Colton and the Single Mom by Jane Godman (The Coltons of Red Ridge #4)

Reviewed by Nas Dean | 5 Stars

COLTON AND THE SINGLE MOM by author Jane Godman is April 2018 release by Harlequin Romantic Suspense series.

Esmee da Costa is trying to find out the truth about the serial killer who is dubbed as the ‘Bridegroom Killer’ as he is on a killing spree of all the grooms in this small town. And the only suspect is the half-sister of cop Brayden Colton.

Brayden wants to keep Esmee away from prying but he can’t help the chemistry he feels when she is near. And then he had to invite Esmee and her young son to move into his home. Now, how will he keep Esmee away from prying into his family? And would Esmee be able to uncover the secrets?

COLTON AND THE SINGLE MOM is an intriguing romance with off the charts chemistry between Esmee and Brayden. Author Jane Godman has her unique way of spellbinding her readers and keeping them engrossed in the story till the very last page. I loved the mystery and intrigue aspect of this story. 

Highly recommended for all readers of romance.

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Review by TashNz | 5 Stars

Colton and the Single Mom is book 4 of an exciting Harlequin Romantic Suspense series called The Coltons of Red Ridge.  Over 6 books we get to know the Colton's as they are faced with a variety of challenges which test them and also lead them to love.

Esmee is a true-crime film maker and trying to nail a story and the case of serial killer called the Bridegroom Killer.  The bad guy (or is it a "guy" in the true sense) has other thoughts and things don't go well.  Brayden Colton wants to stop Esmee interfering, worrying she'll uncover things best left alone.  He's also the only suspect's half brother - eeek!

What a wonderful adventure I was taken on, I need to read more Romantic Suspense stories and the more I read of the Colton's stories the more I want to read the rest.  I loved the interaction between Esmee and Brayden.  Esmee's son added to the story and I loved the well thought out plot along with more intrigue about the Colton's and their history which has been touched on previously.  I love the cover and I think Jane Godman did a fantastic job of holding my attention until the very last page.

A throughly enjoyable story with characters you want to know more and revisit. Loved it!

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Reviewed by Helen

5/5 stars for a fabulous story

WOW what a story this one is, so much happening so much action and of course a beautiful romance throughout, I loved the setting and the characters so many people good and bad to heighten the danger as K-9 cop Brayden Colton and true crime filmmaker Esme Da Costa embark on a journey to a beautiful HEA in which there is lots of danger and threats along the way as well as a sensual romance.

Single mum Esme has arrived in Red Ridge to do a story on the Groom Killer who has taken to murdering grooms before their wedding days, trying to get a story and interviewing people especially one cop Brayden is very difficult seeing as how his half-sister is the main suspect, but when she does meet him the sparks fly instant attraction and Esme and her son Rhys are both hooked, her heart melts with the way the Brayden and Rhys become close.

Brayden and his K-9 partner Echo are a solitary team Brayden has been hurt before and with everything that is going on in Red Ridge at the moment getting close to someone is not in his plans, but meeting Esme and her son cause sparks and emotions to run high and when they are in a dangerous situation nothing will stop him from protecting them, as they move in with him the heat gets higher as does the danger.

I loved this story from start to finish, it is edge of your seat suspense and the romance between Brayden and Esme is just beautiful, not to mention Echo and Rhys. MS Godman has bought to life these people making them friends I could feel their pain and worry throughout the story and cannot highly recommend this one enough thank you so much MS Godman for another fabulous story that had me turning the pages I didn’t want to put this one down.

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Whatcha gonna do with a cowboy by Jodi Linton

Reviewed by Desere

Deputy Laney Brigss has a good life, she brings in the bad guys, has a few beers every now and then, and at night she goes to bed dreaming about her sexier than any cowboy is legally allowed to be boyfriend, Texas ranger Gunner Wilson.

Gunner is off fighting the bad guys just like her, only he has a little more invested in his current case then he wishes to admit. Laney doesn't focus on it too much on it but instead keeps busy in order to be able to fall dead fast asleep at night and not lie awake trying to overcome the desperate sexual craving she has for Gunner who of course is no where near her when she needs him to satisfy her needs.

A great job, a hotter than the Texas sun boyfriend in her bed every now and then ain't too shabby. It's not the perfect life but it's all she's got and that's okay for now.

Then life get's a heck of a lot more interesting when Laney discovers the local high school football coach passed out under the stadium bleachers wearing nothing but a pretty smile and his wife's very sexy lingerie!

At first Laney figures this is nothing more than a drunk, oversexed couple who's fantasies got a little out of hand, but then there's the picture he's holding, not the mention his wife being missing from their home. Laney does what she does best, well outside the bedroom anyways and goes on a hunt to solve the mystery.

Faster than a bullet can rip through flesh she ends up knee deep in a mystery involving a kidnapping, a drug cartel, death threats and a ruthless motor cycle gang. Realizing she's in over her head she calls in the big guns, yep you guessed it, her very own hero, Mr Hotter than Hot Texas Ranger Gunner Wilson, after all the man is her boyfriend so of course he should come save her butt! But getting out alive might not be that easy this time, with or without Gunner by her side.

This was my first time reading this author, and I will say I quite enjoyed her style. The long distance relationship between Laney and Gunner was kind of fun and interesting to read , as I am mostly use to the 'it happens right here and right now' kind of relationships, so it was interesting to read about a couple trying to make something work with distance involved, it made it very realistic, as a lot of couples today have to face the very same challenge.

I loved the heat between Gunner and Laney, it was explosive no matter how long they end up being apart, it was also a lot of fun to read about them when they are together. None of the awkward stuff usually in romance reads( not that those don't make for fantastic reading) was present, the relationship is already there, the angst and do we sleep together of don't we and do I really know you things were all over and done with and it was easy to slip into their lives., really fun, fresh and new!

