Tag: romance

Highland Temptation (Highland Knights: Book 3) by Jennifer Haymore

Highland Temptation: A Highland Knights Novel by [Haymore, Jennifer]

Publisher: Loveswept

Date of publication: August 23rd, 2016

Genre: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Regency Romance, Historical Fiction, Scotland, British Literature

Series: Highland Knights

A Highlander’s Heart—Book 0.5

Highland Heat—Book 1

Highland Awakening—Book 2

Her Wicked Highlander—Book 2.5

Highland Temptation—Book 3

Purchase Links: WorldCat

Goodreads Synopsis

Jennifer Haymore’s sweeping Highland Knights series is perfect for readers of Maya Banks, Monica McCarty, and Sabrina Jeffries—and as the saga resumes, one of Scotland’s most steadfast warriors shields a broken beauty while she soothes the pain in his soldier’s heart.

When Lady Emilia Featherstone discovers that her despicable father has been scheming against the crown, she turns to the Highland Knights for protection—and retribution. Spirited away to a safe house on the outskirts of London, Emilia is surprised to find herself sharing close quarters with a soft-spoken, musclebound Highlander. Before long, curiosity gives way to an alarming attraction. Emilia has learned firsthand from her father that men are not to be trusted. She just never met one so honorable and loyal, so powerful and, yes, tempting.
 
Ever since Waterloo, Colin Stirling has struggled with memories that haunt him night and day. Driven near to madness, he no longer trusts himself with meaningful relationships of any kind. At least in this temporary sanctuary, Colin can withdraw from the world—that is, until his stunningly gorgeous charge learns the full depth of his pain. In Emilia, Colin sees a kindred spirit with battle scars of her own. He also senses a chance to heal . . . and to find love.

I am a sucker for historical romances. I love the period clothes, the women courting, and the ton’s description, love it all. I love the Scots from this period. They are bad boys in every book I read, and I love it.

This book was no exception to that. But I wouldn’t class Colin as a “bad boy.”  He has PTSD and survivor’s guilt after fighting with the English Army at Waterloo. Emilia is his kindred spirit. She had been abused by her father and carries internal and external scars. Colin and Emilia touched my heart because of what they had gone through.

The story was good. Who doesn’t like a little mystery and intrigue in your romance? I know I do!!!

The only thing I can even complain about with this book is that it is the 3rd book in the series. This is not a standalone book. The characters from the old books come into play here. They talk about what happened in previous books. Which annoyed me.

I would recommend Highland Temptation to anyone over 21. There are sex scenes and a couple of scenes where Emilia is beaten.

If you enjoyed Highland Temptation, you will enjoy these books:

Protect Me (The Donovan Family, Book 6) by Margaret Watson

Protect Me (The Donovan Family Book 6) by [Watson, Margaret]

Publisher: Dragonfly Press

Date of publication: November 11th, 2015

Genre: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance

Series: The Donovan Family

Love Me—Book 1

Watch Me—Book 2

Find Me—Book 3

Trust Me—Book 4

Cover Me—Book 5 (Review Here)

Protect Me—Book 6

Save Me—Book 7

See Me—Book 8

Catch Me—Book 9 (review here)

Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Goodreads Synopsis:

Police officer Mia Donovan is studying for the detective’s exam when her captain offers her an assignment – be Finn O’Rourke’s personal bodyguard for the next three weeks. He’s in town to film a movie, he has a stalker, and the threats are escalating.

Mia isn’t interested – she’s focused on the looming exam. But her captain convinces her that successfully protecting Finn will look very good on her record when promotion decisions are made. So, reluctantly, she takes the assignment.

Finn isn’t the arrogant, egotistical actor Mia expected. There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to the ‘most hated man in America’, Finn’s nickname since he cheated on his girlfriend, a beloved pop star.

But his stalker is lurking and the threat is escalating. Although Mia’s feelings for Finn are growing, her job is to protect Finn, not fall in love with him.

