BOOK REVIEW ~ DO OR DIE BY SUZANNE BROCKMANN

Title: Do Or Die (Reluctant Heroes, Book One)
Author: Suzanne Brockmann
Publisher: Random House
Release Date: February 4, 2014
Genre: Romantic Suspense
eBook, 576 pages


ARC provided by NetGalley

Book Blurb

Navy SEAL Ian Dunn went rogue in a big way when he turned his talents to a lawless life of jewel heists and con jobs. Or so the world has been led to believe. In reality, the former Special Ops warrior is still fighting for good, leading a small band of freelance covert operatives who take care of high-stakes business in highly unofficial ways. That makes Ian the hands-down choice when the U.S. government must breach a heavily guarded embassy and rescue a pair of children kidnapped by their own father, a sinister foreign national willing to turn his own kids into casualties. Shockingly, Ian passes on the mission... for reasons he will not–or cannot–reveal.

But saying no is not an option. Especially not to Phoebe Kruger, Ian’s bespectacled, beautiful, and unexpectedly brash new attorney. Determined to see the abducted children set free, she not only gets Ian on board but insists on riding shotgun on his Mission: Impossible-style operation, whether he likes it or not.

Though Phoebe has a valuable knack for getting out of tight spots, there’s no denying the intensely intimate feelings growing between Ian and Phoebe as the team gears up for combat. But these are feelings they both must fight to control as they face an array of cold-blooded adversaries, including a vindictive mob boss who’s got Ian at the top of his hit list and a wealthy psychopath who loves murder as much as money. As they dodge death squads and play lethal games of deception, Ian and Phoebe will do whatever it takes to save the innocent and vanquish the guilty.

Or die trying.



Book Review

Anything Suzanne Brockmann writes, I will read. Period.

And when I found out she had a new series coming out that was loosely related to her Troubleshooters series, I did a little happy dance and couldn't stop grinning. 

Do Or Die jumps right into the thick of things. Ian Dunn, an ex-Navy SEAL, is in Istanbul, Turkey, on assignment with his team at the Kazbekistani embassy. When Ian decides at the last minute to switch things up, the mission quickly escalates to WTF proportions. Ian and his teammates barely escape and flee the country.

Fast forward to a state prison in Florida where Phoebe Krugar and Martell Griffin are sitting across from Ian Dunn, who has been incarcerated for a crime the reader isn't sure of at this point. But Phoebe has now been appointed Ian's lawyer after chaos strikes at the firm, and has come to offer Ian a deal that will release him from prison.

Except, Ian Dunn has no desire to leave the luxurious state facilities any time soon. In fact, his staying in prison is keeping his brother, Aaron alive. 

But Phoebe is just as determined to get Ian out. She needs him to save two children who have been kidnapped and are apparently being held hostage at the Kazbekistani consulate in Miami.

Martell has his own agenda, and despite Ian's adamant refusal to help, forges ahead and gets Ian released from prison. 

Thus starts the ticking clock when Ian drives away with Phoebe in her own car and heads off to make sure Aaron and his family are safe. 

Brockmann is a master (mistress?? LOL) at layering a story and revealing pertinent information as the story goes along. There are tons of surprises ahead as Ian, Phoebe, Martell, the FBI and a local Florida mob try to obtain their own agendas. And as the tension builds between all parties involved, the sexual tension between Ian and Phoebe threaten to detonate at any moment. 

Along the way, Brockmann laces her story with humor, romance, and flashbacks that make the story a highly entertaining read. And as always, Brockmann creates fascinating characters that stick with you long after you finish the page. I cannot wait to read more of this new series. 

BOOK REVIEW ~ SWEET REVENGE BY REBECCA ZANETTI

Title: Sweet Revenge (Sins Brothers, Book Two)
Author: Rebecca Zanetti
Published by: Forever
Release Date: December 3, 2013
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 384 pages
ARC provided by NetGalley






Buy Link:
Amazon / B&N


The One Man She Can't Have

Matt Dean was born to fight…and kill. A member of a secret black-ops military unit, he and his brothers were genetically engineered by the government to be the perfect soldiers with an expiration date. Now, with time running out, he's gone rogue in a relentless quest for the one person who can save them. His mission leads him to Charmed, Idaho…and to a beautiful woman with eyes like emeralds and a body made for pleasure.