Both the character of Laney and Gunner were well written and both unique separately as they are together. Gunner is a deeply emotional hero, even though he comes off as a little too rough, which I totally adored. It made him this you want me to protect you hero but you actually want the softer side of me too but you ain't getting it kind of hero, very unique and not something I can really say I have come across before.

Laney is just a woman, but tries darn hard to be tougher than any of the men out there,but it just made her more awesome to read about. I found myself rooting for her all the way when she ends up in situations no woman is meant to be, it was like " Yeah girl , you show 'em what you're made off!"

This was a truly kick-ass, action packed, sizzling hot romance read from start to finish with a lot of unique touches from the author. I am taking away a message of life can go from boring to super action packed really fast and that's what makes life an adventure just make sure you all the facts straight before you go shooting up a storm and most importantly make sure you get out alive !

I picked up that this is a series about the adventures of Laney and of course the yummy Gunner so am sure we are in for lots more action from these two, but the book can also be read as a standalone, if you don't mind the this is where it ends for now ending. If you prefer the this is it as in forever reads then this is not for you.

I recommend this read for all fans of super fast, action packed , hotter than hot romance reads that moves at blinding speed and is perfect for a quick escape to a world of guns blazing, boots stomping, stetson wearing, jean hugging , passionate nights and mystery filled action!

4.5 star review
" Trouble just rolled into town and it ain't leaving without a fight" 

**Complimentary copy received in exchange for a honest review 

Snowball's Chance by Cherry Adair

Reviewed by Desere

Tortured by a truly sick bastard and always living in fear of him coming back for her Kendall has worked hard to keep it all together and not fall apart at every single sound she hears in the night.

Unfortunately her fears come true when the news hits of the escape of the one man that has and still can make her blood turn to ice and send a fear more powerful than chains running down her spine.

She hires the best of the best to protect her, Joe Zorn. Joe knows the rules of the game, get in, protect the client at all costs, kill if needed and never get personal.

But Kendall's fear does more than just a number on his senses and soon they get hot and heavy in the cold of night. He keeps her warm, safe and protected, that is until the killer once again takes her and Joe has to give more than just his very best to protect the woman he has come to care for.

This was a very short but very awesome read! I am always amazed when I find short reads that can actually capture all the action, drama and passion I need from a romantic suspense in less than 10 chapters. So many times I find short reads that fall completely flat at the attempt of the author to capture it all and then only does so half way.

Cherry Adair is not one of those authors. She gave me all the action and drama I could ask for, all the heat and blazing hot passion I wanted and so much more. And in true Cherry Adair fashion the ending is fun, creative and memorable.

The character of Kendall was a very wow and in your face heroine, I loved that she refused to go down without a fight. It takes a special kind of woman to be tortured for days, then have the bastard come back for her to do it all over again and to then still stand up and make sure he knows if she 's going down he's going down with her. Excellent work Cherry!

And Joe, oh my Joe was just all kinds of perfect "Come save me, save me now" excellence!

I recommend this read for all fans of short kick ass reads, it 's fun, oh so very sexy and a pure delight for the adventurer!

" Ain't no snowball's chance in hell they'll go down without a fight"

White Heat Enhanced Edition by Cherry Adair

Reviewed by Desere


One year ago Emily lost her heart to love 'em and leave 'em Max. So when he turns up at her doorstep to proclaim his father and Emily's mentor has been murdered and Emily's life is at risk and he trusts no one but himself to personally see to her safety, she is of course first furious, then saddened by his father's death and then scared out of her mind.

He walked away from their love and now he wants to just show up unannounced and protect her? No way! Trusting this man with her heart had her in tears and her life shattered so trusting him to protect her will be a huge mistake, yet deep down she knows he is more than capable of ensuring her safety at all costs, if she can keep her heart out of the deal then surely letting him protect her won't be all that bad, it's not like she has a death wish., but it's not like she can resist the man either.

And so starts the mind blowing journey of two people chasing cars, dodging bullets and falling back into a hotter than hot passionate affair. But whist fighting to stay alive and getting lost in passion they both have to keep in mind that just like the first time this will end far too soon.

I adore all books by this author, she takes you on thrilling adventures that one only sees in the movies. She brings to life the action like no other can. When the bullets start flying I found myself jumping up and yelling out " Run, run now! "

The author put me front and center for one of the best action romantic suspense reads of my life! I was addicted from page one and fell head over heals in love with the characters, I simply could not stop myself from flipping the pages to see what comes next, who dies, who gets caught and just who is who.

I was truly sad for Max, as a T-Flac agent life is never simple and the name of the game is to keep moving, so a normal life is never on the cards, yes woman would think him a real bastard each time he walks away but the author does a stunning job at showing his reasons as valid. It also showed him a real man, and by that I mean that this is the type of man that will risk his own happiness to ensure the safety of others, and to me there is nothing more heroic.

The character of Emily was fascinating, I was completely entranced by this woman , it was as if the author had taken a real life person and dropped her into the middle of a thrilling adventure. Nothing about this character felt unrealistic. The fear she feels when in danger, the heat and attraction towards Max, the hurt she has to face when knowing this might be the last time she ever sees Max. I felt each and every emotion and lived Emily's life with each word.

I highly recommend this book for all fans of romantic suspense reads, the author created realistic characters, a mind blowing adventure and all with such vivid intense clarity it felt as if I was apart of it all.

5/5 star review
"Born from heat is a love than can never be broken" 

Hot Ice Enhanced Edition by Cherry Adair

Reviewed by Desere

Every woman loves jewels! Rubies, diamonds, emeralds no matter they all rock. Be it the glitz and glam it adds to your perfect outfit or the thrill of slipping on something cool as ice when you feel hotter than hot no matter the fact remains woman love jewels.

