The Dragon Finds Forever by Kristen Painter

Synopsis:

Monalisa Devlin is a Will O’ The Wisp, a rare and potentially dangerous creature. Unfortunately, her greedy father makes sure she lives up to that potential. Monalisa is magically compelled to obey her father's evil commands--until he finally agrees to free her in exchange for one, last mission: Travel to Nocturne Falls and use her powers to force Ivan Tsvetkov back into the ring.

Once a champion on the supernatural MMA circuit, Ivan 'The Hammer' Tsvetkov retired after a devastating injury that left him unable to shift into his dragon form. Wounded and embittered, Ivan wants nothing more than to be left alone. Until an infuriating, stubborn, delicately beautiful stranger shows up on his doorstep and demands that he rebuild his life.

Posing as a rehab therapist seemed like the easiest way to get close to the smoldering recluse, but Monalisa quickly realizes that nothing about this mission is going to be easy. To gain his trust, she shares more of herself than she ever has before, and as their connection deepens, so does the weight of her secrets. She thought she was willing to do whatever it took to win her independence...but when her deception blows up in her face, will Monalisa discover that the loss of Ivan's heart is too high a price to pay? Or will their love rise from the ashes to burn stronger than ever?

My Review: 5 Stars

Confession. I almost skipped over this book. I'm not sure why, but it just wasn't calling to me. And then I started reading it. Y'all. I'm so glad I decided to give it a try.

Monalisa has been controlled by her father her entire life. No matter what she does, he refuses to let her go. She's too valuable to him and his world full of greed. With yet another "promise" of giving her her freedom, she heads to Nocturne Falls to help his prize MMA fighter heal and get him back in the ring.

Van has been undefeated in the ring until a fight gone wrong leaves him injured and unable to shift into his Dragon form. He can't bring himself to enter into the ring again so he makes the tough decision to retire. But when Monalisa shows up on his doorstep with a story of helping him or losing her job, his protective instincts kick in and Fate takes over from there.

I really enjoyed Monalisa and Van's story. I loved that, even though Monalisa was brought up by horrible parents, she never once wanted to be like them. She stood up to them whenever she could and tried to always do what was right. Van was the perfect champion for her. It didn't take long for his protective instincts to kick in. His desire to treat her like she was the most precious person in the world had this girl letting out all the dreamy sighs.

I am definitely hooked on this series and there's no going back. I loved seeing old friends and meeting new ones. I cannot wait to dive back in to Nocturne Falls. Only a couple more books to get through before I can start Marigold's book. I cannot wait! 

The books by Ms. Painter just keep getting better and better. I cannot tell you how happy I am that she already has lots for me to choose from! Y'all. It feels like Christmas! 

And of course I can't forget my casting. *dreamy sigh* I love them! What do you think?

The Vampire's Fake Fiancée by Kristen Painter

 

Synopsis:

Sebastian Ellingham isn’t known for being a happy vampire. And when his long estranged wife comes to town expecting to pick up where they left off, things take a sharp turn toward cranky. Sure he’s been protecting her for centuries, but her assumption that he’s still available (he is) rankles.

His answer is to hire a woman to play his fiancée. The lucky victim is Tessa Blythe, sister of one of the town’s deputies, librarian in need of a job and, oh yes, reluctant Valkyrie. Playing along with Sebastian is all about the end game for her, the position of Dean of Library Studies at the local private academy.

When unexpected sparks fly between them, they agree to mutually deny the attraction. Fate, however, has other plans…

My Review: 5 Stars

Y'all. I lied. Sebastian and Tessa are my new favorites in this series. Tall, dark, handsome, and broody? Ummm... yes please! 

I have been intrigued with Sebastian from the very beginning. There's just something about him that pulls you in and makes you want to be the one who understands him. After hearing how horrible (understatement of the century) his estranged wife is, I knew it was going to take someone pretty amazing to bring love and happiness into his life. 

And Tessa was just that. She's a Valkyrie and has been hiding her powers since an unfortunate accident happened when she was a teenager. Being a Valkyrie, she's able to sense people's intentions and whether they are lying or not. Because of this, she was able to see past Sebastian's grumpy gruffness to his heart and see not only who he really is under that tough exterior, but what he really needs in his life.

Tessa and Sebastian didn't know it at the time their "arrangement" began, but they're the best thing that's happened to each other. I loved watching them push each other to see past the heartache and the pain and realize just how truly strong and amazing they really are. Fate knew what she was doing when she brought these two together. 

This is a phenomenal addition to the Nocturne Falls series. I swear, the more I read, the better the books get. Series like this make my heart smile! I cannot wait to dive into Roxy and Alex's book next. 

Ms. Painter is doing an excellent job of sucking me in to her world. I cannot tell you how happy I am that I finally gave her books a try. They're just what the doctor ordered!