The One Woman He Can't Resist

Laney Jacobs knows the mysterious, handsome stranger is trouble from the moment he walks into her bar, looking for a job. She's spent years running from her own past—the last thing she needs is a romantic entanglement. But Matt's strong arms offer her protection, and his gentle touch promises passion unlike anything she's ever known. As lethal forces surround them, revealing explosive secrets about Matt's past and putting everything—and everyone—he holds dear in danger, can he save them all before time runs out?

Book Review

How did I miss this series? 

Although this is book two of Zanetti's Sins Brothers series, you will not be lost with the story ARC.

Rebecca Zanetti gives the reader everything they need to know to play catch up--giving you a flashback as three young boys struggle to stay together while existing in a secret "world" controlled by a madman, named The Commander. 

The Commander is in charge of the boys who have been genetically engineered to fight, but his direction is colored with corruption. And the Gray brothers--Matt, Nate, Shane, and Jory--will do everything to stay together and to gain their freedom from the Commander. 


Matt, Nate, and Shane are brothers who will fight for their freedom and stand together, "never alone" as they try to find the surgeon responsible for implanting a deadly chip along their spines. A chip that has a six weeks time limit--and if not removed, will kill all three. 

Once free, the brothers are still hiding as they search for the female doctor responsible for implanting a deadly chip along their spines. A chip that has a six weeks time limit--and if not removed, will kill them. 

In Sweet Revenge, their search has lead Matt to Charmed, Idaho, where they suspect the female surgeon is hiding.  Although injured, Matt stumbles in this sleepy town and onto the doorstep of Laney Jacobs.  

Laney has her own secrets. And when Matt applies for the temp job as bouncer at her bar, she's left reluctantly hiring the sexy stranger. 

Zanetti writes a sizzling connection between Matt and Laney and gives the reader an action-packed plot with a curvy twist. Her heroes are fierce, loyal, and kick-ass baddies who have a huge heart. Hard to not fall for any of the Gray brothers.  There is witty banter between the brothers, but underneath it all, their motto of "never alone" proves just how far they will go to protect one another.   

Sweet Revenge has it all--a gripping romantic suspense, a sexy read, and a captivating hero. I cannot wait to read more about the Sins Brothers, with the first book, Forgotten Sins, and the upcoming release of Blind Faith. 

BOOK REVIEW ~ FORGED IN STEELE BY MAYA BANKS

Title: Forged In Steele (KGI, Book Seven)

Author: Maya Banks

Release Date: June 25, 2013

Reviewer purchased own copy of paperback for review 

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t…

Steele, a KGI team leader, is an enigma not even his team mates understand. His emotions are tightly locked down and nothing can break that icy exterior. Nothing except Maren Scofield, a doctor on a mission, a woman who has gotten under Steele’s skin and threatens to crack that unflappable cool he’s legendary for.

Steele is determined not to allow Maren past his carefully guarded defenses, but when she’s in danger, there’s no way he’ll allow anyone else to protect her. She’s hiding something. He’s sure of it. But he isn’t prepared for the shocking discovery her secrets reveal. Or how they will forever alter the course of his destiny. He has a decision to make. Hold tight and shut her out. Or take a chance on something more powerful than he’s ever faced. Love.

Book Review

Maya Banks is an auto-buy author for me because she writes such addictive characters, and the KGI series is my favorite of hers. She has created a world where romantic suspense meets sensual romance and combines to make an enthralling series. The men of KGI are sexy, hard-bodied, smart, and fiercely loyal to the women who love them. 

Forged In Steele is the story of how the man known as having ice in his veins, Steele, finally meets his match with Dr. Maren Scofield. Steele has had running fantasies about Maren for a while. She resides in Costa Rica, where she runs a clinic for those who cannot afford health care. She has also treated the men of KGI in the past and each incident with Steele has been brief, blunt, and almost emotionless. He cannot seem to get away from her fast enough.

But when Steele and another teammate are injured during a mission rescuing a young woman, the iceman melts and he finally gives in to the mounting sexual tension between Maren and himself. 

