Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts

Whiskey Beach
By: Nora Roberts
Publisher: Berkley
Published: April 16, 2013
Genre: Contemporary, Action/Adventure, Mystery, Romance, Suspense, Thriller
Length: Novel
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Suki
Date: January 24, 2015

 

For more than three hundred years, Bluff House has sat above Whiskey Beach, guarding its shore - and its secrets.

To summer tourists, it's the crown jewel of the town's stunning scenery. To the residents of Whiskey Beach, it's landmark and legend. To Eli Landon, it's home...

A Boston lawyer, Eli has weathered an intense year of public scrutiny and police investigation after being accused of murdering his soon-to-be ex-wife. And though there was never enough evidence to have him arrested, his reputation is in tatters as well as his soul. He need sanctuary. He needs Bluff House.

While Eli's beloved grandmother is in Boston, recuperating from a nasty fall, Abra Walsh has card for Bluff House, among her other jobs as yoga instructor, jewelry maker, and massage therapist. She is a woman with an open heart and a wide embrace, and no one is safe from her special, some would say over-bearing, brand of nurturing - including Eli.

He begins to count on Abra for far more than her cooking, cleaning, and massage skills, and starts to feel less like a victim - and more like the kind of man who can finally solve the murder of his wife and clear his name. But Bluff House's many mysteries are a siren song to someone intent on destroying Eli and reaping the rewards. He and Abra will become entangled in a centuries-old net of rumors and half-truths that could pull them under the thunderous waters of Whiskey Beach...

Passion and obsession, humor and heart flow together in a novel about two people opening themselves up to the truth - and to each other.

Whiskey beach starts in a way that had me checking that I didn’t miss a book before, perhaps a sister or family member of the Hero because when we start the story so much has already happened. Eli, who not an Alpha male I adored, has spent the last year in a state of depression because he is the main suspect in his wife's murder. So I think we were supposed to feel invested in him in the beginning. He has returned to the family estate after a long absence to feel and take care of the place for his Gran, Hester who I also adore.

In walked our heroine, Abra. Note I did not state I adore her. Because to be honest I had a hard time liking Abra. Abra who does a little bit of everything to perfection, who (Spoiler alert) seems to only carry around a ‘small carryon bag” of baggage from a past of tragedy. So even healing, she does perfectly. She, as Eli also wonders in the book, must own stock in little post it notes, which she posts like a mother all over the house and they drove us both crazy. She came off as meddling, holier than thou, and mothering. Not what I personally want from my heroines. I just couldn’t relate to her.

This is one of NR’s Romantic Suspenses and I pretty much figured out who killed his wife in the first few chapters. Who threw his Gran down the stairs took a bit more. That didn’t change the fact that I enjoyed the mystery part of the story. Though I would have liked to see the reactions to his innocence and some comeuppance from those who hounded Eli… I am speaking to you Officer Wolf.

Let me say that if you are a Nora Roberts fan, this one has all the things you love in a Nora book but I believe you will find much of the story, you have seen before in other books. Perhaps it is a case of kicking out too many books too fast, I don’t know. Overall I enjoyed it and don’t regret picking it up. To me if you are looking for a good NR Romantic Suspense try Carnal Innocence.

Read more »

A Seal's Mission by Rachel Kall

A Seal's Mission (Love & Scandal 2)
By: Rachel Kall
Publisher: NYLA Publishing
Published: July 2014
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
Length: Novel
Heat Level: Sensual
Reviewer: Marchelle
Date: August 18, 2014

 

When renowned journalist Rowena Murphy uncovers the biggest story of her career, she was prepared to take some risks. But when she learns that more than her life is at stake, she doesn't know who to turn to...

After Navy SEAL Scott Ranger rescued investigative reporter Rowena Murphy in Afghanistan, he thought his mission was complete. But it’s six months later, and he still can't get her out of his head. The game changes when her life is threatened once again...

As they start to uncover just how deep the conspiracy runs in Washington and abroad, Scott vows to keep Rowena and her sources safe--even if that means temporarily dropping the story. But for Rowena putting her investigation on hold isn't an option.

Loyalties are tested and passions ignite as Rowena and Scott race to complete A SEAL's MISSION.

Scott Ranger gets his first glimpse of Rowena Murphy when he and his fellow Navy Seals lead a mission to rescue her from kidnappers in Afghanistan. They don't see each other again until several months later when Scott finds out Rowena is trying to find him and shows up at her door. She opens up to him and tells him about a story she is working on that has political implications and he is unsure if he believes her - until Senators involved in the story start dying suddenly. He vows to protect her with his life until they get to the bottom of it.

