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.

Fated by K. M. Shea

 

Synopsis:

I thought I hated not fitting in. Turns out I hate having a target on my back even more.

Someone wants me taken out. To accomplish that, they leaked the secret of my magic to all the Packs in the Midwest. Now, almost every Alpha in the region has traveled to my hometown in hopes of convincing me to join their Pack.

And some of them don’t seem to think I should have a choice.

Greyson won’t stand for that—something he makes deadly clear to the other Alphas. What they don’t know is that I’m his long missing mate. But wolves and hunters are enemies, and my hunter magic blocks me from accepting the bond…even though I’m starting to wish I could.

Our incomplete mate bond is a constant drain on Greyson. Its existence puts him in danger—something he stubbornly ignores.

But as risky as our bond is, I have to stay focused on the biggest threat at the moment.

Whoever shared the secret of my powers wants to destroy our Pack. And we’re about to find out how far they’ll go to make that happen.

My Review: 3 Stars

Confession. I am probably going to be in the minority for this one but y'all. I struggled with getting through this book. I really, really wanted to love this book but I just ended up liking it. 

I hate to say it, but Pip went right back to being the annoying, frustrating heroine that she was through the majority the first book. However, just like in the first book, towards the end of this one, she started to redeem herself. But it felt like too little, too late for me. I had a hard time getting behind her when she was playing the "woe is me" character. It was depressing and wasn't a good look for her. 

And just like in the first book, Greyson is the only thing that kept me reading until the very end. There may or may not have been a few times that I was begging him to break the bond with Pip and move on. But alas. The heart wants what the heart wants. All I can say is the man is a freaking saint.

Other than Pip, there were a few reasons I struggled with this book. The first being, I called who the "bad guy" was before I even finished reading book 2. That whole storyline was a bit weak and kinda came out of nowhere. The second reason I struggled is because of all the repetitiveness throughout the entire series. I got so frustrated reading the same thing over and over and over again. It kinda felt like I was being beat over the head with the various aspects of the story. And finally the romance, or lack there of. Since this was the final book in the series, I was really hoping the romance would be there for the majority of the book. But nope. I feel gypped again. 

Like I said, I really wanted to love this book and love this series, but it just fell flat for me. And I know it's just my personal preferences. There's a reason Ms. Shea is so popular and successful. I would recommend her to all my bookish friends who love G rated romances. 

I am still loving these two for Pip and Greyson... *dreamy sigh*

An American Duchess by Caroline Fyffe

Synopsis:

In Kent, England, the arrival of Beranger Northcott, Duke of Brightshire, causes a stir. Because with the duke comes his new American bride, who isn’t quite what anyone expects. By accepting the hand of her beloved, Emma Brinkman went from hardworking Colorado rancher to duchess. Now she’s expected to comport herself as nobility. Overnight. For Emma—stifled, homesick, and unable to shake the feeling she’s being watched—the metamorphosis is a challenge. And if Emma’s suspicions are correct, perhaps even a dangerous one.

Fortunately, Emma has found a trusted friend in the orphaned Charlotte, Brightshire’s scullery maid. Charlotte longs to experience—if only for a moment—the luxuries and gentry romance that come with a titled life. When one of the duke’s handsome cousins takes notice of Charlotte, the castle kitchen is set abuzz with speculation.

In navigating their two different stations, both servant and duchess alike will discover all they have in common—from secret fantasies to daring hearts to upending the rules of society. And that finding their places in the world—and love—is a dream that can come true—no matter the risks.

My Review: 3 Stars

Beranger Northcutt and his American wife Emma have returned to England so he can take his rightful place as the Duke of Brightshire. To say that Emma is nervous would be an understatement. She doesn't know how to be a Duchess and the last thing she wants to do is bring shame and embarrassment to her husband. But she's determined to do her best. 

What she didn't expect was to be undermined by her new in-laws at every turn. Sure, they seem nice and helpful when Beranger is around. But the moment he's not? All bets are off. She finds herself seeking solace and strength from not only her husband, but her new friends as well.

But when Beranger suddenly falls ill, Emma not only finds her voice, but her determination as well. She will get to the bottom of what's going on and no one will get in her way. She plans to live a long and happy life with Beranger in their new home in England. 

I really enjoyed watching Emma and Beranger get acclimated to their new surroundings. It definitely wasn't easy for them, but they pushed through and refused to let anyone bring them down. I enjoyed the mystery that was woven into the story. I found myself trying to figure out what in the world was going on and who was behind it. Sadly, I felt like there were some things that were left undone in the end. The resolution to the mystery fell a little flat for me. I wanted a just a little bit more. 

I have to admit, when I read a book with multiple POV's, I'm used to it only being the hero and heroine. But this book follows two heroes, two heroines, and a couple other POV's thrown into the mix. This is not something I would typically read and had to keep switching from person to person in my head. I've discovered that I'm not a fan of this many POV's. 

All in all, I enjoyed An American Duchess and thought it was cute. I'm looking forward to checking out more of Ms. Fyffe's books. 

*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.*