Banks shows us a more vulnerable and sensitive side to this enigmatic soldier. And I fell for the softer, yet very passionate side to one Jackson Steele. Maren, too, had no problem falling for his charm. But Steele isn't always suave, spouting poetic words of love--he still has that outer crustiness that attracted me to him in the first place. 

While Maren and Steele are separated after their night of bliss, both are trying to figure out if what they had can develop into something more. Steele has never visualized himself as a family man, like some of the other Kelly men, much less have a serious relationship with a woman. His life has always been his team and his job. Can he make such a commitment, knowing that his career has him taking off without notice? Not to mention the high level of danger makes the chances of him returning safe, if at all? 

Maren has her own issues when Steele leaves on another mission. And it's one that will affect her life drastically and could have Steele wanting to run in the opposite direction. She is pregnant with Steele's child, even though precautions were taken to prevent it. 

Shortly after finding out about the pregnancy, Maren is kidnapped and taken hostage by a deviant crime lord who has no plan of ever letting her go. He claims to want her medical skills while he recovers from plastic surgery that will greatly alter his appearance. But he also makes his more personal intentions known--he wants Maren in his bed. His delusional mind has him believing the baby Maren carries is his own. 

Steele and the men of KGI are now racing against the clock to find Maren--and an highly unexpected source comes to the rescue to aid in Maren's rescue.

Hancock. 

This man has made a small cameo in the KGI series and he has sparked my interest from the get go. He has his own secret agenda, working for an unknown boss, and walks the edge of the law. He makes no excuses for what he does, how he does it, and his mysterious ways has me wanting to know more about this sexy, unorthodox hero. 

But even after Maren is rescued from the mad man, her life still remains in danger. 

And Steele will do anything to protect this woman he has come to love. 

A gripping, sexually thrilling story that has easily become a favorite of mine in this series. Fans of KGI and Maya Banks will devour it. 

BOOK REVIEW ~ SEAL OF HONOR (HORNET, BOOK ONE) BY TONYA BURROWS

Title: SEAL of Honor (Hornet, Book One)

Author: Tonya Burrows

Release Date: May 28, 2013

ARC provided by NetGalley

It’s a good thing Gabe Bristow lives and breathes the Navy SEAL credo, “the only easy day was yesterday,” because today, his life is unrecognizable. When his prestigious career comes to a crashing halt, he’s left with a bum leg and few prospects for employment that don’t include a desk.

That is, until he’s offered the chance to command a private hostage rescue team and free a wealthy American businessman from Colombian paramilitary rebels. It seems like a good deal—until he meets his new team: a drunk Cajun linguist, a boy-genius CIA threat analyst, an FBI negotiator with mob ties, a cowboy medic, and an EOD expert as volatile as the bombs he defuses. Oh, and who could forget the sexy, frustratingly impulsive Audrey Van Amee? She’s determined to help rescue her brother—or drive Gabe crazy. Whichever comes first.

As the death toll rises, Gabe’s team of delinquents must figure out how to work together long enough to save the day. Or, at least, not get themselves killed. Because Gabe’s finally found something worth living for, and God help him if he can’t bring her brother back alive.

Book Review 

The debut book, SEAL of Honor, by Tonya Burrows promises to be an addictive series. 

I am a huge fan of romantic suspense, and when you throw a Navy SEAL into the mix, I am there with bells on. I love a military hero. 
They are fiercely loyal, strong, determined, and very alpha--a perfect recipe for a great hero. 

Gabe Bristow has been injured in a car accident, leaving him with limited mobility and using a cane with a ton of metal in his leg. He's lucky to be walking under his own steam. But he can no longer preform his duties as a Navy SEAL and has been forced to retire. 

Travis Quinn, his best friend and former teammate, has been hounding him to start up a Hostage Rescue and Negotiation Team (HORNET), with Gabe leading the team. And their first mission is to find and rescue Bryson Van Amee, a billionaire who has been kidnapped by a mysterious group demanding a huge ransom. 

Each man on the team offers their own skills to make them a valuable asset: Jean-Luc Cavalier (Ragin' Cajun), Eric Physick (Harvard), Ian Reinhardt, Jesse Warrick,  and Marcus Deangelo. 
I can already tell that I am going to love reading about each of these men, as they have already peaked my curiosity. Burrows does an excellent job giving these men distinctive personalities with a hint of mystery. I want to know more.

