Review: Honor 'N' Duty

Honor 'N' Duty by Tee O'Fallon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This 6th book in the Federal K-9 can easily be read as a standalone.

I loved the premise of this book! A bit of a second chance, a bit of love at first sight, a bit of the forbidden trope and a good dose of suspense. And don't forget the GUILT! Add in a precocious 5-year-old and K-9 partner that loves kids, and you can overdose on doggy/child goodness.

Laia and Kade have an instant attraction, but circumstance, duty, and honour take their lives on different winding paths. However, Kade steps in when his brother's widow and daughter are in danger. The question is if these two can learn to trust in each other but also in the connection that they have. The slight forbidden nature of the relationship did not feel dirty or uncomfortable and was dealt with well.

Both Laia and Kade grew as characters in the time they have been separated and more so as a team working to make Laia and Rosa safe from the threat still hanging around even after Kade's brother's death. The connection between the two does give a good heat level to the story.

Unfortunately, Laia lost faith too soon in her and Kade's relationship, and I never felt as if she grovelled/atoned for this. Kade made more of an attempt, both through internal dialogue and action, to make up for his one misstep. A misstep, realist that I am, I did not feel was outside of character or even a misstep at all. Except for this slight TSTL moment in the book, I did enjoy the story and rooted for the HEA of the characters.

Review: Unforgiven

Unforgiven by Rebecca Zanetti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fast paced suspense, with a dash of humour and romance

Unforgiven is touted as the 5th book in the Deep Ops series but can easily be read as a standalone. (I did not read the first four and now have a longer TBR list😊)

This book has great suspense and mystery linked with a good dose of romance. It is fast-paced with two antagonists. It breaks the drama with a dose of humour.

Jethro, the MMC, is a former MI6 agent who is now living a simpler life while teaching various classes at the university and sometimes helping the Deep Ops team on their cases. At the university, he meets a new teacher, Gemma Falls, and her adorable 3-year-old, Trudy. First impressions have Jethro thinking ill of Gemma, but slowly this changes as he gets glimpses of the real Gemma.

Gemma has been running from an abusive ex. She is working under an assumed name to earn enough money to keep her and Trudy safe. While Gemma experiences odd happenings making her anxious that her ex has found her, Jethro gets called to a homicide scene where a killer left a note addressed to him. And so, the game of cat and mouse begins.

The Deep Ops team interfere to keep both our MCs safe even as Jethro insists he can handle the situation himself. However, when our antagonists team up, all bets are off, and Jethro does what is needed to keep Gemma and Trudy safe- including calling in his friends for help.

I loved the fast pace and action of the book. The relationship Jethro built with Trudy was sweet, and the one with her mom, Gemma, a lot hotter. However, the book shows that both these characters are game theory experts, but this unique skill is not used in the resolution of the suspense elements. I felt this was a huge, missed opportunity.

ARC provided through Netgalley.

Review: Foolproof

Foolproof by Jo Chambliss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Surprise pregnancy, lust and love

Foolproof is scheduled for publication on 28 June 2022.

I love the Waterproof series for Jo Chambliss. Foolproof is book 8 in the series. This book can be read as a standalone, although some of the characters from previous books do feature here.

As I have mentioned in reviews for previous books, the author does not stick to one trope for her books in the series. As a result, books differ, and not all would be to everyone's taste.

I loved the story of Leo and Mira. Leo struggles to adapt to his new looks after a work incident left him with new facial scars at the start of the book. He and Mira connect at the right time for Mira to significantly influence how he views himself and the reactions of others. But Mira hides her own scars carefully - easy as they are emotional scars.

The middle of the book was a bit of a dead zone for me, leaving me disengaged. However, the latter part of the story is full of fast-moving action and heartbreak—a well done emotive read. I rooted for Leo and Mira's HEA. I did wish her father some additional comeuppance, though.

A word of warning, there is a section in the book that could be triggering for those with scars from a miscarriage.

The review for Book 7, Escapeproof can be found here, the summary review for the first 4 books, here, and books 5 and 6, Soundproof and Fadeproof also have reviews.

Review: Escapeproof

Escapeproof by Jo Chambliss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Compelling characters, detailed suspense and a non-formulaic resolution

Jo Chambliss does a great job with the Waterproof: Navy SEALs series. Escapeproof is book 7 in the series.

