Series Review: Garrison's Law Series by Mary Connealy

Garrison's Law begins. A family of alpha Texas lawmen (and women) bring their own brand of justice to law and order in Texas.  

 

 

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Trudy Jennings, is a college professor with a string of bestselling pop psychology books about answering all of life's troubles with love.   

Ben Garrison is her student. He's a hardened cop who needs this class to get his degree can't keep a straight face. He tells her she's right, as long as she lives in her cushion, safe life. But for him, using her philosophy, he'll be dead by the weekend.   

A stalker is coming after kindhearted Trudy and Ben is there to protect her. Trudy faces her first try challenge to turning the other cheek and feels like a failure that she can't help her confused and desperate and frightening stalker.   

Ben has to keep Trudy safe until the increasingly frightening stalker can be stopped and as Ben gets to know Trudy better, he recognizes his own callus behavior at the same time he finds out everyone in  

Trudy's life takes advantage of her.
She's got to get tough.
He's got to find a kinder way.   

Together they have to take down a wealthy, obsessed man who knows how to play the system, because he's done all this before.

My Review

What a fun and odd matchup with these two main characters! Ben is gruff and rough around the edges, spending his days with the seedier element of society. Trudy bases her theories of passivism around the Biblical teaching of love thy neighbor, but has no real experience in life. She is being taken advantage of by some people in her life, and I loved how Ben teaches her how to stand up for herself and enforce boundaries, while she shows him that respect and kindness with his coworkers will help his chances for promotion. They drive each other crazy, but have strong chemistry, and their banter and attraction make for some entertaining reading! The stalker creates a feeling of uneasiness and the pace of the book is steady as the suspenseful vibe keeps the reader and characters on their toes.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

 

 

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Jacie Moreau is a tough-as-nails security specialist who works with the Long Pine Texas police. She takes care of herself and doesn’t ask for help from anyone.

Brett Garrison is an odd-man-out in the Garrison family. He’s a soft-hearted veterinarian from a family of daring Texas lawmen.

Jacie runs afoul of a hired killer and no one is there to step between her and danger but Brett.

Brett’s good-hearted plan to care for the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen draw an assassin’s attention.

Jacie never needs help, but Brett’s kindness when she is so vulnerable sneaks past all the emotional walls she’s built around her heart.

The killer keeps coming and their only hope is to run. And as they run they try and figure out who’s hired a killer, and why, and how to stop him.

If they hide well enough and live long enough, they might make it to the day they can fall in love.   

My Review

I really enjoyed this suspenseful and humorous book! I felt like Jacie and Brett connected really well, even though they both have some personal issues they are dealing with, and they brought out the best in each other. The banter is so fun and I think that's such a strength with this author. Brief parts of the story are told from the villain's perspective which I don't always like, but in this case it was used well by not giving too much away and definitely increasing the creepy factor! It's fast-paced, but also balances the character development and romance skillfully. Highly recommend to fans of clean romantic suspense!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

  

 

 

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Not all the Garrisons are guys.

Beth Garrison is the top hostage negotiator in Rocky Ridge, Texas. She's called to serve on a task force to investigate a killing that is a copycat of her first bust as a rookie.

Tate McCade has a reputation for steamrolling anyone who gets in his way and he's had a run-in with Beth and her oversized ego before. He's got a bruise on his face to prove it.

They have to work together and sparks are flying that aren’t all about the job.

My Review

I've been binge reading the Garrison's Law series and it's so much fun! Fast paced with plenty of action and suspense, balanced with banter, wry humor, and plenty of character growth. I was so impressed with the influence Tate and Beth had on each other- they are both tough as nails, but have a way of getting past each other's defenses and provide support during humbling circumstances. They have great chemistry with strong feelings that alternate between frustration and passion. The author hits a sweet spot between character and plot-driven narrative, and I felt fully invested in both. Highly recommended for fans of romantic suspense! Books in this series can easily be read in any order.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

  

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

An assassin takes a shot and hits two people with one bullet.

  

Natalie Brewster, a deep undercover agent for a group that doesn’t officially exist, saw the gunman aiming. He definitely waited, lined up the shot, and tried to kill both of them. Nat and Case Garrison hit the ground bleeding. They both come up shooting and kill the assassin—but that just makes him mad.

Now Case and Nat, who have never before met, have to figure out what they have in common to make them prey for a killer.

