Heart's Surrender by Rosanne Bittner

2020 reread
I still absolutely love this heartbreaking and breath-stealing story! One thing that stood out for me more this time was how Adam saw and loved Andrea. (and vice versa) The words and actions he poured out over her melted me over and over again. Their deep abiding and intense love carried them through some heavy times, which made their love story all the more beautiful.

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Original review

What an epic, beautiful, heart grabbing story written by Rosanne Bittner! I had a feeling this would be an intense story, and I was not wrong. I learned more about the Trail of Tears (such a tragedy), than I knew before and I was sucked onto the story that fully brought history to life. Lots of twists, but such a fulfilling ending. Definitely not a story to be missed. 

Singed by Kaylea Cross

On a quest to reread some favorite stories (which I've missed doing of late) and to connect with some stories that feature older characters (Gage is in his early 40s), Singed caught my eye and I'm so glad it did - the timing was perfect! I needed what it had to give (which is more than just a hea story).

I loved everything about this story and how it took me on some emotional highs and lows, how some parts resonated deep inside, and how it made my heart happy-sigh when I got to the end. Gage and Claire's connection flaired brightly and I loved all their interactions. You could feel the love and the struggle and their desire for each other.

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2013 review
There's not much else to say that hasn't already been said in all the other 4 and 5 star reviews. (so read those for a better review! haha!)

This is an amazing story in an amazing world created by the amazing Kaylea Cross!! I love all her stories - the details, the heat, the adventure - I'm sucked in and don't want to escape!!

Knight of the Red Rose by Cynthia Breeding

I was delighted to discover I chose well when I picked up Knight of the Red Rose. I was needing another easy-to-get-lost-in story and the charm behind Stephen and Luciana's delivered all the feel goods I wanted.

I loved the history lesson and intrigue of the setting, even though keeping track of the who, why, and hows of royal political games and court drama kept me on my toes. But that fit in perfectly because even our hero and heroine were playing their own games, and not just with each other.

I adored Luciana and how she wasn't the typical female of the time. She was educated and wasn't afraid to show it, and had the smarts to hold her own no matter who she was verbally sparing with - but especially her brother, those were some awesome moments. She was refreshingly real and accepting of herself. She knew what she wanted, and due to how she was treated, found her bravery to grasp hold of the good.

Stephen, a undercover knight, quickly recognized the treasure and delight he found in Luciana and set about pursuing her the only way he could. I loved watching him fall for her and protect her. Their connection was a strong foundation for weathering the betrayals and political games swirling around.

I enjoyed watching how everything played out, especially since several twists were thrown in that I wasn't sure how they'd sort things out. But love is powerful. And it shines bright in this story.

A Cat in Jackboots by Deborah Macgillivray

Mighty stories can be found in small packages, and A Cat in Jackboots is a perfect example of this! If you want a shorter story you can absorb in one setting, but yet close the last page feeling like you're walking away from a full-length story that lingers, this is one to pick up!

I adored everything about this story - from the bit of intrigue and the games played, to from the sparks that flew and the surprises that had perfect timing, to the laughter and the happy sighs, they all weaved together into a delightfully easy and engrossing story - which is just perfect for life lately.

It's been a long, long time since I've read a regency-era story, and just like with her medieval tales, Deborah Macgillivray delivered an amazing story that I fell hard into and didn't want to leave. 

Gambled by Cristin Harber

Brock always intrigued me, knowing he was 2nd in command - and even though he made some icky choices (not everyone is perfect and makes the smartest decisions), I could see exactly where he was coming from and he endeared himself to me even more. Loved getting to know him better in this short story. A great continuation of the Titan's saga.

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Nov 2017 reread
I've forgotten just how much I loved Brock and Sarah's story. Being with them this time as they reconciled their marriage and watching how they were able to overcome the fall out from past events struck me really deeply this time. I'm thinking (even though all are favs as I read them) that Brock may have jumped up to join top ranks with my other top Titan favs. :)

When Love Comes Knocking by Sarah J. McNeal

When Love Comes Knocking is a short and sweet story that delivers quite a bit of feels, and I'm not talking the winter's chill on a hot August afternoon.

Emotions are high and rolling as Penelope and Gil finally decide it's time to own up to their desires - even as fear and jealousy grip tight. I just felt bad that it took as long as it did for both of them to find their bravery... all that time lost! However, with thoughts like this from Gil: He would love her until the stars burned out. the wait was obviously well worth it. I was smiling as things finally got sorted out.

One other fun nugget: The way to love a woman can be a mysterious undertaking. Isn't that the truth! lol

Never Surrender by Kaylea Cross

There was so much goodness wrapped up in this novella that it felt like a full-length novel with all the emotional impact, intriguing story line, and good dose of giggles I've come to expect from a Kaylea Cross story.

I loved getting to experience everything through Ryan and Candace's pov, with them being married just over a year. They have quite the connection still, but got slightly off track and it was time to get things sorted - which they did, beautifully! Throw in some quirky fun side characters, adored couples from previous stories, and a healthy dash of surprises and drama, and you can't help but turn the pages. Oh, and the cherry on top was Declan MacKenzie showing up!

BTW, Aiden Snow did an AMAZING job narrating!! Totally loved listening to him.

Lethal Edge by Kaylea Cross

I adored everything about this story and every moment I spent lost in Rifle Creek! Tate was the best mix of rough and tough, protective and loving, totally complimenting Nina's bubbly sweetness, gentleness, and vulnerable strength. Add in the family, neighbors, best friends, the small-town vibe, and some star-gazing and you can't help but wanna stay stuck in the story long after it's over.

I don't have words for it, but this story just hit me a bit deeper and will stick with me. Several KC books have a spot on my favorites shelf, but this one stands out among the best of the best.

I'm looking forward to what's to come next in Rifle Creek.