“Margaret Watson, a star in the world of contemporary romance, grabs you on the opening page and keeps you reading to the happily ever after.” –New York Times bestselling author Susan Elizabeth Phillips

This book is electric, right from the get-go.

Mia Donovan is what my mother-in-law would call a firecracker, and I loved it. I didn’t expect any less and would have been disappointed if the author had written her any other way. Even the way she introduced herself to Finn was gold. I loved it!!

I didn’t care for Finn’s character at first. I get he’s an Alpha male and thought he could protect himself from his stalker. To take the risks he did the first day was stupid, and he didn’t listen to Mia. Made me want to slap and shake him.

I was shocked at how fast they had sex. They didn’t even know each other for a week. The more I thought about it, and it made sense. They were together 24/7, with no breaks, and attracted to each other. I liked that they entered the relationship as adults. Except for the no-condom sex and taking each other’s word that they were clean. You couldn’t pay me any money to do that with someone I had just met.

Mia being undercover was a hoot, and I giggled when she became an airhead. It cracked me up. I laughed at every single scene.

Finn’s issues with his ex weren’t funny. He let her put his name through the mud because he’s nice. I will say that it reminds me of the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard saga going on.

The stalker’s identity and the end of the book were a little bit of a shock to me. The stalker wasn’t who I pegged. I wasn’t expecting the book to end the way it did. I did get a little misty-eyed at it !!

I would recommend Protect Me to anyone over 21. There is sex, language, and violence.

If you enjoyed reading Protect Me, you will enjoy reading these books:

Hard to Hold (Hard to Play: Book 1) by Katie Rose

Hard to Hold: A Hard to Play Novel by [Rose, Katie]

Publisher: Loveswept

Date of publication: September 13, 2016

Genre: Sports, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Soccer

Series: Hard to Play

Hard to Hold—Book 1

Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Goodreads Synopsis:

“Katie Rose writes sexy, skilled sports heroes who know how to treat a woman right!” raves Wendy S. Marcus. Now the award-winning author of the Bad Boys of Baseball series introduces a team of soccer stars who score on and off the pitch.

New Jersey Hurricanes striker Logan Hart lives for the grind of training, the adrenaline of competition, and all the perks of the road—until his ex hands him a baby and tells Logan to raise her on his own. He’s eager to pass this bundle of joy into more capable hands and get back to his hard-playing, hard-partying ways. But when a beautiful, blond drill sergeant of a nanny turns Logan’s life upside down, he sets a new goal: winning her heart.

Isabella Bennett takes pride in teaching the rich and famous how to become loving families. Her no-nonsense style is just what Logan and his crying, copper-haired cutie need. So why can’t she get the image of Logan’s tanned, muscular body out of her head? Isabella’s here to whip a new father into shape, not fall for a sexy ladies’ man. But their chemistry is too tantalizing to ignore, much like the temptation to trust someone with her deepest secrets—and embrace a loving family all her own.

Ever start off reading a book, read the first chapter, and think, “How am I going to get through this book”? Then make yourself continue reading the book and end up getting surprised.

Yeah, this happened to me with this book. I wanted to put it down and mark it as a DNF on my shelf. As I continued reading, I saw glimmers of a promising storyline and kept reading.

I started the book not liking Logan. I know he is a professional soccer player and had no time for a baby. The way he found out he had one (birth mom dumped the baby on him at a restaurant and left) was a shock. A big shock. Here is what got me, wouldn’t you immediately get a DNA test done to prove that the baby was yours?? I would. He did redeem himself; I started to like him and then loved him by the end of the book.

