Review: A Rogue About Town by Rebecca Connolly

Book Two in the London League series

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A disgruntled operative…
 
Gabriel Statler, Lord Wharton, has a problem. His duties as an operative for the Crown are being compromised for the sake of his cover, where he is known only as the Rogue. His days are now filled with trivial investigations, and none of the problems are ones he wants to solve. Then he meets a mysterious young woman who holds more secrets than he likes, and, against his better judgment, he takes her case.

A determined client...
 
Amelia Berger needs the Rogue, and she needs everything he can offer without revealing everything she knows. Her secrets are her own, and she has far too many to risk revealing even one. But when working with Rogue turns into something entirely unexpected, she finds that the secrets she began with are not the ones she most needs to protect.

My Review

I loved the clash of personalities between Amelia and Gabe. They each have a plethora of secrets, and it was fun seeing them grow closer together despite their lack of trust in certain areas. Although they aren't attracted to each other at first, they have great chemistry and are somewhat taken by surprise by their passionate feelings for each other. The mysteries they are working to solve keep the pace of the book hopping, and I loved how each layer unfolded with some surprises along the way. The dynamics of the various members of the London League are fascinating and I can't wait for more books in this series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss Book One in the London League series

Read my 4 star review here

Synopsis

A woman of great fortune…

 

Margaret Easton needs a husband, and she needs one now. Her parents are convinced that only a European will do, but Margaret wants nothing more than to stay in England. The trouble is that there is only one man Margaret can think of, or rather, one she cannot forget, and he wouldn’t do as a husband at all. Then she finds herself in his care unexpectedly, and her hunt becomes even more complicated than she could have ever imagined.

A man of great mystery…

 

Rafe Thornton has never said more than ten words to Margaret Easton, but she is rapidly becoming the sole occupant of his thoughts. She is distracting him from his operative work as the Gent, and keeps him from his usual focused nature, which he doesn’t mind at all. When she stumbles into his world, his work and his emotions collide, forcing him to choose between saving the Crown, and protecting his love.

Review: Some Like It Hot by Susan May Warren

Book Three in the Summer of the Burning Sky series

When western Alaska erupts in a devastating fire, the elite firefighting crew of the Jude County Smokejumpers is called in to save the day. They’ll do anything to stop the fire, including fighting alongside a crew of local prisoners.

The last thing they expect is a jailbreak and when the prisoners disappear into the forest with one of their own, they’ll have to fight not only the fire, but for the freedom of their friends…during the Summer of the Burning Sky.

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Riley McCord is trouble, from his blue eyes to his renegade smile—a cover for the grief of losing his father three years ago in Afghanistan, a loss that is still top secret. Riley masks it all by living large—working hard and playing hard, and that includes romancing Larke Kingston, local wilderness medic. When he’s sidelined while working the forest fire, he’s determined to rejoin his team, but to do so, he'll have to accompany Larke into the wilderness when she is dispatched to a medical emergency. What he doesn’t realize is that trouble is waiting for him in the woods…

Medic Larke Kingston lost the man she loved during her service in Afghanistan and she’s not interested in a troublemaker, so Riley’s no threat to her heart. Just a short-term distraction. Until, that is, a wilderness medical mission puts her face-to-face with an escaped prisoner. Suddenly she needs Riley more than she wants to admit.

Riley is shocked when the escapee claims to have answers about his father’s death. However, before he can uncover them, the fire turns and is bearing down on Larke’s ranch, and his team. Now, only Riley and Larke stand between the flames and destruction of everything they both love. But will the price of saving the ranch—and the team—be greater than they both can bear?

In book 3, the epic Summer of the Burning Sky series comes to a blazing, shocking finale.

My Review

More action, adventure, danger, and suspense make this an exciting finale to the trilogy! I love how the author skillfully weaves in a message of faith with the characters who are so strong and brave, yet struggling and vulnerable deep inside. Riley is definitely a heartbreaker, but it's Larke who makes him want to be the man he knows he can be, and the last thing he wants to do is see her hurt. I appreciated that even though he's a bit of a player, he was respectful and genuine with Larke, putting her needs first. The difficult experiences they share while fighting fires and treating the injured naturally draw them closer together, and they are able to support each other in their grief and help overcome insecurities. I love how the men in these stories view the women as completely capable and skilled in their professions and the level of respect that is there. Larke is conflicted over knowing that she doesn't need to be protected, that she shouldn't want it, yet relishing the feeling of safety when the men in her life stand up for her and over her when necessary. Riley helps her come to terms with her struggle and accept a healthy perspective that it's what people do for those they love. All the loose ends from the previous books are tied up nicely and there is a satisfying conclusion for each of the three couples.  

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss the other books in the Summer of the Burning Sky series . . .