The newly formed team head out to Columbia where Bryson was last seen. While on recon, they discover Bryson's sister, Audrey, in his apartment. Not sure what she knows or if she is even in on the kidnapping, they take Audrey to their safe house. 

Audrey Van Amee was the last person to have any contact with her brother before he was kidnapped. She was talking to him on her phone when he was drugged by a mysterious man and now she is determined to find him. She leaves Costa Rica and heads for Columbia in search of her brother. At Bryson's apartment, she fights for her life when a dark and mysterious man tackles her, unaware that he is one of the good guys. 

Now Audrey is working alongside the men of HORNET and her connections make her a valuable asset in helping the men find her brother. A fact which Gabe is very unhappy about. 

But Audrey is one tough cookie and her tenacity has Gabe rethinking a lot of things. And feeling something he hasn't felt in a very long time. 

Burrows takes the reader through the jungles of Columbia, facing off dangerous and disturbed men, racing against the clock to rescue Bryson before the kidnappers kill him. And just when you think everything is over...Burrows throws in a twist that you didn't expect. 

SEAL of Honor is a gripping story with vivid descriptions that place the reader in the eye of the hurricane, so to speak. I will definitely be looking out for more from this talented author. 

LUSTING FOR COVERS ~ SEAL OF HONOR BY TONYA BURROWS

Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

This meme is hosted by TBQ @ TBQ's Book Palace.

To view complete instructions on how to participate, as well as grab the HTML code for the graphic, see this page first!


Once you are ready to join the fun, please fill out Mister Linky over at TBQ'S Book Palace along with your name/blog name and the direct link to your Lusting for Covers for this week!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Here's my candidate for the week:

Title: Seal of Honor (Hornet, Book One)

Author: Tonya Burrows

Expected Release Date: May 28, 2013 

It’s a good thing Gabe Bristow lives and breathes the Navy SEAL credo, “the only easy day was yesterday,” because today, his life is unrecognizable. When his prestigious career comes to a crashing halt, he’s left with a bum leg and few prospects for employment that don’t include a desk.

That is, until he’s offered the chance to command a private hostage rescue team and free a wealthy American businessman from Colombian paramilitary rebels. It seems like a good deal—until he meets his new team: a drunk Cajun linguist, a boy-genius CIA threat analyst, an FBI negotiator with mob ties, a cowboy medic, and an EOD expert as volatile as the bombs he defuses. Oh, and who could forget the sexy, frustratingly impulsive Audrey Van Amee? She’s determined to help rescue her brother—or drive Gabe crazy. Whichever comes first.

As the death toll rises, Gabe’s team of delinquents must figure out how to work together long enough to save the day. Or, at least, not get themselves killed. Because Gabe’s finally found something worth living for, and God help him if he can’t bring her brother back alive.


If you know me, you KNOW I love a man in uniform. And the fact that Gabe is a SEAL---**swoon**. So when I saw this cover and read the blurb, it was instantly added to the TBR pile. And if you like it, click here to add it to your Goodreads account. 
I also love it because you can't see his face. I can use my imagination and put whatever face I want in its place. 

Now it's your turn to share--tell me what you've picked for your L4C...I wanna know! 

ARC BOOK REVIEW ~ A SEAL AT HEART BY ANNE ELIZABETH

Title: A Seal At Heart

Author: Anne Elizabeth

Release Date: December 4, 2012 

ARC provided by NetGalley 

Being a SEAL means everything to Petty Officer First Class John Roaker. So when a head injury coupled with a bout of amnesia makes him undeployable, he has to find a way to heal from his wounds and recover his lost memories. Enlisting the help of beautiful psychoanalyst Laurie Smith, he discovers his unlocked memories hold a dangerous secret about his last mission that threatens his life, his country, and the woman he's starting to fall in love with.






Review

I really, REALLY, wanted to love this book. Really. And the beginning of the book had potential. I loved the fact that Jack was going to be a complicated and damaged character. He has lost his memory of an Op and the threat that he may never be operational again scares the hell out of him. What does he have left in his life if he can't be a SEAL. It is is life, his heart, his very soul. Routine therapy isn't helping. 

