Deadly Trap by Rebecca Deel

 

Synopsis:

Following a heartbreaking loss, Brynn Gilbert leaves behind death and danger. Now, she focuses on creating and sharing beauty and peace through gardening and landscaping. But a deadly plan is in the works in Maple Valley, and Brynn is standing in the way. When she becomes a target, one man appoints himself as her protector.

Caleb Montgomery, Fortress Security operative and Morgan County deputy, answers a late-night emergency call and prevents a kidnapping. To his shock, the victim is the woman he's falling for. Caleb races to identify the man targeting Brynn. But when he falls into a deadly trap, only Brynn can save him.

My Review: 3 Stars

Y'all. I'm not going to lie. I'm a bit disappointed after finishing this book. I see all these 5 star ratings and wish I could add one more to them, but I just can't. This is going to be a hard review to write because this book had a lot of potential.

However, after talking to one of my bookish friends, she nailed it right on the head. It just seems like a lot of copying and pasting from past books. The phrases are the same, the food is the same, they all have the same "fears" in the relationships (which are always unfounded if the MC's would just open their eyes), even the bad cop, bad cop routine with zero investigation is repeated (and is definitely getting ridiculous). Add to that the grammatical errors, unnecessary or missed information, and inconsistencies throughout the book and you can see why I'm disappointed. The alpha reader(s)/beta reader(s)/editor(s)/proofreader(s) are not doing a very good job of helping Ms. Deel's books be the best that they can be.

With all that being said, I really did like Brynn and Caleb's story. These two quickly stole my heart with all their swoony kisses and sweet moments. I loved that Brynn was independent, but actually listened to Caleb and others when they were trying to keep her safe. She didn't push back and demand to be included in whatever dangerous situation they were going into. I may or may not have been shocked when that happened. She could be stubborn, but was smart when it mattered most.

I will still continue to read Ms. Deel's books because there are SO many of them that I love and reread ALL the time. I'm holding out hope that her future books will be added to the list of all the ones of hers that I love.

Naming of the Queen by JJ Makenzie

 

Synopsis:

What is the cost of a name? Everything.

The princess always knew her name would come with a price, but she never knew how steep the cost would be. Falsely accused of killing her husband’s family, she’s on the run with the father she never knew. With help from him and a band of outcasts, she’s learning just how much she might have to pay, not only to save herself but all of Greatland. It’s up to her to learn who she truly is and restore the ways of the Ancestors. Yet what her heart yearns for most is to be reunited with the man she must speak her name to first—Rowan, king of Northrend.

Rowan vowed no woman would ever own the heart of the king of Northrend again. But the woman with no name captured not only his heart but his soul. And despite the crimes she’s been accused of, he’s having a hard time believing he was wrong about her. Yet with the balance of Northrend and Greatland in his hands, he has a choice to make—choose the woman he loves, or save his kingdom from going to war.

It is a dangerous game they play. One where it’s hard to know who is a friend and who is a foe. But if they wish to win, the lovers must reunite and help their people choose love and freedom before a shadow overcomes the land. The people must name their queen before it’s too late.

My Review: 5+ Stars!

Oh my heart! Y'all. I don't even know where to begin to tell you how much I utterly adored this book! It was absolutely phenomenal! Here it is, days later, and I can't stop thinking about it. It's definitely one of those books that will be staying with me for a long, long time. 

But, y'all. This book needed to come with some warnings!

1. If at all possible, read it with one of your bookish friends. I can attest that you are going to want to have someone to chat with throughout this entire book. 

2. Make sure you have tissues at the ready. If you're anything like me, you'll definitely be crying. Some sad tears, but also happy tears. 

3. Make sure you have cleared everything off your schedule before you even think about starting this book. I promise that zero things will get done once you start. 

4. Be prepared for the biggest book hangover of your life! You will definitely be ruined for the foreseeable future. 

Wow. Just WOW! I am completely blown away. I don't know where to begin with my review. If I'm being honest, I don't even want to leave one. Why, you ask? Because I don't want to take any chances of giving anything away. This is definitely a book that you need to experience yourself. Trust me. My advice would be to curl up in your comfy reading spot and enjoy the journey you're about to embark on.

Princess and Rowan hold a special place in my heart. Their journey is so heartachingly beautiful. There's just something about these two that make me want to hold their story close to my heart and protect it from the world. I honestly can't explain it. Their love story is just too special, too incomparable in beauty. My wish is that everyone loves them as much as I do.    

Ms. Makenzie had me feeling all the feels in this book. I absolutely love when an author can literally make me feel the same way the characters are feeling. It makes the book more real to me, like I'm sitting right there with them experiencing everything they are. It's the best feeling in the world! I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

As for my casting, I am still in love with these two! What do you think?!