Loveland by Andrea Downing

Loveland delivers both an epic tale and a charming (and cute) love story. Andrea Downing breathed life into history, gifting us with more than a happily ever after story by incorporating both interesting facts and heartbreaking events.

Lady Alex is a whirlwind of spirit and life. Her journey was not an easy one, and that inner passion severed her well to survive each hit. I adored watching her live her life on the ranch and ached with her through her deepest struggles. Life with Lady Alex will never be boring.

Jesse Makepeace fell in love with Lady Alex as a child and it grew and morphed into something deeper and stronger and more adult as she grew from child to woman. He was a quiet, steady man, which was a good balance for loving a woman like Alex. Jesse has his moments where he shined and swept me off my feet. Then he had moments of male stubbornness that just made me wanna shake him. Haha.

I adored the family feel with all the cow punchers and how I was transported back in time and felt the story come to life around me.

If you're looking for an epic tale that will immerse you into the character's world and give you a hard earned happily ever after... Open this book and welcome in!

The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday

Clay and Tally's story delivers an emotional, heart-rocking, and hard-won happily-ever-after!

From the first chapters, my heart twisted both good and bad with all their emotions!! So much pain and confusion accompanied by longing and desire from both of them just trying to figure out who they were, what they needed and wanted, how to get it, and how to let go. You experience Tally's intense struggle with figuring out how to trust Clay, a stranger who is now her husband. You can't help but be charmed by Clay's natural instincts to protect and provide for his new wife and daughter. My heart rejoiced with them as they finally were able to find and nurture a fragile trust-filled bond between them. Watching their connection continue to strengthen swept my heart into pitter-patters! Throw in a delightful little girl in Violet (seriously, you gotta love that little girl!), a beautifully loyal fur-baby in Bullet, and some beloved (cross over) characters, and you get some heartwarming smiles!

I loved the lessons taught in digging deeper beyond the surface of what you think you know in a person. Don't be so quick to judge or believe that there isn't some hidden story that can change how you perceive a person. You may be surprised to discover who all that statement applies to (including real life - not just in this book fiction-wise). Clay was one for me, because I think you first see him as a more gentle kinda guy and may wonder about the outlaw rough-and-tumble side of him—but hang on because when the poop hits the fan...... Clay is definitely someone you want at your back!

If you love stories with intense emotional connections, a splash of giggles, a handful of adventures, and a beautifully stirring love story, you need to dive into The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride.

Loose Ends by Kristen Ashley

Absolutely adored the short story with Joe and Vi -- the little peek into life "today" was perfect.

Deacon and Cassie's short story was the same way!

On my TBR list still is Stars Aligned.

Robyn: A Christmas Bride by Jacqui Nelson

Max and Robyn's Christmas love story delivers alot of sweet and charm.

From the first pages, you can feel Max and Robyn's love for each other - and for family. But you can also feel their struggle to figure out how exactly to express that love, and what's truly the best for the other. They truly are the perfect compliment to the other, loving the other as they come, not needing anything else. Watching them dance around the other, you can't help but cheer them on! And that moment when Max finally captures Robyn in his arms? *TOSSES CONFETTI*

Grandpa Gus and Robyn's brothers kept threatening to steal the show -- and I'm hoping from the sounds of things, we aren't going to be saying goodbye to this family quiet yet!! I loved getting to reconnect with Jack and Birdie as well.

This is a cute story that is a perfect little read for Christmas.

The Savior by Cristin Harber

Omgoodness y'all. Be prepared. The Savior will capture your heart, wring it empty of every little drop of emotion, then fill it to overflowing with breath-stealing goodness!

Liam and Chelsea's story start out with their world being shattered and learning how to keep living through intense grief. Their intense pain and struggle with healing from that loss mixed with conflict from work related situations that have some scary real-life-threatening consequences just seem like it's too much to deal with, and you find yourself holding your breath waiting for the next shoe to drop.

Liam rocked my world with how much he felt, how deeply he loved, how intensely and deliberately he lived life. Chelsea won me over with her compassion, realness, devotion, and her spirit. Together they find healing, trust, and a crazy fun and treasured love.

Throw in some spec ops missions, shocking revelations, frustrating word games, and a quirky cute lesson in romance and you have a high-charged action adventure along with a captivating love story. Oh, and you can't forget the Titan-esque moments that make you secretly giddy.

Hidden within the pages of this story are several nuggets of truth and tough love and grace. They translate perfectly from the story into the reader's head, settling there and showing the beauty behind the life lessons, and hopefully sinking deep to acceptance.

I was shaken by how viscerally I reacted to this story, soaking up all the emotions and feeling like I was living their journey with them. Words have a power to them, and if allowed, can embed and overflow -- which The Savior did for me.

So, basically -- get this book, buckle in, remember to breathe, turn the page and hang on for an intense ride. You won't regret it.

The Wishing Tree by Cheryl Pierson

Oh boy! This story gave me all the warm fuzzy feel goods of a Hallmark Christmas movie!! Maria and Pete lit up the pages with their sweet and their sparks. Add in a charming little boy and your heart can't help but melt!

We meet Pete at a tough moment in his life, facing judgment and fear due to war injuries visible on his face. But along comes Maria, with her soft, open, and loving heart, shocking him with how much she sees past the outward scars and nestles into his heart quickly. I loved watching how, with Maria and Miguel, Pete was able to believe in himself again, and see he was still all strong protector. We also see a hint of him grasping ahold of more than one dream he thought he had lost.

Maria absolutely captured my heart, and I connected very quickly to her and Miguel. I felt her struggle and fears, and her relief that she found a man she could trust in her and her son's life. She desperately needed someone to be by her side, have her back, and someone who could jump in danger's way and make her feel safe. Her sweet and abundance of love just poured off the pages.

Miguel - his heart held such beautiful child like love and faith. His belief that there was something special going on that Christmas brought treasured moments to life. If only more kids (and adults) had such innocent beauty in them!

