Buried in Blue by L.G. Rollins

Synopsis:

Doctor Elise Sterling has one last chance to save her career and prove that researching werewolves is safer than exterminating them. But her tendency to separate science from the people who’s lives it change has left her with few allies.

Captain Nathaniel Hopkins, owner of the fastest steam-powered submarine in England, has just returned from a two-year stint at sea and is in no hurry to leave home again. But when he meets Doctor Sterling, he has to choose between his duty to his daughter and his growing attraction for Elise.

Too focused on her science to be distracted by romance, Elise is betting it all—her career as well as personal safety—on an experiment where she will dive with nearly a dozen werewolves to the deepest trench in the Atlantic Ocean.

My Review: 5 Stars

With life being extremely crazy right now, I haven’t had much time to read. It’s been a little bit here and a little bit there. Thankfully the stars finally aligned, and I was able to get in some good reading time.

Confession. I haven’t read too many Steampunk novels. The ones I have read, I absolutely ADORED! So, when I started reading Buried in Blue, my expectations were pretty high. All I have to say is this book did NOT disappoint! Once I was able to sit down and read, I had an extremely hard time putting this book down. I found myself staying up way past my bedtime and waking up early just to see what happens next. 

This was such a fun, unique twist on werewolves. I was intrigued from the beginning and kept trying to figure everything out. And just when I thought I had it figured out... BAM! Plot twist! There may or may not have been a time or two that I had to stop and ask myself... what just happened?! Haha. I loved every minute I spent within the pages of this book.

Were there characters that I absolutely loved? You better believe it! Elise and Nathaniel were so perfect for each other. I loved that they could balance each other out. They trusted and relied on each other to get through some tough times. I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning.

Were there characters that I absolutely loathed? You better believe it! There was one in particular that was just so slimy, that I couldn’t help but wish for their demise! And no, I’m not going to tell you who. I want to see if you feel the same way I did! Haha.

This is my first book by Ms. Rollins, and I can tell you it won't be my last! Any author who can make me feel this much emotion and keep me from getting sleep, definitely deserves their books being added to my TBR list!

And of course, we can’t forget about my casting. I’m pretty much in love! What do you think?

Spooktacular HallowReads!

Holy crow! How is it October already?! Where in the world has this year gone?! Is it flying by for you guys as well?!

Since it is October and I'm in the mood for paranormal, fantasy, suspense, mystery and spooky kind of books, I thought it would be fun to dedicate the entire month to these genres! I have been scouring Amazon the last few days in order to find lots of ideas for books to read! Some of the books I found are the first books in the series so my list can potentially be even longer than what's listed below! Haha. 

Now I know there is no way I'm going to get through all the books on this list but a girl's gotta give herself some options... right?! ;o)

So... without further adieu... I give you my list!

Wolf's Man by Lynn Nodima - DNF
Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen
Kiss of the Spindle by Nancy Campbell Allen
The Lady in the Coppergate Tower by Nancy Campbell Allen
Gladly Beyond by Nichole Van
Love's Shadow by Nichole Van
Lightning Struck by Nichole Van
Lovers and Madmen by Nichole Van
A Madness Most Discreet by Nichole Van
Servant of the Crown by Melissa McShane
One Flew Through the Dragon Heart by C.S. Johnson
Buried in Blue by L.G. Rollins
Waltz of the Crows by L.G. Rollins
Suppressed by Wendi L. Wilson
Lost Wolf by Stacy Claflin

What are some of the books you want to read this month?

Oh! And if you follow my Facebook page, you may remember me mentioning that I would be giving away a couple of mini mystery boxes. I have decided to incorporate them into my Spooktacular HallowReads month!

To enter to win, all you need to do is read and review any paranormal/fantasy/spooky kind of books on your personal blog, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon, and then enter the link into the Rafflecopter below. ONE book equals ONE entry. I will chose 3 lucky winners at the end of the month. The books HAVE to be read during the month of October 2019. Any previous reviews posted will be removed from the list. Open to US residents only.

Happy Reading my fellow Book Dragons!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Professional Boundaries by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

In the ultimate game of tug of war, who will cross the line first?

Kelli Bryant is all set to be the new Marketing Director of Chandler Media. After all, she has the right credentials and her colleagues love her. But her plans are derailed when her promotion is given to someone else. And not just any someone else, but her old college boyfriend, Ian Greyson, her one true love, and the last person she ever wants to see again.

