Shadow Guardian by Rebecca Deel

Synopsis:

While on a diplomatic mission, Mercy Powers is attacked and taken hostage by terrorists. Although a team of black ops warriors rescues her, Mercy's troubles are just beginning. The terrorists aren't giving up, and now she and her family have a bounty on their heads. But having already survived a devastating loss, Mercy has more reason to live than ever and refuses to surrender to a group of men determined to destroy her new life. Instead, she turns to the warrior who captured her heart for help.

On an overdue break, Fortress Security operative Nico Rivera and his team of Shadow warriors are called to duty to rescue the president's niece. With his team at his back, Nico snatches Mercy from the hands of a deadly terrorist group. After returning home, the danger to Mercy escalates. Nico searches for the enemy, but instead of learning answers, he finds more questions. When the hunt leads him to Capitol Hill, Nico takes on the Washington elite in his quest to protect Mercy. With time running out, he must uncover the power behind the plot before the woman he adores pays the ultimate price.

My Review: 5 Stars

Mercy Powers was on a diplomatic mission in Mexico for her uncle when she's kidnapped by terrorists. She is interrogated and beaten but knows that if she gives them the information they're after, she'll be of no use to them. She'll just have to stay strong until she can figure out a way to escape the terrorists. 

Nico Rivera and the Shadow Unit had been on a much needed break for a couple of days when they were tasked to rescue the President of the United States niece. They were successful in getting Mercy out of the hands of the Scorpions but their troubles are just beginning. 

Once they return to the US, they receive word from Zane that Mercy has a bounty on her head. The Scorpions are desperate to get her back. With the attempts being made on her life and her house being trashed, Nico becomes even more determined to protect Mercy. There's just something about this beauty that intrigues him. She lights up the darkest parts of his life. 

Mercy can't remember the last time she felt this safe. She knows that Nico and his team would sacrifice their own lives to protect her. She's determined to do whatever she can to help figure out why the Scorpions are after her. Both Nico and Mercy have too much to live for to let the Scorpions win. No one will rest until the Scorpions are dismantled completely and Mercy is safe. Once that happens, then they can look to the future and their HEA.

*dreamy sigh*

This book. This book right here... wow! Where do I start?! Talk about being sucked in! Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. I may or may not have forgotten to eat while reading.. ;) I absolutely loved Nico and Mercy! They were perfect for each other and balanced each other out. I am hoping the rest of the Shadow unit get their own books! And of course seeing other characters from previous books was an added bonus. :) 

I am SO glad I discovered Ms. Deel! I have devoured her books over the last month and have to admit that I'm sad I'm all caught up! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

I have to say that I seriously adore these two for Mercy and Nico! What do you think?!

 

Content: Mild violence. Talk of rape but nothing happens. No swearing. Clean romance.. just swoony kisses!

Vendetta by Rebecca Deel

Synopsis:

Seven years ago, Marcus Lang made a choice that cost him everything, but he rebuilt his life and became a vital part of Otter Creek. Although his past isn't dead, Marcus will be if he is unable to stop one man's quest for revenge. If he fails, his life won't be the only one forfeit. He will lose the woman he longs to make his. Pursued by a threat he can't escape, Marcus refuses to let history repeat itself no matter the cost.

Paige Jensen excels at refereeing teenagers and raising funds for the community center. But someone sees her as a problem that must be eliminated. As the danger escalates, she realizes the enemy won't stop until she's dead. When the man she loves won't allow Paige to face the threat alone, he becomes a target.

Desperate to end the violence before more innocents are hurt, she and Marcus appeal to Fortress Security for aid in defeating a foe with a long reach and deep pockets. But their nemesis doesn't work alone and is ready to spring his trap.

My Review: 5 Stars

Marcus Lang has a past. A past that very few people know about. He moved to Otter Creek six years ago for a fresh start. As pastor for Cornerstone Church, he has grown to love not only the small town, but everyone one in it. Sure there are people who don't make life easy, but it's nothing compared to what he's running from. As long as he can keep his secret from falling into the wrong hands, he can see staying in Otter Creek permanently. 

Paige Jensen runs the Community Center in Otter Creek and she loves everything about her job. She knows that the work she's doing is extremely important. The only drawback is she's the only full time employee. For several months she has been trying to prove to the City Council that she needs another full time employee but they refuse to even entertain the idea. They claim there's no money in the budget and unless she gets her grandma to sell their B & B, there won't be any money anytime soon.  