With a splash of danger, a dash of spice, and a whole lot of heart-warming beauty, The Wishing Tree is the perfect little Christmas story to snuggle up with.

White Christmas by Cheryl Pierson

A little bit of spicy and alot a bit of sweet mix up nicely in this insta-love Christmas short story.

From the moment Derek and Carlie meet in the hospital, they have a special connection. Carlie needs to learn that she's worth loving and Derek need to learn that life's worth living. Their connection sparks off some much needed healing and delivers a quick hea, thanks too to some matchmaking sneakiness from Carlie's uncle.

This story makes for a quick and easy spicy Christmas read.

Sir Conrad and the Christmas Treasure by Lindsay Townsend

What do you get when you mix a resourceful, smart, and determined peasant girl with a good-hearted but tough knight? Sparks and insta-attraction that quickly ignite into something beautiful and sweet and worth fighting for!

Maggie is desperate to find her brother and is ingenious in finding help when she accepts she can't do it on her own. Her drive, passion and smarts in working through both her desire to find her brother and her desire to pursue a relationship with Conrad captures your emotions. Her skills in protecting others in her own way melts your heart and her worries about herself connects you closer to her.

Sir Conrad captures your attention with his honor, chivalry, and wisdom. But then he turns around and steals your heart with his protectiveness of Maggie - and in more ways that you think to expect. Sometimes that care had some rough edges -which just made me love him all the more! I adored falling in love with him along with Maggie and didn't want to let go when the last page was turned.

I appreciated how we got to see these two together from almost the first page. I was charmed watching their insta-attraction grow into a forever bond. We get to see things from both their perspectives and be in each of their heads, which I think added so much more, because... after all... there's intrigue and danger and games at play within the ranks of nobility!

I was delighted to experience this Christmas story and get yet another wonderful taste of medieval story telling by a new-to-me author. This longer novella delivers on the feels you'd expect from a longer length story, making it a wonderful holiday read!

The Viking’s Yuletide Woman by Cynthia Breeding

Ohh! It’s been a long, long time since I’ve traveled to Viking days, and now, thanks to Ella and Bronwolf’s story, I’m wanting to stick around more!

The barbaric Vikings aren’t warring according to normal rules (hahaha! But of course!) and Ella finds herself playing the part of the princess hostage. Which may have been the right decision to make...or maybe not… Balancing between acting the princess and standing up to the Viking invaders, and bowing to the evil prince and keeping him at arm’s length, Ella finds herself also fighting off an attraction to Bronwolf. Which is hard to hide as well as deny. And really, who would want to deny Bronwolf?

Bronwolf, while one of the prince’s closest men, stands apart from his fellow Viking warriors. He’s been able to keep a hedge around himself to prevent the evil from his prince to leak into his heart. And because of that, has devoted men and a presence that draws others to him. Especially a particular princess-playing maid. His ability to command, to lead, and to protect just make his struggle-filled pursuit of his Ella all that more swoony-sigh worthy.

With just enough drama, heat, excitement, and danger, Ella and Bronwolf’s story enchants and keeps you turning the pages till you at last reach the last page and really consider begging for just another chapter, or two, or three….

Kissing Until Christmas: A Mail Order Bride by Livia J. Washburn

Ohhh! Talk about an intriguing mix of sweet and mysterious and heart-warming and heart-pounding all wrapped up in a pretty Christmas story!

Abby heads off to Texas to meet her groom... only she gets quite the surprise once arriving there. I adored her strength, her stubbornness, and the way she worked through opening up her heart to Shawn and Wes. The secrets she had hounding her -- whew, they sure catch you off guard and make her all the more desirable and worthy of a woman, wife(to-be), and mother(to-be).

Shawn -- he's definitely a mystery as well and manages to keep himself pretty closed off. You just want to dig in like Abby does and find out what's hidden in his head and chaining up his heart so you can give him the love and healing he so desperately shows he needs, and wants, but is scared to accept. Same as Abby - when those secrets are revealed - whoa baby - they're a shocker.

Wes, Shawn's boy, is just absolutely sweet and has so much love to give. Even to cantankerous geese.... haha!

If you're wanting a charmin' sweet Christmas story with just a bit of suspenseful intrigue, grab Kissing Until Christmas. It'll keep you warm and smilin' from beginning to end!

Mr. Christmas Elf by Stephanie Burkhart

EEK! I just felt like I lived out a Hallmark Christmas movie - with all the sweet, heart-warming cuteness you expect!

Jules is where we all have been -- things are weighing heavy on her and she just can't seem to catch a break. But then finally, with just a bit of faith in Christmas magic and the help of Elvis and his elf friends, more than her Christmas wishes gets answered.

This is the best kind of story that if you're in a mood for a feel-good Christmas movie but don't really want to have the tv on. Mr Christmas Elf is an easy and sweet read, and even includes the token life-lesson. Definitely a cute and fun story to dive into.

One Yuletide Knight anthology

A Marriage Made in Hell by Deborah Macgillivray

Omgoodness!! This novella just BLEW ME AWAY! After I got into the swing of how Deborah uses her words to build the atmosphere of her story, I was totally immersed into Grantham and Lesslyn's story and didn't want to leave. Add in the fact that it was a short story, but yet I was able to connect to the characters, that just made this story all the better!

What started seemingly as a innocent "swap places" decision turned into something meant-to-be but figuring out the who and what to get to their HEA was quite the trip!

Grantham swept me away with just how manly he was and how he claimed and settled into his new role. Lesslyn was endearing in how she approached her new life and sweetly fell for her man. They were the perfect compliment for the other.

This was the first book I've read from Deborah Macgillivray, and it won't be my last! I definitely need more of her stories in my life!

The Protector by Patti Sherry-Crews
A surprising amount of intrigue and twists are packed into this cute story where everyone has secrets and their own agendas. Tempers flare and stubbornness digs in amidst a swiftly growing admiration that turns into a sweet love.