Previous reviews of the series can be found here (summary of first 4 books) and here (Soundproof book 5) and here (Fadeproof book 6)

The action and 'mission' parts of these books are detailed and compelling and show both the vulnerability and strength of her characters. The suspense is then paired with hot romances. The series has a little bit of everything. Sometimes the romance is part of the broader mission. Sometimes the romance and suspense are separate from the Navy SEALs' work. Some are insta-lust, and some, like Escapeproof, have a more emotional start.

Judge, a quieter member of the team and currently questioning his future, both in the team and what he wants from life, have a meet-cute moment with the new neighbour. Of course, we already know Iyla by now, although some more information is still to be revealed. We know some of Iyla's backstory, so I was chomping at the bit for the two neighbours to connect. That this was handled as a friendship first was great, but the way Judge put Iyla's feelings and comfort above his own just melted my heart.

The danger surrounding Iyla heats up, and Judge is not always around to protect her. Both he and Iyla struggle with this. I liked that the protagonist was clever, manipulative and not easily dissuaded by a show of force or logic. The possible resolution of this issue was not clear and straightforward, given the twisting of facts and events. This element brought much-needed depth to a book that may otherwise have just been another save-the-girl-from-the-stalker trope.

The side characters are great, and Leo, whose book we will have next, broke both Iyla and my heart.



*I received a copy of Escapeproof from Net Galley and Author Collective 20 in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are my own and not solicited in any way.

Review: True Wolf: Sexy, Action-packed Paranormal Romantic Suspense

True Wolf: Sexy, Action-packed Paranormal Romantic Suspense by Paige Tyler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

True Wolf is the third book in Paige Tyler's paranormal suspense series called STAT: Special Threat Assessment Team. This story is action-packed, moving quickly between settings, with many twists and interesting characters.

As an omega werewolf, Caleb is the 'fighter/berserker for the team given his lack of control. He has a more 'gray' past, leaving him feeling somewhat detached from his team but thankful for a pack's place and comfort. Unfortunately, it does mean his expectations of a happy life - and a HEA is low. Brielle has a younger brother prone to get himself into trouble. She strongly longs for a more normal life while keeping her paranormal abilities secret in fear of exploitation.

Unfortunately, the fast action with minimal periods of slow became a bit of a blur when reading. I think this would have made a good movie, but as a book, the story lets you down with too many threads to follow and envision. A save the world type plot can be overwhelming in the face of all the new "type" paranormal/supernatural we are introduced to. The books in the series are very much team-based, and the sheer number of characters coming through felt like a distraction and made it difficult to keep up with the story thread.

Caleb/Brielle wasn't a pairing particularly interesting or captivating. This together with the overstimulation from the action part meant that I had to put the book down more often than not while finishing. It became tiring to read.

Review: Tough Justice

Tough Justice by Tee O'Fallon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A quick-moving romantic suspense story

This first book in a new series, 'K-9 Special Ops' by Tee O'Fallon, is an enemies-to-lovers trope. DEA agent, Deck, distrusts doctors and our ER doctor, Tori, blames the DEA for her family's pain and suffering. And of course, our third main character that everybody loves Thor, the K-9 special agent.

Although the main action centres around the search for the leading distributor of a deadly new street drug, the character growth is positioned around the revelations of the main characters' pasts with the other's respective professions.

The action and suspense are fast-paced and the mystery well constructed. The pacing of the book was perfect. The attraction between our characters is sizzling, and their conflicted feelings about it come across as very real. The path to the HEA was not easy for these characters, and their ability to work through "love, trust, compromise and acceptance' is admirable, especially while dealing with life and death situations. I cannot wait for the second book in this series.

I was kindly provided with an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Entangled) and author via NetGalley; the review is my honest opinion. Current expected release date 29 March 2022.

Review: You Can Run

You Can Run by Rebecca Zanetti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Rebecca Zanetti takes a big step out of the romantic suspense genre with You Can Run. This is a murder mystery with strong psychological thriller elements - an element that may continue in future books. The case is solved at this start of a series book, but the interplay between main (and secondary) characters remains unresolved.

The book keeps the reader engaged with palpable suspense even as many red herrings are used - some, I suspect, as set up for the rest of the books in the series.

FBI Special Agent, Laurel Snow, hurries back home after a frantic call from her mother. Her uncle is the main suspect when a body dump is found in the wilderness. Laurel is a child prodigy but cannot read specific social cues. This dimension of Laurel's character is mentioned often but does not always play out in her interactions.