Book One

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

Former bad-boy Tucker Newman has learned his lesson—as the temporary team leader of the Jude County Smokejumpers, he’s all about following the rules to keep his team safe. Especially when he has to partner with a group of local low-security prisoners to knock down the raging fire. But the prisoners are not who they seem, and when they stage a break, kidnapping one of his teammates, he’ll have to break every rule he knows to get her back.

US Marshal Stevie Mills knows that to get the job done, she must work alone. She simply can’t risk another person getting hurt because of her. When she discovers that a wanted fugitive accused of rape and murder has not only been set free to fight the fire—but is now on the lam with a hostage-- the last thing she needs is a zealous smokejumper getting in the way of her pursuit.

Whether they like it or not, Tucker and Stevie must join forces if they hope to save lives, and in the meantime, they just might discover a new definition for the word teamwork, in book 1 of the Summer of the Burning Sky.

Book Two

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

FBI Agent Rio Parker is tired of playing the bad guy, even if it is for a good reason. Undercover with a group of prisoners to babysit a federal informant, he can’t believe he’s been enlisted to fight a forest fire…or sucked into a prison break. Worse—a female smokejumper has been kidnapped. Now, he’ll have to protect her from a rapist, keep his informant from escaping, and stay out of the gunsights of the US Marshal hot on his trail.

Smokejumper Skye Doyle knew trouble was brewing when the group of prisoners joined the firefight. She never expected, however, to be kidnapped during their breakout. But can she trust a hardened felon to keep her safe? Except, Rio is not who he seems, and when his identity is uncovered, she must decide if she can trust a man who has been lying to her…

But staying alive on the run isn’t their only problem, they’ll have to learn to trust each other if they hope to survive in book 2 of the Summer of the Burning Sky.

Review & Giveaway: Anna the Prophetess by H.B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Anna the Prophetess is the dramatic chronicle of the only woman to be called a prophetess in the Gospels. When Anna’s great-niece Julia is exiled to Jerusalem as punishment for her refusal to marry a man old enough to be her father, Anna shares the story of her early days of courtship with her husband. Although Julia’s parents admonished her to observe firsthand how lonely Anna’s life is, Julia instead discovers that her great-aunt’s life is far from lonely. Instead, Anna’s story is one of love, peace, and incredible faith.

As Anna shares her unwavering testimony of the coming Messiah with her great-niece, these two faithful women are changed forever as they seek the Lord’s will in their lives and joyfully witness the long-awaited sign of Christ’s birth.

My Review

I loved the way I felt completely immersed in the Biblical setting of Anna's story! The historical details are subtly woven into the narrative and built a world very different from ours, but familiar from reading the Bible. I was glad that Julia was a main character and that the story was told from her point of view as well as Anna's. She is a stranger to Anna when they first meet, but the family bond and respect allow the women to quickly grow closer together. Julia appreciates Anna's wisdom and unconventional perspective, based on inspiration from the Lord instead of village customs. Anna's role as mentor to Julia allowed me to share that relationship as well and I felt like I was learning from a spiritual giant. I loved the story of Anna's youth and how she met her husband, it was so gentle and sweet how they grew to care for each other. Anna's devotion to her father and brother painted a picture of her contented daily life filled with loving family, observing customs, and serving neighbors. There is some action and conflict that brought variety to the plot, and I felt like it was well balanced. Julia and Anna rely on the Lord's guidance as Julia seeks answers to her decisions about her future with Phillip, the man who she would like to marry but is not in the good graces of the small village because of a past family scandal. I loved the way her experiences with Anna shifted her perspective and gave her compassion for her family, and her tender feelings for Phillip brought more sweet romance to the story. The signs of the Messiah's birth excite and astound those who recognize them and seem to soften the hearts of all, bringing gratitude that the ancient prophecies have been fulfilled. I loved the way Anna and Julia are able to interact with other Biblical persons, such as Simeon, Elizabeth, Mary, and Joseph. The beloved Bible story came to life in my mind and heart as I read this book, and my heart felt full of love and gratitude as I finished it. Highly recommend!!!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Other Biblical Novels by H.B. Moore:
 
Esther the Queen
The Moses Chronicles
Ruth
Eve: In the Beginning

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Lazy Days of Summer Giveaway Hop!

I'm soaking up the last days of summer reading! My two daughters are back in school so I've been enjoying the slower pace, catching up on projects, and of course, reading! One I loved this summer is The Road to Magnolia Glen by Pam Hillman (read my 5 star review here), and I have an ARC (advanced reading copy) to give away! Enter to win in the Giveaway Tools widget below, and be sure to check out some other blogs on the hop!

