Shadow Undercover by Rebecca Deel

Synopsis:

On a desperate search for her missing sister, Bridget Monihan is shot at and nearly blown up. With a target on her back and time running out, she appeals to a sniper and his black ops team for help. When someone driven by obsession counters their every move, Bridget plunges into an unfamiliar world in a last-ditch effort to save her sister.

After a mission goes wrong, Fortress Security operative Trace Young stumbles across an injured woman in a Chilean alley. Following a harrowing flight to safety, he discovers Bridget's quest and his new assignment intersect. To save innocent lives, Trace and Bridget must take the fight into the heart of enemy territory. If the operation fails, Trace will lose everything, including the woman he loves.

My Review: 5 Stars

Trace Young and Shadow are on a mission in Chile when they find themselves compromised. They don't know how it happened, but Pedro Torino's henchmen are on their heals. While trying to shake them, Trace finds himself moving from one stinky alley to another, trying to stay five steps ahead of them until his team can come to his rescue. 

While trying to hide in the shadows, he hears something that has him stopping in his tracks and searching for the sound. His blood runs cold when he comes across a woman who has clearly been beaten. He can't leave her their to fend off the Torino henchman. But in order for him to stop her from giving away their location, he'll either have to knock her out or scare her to death. Not knowing the extent of her injuries, he goes for scaring her. Hopefully he won't have to do too much convincing to keep her quiet. 

Bridget Monihan never imagined the hunt for her sister, Ruth, would leave her stranded and beaten in Chile. She doesn't know how she's going to get out of the sketchy area and back home but she knows she has to do something if she wants to stay alive. When a hand clamps around her mouth and she's pulled against a muscular chest, she thinks it's over. But Trace is quick to let her know that she's safe and as long as she does everything he tells her to, he'll make sure she gets home safe and sound. 

It comes as a surprise to Bridget and Trace that there's an instant connection between them. Neither of them can explain it and they aren't willing to admit it right away. But when sparks start flying, it gets harder to hide their growing feelings. 

But the moment Trace and Shadow hear that Bridget is in Chile to find her sister, who was taken by Hugo Torino, she becomes their next mission. They will do whatever it takes to bring her home safe. 

It goes against every fiber of Trace's being to let Bridget into the viper's den. He wants to keep her as far away from Torino as possible. But the only way to get her sister to go with them, is to have Bridget right their by their sides. Now that he's found the woman of his dreams, he'll do everything in his power to keep her safe and ensure they get the HEA they both deserve. 

*dreamy sigh*

What can I say about Shadow Undercover?! I loved it! Once I started it, I could NOT put it down! I have been dying to read Trace's book and knew it would take someone pretty special to steal his heart. And I couldn't be happier that it was Bridget! She was a pleasant surprise! From the very beginning she was spunky and positive and just what Trace needed in his life. These two quickly became favorites of mine! This book was face-paced and had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't read fast enough! I just had to know what happened!

It's no secret that I love both the Fortress Security and Otter Creek series. Shadow Undercover was a fantastic addition to the series! I loved seeing old friends from previous books and I'm definitely looking forward to Ben's book! I have a feeling I know who his love interest is going to be... and I hope I'm right! It would be amazing to see him with her... ;)

Ms. Deel has done it again! Whenever she releases a book, I can't help be devour it! She can't write fast enough for me! I'm looking forward to reading more books by her! 

And let's just sit back for a minute or two to admire these two! They are perfect in my opinion... what do you think? 

Content: Mild violence. Clean romance... just swoony kisses!

Charming the Mountain Man by Jeanette Lewis

Synopsis:

Colton Ramsey spends most of his days in the woods--guiding backpackers, hikers, and hunters on adventures through TR Outfitter's, his family-run business in Tamarack Ridge, Montana. Though he prefers to lead groups, Colton agrees over email to take Lee Bonzell on a solo elk hunt, for a premium price.