Juliana finds herself frustrated with having to deal with Sir William, especially when he verbally manhandles her into something she thinks is ridiculous. Will is just following orders trying to protect her, but he can't seem to keep his attention off more fun things to do with her - even when she's stashed away safe.... maybe....

I loved watching their banter and how they connect even though they're often at odds with each other. This is a fun story if you enjoy a heroine who's determined and spunky and gives just as good as she gets.

Counting Down To Christmas by Patti Sherry-Crews

A Christmas Cowboy to Keep: A Contemporary Western Romance Collection

Counting Down To Christmas by Patti Sherry-Crews

With heartwarming sweetness and cute giggles, Melody and Leland's story is just that, sweet and warm! Well... There's some sassy sparks and growly attitudes that needs to be worked through first (of course!), but after that, I loved watching them figure out their hea together. I also enjoyed the feeling of home and warmth and family that flowed from the story.

Some other stories are on my tbr pile still.

Renaissance Man by Tessa Bailey

Loved it!! Super adorable. Just the right amount of anticipation and heat. And such a fun story overall!

Also -- loved the narrators! :)

Her Christmas Wish by Tracy Garrett

Her Christmas Wish is the sweet 2nd chance love story for Will and his Katie.

Life throws challenge and heartbreak Katie's way over and over again until she finally finds herself digging deep in her inner strength to make it on her own. Then when she allows a past memory of a lost love to slip in, to her shock, wishes seem to come true.

Will has his own set of challenges and pain he's struggled with for years, and when he finds his Katie, he doesn't back down from claiming his woman and showing her he still loves her - and always did.

I loved watching these two work through things and find their way to their Christmas happily ever after, where wishes are granted, just not always on our time table. This is a sweet, easy read with lots of warm feel goods mixed in.

Legend of Spiralling Cedars by Natasza Waters

 

With just the right amount of creepy-scary, Legend of Spiralling Cedars had me literally jumping at noises in the dark while I was immersed into the story! And I may be kinda cautious after dark the next few nights.... lol

Rachel was awe-inspiring in facing the mystical danger head on and going on faith and gut-beliefs even when others around her weren't quite as bought into the legend.... yet. Her respect for nature and the native people and their beliefs stood out beautifully - along with her heart for everyone around her.

Garrett and his JTF2 team were just looking for a weekend get-away, and instead found themselves teaming up with Rachel to fight a special kind of threat. I loved seeing the instant connection Garrett had with Rachel and how he went all out to protect her and have her back any way he could (she wasn't a wiltin' flower by any means).

With a little bit of thrill, little bit of ghostbumps, little bit of steam, and a lot of bit of phenomenal story-telling, Natasza Waters delivers a story that shouldn't be missed!

One Winter Knight - an anthology

My Forever Love by Cheryl Pierson
Logan and Noelle's story warmed me up on a cold winter's night! They were selected for each other in an arranged marriage that both initially faught against. But then after meeting, Logan fell in love with her, while Noelle wasn't aware of everything going on around her. Sweetness and excitement carry through to their happily ever after.


To Play with Cats by Patti Sherry-Crews
Giggle and swoons!! I was needing something different to knock me out of a book funk and PSC's To Play with Cats story did the trick perfectly!

First, we have a sweet and adorable heroine who reminds me alot of me... Especially in her mobility skills. Lol

Then we have the big, strong, manly hero who needed some time to get his head straightened out (what good hero doesn't have some flaw... Lol), but who still could make me swoon.

Wrap them up snug in a castle with a little bit of drama and excitement and you have a sweet Christmas happily-ever-after for a knight and his lady love.


*rest of stories on my tbr list

His Perfect Imperfection by Natasza Waters

From the moment I first heard about Natasza Waters writing and sharing a book about this particular subject…. I knew something special was going to be given to me. However, I didn’t realize just how special it was till one moment near the end, where something I knew in my head sunk deeper into my heart…. it’s kinda the opposite of the golden rule: If I accept others for who they are beyond skin deep, why can’t I believe and trust others to accept me?

His Perfect Imperfection is a beautiful, profound story that captured my heart from the first words in the dedication to the last words of the epilogue. I was enthralled by Mika (love that name btw!) and Cain’s journey from meeting to falling in love, from enjoying each other’s presence to digging deep and discovering the depths of each other’s souls. Cain’s determination to not give up on Mika and show her the woman she really is and Mika’s love, bravery, acceptance, and affection towards others endeared them both close to my heart.

Natasza wrote a novel that touches on things not usually seen in romance books and just that alone is refreshing and challenging. This story just continues to make a reader realize that they aren’t alone in whatever they’re struggling with, and that they are loved and beautiful, no matter what the outside world may choose to think. This is a book you do not want to miss!

Thank you, Natasza, for being brave and sharing this touching and beautiful story. It is on my favorites shelf and will be revisited often!

Code Name: War of Stones by Natasza Waters

(A Warrior's Challenge series Book 7)

It's been a day and a half since I read the last page of one of my most highly anticipated books from one of my most favorite authors ever, and the book hangover is still gripping me with a SEAL-like determination. I am struggling to find the right words to express just how PERFECT this book is with all the emotions, the story, the adventure, the people (aka characters who I'm convinced are real), everything.

Sloan is the daughter of a SEAL legend and has embodied the best of both of her parents. She's tough, stubborn, hilarious, and brave, all wrapped around a soft spot.

Damon owns and breathes the heart of a warrior and everything that encompasses. I definitely would want him to have my six and my 12 and any other direction every and any time.

I loved everything in this story from catching up with Alpha team, seeing how the families have grown up, experiencing the intense terrifying roller-coaster of a ride of Operation Skirt's Down (truly a sadistic and heinous mission). And then getting to feel all the good, sweet moments wrap all around it, making the heart-wrenching moments all the more worth it for the treasure you get at the end.

