Review: Double Blind - Iris & Roy Johansen

From Goodreads: Kendra Michaels, formerly blind and now a hired gun for law enforcement agencies who relies on her razor-sharp powers of observation, is reluctant to help the FBI with the most recent case they’ve brought to her. But then she hears the details: the body was found just blocks away from Kendra’s condo. The young woman was carrying an envelope with Kendra’s name on it, and inside was an SD card with what appears to be an innocuous video of a wedding reception. The woman died trying to get the video to Kendra, but for what purpose? Before Kendra and the FBI can answer that question, the bride is abducted from her suburban home.

And so the hunt is on for a killer whose nightmarish plan is slowly becoming clear. A plan that involves a powerful law firm and a multi-billion dollar corporation. As the body count rises, Kendra joins forces with private investigator Jessie Mercado and agent-for-hire Adam Lynch to stop the plot as it grows ever closer to its terrifying conclusion.

In Double Blind, Iris and Roy Johansen deliver an emotional, gripping new entry in the bestselling Kendra Michaels series.


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My Thoughts: Iris Johansen and her various series are on my must read list and I was thrilled to have a chance to review the latest installment of the Kendra Michaels series, which Ms. Johansen wrote with her son, Roy Johansen.

This is the book that many fans have been waiting for. A fast paced thriller, a great mystery, strong characters, emotional tension, and more. I devoured it and already want to re-read it!

Kendra's keen powers of observation put her once again in the middle of an FBI investigation, this time because the victim had an envelope with Kendra's name on it. Kendra has to call on Adam Lynch once again for his support, as well as investigator Jessie Mercado, as the case becomes more perilous and the killer begins to go after those Kendra cares about.

I'm intrigued by the ending here and anxious to see how and where the story progresses. This could be a standalone book, but I think having some background on the relationships of the recurring characters helps make it a fuller and more enjoyable reading experience.

Review: The Duke Buys a Bride - Sophie Jordan

From Goodreads: A bride wasn’t in his plans . . .
The last thing Marcus, the Duke of Autenberry, expects to see after sleeping off a night’s drunken shenanigans is a woman being auctioned in the village square. Before he can think about the ramifications, he buys her, thinking he’s winning the girl her freedom. Instead, he discovers he’s bought a wife.

A duke wasn’t in hers . . .

Alyse Bell is almost rid of the shackles that bound her in a name-only marriage, but the day her friend promised to purchase her in a wife auction, he vanishes, leaving her to face a mob of unsavory bachelors intent on owning her body and soul. But the appearance of a wicked, wealthy stranger changes her path forever.

The road to ruin . . .

Marcus doesn’t know what to do with the impertinent chit who clearly isn’t duchess material! Insisting their marriage isn’t legitimate, they leave for his estate in Scotland, hoping to devise a plan to get rid of each other. However, on a journey fraught with misadventure, their attraction grows and Marcus realizes he’ll do anything to keep this fiery woman for his own.

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My Thoughts: This book might have one of the best opening scenes I have seen in a long time...at least when it comes to entertainment value.  Finding a haughty, snobbish character face down in a pile of manure sets a great tone for a story that is fun, light, and yet also manages to demonstrate good character development.  A tale of two extreme opposites coming together, we see our hero, Marcus, start to grow and look beyond himself, while at the same time better understanding his personality. His impetuous, yet very human and kind, actions at the action, where he first meets Alyse show a side of him not previously seen in other books in the series. His actions immediately afterward, rude, boorish, focused only on himself, are much more in character...and yet we see a change in that attitude thanks to the willfulness, bravery, stubbornness, and inner strength of Alyse.

It was both fascinating and surreal to learn that something like wife actions ever existed, let alone in what I would consider fairly recent times. The cruelty of people towards those weaker than them never ceases to amaze me, whether now or centuries ago. 

While the story seems hard to imagine at times, seeing some big shifts in personalities and circumstances, Ms. Jordan does a nice job of handling these changes, often making them full in terms of emotions and challenges, and recognizing that relationships and personalities are imperfect and people all have defenses and reactions that evolve over time.

Sophie Jordan is an author on my to-read list, the more I've read of her books the more I enjoy her style and stories, in this or any other genre. 

*Review copy provided by publisher through Edelweiss* 

Review: Born to Be Wilde - Eloisa James

From Goodreads: The richest bachelor in England plays matchmaker…for an heiress he wants for himself!