Only Lee turns out to be Leigh--a spunky female lawyer from Georgia with big green eyes and an accent like melted butter. Stung at being left behind too many times by her outdoorsy brothers, Leigh is on a mission to prove girls can do anything boys can do ... including bring home a bigger elk!

At first Colton refuses to go on a hunting trip alone with a woman, especially one with little hunting experience. After Leigh threatens legal action against him and the store, he reluctantly agrees. But just because he'll take Leigh on the hunt, doesn't mean he's going to take it easy on her.

Colton and Leigh face off in the Sawtooth Mountains. Both are expecting to emerge the victor, but neither expects that victory might mean love.

My Review: 5 Stars

All her life, Leigh Bonzell has felt like she has to prove something to everyone around her. People don't seem to take her serious because of her size. But she has spent her whole life proving them all wrong. So it came as no surprise when she came up against a brick wall named Colton Ramsey the moment he discovered that "Lee" is actually a Leigh. 

Colton Ramsey has been working as a guide for his family's store for the last 10 years. He loves what he does... most of the time. Right now? He doesn't particularly care for it. He's seen his fair share of difficult clients, but Leigh Bonzell takes the cake. Who would've thought that a petite, little feisty thing would be full of sass and determination?

To say that Leigh and Colton got off on the wrong foot would be an understatement. From the moment they first met, they got under each others' skin... and not in a good way. But the more time they spend together, the more they start to see each other for who they are on the inside. Their feelings for each other are the complete opposite by the end of the hunt. 

But how can they make a relationship work with Leigh in Atlanta and Colton in Tamarack Ridge? Would Leigh be willing to give up her life in the city for a new life in a small town? Both Leigh and Colton will have to decide if what they feel for each other is worth taking the risk for a HEA.

*dreamy sigh* 

You guys! Can I just tell you how much I loved this book?! It was SO good! I woke up way before my alarm this morning and decided I would spend my time reading. Once I started this book, I had an extremely hard time putting it down. Let's just say I did NOT want to go to work! But alas, I had to adult. And no... that didn't stop me from fitting in reading whenever I could. I think Leigh and Colton are definite favorites in this series! I loved watching them go from enemies, to friends, to something more. And those kisses?! Holy swooniness Batman! It was perfect! 

Ms. Lewis has done it again! I think I'm going to go through all her books and see which ones I haven't read yet. They need to be bumped up my TBR for sure!

I have to say that I love these two for Leigh and Colton! What do you think?

Loving the Mountain Man by Jeanette Lewis

Synopsis:

He’s a big tough mountain man who doesn’t need anyone … except her.

Ledger Price spends his days doing what he loves–hiking, fishing, hunting, and exploring the mountains around his hometown of Tamarack Ridge, Montana, all while filming for his popular MyHeartChannel, Montana Mountain Man. The only downside is his daughter, Aubrey, who loves to come on his excursions, but also yearns for someone with a feminine touch. But Ledger is not relationship material; he tried with Aubrey’s mom discovered marriage is not worth giving up his freedom.

Brynn Ramsey is building a successful career as a real estate agent to the wealthy in San Clemente, California. Sure, it’s stressful, but Brynn figures it’s all part of paying her dues. When she starts having debilitating panic attacks, her mentor sends her home to Tamarack Ridge for some R&R. It’s only supposed to be for six weeks and then she’ll be back to the sunny beaches of Southern California. But when she reconnects with Ledger, her dreams begin to shift from palm trees to pines.

As their relationship grows more serious, Brynn and Ledger have to make a choice. Is love worth any sacrifice?

My Review: 5 Stars

Ledger Price loves his life in Tamarack Ridge. Not a lot of people can make a living doing what they love. But he happens to be one of them. Who knew his MyHeartChannel show, Montana Mountain Man, would be so popular? To him, there's no better job. He loves the solitude and peace he feels while in nature. Life is complete with his adorable daughter, Aubrey, and his show. Or at least he thought so until Brynn Ramsey shows back up in town. 