But in this read the heroine is not so much for the thrill of wearing them as she is for the thrill of stealing them! And most of all diamonds are forever, men are so not. But Taylor makes a grave error when she steals more than she bargained for, a secret set of codes she never wanted nor needed. But now that she has them it 's either get them back to where they belong or use them for a bit of fun.

She does not count on hotter than hell Hunt coming after her, or to be exact hunt her down. The man is all kinds of delicious take me now hot, and soon she realizes the man is just as smart and witty as herself, and also dead set on getting the job done. Hunt and Taylor come to appreciate each other's skills and soon also each other's blazing hot attraction as they lose themselves to passion. But when Taylor slips from his bed to go after prize diamonds Hunt goes into double time as he has to chase her down all over again, but is he still after the codes or is there something more he's he wants to wrap himself around?

This book was so totally awesome and so hot it left me breathless, and begging for more. This author as a reputation of creating stunning realistic characters, mind blowing adventures, kick ass hero's and memorable heroines, and I am more than happy to say not only did she once again deliver it all on every page she did it even better than before!

The kick ass action in this read was so very addictive I wanted to grab a weapon and blow up the
bad-guys and yes more than once I was so lost in this read a bomb could have dropped next to me and I would not have know it at all.

The characters are addictive and you just want to climb inside their minds and stay there forever, the plot it one of pure brilliance and so well thought out, you will just as myself be on the edge of your seat at all times.

The author making both main characters equal in the sense that both know what they want and know how to get it, made this read thrilling beyond believe. I love a strong kick ass hero, but I also adore a heroine that can stand up for herself and fight back as good as she gets.

Absolutely amazing stuff! I highly recommend this read for all Cherry Adair fans, she entrances readers and takes them on adventures we all can only dream about!

5/5 star review
" Who needs cold as ice when you can have hotter than fire in your arms" 

Ricochet by Cherry Adair

Reviewed by Desere 


The men of T-FLAC are back and they are sexier, hotter and more awesome than ever!

This time around the author takes us on the journey of to-die-for-sex-on-legs-make-my-knees-go-weak-take-me-now-am yours Grayston!

In the middle of the most important mission of his career he comes face to face with the one and only woman he has ever loved and also left at the altar three years ago.

He immediately goes into high alert, he needs to get her out of harms way along with his idiot brother and not to mention he needs to ensure this mission turns out successful.

For anyone that knows this authors books you will immediately know that for her characters such as Grayston this is all in a days work and no problem at all!

Grayston and Hannah were both phenomenally crafted by the author and I could not stop myself from wanting to jump up and start rooting for them from the first words written.

Hannah is a true kick ass heroine that stands up for herself and others, and takes no prisoners in getting to her goal. Yes, she does bounce out of control every now and then when she sees a dead body by hey us females are allowed our girl-y moments whilst still trying to uphold that fighting spirit!

Grayston did not only completely entrance me from page one ( okay I know the man is hot and therefore guaranteed to entrance any woman) but it was more his inner turmoil that grabbed my attention. I simply had to keep reading to find out what happened to him and the author kept me on the edge of seat with the suspense and when the she popped the cherry it was like an instant explosion of "Now that makes total sense", proving once again this author knows exactly how to get a readers attention and hold it till the very last word is written.

Backdrop settings were vividly described, guns blazing, bombs going boom, fists cracking you name it, it was all there , it was if I was apart of the war zone and madness happening.

The dialogue was classic Cherry Adair, full of wild, crazy, sensual oh so sexy heat and passion, but also with that perfect dose of emotional kicker moments that balanced it all into perfection!

Adair has once again shown why she is able to captivate her audience with an extreme large dose of action, kick ass hero's,strong confident heroines,  masses of bad guys, one seriously awesome plot and an adventure you will never forget! A sure shot read that will aim right for every adrenalin screaming bone in your body!

Go forth and read Cherry Adair , I-a-dare you!

5/5 star review

" Who ever said your ex ricochet-ing back into your life was no fun" 

Race to Kill by Rachel Kall

Reviewed by Desere 

Being part of any campaign has to be one the most thrilling and exciting jobs in the world! You are right there for the action and race to take the win.

The drama that can unfold however, is one the least favorite parts and it takes a strong and very confident person to handle that kind of stress, go with the flow and hold out till the end when victory is declared.

But when you are the center point of the drama and all eyes are on you, it no longer is as easy as "Bring it on I can take it". You need to fight to get out on top, but when it turns deadly and it is a fight to stay alive, it becomes so much more than just a job.

It is the most important challenge of your life, and making it to the finish line will be the win of the century.

In this read from author Rachel Kall, these are the circumstances Vivian faces, she gets a huge promotion but instead of running full steam ahead to show everyone what she is made of, she ends up being suspect number one in the most important case of ex Delta Force operator Marcus (yes you read it right I said DELTA FORCE, from that alone you can tell this hero was all kind of amazing kick ass sex on legs), turned FBI agent.

He becomes not only her protector but also the one that will need to bring her down if she turns out to be the guilty party in a the crime of the century. The race to the final kill is on and things are about to get super hot and spicy!

The main characters of Marcus and Vivian were absolutely brilliantly written! I loved them both to bits! Strong, determined and ready to do anything in the name of their work. The author showed them both as we are all meant to be in real life, confident enough to take on the world to prove a point but weak enough to crumble when we reach the point where we realize the game play has changed and it is time to back down in order to let someone else lead, for alone with our own set of rules it simply will not work.

The backdrop settings and dialogue was all action, heated passion and kick ass romance! I simply could not stop myself from putting this read down once I stated ! It was as if I was in a world of passion found amongst a totally amazing, rocking, kick ass action film only far more intense!

The author kept my attention at all times, never a dull moment in this read. And my oh my was the suspense awesome! More than once I was shouting out loud " That did not just happen, really I did not see that coming".