While working late in the Community Center, Paige is attacked and almost killed. Had it not been for Marcus checking up on her, she wouldn't be walking away with just bruises and a concussion. But when a body of one of her teens is discovered in the Community Center and another attempt is made on her life, Marcus has to wonder if his past is finally catching up to him or is there another player in the game that they don't know about.

With the help of Fortress Security and Durango, Marcus and Paige are put into protective custody until they can figure out who is after them and why. One thing is for sure, neither one of them will be going down without a fight. It took them years to admit their feelings for each other and with their new found love, they are determined to get their HEA. 

I have been extremely curious about Marcus's story for awhile now. It's hinted at in previous books that he has some kind of secret and I thought I knew what it would be, but I really didn't see this one coming. It was fun to learn more about Marcus and the woman who finally captured his heart. Paige is just what he needed. They balance each other out perfectly. Their story is a friends to lovers and it's really sweet. I loved that they got each other and knew what the other needed just by looking at them. This is definitely one of my favorites in this series! 

I honestly don't know what I'm going to do when I'm finished reading these series. I see a serious book hangover in my future! Hopefully Ms. Deel will be releasing more soon! There are still so many people I want to know about! :)

And let's just take a minute to admire these two. I love them! What do you think?

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

Resurgence by Rebecca Deel

Synopsis:

Fortress operative Adam Walker knows hardship and pain, specializes in navigating behind enemy lines, and never leaves a man behind. When the Special Forces Marine is asked to rescue a woman who helped save him, he doesn't hesitate to lay his life on the line to return the favor. Although Adam believed his past was buried, he learns the enemy has risen from the ashes. Danger stalks not only Adam, but the people who mean everything to him, including the woman he loves. To destroy his nemesis for good, the Marine must take Veronica into the enemy's lair.

DEA Agent Veronica Miles is used to working alone in enemy territory for weeks at a time. But on this mission, something goes horribly wrong, and she's taken captive. Held prisoner for days, Veronica is rescued by an operative she once aided but returns home to suspicion and accusations from her co-workers. Forced to surrender her badge and weapon, Veronica has no one to turn to except the man who saved her life. Together, she and Adam will have to face their worst nightmares and defeat a foe obsessed with revenge. This time, failure will be fatal.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

Adam Walker was undercover in an organization that was ran by one of the biggest drug kingpins. When one of his own betrays him and leaks the information to the head of the organization, Adam finds himself a prisoner and is tortured for several days. 

When Veronica Miles stumbles upon information regarding Adam's capture, she reaches out to one of her contacts at Fortress Security with everything she knows. They come up with a plan to rescue him and bring him home. But with everything that Adam endured, it's going to take a while to recover. 

Through mutual acquaintances, both Adam and Vonnie have kept up with the others progress over the last year. Although they have never met, and neither of them know the other has been keeping tabs, they have grown to care for each other from afar. So when word spread that Vonnie was in trouble, Adam jumped at the opportunity rescue her. After all, if it wasn't for her, he would be dead. 

Once Vonnie is rescued and returns home to the US, they discover that her mentor had been killed in a car accident. Vonnie doesn't believe it was an accident. When emails start coming in incriminating her as a traitor, she knows that she's being setup but by who and why? 

If Vonnie is going to uncover the truth, she'll need the help of Adam and his friends at Fortress Security. As they work together to bring down the person responsible for everything, Adam and Vonnie get to know one and another and grow closer together. It isn't long before their feelings turn into something more. But when an enemy from the past resurfaces, they know they will need to bring them down before they can look to the future and their HEA.

*dreamy sigh*

Guys! Can I just tell you how much I enjoyed Adam and Vonnie's book?! It was fast paced and sucked me in from the beginning. I loved seeing Adam get his HEA. If anyone deserved it.. it was him. I loved seeing characters from the previous books working together. They really are family. I can't wait to start Jake's book!

Ms. Deel is an amazing storyteller! I know that once I start one of her books, I'll be sucked in and will not get one thing done until I finish the book. I am so glad I found! There's just something about finding new authors you adore! I can't wait to read more by her!

I absolutely adore these two for Vonnie and Adam! What do you think?

Content: Mild violence. Talk of rape but nothing happens. No swearing. Clean romance.. just swoony kisses!

Deadly Game by Rebecca Deel

Synopsis:

Following a desperate call for help, Rowan Scott finds her sister bleeding out and her niece missing. As the owner of a coffee shop, Rowan doesn't have the skills to navigate a world of shadows where nothing is as it seems and one mistake will cost her everything. With few clues and her niece's life on the line, Rowan turns to a friend experienced in combat and subterfuge. He's her only hope to bring her niece home before a murderer strikes again.