I'm thinking this book has become my favorite of the series, but then when I look at any of the previous 6 books, they all are worthy of that title as well. You cannot go wrong by reading and experiencing the adventure and happily-ever-afters Natasza Waters share in her stories.

Code Name: Redemption by Natasza Waters

(A Warrior's Challenge, #6)

The Warrior's Challenge series is still going strong with Code Name: Redemption, and I still never feel like I get enough! Knowing this is the 2nd to last book helps a little, but knowing I can revisit the Alpha Squad and Greg (Canada's JTF) anytime I want to helps the most. I'm not ready to say goodbye but I'm also super looking forward to the next book.

Anyways!

Greg and Mattie. Their story -- wow. I read the blurb. I watched the book trailer video -- and I still wasn't fully prepared for the awesomeness that was given to me. There's just enough creepy suspense and puzzles to keep you on your toes. There's enough spicy heat simmering to keep you fanning your face. There's enough banter between all the characters to keep you laughing, groaning, and feeling anxious for them. And there's just enough heartache to make the healing acceptance satisfying.

I loved watching Greg's relationship with Mattie grow and bloom, and how he got his own version of Kayla (gotta read books 1 & 2 to get the full understanding of that) that was perfect for him - stubborn frustration and tempting smiles and all! Mattie is one strong, determined woman, and that's exactly what Greg needed to help fight back his demons. Then, when you add Thane and Kayla to the mix -- oh my! The unique relationship between Greg and Kayla causes history to be exposed and dealt with by all 4 people (characters? heck, they're real people to me!) which while it was heart shattering, the healing and acceptance and growth was preciously beautiful. I loved the convos between Greg and Thane and seeing them deal with each other. So many sweet moments abound throughout the story with all the characters.

If you loved the previous books, you're gonna want to experience this book. If you're just diving in, it could work as a stand alone, but you'll definitely appreciate the dynamics and history among everyone more by reading the first two books and getting Thane and Kayla's hea story.

I loved this installment in the Warrior's Challenge series and have it sitting on my favorites shelf, next to the first 5 books.

Code Name: Forever & Ever by Natasza Waters

(A Warrior's Challenge, #5)

I'm really struggling to put into words just how much I love the Warrior's Challenge series, and each book just keeps reinforcing that love and growing it!

This book takes us back in time to when Cobbs and Austen first join the SEALs and meet Marg and grow a forever and ever type of friendship - and love. Watching Thane and Cobbs friendship form from the beginning and seeing it forged in steel though deployments and trials and daily life is almost as good as watching the forever love grow between Cobbs and Marg. Friends like that are few and far between and meant to be treasured. Seeing this makes the present day part of the story in the series even more poignant. I fell even harder for Thane seeing the younger version of himself.

But Marg and Cobbs' relationship, their forever and ever love, wow, did that ever spark and the flames engulf me. Cobbs' strength, character, nobility, honor, and depth of feelings made me fall hard for him - loving him more than what I expected to. Marg's determination, confidence, feminine strength, and love poured out of the pages and into my heart.

Before I was done reading the book, I already wanted to start it over from the beginning and re-experience it all, and then after turning the last page and reading THE END, I wanted to immediately go back to Code Name Ghost and see the story with a whole new set of eyes. And a full reread is in my near future.

If you enjoy military romance, if you enjoy seeing a forever and ever type of love, you don't want to miss this. If you want to experience all the feels from laughter to tears, from freaking out scared to edge-of-seat intensity, you don't want to miss this. Natasza Waters knows how to take you on a beautiful journey through her stories.

Code Name: Luminous by Natasza Waters

(A Warrior's Challenge #4)

I finished this book about an hour ago and I'm still overwhelmed with emotions.

What I love most about Natasza's writing is how she brings her characters to life. Each one is real to me, and I feel a part of their SEAL family. The next thing is while this is fiction, she keeps things real. Very real. Painfully beautifully real. I feel everything deep inside.

I have enjoyed getting to know Tony through the whole series, and then absolutely adored him in his own book. Experiencing how he took one of the SEAL's mantras (never give up) and applied that to his lady - melted my heart. Watching Lumin bloom and blossom under Tony's care: breathtakingly beautiful.

I loved how even though Tony and Lumin were the main characters in this story and definitely stayed the primary focus, we got to spend lots of time with Thane Kayla, Mace, Nina, Cobb, and Marge. I kept giggling seeing how Thane was *still* having to chase down his woman!

This is a wonderful addition to the Code Name Warrior's Challenge series - you cannot go wrong with any of these books!!

And just as a side note: I loved how Natasza chatted with me through the story as I was sharing my thoughts, both filled with love and filled with growls. ;)

Code Name: Nina's Choice by Natasza Waters

(A Warrior's Challenge, #3)

Code Name Nina's Choice has easily become another one of my top favorite military romance books!! So far, Natasza Waters has rocked each one of her Warrior's Challenge books and I have faith she won't stop throughout the rest of the series! Her books definitely have a more realistic feel to them (which is such a welcome change from fiction, and yet sometimes is laughingly annoying how real it is! I love the contrast!)

CNNC has a different feel from the first two books. The first two had more action adventure - this one dealt with more relationships and the challenges both the warriors and their families/loved ones face when trying to build those relationships. Although there is some fun adventure mixed in towards the end (and if you listen to her playlist for this book (http://voicebetweenthelines.com/music-inspiring-my-writing/music-inspiring-ninas-choice), I was totally hearing the US Navy Tribute song as the soundtrack during the action scenes!) I enjoyed getting to meet back up with Thane and Kayla as well as get to know Tinman better (EEK! I am already falling in love with Tinman and am so excited that his book is next and it should be here soon!!!)

Nina impressed me with her unwavering faith and devotion to Mace. Mace impressed me with his strength and stubbornness and love for Nina and her daughter Gabriella. I could feel the tight-knit brotherhood between the SEAL team and appreciated seeing just how deep their love for each other ran.

If you like military stories that have more grit and depth and real to them, if you like romance, and if you like action you will enjoy this series! I definitely recommend it!!