I am taking away a message of not all is what it seems but if you want something bad enough fight for it, don't let first impressions fool you, dig around until you have all the facts once you have it all confirmed you will know for sure if it was just your mind telling you what and who you wanted or if it really was your heart leading you to happiness.

I highly recommend this read for all fans of romantic suspense ! Truly edge of your seat reading material, I anticipate this one to make it all the way to the top.

5/5 * review
" Can he get her to the finish line alive?"

Dangerous Desire by Annie Seaton (Entangled Ignite)

Reviewed by Maria

Annie Seaton's latest release is a real treat.  Romantic suspense at its most suspenseful...you just cannot put the bloody book down and get your washing done.  It's that compulsive.  You don't even want to go into the kitchen and get a cup of coffee for yourself.

Gracie, the kindergarten teacher who is looking for her missing sister reminds me of myself when I was a bit younger.  She is so innocent, she'd go anywhere looking for her missing loved one and find herself in a nest of sharks within minutes.  I loved her willingness to put herself on the line for those she loved.  Jake, the medically retired cop, who accidentally falls for Gracie then spends the rest of the story trying to get her out of trouble.

The world of the ocean with it's sense of danger around the corner and the difficulty of finding a missing person - someone could be lost forever within seconds - gave this story a delicious edge and sense of danger.  Jake and Gracie's love story was enjoyable too.  How this not-too-experienced young woman captures the heart  of this world weary cop makes for an enjoyable read.

The story was pretty hot in comparison to the Annie Seaton's usual work, as this is for a hotter line than those for which this author writes.  The scenes were certainly up to the mark.  But I have to declare here and now that I love this author's work and I read the book because of the author, not because of the fact that the line is smoking hot.

I loved the story and I loved the vividly descriptive language which brought the coast of Australia brilliantly, vividly alive for me.

Giving this one the full five stars.

5/5

Colton by Blood (The Coltons of Wyoming #2) by Melissa Cutler

Reviewed by Nancy Crocker

My first ever book by the talented Melissa Cutler was Tempted into Danger, which I very highly recommend. I knew then I was going to be a fan of her writing style. I was very excited to read Colton by Blood.

Kate is the Pastry chef at Dead River Ranch. She has struggled to get out of debt after losing her husband and unborn child in a tragic accident six years ago. She also wants to figure out who could have murdered her best friend Faye Frick, which puts her in the path of a kidnapper and murdered.

Dr. Levi Colton has come to Dead River Ranch to help the man who fathered him but never acknowledged him as his son. Jethro Colton has Leukemia and without a bone marrow transplant he will not last long. What I really liked about Levi’s character was even though he grew up poor and without a father’s love. He had a forgiving heart and made a life for himself.

Melissa has a great talent for writing characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. Dr. Levi Colton and Kate McCord are perfect examples.  They are instantly attracted to each other. Both Levi and Kate have had suffered the loss of loved ones in their lives and are working to overcome their past. I loved the flirty way they were with each other. And both had such kind and forgiving hearts. And I am not sure I will ever be able to look at a peach again and not think of a certain scene in the kitchen.

For such a short novel it packs a serious punch. You have quite a few issues, yet I really didn’t feel like I missed out. It is about overcoming the loss of those you loved. Finding forgiveness, and opening your heart to the possibility of a new love. 

5/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Coltons of Wyoming series are as follows:

The Colton Ransom by Marie Ferrarella

Colton by Blood by Melissa Cutler

The Missing Colton by Loreth Anne White

The Colton Bride by Carla Cassidy

The Colton Heir by Colleen Thompson

Finding Justice by Rachel Brimble

Reviewed by Desere

Being in the line of justice can be very tough and when you are female I think it is even harder, everyone knows it more of a man's kind of world. And when your childhood friend is killed and you have to go after the killer, being emotionally involved makes it all the more worse to deal with.

But imagine that the suspect is your past and deep down you know he is innocent for how can a kind and caring man be capable of committing such a ultimate act of evil? Will you still go after the truth in order to honour your friend's memory or will you look the other way in order to be with the man that makes your heart beat faster than a flying bullet?

In the début read from author Rachel Brimble this is the situation that Sergeant Cat Forrester finds herself trapped in. She has the chance to show she is loyal to justice or simply fall of the cliff into bliss whist covered in guilt. She goes for the loyalty we all love to see in one that upholds the law. Only being already emotionally involved on the level of friendship and romance does prove harder than she thought, the lines seem blurred and she needs to really push to keep her balance.

When she finds out a secret about suspect numero uno Jay that could jeopardize any possible future they might have a shot at, the mystery level of this read intensifies to above and beyond and I found myself having to make sure that am reading a Harlequin Superromance and not one from the Intrigue line, yes the action, suspense and mystery was that awesome!

The character of Cat was phenomenal, she does a man's job and she does it so very well, never backing down and always going for the jugular when the time calls for it. But as tough as she is when it comes to the job she is weak and falling into slippery territory when it comes to her love life, so you have a combination of a heroine that will make any criminal stop dead in his tracks but at the same time a woman that any prying man will go after because she can easily be broken when it comes to romance. Totally amazing combination and I for one as reader have not really seen this combination done before! Loved it!

The character of Jay was the kind that as the story builds you find yourself thinking he is so sweet, kind and caring he cannot possibly be a killer, but the mystery level around this man is so intense that it makes you start to think that just maybe the author is going to hit you any minute now with a boom moment and he will turn out to be the killer! A lethal and delicious combination of emotions were rolling around in my head while reading about this man! And am here to report I absolutely adored it! Kept me entertained and on the edge of my seat.