Brynn left her home in Tamarack Ridge as soon as she graduated from high school. She couldn't wait to get out and see the world. The small-town life never really appealed to her. But lately, she's been plagued with panic attacks that aren't showing any signs of stopping. In fact, they're only getting worse. In need of a vacation, she decides to head home to Tamarack Ridge to rest and recharge.

While filling in at her family's store, she reconnects with Ledger. If there was one guy in Tamarack she could fall for, it would be him. He has this mysterious air about him that seems to draw Brynn in. And she's not the only one effected by it. Ledger feels the connection as well.

Brynn is only home for 6 weeks, but a lot can happen in that amount of time. Ledger decides he's not going to pull back in fear of future pain. He's going to enjoy every minute he can with Brynn and hopefully what they feel for each other will grow into something more, something that will last a lifetime. 

But when Ledger goes on one of his filming trips without sharing a return date and Brynn is called back to California for the deal of a lifetime, they will both have to decide what's more important? Their jobs or each other? 

I adored Brynn, Ledger and the adorable Aubrey! I'm a sucker for single parent books and when the author includes the kids in various scenes, it just makes it that much more fun for me! This book had me laughing out loud and letting out little dreamy sighs. I love it when an author can do that! 

You guys... this was such a fun book! I really enjoyed it! I found myself sneaking in reading time whenever I could. I'm the girl that forgets to take breaks at work, but you better believe I didn't miss any while I was reading this book! Haha. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I am also looking forward to reading more by Ms. Lewis! Her books are always a fun break from reality! 

And of course I can't forget my casting. I have to admit that I really enjoyed finding Ledger... ;) Hehe. What do you think? 

Weekend Ramblings #17

It's been forever but, I thought it was about time for another Weekend Ramblings a la KJ! Are you ready?

Well then... let's get ready to raaaaammmmmbbbbbllllleeeee!

This week's rambling topic is...

*Book Covers*

We've all heard the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover". But lets face it.. we all do it! Okay... maybe not you but I do for sure. Haha. The cover is the first thing I see when I'm looking for a book to read. If it's not appealing, there's a 95% chance that I'll be skipping over that book. 

In my years of reading I have seen some complete duds. I may or may not have busted out laughing and rolled my eyes a time or two when I come across a pretty atrocious cover. Mean.. I know. But why in the world would you throw a random baby head... yes I said HEAD... onto a historical western cover?! 😳 It makes zero sense. 

But I have also seen some GORGEOUS covers! I love covers that stand out from the rest. Covers that are bright and colorful. Covers that automatically suck you in and have you reading the synopsis for the book in hopes it'll be something you'll love. 

Over the years, I have also seen some of my favorite books get new covers. Some are better than the original cover and some have me not wanting to update the book because I don't want the gorgeous cover to disappear! I want to keep it forever! Haha. 

That's what happened today as I was on the hunt for my next book. I was sad to discover that the covers that drew me into a particular series had been changed to something else. Something that has this series blending in with most of the books on the market these days. It no longer stands out. There's no more bright colors, no more eye catching scenery, nothing that makes me want to grab the books and devour them. 😞

I understand that authors update their covers periodically for marketing and other reasons. But I don't think I'll ever understand why they would take a gorgeous cover that catches a reader's eye and switch it out with a plain, boring cover that has people, like me, skipping over it because it blends in with the hundreds of thousands of books out there. 

And yes, I know that I'm only one person. I know that what appeals to me, might not appeal to other people and vice versa. That's one of the things I love about book lovers. We each have out own opinions, our own likes and dislikes. We are unique and different. But I think we all have, at one time or another, felt the same way that I'm feeling right now about book covers. 

So, now that I have all that off my chest, lets get down to some questions. I want you to ramble with me! 😉

What kind of covers do you adore? What kind of covers make you cringe? What is the most random, off the wall cover you have come across that has you doing a double take and asking, what?! Do you judge a book by it's cover like I do?

Inquiring minds want to know! 

Also, if you have an idea for a Weekend Ramblings post, send it my way! I'd love to hear what you guys would like to discuss! 

