Sunrise (Sky King Ranch #1) by Susan May Warren

 

Pilot Dodge Kingston has always been the heir to Sky King Ranch. But after a terrible family fight, he left to become a pararescue jumper. A decade later, he's headed home to the destiny that awaits him.

That's not all that's waiting for Dodge. His childhood best friend and former flame, Echo Yazzie, is a true Alaskan--a homesteader, dogsledder, and research guide for the DNR. Most of all, she's living a life Dodge knows could get her killed. One of these days she's going to get lost in the woods again, and his worst fear is that he won't be there to find her.

When one of Echo's fellow researchers goes missing, Echo sets out to find her, despite a blizzard, a rogue grizzly haunting the woods, and the biting cold. Plus, there's more than just the regular dangers of the Alaskan forests stalking her . . .

Will Dodge be able to find her in time? And if he does, is there still room for him in her heart?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Is it possible to be freezing cold just from reading a book?  Yes, yes it is.  This book is set in Alaska and man, I am so glad I don't live there!  I really don't think I could do it.  So. Much. Cold.  ❄ AND So. Many. Bears.  😨

I'm happy to be back into a new series by this author.  She really knows how to bring the adventure and danger into her books.  Her characters are humanly flawed but trying and not giving up which makes them so relatable and endearing.  Hurts definitely follow Dodge and Echo- between each other and with other people.  Watching them navigate those hurts and learning to forgive themselves and each other was satisfying.  I loved the pacing in this book and how it built in tension and purpose.  I can see the other stories forming from this one and I'm excited to follow this family through more adventures.

Content:  peril, violence, kissing.  Christian elements.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

The Masked Fae (Royal Fae of Rose Briar Woods #1) by Shari L. Tapscott

 

Never make a bargain with one of the Fae.

It’s a rule everyone knows…and yet it’s one Alice’s family seems to ignore. After her brother loses their entire family fortune in a wager he cannot afford, Alice ventures into the Rose Briar Woods to make a deal with the formidable Fae marquis who now owns her family’s estate—a portrait in exchange for her brother’s freedom.

But instead of Lord Ambrose, the young artist meets a mysterious masked man who saves her when her carriage is attacked by goblins. Even though he warns her to leave the woods, Alice finds herself working in the marquis’s manor.

Right away, Alice realizes Lord Ambrose is not what she expects. He’s kind when the Fae are supposed to be cold, and he’s generous even though he wants to be rid of her. And more, he’s hiding a painful past—one that seems to have something to do with Alice herself.

Soon, Alice is torn between the handsome marquis and the dashing masked bandit who continues to visit her in the evenings, but her heart tells her something is amiss.

Because it seems very likely the two men Alice is taken with just might be the same man…

The Masked Fae is a breathtaking fantasy romance with a touch of angst and plenty of chemistry. Each book in the series is a complete story, and although it’s best to read them in order, there are no cliffhangers.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I'm always, always in for a new book by author Shari Tapscott.  Always.  I know exactly what I'm going to get and it's what I love, so yeah, always in.

What I super love about this particular book is that it has NO CLIFFHANGERS!!  YAY!!  I loved going into the story knowing that I would have resolution even though this is a continuing series.  Yes, there will be other books, but each can stand alone.  My heart loves this.

This story is my type of fantasy.  Give me some light fantasy elements and creatures, but with plenty of human emotion and romance.  That's how I like it and this author is really good at it.  I was invested in this story from the very beginning and that interest held tight the whole way through.  It was so good!  We get a sneak peek at the next book and I'm excited about it!  Yay for a new series from this author!

Content:  mild peril, mild violence, kissing.  Mention of death, gambling and substance abuse.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Never Leave Me (Waters of Time #2) by Jody Hedlund

 

In the last stages of a genetic disease, Ellen Creighton has decided to live out her remaining days at the estate of her longtime friend Harrison Burlington. Harrison cares deeply for Ellen, but as a wheelchair-bound paraplegic, he's never allowed himself to get serious in a relationship. However, he's desperately trying to save her by finding the holy water that is believed to heal any disease.