The backdrop settings were in line with the intense building here comes the killer moments and the dialogue was just perfect to keep me mystified. I loved that the author did not let the whole book become about the romance between Jay and Cat, but instead kept the focus on the murder and the secrets of Jay and Cat , letting the romance kind of drop to the background which is unusual for a Superromance read but again so very well done and such a brilliant touch!

I am taking away a message of we all have secrets some not half as bad as you may think and others that we would rather keep hidden from those who love us for they might think less of us, but if someone truly loves you any secret no matter how dirty will be accepted and understood and you will be surprised at the level of support you will receive.

I will add that the read ends in such a manner that you can tell there is more to come, and like myself you will find yourself counting down the days for the next read in this series to hit, you simply will NEED to know.

I highly recommend this read for lovers of romance that have a dose of action, intrigue and passion flaring to the point of no return! A sensual, romantic action packed read that will simply blow you away!

I look forward to the next read from this author, if the first one was this good I can only imagine how awesome the next will be! A best seller, go get a copy now!

5/5 star review
"She has found her romance but will she find the justice?" 

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Reviewed by Maria

FINDING JUSTICE is Rachel Brimble's Harlequin debut and a worthy one it is too.  Harlequin Super Romances is an imprint which features novels with slightly more intricate plots than regular romances.  This is a piece of  emotional drama combined with romance and even suspense.  A great combination and a most absorbing read.

Detective Sergeant Cat Forester is a strong police detective, a no nonsense woman with a mission and a passion for justice.  However, beneath that tough exterior there's a heartache which is impossible to heal, which she shares with no one.  Her carefree life changed forever the day her beloved father was run over by a drunk driver.  Cat's mum turned to drink - the very substance which caused her late husband's demise - as the balm to soothe her wounds.  Her mother's descent into alcoholism takes every ounce of Cat's coping skills.  Because of this, she turned her back on her best friends, Sarah, the best friend a girl ever had and Jay her one time lover, both residents of Templeton Cove, the family's yearly holiday destination.  Now, however, Templeton Cove is calling once more.  Sarah has been found murdered in puzzling circumstances and Jay is a suspect. As a police detective with an unblemished record of solving murders, Cat considers it her duty to find her friend's killer.

But finding justice is only part of the story.  Cat has to find her way back to Jay again.  He never forgot her, nor their unfinished business.  Cat finds it difficult to realize that she doesn't, in fact, have to face her problems alone.  A trouble shared is a trouble halved and with the support of her lover and brother, she can face the difficulties with her mother.  But will she let go and try to trust or will she continue to be Sergeant Fix It, with the solution for everything?  Meanwhile, it becomes more and more difficult to solve the mystery of Sarah's death.  The young woman had a lot of secrets and how is it  possible to unravel them?

As well as an absorbing mystery, this novel deals with the predicament of people caught up in addiction and that of those who care for them.  I think readers should really enjoy this.  Just one tiny thing and this could be editorial rather than authorial (Authorial?  Is there such a word?).  Cat's English and the book has an English setting.  Yet Cat keeps on referring to herself as a 'cop'.  'Cop' is an American colloquialism, I'd have thought.  I can understand a British police officer using the word 'cop' now and again, but I'd have thought they'd have used the term 'police officer' or 'police detective' instead.  I haven't visited the UK in a long time, so maybe things have changed.  The book was published in the USA so maybe that's why.

Looking forward to reading more from Rachel Brimble in the future.


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Reviewed by Nancy Crocker

Sergeant Cat Forrester has a lot on her plate. Working to put the bad guys behind bars and dealing with an Alcoholic mother. When a childhood friend is murdered and their best friend and Cat’s ex lover is the suspect she agrees to visit and see if she can help clear his name.

Jay Garrett has everything he could want, except for Cat in his life. A recovering drug addict he has worked hard to keep clean and be someone he can make his parents proud of. But now the police chief thinks of him, as the number one suspect. And he is going to need all the help he can get to stay out of jail.

I have mixed emotions about this book. It started off slow for me and parts of it seemed to repetitive. I also had issue with both Cat and Jay lying, and it made me question was this always going to be an issue in real life. Lying in my opinion leads to trust issues. I did not care for the back and forth lying, trust, whole truth issues.

Now for the good part: I felt in the end Jay redeemed himself somewhat and the last 1/3 of the book really took off for me “ In the best of ways”, to the point I was turning pages really fast to find out who the killer was. I was correct by the way.

One of my favorite lines:

“Hey, anytime you want to spank it, just shout.”

4.5/5 stars

Deadly Charade by Virna DePaul

Reviewed by Nancy Crocker

In Deadly Charade by Virna DePaul, you find Tony Cooper an admitted recovering drug addict with a bag of drugs. But things are not always what they seem. You also have Linda Delaney the woman who loves him but can't handle the what ifs.

Linda Delaney is currently a prosecuting attorney for the district attorney's office in Sacramento, and she is in the running to become a judge. She pours her heart into her work. Standing up for hat is right, however her heart never has forgotten the love of her life. She is about to see Tony again. But now he is in court facing murder charges. Linda is shocked to see the changes in the man she has loved, but she can't believe he is a killer.

While Tony Cooper admits to having been addicted to prescription pain killers, he has been clean for over 5 years now. He had been working as a C.I. for awhile. But an attack on those he loved most forced him into the Witness Protection Program with his sister, niece and brother in law. But he soon decides to make a difference. There is a drug on the market called Rapture, and Tony is determined to find out who is behind it. Now as a Cop deep undercover, he must convince others that he is the harden criminal he is portraying. Soon it is hard to remember were the lies begin and end. 

Tony feels he must make Linda believe, because she almost paid with her life once already. And now someone is trying to kill her again. When he protects her from gun fire she is more convinced than ever he is not as uncaring as he would like her to believe. 