Tasked with a special assignment in a terrorist hotbed, Fortress CEO Brent Maddox doesn't have time to take on another project. But when the woman who captured his heart asks for help, Brent can't refuse. The Navy SEAL is no stranger to tough missions, but none threatens to melt his iron control until Rowan and her niece end up in the hands of his enemy. Brent vows to rescue the family he has claimed as his own from the hands of a ruthless killer, no matter the cost.

My Review: 5 Stars

Rowan Scott is the owner of Coffee House and has had her eye on Fortress Security's CEO, Brent Maddox, for about a year. She couldn't be happier when she discovers that he's had his eye on her as well. But the night of their first date, Rowan's world changes forever. 

Her sleazy brother-in-law is in business with some shady people who had no qualms killing him and his wife and kidnapping their daughter, Alexa. Rowan is all the little girl has left and she'll stop at nothing to bring her niece home safely. And in order to do that, she's going to need to place all her trust in Brent.

Brent has several different critical missions going on at the same time. The last thing he needs is to add another one into the mix. But when Rowan and Alexa are the mission, he will do everything in his power to keep them safe and bring the little girl home where she belongs. 

But that doesn't mean it's going to be easy. Several outside forces are at play and pulling the Fortress Security operatives in all different directions. But when Brent claims Rowan and Alexa as his own, Brent's team will go above and beyond to make sure he gets his family and a HEA.  

Wow! This book is awesome! I had the hardest time putting it down! I found myself sneaking in reading whenever I could. I was curious about the woman who would capture Brent's heart and Rowan did not disappoint! She's an extremely strong individual that will do anything for those that she loves. She'll be their rock in times of need. Her and Brent really balanced each other out. And I loved Alexa's interaction with Brent! Talk about melting my heart! It was the cutest thing ever! 

I am still really enjoying Ms. Deel's books. They just keep getting better and better! I can't wait to read the rest of both series!

As for my casting... I love these two! What do you think?

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

Romance on the Reef by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

It’s pretty hard to stay away from her when she moves in right next door…

I’m the jokester of the group. I always have that one-liner that lightens the mood, even in the darkest of moments. It's just who I am. It's who I had to be. I lost my wife eleven years ago when I was on my first deployment, so now I’m just trying to keep things light.

And because of that, I refuse to put my heart out there again while I’m a Marine. It’s not worth the risk. What if I’m gone and she needs me? Nope. Screw that.

So when a beautiful single mom and her daughter move in next door, I’m going to fight that attraction tooth and nail. Good thing Maggie doesn’t want to be with me any more than I want to be with her. Her late husband was a Marine, too. And there’s no way she’ll let her daughter go through that again. Or herself.

But we run in the same group of friends and now we share a wall. It’s not going to be very easy to keep our distance.

And we need to.

It doesn’t matter that sparks fly whenever we’re together. It doesn’t matter that her daughter is just as much of a book-nerd as I am and we get along great. And it definitely doesn’t matter that the three of us are somehow turning into a family without meaning to.

Because we both know what it’s like to lose the one you love, and that old saying about how it's better to have loved and lost than not loved at all? We disagree.

My Review: 5 Stars

Dreamy sighs, swoons and all the heart eyes! Y'all. I just can't with this book! I have definitely found my new favorite in this series!

PJ has intrigued me from the very beginning. Between his witty one-liners and his grumpy façade, I have been dying to know what makes this man tick and see how that special someone would break through his ever present barriers. If you've been reading the series since the beginning, then you know PJ doesn't do warm and fuzzy. 

I have loved Maggie and Bree from the moment they were introduced in Promises at Pyramid Rock. These two were thrown the ultimate curveball but that hasn't stopped them from living their best life. The bond between this mother and daughter is beautiful and unbreakable. I was curious to see how the dynamics would change when that special someone came along. 

And this is where the dreamy sighs, swoons and heart eyes come in. 

I absolutely adore Maggie and PJ! Even though they are surrounded by some pretty amazing people, no one really sees them. No one except each other. I loved how in tuned they were with each other and how they seemed to know what needed to be said at the exact moment they needed to hear it. These two make the perfect team in life and in love. 

Y'all. I have to say... PJ has met his match in Bree. These two are absolutely adorable and they crack me up! She is full of sass and has no qualms firing back at PJ when he delivers one of his famous one-liners. I loved seeing their relationship develop. It was seriously the sweetest thing. I couldn't get enough of these three!