When he locates two flasks, Ellen refuses to drink one of them because she believes the holy water killed her sister and father. In an effort to convince her to take it, Harrison ingests the contents first, and when Ellen witnesses the effects, she can no longer deny the power of the substance in the bottles. Dangerous criminals are also seeking the holy water, and Ellen soon learns they will go to any lengths to get the powerful drug--including sending her back into the past to find it for them.

Bestselling and award-winning author Jody Hedlund plunges you into the swiftly flowing river of history in a race against the clock in this breathtaking, emotional second Waters of Time story.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Yay!  Book two in this series is finally here!  I've been waiting to read this one because the first book was good and left things primed for this story.  You really need to read book one before reading this book.  The story is continuing and all the characters are in both books.  The first book really sets the stage for this one with background and explanations.

Time travel books are tricky to write, I think.  You have to make some sort of logical sense out of it and the author does a pretty good job of it here.  We start in the present day and are there for a bit, then we go with Ellen for a dip into the past.  It's quite eventful to say the least!  The first part of the book was really us getting to see Ellen and Harrison together, interacting and getting to know their relationship.  The second part was them apart, in desperate times, trying to help each other.  The pacing was good, building with tension and emotion all the way through.  

I especially loved Harrison.  He was so kind, gentle, and thoughtful.  Ever the gentleman.  He adored Ellen and it was expressed in his words and his actions.  He was the hero of this book for sure.  Harrison!  😍

This book was a good change of pace in my reading.  Time travel is a lesser written genre and I'm glad this author gave it a go.  It was fun!

Content:  peril, death, mild violence, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

The Paid Bridesmaid by Sariah Wilson

 

 

Rachel Vinson is a bridesmaid for hire: part confidante, part wedding planner, and one hundred percent pretend BFF. Discretion guaranteed. Her next gig is a destination wedding—livestreamed and sponsored—for an Instagram influencer. That means a paradise of new contacts, which could be a boon to her already booming business. If Rachel can keep the very handsome and slightly too interested best man at bay, that is.

High-tech entrepreneur Camden Lewis must know: Who is this gorgeous, intelligent, and mysterious woman? Too good to be real. Convinced she’s a corporate spy out to tank his company, Camden’s not letting her out of his sight. But the constant surveillance is also opening his eyes to things about Rachel that he likes. If she’s a spy, she’s certainly the cutest one he’s ever seen.

As the week’s worth of wedding events march along, Rachel and Camden are learning almost everything there is to know about each other. Rachel’s made a career out of always a bridesmaid…but perhaps there’s a chance for her own trip down the aisle? 

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

 

I always feel so lucky when I get to read a book by Sariah Wilson.  Especially when I get an early copy!  I know that I am going to get a book with fantastic characters and plenty of humor and romance.  Her books always hit my sweet spot!

 

This book has such a great set up.  First, tropical location.  Yes.  I was wishing all the way through that I was there too.  Second, Rachel has a top secret job: paid bridesmaid.  It sure makes it difficult when the hot best man is flirting with you but also has his spidey senses going off.  Because, yeah.  Something IS going on but Rachel can't tell him.  See?  It's a great set up and such a unique job for Rachel.  It all felt very fresh.

 

There was great build up with the characters and great chemistry too.  The flirting was fun and it made me smile.   Also, the kissing.  Oh!  And the ending.  <swoon>  So good.  What a lovely diversion.

 

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

Of Daggers and Deception (Duchy of Athens #2) by A.L. Sowards + Win This Book!

 

After years as a soldier and mercenary, Rasheed has retired from battle to run the bathhouse in Thebes with his friends Gillen and Eudocia. The simple life suits them, so when Venetian strangers come to town looking to hire the renowned crew, their answer is no. But when one of his friends is abducted, Rasheed is left with no choice but to take up his weapons and join forces with the Venetians, including the beautiful and clever Cecilia, whose betrothed has also been seized by the unknown foe.

As the reluctant allies face ambushes and the looming threat of capture, Rasheed and Cecilia forge a surprising connection. But as the party races to rescue their friends, Rasheed discovers that nothing is as it seems. As his trust in Cecilia begins to waver, he realizes that in the end, they will both be forced to make a choice between love and duty.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I just went on the best adventure!  I loved the pacing of this story, I loved the characters and I loved the storyline.  