Virna DePaul wrote two very strong powerful characters in Tony and Linda. Two lovers whom never got over each other. When these two do come back together it is scorching. And as the book goes on you come to understand why Linda herself had issues with trust and addiction. I loved how Tony tried to protect her. While I am not a fan of lying, in this case it was justified. And there were a few surprises I did not see coming. 

5/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Heart Raider by Sophia Knightly

Reviewed by Desere

When we were teenagers we all had a crush on someone older, we dreamed of the day that person would see us as grown up and fall instantly in love with us too.

Of course most us move on from that little day dream as we grown up and fall in love with someone more our age and more suited.

But for Veronique she fell for her camp counsellor when she was just 13 years old, and fifteen years later she is still head over heals for I'll-make-hotter-than-hot-and-you-will-need-more-than-the-rain-to-cool- down-Nick.

Since the last time she saw him , he has been married, divorced, disgraced, nearly sent to jail and fired as CEO of his own foundation.

Veronique knows who is responsible for shattering the man of her dreams life and she is out to bring it all to light, and if she can prove she is no longer a silly thirteen year old but a sexy woman it will be a double score!  Only her plan has a flaw, Nick is not interested in spending time with any other human being within a 100 mile radius, getting into his house is easy but not being thrown out requires a complete different plan of attack.

The character of Veronique was well written but I would personally have liked to see her act like more of a grown up as after all this is one of the things she is out to prove. The author did give me as reader little glimpses of her acting as a adult but most of the time I could not help but feel she is still just a child trying to make a point and not really giving it her all. I did love that she has such a strong kind heart, always wanting to help others, it made her feelings for Nick so much more real and vivid, the author showed that those that wear their hearts on their sleeves do get hurt but when done in the name of love only good can come from it.

The character of Nick was a true brute, instead of fighting back, he takes his knock of life and goes down hard, leaving him unfriendly and just no fun to even be in a room with. However the author slowly but surely lets the man crawl out from his hideaway and shows a fun loving spirit beneath, that let my heart melt!

The backdrop settings were fun and calm when it comes to Nick's home, but also nice and exciting when it gets to the run around at getting the information to the right hands in order to reveal the truth. The dialogue was nicely done, emotional, sexy and heartfelt.

The sexual level of the is read, was hot and heavy but not of the erotica kind rather spicy with a dash of sweet.

I recommend this read for lovers of romance with a bit of a mystery and one where lovers meant to be finally get their chance.

4.5 star review
" He stole her heart years ago, this time around she wants his" 

Reviewed by Maria

With her high class French mother and celebrity father, Veronique (Ronnie!) was one of those girls who seemed to have it all.  Then her father died tragically and her life changed forever.  She made it through with the help of some very special people.  Her loving mother, her caring stepfather (although she didn't appreciate him as much as she could have), her caring friends (her heart sisters) and Nick, a very special camp counselor.

The years have gone by.  Nick has emerged from a messy divorce with his name blackened, as a suspect of fraud.  Plucky and resourceful, Ronnie is now an ace news reporter who is determined to clear the name of the man she has loved since she was a troubled teen.  But will Nick trust her?  He's been badly abused and manipulated in the name of love and is determined never to lose his heart again.

Even when Ronnie seems to have convinced him, the battle's not half over.  There are dangerous enemies lurking in the background.  Enemies who have framed Nick for fraud and an enemy who wants Veronique out of his life so she can have him herself.  At one stage, it doesn't look as if this couple has a future, they are so surrounded by foes and ill wishers.  If the power of love can help them overcome these problems, this couple will be set up for life.  But can they overcome?

An enjoyable romance novel which reads in parts like flirty, contemporary fiction, yet takes on the darker tones of romantic suspense in others.  Somehow, though, the mixture works.  As a romance author, Sophia Knightly certainly has what it takes.

Recommended to readers of contemporary romance and romance fiction.

4/5 stars.

A Novel Obsession by Jeff Joseph

Reviewed by Desere


All of us fall in love a hero from a book on a regular basis! You want to meet a man just like him, fall in love and live happily ever after. Yeah right ! No man from any book is ever found in real life, you might find one that is close or a combination of some but never the exact same.

But when reading do you ever really think anything about the author, other than this writing is terrible or great or I wish the author would not have made the characters do that?

Falling in love with the authors work in one thing but falling in love with the actual person is a complete different level of weird. Yes, if you meet in real life and it is meant to be that is all good, but if not it can turn into a obsession of the stalking kind.

Abby is madly in love with the author of the books that have become her focus of hanging onto life, it is what gets her through everyday. But being in love with the author of these reads clouds her judgement of those around her that are either in love with her for years or just interested.

This to me was somewhat disturbing as life is passing her by and she is not open to possibilities. From the back blurb I was thinking that this could get good and the author has my attention, and I was looking forward to a good romantic suspense and a mind blowing mystery.

But the author only half managed to capture it all for me. The read started off with a very hot erotic and blazing sex scene then changed over to soft chick lit( which was weird as this is a male author) but then it changed into mystery and suspense. This was all very confusing , it was as if the author was trying to combine all the types of genre's into one read and this left me with confusion as to what he was really trying to get at, it was a little too all over the place for me.

At the end of the day I was yet left with a good mystery and a romance and very well written, and yes all characters personalities in all reads change, as it is the other person or a event that manages to bring lightness to their life or darkness and it is great to see what or who manges to change them.

But in this read the characters were driving me to the point of insanity and not in a good way, I wanted to shake them up and yell "Get over it and get on with it , open your eyes and see what is happening in front of you see chance for what it is ", and the author just did not really bring it to that point which is what I would have expected, but rather it left me with characters who's personalities change so much that it was as if they were unstable.

All in all the author has the talent needed to write a very good book, but I would advise him to focus on just one genre at a time or maybe just two such as romantic suspense or just mystery romance. Which I think will give the reader a chance to absorb his talent and not get too side tracked with all kinds of here and there.

