for the money he has exhorted from the hospital.

The multiple twists and burning tension between Trey and Hailey makes this story one that cannot be put down. I guarantee the entire series is well worth reading, and every book will have you eagerly looking for more.

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The Curse of a Faeblood by MK Lorber – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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The Curse of a FaebloodThe Curse of a Faeblood by M.K. Lorber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gavyn has caught Ember attempting to steal a loaf of bread from his sister, Jade. Jade takes Ember as a guest and has her work for the bread. Gavyn doesn’t trust the girl and believes she is up to no good. Little does he know, Ember fully intends to continue on her travels to the Northern Isles. Ember had lost her mother on their journey. She taught Ember to never use her powers in front of others, as humans did not accept Faeblood. Jade, however, persuades Ember to stay in Midpointe. As days pass, Ember has difficulty hiding her attraction to Gavyn. She also has felt at home in the village, something she had never experienced with her mother. However, trouble is brewing from the High Court, and the village is on the line if Ember’s Faeblood heritage is revealed. Who is the spy in Midpointe? Why would anyone endanger the village?

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The Fighter (An Underground Bad Boys Romance Book 3) by India Kells – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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The Fighter (An Underground Bad Boys Romance, #3)The Fighter by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jonathon Gage was not a nice person, so when he was floating on his back in water at the beach, he did not expect to have two hands grab his ankles. Immediately reacting, he started to retaliate when he noticed it was a woman. Juliet Auclair had thought Gage was drowning and tried to rescue him. After clearing up the misunderstanding, he thought he would never see her again. He was mistaken when he sees her with another man at the underground cage fighting event. Scheduled to fight that evening, he overhears Juliet arguing with Ten. Ten was not a seasoned fighter but was getting ready to be in a fight, in hopes to get money for their rent.

Ten was getting beaten badly when the bell rang, ending the first round. Gage immediately moved in and gave Ten some pointers to get through the fight. Seeing Mirkle as the opponent, Gage whispers to Ten how to win the fight. Ten breaks Mirkle’s knee, but it cost him the money he would have won from the fight. Gage drives them to their apartment, only to see their belongings in trash bags at the curb. Taking another unprecedented action, he loads the bags into his truck and brings Juliet and Ten to his home.

After learning Juliet and Ten are only roommates, Gage ends up having both wanting to have sex with him. Since Gage is confident in his sexuality, he ends up making an agreement with the two. He also answers the call from Mirkle, expecting retaliation. A major decision now falls on his shoulders, and Gage has no clue on how to keep everyone safe.

There are detailed sex scenes in this book, and I would caution the content is appropriate for only adult readers. While the entire story is unpredictable, I thought Gage was regretting his choice to be the white knight after Mirkle made his threat known. Then adding several twists and revelations to the story, the book changes directions which will enthrall readers that like steamy romances with a true story line.

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The Hunted (Vampire Navy SEAL: Sam & Layla) by S.B. Alexander – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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The Hunted (Vampire Navy SEAL: Sam & Layla, #1)The Hunted by S.B. Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A team of vampires is waiting in the dark, watching for their target, Roman Brown. Sam waits patiently as he watches the establishment run by vampires. To his astonishment, three women enter the bar, and he wonders why humans would choose this particular bar. Then Roman, the rogue vampire, arrives with a Shifter at his side. Sam makes his move only to find vampires racing out of the bar. Entering the building, he sees the three women were shooting darts into the vampires, which caused them to fall unconscious. One of them is holding a gun against one of his team members, Ben, who is half human. Another has shot Roman several times, but the rogue remains awake without the ability to move.

Rianne threatens to shoot Sam with a dart, but the vampire is too fast and manages to invoke a spell on the girl. Layla, her sister, comes to her aid, but Sam has already freed Ben. Before the two flee, he warns her to leave before Roman can move. Jordyn and Layla carry their sister to a car and drive out of the city to their house backing up to the woods. Sam’s spell on Rianne has made her unable to speak, and she seems to have lost any cognitive ability. Layla debates with Jordyn on how to help their sister. Unfortunately, the decision ends up forced upon Layla when Roman arrives and snatches Jordyn. To save Jordyn, she has to seek help from the vampire that cast a spell on Rianne. Sam, her intended target, is the only one that can help her sister. Seeking him out goes against everything she has ever known. A vampire hunter pairing up with a vampire? Would he help her before Roman decides to kill Jordyn?

A romantic vampire fantasy story, this is the first book of a Vampire Navy SEAL series. The characters are well-developed, and the tension is boiling. Throw in several outside stories that imply secrets that could be Earth shattering, and this book will captivate your attention.

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Ruthless Heir (Mafia Elite Book 5) by Amy McKinley – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite, #5)Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Five Families are about to go through an astounding transformation. Summer is on the run from Ben Amato, her roommate’s ex-boyfriend. Lauralee had recorded a private conversation and planned to blackmail Ben for money. Despite Summer’s misgivings about Ben’s involvement with the New York Mafia, Lauralee puts her plan in motion. When Summer arrives home from her job, she is attacked by Ben. She manages to escape with the evidence. Summer ends up in California and has a job as an assistant for a multi-million dollar corporation. When she sees Lauralee’s face with a report of her death, Summer goes into a hotel bar and attempts to drown her sorrows. She uncharacteristically ends up having a one-night stand with Luc. When Summer awakens, she sees she is late for work. As she hurries through the lobby at work, news cameras are taking pictures of her ex-boss from the take-over by another company.

Luc believes there is a spy in his company. When he finds his personal accounts are all empty, he automatically sees red. In front of his office sits Summer. The two lock eyes and he targets her. Summer jumps up from her desk and runs out of the office, only to be detained by security. During Luc’s interrogation of Summer, Max Caruso interrupts and requires Luc to travel to Chicago immediately. Still not convinced Summer isn’t the one that stole his money, Luc drags her with him to Chicago. What fate does Summer face?

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