Y'all. I may or may not be a bit bias, but I am loving these two! What do you think?!

Content: PG, mild language, innuendo, swoony kisses.

The Professor Woos the Witch by Kristen Painter

Synopsis:

Pandora Williams is Nocturne Falls’ most successful real estate agent. And least successful witch. Her magic never has the intended outcome, but she’s learned to live with that. Mostly. Yes, it sucks, but what can she do? Then a hot new neighbor shows up and suddenly her magic works. Very cool, but very suspect. Especially since he’s a total non-believer.

Cole Van Zant likes practicality and absolutes. Things he can see and touch. So not magic. But when his teenage daughter insists she’s a witch—and they’re now living in a town that celebrates Halloween every day—he needs help. Of the witchy variety. Thankfully, his sexy neighbor buys into all that hocus pocus.

Enlisting her help seems like a great idea until spending time together reveals a supernatural surprise about who Cole really is. A secret even he didn’t know. Could Pandora and Cole really be meant for one another or is their attraction too much to believe?

My Review: 5 Stars

Y'all. I think I've found my new favorite book in the series! I literally could not put this book down. I kept telling myself... just one more chapter... just one more chapter... until it was almost 1am and I had finished the book. I'm now running on about 3 hours of sleep but, we all know, sleep is overrated.. 😉

Cole and his daughter, Kaley, moved to Nocturne Falls after he inherited his great-uncle's house. His plan is to renovate it and then sell it. And this needs to happen fast. Kaley is talking about being a witch, coming into her powers, and when Cole doesn't believe her, she runs away and ends up at Pandora's house.

Pandora's magic has been "broken" her entire life. It never fails to go awry whenever she uses it. It isn't until she meets Cole and Kaley that it starts acting the way it should. Trying to figure out why that is, is going to be a bit difficult seeing as she can't stand the man.

Add in a crazy ex, a meddling ghost, overprotective family members, and a man who has zero clue what he is, and you've got the makings of the perfect break from reality.

Y'all. This book is fantastic! I adored Pandora and Cole. Watching them go from extreme dislike to like to love had this girl letting out all the little dreamy sighs. Unlike the other books I've read so far in this series, these two don't jump right in bed together. They focus more on getting to know each other and seeing if they're compatible because if they're wrong, there will be consequences to pay.

I'm still really enjoying this series. Nocturne Falls is my new favorite destination. I loved seeing some old friends and learning about new ones. I can't wait to see who's story is up next!

I really don't know why it took me so long to give Ms. Painter a try, but I'm glad I finally did. It's been nice not having to scroll through my kindle or search Amazon for new books and/or authors. Makes my life so much easier.. 😉

And of course we can't forget my casting. I think these two are pretty perfect.

Content: PG, mild language, innuendo, swoony kisses.

The Werewolf Meets His Match by Kristen Painter

Synopsis:

Getting arrested wasn’t on werewolf Ivy Kincaid’s agenda when she arrived in Nocturne Falls, but her life rarely goes according to plan. The upside of spending the night in the local lock-up is finding a hotel room is no longer a worry...but the downside is the man she’s come to marry will get his first impression of her behind bars. Not exactly the way Ivy was hoping to meet her pack's sworn enemy... aka her fiancé.

Sheriff (and werewolf) Hank Merrow is the alpha's heir. Everything he's ever done, from becoming an Army Ranger to serving in law enforcement, has been in preparation for the day he’ll take over. Getting married to cement a shaky truce is no different. Hank will do his duty, even if it means shackling himself to a woman he has no intention of liking, let alone loving.

But Ivy is nothing like Hank expected. As feisty as she is beautiful, she's as determined as he is to make a go of marriage for the sake of peace between their packs. The trouble is, Ivy has secrets that could destroy everything Hank holds dear... including his newfound love for her.

My Review: 5 Stars

Okay. It's official. I am hooked on this series and I no longer want to be an adult. Who wants to take my place so I can stay home and read? Anyone?

Ivy and Hank have the most unique meet-cute I have ever read. I mean, how often does someone meet their intended for the first time in a holding cell?! And, naturally, one would think that meeting this way would have one of them running for the hills. But you would be wrong. Spending just a little time with Ivy has Hank realizing that, while Ivy may look like a quintessential bad girl on the outside, she's something special on the inside and he would be an idiot to let her go. 

Ivy's had a hard life and is scared for herself and for her son, Charlie. But Hank is quick to show her that all she's known growing up is no longer going to happen with him around. I loved watching their relationship develop. It was sweet and had me letting out all the little dreamy sighs. I also adored little Charlie! Y'all. That kid is something special! I loved seeing Hank with him... oh my heart! 

