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.