Code Name: Kayla's Fire by Natasza Waters

(A Warrior's Challenge, #2)

I found the first book in the Warrior's Challenge series just a couple of months before Kayla's Fire was released - and it was a good thing seeing there was a cliff hanger, and while I knew that I'd eventually get to that HEA, the wait was hard!! I took a whole Saturday and planted myself on the couch to immerse myself back into Thane and Kayla's world and live with them through all the (crazy-drama-filled-just-wanna-shake-'em) ups and downs. There were several times I was crushed at the whole "oh no! What on earth are they going to have to deal with now??!!" and was just hanging on and begging for some good times for these two! And when they had those good times, whew, were they good and sweet and melt-y in my heart!! Man, did they need to have and store up those good memories for the bad times!! Luckily, Thane realized that with everything Kayla had lived through and was living through, she needed him to never, ever, *ever* give up - and while there were moments where I wouldn't have blamed him for throwing up his hands and saying never mind, he knew that he couldn't live without her and wouldn't ever let her go (even if it appeared he was, cause that's what Kayla said (but didn't really mean) she wanted him to do).

Natasza didn't disappoint in this story - and I'm on the edge of my seat anxiously awaiting the next books in the series!!!

This book has a permanent place on my keeper shelf and will definitely be re-read often! I enjoyed it even more the 2nd time I read it. :)

Code Name: Ghost by Natasza Waters

(A Warrior's Challenge, #1)

OH MY GOODNESS.

Two weeks later and I'm still lost in this story and am planning on my next re-read right before book 2 comes out in November!! (and am keeping my eye out for those bridge chapter(s)!) So glad when this book caught my eye in the Kindle Recommended reads - because this has got to be one of the best stories I've read.... ever!

Once I started this book, I couldn't look away! Kayla captured my heart and Thane, well... I want Thane (sorry, Kayla! You're gonna have to share!). So much of this story touches my heart. I have the biggest soft spot for military men/women and their families - I know life in/around the military is a huge struggle, and that there's something so much deeper than all the glam and frosting people tend to get caught up in. CNG brings so much of that reality out! While I sometimes want to holler at Thane and Kayla and tell them to just give in already, I can *totally* understand why they're acting the way they are!! The story is so much deeper than just the romance and fluff that so many military romance novels contain - and I greatly appreciate that! I absolutely love how their relationship grew slowly, even though the sparks flew from day one!

I felt just about every emotion along with them - I was crying, laughing, stressing, groaning (in frustration... oh, that still don't sound right! haha!), freaking out (I finished the book during a severe night thunderstorm, and was just a tad bit jumpy at the noises outside!).

I enjoyed building up friendships with the other members of Team One and look forward to their stories as well!

And I had to giggle - with as much complains about the ending (cliff hanger) I did go in with my eyes open - so maybe that's why it didn't bother me so much. Then again, sometimes I rather enjoy cliffys, and this one wasn't as bad as what I was thinking it was going to be!

SEALed with a Weekend by Natasza Waters

What a fun little novella by Natasza Waters!

Despite its short length, you will find yourself fully engrossed in the story and not feel like you're missing out on anything! What started out as a weekend blind date experiment moved quickly from lusty feelings to a more "insta-like-ya-now-let's-build-something more” emotional growth with not just one couple, but a couple more heas thrown in, too!

There were moments of heart-pounding, and not just in the steamy kinda way. There were also sweet moments and swoon moments and just plain feel good encouraging-should-listen-to-these-truths moments. If you're looking for a quick read that delivers on all the feels, you've found a great story to escape into.

Night of Magic by Stephanie Burkhart

Talk about goosebumps, surprises, and interesting -- Fin and Princess Aithne's story was totally unexpected! I was hooked into the tale right away, thinking I knew what I was gonna get, and each time I learned something new about the characters or the situation, I was trapped even more and couldn't stop reading! I can't say too much more without spoiling the fun, so... if you're looking for a quick, unique, lightly unearthly story to escape into, you've found it!

Cheat by Mayra Statham

This is a great story that fits in with the rest of the series. I enjoyed how Garrett learned to take care of Stefanie and I was so glad when Stefanie finally got the hea she deserved. I also loved how she had Kip in her corner.

If you've read and enjoyed Mayra Statham's other books and enjoy a dirty talkin' hero, this is a book for you!

Death Bakes a Pecan Pie by Livia J. Washburn

Death Bakes a Pecan Pie is my first adventure into a cozy mystery book, and it provided a cute and entertaining weekend read. It kinda gave me a feeling of nostalgia, drawing memories of the types of mystery shows I'd watch on tv with my parents growing up. And just like with those shows, I was kept guessing who-done-it and ended up just laying back to enjoy the ride.

Poor Phyllis isn't too impressed to find herself caught up again in a murder investigation, but with circumstances being what they are, she can't help but keep digging a little bit deeper and deeper. And she does all that while still making sure she's getting an amazing pie made for the Harvest Festival's best pie contest. Priorities, after all!! haha! With some laughter and awesome food and crafty twists, Death Bakes a Pecan Pie provides a pleasurable read. And even dishes out a little nugget of wisdom that really stood out to me right now: Life's always gonna have some surprises waitin' for us, some good, some bad, and we just have to do the best we can with 'em."

A Christmas Visitor by Sarah J. McNeal

What a cute Christmas story! Matilda and Sterling were sweethearts, but Sterling decided before he could marry her, he needed to make something of himself. Sadly, miscommunication left Matilda behind feeling lost and abandoned while Sterling strove and struggled to become worthy of her. Years past before Sterling returned, finding things weren’t quite as he expected.

Matilda used her stubbornness and strength to survive everything life had thrown at her after Sterling left, and your heart hurts for the depth of her dashed hopes and dreams. You also find yourself cheering for her as she works through her pride and reaches out to grab hold of her happy.

