Better Off Wed by Susanna Craig book review

I was hooked by the “love and let spy” on the front cover of this book. Romance and intrigue coming together in one fun book? Thank you! Laura Hopkins moonlights as a mercenary to right the wrongs men have done to women. For Laura, it is a small measure of justice. However, she does get in a bit over her head and runs into someone who is named Lord Sterling and claims to be her husband. Then the fun begins. Lord Sterling really is a spy for the crown. He’s been on a lot of missions, but might be ready to settle down. While Laura and Jeremy know they are just acting the part, they begin to wonder if their feelings for each other are real. The chemistry was definitely there for these two characters, but as a reader you could tell that they appreciated each other’s cleverness and talent for the spy business. They were both good at what they did. I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun, fast read and  a perfect weekend read.

A Duke Worth Fighting For by Christina Britton book review

I totally devoured this series in a short amount of time. I love the cover of this third book. I love that it takes place on the Isle of Synne! The characters are great and it provides a perfect escape. 

Margery is a widow and Daniel is a war veteran suffering from PTSD. He also got hurt during the war and thinks it will be difficult to find a wife because of his scars. Margery is being blackmailed. Daniel needs a wife. They decide to team up because Margery needs to be paid for her matchmaking skills and she thinks she can help Daniel navigate The Season. Readers may get the idea of where this is going… ;) 

I think this is a sweet book that deals with finding love after loss. There are definitely some nefarious things going on with the blackmail and life after a war. There are some emotionally heavy things going on, but there is always hope, which is what kept me hooked reading this book. This is a great story to remind readers that life is not always perfect, but there is always hope that things will get better and I’m a sucker for a happy ending. This book delivers. If you like historical romance, you will enjoy this book.

Tracing a Kidnapper (Behavioral Analysis Unit #3) by Juno Rushdan book review

Are you ready for some heart thumping suspense? Do you like crime fighting by kick-ass heroines? If so, you need to read this book. I am a big fan of just about any Harlequin Intrigue series book. There are several series now that feature the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit. This one is based in Seattle and they are working with tech CEO, Jackson Rhodes because his daughter was kidnapped from a work event. Madeline Striker runs point on this investigation and it means a lot to her because she had a sister who was kidnapped at the same age as Jackson’s. 

The romance in these Intrigue books tend to be on the slow burn side, which makes sense because the kidnapping and suspense is the focus of this book (and this series). Both characters have to battle their demons. Jackson, who is used to being in charge, cannot control this situation. But he refuses to be left out of the investigation. Madeline is who she is today because of the loss of her sister. Both are vulnerable in different ways, which brings them closer together. Expect some twists and turns. This is a quick read that is hard to put down. >

Must Love Cowboys by Carly Bloom book review

I didn’t really know what to expect from this book. I have to be in the mood for cowboy romance. ( I haven't been feeling it lately) But I was pushed over the edge because the main character is a librarian. I feel like I have to read every librarian romance. This one did NOT disappoint. The characters are real, messy and lovable. Carly Bloom’s writing made me feel like I really traveled to Texas hill country and learned a few things about ranches (sort of). This story contains fake dating, childhood crushes and two people who should have gotten together years ago. 

The story is set on a ranch in Big Verde. Alice is a librarian who is smart, doesn’t feel like she fits into small town living, fiercely loyal and willing to help anyone out. Beau is the cowboy, who has a twin (I mean, two hot cowboys…), he works hard, can have any woman he wants, but is dyslexic and tries hard to keep it a secret. Beau and Alice make a deal that she will tutor him and he will take her out to do fun things and give her new experiences (swoon here). They are fun and funny together. They bring out the best in each other and holy smokes, once they finally hook up….things are HOT. I mean, the sex scenes made me a cowboy story convert. I think I like them now. I’m going to recommend this book to every librarian I know (and anyone looking for a great romance). I do want to say that this does not feed into the sexy librarian stereotype. Alice is not perfect and a bit awkward, so I feel like the author did a great job with that. I also feel that a lot of research went into the dyslexia part of the story that felt so real and should speak to anyone working with adult literacy. Again, Bloom must have worked to to not portray things in a negative way and I really appreciate that. A multi-faceted, sexy, steamy, fun romance. I loved this book!

Devil in Disguise: The Ravenels series by Lisa Kleypas book review

Lisa Kleypas is quickly becoming one of my go to authors. There are some days that it’s so nice to just fall into the familiarity of a series. The same world, glimpses of characters you got to know in one of the other books and falling in with a new couple. I did not do my research with this book and just started reading it. Later I realized it was book SEVEN!!!! It was great as a stand alone book, but then I had to read all the other ones. I love the world Kleypas has created. Some parts are funny, some parts are intriguing and some parts are steamy. All good things. 

Kier MacRae is our sexy Scotsman who is a whiskey distiller who storms into Lady Merritt Sterling’s office when things aren’t going according to plan at the docks. Merritt had taken over her late husband’s shipping business and was able to keep her independence, but also got her labeled as a bit quirky. There are definite sparks flying when they first meet. When Kier gets injured, Merritt is there to nurse him back to health. They learn things about each other and we learn who Kier’s biological father is. I enjoy the impropriety and scandal ;) I really like Keir, who seemed a bit gruff on the outside, but his interactions with Merritt made him easy to love. He's somewhat traditional even though he's open and accepting. His inability to resist Merritt is a fun part of this book and his eventual capitulation gives us readers the perfect HEA. A great book to pick up when you just need some joy in your life.