The Killing Curse (An Omar Zagouri Thriller) by H.B. Moore

Omar Zagouri should have known that the hunt for an ordinary art thief in London would end up being far from ordinary. Abducted and carted across several countries until he’s locked up in the middle of Jordan’s desert, Omar becomes the target of an underground crime organization that dates back to the Crusaders era. As Omar works to uncover the deadly secrets that connect centuries of deceit, he finds himself trying to prevent an honor killing from turning into another tragedy, while exposing the ancient crime organization for generations of lethal corruption.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Man, I am such a fan of Heather Moore.  I swear she can write any genre fantastically.  This is probably one of my favorite series from her.  I love the edge of your seat, fast paced nature of these thrillers.  I would recommend reading them in order just because there is a progression to the relationship between Omar and Mia that happens slowly throughout this series.  If you don't much care about that side of things (which is honestly such a minimal part of the plot) then I think you can read these book in any order and be happy.

One of my favorite things about this book (and the others in this series) is that it has two stories in one.  You have the modern day thriller going on- edge of your seat, action packed, full throttle- and in between you have a story from long, long ago.  Usually the stories from long ago are a bit less edge of your seat and more personal- full of rich history and intense emotion. The two stories always connect together and it just makes the book so fantastic.  I love the different feel to each side.

Omar is smart and edgy.  He's always in the middle of some dangerous game and sometimes it looks like there is no way out.  I love Omar's instincts and the way he always gets the job done.  Nothing comes easy for Omar.

I blew through this book so quickly.  I couldn't put it down.  It was full on from start to finish- heart pounding and exciting.  The story was so good!

Content:  Violence, frequent mild swearing (which I didn't love), mentions of a couple living together and having a sexual relationship but it's nothing more than a mention.

- I received a copy of this book from the author.  A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

More Omar Zagouri Thrillers:
Finding Sheba
Lost King
Slave Queen
First Heist (novella)
Beneath (short story)

Meet Me At Sunrise (Romano Family #2) by Lucinda Whitney

Finding love in eight days was not on the itinerary…

Between a bad breakup and a rocky relationship with her overbearing father, twenty-three-year-old Vanessa Clark has a history of being disappointed by the men in her life. So when her long-lost grandfather reenters the scene and persuades her to tour northern Portugal on one of his cruise ships, Vanessa boards the vessel looking for answers about her estranged family, not looking for love.

Captain Matias Romano has enough to worry about without having to babysit his boss’s spoiled American granddaughter, no matter how good-looking she is. First the issue with the refrigerators, and now the ship's computers are malfunctioning—he’ll be relieved when this trip is over and he can get back to business as usual.
But as Matias plays tour guide on Vanessa’s excursions and they work together to investigate a series of suspicious accidents aboard, they both realize there’s more to the other than first impressions.

Can Vanessa work through her complicated past to make room for Matias in her future, or will they pass like ships in the night?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Releasing today!  This is the second book in the Destined for Love Romance Europe series and I'm so excited!  There are six books total, each written by a different author.  The authors in this series are some of my favorite.  I'm reviewing all but the last book in this series so that makes me happy!  

This book doubles as a part of this series and also another series- Romano Family- by the author, Lucinda Whitney.  It's a fantastic addition to both.  I've been anxiously waiting to read about Matias since finishing Hold Me at Twilight.

I really want to take a river cruise one day.  It sounds fantastic.  Matias is the captain of a river cruise ship and meets Vanessa in less than ideal circumstances.  Both Matias and Vanessa make snap judgments about each other which, of course, are wrong.  For a story that happens in 8 days, things really didn't seem that rushed.  There was a natural development of feelings between the main characters and a progression of the plot that made me feel like it was longer than eight days.

The ending felt good.  There was resolution all the way around with the romance, the family dynamics and the investigation and I'm a girl that likes things tied up with a pretty bow so that was awesome for me.  