I was iffy with Isabella too. She went from an uptight, stuffy nanny to banging her boss within a couple of weeks. Didn’t fly with me because she made such a big deal about it at the beginning of the book. A whole chapter is dedicated to it. Then the next chapter, she slept with him. Made me scratch my head and go, “WTH.“

The only reason I kept reading the book was because of the plot. Take what I said about the characters and forget about it. The book had a good solid story about a man who was told he was a father, had the baby dumped on him, and rose to the occasion. The characters cared about baby Cinnamon, her well-being, and her welfare. That is what kept me reading. Isabella and Logan loved that baby and were willing to do anything to keep her safe.

The romance between Logan and Isabella wasn’t believable. They had nothing in common except for Cinnamon. Isabella was being all sorts of shady about her big secret with Logan. I am not going to give away her secret, but not letting yourself get into relationships because of it isn’t cool. All I am going to say on that.

The ending was perfect for the book, and I loved the very last pages of the book. All I had to say was, “You rock, Logan!!!“.

I would recommend Hard to Hold to anyone over 21. There is sex and language.

If you enjoyed reading Hard to Hold, you will enjoy reading these books:

Burn Down the Night (Everything I Left Unsaid: Book 3) by Molly O’Keefe

Burn Down the Night (Everything I Left Unsaid Book 3) by [O'Keefe, M.]

Publisher: Loveswept

Publication Date: August 9, 2016

Genre: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Erotica, Romantic Suspense, Erotic Romance, Suspense, Adult, Dark, Mystery, Crime

Series: Everything I Left Unsaid

Everything I Left Unsaid—Book 1

The Truth About Him—Book 2

Burn Down the Night—Book 3

Wait for It—Book 4 (review here)

Purchase Links: Amazon | Audible | B&N | IndieBound | Indigo | Kobo

Goodreads Synopsis:

A battle for control turns explosive as a beautiful con woman takes a bad-boy biker hostage in this edgy, seductive novel set in the world of Everything I Left Unsaid and The Truth About Him.

The only thing that matters to me is rescuing my sister from the drug-cooking cult that once enslaved us both. I’ve run cons my whole life, and I’ll use my body to get whatever I need. Max Daniels is the last connection I have to that world, the one person reckless enough to get involved. Besides, now that his brothers have turned on him, he needs me too.

The deal was supposed to be simple: a place to hide in exchange for rescuing my sister. Now he’s my prisoner. Totally at my mercy. But I’m the one captivated. Enthralled. Doing everything he asks of me until I’m not sure who’s in control.

We both crave the heat. The more it hurts, the better. But what if Max wants a different life now, to leave the game . . . to love me? I thought I knew better than to get burned. Now I’m in too deep to pull away. And the crazy thing is . . . I don’t want to.

This book was a first for me. I had never read an MC book before, so I didn’t know what to expect. I am happy to say that this book turned me on to MC books. I can’t wait to pick up the next book in this series. I also liked that while this was the 3rd book in the series, you could read it as a stand-alone book. If you have been following my reviews, you know how much I hate reading 2-3 books into a series.

The sexual element of this book was over the top, but in a good way. The sexual tension was through the roof. Joan is bisexual, and she doesn’t hide it from Max. That leads to an exciting encounter when they are in Florida. When Max and Joan finally bump uglies, holy crap. Talk about igniting the pages!!!

The plot of this book was great too. Joan’s sister is involved with a drug-cooking cult, and Joan is looking to get her out. She figures that she could get the leader alone by doing something illegal. Then somehow, get to where he moved the camp too. But everything doesn’t go to plan, and she ends up with Max after he is shot and beaten by his MC brothers. After that, it takes off.

I loved the ending. It fits in perfectly with the book.

I would recommend Burn Down the Night to anyone over 21. There are erotic sex scenes, graphic violence, and language.

If you enjoyed reading Burn Down the Night, you will enjoy reading these books:

The Dream Protocol (Descent: Book 1) by Adara Quick

The Dream Protocol: Descent (Book I) by [Quick, Adara]

Publisher:

Date of publication: April 20th, 2016

Series: Descent

The Dream Protocol—Book 1

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopia, Young Adult, Fantasy, Mystery, Fiction, Romance

Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N | AbeBooks | Alibris | Powells | IndieBound | BetterWorldBooks

Goodreads Synopsis:

WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T GET OLD.