 

And they have to do it while running for their lives because, despite the two of them being highly skilled at keeping a low profile, the killer keeps finding them. They are running at break-neck speed, hiding with all the skill of long-time undercover agents, and falling in love with a passion that might be part of what brought a killer down on them. 

 

My Review

This book could totally be made into a movie! It has a Jason Bourne vibe where Case and Nat are both larger than life, skilled at things no normal citizen is skilled at, escaping nail-biting situations and outwitting deadly assassins at every turn. They have amazing chemistry and I really enjoyed the romantic tension between these two as they race to solve the mystery while still keeping their lives. I love how they are equally matched, and also help each other with the deeper issues that they've repressed and hidden. As much as I loved the previous three books, this one may be my favorite! The villains really took it up a notch, the humor and banter that connect Case and Nat in extraordinary circumstances, and the character development woven in with an intriguing nonstop plot gave me a can't-put-this-book-down reading experience!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Garrison's Law enters the Gothic Romance Genre.
Amnesia, murder, treasure and ghosts.   

A woman wakes up next to a dead man with no idea how she got there, who he is.....who SHE is.
Grey Devereau drags a terrified woman out of his cousin's bed...his very dead cousin. It looks for all the world like she killed him. But then everyone who knows Victor wants to kill him eventually. Grey included. 

Lanny Cole, the young woman hired to research the history of the Devereau family, can't remember a thing. 

Grey steps in with an alibi and Lanny realizes that if Grey is her alibi, then she's his. She decides to trust him, but then she's suffered a head injury. So she's probably making one stupid decision after another. 

And then someone else dies. And a hurricane cuts them all off from help. And then someone else dies.... 

And the rumors of ghosts and treasure can't be true. Sure Grey saw the ghost, in fact, he's pretty sure the ghost saved his life as a child. But he was upset at the time and he doesn't believe in ghosts. 

Chills and thrills abound in an old island home built by a loathsome pirate. He's not a Garrison, but when he gets in trouble, he turns to his old friend Case Garrison for help. 

Garrison's Law just got spooky. 

My Review

The spooky and mysterious Gothic mood of this book contrasts with the previous ones in the series, and it felt more like a whodunit Texas version of Clue. The details aren't spelled out, but get revealed piece by piece as Lanny continues to investigate the family secrets, despite her terror and amnesia. The instalove of Grey didn't really work for me as much as his protective nature did, and I missed experiencing the development of his romantic feelings. Lanny held herself back more, even while they pretend to be a couple to maintain her alibi. There's not a wide selection of suspects, but there is still plenty of twists and turns while the trapped Devereaus work to uncover the mystery or keep it hidden.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

Spotlight: Protecting the Princess by Lucinda Whitney

Synopsis

She's a princess doubting the rules of royalty. He's the bodyguard tasked with keeping her in line. Will a relationship destroy both of their goals?

Princess Emma Somerset struggles to find purpose and fulfillment in her life. With her brother and cousins all married and in their new roles, she’s the only one left at the palace. When Queen Nicolette, her aunt, asks Emma to undertake a trip to the north as a good-will ambassador, she agrees, despite her lack of experience.

Ryan Sterling is a new protection officer for the royal house of Durham. He has aspirations for a high-profile assignment, but when Princess Emma’s long-time female bodyguard is injured a week before departure, he’s called to replace her. Now he’s stuck babysitting a spoiled princess instead of proving his worth to advance his career.

After floods strand Emma and Ryan in the remote countryside during the trip, their fledgling friendship slowly turns into something more. But is a new relationship between them doomed to fail when they return to the palace?

Don't miss the other books in the Royal Secrets Romance series . . .

 

Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: A Proper Scoundrel by Esther Hatch

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

As the successful owner of multiple railroad lines, Diana Barton is all too accustomed to fending off suitors seeking to stake their claim on her wealth. In order to keep the wolves at bay, Diana has contrived the perfect plan: appeal to the most notorious rake in London, the Baron Lord Bryant, to ruin her reputation and scare off the worst of the time wasters. The ruse will be no hardship—she’s secretly been fascinated by the man for years.