For beautiful, witty Lavinia Gray, there's only one thing worse than having to ask the appalling Parth Sterling to marry her: being turned down by him.

Now the richest bachelor in England, Parth is not about to marry a woman as reckless and fashion-obsessed as Lavinia; he's chosen a far more suitable bride.

But when he learns of Lavinia's desperate circumstances, he offers to find her a husband. Even better, he'll find her a prince.

As usual, there's no problem Parth can't fix. But the more time he spends with the beguiling Lavinia, the more he finds himself wondering…

Why does the woman who's completely wrong feel so right in his arms?

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My Thoughts:  Of all the books I have been fortunate enough to get to review, this was maybe one I was most eagerly anticipating its publication!  I started reading it the moment I downloaded it and did not stop until I was done.  I adore Ms. James and her writing style, her plots, her characters, pretty much everything...and this did not disappoint.

Lavinia, our heroine, is seen as a frivolous society darling, but of course, there's more to her than just that.  While there is no doubt she is beautiful and had no problem spending money, shopping, and enjoying being the belle of the ball, when push comes to shove, she has an inner strength, determination, and entrepreneurial sense that is second to none.

Parth, our hero, is an adopted member of the Wilde family, who always felt he had something to prove.  He's a self-made man and over the years, he and Lavinia have mixed together about as well as oil and water.  On the surface at least...underlying that tension is attraction of course, and throughout the book we seek acknowledgement of that feeling between them.

Lavinia is determined to stand on her own and I think that, more than anything, is what made me like her.  She has a skill that many blow off, Parth included at first, but is something that she can turn into a way for her to bring back some semblance of control, and honor, to her life.  We don't often see stories that focus on a woman's honor, but that was clearly something that was important to Lavinia throughout the book.

It's also fun to see the interactions of the Wilde family, their whole-hearted support of those they love and are in their circle, and the ultimate happy-ever-after for Lavinia and Parth. 

*Review copy provided by publisher through Edelweiss*

Review: Improper Cross Stitch - Haley Pierson-Cox

*Update* - I just discovered the author, Haley Pierson-Cox has a craft-related podcast!  You can check it out here


Not Your Grandma's Cross-Stitch....

I'm a big fan of non-traditional cross-stitch.  I stumbled across a website a few years ago that inspired me to pick up the craft, and I quickly got hooked!  It's a very portable craft, something I can take with me easily when traveling, and depending on the pattern can be a quick way to satisfy my crafty side.  I'm not terribly artistic or creative, but I like things that give me a pattern to follow...cross-stitch is perfect for me in this way!  If I can do it, then anyone can :)  I'll have to post a few of my favorite personal creations on here later...

Improper Cross-Stitch starts with the basics for the newbie...I wish I would have had this when I started.  The website I used was great, but having something to review in my hands would have made it so much easier.  I also bought some supplies initially I didn't need or were wrong sizes, and this basic tutorial can prevent you from making my mistakes!

The preview copy I received was electronic and thus I didn't get to review all the patterns or see them in great detail.  I can say though that the ones I saw made me laugh out loud (most of the time), go awww (a few times), yell "YES" (several times), and generally make me think of a person I would make each one for in an instant.

Patterns in this book are creative...maybe not always in the "words" but how they are portrayed between the words used and the rest of the pictures or context provided absolutely make them entertaining.  I'm going to add this to my Christmas list for the coming year so that I can actually make several of these patterns myself!  In truth, I might not be able to wait until Christmas and may have to sneak in a purchase well before then...I can justify it as a Christmas present for others since I'll be making several as gifts (wine and cats and squad goals are two I saw for sure)!

Added bonus: a section of various alphabets for customizing creations and a section on designing your own patterns (for those of you with more artistic and creative skills than me!).

I'm excited to see the whole book and all of the patterns here upon its release, and think this would be a great library addition for a newbie or old pro when it comes to cross-stitch.

*Preview copy provided by publisher through Netgalley*
 

Review: A Duke by Default - Alyssa Cole

From Goodreads: Award-winning author Alyssa Cole’s Reluctant Royals series continues with a woman on a quest to be the heroine of her own story and the duke in shining armor she rescues along the way

New York City socialite and perpetual hot mess Portia Hobbs is tired of disappointing her family, friends, and—most importantly—herself. An apprenticeship with a struggling swordmaker in Scotland is a chance to use her expertise and discover what she’s capable of. Turns out she excels at aggravating her gruff silver fox boss…when she’s not having inappropriate fantasies about his sexy Scottish burr.