I am however giving the author brownie points for the chick-lit incorporated, it is a remarkable talent to be able to be in touch with a woman on her level when your male.

3.5 star review
" Obsession turns over to the dark side"

Relentless by Cherry Adair

Reviewed by Desere

Everyone knows a special agent is guaranteed to protect you with his life at all costs no matter the outcome to himself, but have you ever stopped to think what goes on inside the head of such a man and how and what exactly he is to do "to get over it" if no one ever stops to take the time to give him some much needed TLC.

In the latest read from the beyond brilliant Cherry Adair she not only digs into the mind of a man on a mission  but also a man who has suffered loss, despair and true physical pain of the unspeakable inhumane kind. The author also gives us the one woman that can turn it all around for him and crack the door to his soul.

Sexy- I'll- strip-you-naked-and-take-you-to-Egyptian-heaven Connor has suffered and I mean truly suffered pain at the hands of a complete psycho and it has landed him behind a desk where he is simply bored out of his mind as being out in the field is where this hero truly shows his stuff.

But along with the pain and psychological turmoil it also brought him the ability to touch any object and take you straight to it's original location, totally awesome!

Enter the ditzy, controlling and temping Isis she has to uphold her fathers name by finding the tomb of Cleopatra and she will stop at nothing even if it means being relentless in every way possible !

The characters of Connor and Isis were both so addictive I could not stop reading I simply had to keep going to find out more about what exactly happened to Connor to make him the man he is and just why Isis is so set on completing her mission.

I loved how the author let Isis change Connor's perspective on life and through layer after layer being revealed the author showed that really listening to someone can make all the difference to truly discovering what that person is hiding and facing in life.

The backdrop setting was incredibly descriptive and I could touch and feel the ancient Egyptian history, see the colours and feel the textures. The dialogue was amazing it was so thrilling I could truly feel the scorpions crawling around me whilst deep in the hidden tombs.

The sexual heat level of this one was simply of the charts ladies, you will be left breathless and begging for you very own M15 agent to sweep you off your feet and into danger! The author also gave me some much needed info on the Egyptian culture which better explained a lot about the setting.

This author has once again proven she can take a mystery add a kick ass hero team him up with a woman of dreams and give a reader the ride of a lifetime!

Excellent work Cherry keep them coming
5/5 star review

"Stripping sexy layer after sexy layer will reveal all" 

The Seven Day Target by Natalie Charles

Reviewed by Desere


Suspense, action, red hot passion, and a kick ass hero! This read was awesome!

The story is about, good looking , I-will save-you from-all- danger hero and special agent, Nick.Coming back to his home town for a funeral he does not have any plans to be thrown head first into a encounter with his ex fiancée  Libby.

She broke his heart and she and his broken heart needs to stay in the past, it is just better that way. But when Libby 's life is threatened by a serial killer she kind of has no choice but to ask Nick to save her, and the protection comes at a high cost.

Not only did this read have loads of action enough to make Die Hard look like some weak chick flick but it had so much more awesome reading goodness that was definitely way better!

I loved the main characters both really very much. Both strong willed, set in their ways and the fact that Libby had a secret as to just why she left Nick made the tension so very good! And I mean really good, as in ladies you will not be able to put this one down, heck you will be tossing and turning at night with curiosity!

Seriously do not start reading this book late at night , you will end up tired the next day, but ok at least you will be highly impressed,but you will still be sleep deprived, as trust me once you start this one there is no way you will want to stop!

Being a new author to me and not having read any of Natalie's books before I was and still am very honoured to have picked up this read as it is one that will stay with me as one of the best romantic suspense's of our time.

The author really packed her heart and soul into this one, I could feel the emotions pouring out at me as reader, and it left me mind blown!

I highly recommend this read for all those out there that love loads of action with their romance.
5/5 star review

"Seven suspenseful, sexy, sensual , serial killer days of romance"



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Reviewed by Nas

THE SEVEN-DAY TARGET by Natalie Charles is a Harlequin Romantic Suspense releasing in April 2013.

Elizabeth Andrews had broken off her relationship with Nick and had tried to move on. Yet here he was telling her that she was the target of a serial killer.

Could she accept his help now? After all she had secrets she wanted hidden from Nick. And the chemistry between them still sizzled. The attraction was still there.

THE SEVEN-DAY TARGET’s premise is exciting and the story keeps you involved from the very first page. The danger of a serial killer always a step ahead is very real. And the ticking clock keeps the story fast paced and thrilling.

Natalie Charles brought a steamy tale that sparkles with plenty of sizzle, sensuality, emotions, passion and mesmerizing romance. A gripping tale of second chances, past secrets and unexpected attractions.

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Review by TashNz

Wow! Loved every page!

This is the first Harlequin Romantic Suspense I have read and I have to say DO NOT read it curled up on the couch by yourself in the dark... I was continuously peeking up at every little creak I heard, The Seven-Day Target was THAT good!!!

FBI Special Agent Nick has returned to 'lil 'ole Arbor Falls, his hometown and unfortunately hometown of his one and only true love, Libby.  His ex police partner has found a body and wants to talk to Nick.  Before he can blink Nick is forced back into Libby's life and charged with keeping her safe from what appears to be the Arbor Falls Strangler.  Libby is none too pleased about this strange twist her life has taken and for many reasons needs to stay away from Nick.

My heart accelerated as I sped my way thru the gripping twists and turns I was taken on with The Seven Day Target.  I was engaged from page one. Reading it in the dark certainly enhanced my experience. I loved the innovative twist at the end.  Nick and Libby are extremely likable and I felt their hidden pain for each other and past wrongs. All the extra characters that were woven into the story were all purposeful and the story flowed flawlessly.

