Sweet One by Cristin Harber

2020 audio reread

This time, I have a much deeper appreciation for this story, and fell in love all the more with Cash and Nic. It fed everything I was needing and gave everything required.

There's something special about this couple and a little catch-up novella like this is the perfect little piece of story that, thankfully, we get to enjoy.

++++++++++

2016 review

"You kiss like a god."
"I love you."

Swoons!!

Cristin Harber and her super secret projects! This one is another perfect surprise she dropped on her Titan fans. You can tell the depth of love she has for Cash and Nic as she just can't quite let them go!

Absolutely enjoyed getting to go back a bit in Titan time (this book chronically starts right at the end of Hart Attack) and getting to see some events through Cash and Nic's eyes as well as experiencing married life with them! The short story starts with a bang and delivers all the feels - I was crying by page 2 (oye!) and shortly after giggling, awe'ing, swooning, and growling - everything you come to expect and love from a Titan book.

While part of the conflict seemed to be a bit too easily solved (or maybe that was me missing seeing a bit more of the Titan action/adventure), it flowed well with the story and kept the focus where it needed to be - on Cash and Nic. I have a feeling a few more surprises are in store for us, because while a lot of loose ends were tied up, not quite all of them have a pretty bow on them yet. (guessing the next Titan novel - or who knows, another surprise project?) will answer these. :)

Definitely not a story to miss if you're a fan of Cash and Nic in their stories (Sweet Girl, Garrison's Creed) or Titan in general.

The Guardian by Cristin Harber

Omgoodness, give me spicy sweetness, escape and evade scenes, secrets and truths, dimple-showing laughter, a swoony protective alpha, a sweet and strong and best friend-like leading lady —all that adds up to The Guardian. Loved every. single. stinkin'. moment of this story.

I'm so thrilled Cristin Harber took advantage of the opportunity to give us Jason and Roxane's story because it was totally worth it! I have to admit, I’ve already re-read this story and have the rest of the Aces series queued up for a reread as well because I just can't escape from a good thing.

I love coming back to the Titan world with each new piece we're given. The Guardian adds another delightful layer of glittery sprinkles to the richness of the Titan cake universe.

~~~~~~~

Oct2020 reread, single release (with added words)

The nuances stepped it up just enough to make an amazing story all that better and tighter and loved.


**originally read in the Danger and Desire anthology.

Delta Revenge by Cristin Harber

2020 audio reread

Revisiting some past favorites makes me feel like I'm coming back home, and Delta Revenge definitely welcomed me back. I adore Javier and Sophia - the way they connected, worked through their roadblocks, and figured out what really mattered right then. And the words Javier had, when he wasn't being a dolt...swept me off my feet. I really didn't want to let go of this story the closer I got to the ending.

Oh, and Brock still rocks. ;)

Last, boy did I love hearing Jeffrey Kafer read this story to me.... he's got the voice and brought this story to life for me all over again.

~~~

2016 orig review

Javier and Sophia and all of Delta provided me with an amazing excape. From the first paragraph, Cristin Harber had me lost in Javier's history and feeling his deep wounds. Then she moved me quickly into a different world where Sophia deals with her own wounds. Watching them ride the waves of their relationship, the sweet, the struggles, the trust building, the heat - that was a wild ride. A couple extra twists and fun surprises were included that made the story all that more awesome.

This isn't a story to be missed if you are a fan of Titan or previous Delta books.

Storm Damage by C.P. Smith

Stories like this are what keep me coming back for more!

Small town setting, big focus on family, sweetly vulnerable but core-deep strong heroine insta-connecting to the protective and formidable alpha hero, and a heart-stealing war dog - mix all that together and you get an amazing story.

I was immediately caught up in the lives of the characters, feeling their desperation, loneliness, pain, but also their bond, love, and loyalty. The insta-connection between Skylar and Logan just worked perfectly, and when you add in the connection Logan felt to her brothers, fusing the family even tighter to Logan, you can't help but fall in love with everyone.

Find the joy, and it'll burn out the pain - this lesson was beautifully expressed and touched something deeper inside of me. That's something I love about Christina Smith's stories - she delivers nuggets of truth and wisdom and makes you pause to reflect and absorb the moment - both for the characters and in yourself as the reader.

If you want a story with a possessive alpha male, a darlin' heroine, a mystery to solve with all the dead bodies piling up, seeing hearts being healed, and the warm beauty of family in all the ways it comes, grab Storm Damage.

Hart Attack by Cristin Harber

2020 audio reread

Hart Attack still ranks up there as one of my top favorite Titan stories, and couples. It's awesome how much the story still hits me in all the feels now even more so than originally. Loved every minute I had back with Roman and Beth and the gang.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2014 book review

Let's try a flow chart, shall we??? :)

Have you ever read a book that captured your attention and heart from the first page and then hooked you so deep you experienced everything - not just read it? And the only possible cure for the intense and instantaneous book hangover is to start over from the beginning to relive it all again?