Tavish McKenzie doesn’t need a rich, spoiled American telling him how to run his armory…even if she is infuriatingly good at it. Tav tries to rebuff his apprentice, and his attraction to her, but when Portia accidentally discovers that he’s the secret son of a duke, rough-around-the-edges Tav becomes her newest makeover project.

Forging metal into weapons and armor is one thing, but when desire burns out of control and the media spotlight gets too hot to bear, can a commoner turned duke and his posh apprentice find lasting love?

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My Thoughts: I had a chance to review the second in Ms. Cole's "Reluctant Royals" series and once again, I was thoroughly entertained by the story.  Despite the whole marrying into royalty theme, which typically is not my cup of tea, Ms. Cole tells a compelling story that focuses on the people here, more on who they are than what they are.  These are definitely imperfect people with individual baggage and attitudes and challenges to overcome. It helps to have friends in high places here, to provide guidance and support and in some cases, security, but the focus remains on the relationship development of Portia (whom we met in Book 1) and Tavish (our reluctant royal). 

Portia is much more sympathetic in this book than in the previous, and we learn more about what has made her what she is today.  She's someone trying to turn her life around and be proud of herself, while managing to live her real life and not what others (*cough* parents *cough*) think she should do.  Tavish on the other hand can be a bit of an a-hole, but manages to pull himself out of true jerk territory by having a hidden softer side. Their coming together and watching them grow as a couple and individually made for a great story and went beyond the typical royal romance trope.

*Preview copy provided by publisher via Edelweiss* 

Review: A Princess in Theory - Alyssa Cole

From Goodreads:

From acclaimed author Alyssa Cole comes the tale of a city Cinderella and her Prince Charming in disguise . . .

Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn’t have time for fairy tales…or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she’s betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! As a former foster kid, she’s learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won’t convince her otherwise.

Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At the top of their list? His marriage. Ever dutiful, he tracks down his missing betrothed. When Naledi mistakes the prince for a pauper, Thabiso can’t resist the chance to experience life—and love—without the burden of his crown.

The chemistry between them is instant and irresistible, and flirty friendship quickly evolves into passionate nights. But when the truth is revealed, can a princess in theory become a princess ever after?

My Thoughts: 

I picked this book as part of the Read Harder reading challenge, and despite a few "quirks" I found a new author and a story that I really enjoyed and I look forward to reading more by Ms. Cole.

This is not a book or a story that is meant to seem grounded in reality.  Instead, it's a modern day fairy tale and if you go into it with that mindset it's a story to enjoy.  If you expect it to seem real, you'll find yourself saying "that could never happen" more than you'd like and probably reduce your enjoyment.  Instead, get lost in the fun and the romance, even if you are someone like me that never really dreamed of being a long-lost princess.

The only "quirk" I found while reading the book was that it is written in a style that is more informal than many books.  Not that most romance use overly formal language, but this is truly written as though the characters (modern 20-somethings) are speaking like they would to each other if they were real people in today's world.  It took a bit for me to get used to, and before long I was enjoying the story enough I didn't notice it as much.

It may defy reality, but the quickly developing relationship between our characters, the challenges they each face (some of their own making), and emotional struggles of trust and love make for an entertaining story. 

A much appreciated review copy received from Edelweiss!

Review: Hurts to Love You - Alisha Rai

From Goodreads: Being bad never felt so good, in the third novel in Alisha Rai’s sexy Forbidden Hearts series!

Well-behaved women don’t lust after men who love to misbehave.

Heiress Evangeline Chandler knows how to keep a secret . . . like her life-long crush on the tattooed hottie who just happens to be her big brother’s friend. She’s a Chandler, after all, and Chandlers don’t hook up with the help. Then again, they also don’t disobey their fathers and quit their respectable jobs, so good-girl rules may no longer apply.

Gabriel Hunter hides the pain of his past behind a smile, but he can’t hide his sudden attraction to his friend’s sheltered little sister. Eve is far too sweet to accept anything less than forever and there’s no chance of a future between the son of a housekeeper and the town’s resident princess.

When a wedding party forces Eve and Gabe into tight quarters, keeping their hands off each other will be as hard as keeping their clothes on. The need that draws them together is stronger than the forces that should shove them apart . . . but their sparks may not survive the explosion when long-buried secrets are finally unearthed.