If you haven't guessed already, Ms. Mastorakos has another hit on her hands! And y'all, there's a reason why she's one of my favorite authors. I love how she can transport you into her books where you eat, sleep and breathe her characters stories. I know that when I start one of her books, I better have my schedule cleared because there is no way I'm stopping until I reach the end. I can't wait to get my hands on her next book baby! 

Now. Can we please take a minute to admire these two? I. Am. In. Love! What do you think?!

In Plain Sight by Rebecca Deel

Synopsis:

On the heels of a life-changing diagnosis, concert pianist Darcy St. Claire is on a quest to reinvent herself. While renovating a Victorian house and opening a restaurant, she becomes the target of a killer. As the attempts on her life intensify, Darcy grows more determined. No murderer is going to chase her from her home and destroy her new dreams. But more than her livelihood and life are at stake. She could lose the man she loves.

A favor for a friend lands Delta medic Rio Kincaid in the center of a murder investigation, a crime the killer doesn't want solved. As the danger to Darcy escalates, the Delta warrior vows to protect the woman whose music pulled him from the edge of darkness. When the enemy's desperate ploy snares Darcy in his trap, one wrong move will cost Rio everything--his life and the woman who captured his heart.

My Review: 5 Stars

When Darcy St. Claire received the medical diagnosis that would change her life forever, she decides she will not let it get her down. She has so much life left to live and she's determined to make the most of it. 

Moving to Otter Creek to open up a deli that specializes in wraps was just what the doctor ordered. She has always loved cooking and experimenting with food in her spare time. She just hopes the folks of Otter Creek will give her a shot. 

Rio Kincaid has been in Otter Creek for a few months. He sees all of his teammates meeting and falling in love with their soulmates and he can't help but be a little envious. What he wouldn't give to meet that special someone and be able to spend the rest of their lives together. 

When fellow Fortress Security operative, Trent St. Claire, asks if Rio will keep an eye on his sister while he's away for a mission he readily accepts. He knows that a distracted operative can be dangerous and cost other's their lives. He'll do whatever he can to make sure Trent's sister is safe. 

But when they discover the previous owner of the house was murdered and someone has been breaking in to the Victorian home, Rio knows none of it was a coincidence. He'll  need not only the help of the Otter Creek Police Department but the help of Fortress Security and his team, Durango, to figure out who is behind everything and why. He has fallen for Darcy and there is no way he will lose her now. She has saved him more times than she will ever know. Now it's his turn to save her. He is determined to give them a HEA together... if she'll have him. 

This should come as no surprise to you guys but... I loved this book! Darcy and Rio were amazing! I loved that Darcy was feisty and could hold her own. I also loved the Rio always wanted to protect her but knew that he couldn't treat her like a fragile piece of China. He knew her limitations and did his best to let her handle things... to an extent. He is, after all, an alpha male who would do anything to protect the woman he loves. 

I loved seeing the other couples in previous books. That's one of the things I love about reading a series based in a small town. It's always fun to catch up on their lives. I also loved seeing the setup for Trent's book. I can't wait to read his story. I have a feeling he is going to fall hard! Hehe. 

The more I read this series, the more I fall in love! The books just keep getting better and better! I can't wait to see what Ms. Deel has in store for us next! I can already tell you I'm going to be sad to see this series come to an end!

And let's just take a moment to admire these two... *dreamy sigh* I think they are perfect!

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

Wheels of Justice by Rebecca Deel

Synopsis:

After losing her home and business in a flood, photographer Claire Walker relocates to Nashville, determined to rebuild her life. Two men kidnap Claire in the middle of the night in a scheme to force her captive brother to divulge classified information. When she escapes, Claire calls the one man who can help her evade the kidnappers and save her brother.

Navy SEAL Zane Murphy had his career mapped out until an IED changed his life forever. A warrior to his bones, now he hunts terrorists in the corridors of cyberspace for Fortress Security. Although he hasn't been in the field for two years, Zane can't refuse a plea for aid from a missing operative's sister.

When he's accused of betraying his fellow operatives, Zane vows to clear his name, unmask the real traitor, and protect Claire. The SEAL calls on friends and an elite Delta unit to assist in the mission to save Claire's brother. With time running out, Zane has no choice but to take the woman who captured his heart into the enemy's stronghold.

My Review: 5 Stars!

Claire Walker relocated to Nashville after her home and business flooded. Being an in demand photographer has it's advantages. She can do her job from anywhere. 

