​The final installment of the Extracurricular series is an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat, flipping pages until the sweet, satisfying end.
 
Never before have I started a book with tears in my eyes as I have with this book, only to have my heart ripped out again and again. 
 
Just when I think there will be no hope for anyone in this story to find happiness again, or justice to be served…. Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out who gets their just desserts and who doesn’t. 
 
Let me just say, Ms. Brown didn’t disappoint. This is a very timely story given today’s headlines with the subject of college admissions scandals. Watching the news play out, you can’t help but wonder what goes through those parents’ heads, why would they do such a thing. Ms. Brown gives a glimpse into the mentality of desperate parents, privileged parents and more. Now the question is, given she started this series before the scandals came to light, will the punishments of the real-life criminals’ match those of her fictional ones? Read the series and find out!

​It’s been a while since I’ve read a Dark Protector book, and I’d forgotten how much I liked the world with all of its magical beings. What was especially nice was that I didn’t feel lost having skipped several books before picking up Hero’s Haven. Zanetti does a wonderful job of weaving in the supporting cast from previous books along with their story so that everything flows. 
 
I won’t write a recap of the book because I don’t believe in giving away spoilers. However, I will say that I really liked Haven Daley. She was spunky and feisty and even though this was a new and somewhat crazy world, she did her best to embrace the new, instead of checking herself into a mental health ward like you’d expect. She also didn’t take being bossed around—not from the bad guys, not from psychotic, obsessed shifters or the love interest. She tried to do what was right and despite a crappy childhood, she had a really good heart.
 
As for Quade. Well, at times, I wanted to slap him. I hate the male dominance trick in the bedroom. That’s not how you get a woman to listen to you and I really, really hate it when authors use it in books. But hey, I know some people love that stuff. So, to each their own. When Quade wasn’t being a macho jerk, he was cute. Loved his obsession with eating toothpaste because it tasted too good not to eat it. Loved how he tried to understand this new time and world and his love of his brothers and oath, as well as his weakness for Haven.
 
Great supporting cast. Lots of fun moments mixed in with the fast-paced action. Super sexy. Prepare to have some emotional punches especially when it comes to Haven’s backstory. As with all of Zanetti’s series, whether it’s paranormal or romantic suspense, this story was well written and pulls you in from the first page and holds your attention to the last.  

​Beautifully written, full of emotion, warmth and depth.
 
Maybe it was because I was once a single mother, but I totally connected with Meg as she went on her journey to renovate the Spring House and in the process discovered Diane’s tale. Or maybe it was just the beautiful way the author told these two women’s stories that pulled me in from page one until the very last. Either way, I loved the book. It made two flights and a very long layover sail by. I was so engrossed in the story that I didn’t even mind the uncomfortable chairs in the airport lounge and that’s saying something.  
 
Spring House was a wonderful story of friendship, starting over, family dynamics, the hardships life throws our way and the ability to overcome the odds. We see this not only in the present-day story surrounding Megan in her quest to succeed as a single and pregnant woman, but also in Diane’s tale from more than a hundred years ago. This book is a powerful reminder of how resilient we women truly are and that the greater the odds are against us, the greater our strength and resolution to succeed can be. It also had a lovely love story woven in that didn’t overtake the book, but gently flowed and highlighted the characters’ strengths and even their flaws.  
 
This is one of those stories that’s going to sit with me for a while. Highly recommend both Winter Cottage and Spring House. The books can be read as stand alone, however, I would suggest they be read in the order above to fully understand the backstory and the family dynamics best.

​Not your tired, typical paranormal. I love that Casey Wyatt goes beyond your normal vamps and wares and digs deeper into the world of paranormal with her wonderful stories.

In this book we delve into the world of Chinese myths and legends along with family dynamics, grudges, legacies, and loyalties. Combine all that with the fun and complicated romance, that provided lots of sizzle to the story, along with a reluctant heroine, who just wanted to be an average person, and you had a great read.

If you're looking for a fun book, with something different, give this a try, I don't think you'll be disappointed. 

​Dark, edgy, and brilliantly written.
 
First off, this is not Rizzoli & Isles, so if that’s what you’re looking for…stop, but don’t because this story is fabulous, it’s just different. If you’re a fan of ghost stories and especially The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, but maybe want something a little sexier, darker, and definitely edgier, then this is your book. 
 
The story is brilliantly and beautifully written as you’d expect from Tess Gerritsen. The details are there so you feel like you’re in a small, coastal town in Maine in a hundred and fifty-year-old home. No surprise in either of those areas because we’re talking Tess Gerritsen. What was surprising was the paranormal aspect. But yet…was there really a ghost or was it just Ava’s mind? I’ll let you decide. No spoilers from me. I will say, I read this in one day because I couldn’t put it down. The story drew me in, consumed me, wrapped Ava’s pain and guilt around me and wouldn’t let go until the end. 
 
If you like a good psychological suspense with twists and turns give this book a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
 
Thanks to Penguin Random House for the ARC.

​This story will make you laugh, maybe cry a little, but in the end will leave you feeling like love won and wanting more from Stefanie London.
 
What a perfect blend of emotion and sweet, funny moments that just reached out and wrapped themselves around my heart and held on tight. These two characters were made for each other even though they seemed too opposite and it appeared the deck was stacked in all the wrong directions. I loved watching them bond over the dogs, and try to be the perfect person for each other and learning what love is really all about. 
 
