Review of Absolute Trust by Piper Drake

 Brief Summary courtesy of Forever

LOVE IS THE GREATEST RISK OF ALL

After multiple tours of duty, Brandon Forte returns to his hometown on a personal mission: to open a facility for military service dogs like Haydn, a German shepherd who's seen his share of combat and loss. It also brings him back to Sophie Kim, a beacon of light in his life . . . and the one woman he can't have. But Forte's success means he's made enemies in high places. Enemies who are now after Sophie . . .

When Forte enlisted and left without saying goodbye, Sophie did her best to move on. But with her first love back in town, looking sexier than ever, she's constantly reminded of what they could have had. Then after he risks himself for her, Sophie realizes she'll have to put her life in the hands of the man who broke her heart, knowing the danger -and the sparks between them- could consume them both.

My Review:

I received a copy of Absolute Trust from the Publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. This was the first book that I read by Piper Drake and the first that I read in the True Heroes series. I really enjoyed these books because as we know I like books with more than just romance which this one delivered. This book had a great mix of romance, mystery and suspense.

In addition to the writing style I really enjoyed the story that Piper wrote with Sophie and Brandon. I think that she did a really great job developing the characters and building their relationship from when they were in high school to present day. Another aspect about Sophie and Brandon's story was to see how their relationship grew through the turn of events in the book. You were really able to see how much they loved each other and how it was more than just about romance.

Lastly, my favorite part of the book just like in Ultimate Courage was the dogs. I am a sucker for anything about dogs so when they played a key role in this book it was hook, line and sinker.

Can't wait to read more from Piper Drake and to see what characters she has in store for more of her books.

Review of Ultimate Courage by Piper Drake

                                                   

Brief Summary courtesy of Forever Publishing

LOVE IS AN ACT OF BRAVERY

Retired Navy SEAL Alex Rojas is putting his life back together, one piece at a time. Being a single dad to his young daughter and working at Hope's Crossing Kennels to help rehab a former guard dog, he struggles every day to control his PTSD. But when Elisa Hall shows up, on the run and way too cautious, she unleashes his every protective instinct.

Elisa's past never stays in her rear view mirror for long, and she refuses to put anyone else in danger. But with Alex guarding her so fiercely yet looking at her so tenderly, she's never felt safer . . . or more terrified that the secrets she keeps could put countless people in grave peril. The only way for both to fully escape their demons will take the ultimate act of courage: letting go and learning to trust each other.

My Review: 

I received a copy of "Ultimate Courage" by Piper Drake from Forever Publishing in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. This is the second book that I have read of Piper's and the second in the True Heroes series. After I read Absolute Trust I was hooked on this series and wanted to read more about these characters that Piper wrote about. 

Piper did a great job of creating well developed characters. From Elisa's back story to why she was in town to Alex Rojas and his daughter and how they landed in Hopes Crossing. In addition to creating well developed characters, Piper also did a great job of setting the scene. From the beginning of Elisa being on the run and looking for another place to stay for a couple days to dog kennels that she later found to be a sanctuary. It was so well written and vivid that you as the reader could imagine being in Hopes Crossing. 

As for the writing style in this book i think it was very well done as it had a mix of different styles: romance, family and suspense. It had me hooked from the very first chapter until the very end as you didn't know what way it was going to end.

My favorite part of the book you would think would have been the romance, but it wasn't. Don't get me wrong Alex and Elisa definitely had a great love story and good connection but to me the connection between Alex's dog and Elisa was what I found truly very interesting. It was cool to see a dog and a human both afraid to open up and trust again be able to do so with the help of each other. 

I think that the only part of the book that I would have changed would have been the end of the book. It felt rushed, which was weird as the whole book was leading up to it. I think there is definitely more that could have been done and it just didn't do justice to the well written first part of the book.

I am interested to see if she does any more books in this series after the next one, if not I am definitely interested to see the next series that she has to write as I definitely enjoyed this series so far. 

Review of Reed (Malloys of Montana #3) by R.C. Ryan

Brief Summary Courtesy of Forever Publishing

A fresh start. That's exactly what Ally Shaw needs and what she's found in Glacier Ridge, Montana. Creating a simpler life with her young son and reconnecting with her only remaining family-it's all part of Ally's plan to chase away the pain of her past. But when a dangerously irresistible cowboy rescues her little boy, Ally can't deny she's excited about what else the future might bring.

Reed Malloy was a wild horse who wouldn't be broken. Devoted to his work on the land at the expense of everything else, he'd never met a woman who could hold his interest... until Ally. And now, beautiful Ally and her fearless, freckled child have this cowboy wanting more. This isn't Ally's first time at the rodeo, though, and convincing her to trust him isn't easy. But there isn't anything he won't do to keep her safe... and make her, his.

My Review: 

I received a copy of Reed from the publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. This is the first book that I have read from R.C. Ryan and also the first I have read in the Malloy series. Having never read any of R.C.'s books in the past I was not sure what her style of writing was going to be like and how it would work with me starting by reading book three.

In regards to writing style I found that R.C.'s was a mix of romance and suspense. She had the love story that I enjoy but also had the suspense that has you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what happens next. I think having these two styles in the book helped keep you hooked as reader because you want to know how the book would end.

As for jumping in to this series on the third book instead of with the first one it didn't hurt at all. R.C. does a good job having them connect a little but also make them stand alone so it doesn't matter what book you start reading in the series. I definitely do want to go back and read the first two now that i have read about the first two brothers.