Good thing Sterling also had a stubborn streak to keep up with Matilda and kept proving to her over and over his love for her - and it’s a good thing his heart was in the right place! I loved how he refused to give up and gifted Matilda with something she desperately needed.

This second chance love story offers a sweet and short Christmas time heart-warming happily ever after.

Wallflowers: One Heart Remains by C.P. Smith

For as much as readers may love all sorts of books and have a shelf overflowing with favorites, there's something unmatched when you find 'that' book that you connect with on such a deep and special level. And in my lucky case, not even just a book, but an entire series has captured my heart.

Nate and Poppy's story picks up right where Wallflowers: Two of a Kind leaves off (you really need to read this whole series together to get the maximum enjoyment). And just like the cliffy ending of book 2, this one starts with a bang and doesn't let up. These Wallflowers just attract trouble and yet find that inner strength to keep going, no matter what's thrown at them -- and Poppy lives up to the Wallflower strength.

Nate's protectiveness of Poppy made him all the more amazing of a hero. And Poppy's strong but yet vulnerable heart made you want to hug her so tight!

Another thing I love about this series and book is that it's not just about a happily-ever-after for a couple, but it showcases the power and value of friendships - and not just between women, but even between men (guys need friendships too, and Devin and Nate's bro-mance is a thing of beauty) - and family. And family isn't always blood created. One other thing is that even though there's quite the crazy drama in their lives during the story, these women - Poppy/Sienna/Cali - are more like you and me - real women who have pasts and scars, who desire a man who loves them for who they are and through any stormy journeys, and who are just real.

I felt all the emotions -- from giggling to the point of belly-aches, to ducking from the angry alpha male vibes flowing off the page, from the tearful ache filled moments of hopelessness to the rejoicing in wins from little to huge. Bernice's presence also made an impact, offering a desperately needed safe haven for her girls.

I loved... absolutely melted over every moment living with Poppy and Nate, and then because where you have one Wallflower, you have them all: Sienna and Bo, Cali and Devin. My heart overflowed with goodness when I reached the last page. And I'm so, so glad that we don't have to say goodbye yet!!

CP Smith, with every tale she pens, provides not only hilarious entertainment and a heart-warming happily-ever-after story, but shares deeply touching nuggets of wisdom. If you're wanting a story to fall in love with and something to tug at your heartstrings, grab the Wallflowers series. You will not be disappointed.

The Crow and the Coyote by Kristy McCaffrey

Sweetly charming, Jack and Hannah's happily ever after is sure to please!

In the middle of a manhunt, Jack comes across Hannah and finds himself caught up in her own troubles. As they dance around the other while working together, their connection sparked and burned bright.

I loved watching their interactions and seeing Jack and Hannah fall for each other. So many times I caught my breath with the trouble they found themselves in and again when the sweet flowed off the page.

With just the right amount of mystic and adventure, this novella packs a punch, delivering a charming love story.

The Crow and the Bear by Kristy McCaffrey

Mmmm mmmm!! Feel good fuzzies accompany the creepy in Callum and Jennie's story.

I loved how Callum just arrived on the scene in Jennie's time of distress and quickly proved to be the man to protect and care for her. I giggled with the way she quickly wound him around her finger and he humored her quirks. Jennie has a unique presence and heart within her, with how in-turn to the world around her as she was. This softness made her especially charming.

With some surprising twists and lots of unnerving second guesses, The Crow and the Bear is sure to do the trick for a short, easy, sweet and fun Halloween story!

A Murder of Crows by Kristy McCaffrey

With a little bit of magic and a little bit of eerie, Kit and Eliza's story enchants!

I loved getting to meet Kit and Eliza and see their determination and personalities separately, because once they set eyes on each other... you can just feel the intensity and connection between them. They compliment each other so well, but you don't even understand how deeply that runs right away.

I loved how strong Kit was, not just physically, but mentally, and how gentle he treated Eliza. He didn't let anyone or anything get in his way once he knew what he wanted.

Eliza... oh! I'd love to have some of her spirit and mettle and heart! Either that, or I want to be her best friend and be along for the ride with her!

If you're looking for an enjoyable novella that gives you a taste of otherworldly magic along with a thrilling romantic story, this is a book to try!

And if you want a little background music to set the scene, check this out:

Innocent Bystander by CA Asbrey

CA Asbrey is on a roll! Continuing in the tradition of the first two books, Innocent Bystander, the third installment in her The Innocents Mysteries series, hooks you from page one and doesn’t let up for a minute. This series has quickly cemented its place permanently on my favorite shelf and the characters own a piece of my heart!

Picking up shortly after Innocent as Sin left off, we’re immediately caught up into family drama and secrets, which orchestrates Abi entering into Nat and Jake’s world. This time though, the rules have changed, and no one is left unaffected. As before, I loved how the dynamics between the three play off the other and watching their relationships grow and bloom. We see a new side to Abi that’s endearing and are reminded that behind the charming smiles lies a formidable outlaw duo. They each play up the strengths of the others and together make an unbelievable team.

Many times I found myself giggling at the antics of the trio. Then I would turn the page and start feeling anxious, or excited, or cautious, or growly, or just flat out freaking out! There might even have been a moment where I sided with Jake on what was (or wouldn’t be…) for supper that night.

I have no idea how it happened, but while there was so much going on, each thread of the story weaved together beautifully and it never felt overwhelming or disorienting. Each piece built upon another, creating an intricate pattern. You can’t help but be amazed at how each thread was necessary to take the story to its fullest potential.

I have been absolutely delighted to find myself lost in this series and adore not only the engrossing story line, but the entertaining mystery and fascinating science (and I’m tickled I managed to retain something from high school science classes and could understand and piece together some of the science as it was being taught). If a historical western based mystery thriller with just the sweetest touch of a love story sounds even the slightest bit interesting to you, you want to invest in The Innocents books.

Want some good news? There’s more coming….