Lord Bryant is well aware of his questionable reputation. Indeed, he has cultivated the image carefully, and the last thing he wants is a wife. But when he’s approached by the younger sister of a business associate, he tells her in no uncertain terms that he cannot help. However, when he sees for himself what she is up against, Bryant grudgingly offers his assistance. Faced with his most complicated entanglement yet, Bryant is firm in his conditions—and Diana knows that to get romantically involved with Bryant would spell certain heartbreak. But as the counterfeit couple grow ever closer, the line between truth and lies becomes blurred, threatening both Lord Bryant’s well-laid plans and the future of Diana’s railroad business.

My Review

I love how unconventional Diana and Lord Bryant are! She proves herself a capable businesswoman, appreciating the opportunity to help her brother and her friend when they are overwhelmed with other aspects of life. She has such a great personality, and hits the perfect balance of being attracted to Lord Bryant while also not letting it go to her head. Lord Bryant is a complex character, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about him as his layers unfolded during the story. He and Diana have such a fun rapport with each other, she always catching him off guard with the unexpected, and him keeping her on her toes with his flirtatious banter. He is surprisingly vulnerable and torn up about his past, and as Diana comes to know his true personality, she can see for herself the gentleman he really is behind the facade. The pace of the book is a bit quicker than steady as various plot elements interweave and disrupt each other. I was in for a few happy twists and the ending just made me sigh with happiness. Highly recommend!!!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

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Don't miss the previous books in the Proper Scandals series . . .

About the Author

Esther Hatch grew up on a cherry orchard in rural Utah. After high school, she alternated living in Russia to teach children English and attending Brigham Young University in order to get a degree in archaeology. She began writing when one of her favorite authors invited her to join a critique group. The only catch was she had to be a writer. Not one to be left out of an opportunity to socialize and try something new; she started on her first novel that week. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Series Review: Her Caprice, The Telling Touch, & The Sweet Rowan by Keira Dominguez

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A MOST PRIVATE BATTLE

Since Beatrice Thornton was thirteen years old she's been living with a secret that could ruin her family forever. Her parents are the only ones who know, and now, seven years later, they are forced to put on a sham for Beatrice's late first Season. The plan, make Beatrice as mousy and ill-clothed as possible so no suitor would consider her. Then they can all escape back to their country home in Dorset to keep the terrible secret safe. But the unthinkable happens... Beatrice meets a man who gives her hope of a normal life, and Beatrice dares to love with horrible consequences.

Captain Henry Gracechurch has resigned his commission after living through the horrors and waste of war. Recently returned from Spain, he is cajoled by his formidable godmother to make an appearance at one of her famous balls. When he sees a young woman abandoned on the dance floor, honour commands him to save the day. Nothing could have prepared him for meeting the person who is a balm to his soul and gives wings to his heart. But winning Beatrice Thornton will take every ounce of courage he has, and this is a war he will win, no matter the cost.

My Review

Such an interesting and unique spin on Regency, to add a dash of fantasy/paranormal while still keeping the world very much grounded in reality. I loved the premise, the complex characters, and the riveting plot. Beatrice and Henry are absolutely perfect together, and he overlooks her unfortunate wardrobe for her wonderful personality. They have great chemistry and I thoroughly enjoyed their scenes together. It was fun to see her overthrow her mother's rules and her own inhibitions and embrace life to the fullest with the help of her friends. There are some angsty parts where Beatrice waffles back and forth between accepting or rejecting Henry that got on my nerves, but fortunately the plot veers in another more suspenseful direction and kept my interest for the climax and satisfying resolution. So glad to have discovered an exciting new series!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

AN UNACCEPTABLE PROXIMITY

For as long as she can remember, Margaret Summers has been in love with Nicholas Ainsley, but her “gift” has shown her that he does not reciprocate her affections, and he leaves for six long years. Her sister’s scandal places Meg under a cloud of suspicion, and she resigns herself to being the outcast, the unacceptable girl. Isolated and vilified, Meg is content to live in the country with her grandfather. When her sister is widowed young, she returns home and sets in motion unthinkable plans, forcing Meg to break the silence of the family’s unusual abilities to keep Nick safe from a fate she cannot allow. Little does Meg know, she’s had the wrong of it for these many years, and Nick has his work cut out for him to prove the truth of his heart.