Shadow Rescue by Rebecca Deel

Synopsis:

After nearly dying on her last mission, Fortress Security operative Samantha Coleman is more than ready to return to the job she loves and prove she's still able to protect herself and her partner, Joe. But when an undercover mission in paradise turns deadly, Sam must face her worst nightmare to save the soldier she loves.

Operative Joe Gray has wanted Sam from the moment he laid eyes on the medic. After almost losing her on a mission gone wrong, Joe is ready to lay everything on the line. Before he can launch a campaign to win Sam's heart, his team is tasked with smoking out a murderer. When Sam is abducted, Joe vows to rescue the woman he adores or die trying.

My Review: 5 Stars

Sam lost her parents when she was young and ended up in the foster care system. Things happened to her that makes it hard for her to trust people. It's hard for her to open up and let people in. But for some reason, when it comes to Joe, those feelings of distrust and unease are nowhere to be found. She hasn't felt this comfortable around another person in a long time. He makes her feel grounded and safe. Her feelings for him only get stronger over time. She has tried to get the operative to take a chance on them but, even though his feelings are just as strong, he always pushes her away. 

But everything changed when Sam was shot and almost lost her life during a mission the Shadow team was on protecting their team leaders now wife.  

Joe would never have forgiven himself if something happened to Sam and he missed his chance to show her how much she means to him. He's determined to not let another minute go by without telling her the truth. He can't imagine his life without her in it. He knows there's things in her past that she struggles with and he only hopes that she'll trust him enough to open up to him. He wants to protect her in every way that he can. 

While the Shadow team is on an undercover mission in paradise, Sam and Joe grow even closer. They decide that it's finally time to give their relationship a chance to see where it can lead. But while on the hunt for a murderer, Sam's past comes back to haunt her. Now she must face her ultimate fear in order to protect the man she loves. 

But Joe refuses to fail the woman he loves. He wasn't there to save her when she was younger but he'll do whatever it takes to save her now. He will risk everything to get her out of the enemies clutches and back into his arms where she belongs. Nothing will stop him from protecting what is his. 

*dreamy sigh* 

I loved this book! I have been curious about Sam and Joe's story since their appearance in Shadow Guardian. It did not disappoint! I really enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. Joe was so good for Sam! He was her protector but knew when she needed to do things on her own. He was there to have her back no matter what but didn't hinder the things she needed to face. They balanced and grounded each other, both knowing just what the other needed. They were perfect for each other.  

I am seriously loving both the Fortress Security and the Otter Creek series! I'm not going to lie... I am constantly checking Amazon looking to see if the next book has been released yet. I have to constantly remind myself that writing takes time and I need to be patient.... but that still doesn't stop me from looking! Haha. 

I am so glad that I discovered Ms. Deel! She quickly became an autobuy author for me. I don't even read the synopsis first... I just one-click these babies! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

As for my casting... I think they're kinda perfect. What do you think?!

Content: Mild violence. Clean romance.. just swoony kisses!

Under Fire by Rebecca Deel

Synopsis:

Fortress Security operative Matt Rainer races to a friend's side when she is attacked. Determined to keep her safe, the medic appoints himself as Delilah's bodyguard. Within hours, he foils another attempt on her life. Soon, they find a connection between events in Otter Creek and Delilah's past. Now, Matt has a two-pronged mission: discover who wants Delilah dead and convince the candle shop owner to trust Matt with her heart.

Wicks owner Delilah Frost never thought the Fortress medic who caught her eye would have to protect her from danger. After several attempts on her life, Delilah faces reality. Someone wants to kill her. When she falls into the killer's trap, her only hope for survival is the Special Forces soldier in the enemy's crosshairs.

My Review: 5 Stars

When Delilah Frost lost her father to cancer at the age of 14, her life changed drastically... and not for the better. She was verbally abused and bullied throughout high school by her family and the majority of the people in town. Once she graduated from high school, she left her home town of Harmony and never looked back. While in college, she decided that enough was enough. It was time to take her life back. She worked long and hard to get to where she was and she refused to let her past hold her back.

