Her Adoring SEAL by Caitlyn O'Leary

This book wrapped itself around my heart with all the feels!

I adored how Jack immediately took to Beth, how he recognized what she needed and gave that unselfishly. How he showed her exactly what she meant to him and how he was going to stay in her life, and how she deserved to grasp hold of her dreams.

I loved Beth's heart, her vulnerability, her compassion, her frailness, and how out of all that, within the safe spot Jack gave her, she found her strength and built herself back up into the woman she was meant to be.

There's the more emotional but calm (read less action) moments, even though heartbreaking, but then the action builds back up with surprises and awesome moves. I'm loving my time in the Midnight Delta world and can't wait to get to the next story!

Charlotte by Angela Rush

I loved it! ....and I didn't.

All the pieces were there to make this story be one of those special favorite reads for me: older characters, the instant connection/attraction, the jungle rescue, the uber protective alpha hero, the strong and vulnerable heroine, them-together-against-the-world vibe, the suspense plot line, the heroine who suffers from bad dreams/nightmares (something I can identify with strongly), the steamy times, the sweet kid (his), a brotherhood who has your back, nice/loving parents (why do so many parents have to be evil???). So much good!

But, there was still something missing or something that just didn't settle right with me with this story. Some of Hawk's actions I wish he chose differently (one of the shower scenes for example) or comments he made that I know were probably intended to be swoony-hot but to me lessened the attraction (ahem, think it don't say it, you're smarter than that). Charlotte's kids and friends gave me a bad taste (which, again, the intent for their characters was good, but how it was expressed didn't jive well for me). The drama of the suspense story line at the end felt a bit lackluster (I felt more of the terror in the jungle then the terror at the end, and I should have most definitely felt it at the end). I never really connected to Charlotte and found myself in her shoes (which while they did literally stink a good part of the story, I *wanted* to be in her shoes).

Technically, the flow of the story felt off sometimes, more like it was being told AT me, instead of me connecting to the characters and being a part of the story. I'm also all about giving grace for typos/mistakes in a story (they're always managing to sneak in there, it's genuinely okay), unfortunately, there was enough in this that it stood out in not the best of ways.

So really - it's a great story checking off so many of the romantic suspense puzzle pieces I enjoy, and I'm glad I kept pushing through to the end. But the connection I crave, the "something" that makes me want to remember the story and revisit it was lacking.

The Wrong/Right Man by Aurora Rose Reynolds

I loved the sounds of the book from the blurb. But digging into the story, I began to feel rather uncomfortable. Their whole relationship wasn't settling right for me. Actions speak louder than words. And the actions from both leads were scary.

This review actually does a good job detailing out alot of what I figured out made me uncomfortable.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

That being said, I did finish reading the book. There were moments I enjoyed and had the atmosphere been different, probably would have loved. I even thought somewhere around 75/80% that the story would redeem itself for me finally, but that hope didn't last long.

So.... That's all I got. I wished it had taken a different path after the initial meeting, but it didn't and.... Yup.

Her Tempting Protector by Caitlyn O'Leary

Talk about being blown away by a story!  This story blasted its way to crowd in at the top of my favorite COL books, which now proudly has 3 in first place. 

Her Tempting Protector delivers not only a crazy fun rescue adventure (I mean, fun as in lots of someones are out to kill us kinda fun) entwined with a slowly seductive love story, but it also sheds light on the heartbreaking atrocities that so many live with every day - from both the victims' and the caregivers' perspectives.  This book makes you pause and think while you anxiously flip the pages to see what happens next.

There's just something about the quiet but strong (and cocky in a good way) confidence a man emanates when he's secure in who he is, what he wants, and what needs done to both protect and secure that.  Cullen knows what his job is and he relishes in doing it - whether it's being a protective big brother, a rock-solid teammate, or the shield and safety for his woman - he takes charge and gives his all.  Cullen is the perfect mix of hilarious, sweet, and bossy alpha hero I've come to treasure. 

I loved getting to see Carys (from Her Steadfast Hero) make her appearance as Cullen's woman.  Her history combined with who she was as a woman - strength mixed with vulnerability, secure confidence weaved with heartbreaking insecurities, her loving empathetic heart supported by a steel backbone - created a gorgeous woman from the inside out.  I saw myself in her as much as I hoped I had my own version of strength she had. 