Not having read the first book in this series, I was pleasantly surprised to find this book truly stands alone. There was no unfinished business from the first book that needed to be wrapped up and the characters that reappeared here were given a brief background that didn't really affect this story but did make me curious enough to make me want to read the first book.

This was a really good story. There was an unexpected twist at the end that made this unlike any other suspense story I've read. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I was pleasantly surprised to find there was more to the story. The suspicion on Scott's colleagues kept me on the edge wondering if and/or when they would be betrayed. It was nerve wracking to not know who they could trust at any given time and if they were doing the right thing.

I particularly enjoyed the fact that the focus was not on the sexual relationship between Scott and Rowena. There was a great deal of questioning "would they?" or "wouldn't they?" but it didn't take the focus away from the plot. It was kept in the background and it really drove home the seriousness of what they were facing. I think it takes away from the suspense when the characters are more worried about their feelings for each other, than the fact that someone is trying to kill them. The author didn't do that here, she kept the focus on the situation they were in and it helped to keep my interest in the story. It seemed more realistic that way.

I definitely plan to read the first book in the series and I hope the next book will give us Med's story.

Read more »

Against the Wild by Kat Martin

Against the Wild
By: Kat Martin
Publisher: Zebra
Published: May 27, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
Length: Novel
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Toni
Date: July 17, 2014

 

Alaska: Where the men are as bold and untamed as America's last wilderness...

It's been three years since Lane Bishop tragically lost her fiancé, and she's finally ready to risk her heart on someone else. The hot look in Dylan Brodie's eyes says he's going to be that man.

But when Lane flies to the remote 1930s fishing lodge to help him renovate, she discovers a little girl who won't speak, eerie legends and strange sounds in the night. And when she investigates the history of the lodge, she uncovers a legacy of injustice and murder.

As danger stalks his daughter and the woman he is coming to love, Dylan must risk everything to uncover the shocking truth.

While Against the Wind was a very good read, it wasn’t what I expected.

Dylan Brodie is the middle Brodie boy. He grew up in Alaska and has recently purchased a lodge in the Alaskan pan handle. He has the help of the locals to renovate it, but the inside he is saving for a special woman, Lane Bishop. He now has his chance to revisit their attraction and he has the perfect lure to get her to Alaska.

Lane Bishop has been attracted to Dylan since the moment she met him. She tried and tried to ignore his advances, but he has offered her a change that she can’t pass up. So off to Alaska she goes.

Lane’s visit is full of surprises and goes beyond her highest expectations. She discovers her passion again after her loss of both her mother and fiancé and finally finds a home. It’s too bad that everywhere they turn they are being bombarded by continual obstacles. Can they conquer them all; even their biggest one - their doubts and fears of how their pasts will affect their future?

So what did I expect? Well a story that was truly a standalone novel for one. Yes, the story is basically a standalone, but there are too many references that seem to be from prior novels and a different series. I found the constant referencing too distracting. My mind would wonder to what story it was, who it was about and so on. Against the Wind is book one in the Brodies of Alaska series and that is exactly what it should have been, book one. A reference or two is fine; the number in the novel was not. I’m also sad to say, short of a very extensive search I have no idea what book Dylan and Lane first met in. Very frustrating.

Besides that problem, the story was very nice. The story had mystery, romance and some suspense thrown in. I will say Ms. Martin surprised me several times with the direction of the story. I really loved that she kept me on my toes. Her characters were also very entertaining. I can say short of the characters I was supposed to hate, I adored every single one of them. Ms. Martin made them very personable and I wanted to get to know and love them all. Great job!

Even though this book was packed with mystery, romance and suspense it still felt like a light read. The atmosphere never became too deep and dark, making it perfect for a summer read. She also wrote a plot that was interesting and fun and I could almost feel like I was back in Alaska. Thank you Ms. Martin. You reminded me how beautiful the state is and how wonderful the people are. I truly miss it more after reading Against the Wild.

Read more »

Until the Dawn by Desiree Holt & Cerise DeLand

Until the Dawn
By: Desiree Holt & Cerise DeLand
Publisher:  Ellora's Cave Publishing
Published: September 17, 2010
Genre: Contemporary, Action/Adventure, Erotic Romance, Suspense
Content: M/F, Anal Play, Oral Sex
Length: Novella
Heat Level: Scorching
Reviewer: Toni
Date: May 25, 2014

  

Madison Sommers is sure she has the world in her hands-a great job working for the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, a beautiful townhouse in Georgetown, her ambassador father finally at home rather than at the other end of the world. And in Dan Foreman, a lover she adores. The sex is beyond anything she could have imagined, for Dan knows how to use every part of his body, including his talented hands and mouth, to give her screaming orgasms. She wonders if life could possibly get any better.