Needing a fresh start, she moves to Otter Creek and opens her very own candle shop, Wicks. She never imagined that the small town would welcome her with open arms. For the first time since her father passed away, she has friends and feels like she belongs. She knows that Otter Creek is where she's meant to be. Now if she could only catch the eye of the handsome medic, Matt. ;)

Matt Rainer has had his eye on the beautiful candle shop owner since he arrived in Otter Creek with PSI. He's been working to get past the friend zone for awhile. When he receives a call from Delilah telling him that she has been attacked by an intruder in her home, his protectiveness kicks into overdrive. He doesn't know who is behind the attack or why but he knows that he will do everything in his power to make sure Delilah is protected and taken care of. 

If the attack isn't enough, Delilah receives a call from her stepfather telling her her mom is dying and is requesting she come home to see her one last time before it's too late. To say she's torn is an understatement. She hasn't been home since she graduated high school. She's no where near ready to face her past, but she wants to see her mom. When Matt informs her that he's going with her, along with his teammate Cade and his wife Sasha, she knows that with them by her side, she can do it. 

But when trouble follows Delilah to Harmony, she'll have to accept reality. Someone is out to kill her and isn't afraid to hurt others along the way. It's going to be up to Matt and Bravo team to stop the enemy before it's too late. But protecting their family is what they do. The enemy won't know what hit them. 

Oh my gosh! You guys! I have been dying for this book to be released! I was going through some serious withdrawals! Haha. So when I received an email stating Under Fire was live, I squealed, did a happy dance, and one-clicked this baby! I couldn't wait to read it! I was NOT disappointed! I was sucked in from the very beginning and got mad when real life got in the way of my reading time! I loved this book! And it was so fun to catch up with everyone in Otter Creek! 

I know that this one just came out but I can't wait for the next release! Ms. Deel has become an auto-buy author for me. I can't wait to see where she takes us next!

And of course we can't forget my casting! *dreamy sigh* I adore these two! What do you think?

Content: Mild violence. Clean romance... just swoony kisses!

Honeymoon for One by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

Is there room for two on this honeymoon for one?

Piper Wyatt's Christmas wish is to get promoted to manager at Blackstock Hotel and Resort. Not only does the promotion mean more money, but it means more time with her son and proof that she's not such a disappointment after all. 

Jace Petersen, successful owner of a national chain of sporting goods stores, finds himself alone and miserable on what should have been his honeymoon. That is until he literally falls onto the lovely Piper Wyatt. He's intrigued with this woman who can fix a car in high heels. Too bad for him, he makes a horrible first impression, and Piper's not allowed to mingle with the guests. 

While Piper tries her best to steer clear of Jace during his stay, she can't help but notice he's not the man from their first meeting. But is he worth risking her promotion? Jace hopes so because he’d love nothing more than to kiss Piper atop the Falls on Christmas day to see if the legend is true. Will they both get their Christmas wishes? 

Find out in this charming Christmas tale about finding love in the most unexpected place, a honeymoon.

My Review: 5 Stars

Piper only has one Christmas wish this year... to get promoted to Manager at Blackstock Hotel and Resort. It means more money, better hours but most importantly it will give her more time with her adorable son, Finn. What she didn't wish for was an obnoxious guest who seems determined to make her lose her promotion.

Jace needs a break from the disaster called his life. After his wedding that never happened, he finds himself alone and miserable on his honeymoon for one at Blackstock Hotel and Resort. Who can blame him for getting drunk and being completely obnoxious to the Assistant Manager on duty?

To say Piper and Jace got off on the wrong foot would be an understatement! Who goes around yelling at people one minute and then literally falling on them and telling them they are beautiful the next minute? Can we say epic fail when it comes to this first impression?

But neither Piper nor Jace are immune to the unexplainable connection between the two of them. How can this be happening now? And why is this happening now? With her promotion hanging in the balance, the health of her high school mentor, Miss Anna Cate, deteriorating and proving to the world that she is not a failure, there is just no time for the added distraction of Jace.