Yes - and you love those types of stories? Then what are you waiting for??? Hurry and get Hart Attack and dive in!

No - but you want to know what that feels like? Then what are you waiting for??? Hurry and get Hart Attack and dive in!

From the beginning, I was completely drawn into the story. I *felt* for Beth and Roman. I struggled with them, I cried for them, I laughed with them, I growled with (um, and at???) them, and I swooned with them (um, you may need a fan, or an ice bucket, or something - it got pretty hot a few times). I was overwhelmed by them and I flew with them! There was no letting up - you start out on a fast paced ride and it doesn't ever slow down. There were multiple moments where I had to make myself put down the book for a minute and remember to just breathe and even wipe my tears away!!! Even in the moments where I felt growly towards their actions, as time went on and more secrets were exposed, I not only understood, but it made me love them (and the growly moments) all the more because of it.

I love how Cristin continues to bring her stories to life with her unique voice and irresistible men and women. This is an amazing and worthy addition to her Titan series.

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.

======
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.

******
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!!

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.

_______________

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. :)

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.

Lawman in the High Lonesome by Rosanne Bittner

Like the enthralling rugged beauty of the Outlaw Trail, Lawman in the High Lonesome provides a breath-catching journey through tragedies and triumphs.

I loved experiencing the depth and breadth of emotions and adoration shown from both Matt and Elly with their families and then towards each other. They both had heavy burdens of grief they were healing from, and together they were able help with that healing. Elly needed someone who would desire her for more than just a helpmate - need and love her for herself, and Matt needed someone he could protect and cherish - and to stand up to him and beside him. Their gut-deep attraction and connection kept pulling them back together, and circumstances allowed for them both to be willing to dive in and take a chance on the other and not let a good thing get away.

I loved how the whole world came to life around me, both in the vast wild-west setting and in the variety of supporting characters. Wisdom and love from Matt's mother, villainous surprises from the bad guys, kindness and sweetness from the trio of prostitutes, the devotion from Elly's best friend - it all weaves together to deliver an engrossing story that you don't want to have end.

This was just the kind of epic, sweep-me-off-my-feet historical western romance story I've been needing to escape into. And yet again, another Rosanne Bittner story has found it's way to my favorite shelf.

Some favorite quotes:

God simply chose you to be one of His avenging angels rather than a preacher. You were never meant to be docile and forgiving. You’re a good person, Matt, but the way you go about it is different from your father.

She just wanted to be a full woman again, loved simply for who she was, faults and all. Just loved.

Life could be so damn cruel. If things were different, a woman like Elly would have been the perfect answer to his loneliness. He knew instinctively he could fall in love with a woman like that.

Well, I know from experience that a woman can get under a man’s skin and create an itch that drives him crazy.

She loved watching him do anything. There was such a masculine sureness about him. She felt so safe.

The Survivor by Cristin Harber

Whew, I need a moment to catch my breath after this story!

A roller coaster ride of bountiful laughter, intriguing puzzles, and breath-twisting moments weave seamlessly together to deliver a powerful story.

Cristin Harber worked her wordsmith magic again by building a world and lulling her readers into a false sense of comfortable and then just BOOM blowing it all up and piecing it back together better than imagined - repeatedly.

Both Hagan and Amanda had histories that brought me to tears multiple times. I loved how they met and the games they played getting to know the other, even as much as their games were real and honest. I connected to Amanda with some of her fears and struggles, and admired her mix of quiet and loud strength, and battered but brave heart. Her smarts and (good) attitude shined off the page. I adored Hagan's sense of protectiveness and respect, his fierce love for his family and those in his life and his determination to dig in and get deep. I enjoyed falling in love with both of them as they fell for each other and exposed more of themselves.

Then, there's Boss Man. I think he put forth a good effort to steal the show at moments, but they were always perfect timing. The camaraderie shown within the team and Jared's own brand of tough-*ss tlc still gets to me every time. Love it!

The Survivor rocked my world, packing a powerful emotional punch, and gave me more than just a enjoyable escape. Definitely a terrific addition to the ACES series and the TITAN world in general. Reading each new story in the Titan world feels like a warm welcome home that I never want to leave.

Adrift by Anna Lowe

I don't know why I took my precious sweet time to read this series after falling in love with the first one, but I'm SO GLAD I dove back in and finished it!

There's so much I loved about this story - the depth of emotions, the amazing spark of connection, the heat that boiled off the page (I mean, it's the Caribbean, yeah?), the sweetness, the protectiveness, the cute. I was so immersed into the story, I felt like I was on the sailboat, running from bad men, hearing the waves, feeling the wind, living in the moment surrounded by island live. I also loved the encouragement and little nuggets of truth that hit me deep - I super connected with Meredith and needed to hear and believe some of the same things.