In fiery young Deirdre Callaghan’s home of Skellig City, no one has dreamt their own dream in over a thousand years. Dreams are produced by the Dream Makers and sold by the Ministry, the tyrannical rulers of the city. In Skellig City, years of life are awarded equally and the ruined are cast away beneath the city on their 35th birthday.

Unbeknownst to the Ministry, Deirdre’s handsome friend Flynn Brennan is afflicted with a terrible disease – a disease that accelerates the aging process. Knowing his fate if the Ministry should ever discover his illness, Flynn has lived his whole life hiding from their watchful eyes. When Flynn’s secret is finally discovered, Deirdre is determined to free him from the Ministry’s grasp. But to save him, she will have to reveal herself to a shadowy enemy…one that none of them even knew existed.

This was an interesting book. A society of people lives in an underground city called Skellig City. These people have never dreamed their own dreams. They pay for dreams that are made by the Dream Makers. These dreams are sold by the Ministry, the ruling government of Skellig City.

The book starts when Deirdre Callaghan is late to the attendance of her friend’s Descent. In this society, you are considered ruined at 35. Then you are sent through a tube to Tir Na nOg, their version of an afterlife. Her mother is due to have her Descent next week, and Deirdre is sick at the thought of her mother leaving her.

While that is going on, Deirdre is fighting to keep Flynn from being discovered by the Ministry. Flynn’s aging disease makes him seem much older than his 15 years. Because of this, he has been hiding from the Ministry and their Drones.

One day, Flynn is found out and captured, and Deirdre is forced to take action to help him. The series of events that happens afterward blows Deirdre’s mind.

Interestingly, the author chose 35 as the age for being ruined. Not interesting bad, but interesting good, if that makes sense. The comments about the ruined are very interesting too. “They are a drain on our society” was one quote that stood out in my mind.

The wannabe romance between Flynn and Deirdre was cute. The touches and glances were enough to convey how they felt about each other. It made me go “Awww” and get a sappy grin.

I liked that the author included the roots of Skellig City. It was interesting to read, and I hope she continues it in the 2nd book.

The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger, but I figured that much when I saw “#1” after the series name. The cliffhanger wasn’t that bad, but it made me “Grrrr” when it ended.

I would recommend The Dream Protocol to anyone over 16. There is no sex, no language, and mild violence.

Welcoming the Bad Boy (Hero’s Welcome: Book 3) by Annie Rains

Welcoming the Bad Boy: A Hero's Welcome Novel by [Rains, Annie]

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group-Loveswept, Loveswept

Date of publication: August 2 2016

Genre: Romance

Where the book can be found: Amazon

Book synopsis:

From the bestselling author of Welcome to Forever (“Full of heart and emotion!”—Lori Wilde) comes a sweet, sexy novel about breaking all the rules. In Seaside, North Carolina, the boys on the base are heroes—but that doesn’t mean they’re always well-behaved.
 
As a preacher’s daughter, Valerie Hunt only dates the very respectable, very boring men who meet her father’s strict standards. In private, however, she leads a double life as a romance writer of steamy stories about the least respectable sorts of men. Valerie has always kept her hottest fantasies separate from her real life, but when she nearly runs a hot-blooded biker off the road, the lines begin to blur.
 
Even though Valerie almost killed him, Griffin Black can’t be angry after he learns the reason for her distracted driving: an unruly puppy belonging to her ailing friend. As a member of the military police K-9 unit, Griffin insists on training the dog himself. But he soon wonders how he’s ever going to stay disciplined around the most alluring, down-to-earth, and totally unattainable woman he’s ever met. Valerie is the ultimate good girl. And Griffin is going to need all his old tricks to unleash her wild side.