Blurb:

Pinkerton Agent, Abigail MacKay is worried sick. Her wilful sister, Madeleine, has run off to marry a man whose rich wives mysteriously die. No doctor can establish a cause of death, but Abigail is sure they were murdered. The only person who can help her is the charismatic criminal she left in jail at their last meeting.

Nat Quinn isn’t happy either. He thought he had a special relationship with Abigail, despite them being on opposite sides of the law. He was the last man to see Madeleine before she disappeared, but he now knows the woman he loves has lied about her marriage.

Nat’s faithful lieutenant, Jake, is equally frustrated. He’s given the job of keeping the beautiful Madeleine out of the way. She doesn’t realize her protector is actually her kidnapper, and not her rescuer. Normally, he’d love to spend time alone with a beautiful woman, but Madeleine brings her own set of unique challenges. Can he resist her charms?

Throw in a set of ruthless journalists who’ll do anything to get the story, Nat’s merciless arch-enemy circling, and we have a mystery which stretches the scientific skills of our best enemies to the very limit.

Twila's Tempest by Natasza Waters

You do not wanna miss it!!

This isn't your Gilligan's Island boat ride! Drake and Twila will take you on a much more intense and speedy ride to their HEA.

Twila is so relatable - you feel her pain over the loss of her parents, the care she has for others to try to heal from that loss, the connection she has to a particular family, and the fear to live because of the uncertainty. But yet, at the same time, she can't deny the draw she has to Drake, even as she fights against it.

Drake is a hero we all want. He's imperfect which makes him even more awesome. He's a man's man, he loves his parents, and he knows what he wants and goes after it. But he's also not an over-the-top jerk either - there's just the right amount of bossy mixed with confidence mixed with respect and heat. And boy, can Drake heat things up - and not always in the good way!

Then there's she-who-shall-not-be-named. Oye. I loved to *hate* her even as much as I did feel a bit bad for her. But hate and discust quickly took over after that brief moment. Ugh. Kudos for making me feel such emotion with a "villain" -- even some worse villains in stories didn't draw such a reaction from me! But if she was any different, the story just wouldn't be right.

Loved watching Twila and Drake fall for each other and breathing the intense connection they felt for each other. This is definitely a book I'm going to love re-reading often and will be on my favs shelf!

Here's the trailer for it.... Goosebumps!!

Committed to Chase by Natasza Waters

Jesse and Charlie - what a great couple this short story spotlights!! Committed to Chase quickly showcases their attraction towards each other making their relationship believable from the first page. Charlie's sweet, stubborn, quiet (humble) spirit, and Jesse's determination, strength (both physical and mental), and protectively caring nature are embedded into your heart so you just don't want to let them go. But knowing you must, their hea is totally satisfying.

This was one of the ultimate swoon moments for me:

"Because someone I care about very much was under attack."

How can you really argue with that answer to your, "Why did you do that?" question?

Hopefully this little taste of Natasza Waters's work gives you the thirst for more, because this author can deliver on all the feels!!

Too Grand for Words by Natasza Waters

I first met Natasza Waters' characters through her Warriors Challenge series. In one of the books, Stephen and Moira play a part. I decided I wanted to get to know this lovely couple more.

Too Grand for Words is the sweet story of how Moira learns to trust and love and Stephen learns patience and forgiveness. There were so many awesomely fun and hot scenes (sushi anyone?), along with several twists and excitement I wasn't expecting. Definitely enjoyed my time in Vegas and CA with Stephen and his woman.

Montana Freedom by Natasza Waters

What's better than a ex Delta Force turned cowboy with a protective streak a mile wide with a dash of instant love? Not much! But that's exactly what you get by experiencing Sam and Cory's love story. This is a sweet easy read that provides all the intrigue, the suspense, the thrill, and the swoons in one pretty package. While I wish the final conflict/drama didn't have to play out exactly how it did, I loved how everything wrapped up and Sam and Cory got the hea they both so desperately needed and earned.

From the Files of Nat Tremayne - by Andrea Downing and Patti Sherry-Crews

 

Long A Ghost and Far Away
by Adrea Downing
 
What if you were blessed to find your soulmate but lost her way too soon...
What if you were struggling to find your soulmate but found yourself trapped and desperate...
What if the same soulmates were meant for each other throughout all lifetimes...

Filled with charm and laughter, Colby and Lizzie's story enchants and intrigues. Colby loves his Lizzie in the most adoring forever-after kind of way, making you fall in love with him from the beginning. You can feel Lizzie's hurt and frustration as she deals with everything life throws at her - well, what both her lives throw at her - but then you can also feel the safety and love she finds in Colby and her struggle with clinging to what her heart and soul needs.

I giggled throughout the story as Colby and Lizzie figured out their hea.

The Ghost and The Bridegroom
by Patti Sherry-Crews
 
Talk about a beginning that took me from awww, how fun to EEK! how freaked! Hang on for a wild ride! Healy has her work cut out for her as navigates her way through a case she wasn't sure she wanted anything to do with and finding herself traveling to do it anyways. A little bit of magic adds to the story, gifting Healy with some boosting confidence and letting the sass come to life. I adored when Aaron showed up and their immediate attraction set off some hilarious and some sweet moments. He sure can be a charmer! The twists with the case kept me on edge wondering what freak out was coming next, and the drama of Aaron and Healy's relationship kept me cheerin' them on! 

If you want a little bit of freaky ghost-bumps along with your hea, this is a fun story to dive into!

Texas Outlaw by Adrienne deWolfe

I knew pretty quick after starting this book I was gonna fall in deep -- and I did! I deeply enjoyed getting lost in Fancy and Cord's story.

I knew there was something deeper to Fancy than her sassy charms and smarts. And as you learn more about her, you can't help but intensely feel for her -- from the hidden heart-shattering secrets to the relieved and cheer-worthy discovering of her strength. Her growth caught me off-guard with how intensely I experienced it with her.