This whole series is a top winner for me! Definitely some fun summer-time-deck-soaking-up-the-sunshine reading!


Life can be beautiful, sweetheart. Make sure you let that joy in.

She blinked, then locked those sea-blue eyes on his and hung on. Hung on like he was all she needed to escape this mess.

“Don’t overthink this,” he murmured as he swept her into a hug. A nice, tight, You’ll be safe with me hug that made her mind go blissfully blank.

Windswept by Anna Lowe

Heck yeah this was a spectacular, blood pumping, heart-catching adventure ride - and exactly the kind of story I crave!

Mixing a good dose of suspense/action with all the emotional feels and the perfect amount of heat, you immediately dive under with Mia and Ryan's relationship and can't stop turning the pages to figure out what happens next, and what was in their history.

And can I just say, if I ever get the opportunity to go on a Caribbean vacation, I so want Ryan to be there with me. Ya know... just in case. And for all the other good stuff. Including yoga poses. ;)

Mia's one of the best kind of heroines out there - strong but sweet and all woman. Ryan is also one of the best kind of heroes out there - protective, determined, and knows how to man-up and apologize. Mia isn't a slacker with recognizing when to forgive and move on either.

While I adore this whole series, I think Mia and Ryan just edge out as favorites... but once I reread the others I might have to change my mind to it being whoever I'm with at the time!

Her Treasured SEAL by Caitlyn O'Leary

Her Treasured SEAL has it all! Everything from manly heart-to-hearts (Drake style lol) to intimate come-to-Jesus meetings, from action adventures to happy-sweet wedding moments. I laughed and cried, my heart raced, ached, and melted.

I loved that we got another story for Drake and Karen (and really the whole crew, getting to see them and touch base again). Their strength independently and together and the love they have for one another flow off the pages. Sometimes we all need wake-up calls and lots of grace and patience to adjust and settle, which they had in spades. The way Drake cared and loved Karen and their baby, and the way Karen dished that love right back was beautiful and deep and precious. The bonds nurtured with others (siblings, team mates, family) continued to melt me with the devotion and unconditional love given.

As much as I loved this story, I so didn't want it to end, because that meant the end of the Midnight Delta series. However, if there's one thing that Caityln O'leary is good at, it's crossing over characters into new stories, so it's not really goodbye forever.

Her Treasured Seal feels like the fairy dust coating on top of a delightful swirl of whipped-cream icing over a decadent cupcake - a perfect way to wrap up an amazing story. *tosses up all the stars*

Her Relentless SEAL by Caitlyn O'Leary

Her relentless SEAL is right -- Aiden knew he wanted and needed Evie, but he needed her to be safe more. And once he figured out she was safe from his past, nothing was going to stop him from claiming his woman - not her family, her history, herself, or even the new threat against the Averys.

I loved how mature, honest, determined (aka relentless), and protective Aiden was - he was exactly what Evie needed - someone to take care of her and stand by her side. Evie was just the right mix of strength and vulnerable, tough and sweet. Her heart was huge and made of golden light and she poured herself out to love on others - but she needed someone to help balance that and protect her so she could keep doing what was her nature to do.

I adored getting to see their side of the story that we got glimpses of in the previous book with Drake and Karen - and getting to live out Evie's rescue and how they connected and solidified their relationship.

It's also always a joy to catch up with various other members of the SEAL teams, and their women, and be on missions and see the home-time moments.

Yet another awesome story in the Midnight Delta series - a favorite I look forward to revisiting again!

Her Guarded Hero by Caitlyn O'Leary

I adored every single minute of this story and was rather heartbroken to see it come to an end!

Dalton's history wrecked my heart, but it also formed him into the protective, loving, heart-stealing man he became. Even if I didn't agree with some of his convictions about himself, he got his head sorted out quickly. And I fell for him just as quickly and as hard as Aurora did - maybe faster as I didn't have an actual fall preceding my downfall. lol

I adored everything about Aurora - she had wisdom and the best kind of sass all wrapped around a heart of gold. She had the perfect kind of soft-strength to face down the demons Dalton carried and defeat them along side of him.

I loved being out at her family's ranch and getting to meet Gunnar and spend time with the horses (and now I even more so want to find a nearby horse ranch!). I also enjoyed seeing the brotherhood still as strong and devoted as ever - and experience Aurora's trio of best-friend-sisters. Friendship bonds like that are a treasure.

This book touches beautifully on a couple of sensitive topics (grief being a big one) and gives you all the feels to truly experience and understand where they're coming from.

As a stand alone, this is an amazing story, and as part of the Black Dawn world, it's a keeper. Before I was done reading, I knew this book was destined for my all time favorites shelf.

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. 

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.

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.

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.