Ian made a terrible mistake thirteen years ago when he walked away from Kelli, so when fate intervenes and gives him the chance to reconnect with her, he takes it. But unbeknownst to him, it means stealing her promotion.

The battle lines are drawn when the two old flames butt heads about everything from office etiquette to sales goals. Their explosive relationship spills over into their personal lives as Kelli tries to keep Ian at arm's length while he desperately tries to win her back, outside of business hours, of course. Will they ever learn how to mix business with pleasure, or will they keep their professional boundaries?

My Review: 5 Stars!

Kelli had her heart broken 13 years ago by Ian. He was her first love and one day just walked out of her life... never to be heard from again. She thought that she was completely over him until one day he shows up back in her life... and takes her dream position at Chandler Media.

Emotions are crazy and Kelli does everything she can to guard her heart. She refuses to let Ian back in. Little does she know, she never stood a chance. And everyone knew that except Kelli herself. She was constantly telling everyone nothing was ever going to happen between them again... that he never loved her and he never will. *sigh* Stubborn, blind woman! Lol.

While other reviews I've read bash Ian and say how much they did not like him... I have to say I am the minority. I LOVED him! He just cracked me up! Oh my heck! The man definitely has a sense of humor. ;) And I have to say, I could understand why he did what he did. He wanted her to experience life. He didn't want her to have any regrets. He loved her enough to let her go.

Kelli on the other hand... *shaking my head* There were times I really wanted to shake her and say wake up! I understand that she was hurt and her heart was broken, I really do. But she took things a little too far at times. I was so glad when she finally started accepting that her feelings were just as strong as ever and they she had a 2nd chance with the one and only love of her life.

Now let's talk about that epilogue. *dreamy sigh* I absolutely LOVED it! It was the perfect ending to an amazing book! If you've already read this book, read it again! You'll love it even more... I promise! If you haven't read it yet, read it now! You can thank me later!

Y'all Ms. Peel has done it again! She's amazing and knows how to grab you and suck you in! Gotta love when an author can do that! I can't wait to read her next book baby!

And of course no review of mine would be complete without a casting. These two are absolutely perfect in my opinion. What do you think?

The Lady in the Coppergate Tower by Nancy Campbell Allen

Synopsis:

Hazel Hughes has spent her life believing she is a Medium—someone who can talk to ghosts. But as of yet, that skill has remained frustratingly elusive. She is also suffering from a reoccurring childhood dream of someone who looks almost exactly like Hazel, but this dream version of herself is slowly going mad.

Sam MacInnes is a talented surgeon who runs in the highest social circles thanks to his family’s position and history. When Sam hires Hazel to assist him with his medical practice, he is immediately drawn to her intelligence, wit, and beauty.

Their potential relationship is derailed one evening when a mysterious count arrives in London and reveals to Hazel the truth about her past: she was abducted at birth and her twin sister has fallen dangerously ill.

Hazel agrees to travel to Romania with Count Petrescu in order to save her sister, and Sam insists on accompanying her. The count has secrets, though, and the journey grows more sinister with every mile that draws Hazel closer to her homeland. Even as her feelings for Sam become deeper and more complicated, she fears she might not survive the quest to save her sister with her heart intact, not to mention her life. She must learn to draw on gifts she doesn’t know she has if they are going to ever return home again.

Hazel and Sam must fight their way past dark magic, clockwork beasts, and their own insecurities as they try to reach her sister in the impenetrable Coppergate Tower before time runs out.

My Review: 5 Stars

It's official! I'm a lover of Nancy Campbell Allen's steampunk romances! What do I love about them? I love that they're different than everything else that's flooding the market these days. I love that they're fairy tale retellings with her own unique twist thrown in. I love that she has me guessing until the very end about what will happen. I love knowing that once I start the book, I will be whisked away to a magical place that will hold me hostage until the very end. If you haven't guessed yet.. I love this series! 

I have been curious about Hazel and Sam since first meeting them in Beauty and the Clockwork Beast. There was just something about these two that called to me. Hazel and Sam were perfectly matched. She was the yin to his yang. Working together, they could anything and overcome whatever was thrown their way. I quickly fell in love with these two and found myself rooting for them from the very beginning. 

You guys! I'm not going to lie... I couldn't devour their story fast enough! Once I started this book, I could not put it down! It was intense, mysterious, swoony, and all around amazing! When I got to the end, I found myself going back to the beginning to read it all over again. I love when a book grabs me like that! It's the sign of a fabulous author! I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series! 