Content:  some kissing

- I received a copy of this book from the author.  A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

Books in the A Destined for Love Romance: Europe series:
— Desperately Seeking Mr. Right by Sally Johnson
— Meet Me At Sunrise by Lucinda Whitney
— Once Upon a Wish by Danyelle Ferguson
—12 Days to Love by Lisa Swinton
— Kiss Me in the Moonlight by Lindzee Armstrong
— Never Trust the Rain by Laura D. Bastian

Wrong For You by Jenny Proctor + $25 and Book Giveaway

Lane Bishop is a hardworking, intelligent, young woman. With her recent move to Chapel Hill, she is determined to leave behind the drama and effort of keeping up with the dating scene. Even so, Lane somehow manages to get dragged out by a gaggle of girls to go watch boys play soccer. Just watching is not Lane’s forte, so she joins in the fun and leads her team to victory.

Rather than feeling intimidated by the vivacious beauty on the opposing team, Jamie Hamilton is intrigued. Risking his “untouchable” dating status, he decides to pursue Lane—with a little help from his older brother Simon. With Simon’s behind-the- scenes assistance, Jamie proves irresistible, even to a disillusioned dater like Lane. But as she gets to know both brothers, Lane can’t help but wonder—beneath the grand gestures and romantic words, is she falling for the wrong guy?

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

This book was so fun.  My smile was out in full force with this one.  The scenes played out so naturally and I could easily visualize what was happening.  It was like the perfect chick flick movie playing out in my head.  See?  Fun!

Yes, the plot is a bit predictable but the unknown is how everything is going to work out in the end when two brothers love the same girl.  That's just a mess waiting to happen because these brothers are close.  They have a fantastic family dynamic that includes loyalty and "I've got your back no matter what".  So yeah, things get messy before they get better.

Lane is fantastic.  She is smart, witty, athletic, beautiful, and full of life and energy.  You can see how different parts of her personality are drawn out by each brother.  

I really enjoyed this book.  It light and fun and you have to love a book that brings all the happy, romantic feels with it!

Content:  LDS fiction (some religious mentions although nothing preachy) some kissing

May15th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://rockinbookreviews.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

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May 17th: http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/, http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/

May 18th: http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/

May 19th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://thethingsilovemost.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/  

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Compassionate Soldier: Remarkable True Stories of Mercy, Heroism, and Honor from the Battlefield by Jerry Borrowman

Compassionate Soldier illuminates some of the most fascinating and yet largely unknown stories of men and women whose humanity led them to perform courageous acts of mercy and compassion amid the chaos and carnage of war. Arranged by war from the American Revolution to the Iraq War and global in perspective, it features extraordinary stories of grace under fire from valiant soldiers and noncombatants who rose above the inhumanity of lethal conflict and chose compassion, even knowing their actions could put their lives and liberty at risk.

Included in this collection are the stories of Richard Kirkland, a Confederate soldier during the Civil War who disobeyed orders and brought blankets and water to the wounded from both North and South during the Battle of Fredericksburg; Patrick Ferguson, a British soldier during the American Revolution who had the chance to kill George Washington, but refused to shoot a man in the back; and Oswald Boelcke, a German WWI flying ace who was one of the most influential tacticians of early air combat, but was known for making sure the airmen he shot down made it to the ground alive.

These inspirational stories illustrate that even in the midst of unspeakable horrors of war, acts of kindness, mercy, compassion, and humanity can prevail and, in doing so, expand our conventional thinking of honor and battlefield glory.

 * Goodreads * Amazon * Deseret Book *

I love history and I love true stories in history- especially ones that inspire me and bring hope.  This book is full of stories of people who showed compassion, kindness or mercy during the struggle of war.  

The author goes into some depth to describe the events surrounding each person and their circumstances.  This really helps set the tone for what made their acts so profound.  I received an ARC copy of this book so mine didn't have the photos that I think are included in the final copy.  I wish I could see those pictures.  