But Jace has never met anyone like Piper before. She is feisty, speaks her mind and can fix cars like a boss. He would be a complete idiot to let her slip through his hands. All I can say is that Jace will definitely have his work cut out for him! But he is bound and determined to show her that his first impression is not the real him.

Can Piper overcome her insecurities and take a leap of faith? Can Jace get her to see that she's been selling herself short and that there's more to her than even she realizes? And most importantly will these two finally get the HEA that they both deserve?

*dreamy sigh*

How can I express how much I loved this book?! It was seriously the perfect read for me! I fell in love with Piper, Jace and the adorable Finn from the very beginning! The bantering back and forth, the antics of Finn, the cameo appearances by some of my favorite characters, the legos and lightsabers... it was all AMAZING! Once I finished reading it, I was ready to pick it back up and read it all over again! It was THAT good!

This should come as no surprise that Jennifer Peel has done it again! She sucked me in from the very first page and kept me up way past my bedtime finishing the book! Oh how I loved Honeymoon for One! It's the perfect read for any season!

And now... can we just take a minute to admire these two?! I think they make the perfect Piper and Jace! I'm in love! What do you think?!

No Regrets by Rebecca Deel

Synopsis:

While running an errand, Sasha Ingram finds herself the victim of a crime. An elite team of black ops warriors rescues her, a team that includes the man who makes her heart rate soar every time she sees him. Sasha believes the danger is past. But the attacks escalate, threatening her livelihood and life, and the body count rises. If Sasha and Cade fail to uncover the identity of the person targeting her, they'll lose the love of a lifetime as well as their lives.

Fortress Security operative Cade Ramsey is fascinated by the woman who owns Otter Creek's coffee shop. With a bad relationship in his past, Cade hesitates to try again, but he can't fight his attraction to Sasha. Before he acts on his interest, Sasha is taken hostage, and Cade and his teammates spring into action. Despite a successful rescue, the danger to Sasha mounts, and Cade vows to protect the woman he's falling for. When he and Sasha are snared in the killer's trap, Cade's black ops skills and experience may not be enough to save them.

My Review: 4 Stars

Sasha Ingram is the owner of Perk, Otter Creek's coffee shop. She has had her eyes on the handsome Cade Ramsey since he arrived in Otter Creek. She has done everything she can think of to get the man's attention but to no avail. He never stays in her shop long enough to say more than two words to her. 

Cade Ramsey has faced down insurgents, built and defused bombs as his teams EOD man. But when it comes to talking to the beautiful coffee shop owner, he gets all tongue-tied. He's had his eye on Sasha since he arrived in town and it's time to man up and finally ask her out. 

Before he gets the opportunity to ask her out, Cade and Bravo team are called out on a hostage situation. The hostage? Sasha. Cade needs to put his feelings behind him so he can rescue her from whoever took her. Once she's safe he'll do everything in his power to make sure Sasha gives him a chance to win her heart. 

Little do Cade and his team members know that this is just the beginning of their problems. Someone is targeting both Bravo and Durango. They're going after the people they love trying to make them vulnerable. The Fortress Security teams will need to band together to bring down the enemy and make their families safe again. 

Along the way, Sasha and Cade realize that there's something between them and they both will do whatever it takes to give them the HEA that they both have longed for. 

I really enjoyed Sasha and Cade's story. This was a face paced book both in action and romance. Sasha and Cade really balanced each other out. She has spunk and goes after what she wants. He is definitely an alpha male who will protect the woman he loves no matter the cost. This is a fun addition to the Otter Creek series. 

This was actually the first book I ever read by Ms. Deel... yes it's book 11 but I didn't feel lost at all. By the end of the book I was intrigued about the other characters and their stories. So I grabbed book 1 and the rest is history! I'm looking forward to more books by her! 

And of course we can't forget my casting! What do you guys think? 

Content: Mild violence. No swearing. Clean romance.. just swoony kisses!