And can we take a minute to admire these two?! I absolutely love them as Hazel and Sam! What do you think?

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

My Not So Wicked Boss by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

Love knows no contract.

Aspen Parker’s life can be summed up in one word. Unexpected. For instance, she never expected to become a mother at twenty. Her divorce at twenty-one really threw her off. She certainly didn’t see losing her promotion at the bank to that weasel Stephen. And she most definitely didn’t see Miles Wickham, better known as Taron Taylor—international bestselling author, the man whose words have captivated her—offering her a job to be his nephew’s nanny.

But there’s a caveat to accepting the position; she must sign a contract agreeing to no romantic entanglements between her and the debonair Brit. Aspen doesn’t expect this to be an issue seeing as she’s not particularly fond of men. Once again, though, life is not turning out how she expected.

While Aspen and Miles traverse single parenthood together, there’s no denying the chemistry between them. She can’t figure out how her charming boss knows how to pierce the protective layers of her heart, and it’s driving her mad. Mad with desire that is. Miles, too, is finding it hard to resist the reserved beauty who brilliantly takes care of his nephew and him. But with both their tentative hearts on the line, can they risk taking a chance on each other? Which will win? Love or the contract?

My Review: 5 Stars

Aspen Parker has sworn off the opposite sex for good.

Miles Wickham has never had to think of anyone but himself until he becomes sole guardian to his nephew, Henry.

So what happens when these two meet for the first time?

Sparks! Lots and lots of sizzling sparks! These two better strap in and hold on tight because they are in for the ride of their lives!

*dreamy sigh*

You guys! Can I just tell you how much I loved My Not So Wicked Boss?! It was everything I wanted it to be and more! Once I started this book, I could not put it down. I stayed up way too late reading and woke up extra early just so I could finish it. It was THAT good!

There's nothing more beautiful than reading a book about two people who are broken in one way or another and watching them grow, watching them realize their past does not define them, watching them discover that they deserve to be loved. Miles and Aspen's story is definitely one of those. I loved how careful Miles was with Aspen. He knew just how to handle her and her insecurities. These two were perfect for each other. Not only did they balance each other out, but they made each other better. I had a feeling their story would be my favorite, and it was.

And let's not forget about the other relationships in this book. I absolutely adored watching the relationships, not only between Aspen and Henry but also between Miles and Chloe, grow. I can't really describe it. It all just happened naturally. There was nothing forced about it. They fit together perfectly, almost like they were always meant to be a family. It was beautiful to watch.

I'm sad that it has come to an end, but have to say that this is the perfect ending to an amazing series! I've loved every minute I've spent in Carrington Cove. This is definitely a series I will be reading over and over again.

Ms. Peel never ceases to amaze me. I can always count on her to whisk me away into a world that gives me a much needed break from reality. Once I start her books, I have a hard time putting them down. I'm excited to see where she takes us next!

As for my casting.... *dreamy sigh*.... I absolutely adore these two! I think they're the perfect Aspen and Miles! What do you think?

Cheyenne by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

What happens when your motto in life has been to always love yourself more than anyone could, but then you find someone that does it better? If you’re Cheyenne Fairchild, you do your best to push him away.

Cheyenne’s life has taught her to never depend on anyone, especially a man. She’s done her best to keep every relationship short and every man at arms-length. That is until the mysterious Aidan Bates moves to town. Not only does he give earth-shattering kisses, but he has the audacity to save her life after a tragic accident. Now Cheyenne can’t stop thinking about him and it’s driving her crazy. Worse, he won’t stop trying to help her.

While Cheyenne is doing her best to keep Aidan from working his way into her no vacancy heart, she finds herself embroiled in more than one Merryton scandal. One that rocks her best friend’s world and shows what Cheyenne is really made of. And one that she’s created in hopes of deterring Aidan. Unfortunately for her, she finds that it only brings them closer together.

Can Cheyenne let her defenses down long enough to see that Aidan is unlike any other man she has ever known? Or will she cling to the past and the mistakes that built the walls she’s carefully constructed around her heart.

My Review: 5 Stars

Over the years, Cheyenne has built a wall around her heart thanks to her father who had crushed her when she was just a young girl. She doesn't need a man in her life to love her or make her feel complete, she does a great job of that on her own. She has seen the lives her friends live and for a second thought that maybe she was missing out on something good. But then her ex-boyfriend, Paxton, showed her that she was wrong. She should have just stuck with her belief... you can never trust a man and you definitely do not need one in your life.