I think that R.C. did a great job developing the main characters in this book, Ally and Reed. There was enough back story on them to understand how they ticked but not overboard where it didn't make sense. I found it very interesting to see the character development through the book of Ally's uncle as well. At first he seems like a cranky old man, but deep down there was more to him that later comes out.

My favorite part of the book how ever wasn't the romance or the suspense. It was the connection that Reed and Kyle had. It was awesome to see how Reed was able to connect with Ally's son and help him come out of his shell. I enjoyed R.C. showing that it is not only important to connect with the mother/father in a relationship but also their children as it can define whether or not the relationship will last.

Review of Lost and Found Sisters by Jill Shalvis

Brief Summary courtesy of William Morrow Paperbacks

They say life can change in an instant…

After losing her sister in a devastating car accident, chef Quinn Weller is finally getting her life back on track. She appears to have it all: a loving family, a dream job in one of L.A.'s hottest eateries, and a gorgeous boyfriend dying to slip an engagement ring on her finger. So why does she feel so empty, like she's looking for a missing piece she can't find?

The answer comes when a lawyer tracks down Quinn and reveals a bombshell secret and a mysterious inheritance that only she can claim. This shocking revelation washes over Quinn like a tidal wave. Her whole life has been a lie.

On impulse, Quinn gives up her job, home, and boyfriend. She heads up the coast to the small hometown of Wildstone, California, which is just a few hours north, but feels worlds apart from Los Angeles. Though she doesn't quite fit in right away, she can't help but be drawn to the town’s simple pleasures…and the handsome, dark-haired stranger who offers friendship with no questions asked.

As Quinn settles into Wildstone, she discovers there's another surprise in store for her. The inheritance isn't a house or money, but rather something earthshattering, something that will make her question everything she thought she knew about herself, about her family. Now with a world of possibilities opening up to Quinn, she must decide if this new life is the one she was always meant to have—and the one that could finally give her the fulfillment she's searched so long for.

My Review: 

I received an ARC of Lost and Found Sisters from the author and publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. This is the first book in a new series by one of my favorite authors, Jill Shalvis. When I got the opportunity to read this book I jumped at the chance. All of the books that I read of Jill's always have a little bit of comedy, romance and at times emotional dialogue all wrapped into one story. This book was no different.

Jill did a great job of creating a story that not only had a well developed lead female character, Quinn and male lead character Mick, but also a very well developed supporting character in Tilly. This really added to the story because it was something that I have not seen in her books before. Jill also gave you enough of a back story with the leads that it helped you understand their actions better as you read the book. In addition to creating well developed characters she also did a great job of setting the scene. The small town where Lost and Found Sisters took place really fit perfectly with the book and with how descriptive Jill was (which was not overboard at all) I really felt like I was there.

Jill as always with any of her books also added a little bit of humor that fit perfectly with this story. In this story she did it two different ways. One at the beginning of the chapters as quotes and also through out the story. Here are two of my favorite quotes from the book:

"Becoming an adult is a lot like when you're trying to get one ice cube form a cup into your mouth and they all fall on your face"

"There's a big difference between want and need," she muttered to herself, picking her pad and pen back up. "I mean, I want a bikini body, but I need chicken nuggets."

Lastly, I really enjoyed the emotional aspect of the story that Jill but in there with Quinn losing her sister and feeling lost and alone and then finding the sister she never knew she had. Quinn's emotional journey through out the book really tug at my heart strings and held me from the very first chapter.

I can't wait to read more of the Wildstone series.

Review of The Bastard Billionaire by Jessica Lemmon

Brief Book Summary Courtesy of Forever-Grand Central Publishing

Beauty and the Beastly Billionaire . . .

Eli Crane is one tough bastard. After an explosion left him injured and honorably discharged from the Marines, all he wants is to be left alone. Yet his brothers insist he take a greater role in the family business. They've hired him ten personal assistants-and Eli sent each one packing as fast as possible. But when beautiful number eleven walks through the door, Eli will do anything to make her stay.

Isabella Sawyer's employment agency can't afford to lose Eli Crane's business. Her plan: to personally take on the role of his PA, and secure her reputation with the wealthy elite in Chicago. But this beauty and her hot billionaire bad boy soon find themselves mixing business with pleasure in the most delicious ways. And passionate, stubborn Isabella won't rest until she tames this wicked beast . . .

My Review:

This is the third book in the Billionaire Bad Boys series and the second that I have read of Jessica Lemmon's. After reading "The Billionaire Bachelor" I was hooked with the series and ready to read the rest. So when I had the opportunity to read this new book I jumped at the chance. Jessica did a great job of creating well developed main characters whose pasts helped shaped the story from the very first chapter all the way to the end. In particular for the characters I really enjoyed seeing how Jessica developed Isabella Sawyer as a strong willed woman who could hold her own both in a mans and women's world. It is always cool to me to see strong female leads in stories that I read because it shows to women of all age groups that you can be strong with and without a man.

In addition to the characters she also did a great job of setting the scenes in the book. She did a great job of being descriptive enough for the readers to be able to imagine being in the location but does not go over board where it makes the story drag on. Another aspect that I liked in both this book and Jessica's first book in the series that I read was how she incorporated humor. It was humor that was written in very well to the story and made sense in the parts that she put it in.

Lastly,  it was interesting to see how Jessica incorporated Eli's injury into the story and how his attitude truly changed from the start of the book to the end. It was written very realistic and truthful on how it would take someone injured time to get accustom to not only their family but a woman.

Can't wait to read more books by Jessica.