The Seven-Day Target delivered what it promised: Romantic Suspense!  My hearty congratulations are also sent Natalie's way... as per the front cover... winner of the 2011 New Voices competition.


Reviewed by Maria

Meet Nick Foster.  An abused child from a broken home, he pulled himself up by his shoelaces and made a respectable career in law enforcement.  Meet Libby Andrews.  A respected judge's daughter, from the elite layer of society.  A dedicated lawyer and a fireball in the courtroom.  She's out of Nick's league. But she wasn't always.  He'd adored her since childhood and they had even been engaged.  Until one day Libby told Nick she didn't love him any more.

But right now Libby's facing a crisis of a lifetme.  Her father has just died and her sister has given birth to a baby boy, but faces the world alone.  And she's being stalked by someone who bares the hallmark of a brutal serial killer.  Can Nick protect the woman he love from a stalker who seems to be able to walk through walls and locked doors?

Natalie Charles is the winner of the 2011 Harlequin Mills and Boon New Voices competition.  I entered that too and sank without trace.  Natalie won and I'm not in the least surprised.  She's fantastically talented.  I mean, how else do you describe an author who can scare you witless one minute and have you sighing in contentment the next?  In the same novel?  That's what takes major writing talent.

If you like scary romantic suspense, grab your copy of this but a word of warning.  Do not open this if you're alone in the house.

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Reviewed by Nancy Crocker

This Suspense novel has an interesting plot. There is a serial killer, who leaves clues each day and on The Seventh Day he kills his Target. As one reads through this novel, you find yourself wondering when the next clue will appear. And will the Hero & Heroine solve the case before the killer strikes again. The story had me guessing for a while. While I was able to figure out who the killer was early in the story, It did not take way from this being a good read.The author did a good job of casting doubt on everyone. Who would you trust? And who would you suspect? The killer has his sights set on Libby Andrews.

Libby Andrews Prosecuting Attorney for the town of Arbor Falls. When Libby learned devastating news about herself, she broke her engagement to Nick, breaking his heart by telling him she didn't love him. She let Nick Foster go, thinking she was doing what was best for him. Hoping he would find someone who could make him happy. 

FBI agent Nick Foster first fell in love with Libby Andrews when he met her in Eighth grade. And there has been no other love for him. He has moved on with the FBI and made a career for himself. Three years later he has come back to Arbor Falls to attend a funeral . He is hoping to be in and out of Town before being spotted.

As Nick is preparing to leave town he is contacted by his long time friend and ex partner Police Officer Domingo Vasquez. Dom tells Nick of a murder and that Libby's life is in danger. Nick will not leave Arbor Falls until the killer is caught. He is able to talk Libby into letting him protect her. Thrown back together in this gripping suspenseful novel. Where you are wise to trust no one! And they have just Seven days to save Libby!

5 / 5 Stars

Necessary Detour by Kim Hornsby

Reviewed by Desere


This read was a fun, action filled romance that left me hanging onto the edge of my seat in suspense and mystery!

The book is about Goldy, after an attack from a stalker she takes off for a secluded lake house, where she hopes she will be safe.

Soon the arrival of her mysterious and sexy as sin in neighbour Pete sets off a series of events that leaves her in doubt as to if she will ever make it out alive.

Sounds like a movie, well I can tell you if it was then it would be a box office hit!

The characterization of both main and secondary characters were brilliantly written by the author, there was mysterious ones, fun ones, scary ones, and the kick ass kind!

The backdrop settings were exquisite, mirroring the emotions of the characters to the point where I could taste the fear of Goldy and feel the pure desperation she goes through.

The author has a unique style of taking mystery to new heights not to mention the romance, whilst reading I could not for one moment say I was bored or not intrigued.

The author's writing in truly unpredictable, your still thinking that you finally have this mystery and romance all figured out and it will come to a wrap, and the next moment the author throws you a curve ball sending you straight back to edge-of-your-seat reading.

A compelling, truly awesome read for all lovers of action mystery combined with heartfelt romance.
5/5 star review

" Enemy of death or hero of her heart" 

The Future Mrs. Winter by Sally Quilford

Reviewed by Maria

When Carey Ashmore arrived at Manishi, the imposing residence of the Winter family, she could have been forgiven for thinking that she'd just stepped into the pages of a Daphne Du Maurier novel.  The family head was called Max Winter and his girlfriend was a flirtatious, sarcastic woman by the name of Rebecca.  It all reminded Carey of a certain classic romantic suspense novel she'd just been teaching in her adult education evening class. 

Carey had been recently upset by a difficult break up with her overpowering ex-boyfriend and had needed to get away from it all.  So when her trusted friend and colleague Jake had suggested she pose as his fiancee and attend a family wedding with him in exchange for a holiday in Cornwall, she'd agreed.  Jake had explained that the deception was necessary in order to pressurie his domineering elder brother to allow him access to his share of the family fortunes.  When a dowager aunt (after a couple of gins!) lets it slip that elder brother Max is not a tightwad, but is in fact supporting a bunch of freeloading relatives, Carey knows that something is not quite right.  There's also the fact that the prospective in laws are extremely hostile towards each other for no apparent reason.  Not to mention the fact that Jake keeps on disappearing with Max's lady, Rebecca.  Carey can't understand that woman cheating on Max!  He's gorgeous and Carey is having trouble keeping up the deception of being Jake's fiancee because she finds Max so attractive.  Then a certain surprise guest joins the party!

A fine piece of romantic suspense from Sally Quilford.  It has enough mystery to send a few delicious chills up your spine.  It has enough humour to make you smile.  And it has enough romance to make you sigh.  I couldn't get enough of the dialogue, it was absolutely sparkling.  A little gem of a book.  You won't go wrong to add this to your summer reading list.

Five out of five stars.

Available here at Bookstrand.  Coming soon to Amazon.