And on top of everything else rotten in his life, he is seeing the ghost of his swim partner, Don, who keeps pushing him to find the answers locked up in his memories. 

The initial meeting of Jack with Laurie is heated and the two strangers have an instant attraction. But when Jack finds out that Laurie is the adopted daughter of his SEAL mention, Gitch, things quickly fall apart and that instant spark fizzles out. 

The book fell apart for me on the relationship level. I wish more time had been spent on developing Laurie and Jack's involvement. And I'm not talking about the sexual thing. Although, at times, I thought the sex scene wasn't warranted. It took away from the story, instead of making it stronger. 

What I DID love was the look into Jack's psyche; the dealing of his grief and acceptance of Don's loss. It was gut-wrenching painful to read and very realistic. 

At times, some scenes told felt out of place and unrealistic. The fight with Gitch and Jack left me a little befuddled. And I had to re-read that particular part again to see if Gitch really did do a hand stand in front of the police. I'm still shaking my head over that one. 

All in all, it wasn't a bad story--just one that left me somewhat unfulfilled and lacked the emotional tug that I 
typically revel in with a great book. 

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR LAURA KAYE ~ ONE NIGHT WITH A HERO BLOG TOUR and GIVEAWAY

Q & A with author, Laura Kaye

CS:  First off, Laura, welcome back to Where’s My Muse? For those of you who follow my blog, you may remember that Laura was the very first author I interviewed and reviewed here. Her book, Hearts in Darkness, was not the first time I fell in love with this uber talented writer. She wrote a fan fiction a while back that showcased just how gifted Laura was with words. And when I found out that she went mainstream and was published, I was tickled pink and so excited for her.

CS: Welcome, Laura!

Laura: Thanks so much! I’m glad to be back! *grins*

CS: Tell me how your first book came to fruition and what that felt like to see your work in print?

Laura: In the summer of 2008, two things happened. I had a head injury that, after I healed, left me with the urge to do creative things. And, while I was healing, I read the Twilight Saga. In addition to learning to play the guitar (not well!), I thought about what Stephenie Meyer had done, decided I could maybe do that, too, and I dove into writing my first novel, the vampire romance that became Forever Freed. It was thrilling to see my words in book, to hold my book in my hand. Just absolutely a dream come true!

CS: What is like now that this has become your career? Tell us what a typical day is like for you when you sit down to write a book?

Laura: Well, up until now, writing hasn’t been my only career. I’m also a professor of history at the U.S. Naval Academy. So things have been crazy, as I’ve been working two full-time jobs. There hasn’t really been any sort of typical day since I squeeze in writing wherever I can. However, when I’m not teaching, I usually go to Panera every day and write with my best friend, YA paranormal author Lea Nolan, whose first book, Conjure, came out in October. I aim for 2-3,000 words 5 days a week.

CS: Is there a certain author that helped mentor you or someone who inspired you?

Laura: Stephanie Dray (who also writes as Stephanie Draven) has been my single biggest mentor. She taught me a lot about how to think of this as a career and what goes into making it so. She’s been the best friend, and I don’t know what I would do without her!

CS: This next question is a bit controversial, and if you choose not to answer it, I totally understand. What do you think of the hype/exposure that Fifty Shades of Grey got in the last year? Some people think that she shouldn’t be considered an author because her story was once a fan fic that was changed for publishing. What are your thoughts about this, since you came from the same beginnings? (Not by publishing your fan fiction as a new work, but that you both got started out in fan fiction).

Laura: I read the story when it was a fan fiction and enjoyed it, so I get why so many people fell in love with it. And I should note I was in an online writers’ group for over a year with E.L. James (as well as some other former fan fiction authors), and I never found her to be anything but nice and supportive. I remain friends with a number of the women publishing their fan fictions. I’m not entirely comfortable with fan fictions being published as original fiction, but in the end, it’s the readers and the publishers who get to decide. So far, publishers are fully on board with the idea, and readers have absolutely embraced some of these stories. So, you know what? Good for them. In my opinion, Fifty Shades of Grey has brought new readers to romance and opened doors for authors writing spicier contemporary and erotic romance. And that’s a good thing.