We know Gil, Eudocia and Rasheed, as well as some secondary characters, from the first book in this series.  (which I also loved)  Rasheed is the star of this show but I love that the other characters don't go away.  They are very much a part of this whole story.  It creates a feeling of family and purpose.  The connections between these main characters are deep and unshakable.  It feels really good as a reader.

There is mystery and intrigue, deceit and danger.  I was fully invested in all ways the whole way through.  Ugh, so invested.  As the danger and intensity ramped up, so did my reading speed.  I had to purposely slow down my reading and my heart.  I love when that happens.

The author did some setting up at the end of her book for another, at least I hope she did!  It makes me VERY excited!!  This author is one of my favorites.  I love her writing and I especially love her writing in this genre and time period.  There aren't a lot of others doing it right now and it's filling a void for me.

Content:  violence, some described.  Peril.  Kissing.  

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

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An Accidental Romance (The Jennings Family Series) by Karen Tuft + Enter To Win A Copy of This Book

 

Rebecca Jennings’s first London Season has been absolutely ruined, and one person alone is responsible: Mr. Ben Fortescue. If her new neighbor hadn’t startled her, she would never have broken her ankle, leaving her bored and frustrated at home in the country while her sister enjoys the London Season alone. Although, it was rather gallant of him to carry her home.

For his part, Ben feels terrible about the role he played in Miss Rebecca Jennings’s accident. In the days that follow their first disastrous meeting, he finds himself inexorably drawn to the surprising young woman—first out of guilt and then out of a stirring affection. But Ben hides a secret: he has not been completely forthright about his identity or about the dark secrets of his past that would make it impossible for romance to blossom with Miss Jennings. Despite his love for her, he knows he must let her go. With her ankle finally healed but her heart now broken, Rebecca is left with little choice but to throw herself into the Season. With eligible men circling this late addition to the Marriage Mart, it seems that Rebecca will have no shortage of suitors. If only her heart were free to give.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

Well, we're back with the Jennings family and this time Rebecca is in the spotlight.  She's the younger sister who has missed her London season for a few years now.  I love the play on the title here with a literal accident bringing about an unanticipated romance.

This story is slow and gentle.  There isn't anything here that will get your heart pounding in excitement but there are plenty of heartfelt moments as Rebecca and Ben develop a friendship and rapport.  I liked the layers to Ben and how he really wanted to do the right things.  He was easy to like and I was rooting for his healing and success all along.  Rebecca is a bit ornery and sometimes mean.  I didn't always like her attitude but as she got nicer, I enjoyed her more.  Disappointment and hurt have a way of making the best of us ornery, I guess.  All's well that ends well and this one definitely ended well.

It was good to see characters from previous books which added to the feeling of family and love.  The Jennings family is full of personality.

Content:  kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

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Take My Heart by Kaylee Baldwin

 

I will NOT fall for my best friend this Christmas (no matter how good he looks in a tux).

Cardiologist Holly Whitacre wishes she could bypass the entire Christmas season and its painful memories. But when Holly learns that the free clinic has lost official funding, she's determined to think creatively, even if it means turning to the Scroogiest doctor on staff, Jack Shay.

The last thing Jack wants is to let Holly play online matchmaker for him as a fundraiser. Have the woman he's been in love with since medical school set him up with someone else? Hard pass.

Except, he never has been able to tell her no.

When Holly's fundraising and matchmaking plans go awry, she scrambles to fix it before she loses everything, but it seems her heart has plans of its own.

Take My Heart is a heartwarming, swoony, holiday romance.
**Previously titled One Great Christmas Love Story**

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

This book isn't new, just for the record.  It's a re-release under a new title and cover but I hadn't read it before so it's new to me and I have to say, I loved it.

I loved the whole connection of Holly being a cardiologist, running a Vlog about great love stories and dealing with her own broken heart.  She believes there is only one great love for everyone and she already had hers.  Hard pill to swallow for Jack, who is her best friend but wants to be more.  It was fun to get Jack's perspective- his devotion, his frustration, his love and he patiently waits for Holly to get a clue.  It was a good set up and I really enjoyed this story from beginning to end.  It made MY heart happy.

This book is just $.99 right now, and is also on KU if you have that.  It's set around Christmas so perfect for this month!  Happy reading!

Content:  kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.