Fisheries and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers is the stoic 'mountain man' reluctantly helping Laurel with the serial murder case. He is protective but prefers to keep himself distant from others. However, he and Laurel make a great team, and it would be interesting to see their evolving relationship. However, the dash of romance is not enough to satisfy fans of romantic suspense.

There is a good cast of secondary characters that are both interesting and, in some cases, more terrifying. The setting is beautifully rural, and the author uses the weather not only as context and backdrop but almost as another secondary character.

The book does seem to end rather abruptly, with the serial killer case mostly resolved. I am eagerly awaiting the next instalment.

Kensington Books - Zebra and Rebecca Zanetti provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. The publication date is currently set for January 25, 2022.

Review: Fadeproof: a Military Action Romance

Fadeproof: a Military Action Romance by Jo Chambliss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This 6th book in the Waterproof: Navy Seals Series packs a good emotional punch. It is possible to read as a standalone as the author provides sufficient backstory, but you will enjoy this more if you have been following the series.

This book takes a slightly different angle from others in the series as Dallas, an investigative reporter, is seen as the 'enemy' at first. Distrust vies with the very real chemistry between Dallas and Ink. The character of Dallas is strong, but her vulnerability and loneliness shine through. Her strong sense of morals means that she does not shy away from admitting mistakes and trying to correct them. The same openness is not seen from the team and Ink.

I had some difficulty with the team jumping to conclusions at the beginning of the book. It shows them as human and not always objective in their views and actions. This brings a much-needed sense of realism to this book. The book is action-packed and fast-paced. And the HEA is not as easily achieved emotionally as in other books due to Ink's choices and views.

Find my reviews for the other books in the series here. 

I received an ARC from Netgalley and this is my honest review.

Review: Serve 'N' Protect

Serve 'N' Protect by Tee O'Fallon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

External Scars may be easier to heal from than inner scars

This is the fifth book in Tee O'Fallon's Federal K-9 series of interconnected standalones. Books don't need to be read in order and are true standalones.

I love that the service dogs are an additional character in these books. Ghost in Serve 'N' Protect is absolutely adorable and courageous. His interactions with Cassidy, and even Markus, not only endears him to the reader but also helps showcase the MCs personality.

While Cassidy has physical scars from an accident a year earlier and is just putting the end of her relationship behind her, Markus is recuperating from an attempt on his life and is not interested in any relationship due to his childhood emotional scars. Cassidy is warm and caring, with a good dose of done-to-earth. Markus is more guarded and it was fun reading about the interactions these characters have.

The book is a slow burn romance. The suspense elements were good, but I did think that some angles should have been explored earlier in the story. As such, elements around Markus was resolved almost too quickly without a better build-up, and those related to Cassidy was too drawn out and became boring.

I received a copy of this book from Entangled Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My Opinions are my own

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Review: Traced

Traced by Samantha Wilde
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Great romantic suspense plot
but let down by the characters

Traced is book 2 in the Blood brothers series but can be read as a standalone. The book had a great romantic suspense plot but is somewhat let down by an unthinking, stubborn heroine and an underlying theme that life is black and white. Good and evil are easily discerned, and that legal and moral are synonyms.

Tessa has to sell some gold bars on behalf of her father, who has fled danger and an attempt on his life. Selling the gold thus needs to happen in the black market, which is where Dare comes in. He fences goods for a living and is a great hacker to boot. The action in the book is fast-paced, and the chemistry between our main characters are explosive. These are all elements of a good book, in my opinion.

However, Tessa never seems to learn the value of good teamwork. Although they always make it out of tight situations (this is a story, after all), her insistence on being an independent woman and doing what she wants becomes a bit over the top. Any intelligent woman knows when they are out of their depth. Add to this the fact that the author seemed convinced that Dare needs to mend his ways before he can be good enough for Tessa, and you have a book that irks me just a little too much. Yes, going around killing people (in self-defence) may not be the best life, but neither is changing who you are and what you enjoy just because others view it as unsavoury.

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Review: Soundproof: a Military Romance Thriller

Soundproof: a Military Romance Thriller by Jo Chambliss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Never assume that loud is strong and quiet is weak" Unknown.

Soundproof is the fifth book in the Waterproof: Navy Seals series by Jo Chambliss. Read my review of the rest of the previous books here. All books are standalone in the interconnected series with one couple per book, no cliffhangers and guaranteed HEA. It would also seem that the covers for the series have been updated. I preferred the previous covers, although I understand the appeal of colour and a more prominent male cover model for romance books.