And, I should note, I actually wrote my first original novel (Forever Freed) before I started writing fan fiction. I got sick for almost 6 months following a tick bite and couldn’t concentrate well enough to write another original novel right away, so I started reading a lot of fan fiction, and then I decided to write one. Or two… Or…

CS: LOL. Okay, let’s move to a less serious topic of questions. Have you started your Christmas shopping, wrapped your presents, or are you like my hubby and wait until Christmas Eve to do your shopping?

Laura: Have started shopping. Have not finished. Have not even thought of wrapping – that’s usually a Christmas Eve job!

CS: That is so me--in a panic, wrapping gifts around 1 am and trying to be quiet so I don't wake up the kiddos. 
If there was one book that you could get for Christmas this year, what would it be?

Laura: Lover at Last, early, hand-delivered by J.R. Ward herself. And if she wanted to bring Zsadist along for the visit, too, I would totally be okay with that.

CS: Oh, hell yeah!  But if V was the one who hand delivered it, sans clothing, then that would be MY wish. Of course, any Brother, nekked or not, would be a treat.

CS: What was your favorite read for 2012?

Laura: I can’t pick just one book, I’d have to go with Maya Banks’s three-book McCabe Highlander trilogy. ADORED!

CS: What can we expect to see from you in 2013?

Laura: A lot! *grins* My final two Hearts of the Anemoi books and my final two Vampire Warrior Kings novellas will be out in 2013. I’ll also be continuing the Hero series. And the first in my new Hard Ink series will be out at the end of the year. It’s gonna be awesome!

CS: Are you making any New Year’s Resolutions?

Laura: Only this: come hell or high water, I will not be late delivering my first Hard Ink book, to be called Hard as it Gets, to my new editor. So between now and April 1, I need to write like the wind!

CS: GAH!  The title alone has me all tingly and shit. Can't wait. And if you want, feel free to stop here when you're ready to release it and we'll promote the hell out of it!  Maybe even a share a sexy snippet? 

Laura, thank you so much for taking time and answering a few nosy questions from me. I wish you the best in the upcoming new year – personally and professionally.

Laura: Thanks! You too!

One commenter who leaves their email will win an ebook of One Night with a Hero (Heroes #2). Just leave Laura a comment or question! Open to international! Good luck!
Contest runs until Monday, December 17, Midnight ~
Winner will be announced Tuesday, December 18, 2012

See the whole One Night with a Hero Tour here!

“Laura Kaye is synonymous with great, sexy romance.”

~NYT Bestselling Author Jennifer Probst

 
He wants just one night…

After growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father, Army Special Forces Sgt. Brady Scott vowed never to marry or have kids. Sent stateside to get his head on straight—and his anger in check—Brady’s looking for a distraction. He finds it in his beautiful new neighbor’s one-night-only offer for hot sex, but her ability to make him forget is addictive. Suddenly, Brady’s not so sure he can stay away.

…what they need is each other.

Orphaned as a child, community center director Joss Daniels swore she’d never put herself in a position to be left behind again, but she can’t deny herself one sizzling night with the sexy soldier who makes her laugh and kisses her senseless. When Joss discovers she’s pregnant, Brady’s rejection leaves her feeling abandoned. Now, they must overcome their fears before they lose the love and security they’ve found in each other, but can they let go of the past to create a future together?

Buy Links

Amazon / B&N



About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nearly a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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One Night with a Hero is a story about the aftermath of a one night stand. Two strangers come together, offering no commitments, only pleasure.

But there is no denying that something stronger lies hidden deep between them. And when their one night stand turns into another night, and another...well, it's very obvious that both Brady and Joss have feelings they are unable to admit.

Their fragile relationship, however, is shattered when Joss finds herself pregnant and tells Brady that he will be a father.

Can a relationship that started out wrong turn out to be the right one?

Brady and Joss's journey together is heart wrenching as they both come to terms with their past. Laura Kaye writes an emotional story that delves deep into her characters and shows the reader that we are more than just our past; we have a choice on which path we choose to follow. And most importantly, that love can heal even the most broken of hearts. 