My review:

I LOVED this book. I don’t say this about books in a series if I haven’t read the first 3 books but I will say it about this one.

The beginning was hilarious. Val is taking care of her friend’s Pomeranian, Sweet Cheeks (OMG, THE NAME!!!) while she is in a nursing home recovering from a hip replacement. Because of Sweet Cheeks, Val almost runs down a motorcyclist, who happens to be Griffin. Sparks fly immediately and the story takes off from there.

Griffin offers to train Sweet Cheeks in exchange for Val to help him with his mother. Griffin’s mother has Alzheimer’s and has no memory of him. All he wants is for his mother to remember him so he can apologize for their last encounter.

I cried during parts of this book. I legit ugly cried during Griffin and his mother’s scenes. The heartbreak, the regret came right off pages and into my heart.

I couldn’t stand Val’s father. I understand his wife died when Val was younger but he was so cold towards her and very unsupportive of her dreams. I didn’t get into his miraculous turn around at the end.

If I hadn’t of looked this book up, I wouldn’t have known it was the 3rd book in a series. You can read this as a stand alone.

3 things I liked about Welcoming the Bad Boy:

  1. Val and Griffin’s romance
  2. Val’s alter ego
  3. the storyline

3 things I disliked about Welcoming the Bad Boy:

  1. Val’s father
  2. Alzheimer’s disease
  3. It made me ugly cry

How many stars will I give Welcoming the Bad Boy? 5

Why? I absolutely loved this book. It had everything. Great sex, people falling in love over the course of a month and the plot was fantastic. I LOVED the ending (read the book!!!)

Will I reread it? Absolutely

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Adult

Why? Lots of steamy sex scenes.

Is the book part of a series. Yes, it is book 3. The other books are:

Welcome to Forever

Welcome to Forever–Starting Today (Short story about Micah and Kat)

Welcome Home, Cowboy

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Cover Me (The Donovan Family: Book 5) by Margaret Watson

Cover Me (The Donovan Family Book 5) by [Watson, Margaret]

Publisher: Dragonfly Press

Date of Publication: April 28th, 2015

Genre: Suspense, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Mystery

Series: The Donovan Family

Love Me—Book 1

Watch Me—Book 2

Find Me—Book 3

Trust Me—Book 4

Cover Me—Book 5

Protect Me—Book 6 (review here)

Save Me—Book 7

See Me—Book 8

Catch Me—Book 9 (review here)

Product Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo |

Goodreads Synopsis:

Chicago cop Brendan Donovan loves the adrenaline rush of his role on a tactical team. So when he’s assigned to an undercover job to ferret out the supplier of a new and deadly sex drug, he’s thrilled. His partner is Cilla Marini, a detective he’d met recently during a traffic stop. He’s intrigued by Cilla, but his sister told him that Cilla doesn’t date cops. Which is exactly what they have to pretend to do. Brendan loves a challenge.

Cilla is shocked to find out that Brendan is her mystery partner. After an incident that forced her to transfer from her district and isolated her from her fellow cops, Cilla knows relationships with cops are off the table. But she’s spent far too much time thinking about Brendan since he pulled her over for speeding. Now, not only are they working together, they have to pose as a couple to find the source of the sex drug that’s already killed several men.

As the action heats up, Cilla and Brendan don’t have to pretend they want each other. But when secrets put them both in danger, will they have each other’s back? Or will their quarry divide and conquer them before they can find their way to happily ever after?

I was surprised by this book. As you all know from previous book reviews, I wouldn’t say I like reading books out of order in a series. They are hard to read because there are references to the other books that have come before in the series.

But not this book. You can read Cover Me as a standalone book. There are references to the other books, but (and stress but) they are for the story only. Which is another reason why I liked this book.