My Thoughts: I picked up this author as part of a reading challenge that included reading a romance involving a diverse main character or that was written by a diverse author.  I was not familiar with Ms. Rai's work prior to the first in this series, and I had no idea what to expect. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.  Her work is well-written and much more than "just" a romance.  The characters are well developed and she dives into deeper issues that are involved in love, relationships, family, and frankly, life. 

This is the third book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone.  Despite being the third in a series that follows two families, the characters don't get old and the story lines aren't the same throughout the series.  There are some underlying issues that carry through considering the ties between the books and the families, but overall, the underlying concerns, the issues that make up the story are unique throughout. Like the other books, we learn about the imperfections of Gabe and Eve, their insecurities, fears, worries, and we see them work to grow and move forward.  I think unlike many books where there are emotional and personal challenges, these don't get glossed over and working to overcome these fears and insecurities is not portrayed as an easy or perfect process.  All the relationships involve work, and that's real, which I think is important. Don't get me wrong, it is certainly a hot romance, but it was so much more than I expected and I highly recommend the whole series. 

A much appreciated review copy received from Edelweiss! 

Review: His Sinful Touch (Candace Camp)

From Goodreads: A lost identity. A dangerous mystery. And a deep love that can conquer it all.

When a mysterious gentleman arrives on his doorstep, Alexander Moreland is astonished to discover that the stranger is not a gentleman at all, but a beautiful young woman disguised as a man, and in great need of assistance. The woman remembers nothing except her own name, Sabrina, and has only the contents of her pockets as clues to her identity: a handkerchief, a pocket watch, a leather pouch, a torn scrap of paper and a gold ring.

Sabrina is certain that she is on the run from someone, or something—how else to explain the bruises on her face and the pervasive sense of dread she feels? She’s also certain that she trusts Alex to help her, and she can’t deny the sparks that fly between them. As they race through the English countryside, Sabrina and Alex must solve the mystery of Sabrina’s past—before whatever she’s running from catches up to them.

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My Thoughts: I've read a number of Ms. Camp's books, but had somehow missed this series (earlier books were released 10+ years ago, this is a new addition to the series).  I REALLY enjoyed this book, so much so that I read it all in one day and could not put it down.  What made the book for me was the characters and this unconventional family for this time period that is the heart of the series.  I picked up the series here with Book 5, and despite that it is easily a standalone read.  (That being said, I'm working on finding the others to get the backstory!)

Sabrina and Alex are the focus of the story, and the book starts with a bang as we get glimpses of Sabrina's story, just enough to intrigue and set the tone for what's to come as she starts the search for herself in more ways than one.  As she finds Alex, we see him step outside his normal "role" and comfort zone to do what needs to be done to protect and help the woman he quickly is coming to love (it's always amazing how quickly that happens).  While the end result is never really in doubt, Ms. Camp makes the getting there interesting and not always predictable.  An enjoyable way to spend the afternoon, I'm anxious not only to read the next in the series, but the previous as well.  The Mad Morelands are wholly entertaining. (Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to review this!)

Review: Wallflower Most Wanted (Manda Collins)

From Goodreads: THE PICTURE OF ROMANCE
A dedicated painter, Miss Sophia Hastings is far more concerned with finding the right slant of light than in finding Mr. Right. But when an overhead conversation hints at danger for another local artist, Sophia is determined to get involved. Even it means accepting help from an impossibly good-looking vicar who insists on joining her investigation—and threatens to capture her heart…

Reverend Lord Benedick Lisle knows that Sophia is no damsel in distress. But he won’t allow her to venture into peril alone, either. . .especially since he finds Sophia’s curious, free-spirited nature so alluring. But protecting her from harm is becoming more difficult than the vicar could have expected as he and Sophia confront their fiery mutual passion. Who could have known that the art of love would prove so irresistible?

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My Thoughts:  I had only vague recollections of the first in this series and realized I had not read the second.  Despite that, I found that I thoroughly enjoyed the third book in this series, full of smart (very smart) heroines and of course, the men who love them.  There are elements of mystery in each book in the series, and with each addition we learn a bit more about the benefactress of the four heiresses.  The mystery is always key to the romance within, but I also value reading about the struggles of being a woman in this period that had to justify talents and knowledge and abilities beyond the norm.  While not to the same extreme today, many parallels can be drawn between then and now when it comes to how women and knowledge and expertise are viewed and judged.  A fun, quick read that may also get you thinking about bigger issues, I recommend the series overall (I went back and read book two after this and look forward to the next!). Advance copy obtained through NetGalley - thank you!