Then Dan disappears and her world turns upside down-until he reappears in the dark to addle her brain with the hottest sex she's ever known and a secret that could bring down the country.

Until the Dawn is the first book in the Nemesis series. We meet two people who felt the sparks of attraction from the very first moment and though it took two weeks for them to finally light on fire, they now have a raging inferno on their hands. Their passion is out of control and danger is around every corner.

Neither knows who to trust and where to turn, but together they are unstoppable.

Wow this story moved very fast. I was thoroughly entertained by their adventure and I was left all sexed up. Whew, that was some very hot reading. I really can’t say these two burned up my Kindle, it was all Dan. That man is a force to be reckoned with. I’m not sure if he is a national treasure or a deadly weapon.

Even though I wanted to steal Dan from Madison, I never really connected with Madison and Dan as a couple. I can see loving them, but there wasn’t time. Their adventures hit fast and hard and were nonstop. Every time I thought I would connect, the poor couple had more hit them. I hope I can connect with them in future installments. I really enjoyed the peek at some of the supporting cast too. Madison’s old roomie from college, Nikki, seems like she is going to be amazing and I hope to read more about her soon.

I can see a very interesting series beginning though. Covert ops, danger and some very blindingly hot sex. I have no doubts that I’m going to enjoy the series, because you can’t help but have a true winner with these two amazing authors. With Desiree and Cerise at the helm this is going to be a fan-flippin-tastic ride!!

Read more »

Shatter by Joan Swan

Shatter
By: Joan Swan
Publisher: Brava
Published: December 31, 2013
Genre: Contemporary, Action/Adventure, Romance, Suspense
Length: Novel
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Toni
Date: May 24, 2014

  

For seven years, Halina Beloi has been in hiding. But she's never forgotten Mitch Foster, the long, lean man she had to leave behind. Until, that is, Mitch shows up with a list of questions and a 9mm in his hand.

All Mitch knows is that Halina broke his heart and disappeared. But new information has surfaced implicating her as a player in the deadliest game of Mitch's life. This time, he's not letting go without answers. Now terror, danger and heat will fuse them together or shatter the future…

Hmmmm. I’ve either having preemptive withdrawals or some major denial going on. Just finished reading Shatter and I feel shattered.

For the last few years, Mitch has been a part of the group, but yet also apart from the group. The Phoenix Rising series initially focused on a Hazmat team; firefighters that were injured in a huge hazmat explosion. Mitch is the twin brother of the first heroine in the series, Alyssa. He has no special skills or abilities other than being a great big arrogant pain in the butt that has the connections to keep his new family secure and safe. He is always great for comic relief and a complete trouble maker. He is a known womanizer and a brilliant attorney and in his own way the backbone of this whole group.

Halina was introduced to us towards the end of book three, Rush. From the moment Mitch sees her face, you knew that his story was going to be a wild ride. Mitch was always the calm, collective one in the group; keeping his head straight and on track. One look of Halina and his world begins to crumble around him and Shatter is his story.

He never thought he would see her again, but he has found her and he is going to make her explain how she is involved in the circumstances that are continually putting his family in danger and why she lied to him. Their interactions are heated and passionate. But they also hold a hopelessness that grabs you deep in your soul. As you watch his discovery of why she left him, you hurt for him and also share in his joy. It’s simply divine.

Ms. Swan wrote an amazing tale that may or may not have wrapped up this series. I honestly have no idea if it is the ending or not and that bugs me. Even though the plot behind what happened to the group is answered and justice is served, I am left wanting more. Seth was totally dropped. He was on a mission that ended abruptly with no mention of him and then there is Kai. Kai is a man with a mysterious aura and has many issues that are just under the surface. Does his story get told? Even though these potentially great characters seem to have been forgotten; from the first book to this last book it has been an amazing and wondrous read.

Ms. Swan has fashioned an amazing world filled with characters that are very engaging and real with a plot that is intricate and yet simple to follow. My only problem is the few unanswered questions, but all in all this is one top notch series that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. Well written with heart, passion and soul.

Please check out my other reviews of the series if you want to see their adventure unfold.

  

Read more »

Rush by Joan Swan

Rush
By: Joan Swan
Publisher: Brava
Published: August 27, 2013
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
Length: Novel
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Toni
Date: May 23, 2014

  

Jessica Fury, Washington lobbyist, has money, connections, and her own firm. But five years ago she had something better: happiness. Her firefighter husband, Quaid, was handsome, courageous, and crazy about her. Then one day he walked into a chemical inferno—and never walked out. Jessica has been through hell to get back on her feet. And then a rumor surfaces that could bring a miracle or shatter her world – again.