I first met Brendan Donovan as he was sitting outside a drug house, doing surveillance. When a vintage Mustang speeds past him, he assumes it was stolen. So he gives chase and pulls the car over. Imagine his surprise when not only does he pull over a woman, but she is a cop and a hostage negotiator on her way to a scene. Her name is Priscilla (aka Cilla) Martini.

Brendan and Cilla do meet again. This time they are partners and are looking for the dealer(s) of a deadly street drug that has killed 5 people. This drug is used as a sexual stimulant like Viagra. Cilla is going undercover at the pub where the drug seems to be dealt. Brendan is going as a pub regular who starts to have a relationship with Cilla after meeting her there. Cilla got a heads up about a serial rapist that is striking the local clubs/pubs in the area and to keep her eyes open.

The sexual attraction and the heat between Brendan and Cilla were unfreakinbelievable. Cilla could get aroused by a look from Brendan, and Brendan from Cilla was awesome. When they finally do have sex, it rocketed off the page.

What I loved about this book was that the sexual tension was the second fiddle to the story. The author used the sex scenes as delicious interludes to Brendan and Cilla’s police work. This is how a romance is supposed to be. The storyline and then sex. Not sex and then storyline!!!

I did get frustrated with Cilla and her not wanting to have a relationship with a cop. Which was based on her aunt’s experiences. Her aunt’s experience was bad. But it is something that shouldn’t have been reiterated to a child over and over and over again. I didn’t like that Cilla was the fixer for her family. Every time someone had a problem, they called her. Her mother acted like a small child when Cilla kept telling her to see her Uncle Donny get her brakes fixed. I wanted to reach through the book and smack Cilla and her mother.

I did figure out who the serial rapist was early on in the book. No fault of the author, but the fake name (and Cilla’s reaction to it) was a dead giveaway. I liked that it led to another storyline and that one was left open-ended at the end of the book.

I didn’t understand why ratting out a fellow cop for doing something bad was so bad. Cilla handled herself when meeting Ward was very classy and NOT how I would have handled myself. Also, Brendan and Connor’s defense of her was great too.

The ending was great, and I was surprised at who the dealer was. I didn’t think it was who I thought it was.

Oh, and I want to say I love Australian shepherds. Hehe.

I would recommend Cover Me to anyone over 21. There is sex, language, and violence. There is also drug use and one scene of attempted rape.

If you enjoyed reading Cover Me, you will enjoy reading these books:

Her Survivor (Black Eagle Ops: Book 1) by Vonnie Davis

Her Survivor: A Black Eagle Ops Novel by [Davis, Vonnie]

Publisher: Loveswept

Date of publication: July 19th, 2016

Genre: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, War, Military Fiction, Military Romance, Contemporary, Disability, Fiction, Suspense

Series: Black Eagle Ops

Her Survivor—Book 1

Hers to Heal—Book 2 (review here)

Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N | Indigo | Kobo | Apple Books

Goodreads synopsis:

Vonnie Davis welcomes readers to Wounded Warrior Falls! In this sizzling contemporary series, broken heroes meet women worth fighting for—and discover the healing power of love.

Navy SEAL Dustin Frank can handle physical pain; it’s his soul that needs mending. After losing part of his leg in an explosion, the panic triggered by his PTSD nearly drives him over the edge. So Dustin retreats to the Eagle Ridge Ranch, a charming hideaway tucked into the Hill Country of Texas. There he finds solace in the arms of a shy beauty who reawakens desires he thought he’d lost forever—and who makes him want to lose control, just when he needs it most.

Kelcee Todd sees beyond Dustin’s scars to the real man beneath: fiercely protective, strong yet tender. She wants nothing more than to feel his battle-hardened hands on her body. However, Kelcee is not the ordinary small-town girl she appears to be. Her brother is a killer with ties to the Russian mob, and after her testimony put him in prison, he’s out and eager for revenge. Now Dustin is her best defense, even if it could cost him everything. Kelcee could never ask him to make that sacrifice . . . but she can’t stop him, either.