Synopsis

1792, Natchez Trace, MS

 
Bitter since his eldest brother abandoned their family in Ireland, Quinn O’Shea travels to Natchez, Mississippi, ready to shuck the weight of his duty and set off on an adventure of his own. It’s time Connor, as head of the family, took responsibility for their younger siblings. While aboard ship, a run-in with three Irish sisters lands Quinn in the role of reluctant savior. Though it may delay his plans, he cannot abandon the Young sisters, especially the tenacious yet kind Kiera.

Upon arriving in the colonies, Kiera Young prepares to meet her intended and begin her new life. But she soon discovers the marriage her brother-in-law arranged was never meant to be, and a far more sinister deal was negotiated for her and her sisters.

Quinn offers to escort his charges safely to Breeze Hill Plantation and his brother’s care, fully intending to seek his freedom elsewhere. But the longer he remains, the greater his feelings toward Kiera grow and the more he comes to realize true freedom might be found in sacrifice.

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Review: The Heat is On by Susan May Warren

Book Two in the Summer of the Burning Sky series

When western Alaska erupts in a devastating fire, the elite firefighting crew of the Jude County Smokejumpers is called in to save the day. They’ll do anything to stop the fire, including fighting alongside a crew of local prisoners.

The last thing they expect is a jailbreak and when the prisoners disappear into the forest with one of their own, they’ll have to fight not only the fire, but for the freedom of their friends…during the Summer of the Burning Sky.

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

FBI Agent Rio Parker is tired of playing the bad guy, even if it is for a good reason. Undercover with a group of prisoners to babysit a federal informant, he can’t believe he’s been enlisted to fight a forest fire…or sucked into a prison break. Worse—a female smokejumper has been kidnapped. Now, he’ll have to protect her from a rapist, keep his informant from escaping, and stay out of the gunsights of the US Marshal hot on his trail.

Smokejumper Skye Doyle knew trouble was brewing when the group of prisoners joined the firefight. She never expected, however, to be kidnapped during their breakout. But can she trust a hardened felon to keep her safe? Except, Rio is not who he seems, and when his identity is uncovered, she must decide if she can trust a man who has been lying to her…

But staying alive on the run isn’t their only problem, they’ll have to learn to trust each other if they hope to survive in book 2 of the Summer of the Burning Sky.

My Review

This second book takes the action from the first book but condenses it a bit and shows it from Skye and Rio's points of view, and takes the story further. It has amazing and thrilling action and danger, as well as a simmering romance that kept me turning pages quickly. Rio is such a great character- a bad boy who's secretly a hero, battling with demons from his past and fighting for justice while protecting Skye from some pretty evil guys. He and Skye both help each other with the deeper issues they are struggling with, which makes their quick bond under pressure more believable. Like the first book, this one does a great job of wrapping up Skye and Rio's relationship while still leaving a bit of a cliffhanger with the suspense plot that will finish in the third book.

(I purchased a copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss the other books in the Summer of the Burning Sky series . . .

Book One

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

Former bad-boy Tucker Newman has learned his lesson—as the temporary team leader of the Jude County Smokejumpers, he’s all about following the rules to keep his team safe. Especially when he has to partner with a group of local low-security prisoners to knock down the raging fire. But the prisoners are not who they seem, and when they stage a break, kidnapping one of his teammates, he’ll have to break every rule he knows to get her back.

US Marshal Stevie Mills knows that to get the job done, she must work alone. She simply can’t risk another person getting hurt because of her. When she discovers that a wanted fugitive accused of rape and murder has not only been set free to fight the fire—but is now on the lam with a hostage-- the last thing she needs is a zealous smokejumper getting in the way of her pursuit.

Whether they like it or not, Tucker and Stevie must join forces if they hope to save lives, and in the meantime, they just might discover a new definition for the word teamwork, in book 1 of the Summer of the Burning Sky.

Book Three

Synopsis

Riley McCord is trouble, from his blue eyes to his renegade smile—a cover for the grief of losing his father three years ago in Afghanistan, a loss that is still top secret. Riley masks it all by living large—working hard and playing hard, and that includes romancing Larke Kingston, local wilderness medic. When he’s sidelined while working the forest fire, he’s determined to rejoin his team, but to do so, he'll have to accompany Larke into the wilderness when she is dispatched to a medical emergency. What he doesn’t realize is that trouble is waiting for him in the woods…

Medic Larke Kingston lost the man she loved during her service in Afghanistan and she’s not interested in a troublemaker, so Riley’s no threat to her heart. Just a short-term distraction. Until, that is, a wilderness medical mission puts her face-to-face with an escaped prisoner. Suddenly she needs Riley more than she wants to admit.

Riley is shocked when the escapee claims to have answers about his father’s death. However, before he can uncover them, the fire turns and is bearing down on Larke’s ranch, and his team. Now, only Riley and Larke stand between the flames and destruction of everything they both love. But will the price of saving the ranch—and the team—be greater than they both can bear?

In book 3, the epic Summer of the Burning Sky series comes to a blazing, shocking finale.