Wildest Dreams by Kristen Ashley

2014 review
When a girl who isn't a fan of fantasy type books discovers KA wrote a fantasy series and takes a chance, she falls hard! Or maybe, it's because Frey and Finnie were just PERFECT and their story was exactly what I needed to read - fun, adventure, a touch of tears, lots of laughter, and just an easy, long, enjoyable read! I didn't want to leave this world at all!!

2019 audio cover to cover reread.
Ending the year revisiting and falling hard all over again for one of my favorite ever fantasy stories.

Rocky Ground by Kaylea Cross

Such an awesome story! Loved how Tiana refused to give up and kept fighting even though, man, her burdens were heavy and scary - and made my heart both shatter and weep. I simply adored Aidan's pursuit of Tiana and how he was all about keeping Tiana and Ella safe and in his life. His protection and confidence and drive worked perfectly for me. The events that bonded Tiana and Aiden together were intense and kept me at the edge of my seat, and that ending??? Omgoodness! Loved every heart-racing moment.

One Winter Knight anthology

 Dec 2019
Arrow to the Heart by Deborah Macgillivray
I'm really enjoying these little tie-ins to the Dragons of Challon world. This time we two hurting people, both desperate to belong, both desperate to feel security. Fletcher struggled to accept the truth of his place in Coinnler Wood, mostly due to being stuck in his own head, and then fighting off one of his biggest desires: the Lady Geljon. Geljon knew she was safe and desperately sought after that comfort with Fletcher no matter how much he tried to erect barriers between them. She had her own bit of stubbornness and struggled with what was expected of her vs what her heart desired. Loved how it all played out with surprises and twists to give them their hearts' desire.


Dec 2017
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.

Nov 2018
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

One Snowy Knight by Deborah Macgillivray

Give me a knight in battle-scarred armor with a dream he refuses to give up, and I'll be his damsel.

There is so much going on from the first pages of the story, you can feel the overwhelming burden that lays on Skena's shoulders and empathize with her struggles to keep hold of her dreams and desires. However, just like any true warrior woman, despite the mounting struggles, she refused to give up and give in. I adored her as a mother, and melted with her as she fell for her knight, and identified with her as a strong woman.

Noel de Servian survived years of war clinging to his humanity and future wishes, only to find his own weighty burden from the last battle may destroy all he clings to. However, just like any true warrior, the moment he sees the opportunity presented before him, he goes above and beyond to lay claim to his reward of family and home and peace. I loved his confidence in claiming Skena and her children, and his powerful desire to protect and provide for them... no matter the enemy.

So much was happening in the story with all the adventure, adversaries, worries, and intrigue, but through it all you could also clearly discern Noel and Skena's deep desire grow beyond their instant attraction and solidify into something strong and beautiful. All the trials served their purpose, to meld the two together stronger than before. Noel loving on Skena's children was also shown in a variety of ways that left little doubt just where he stood with them, and it's always heartmelting to see a big strong man be gentle with little ones. Another thing that stood out to me was the family bonds with the Challon men. Brotherhood like theirs was something unique, and they cherished and nurtured it like the treasure it is.

I savored my time back in Scotland with the Dragons of Challon and I'm looking forward to discovering who's story is up next. In the mean time, I have some novellas to check out.

One Christmas Knight anthology

The Selkie's Daughter by Deborah Macgillivray

Sweet little tale of two lonely souls who crave home and someone to belong to. Fighting both mental fears along with tangible enemies, and a surprising native custom, Annys and Rhys grab hold of their Yultide wishes and find their hea. Cute short story to while away a winter afternoon and loved the tie-in to the Challons.

The Protector by Cristin Harber

The Protector delivers an unforgettable story with an abundance of heart palpitations!

Going seamlessly from a war-torn desert rescue to the ritzy glamour of the rich-and-famous, you're kept on your toes and encountering all the feels. Mixing fear with hope and laughter, chaos with nuggets of truth and adventure, the hits keep coming and force the pages to keep turning.

Chance and Jane both embody so many of my favorite hero/heroine characteristics, making it easy to identify and connect with Jane and swoon and fall for Chance.

I adored how the protective theme was presented in several ways - unique spins just as each person is unique. All have the same heart and motivation, just the actions themselves are different.

There's also another theme weaved into the story that touched me deeply, and I don't want to ruin the impact of it by mentioning it fully here. Just know.... it's one we've all struggled with and need to hear the truth over and over again. And the way it was presented in this story.... pure beauty!

Chance and Jane's story is most assuredly a favorite one that I look forward to revisiting time and time again. Not only is it an excellent addition to the Aces series (which I also adore book 1), but it compliments the Titan world perfectly while still being fully stand-alone.

This is not a story to be missed; fans of military/romantic suspense will not be disappointed, and fans of Cristin Harber will be delighted to discover everything they've come to expect from her storytelling.

If you're new to Cristin Harber, this book is a perfect choice to start with.

Dead By Midnight: An I-Team Christmas by Pamela Clare

2019 Dec reread (audio)
Still breathstealingly amazing.
Everything from warm feel goods to have-to-stop-because-I'm-crying moments.
This almost needs to become a Christmas tradition just like Die Hard is one. Haha!

And just to say, it's been years since I've read the Iteam books and I still love the characters so much. They're still with me.

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So I really struggled with starting Death By Midnight right away. I didn't want the book to end, I knew once I got started I wouldn't want to stop reading it, I know how much blood, sweat and tears Pamela Clare and her crew put into it, and I wanted to honor that amount of time and work and not have my part of it rushed. So I downloaded it yesterday and walked away. Went to bed late and figured with it being so late, I'd skip reading.... Then changed my mind, and cracked open my Kindle and eyed Marc's cover.... And tapped... And the rest is history!!