War brings such devastation and loss.  These stories brought this out but I love reading about people who, in the midst of such devastation and loss, still found a way to extend kindness.  I loved the story of Richard Kirkland who heard the cries of the wounded and dying during an ongoing battle and just had to do something to help.  At the risk of his own life, he carried water to men on both sides of the battle.  He was a young man and died later in a battle but his kindness and mercy will always be remembered.  The other story I really loved was about Edith Cavell who was a nurse and helped wounded men recover and then escape the enemy during WWI.  She put her life at risk and was executed for it.  I loved her integrity because at the end, even though she was warned that people were coming for her, she continued on with her nursing and care.  She didn't run, she didn't lie and she didn't apologize for helping save people.  She died with her head held high, full of confidence and truth.  These are only two of the stories but probably my favorites though all of them are good.

This book was hard to read in many ways, but also brought the hope that good things can still happen in the middle of awful events because of good people who care.  I love that this collection of stories honors a few of those people.

Content:  Some description of war and violence

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

Desperately Seeking Mr. Right (Destined for Love: Europe) by Sally Johnson

Phoebe wasn't looking for love in London. In fact, she had just gotten off a Reality Love TV show that didn’t end well. A simple baggage mix up introduces Phoebe to Bryan, and suddenly love seems like a possibility. But when the reality of the TV show catches up to her, Phoebe can't help but wonder if she will ever meet Mr. Right.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

This is a series I am super excited about.  It has some of my favorite authors and the setting in Europe couldn't be better.  These are novellas, not full length books (boo) so you can read through them quickly.  I love  all these themed clean romance collections that are super popular right now but I just wish they were full length novels.  Novellas are okay, I like them but I definitely know I'm reading a novella.  Sometimes a girl just like to have a bit more time for development.  And kissing.  Especially in books from her favorite authors.

This story is set in London, England for the most part.  It's a place I haven't traveled to quite yet, but it's on the list of places I really want to go.  This romance starts with the normal noticing and awareness.  Then a convenient luggage mix up provides the perfect opportunity for Phoebe and Bryan to meet.  From there they spend some time hitting the local tourist spots.  I liked the normal and natural progression of their time getting to know each other.  Phoebe and Bryan are both just nice people.  They are easy to like.  And what could be more romantic than meeting your love while on vacation in London?  This book was light and sweet.  The glitch wasn't too over the top and the resolution made me happy.  This is a great start to this series and I can't wait to read the next one!

This book is on Kindle Unlimited if you have that!  :)

Content:  kissing

- I received a copy of this book from the author.  A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

Sweet Dreams (Indigo Bay Sweet Romance Series Book 1) by Stacy Claflin

Ever since her twin became a singing sensation, Sky Hampton has struggled to be appreciated for who she is—apart from her sister. She wards off Aspen’s fans, who beg for autographs and selfies everywhere Sky goes. She can’t even find a guy who likes her for her. Sky flees to the small coastal town of Indigo Bay in hopes of blending in and building her blossoming career.

Jace Fisher is the textbook definition of the strong silent type—nobody can break through his tough exterior. He has suffered more than his fair share of tragedies, and to protect his shattered heart, he pushes everyone away. Jace spends his days fixing the Indigo Bay cottages, and his nights… nobody really knows. He keeps to himself.

When Jace shows up to fix Sky’s AC, he barely notices her and she’s distracted with settling in. It takes an emergency situation to get them talking, and when they do, the two find they have more in common than first appeared. As their attraction grows, defenses soar. Will they be able to risk love when they’ve both been burned in the past?

This is the first book in the Indigo Bay Sweet Romance series (a story world created by six fabulous authors) as well as a spinoff from USA Today bestselling author Stacy Claflin's Hunters series. This sweet romance is a standalone, and can be read on its own.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I'm super excited about this new Indigo Bay series!  Different authors are writing the books but it's all set in the same town.  These kinds of series are fun because you can find new authors to love or enjoy the ones you already know and love.  My only little tiny complaint is that the books are just novellas and I'm always left longing for just a bit more.  I've been reading a LOT of novellas lately and I'm wishing authors would get back to those full length novels I love.  Even in a collection series like these.