While travelling home one night, Cheyenne is involved in a freak automobile accident that nearly killed her. She would have died if it wasn't for the mysterious Aidan Bates appearing out of nowhere to save her. A near death experience would have anyone changing their ways and latching on to family and friends for help. But not Cheyenne. She is determined to do this alone and get her old self back. Because there is one thing that Cheyenne Fairchild will not do and that is to appear weak. She tries to put on a brave face for everyone around her but that accident did more to her than she is willing to admit.

Aidan came to Merryton to get his life back on track. After getting out of a marriage he had no business being in, he needs to stay away from all women. Enter Cheyenne. One look and he is instantly drawn to her. However, he knows her kind and knows it's best to stay far away from her. But seeing her go over the cliff changed something in him. He wasn't willing to admit it at first but, the more time passes, the more he sees that he was completely wrong about her. All this time he has been fighting his feelings for her but enough is enough. It's time to man up and go after the woman that he has been falling in love with.

Cheyenne refuses to let another man get close enough to hurt her again. She does her best to stay strong and not let Aidan past the walls that she has built. But the more he's around, the weaker her walls become. A piece of advice? Never underestimate a man in love. Especially one who helps her to see that she is not the person she wants everyone to think she is. There is more to her than anyone has ever taken the time to delve into and get to know. No one has ever made her feel the way that Aidan does. No one sees her the way Aidan sees her and it scares the living daylights out of her. This is all new territory and she doesn't know how to maneuver through it. Her head is screaming at her to get back to being the old Cheyenne. But her heart is softly whispering that she is better than that. She is an amazing and beautiful person. She is worth it. She does deserve to have the love of a good man in her life. And she most definitely deserves one big happily ever after!

Oh how I loved Cheyenne! The feels were definitely real my friends! I laughed, I cried, I growled in frustration, yelled at my kindle in anger, you name it and I more than likely felt it! The struggles were definitely real... both physically and emotionally. I loved watching Cheyenne grow and come to terms with who she really was.. not the person her father turned her into. She did a lot of self preservation but I thought Aidan was definitely key in her self-discovery.

And speaking of Aidan... *dreamy sigh* That. Man. Is. A. Saint! I loved how he knew what he wanted and refused to give up. He saw Cheyenne better than anyone else did. He saw the real her even before she did. I'm not going to lie... she could be a pain in the rear at times. But Aidan was extremely patient with her and loved her no matter what. He had all the time in the world and was willing to wait until she admitted to herself that she, too, was in love and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him.

Ms. Peel always amazes me with each book she releases! She is a natural when it comes to writing! I always know that I will be sucked in and will absolutely love each book she creates! I am sitting on pins and needles waiting for her next book baby to be released! <3

And check out this casting! I am seriously in love with these two! I think they are absolutely perfect! *dreamy sigh* <3

Rachel Laine by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

Rachel Whitney’s life changed forever when Drew, the son of her twin sister, Sydney, was placed in her arms—and there he stayed. At twenty-two, she had no idea what she was doing, but in that moment, she knew that raising Drew was what she was meant to do with her life.

Fiercely independent, Rachel makes her own way managing her family's insurance agency. Decidedly against introducing any men into her life, or Drew’s, she protects her heart against all romantic entanglements. But what she didn’t count on was a letter from her sister that leads a famous secret to her door eight years after her sister’s death. A secret with the same eyes as her son’s.

Desperate not to get the courts involved, Rachel allows Drew’s previously unknown father into their lives, and to her surprise, little by little into her heart. But for Rachel, taking that step could open her family to a firestorm of media attention that not even Merryton can protect them from. Is love worth the risk? Or will his fame and ambition ruin their chances?

My Review: 5+ Stars!

Rachel Laine became a mom at the age of 22 when her identical twin sister passed away during childbirth. From the moment little Drew was placed in her arms, she knew that being his mom was what she was meant to do with her life. She knew that she would do anything and everything for that little guy. Being fiercely independent, she was determined to provide the best life she could for him on her own. But all her efforts to stay independent and single until Drew is grown goes right out the window the moment Andrew steps into her office looking for her sister Sydney.

Andrew is a retired baseball player who wants to follow in his father's political footsteps and run for his old seat as a District Representative in CO. But before he can announce his candidacy, he needs to know if something that happened in the past is true. He needs to know if he had fathered a child a little over eight years ago. Determined to do the right thing, he heads to Merryton, CO in search of answers. Andrew never expected that his life would be turned upside down the moment his steps into Rachel Laine's office and discovers that he is indeed a father.