This book follows the story of Tyler "Hawk" Morgan and Cailyn Ridley as a couple. Hawk's childhood made him a quiet adult, and Riley's kidnapping ordeal gave her a new quietness. Yet, both these characters show strong determination and a sense of justice. This determination and sense of justice propel Hawk not to give up the search for the kidnapped women. It is also determination and grit that keeps Riley alive in the worst circumstances. At the same time, her sense of justice motivates her to give as much information on her kidnappers as possible - even while this puts her in danger.

In all this, both Riley and Hawk find their safe space with each other, finding comfort in the quiet of the other. This all sounds very philosophical - but in essence, this book is an action-packed, steamy romance well worth the read.

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 Review of Jo Chambliss' Waterproof: Navy Seals Series

In preparation for the release of Soundproof the first week in September, I thought I would do a quick round-up of the reviews for the books in Waterproof: Navy Seals. This should give you plenty of time to catch up on your reading if you have not started the series yet. All books are standalone in an interconnected series with one couple per book, no cliffhangers and guaranteed HEA. It would also seem that the covers have been updated. Personally, I preferred the previous covers, although I understand the appeal of the naked chests for romance books...

Shatterproof

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

He fell for the little girl first.

Chris is on leave when he needs to lay his motorcycle down to avoid hitting a little girl in the middle of the road, in the middle of the night. This is a powerful opening for the story that unfolds. In this book, little Ariel is a definite part of the characters, and I loved her. In addition, the story has strong mystery and suspense elements.

While the relationship between Willa and Chris came easy, the mystery/suspense kept the story moving forward. Although, I have to admit, although this book was well written and I totally enjoyed the story, the last bit of suspense seemed a bit superfluous after the already HEA. But perhaps other readers will find it difficult to leave the world of Chris and Willa, and the added bit would soothe any book hangover.

Flameproof

⭐⭐⭐

A second chance romance

Yes, this is a military romance, but this is less about saving the damsel in distress and more about an emotional reconnection. It does mean that this book has slightly less action and suspense than one would normally associate with the genre. However, there is still just enough to keep those of us that are action addicts going. The focus in this book is on the emotional growth and healing the main characters need to find.

Gunner and Rory make a great couple. But, unfortunately, the back story does take some space in the book - space I would have liked to spend with them in the present, learning to navigate their new relationship. But through the back story, I was emotionally invested in their HEA.

Crashproof

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Emotional

If this book did not have a HEA, I would have totally called the author on the emotional ride she took me on. Survivors guilt, a douche canoe of a boss, danger and a push and pull all form part of this military romance. Knowing you have people who root for you and will be there for you while you make difficult decisions is great, especially if you are a strong female character like Atlas. This is a great read that adds action and a hot alpha male to an already great mix. Loved the depth of both Bowie and Atlas' characters.

 

Blastproof

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 Heroes have self-doubt too.

 Everly is the shy author being forced into the public eye that picks up a stalker in the process. Nix is a team guy, going through a period of doubt after a close call in his last op.  Oh, and falling in lust with the life-size poster of the hot author coming to town for a book signing. Sound too familiar and boring as just another read of an alpha hero saving the day?

Yes and no. Jo made the story feel new. Nix and Ev have instant attraction - even more so when he gets to know the person behind the persona. I totally loved that the relationship between Nix and Ev was easy and deepened quickly. The tension in the book came not from relationship insecurities but the ongoing stalker mystery - and here, the author excelled in giving us a real twister.

The secondary characters were not as involved as in previous books - but even here, we get to see strong men admitting their mistakes which makes the story more real. I did appreciate the action in the book, but the fact that Nix had to deal with feelings of inadequacy in a similar vein as Ev made him very endearing to me. And their sizzling relationship with a good understanding and acceptance of the other is a new relationship goal for me.

Review: Trusting Molly

Trusting Molly by Susan Stoker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Technically flawless romantic suspense

This is the third book in the Silverstone series and although we do meet characters from previous books, this can be read as a standalone. While Molly and Smoke (Mark) meet in the Nigerian jungle, the story plays out when they are back home. But, similar to a meet-cute, this suspense meet is only the start.

Smoke steps in to give Molly a safe place to land, given her previous kidnapping troubles and coming home to her only family (grandparents) murdered. Although Smoke is enamoured from the start, I did appreciate that this was not an insta-lust situation. Instead, he gave Molly the space she needed to both come to terms with what has happened to her but also for them to get to know each other better. Although Molly is strong and brave, she does have a decidedly negative inner dialogue- but this forms part of the story and the impact that Smoke has on her worldview.

