Cricket Under Fire by Natasza Waters

Cricket Under Fire rocketed its way to my most favorite bookshelf. It blends the anticipation of new adventures with some comfort of previous characters (from her Warriors Challenge series), setting this first story in her spin off series with a blast!

I quickly connected to Rayne in several ways which drew me all the deeper into the story. I couldn't be an analyst like her, but in all the ways that truly matter, I identified with her softer strength, her trusting spirit, her innocent nature. She gave off this vibe of needing to be protected, but yet, also had a gentle confidence and ability around her that gave her the strength she needed to stand on her own.

And who better to match up a girl like that than an alpha warrior who's lifeblood demands he protects. Some men need that sweetly soft girl in their life to give them balance and purpose - Elijah was such a man. He knew Rayne was special from the moment he ran across her, and understood just how much her presence in his life could and would change him. He respected her but didn't let her hide away, and he protected her so she could stay the woman he needed. He was a leader of men, honorable, but stubborn and bossy.

Cricket Under Fire fed my reader soul bountifully. The heart-pounding moments, the swoony-sweet memories, the intense chemistry - all combined to build the anticipation and provides laughs, heat, and anxiety.

If you're a fan of military romance with suspense and adventure thrown in, this is your story. While it is written to be enjoyed as a stand-alone, readers of the Warrior Challenge series will be delighted by the presence of several beloved characters. I definitely recommend reading those stories as well, and am anxiously awaiting what's to come.

A Gift of Christmas Hope by Kaye Spencer

This is a delightful and steamy little Christmas tale to warm you up on the cold winter night!

I adored the history/connection between Mara and Neal, which provides the perfect set up to deepen their re-connection. Their banter and tenacity with each other kept me entertained.

Mixing in some treasure and some Christmas hope, this short story sweetly satisfies.

The Savior by Cristin Harber

Nov 2019 reread
I don't know exactly what it is that keeps me coming back to this story over and over again, but each time I finish I fall in love just a little bit harder and walk away with something new touching my heart, besides just soaking in the hard fought for happily ever after.

............
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.

Luke by Kimberly Lewis

Luke and Karlie's story provided a much enjoyed easy and light-hearted read, with just enough drama to keep things moving. I loved Karlie's confidence and her flirty fun attitude. I adored Luke's protective instincts and how when he fell for Karlie, he fell hard and it didn't matter what his past was, he was all in. The family bonds and interactions provided some hilarious comic relief.

And I gotta say, this story made me want to go out and find a horse to pet and ride.

This was my first book (audio) by Kimberly Lewis and I'm looking forward to backtracking some and getting the other McKade's stories when looking for a palette cleanser story.

btw, the narrator on this book - absolutely terrific!!

The Will by Kristen Ashley

love love LOVE Josie and Jake's story! Add in the awesome kids and poof! My heart is gone!

I adore how Josie and Jake get involved and grow their relationship. Mix in the rest of the crew/town/friends and Jake gettin' all alpha and then his fights? Yup, Jake owns my heart, no doubt!

One of my top fav KA books (shoot, aren't they all almost like that!)

Nov 2019 cover to cover reread. ...... Still absolutely in love with this story. Every emotion felt deep down and bubbled over. Was rereading parts before finishing it up.

Veils by Brynne Asher

Veils delivers all the heart racing and pounding adventure mixed in with sweetly beautiful moments I've come to expect from the Killers series.

Gracie and Noah's story became so much more than what I was hoping and expecting to get, which absolutely delighted me and kept me riveted to my kindle, fighting between wanting to read faster to see what happens next and wanting to slow down so it wouldn't end yet.

I loved the match of healer Gracie combined with killer Noah, and how each had exactly what the other desperately needed. There's something swoon-worthy about a man who knows what he wants and doesn't allow anything to get in his way.... anything! And then having the girl be the soft that helps to smooth out her man's rough edges? Add in the beauty that comes from friendships and family, and the intense way that love is shown, magic is created.

As with all the other stories in the Killers series, Veils quickly became a favorite and I'm looking forward to what the future holds for this story-world.