This is such a beautiful story that sucked me in and delivered all the feels!! I was laughing, I was crying, I was hiding under the covers in fear, and I was turning the fan up higher to cool down (whew, did it get hot!!)!!

I love Marc (oh my goodness!!) and his Sprite (they're still my top fav couple, with Zach and Natalie being right behind them), and of course the rest of the gang!! I enjoyed every moment of catching up with everyone and seeing the connection and bonds they've built. This novella is an absolutely totally perfect way to end this series! Perfect high note!

Someone said this was like ITEAM meets Die Hard - and I totally agree!!

So even though the book ended too quickly for me, I'll be rereading this story often! Now that is even more a compliment to an author!!

The cameo appearance of Kaylea Cross's HRT guys was a blast!

Baiting Him by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Baiting Him is a sweet, adorable, and lighthearted story, easy to fall into and not want to escape. There was just enough drama to keep the story moving, but it wasn't overwhelming or heavy-feeling. Loved the moments of tough love and how most of the conflict came from outside sources. Once Chrissie and Gaston got on the same page (which really didn't take long - another win!), it was them together against the trials.

Loved Gaston's pursuit of Chrissie, always being the safe spot she didn't even realize how badly she needed. Loved Chrissie's big heart and how she took care of the people in her life.

I'm loving this new series of ARR's and I'm looking forward to what the next book has in store.

A Husband for Christmas by Sarah J. McNeal

Teekonka and Jane's (and Rob!) happily-ever-after delivers a preciously sweet and heartwarming Christmas story, perfect for a quick read amidst the busy of the season.

Teekonka embodied patience and gentleness pursuing Jane, and built a special relationship with her son. He knew what he wanted and he was willing to do what was necessary to get the family he needed, and provide them with their dreams as well. Jane showed beauty and devotion while she sorted out her head and embraced the gift of a future she craved.

It was fun getting to reconnect with previous characters from the Wilding series and see what they're up to.

The Snow Bride by Lindsay Townsend

The Snow Bride delivers a thrilling tale of magic, adventure, and love.

I adored Magnus!! I loved how he was not the flashy knight-in-shining-armor, but instead was battle-scarred and weary, was someone who's proved himself and could be counted on to keep fighting through any and every battle. He desperately sought after a seemingly unattainable dream and watching him realize Elfrida was his dream come to life - what he wished for and then more - melted my heart. The gentleness he showed Elfrida balanced wonderfully with his protectiveness that flared around her.

Elfrida had a heart that overflowed with devotion and compassion, even as much as she struggled to truly find her place. She had a special kind of wisdom and a stubborn tenacity that saw her through her journey, and afforded her the opportunity to learn that she wasn't on her own fighting battles anymore.

I enjoyed watching the two of them learn to compromise and trust each other - which was very much a challenge with their temperaments and instincts. Their ability to communicate and make reparations quickly also showed strength and confidence. Their strengths played well off the other, even if sometimes you were wanting to join the other in shaking someone... haha.

If you enjoy a adventure story filled with knightly brawn and magical good-vs-evil, this is a fantastic story to snuggle up with on the long, dark winter nights.

Delta: Redemption by Cristin Harber

5+ overwhelming beautiful swoon-y stars for this Aussie and midwest-girl Delta story!

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2019 audio book reread
The audio book brought a whole new life to this story, and just like the first time I experienced it, I'm still adoring this story so hard. Plus, new live experiences give a bit different perspective, and Ryder and Victoria's story hit even deeper.

Gotta love when rereads touch you just as uniquely and in a new special way.


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Original review.

I should have known better... prepared myself more... but no!! Even though in the back of my head I knew this was a Delta story so something's gonna happen and happen in a big way, I let myself get lulled into a place of comfort and peace despite the struggles/heartache with the first part of the story - until that moment when suddenly the floor dropped out and my happy-place was shattered and off we go on an intense roller coaster ride! I completely loved. Every. Breathstealing. Moment.

I liked loved:

1. How this story fits into the Titan timeline and how we got a taste of both some fun and easy downtime (real life) and then the adventure of work (ops).
2. How Ryder in his uncertainty still gave Victoria exactly what she needed.
3. How Victoria found her strength and stability in herself.
4. TITAN!! Everyone from Colby and Mia, to the Delta team, to Jared and Sugar, from Parker to Cash - they all were there in some way and it was awesome - whether just by their presence or by their actions or their nuggets of "pull your head out of your ***" wisdom.
5. SURPRISES!!! Loads of them! So many good ones sprinkled with shocking ones.
6. How Victoria and Ryder just WORKED -- they are perfection for each other.
7. How swoony sweet Ryder was, and still was all manly tough.
8. How strong and determined Victoria was, but still retaining her feminine vulnerability.
9. How redemption was discovered.
10. All the twists and turns and mystery and suspense and how history formed these two into what they became.
11. Surprises!! Did I mention that? Cause, there's alot there to love!
12. Being with Ryder and Victoria as they found and pursued their hea together.

I disliked:
1. That's it's *OVER* already! goodness!! As much as I want to see what happens, I hate seeing how close to the end I'm getting and maybe found some ways to slow it down a bit! haha! (good thing there's yet another awesome surprise at the end of the book to make up for it!) This is *so* going on my to-be-re-read soon list!

I love cracking open a new Titan/Delta book and getting to connect and fall in love with a new couple and live out their happily-ever-after with them, as well as reconnect with everyone else. Each book is a favorite while I'm there, but I think there's something a bit more special about this book than most of the others. It tugs on my heart-strings. It made me happy-sigh, over and over again. It gave me the omg-how-am-I-gonna-survive-this shakes. It overwhelmed me with beauty and contentment and joyous secret smiles. This is Delta. This is Titan.

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