Decisions are made, and against Rachel's better judgement, she allows Andrew to be part of Drew's life as a "friend". There is just too much at stake for all involved if word gets out about Drew's paternity. Rachel hates lying to anyone, especially Drew, but she will play nice for her son's sake. Even though Andrew has sworn he never would, Rachel doesn't want to give him any reason to think about taking Drew away from her. But the more time they spend together, the more drawn to each other they become and the more they are in need of not only protecting Drew, but protecting themselves and their hearts as well.

Tragedy strikes and when Rachel needs him the most, Andrew makes a wrong decision. Feeling brokenhearted and rejected, Rachel builds up the walls around her heart. She will allow Andrew to be apart of Drew's life but she will not let him into her heart again. Andrew regrets making the choice that he did and will do anything to make it up to Rachel. Can he gain her forgiveness so they can finally move forward to become a family? Or will it be too little, too late?

I just have to tell you the feels are real people! I laughed, I cried, I growled in frustration, I wanted to throw my kindle across the room, I let out little dreamy sighs, I fell in love with Merryton all over again! And little Drew was absolutely adorable! Such a well behaved, fun, loving kid! I loved watching his and Andrew's relationship develop. You can see how much they both loved each other and needed each other in their lives.

Rachel Laine is my new favorite book in this series! I absolutely LOVED it! Jennifer really does have a way of sucking me in and not letting me go until the journey is over. I didn't even want to sleep until I finished reading this book. But alas, after my kindle hit me in the face for the third time, I decided it was time for bed. BUT I woke up extra early the next day so I could finish! Hehe. I am loving this series! I can't wait for Cheyenne's book! :)

And check out this casting! I am seriously in love with these two! <3

Taylor Lynne by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

Determined not to repeat the same mistakes as her mother, Taylor Cole left her husband with their toddler in tow fourteen years ago and vowed never to return to Merryton. Now she is finally ready to face her demons and put the past and her ex-husband behind her, but to do that she and her daughter must return to the place that haunts her memories. A place where she lost not only the love of her life, but her childhood hopes and dreams.

When they move back, Taylor can’t seem to remain apathetic toward her ex-husband or his nine-year-old daughter. She discovers that maybe all wasn’t as it seemed so many years ago. And maybe—just maybe—she and her ex-husband need each other more now than they ever have before. But can the exes put the past behind them and find a way to forgive each other? Or will they let past mistakes and misunderstandings keep them from future happiness?

Return to Merryton and join Taylor and Easton on their journey, and catch up with old friends you grew to love in Jessie Belle.

My Review: 5+ Amazingly Beautiful Second Chance Stars!

Taylor Lynne ran away from the small town of Merryton, CO 14 years ago and swore she would never return. When her ex-husband Easton wants to build a relationship with their daughter Ashley and have her get to know her sister, Emmy, Taylor decides this is just what she needs to finally get over Easton. Little did she know that fate had something else in store for her.

Easton knows he made a huge mistake by letting Taylor go all those years ago without a fight. Now that she is back in Merryton, he will do his best to right his wrongs. He definitely has a fight on his hands but it's totally worth it if the prize is having Taylor and Ashley back in his life.

Ashley was such a strong, amazing girl! Even though she had been hurt by her father's lack of contact, she was willing to move back to Merryton and give him a second chance, give themselves a chance to get to know the each other and build a strong father/daughter relationship.

And little Emmy won my heart from the very beginning. Even though she is only 9 years old, the adorable little girl is broken.. haunted by her mother. Taylor tried her best to stay away from Emmy, but she too fell in love with the little girl. She showered her with love and affection and the little girl blossomed! Oh how my heart melted with all their interactions!

This book was absolutely AMAZING! I LOVED it! The message of love, forgiveness, growth, family, friendship, fresh starts, new beginnings, second chances... it was all prominent throughout the book. I was sucked in from the very beginning. I stayed up way too late and woke up way too early just to finish it. I had to see how Taylor, Easton, Ashley and Emmy would become a family... I had to see them get their HEA! And I was definitely NOT disappointed! Have I told you that this book is absolutely AMAZING?!

If you guys have not read anything by Jennifer Peel yet then you are seriously missing out! She has a way of capturing you and not letting you go until the journey has been completed. I have devoured and loved every single one of her books! She is truly talented! I can't wait for her next book to be released!

And of course I could not forget my casting! These two are pretty perfect in my opinion.. ;) Hehe.