While her brother, Adam, is away on one of his missions for Fortress Security, Claire is kidnapped. In her line of business it pays to be observant and pay attention to details. Her only thoughts are to get away from Thug One and Thug Two. Once she escapes their clutches, her only move is to call Zane Murphy, the one person her brother insisted will keep her safe at all times. If her brother trusts him, then she'll trust him... no matter what. 

While in the military, Zane Murphy's team was hit by an IED leaving him the sole survivor... and in a wheelchair. But he is a SEAL to his bones and can't see himself doing anything else. He loves his job as communications expert and tech guru at Fortress Security. He might not be able to protect his teammates while fighting along side them in the field, but he will do what ever he can to keep the operatives and principals in the field safe from behind his computer screen. 

When he receives a call from Claire informing him that she's in trouble, he doesn't have to think twice about protecting her. He will do everything he can to make her safe and keep her out of the hands of the jerk who's holding her brother hostage. 

But one look at Claire and Zane knows he's in trouble. There's something about Claire that has drawn him in. For the first time in a long time, a beautiful woman is looking at him and seeing the man that he is... not the man in the chair. He doesn't dare believe that someone like Claire would ever fall in love with him. But Claire is a rare gem and one that Zane doesn't want to let go. If they can rescue her brother and get out of the enemy's clutches alive, he will do everything in his power to show her that he can be worthy of her. He will treat her like the treasure she is for the rest of their lives.  

Wow! All I can say is WOW! I absolutely LOVED this book! I had the hardest time putting it down! It took my kindle falling and hitting me in the face a couple of times before I would put it down for the night. I kept telling myself... just one more chapter. Haha. And of course I just had to wake up earlier than usual just so I could finish the book. 

I have loved Zane from the very beginning and was dying to read his book! I knew it would take one special lady to capture his heart and Claire is absolutely perfect! She is a feisty little spitfire! Oh how I loved seeing her protectiveness come out when people weren't treating Zane the way he deserved to be treated. These two are definitely a favorite of mine! 

I am really loving these series! And I am so glad I stumbled upon Ms. Deel. I haven't been able to put her books down! I'm looking forward to reading more by her!

I have been dying to cast Claire and Zane! I absolutely adore these two! What do you think?!

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

Best Served Cold by Rebecca Deel

Synopsis:

U.S. Marshal Stella Grayson always wanted to be a cop, but after an ambush, she's framed for murder and forced to surrender her gun and badge. Targeted by law enforcement and a killer seeking revenge, she may lose everything she values, including her freedom and the man she loves.

Recently returned from a mission, Delta warrior Nate Armstrong's plans for a slow campaign to win his girlfriend's heart are derailed when Stella is arrested for murder. Nothing will stop him from proving her innocence. Accused of detonating a bomb, Nate calls on his Delta teammates for aid in unmasking the killer before more people die. But the enemy is determined to accomplish his goal and Stella stands in his way. When the marshal is abducted, freeing her may be Nate's final mission.

My Review: 5 Stars

U.S. Marshal Stella Grayson and her partner Deke Creed have been tasked with finding a mole in their office. Their boss, Ty, doesn't know who he can trust so everything has to be done off the books. In the midst of their investigation, Stella is attacked and her boss killed. Things just went from bad to worse. The only people she knows she can trust is her boyfriend, Nate, and his team. 

Durango Team member Nate Armstrong has just returned from a long mission and can't wait to see his girlfriend again. When he receives a call in the middle of the night informing him Stella has been attacked, he drops everything to race to her side. He doesn't know what's going on but he'll do everything in his power to figure it out. 

When ballistics come back on the murder weapon and it's registered to her, she's placed under arrest and booked. Nate knows that Stella would never do the things she is being accused of doing. If they are going to figure out who is behind framing her, he will need not only the help of Durango but all of Fortress Security. 

But the closer they get to figuring out who's behind the leak and the killings, the more danger arises. Will Stella and Nate be able to stop whoever is behind everything before it's too late? One things for sure, they won't go down without a fight. They are determined to get their HEA. 

I'm not going to lie. I was hesitant to read this book. The synopsis and the first page let me know that this was going to be intense. I am loving this series but I don't want to get burnt out on reading them in one straight shot. But once I got going, I didn't want to put it down! I stayed up way too late and woke up way too early just to finish it. I'll definitely keep reading. There are so many characters that I want to see get their HEA! I can already tell you I'm going to be sad when this series ends!

I'm not sure if you can tell or not but I am still loving Ms. Deel's books! There are lots for me to catch up on!

And what do you think about this casting?! *dreamy sigh*

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