The story has all the same elements as other Susan Stoker books: Possessive hero, Sassy heroine, Good action and, of course, Romance, all neatly tied with technically flawless prose. Although this read will probably not blow your mind, it is always good to know Susan Stoker is an author you can pick up without worrying about the quality. You will always have a good engaging story to sink your teeth into.

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Review: Bad Intentions

Bad Intentions by Tara Wyatt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One of my hottest reads this year!

Bad Intentions may be part of the Prescotts' series but can totally be read as a standalone. I did, so I would know. This is an age gap romance with mafia elements and I totally loved this!

Lucien is the leader of the Kings' of Hells Kitchen, a group that grew organically from smoothing relations between the different organised crime groups in the city. He is also the oldest of the Prescott kids, although family in this instance did not play a huge role. Olivia is the daughter of his biggest investor; they meet on her 21st birthday and although we have flashbacks of interactions over the years, this story starts when Olivia is 26. This makes the age gap part of the story much more palatable as you don't have this super young female MC that has little life experience. This book would be a hidden gem in the Age gap genre for this reason.

In general Oliva is a strong character, knows what she wants and are able to communicate this and stand up to Lucien for the most part. She is also not tstl as we so often find in these types of protector books, although she does end up kidnapped! Lucien has a strong sense of ethics and I appreciated that he did not make a play for Olivia when they first met. He is an anti hero that would easily sacrifice his happiness and himself for his loved ones. Not only does this relate to Olivia but also hints of this regarding his family are all over the book. If you have read all the Prescotts' books, you may know even more.

So, I loved the characters, I liked the troupe and story line, what else is there to say? Well, the thing that this writer did that I found perfect was her smexy scenes! Wow, drool, and scorching heat! These were written very well and I have not enjoyed a book this much in a long time. I read a lot, much of my romance reads borders on or are erotica. After a while it seems to get boring and blah, but Tara Wyatt put some new oomph into the scenes that were perfect. Not meant to shock, no new fandangled kink or weird positions - just really hot love scenes! Well done.

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Review: Untethered

Untethered by M. Jameson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dark and taboo and it is definitely an interesting read.

Beware of triggers as this book is not for the faint of heart.

This book had the feel of a bully romance at the start with the strong taboo of stepsiblings thrown in. The MCs had good tension between them, but don't expect a roses and moonlight romance. The mystery surrounding Flynn our main male character will pull you in. Isa is a brat (imho) but a good counterpoint for Flynn's darkness. This book shows us that hate is not the opposite of love - the two are more closely linked than we think.

The book has lots of varied smutty scenes and as noted some can be triggering. I do think that it adds to the feel of the book and is part of the character development but this book will not be for all. There is a time jump in the book that I feel was a bit jarring - perhaps a lead in and out may have worked better. And although the stepsibling taboo was front and centre at the start, the resolution or coming out to friends and family did not seem to elicit the same intensity of negativity as I would have expected.

A great read if this is your type of genre - but not so if you don't read dark with an open mind delinked from reality.

I received a free copy from NetGalley.

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Review: Protecting His Pregnant Partner

Protecting His Pregnant Partner by Leslie North
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Entertaining read

This is the 3rd book in the Aegis Security series. I did not read the first 2 but this book did whet my appetite for reading the others. Although this book can be read as a standalone, if you are going to read the series, do start with the first 2 books ( Protecting the Single Mother and Protecting His Fake Wife ) as Protecting His Pregnant Partner concludes the previous overarching storyline.

Ken has to protect Holly after she (and her friends) receive death threats. They are the witnesses to the murder of Holly's ex boyfriend. As Holly is pregnant, she needs to stay close to her doctor. For protection, Ken and Holly stays in Ken's apartment. The forced proximity brings a closeness to their relationship that gets physical.

To counter boredom and hurry the situation along, Holly and Ken start investigating the murder. Working together, Ken's respect for Holly grows but his own personal issues with dating single mothers brings about some tension to the relationship. The banter is good, the pregnancy dealt with lightly but with respect and the murder mystery is not too heavy.

That said, I felt I got to know Ken much more than Holly, who in essence remained a somewhat flat character in the book. Still a good read to while away some idle time.

I received a free electronic copy from NetGalley.