Stacy Claflin is not a new author to me.  I've read many of her books and I've enjoyed them- especially her clean romance line and the Hunter's series.  This book is a spin-off from that series but obviously can stand alone.

I love the setting for this series.  What could be better than a cute little town with a beach?  In this book, Sky is escaping her life before, holing up and trying to figure out where she wants to be.  Jace is the handiest of handy men, working on the property Sky is staying at.  I loved their initial attraction and interest in each other and how that progressed into a very normal dating situation.  

There was one scene that I didn't love where Sky is pitching a fit and refuses to tell Hunter why she is upset.  It felt so out of character for Sky and so juvenile.  I didn't like it and it clouded me toward Sky after that.  But Jace?  I loved him from beginning to end.  He's a good guy all the way around.

I liked this book and it definitely peaked my interest in this series.  I'm looking forward to reading the other books- up next for me is Sweet Regrets by Jennifer Peel but that one isn't until June.  I can't wait though!!

Content:  Clean, some kissing

-I received a copy of this book from the author.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Sweetbriar Cottage by Denise Hunter

When Noah and Josephine Mitchell discover their divorce was never actually finalized, their lives are turned upside down.

Following his divorce, Noah gave up his dream job, settling at a remote horse ranch in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia, putting much-needed distance between himself and the former love of his life. But then Noah gets a letter from the IRS claiming he and Josephine are still married. When he confronts Josephine for the first time in months, they discover that she missed the final step in filing the paperwork and they are, in fact, still married.

Josephine is no happier about the news than Noah. Maybe the failed marriage—and okay, the botched divorce—was her fault, but her heart was shattered right alongside his, more than he would ever believe. The sooner they put this marriage behind them, the better for both of their sakes.

But when Josephine delivers the final paperwork to his ranch, the two become stranded in his cottage during the worst spring snowstorm in a decade. Being trapped with Josephine is a test of Noah’s endurance. He wrestles with resentment and an unmistakable pull to his wife—still beautiful, still brave, and still more intriguing than any woman he’s ever known.

As they find themselves confronted with each other and their shared past, old wounds surface and tempers flare. But when they are forced out into the storm, they must rely on each other in a way they never have before. Josephine finally opens up about her tragic past, and Noah realizes she’s never been loved unconditionally by anyone—including him. Will Noah accept the challenge to pursue Josephine’s heart? And can she finally find the courage to trust Noah?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

That is a really long blurb.  It pretty much sums up the whole story.  I'm glad I didn't read it before I read the book because it would have taken out the anticipation of what was to come for me.  

This book was basically Josephine and Noah wading through the muck of their broken marriage and struggling against each other and truth, which always has a way of coming out one way or another.  

Josephine is a secret keeper.  She has an awful, horrible past and it has really messed with her ability to connect to people and share her real self.  Noah is angry and confused and rightly so.  His knowledge is limited and it's hard to judge situations for what they are when you have limited knowledge.  I really loved Noah.  Even in his gruffy and self preservation moments, he was kind and protective.  He showed respect when most people would say it wasn't deserved.  The love in his heart was the catalyst for change and healing.  

This book deals with such heavy issues.  It really isn't a light-hearted romp through the park and reading it at some points was very hard.  The characters are in a messy situation.  Situations alternate between the present and the past.  It was good as a reader to be able to visualize their initial meeting and their growing relationship to balance out the present day angst.  The flashbacks to Josephine's past are just sad and hurt my heart.  But those helped me to feel the compassion I needed to like Josephine and understand her better.  The book is well written and I felt the constant pull to keep reading in order to find the resolution I was so desperately seeking for these characters.

Content:  rape, sexual abuse, child abuse and neglect, marital affair, Christian fiction

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.   A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.