Not only did Stefanie London bring us two really great main characters to love, but she brought us a great cast of secondary characters to love like Jace’s sweet mom, and his over-the-top brother, and crazily competitive family, and of course, lovable Truffle and Tilly. 
 
After reading The Aussie Next Door I’m ready to pack my bags and head to Patterson’s Bluff where I plan to grab a cold one from the Esky, slather on some sunscreen and kill it in a game of beach cricket at a twilight party.  But no worries, I’ll keep an eye out for any jellies laying about, after all, wouldn’t want to get one of their stingers in my foot! 
 
But since I can’t head down under just yet, I’ll make do with reading more books from the amazing Stefanie London!

​The perfect pick-me-up!
 
I don’t usually read holiday books, but I love Liz Talley’s stories and a DOWN HOME CHRISTMAS was the perfect pick-me-up good for anytime of the year.
 
Liz Talley hit all the sweet spots that make a Hallmark holiday movie (even though this is a book) a tale that fills us with love and happiness reminding us of better days and that family, friends and home are the most important things in life.  However, the author didn’t stop there, she kicked it up a notch or two by bringing us a fabulous cast from the main characters right down to the fur and feathered side-kicks. 
 
I think a lot of readers could relate to Kris and his desire to succeed, while wanting to take care of his aging aunt. My heart went out to Tory with her kind and giving heart. The sweet romance between these two was fun, flirty, and just so perfect. Then there was Aunt Tansy…what a hoot! Not to mention tough but sweet Bria and the rest of the cast including Edison and Loretta Lynn the sweater sporting hen. 
 
If you’re looking for a feel good read then look no further because this book will make you laugh and smile and leave you feeling like Santa just left you everything on your wish list no matter what time of the year it is.

​Hidden is the first book in a new series (Dark Ops) that promises to be another hit by Rebecca Zanetti.
 
I’m a fan of the author and several of her series including the Scorpius Syndrome books, which is a mix of romantic suspense and not really paranormal, but more like science gone wild. The Dark Ops series is full on romantic suspense and as always with Ms. Zanetti’s books, on the steamy side. I wasn’t sure if she was going to be able to keep up the tension that she did so well in the Scorpius Syndrome series, but she did not disappoint. While HIDDEN did start a little slower for me as she set up the world and the players, it wasn’t boring at all. It was the perfect start to give us a chance to get to know Pippa and Malcolm, both of whom are fabulous characters. 
 
Pippa has been running and hiding for years and even though she’s at first terrified of Malcolm, she quickly finds herself trusting him. I will admit that he won her trust a little too fast for me, but the author made it work and hey…sometimes the heart just knows and overrides all of our other senses. While the chemistry between these two burns up the sheets, it’s Pippa’s strength that really caught my attention. This poor woman has been through so much. She’s seen things no person should have to endure or watch, yet she’s still kind of sweet, and gentle, and most importantly, compassionate. She’s also got this quiet strength to her that is easy for many to overlook, but she doesn’t let them and I really admired the character for that only.
 
Malcolm is a cop who is burned out and looking to simply escape. Too bad life won’t let him, which is probably a good thing given Pippa’s situation. Two things I really liked about Malcolm: his faith in Pippa and his protective streak, which extended beyond her and showed us his true character. 
 
The storyline was full of twists, turns, and moments that kept the page turning as well as a few spots that made you laugh. A perfect combination.
 
There were other great secondary characters that are going to make this an interesting series, especially Wolfe. And I dare you not to fall in love with Roscoe who is the coolest and most unique dog I’ve ever seen.
 
I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes romantic suspense, special ops or books with great characters and unique storylines.

​I’ve been hearing about Katie Ruggle for sometime and it’s all been good. So, she’s been on my list of new-to-me authors to check out. I’m just not sure if this was the best one to start with mainly because it’s book 4 in a series and I always feel like I’m playing catch up when I do that. 
 
Even so, it was an enjoyable read.
 
The heroine, Kit Jernigan is smart, savvy, loyal, and funny, not to mention, she has an awesome dog, Justice, her K-9 partner. She loves her job and wants to do a great job and fit in, to find a home. Unfortunately, her human partners on the force don’t exactly make that easy for her. Still, she didn’t give up; rather she resolved to win them over. I really liked this about her. Kit wasn’t whiney, she wasn’t bitchy, she was nice—something we need more of in this world. She also had great instincts, which is important not just for police work, but for life in general. 
 
Wes March as the hero was a breath of fresh air. He was quirky—super smart (he makes the coolest gadgets), sweet, honest—just not a real people person. I love that he was there for Kit when she needed him, but he also stood back and let her do her job too. 
 
I loved watching this romance between Wes and Kit slowly unfold. While the romance was a strong plotline in the book, it wasn’t the main focus and that was okay. It seemed more realistic and built naturally. The two characters really “got” each other, but there were still those sweet moments of uncertainty that were so fun to watch. 
 
What I wasn’t too crazy about were the other police officers. I know it’s typical to razz the new person, but they went beyond that and were flat out jerks most of the time. They also came across as stupid, inept, and slightly corrupt. Given that I didn’t read books 1-3, I did have to guess as to their motives and I tried to give the characters and the author the benefit of the doubt. Although, based on other reviews, I think “dumbing down” the men was the author’s way to make Kit the hero of the story. 
 
As to the rest of the book, it was fast paced with lots of action and kept you turning the pages. I would recommend not reading this book until you’ve read the first three in the series.