Cullen and Carys were the ideal match for each other.  She was someone he could protect and take care of, to give the dream of family and love to, while he gave her the safe place and someone to depend on when she needed it, and the someone to have her back as she chased her dreams.  They were the perfect mix, neither overpowering the other.  I loved how they complimented each other and both drew strength and gave strength from their love.

I adored every moment from the first page to the last, experiencing all the danger and the excitement layered with beauty, heartbreak, and triumphs.  Stories like this give the perfect kind of escape for me. It touched my heart in a way that I know I'll remember moments clearly and enjoy revisiting often. 

Her Sanctuary by Tracy Garrett

We all know that saying about what assumptions do. I even recently read a book that was about assumptions and the problems they cause. Did I listen to the lessons learned? Nope - which is why I took too long to go back River's Bend and read the last story (which btw... I'd love to see more stories from River's Bend, Ms. Tracy Garrett!! Ya know, if you're taking requests, lol). I wasn't sure how a preacher would be portrayed as the hero in the story, and that made me pause and assume things. And left me pleasantly satisfied by the end.

I also don't know what the deal is lately, but it seems like I can't get away from death and heavy grief lately (whether in stories or real life). And while I read the blurb before starting this book, for some reason, it didn't click for me what was going to happen till I was already invested in the story, so off I went on another journey through grief and loss with Maggie.

I loved how Maggie had the inner strength that pushed through every hurt and trial set before her. I love how she struggled a bit, but knew deep down her worth. I could identify so well with her and felt her hurt and struggles and desires.

I loved how Kris wasn't the typical preacher character you see in western stories. He had a strength and a presence about him that complimented the strength he drew from God. He also was wise enough to quickly see his mistakes (aka his own assumptions) and rectify them. Loved how he was able to see Maggie for who she really was and pursued her, breaking down both her and his own defenses to give each other the home that they desperately needed.

This story touched on some sensitive topics - loss of loved one, prejudice, forgiveness, compassion. All were handled with care.

I also enjoyed catching up with the other couples of River's Bend - made me want to go back and revisit them again.

If you're looking for a story that'll make you feel and think, but yet deliver a precious and heartwarming love story, this is one to pick up, along with all the other River's Bend stories (as I believe this is technically the last one in the series). 

Hidden Trails by Cheryl Pierson

Hidden Trails is a charmingly sweet and adventure-filled western story that gives you something to think about while you enjoy the tale.

I loved Levi's stubbornness, his determination to do the right thing, and his natural protective instincts that take center stage once he encounters Val.

I loved Valentine's strength, her tenacity, and her confidence in herself and her worth. She wasn't going to back down from a fight, nor was she going to allow herself to be trod upon.

If you're looking for a winter themed western that packs a punch and still gives you sweet, this is a story to enjoy.

The SEAL's Promise by Grace Alexander

Winter's Heat is one of my most favorite books ever, so when I found out there was a "sweeter" version available, I was excited to discover the nuances between the stories. Drake and Tessa's story delivered all the action and anticipation expected and the unique additions/changes made this particular version just that much better.

I loved how Drake and Tessa connected and felt that something-special-spark between them, but yet, had something else holding them back that they had to fight through to claim their happy ever after. And boy, did they have a journey to fight through to get to their goodness. Honor, protectiveness, defending, and healing, they all have their place in this story.

The whole world around the Safehouse Security team and going from rural to urban America, to South America and back again bloomed to life around me as I found myself lost in the story. I loved how Drake and Tessa interacted and fell for each other. I adored the protective instincts that flared to life in Drake and the way Tessa came to life around him. Tessa definitely could hold her own though, and was a fighter from the beginning.


The scruff on his face was a scant thicker than usual, though he liked to keep a menacing shadow. Men backed off, and danger-junkie women gravitated toward him. Win-win.

You just think of me as all brawn, saving that cute butt of yours from thugs.

Their bodies were the right mix of spark and C4. Together, there was the potential for explosions.