18 & OLDER BOOK BLOGGER FOLLOW

18 & Over Book Blogger Follow is a weekly feature that begins on Fridays and runs through the weekend, hosted by Crystal from Reading Between the Wines. This is a Friday blog hop with the objective to find and visit other book blogs that share the same interest as you, namely books geared towards the 18 & over crowd, and make some new friends!


How to join in:


-You should run a book blog that features and reviews mostly adult reads. Some Y.A.’s are okay but 18 & over adult reads should be your majority.


-Make a separate post for the 18 & Over Book Blogger Follow on your blog.


-Copy the button above and place it at the top of your post.


-List & answer the ‘Question of the Week.’


-Place your name and blog title in the linky over at RBtW's blog post and the URL for a direct link to your post


-Visit the other blogs on the list and say 'Hi!' Following each blog is not mandatory but I know it is always appreciated, and if someone comments saying they’re a new follower it’s polite to follow back. It’s always nice to spread the 18 & Over Book Blogging love!


-Contact Crystal readingbetweenthewines10@gmail.com with any questions!




Question of the Week: Do you have a 'feel good' read or author that you go to whenever you're sick or feeling down?

Answer:
I do have a few series that I re-read when I feel like I am missing my favorite characters. They have become such a part of my fictional family, lol.

One author that always makes me feel good is Suzanne Brockmann. In fact, I am re-reading Gone Too Far right now. It is Sam and Alyssa's story (fave character pairing ever) and I have just a few pages left. Sigh...Sam is just such a great Alpha hero. If you have no read Brockmann's Troubleshooters Series and love Romantic Suspense with Military heroes and strong heroines...check them out. Seriously.

Click here for Brockmann's list of her books.
 

Any of the Brothers will do, but I have a weak spot for V.  His story is definitely not a pick-me-up, but I love it all the same.

What about you? What book do you turn to when you need to feel better? 

 

And of course, I can ALWAYS COUNT on JR Ward's BDB Series to cheer me up and **ahem** turn me on.

BOOK REVIEW ~ HER FORBIDDEN HERO BY LAURA KAYE

Title:  Her Forbidden Hero

Author: Laura Kaye

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Release Date: May 15, 2012

Copy of book provided by Publishing Company

She's always been off-limits...


Former Army Special Forces Sgt. Marco Vieri has never thought of Alyssa Scott as more than his best friend's little sister, but her return home changes that...and challenges him to keep his war-borne demons at bay. Marco's not the same person he was back when he protected Alyssa from her abusive father, and he's not about to let her see the mess he's become.

...but now she's all grown up.


When Alyssa takes a job at the bar where Marco works, her carefree smiles wreak havoc on his resolve to bury his feelings. How can he protect her when he can't stop thinking about her in his bed? But Alyssa's not looking for protection—not anymore. Now that she's back in his life, she’s determined to heal her forbidden hero, one touch at a time...
 
 

Book Review

 

Laura Kaye is one of those authors that I literally squee aloud when I see how much her career has taken off in this last year. I will always pimp out her books. LOVE THEM.

 

Her first book, Hearts In Darkness, was my first book review on this site. So when her Publishing Company sought ME out, I couldn't help but do a happy dance.

 

What I love and adore about Kaye's books is the emotional level in her stories---the highly developed three-dimensional characters and the intense connection between her hero/heroine. And HER FORBIDDEN HERO, her newest release from Entangled Publishing DID NOT disappoint.

 

I love the idea of the wounded hero--whether it be a physical or emotional one--and Marco has both in spades.  He suffers from PTSD and struggles with recurring nightmares that leaves him emotionally scarred and isolated. 

 

Allysa has always loved Marco from afar--one of my favorite story lines--and faces her own personal battles. She is determined to stand on her own two feet, make a place in the world, and convince Marco that she is NOT a little girl anymore. The love she had as a young girl has grown and developed into something more...and she must decide if risking their friendship is worth laying her cards on the table about her true feelings.

 

Laura Kaye has a talent for expressing things that touch you and make you wish you could have written something like that.

Even outside in the night air, her scent still filled his nose, sweet like apples and vanilla. His tongue conjured tastes he imagined were hers, and the beckoning heat in her dark eyes was a picture he couldn't forget. ----

Her Forbidden Hero is a sweeter read with a heat level unlike some of her previous reads, but still a great read to lose yourself in.