I am guilty of stereotyping a book, and I am sorry. When I first started reading this book, I thought, “Wounded Army vet meets spunky girl, and sparks fly. Yawn.” And I am here to say, “I am wrong” and “Not even close.”

Dustin’s character was well written, and his PTSD symptoms were point on. There were points in the book where I wanted to cry for him. I understand how his mental fog, anxiety, and depression affected his everyday life. So when ZQ offered him a place at the ranch, I wanted to cheer.

When I couldn’t get any more vested in the book, we met Kelcee and the rest of the town. Talk about a town that I would love to live in!!! What eccentric people. I loved it. From ZQ’s mom to Sugar Loaf/Silver Stud, they stick in your mind. I also could see Kelcee being one of my good friends. She was so real, and I giggled at some of her zingers and one-liners.

The sexual tension and sexual chemistry between Kelcee and Dustin were off the wall. The tension was there from the minute they met, even though they did not want it. And when they finally ended up in bed, it was so bittersweet that I wanted to cry.

The subplot about Kelcee being in the Witness Protection Program was kept under wrap. Translated: I didn’t pay attention to the blurb (was too busy staring at the cover and drooling). When it was revealed, it was surprising to me. The only thing I didn’t like about this was that Kelcee took forever to tell Dustin. Which, in my mind, was stupid because he could have ended that whole thing for her when she got hurt.

The ending was hilarious, in a way. Not giving anything away, but when Junebug freaks out, I laughed until I had tears running down my cheeks. It was that funny.

3 Things I liked about Her Survivor:

  1. Dustin and Kelcee’s romance
  2. Junebug (OMG, loved her)
  3. Nance

3 Things I disliked about Her Survivor:

  1. Kelcee’s brother
  2. Dustin’s PTSD
  3. Instalove

I would recommend Her Survivor to anyone over 21. There are graphic sex scenes, language, and violence.

If you enjoyed reading Her Survivor, you will enjoy reading these books:

Of Fear and Faith (Death and Destiny: Book 1) by N.D. Jones

Publisher: Kuumba Publishing

Date of publication: December 7th,2019

Series: Death and Destiny

Of Fear and Faith—Book 1

Of Beasts and Bonds—Book 2

Of Deception and Divinity—Book 3

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Witches, Mythology, Adult, Magic, Shapeshifters

Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N | IndieBound | Indigo | BetterWorldBooks

Goodreads Synopsis:

In a world where nothing is ever as it seems, the seeds of love take root on the precipice of chaos, danger, and a great destiny.

In the shadow of an ancient prophecy, two individuals will be drawn together to meet a dangerous calling–or die trying. For legends tell of a powerful Fire Witch and a legendary shapeshifter who will one day rid the world of the wrath of the Water Witch of Legend, and restore the world to peace and balance.

However, for Sanura Williams and FBI Special Agent Assefa Berber, their destinies will not be so easily won, as fear and faith will ultimately determine their fates. In the heat of battle and the chill of prophecy, Sanura and Assefa will weather the dual storms of lust and love. Are they prepared for the intoxicating swirl of danger and attraction? Can they overcome their fears of such a powerful prophecy? In the face of their foes, these legendary warriors must embrace their roles as heroes, side-by-side, and defend humanity against the coming doom.

3 Things I Liked About Of Fear and Faith

The characters.
I genuinely loved all of them, but Assefa and Sanura were my favorites. I really appreciated that the author didn’t reveal everything about Assefa right away. The little hints sprinkled throughout kept me guessing—and when the truth finally came out? It was HUGE.

The paranormal monsters.
For some reason, this completely thrilled me (yes, I know—no life). Instead of the usual rogue vampires or animal shifters, we get sirens, Raven Mockers, and Adze. It felt fresh, unexpected, and honestly exciting.

The sex scenes.
Hot. Hot. Hot. The chemistry between Sanura and Assefa was off the charts, and it translated into some seriously epic scenes that added to the story instead of distracting from it.