Violence had never had this effect on him before. But protecting her, isolating her from dangerous men, made him feel savagely possessive.

"I'm safe. You… Took care of them, just like you said."

And can I just say - that cover is all sorts of yummy hotness! :)

The Carpino Series Collection, Books 1-3 by Brynne Asher

I'm a rebel. I'll read a book series out of order if a later book calls to me, and in this case, Athica Lane wouldn't let my attention go! I love finding books that make my heart happy - and Paige and Cam's HEA overflows my heart with all the feel-goods! Give me a alpha male who's got some rough edges but makes up for it in the best of ways, and a charming, girly, sassy, sweet heroine who's his perfect match, who's both soft and strong, and I will melt and swoon through the whole story! I adored the extra little bonus scene showing life a few years later and just how good Paige and Cam still are together. Review update 3/6/20 - read Overflow Jude and Gabby's story touched so many pieces of my heart and left it overflowing with satisfaction. I loved how Jude and Gabby met and how even without both of them getting the true significance of it, from that first moment in each other's presence, that was it for the both of them. I loved the family connections/drama and how family matters - and not all family is blood. I loved experiencing Gabby's insecurities and working through her grief with her. I loved the moments of peace and easy mixed in with havoc and tension. I loved how everything fell together and they worked through the hurt and their pasts. I adored how Jude treated Gabby and refused to lose her to anything. She’s only been mine for five days and that’s exactly what she is as of right now. Mine. So, quit asking me if I’m gonna come to you at the end of the day, because as long as this is good, I plan on coming to you. Baby, watch out. You prance your sweet ass out here in that little thing, I’m comin’ after you. “Who’s that?” I whisper. “That’s my dad. Come on, I’ll introduce you. Trust me, he’s not nearly as overwhelming as your family.” Mixing up a great blend of laughter and love, family and friends, sweet and steamy, Overflow is a beautiful love story that'll settle into your heart. Bonus scene: That letter from Jude was just perfection! So much heart and emotions all wrapped up in a gorgeous letter that catches us up to where they are now. I melted and fell in love with Jude all over again!

Overflow by Brynne Asher

Jude and Gabby's story touched so many pieces of my heart and left it overflowing with satisfaction.

I loved how Jude and Gabby met and how even without both of them getting the true significance of it, from that first moment in each other's presence, that was it for the both of them. I loved the family connections/drama and how family matters - and not all family is blood. I loved experiencing Gabby's insecurities and working through her grief with her. I loved the moments of peace and easy mixed in with havoc and tension. I loved how everything fell together and they worked through the hurt and their pasts. I adored how Jude treated Gabby and refused to lose her to anything.

She’s only been mine for five days and that’s exactly what she is as of right now. Mine.

So, quit asking me if I’m gonna come to you at the end of the day, because as long as this is good, I plan on coming to you.

Baby, watch out. You prance your sweet ass out here in that little thing, I’m comin’ after you.

“Who’s that?” I whisper. “That’s my dad. Come on, I’ll introduce you. Trust me, he’s not nearly as overwhelming as your family.”

Mixing up a great blend of laughter and love, family and friends, sweet and steamy, Overflow is a beautiful love story that'll settle into your heart.

Assumption by Aurora Rose Reynolds

I loved the set up of how Autumn and Kenton got together.

I adored how Kenton reacted to Autumn when he figured out his assumption about her was incorrect.

I loved how Autumn stood up for herself, even if some of her crazy reactions were a bit crazy for me. lol

I loved watching the slow-burn-ish way these two finally got on the same page and got together for real.

I adored with a passion the way Kenton went all out to protect Autumn and keep her safe.

Perfect amount of laughter, steam, drama, and intensity balanced throughout the story.

Take Me To Bed: Bedtime Quickies anthology

Freya Barker's story made me fall in love with the characters and made me want to go back and read the beginning of their story. I'm gonna have to take time to dig into more of her stories. I had to reread this one a few times already.

Anna Bishop Barker's story was the sweetest and hottest hookup that actually worked for me. Definitely a winner!

Aurora Rose Reynold's Until James was an emotional and heartwarming catch up with July and Wes. Loved the little addition to their story we got.