Cord -- I love that man! His grit and determination to track down Fancy rolled right over into his pursuit of her - both as an outlaw and then as his woman. If there was ever the right man for Fancy to teach her true love and what that means, he perfectly filled those shoes. And quite honestly, Fancy was the perfect woman to help fight off the demons he struggled with.

Besides being entertaining, real-life messages of looking deeper into a person, not giving up, digging for the truth, and fighting for what you need and want are weaved into the pages. Definitely not a book to pass by!

Cabin 12 by Freya Barker

Fast passed and addictive, Bella and Jasper's story kept me up way late for two nights trying to experience it all! I really enjoyed getting to see both of them win the hea they both deserved.

West of Forgotten by Lynda J. Cox

Oh. My. Goodness.

I loved this story!! My breath was stolen and my heart shattered over and over again.... But put back together so beautifully and perfectly!

Definitely a story not to be missed! Not only that, but there's a deeper message woven in the pages that many a heart needs to hear....and believe.

Harmonica Joe's Reluctant Bride by Sarah J. McNeal

With a little bit of magic and twists, we're immediately catapulted back in time 100 years with Lola, landing disoriented and discovering we've just been wed. And not only that, but we already have enemies after us! Time travel always makes for a disorienting and twisted story - trying to figure out how to adjust and deal and what happened and what we want to have happen. Lola and Joe are no exception. Joe's got to come to terms with the woman he married who he thought he knew and his own secret demons chasing him, while Lola's got to come to terms with not only figuring out her present but letting go of her past and discovering who she truly is. And then they both have to deal with the growing feelings between each other.

With twists and turns, attitude and laughter, tears and surprises, I adored watching all the puzzle pieces fall together and seeing how it all worked out in the end to deliver a swoony happily-ever-after.

Prodigal Gun by Kathleen Rice Adams

You know those movies where someone opens a forbidden book or door or game and gets sucked into it? Yup, it happened to me! :) One minute I was in 21st century American heartland, settling down on the deck to start a new book, and the next minute I was transported to Texas, 1877, right before a range war really stirred up the dirt. I was not prepared for the intensity of emotions and connection I would encounter while I experienced this story.

Jessie amazed me with her strength, her grit, her loyalty, her faith, and her unending desire to claim hold of her dreams. Mason's sharp-edged presence called to me (just as much as he called to Jessie) and made me want to help him heal and let go of things and grab hold of his deepest desires. He coincidedly melted me and shattered me with every "Mockin'bird" he uttered. These two lived and breathed out their love for each other, although sometimes to the point of frustration. haha!

Prodigal Gun delivers a captivating story filled with love and passion. KRA has this way of using words to bubble and boil and build her world around you, bringing the characters and setting to life. It's a overwhelming journey you don't want to miss out on.

Outlaw Heart by Tanya Hanson

Outlaw Heart shares the sweet story of Bronx and Lila finding themselves, as well as each other, when life looks bleak. Themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and restoration are shared throughout.

Lila has a heart of gold and unconditional love for the outcasts. She also carries multiple heavy burdens given to her by her late husband, all of which she learns to come to terms with. Bronx has a desire to rebuild his life and fix past transgressions, but struggles with feeling lost and overwhelmed. When Lila and Bronx meet, they both struggle with the instant connection, and despite the burdens and worries and fears, still can't help but reach out to each other.

With some help from unlikely sources and some surprises mixed into the multiple uncertainties, Bronx and Lila prove what strength and beauty and faith they have in themselves and each other, delivering a sweet and much deserved happily ever after.

Holt's Gamble by Barbara Ankrum

LOVED this story!!

From beginning to end, the wonder and drama and surprises kept me glued to the pages! Almost everything I love about a HWR was included in this story in such a wonderful way!

I'm quickly becoming a Barbara Ankrum fan!

Dearest Darling by Andrea Downing

Whew, baby!! Talk about getting swept into a story and not expecting the swiftness nor the depth of it! I thought I knew what I was getting into, but this short story delivered with do much more!

I adored watching the slow burn build and Emily and Daniel discovering how much their worlds collided. Emily made me want to slow down even more and appreciate my surroundings and not be afraid to leap into the scary unknown. Daniel swept me away with his honor and respect and desire to do right, even though what he thought was what his heart wanted got flipped upside down and shaken up. There's even a touch of fairytale sweetness included that makes it all the better.

I simply enjoyed the way the story flowed and took me on a charmed ride. If you want a short story that you can sink into and live in for a couple of hours, you won't be disappointed with Emily and Daniel.

Lawless Love by Andrea Downing

Secrets and a lawman who's needing a change? Sign me up! Once I got started I knew I didn't want to stop. Dylan and Lacey meet under some hilarious circumstances and I couldn't help but want to have some fun sass like Lacey. Her strength and determination to protect and provide for her family shone through the story. Dylan proved himself to be a man of honor while learning that sometimes, justice sees in shades of gray. I enjoyed spending time with Dylan and Lacey and watching them figure out their hea ending.

Under a Mulberry Moon anthology

A Family For Polly by Jacquie Rogers

A Family for Polly is an adorable story about a woman who grew up out of a rough childhood to adopt two children who were considered "cast-offs". Her heart was so big and beautiful - determined to do whatever it took to keep her children and give them a safe place to grow up -- even if it meant getting a husband before she found the man of her dreams. Ford was awesome in how he rolled with everything thrown at him and proved himself to be the man Polly dreamed of, and loved Polly and her kids so easily. The kids (Noah and Evie) stole my heart! I was impressed with how I was expecting a short story and ended up with a novella which delivered a full story feel!


The Lady Lassoes an Outlaw by Charlene Raddon

SQUEE!! I totally fell in love with Aurora and Garret's story! Many of the favorite things I love in a western were wrapped up so pretty in this story: tough and tenderhearted hero, strong and vulnerable heroine, awesome family, surprises and twists, danger, believable love story and a delightful happily-ever-after. I was again surprised in how full and detailed and complete it felt for a novella -- making this one of the best kind of novellas to enjoy!

*The rest are on my tbr list