Q has been a prisoner forever. He’s honed his mind and body into weapons. He’s developed abilities no one else understands. But he’s still at the mercy of a cabal of ruthless men, who blank his memory, test him like a lab rat, and tell him lies. Although his past has been erased and his future looks grim, instinct tells him he has a woman to live for. What his mind can’t remember, his body can’t forget…

I was completely blown away with the first book in the Phoenix Rising series, Fever. Book two, Blaze, was a fast paced scorching read and book three, Rush is a high adrenaline ride from the first page to the very last. I can’t believe it took me this long to catch up. My only defense was life got in the way and I’m glad that I was able to do a marathon read when I was finally able to dig back in.

Jessica and Quaid’s story is a heartbreaking story. Friends who became lovers and then newlyweds then a tragic accident rip them apart. Jessica then began a horrible downward spiral that took her years to conquer and though her life is a half-life, she has purpose and resolve to make everyone involved with her husband’s death to pay.

Q is a man who doesn’t have a past and only one friend to hold onto. The red haired woman from his past has left his dreams and his only friend has just attempted to escape their concrete prison. Reality and fantasy are fine lines in his life and when he is finally revisited by his mystery woman and they finally share a kiss, he is a happy man. But when he meets the woman of his dreams, can he trust that she is real.

Rush takes place right where Blaze finished off. The team may have found their lost member and will do anything to bring him home; for themselves, but more for Jessica. Her life has been miserable without Quaid but she fights his possible existence. Their reunion is so bittersweet, but you can feel the spark between them right from the very first moments. While there were times I wanted both of them to move on, I also was cheering them to find what they lost. I couldn’t imagine the pain and heartbreak they encountered. When they first had sex, I was on a roller coaster of emotions. I was thrilled at the possibilities then felt utter despair and pain. I can’t recall every experiencing such mixed emotions.

Ms. Swan did an amazing job and wow this whole storyline is engulfing. I couldn’t put it down. I craved page after page. Like I mentioned before, I’m so glad that I had all the books to read them all at once. I would have hated to have to wait for the next installment. Ms. Swan has penned a diverse and interesting world that is sexy, adventurous and refreshing.

Please check out my review of the first book in the series:

Read more »

Killing Lucas by Dominique Eastwick

Killing Lucas
By:  Dominique Eastwick
Publisher:  Musa Publishing
Published:  April 19, 2013
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Suspense 
Length:  Novella
Heat Level:  Spicy
Reviewer:  Toni
Date:  April 10, 2013

What doesn't kill us makes you stronger. But is their love strong enough?

Lucas Sherman wanted one thing in life. Never to set eyes on his ex-fiancé Kiloran O’Connor again. But no one said life was fair. Now with a stalker hunting both of them Lucas is forced to put his distrust and hatred to the side to keep them both alive.

Kiloran only ever wanted to keep Lucas safe. But no matter how hard she tries danger seems to be a step behind them. Now creating a public front can she break through the wall Lucas has erected around his heart? Those same walls she helped cement.

Can true love conquer and forgive all or will it kill them both?

Killing Lucas is a book of discovery, understanding and a burning passion that even unforgivable betrayal cannot extinguish.

Lucas has been unhappy from the very beginning of the Sherman Family series. Now it is our chance to understand the who, what, where and why that shaped Lucas into the man he is today. Can he find his former self or has his pain destroyed the fun loving man he used to be?

Kiloran is a woman who will do what she has to do to protect her friends and family. Even if it means pushing away the one man she is destined to be with, her soul mate. She has been alone for years and one chance meeting changes the game. She may have forced Lucas away in the past to save him, but she can’t lose him to death. She is done hiding. Lucas is too important to her to stay silent any longer.

Two ex-lovers must now pretend to be back together. One is still hopelessly in love and the other is too angry to realize who his heart belongs to. Every near death experience brings them closer together, but is it too late for them? Can they find each other again?

Fast paced, emotional and sexy; a great mixture for sure. Lucas’s pain has been haunting me from the very start and I’m so happy that he gets his happily ever after. The Sherman’s play hard and love harder. Lucas had the biggest heart of them all and it was broke beyond repair. Ms. Eastwick had a tough job ahead of her and she did very well to showcase his pain. Honestly, this book could have been longer, because he was in that much pain and was that angry. Lucas had a very long road ahead of him, but she did a great job in the time allotted her. Even though Lucas wore his pain on his sleeve, it was more painful for me to finally understand Kiloran’s side of the story. She is an amazing woman, with a selfless heart and a true mate for Lucas.

Thank you Ms. Eastwick. You did a great job bringing this story to light and bringing these two tortured lovers back together. Killing Lucas was everything I wanted and I enjoyed it wholeheartedly. It is a great addition to the family.

Read more »