My Review

This story is intense! I was filled with anxiety as Meg's sister Isabel overshadows her and the villainy in Isabel's heart is obvious to the reader but less known to the characters. Meg is trying to make the best of her situation but suffers one heartbreak after another. I loved her and Nick together and the bond they shared from their experiences and shenanigans together as youth. So many complex layers are peeled back as they grow closer, yet held back by Meg and Isabel's powers. Great romantic tension throughout the whole book! Unlike the first book which was set in London, this one takes place in the country, and I loved the setting and thought it worked so well for the story, giving it a strong foundation of a real historical era. I enjoyed the paranormal aspect as Meg learns to explore the nuances and depth of her gift- hearing the thoughts of those she touches. An exciting climax led to a wonderfully satisfying resolution. Loved it!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

THE MAGIC OF LOVE

Penny Thornton loved her magic with all her heart. After being burned in a barn fire while trying to save people and creatures, she despaired she’d never feel magic again.

When her fingers brush a letter from Scotland addressed to a neighbor, Penny’s heart soars. There’s magic in that letter, and she’s certain the source of the magic is its author or his location.

Defying convention and general good sense, which does not recommend a high-born young lady travel alone, she constructs a tangled ruse to deceive her family, and takes off to the wilds of Scotland.

What awaits her are challenges she never bargained for. But in navigating the obstacles and hurdles she encounters, she finds a man with a heart of gold, and a family in need of the magic of her love.

My Review

The previous two books by the author must be read first to fully appreciate this one, since it builds on aspects from both of them. Penny is the little sister of Beatrice from the first book, Her Caprice, and in Scotland she befriends an important character from The Telling Touch. I loved the unexpected nature of Penny and her decisions. She feels deeply, and has a compassionate nature, if not always patient ;) She finds herself with her hands full teaching children who have learned the hard way not to trust governesses. Her charade leads her through frustrating experiences to discover more about magic and herself, and it was fascinating to see where it led. I loved Malcolm and his dedication to his family, land and tenants. He has suffered loss but is moving forward. Penny helps him and his children embrace life and find happiness and encouragement. Malcolm and Penny have an unexpectedly fun rapport and it was delightful to read their interactions. Once again location plays a huge role in the story and the remoteness of Scotland brought its own sense of wildness and possibility. Penny's search for magic, her deception, and a danger in disguise weave together and lead to a final conclusion that made me admire the creativity of the author in building this world. Highly recommend!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

About the Author

Keira Dominguez graduated from BYU with a B.A. in Humanities and lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and five children.

For many years, she co-authored The Uncrushable Jersey Dress, a blog and Facebook page dedicated to mid-century Mills & Boon legend, Betty Neels. Cultivating this corner of fandom confirmed the suspicion that people who like sweet romances are as smart, funny and interesting as readers of any other genre.

When Keira is not busy avoiding volunteerism at her kids’ schools like it is the literal plague, she enjoys being seized by sudden enthusiasms.

 Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

 

 

 

Review: A Companion for the Count by Sally Britton

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Emma Arlen has spent a decade as a member of the duke’s family, in the position of companion to his daughter and ward to the duke himself. She would do anything to show her support to the ducal family for their love and kindness. When Lady Josephine begs Emma to distract a most determined Sicilian suitor, she agrees at once. How hard can it be to keep one man entertained for a few weeks?

Luca, the Conte di Atella, left his home in the newly formed Kingdom of the Two Sicilies under the direct orders of King Ferdinand I. Luca’s duty as ambassador to England includes everything from negotiating better trade agreements to strengthening the bonds between the two nations. If possible, by marrying a lady of high birth. When he optimistically sets his sights on Lady Josephine, Miss Arlen consistently disrupts his plans. The more time that passes, the more he realizes he does not mind at all.

Continually in the conte’s company, Emma recognizes in him a spirit of adventure and nobility like she has never witnessed before. When the time comes for him to go, will she be able to part with him and keep her heart intact?

My Review

This is a lovely gentle romance with sweet scenes and a character-driven plot. There is a bit of a climax at the end relating to Luca's ambassadorship, but for the most part we get to join the family of the duke at Clairvoir castle as they host the Italian ambassador. Luca and Emma both have formal manners, and his interest in Josephine gives them more time to get to know one another as friends, which provides a foundation of trust and respect when their affection grows into something more. They each believe they are not worthy of the other, which adds to the dilemma they face. Overall, a nice addition to the series and I'm looking forward to reading the next book with a spicier set of main characters.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

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Don't miss the other books in the Clairvoir Castle series . . .

Book One

Book Three

Aren't these covers gorgeous and unique?