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Review: Keeping Guard

Keeping Guard by Sandra Owens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Guilt and fear is the human condition

Noah is forced to take some time off after an incident in the field led to the death of the his unit's K9 and interpreter. The guilt is eating him alive. Add in some childhood horrors and we have a very closed off individual.

So why does he then blurt some of his story out to Peyton, a runaway bride, in their meet cute? Unable to stay away from Peyton, her slimy ex stalking her becomes the perfect excuse to spend time together. And for Peyton? Coming to terms with feeling unloved and unacknowledged is a journey to self acceptance. It is with her that I felt a personal connection.

The book is well written and has good flow. The story is character driven with a hint of suspense while the heat level was high, the love scenes were less explicit than some I have read. But this worked for the book and is in no way a criticism!. Both Peyton and Noah has to overcome their fear of revealing their feelings to make the HEA work.

In all, a great emotional read for me.

I received a free electronic copy from NetGalley.

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Review: Trusting the Badge

Trusting the Badge by Dorothy F. Shaw
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Okay, quick read

Jeff has a bit of a reputation, with a very happy go lucky, goofy personality. Tish is the more reserved, uptight, untrusting female MC. The 2 have good chemistry, although I found myself sometimes lost in their banter. I suspect this is because I am not familiar with all the references they make. If this is because I am an older reader or not from the United States, I am not sure. That being said, the book did read well and the story arc was not bad.

Tish refuses to make their one night stand and subsequent affair known to their mutual friends. And when her brother gets in trouble, she focuses all her attention on him as she believes nothing good ever lasts except family. Jeff on the other hand shows immense patience while dealing with Tish and her issues. He hands her most of the power in their relationship and really does worship the ground Tish walks on. I felt this power dynamic was interesting and unusual in the romance genre.

The title of the book as well as the blurb makes a big deal about Jeff being a K9 cop and Rio his service dog. All said, this does not really feature in the storyline and did disappoint me. What is dealt with well is the secondary trauma that family (and friends) of alcoholics and drug addicts suffer. I have to commend this author for this.

 

I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley, although this is my honest review.      

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Review: Rebel's Karma

Rebel's Karma by Rebecca Zanetti
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Fans of the Dark Protector series would enjoy this 13th book in the series (there are some other novellas as well)

Could you read the book without prior introduction to the series? Yes, if you don't mind being a little lost when too many secondary characters are mentioned. The story is broadly self contained but would definitely be better if you have had some previous introduction to this world.

Three years after first seeing (and fleetingly touching) his fated mate, Karma, Benjamin is back to rescue her from the Kurjans. Karma holds a secret though - one that can destroy Benny and his friends. Karma holds on to her purpose of saving the innocent even though she finds the world she is thrust into after the rescue confusing. Although Benny has rescued Karma, given his destiny as one of the Seven, he is hesitant to bind Karma to him and would prefer to give her her freedom. We all know how well these intentions work out in the case of fated mates!

I love that Karma grew in her confidence and strength throughout the book. And Benny's fun side was tempered by his seriousness with and about Karma. He is the perfect blend of goofy with a side of wisdom!

This is my honest review after receiving a complimentary electronic copy from Netgalley.

Review: Rattlesnake Road

Rattlesnake Road by Amanda McKinney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beware of the spoilers in other reviews!

Difficult topics dealt with sensitively, becoming your authentic self through amazing character growth, overcoming devastating losses, small town romance with a cold case murder mystery thrown in. And in no way did I feel that all of this overwhelmed the story. Amanda McKinney did an excellent job in keeping the threads together while gently pulling the reader along; this book combines great Female Literature with Cozy Mystery under the broad umbrella of Romance.

Some reviews have spoilers that can ruin the crumbs the author left the reader - so be careful what you read before deciding to buy this book.

The story is told only in Grey's point of view and given her struggles and the demons she fights this is perfect for this book. Declan is introduced to us quite late in the book but this does not mean that he and his story features any less. Together, I do think that each builds the other up in some way - less obvious for Declan as we are not privy to his thoughts. I loved the way their relationship developed. Yes there is a moment that I worried that Declan would be too much of a crutch for Grey, but his ease in just accepting with limits clearly drawn in certain instances is what makes this relationship progression so real. It really is not the hot, quick, flat character driven romances that we see so much of. ( Not that there is anything wrong with those, I need the escapism as much as anybody else that they give) This is a story with substance - and substance abuse, and heavy topics - so be aware but enjoy a really good book.

I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

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