3 Things I Didn’t Like About Of Fear and Faith

Sanura’s ex.
He was a total creep and deeply unpleasant. I won’t say much more—you really need to read the book to fully appreciate how awful he is.

Mike.
I found him incredibly unlikable at the beginning of the story, to the point where it was hard for me to warm up to him at all.

Sanura’s reaction to Assefa’s big secret.
Without giving anything away, her reaction felt a little over the top to me. I understood why she reacted the way she did, but it still grated.

I would recommend Of Fear and Faith to readers 21 and over. It contains graphic sex scenes, strong language, and violence, and is best suited for adults who enjoy paranormal romance with heat and high stakes.

Deception Island (The Legionnaires: Book 1) by Brynn Kelly

Publisher: HQN Books

Date of publication: May 31st, 2016

Genre: Romance, Suspense, Thriller, Mystery

Series: The Legionnaires

Deception Island—Book 1

Edge of Truth—Book 2

Forbidden River—Book 2.5

A Risk Worth Taking—Book 3

Purchase Links: Amazon | Audible | AbeBooks | Alibris | Powells | IndieBound | Indigo | BetterWorldBooks

Goodreads Synopsis:

A stolen boy 

A haunted soldier 

A cornered con woman… 

Rafe Angelito thought he was done with the demons from his past—until his son is kidnapped. Blackmailed into abducting an American heiress, the legionnaire soon finds himself trapped in paradise with a fiery, daring beauty who’s nothing he expects…and everything he desires. But when he uncovers her own dark secret, Rafe realizes he’s made a critical mistake—one that could cost him everything. 

Playing body double for a spoiled socialite was supposed to be Holly Ryan’s ticket to freedom. But when she’s snatched off her yacht by a tall, dark and dangerous stranger, the not-quite-reformed con artist will make a desperate play to turn her captor from enemy to ally, by any means necessary. 

Yet as scorching days melt into sultry nights, Holly is drawn to the mysterious capitaine, with his unexpected sense of honor and his searing touch. When they’re double-crossed, they’ll have to risk trusting each other in ways they never imagined…because in this deadly game of deception, it’s their lives—and hearts—on the line.

Oh my lord, this book was good. Everything about it felt like gold. From Rafe’s background as a child soldier, to Holly’s time in prison, to the circumstances that led to Rafe kidnapping her—I was completely hooked. I finished this book in one sitting because I genuinely could not stop reading.

Going into a Harlequin novel, I usually expect a pretty specific formula: an overconfident hero, a heroine who can’t see past her own issues, lukewarm sex scenes, and a plot that doesn’t dig too deep. That was not the case here. The twists and turns kept me guessing, the story never settled into something predictable, and the sex scenes were HOT, HOT, HOT—without ever taking away from the plot.

At its core, this story pulls you in emotionally. If you’re a parent, you already know—you’d do anything to get your child back. That’s exactly what Rafe does after discovering his son has been kidnapped by someone from his past. As more of his history is revealed, it’s impossible not to feel for him. His story is heartbreaking.

Holly’s story is just as tragic, though it unfolds more slowly. At first, all we know is that she’s an ex-con who’s been approached by a U.S. senator to impersonate his daughter on a sailing trip around the world. What the author reveals along the way explains so much about who Holly is and why—and it’s devastating in the best, most emotionally effective way.

I also appreciated the inclusion of child soldiers and human sex trafficking as subplots. Both are deeply disturbing realities, and the author handles them in a way that adds weight to the story without feeling exploitative. There are links at the end of the book for readers who want to learn more or help make a difference.

And then there’s the twist. A huge one. The kind that makes you put the book down and just say, “Whoa.” There wasn’t even a hint—it completely blindsided me, in the best way.

The ending was perfect. Honestly, if it had ended any other way, I would’ve been disappointed.