Nocturne Falls is quickly becoming my new favorite place to visit. I loved seeing old friends and meeting new ones. It's one of the things I love most about series like these. I cannot wait to dive into Nick and Willa's story next! 

I knew that Ms. Painter was going to quickly become a favorite of mine. And bonus... she already has lots of books for me to read! Please tell me someone out there wants to take my place... I really do not want to adult right now! 

As for my casting, I saw these two from the very beginning. I seriously love it when that happens! *dreamy sigh*

Content: PG13 - mild language, innuendos, a couple of fade to black scenes, and lots of swooniness!

The Vampire's Mail Order Bride by Kristen Painter

 

Synopsis:

After seeing her maybe-mobster boss murder a guy, Delaney James assumes a new identity and pretends to be a mail order bride. She finds her groom-to-be living in a town that celebrates Halloween every day. Weird. But not as weird as what she doesn’t know. Her groom-to-be is a 400-year-old vampire.

Hugh Ellingham has only agreed to the arranged set up to make his overbearing grandmother happy. In thirty days, whatever bridezilla shows up at his door will be escorted right back out. His past means love is no longer an option. Not if the woman’s going to have a future. Except he never counted on Delaney and falling in love for real.

Too bad both of them are keeping some mighty big secrets...

My Review: 4.5 Stars

Confession. I have had this book on my TBR list for 5 years. Yes, I said FIVE years. Crazy, I know! Since I've been on a fantasy kick lately I decided it was finally time to give this one a try. Y'all. I am so glad that I did. 

It took no time at all to immerse myself in all things Delaney and Hugh. They captured me from the beginning and refused to let me go until they finished telling me all about how they got their HEA. And what a story it was. All the feels and swoony moments had me staying up way past my bedtime and waking up extra early because I just had to know what happened next!

Delaney and Hugh are fantastic characters. Hugh is a strong willed, stubborn hero that doesn't stand a chance against Delaney. I loved how she challenged him and pretty much called him out on his crap when he was overthinking things. There's a great dynamic between these two and it helps to show just how perfect they are for each other. 

Nocturne Falls is such a fun setting. I loved spending time there and getting to know the other supernaturals that live there. They were just as amazing as Delaney and Hugh. I cannot wait to get my hands on some of their books. 

I told a couple of my bookish friends that this is a series I can see myself binge reading. And y'all. It's going to happen. I already have book 2 downloaded and patiently waiting for me to dive in. 

This is my very first book by Ms. Painter and it will definitely not be my last. I can see a new author being added to my favorites list. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.

And of course I can't forget my casting... *dreamy sigh*

Content: PG13 - mild language, innuendos, a couple of fade to black scenes, and lots of swooniness! 

Collateral Damage by Rebecca Deel

 

Synopsis:

After a second kidnapping attempt upends her life and a friend goes missing, Sage Reynolds partners with her childhood hero to unmask the culprit. When the search for clues leads to an inescapable trap, she’ll need a battle-hardened warrior to escape.

Fortress Security operative Brody Weaver is a protector to the bone. When Sage is targeted by a deadly adversary, Brody volunteers to safeguard the woman he adores. Once a web of betrayal and lies sets them on a collision course with a dangerous human trafficking ring, saving Sage becomes Brody’s only mission.

My Review: 3.5 Stars

Sage and Brody have been best friends since they were teenagers. Both have feelings for each other but were afraid to ruin their friendship if it didn't work out. But the moment danger came knocking on Sage's door, Brody decided the fear of losing her was worse than the fear of rejection. He'd do anything to have the privilege of having Sage by his side for the rest of their lives. But before they can get to their HEA, they'll have to face the danger dogging their heels head on. And no one had better stand in their way.

Y'all. I love the Texas Team! We have seen glimpses of them in other books and now we finally get to see them in action. The Texas Team is a special one. Not only do each of them have their own unique set of skills, they are also the only Fortress Security team to have never been in the military. Their background is all law enforcement. I'm excited to see what they will bring to the teams.

This was a good start to seeing into the lives of the Texas Team. Within this book you get a sneak peek into who two of Brody's teammates will be wooing. Since this book didn't really tie up all the lose ends, I'm guessing it will continue on in their books.

While I enjoyed this book, I have to admit that it was a bit predictable. To me, it seems like the same pattern is followed for every book. I guess in a way it's kind of nice to know what I'm getting into, but I would love to be caught off guard and on the edge of my seat because I don't know what's going to happen next.

Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres to read. Sadly, there aren't very many clean authors who write what I enjoy. So whenever a book by Ms. Deel is released, my schedule is cleared and real life just ceases to exist until I get to see that HEA at the end of the book. I'm looking forward to seeing more of the Texas Team. It's been a long time coming!

As for my casting.... *dreamy sigh* Love them! What do you think?