Book Review: Once Upon a Duke (12 Dukes of Christmas #1) by Erica Ridley

Title Once Upon a Duke (12 Dukes of Christmas #1) 

Author: Erica Ridley

Stars: 4

Review:
This is the first installment of the 12 Dukes Of Christmas series. It opens with our haughty Duke in route to Cressmouth, or Christmas as it known far and wide, for the reading of his maternal grandfather's will where he hopes to retrieve a heirloom that belonged to his mother. He feels the heirloom was stolen by his grandfather and while not forgiving he has not returned for a number of years. On his last visit he had kissed a young maiden and profesed his love but left the next day to never return. Meanwhile our young maiden, who is very intelligent, has risen in his deceased grandfathers employ and oversees the entire estate. Will sparks fly and reignite a budding romance?

I have rated this book 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased opinion.

Thank you Frank for your Review.

Synopsis:
Due to the terms of an estranged relative's will, the Duke of Silkridge must revisit the cold, unforgiving mountains where he lost everything he once loved. As soon as he rights his family legacy, he'll return to London where he belongs. He definitely won't rekindle the forbidden spark crackling between him and the irresistible spitfire he'd left behind...

Noelle Pratchett is immune to charming rakehells like the arrogant duke. He stole her heart, stole her first kiss, and then stole away one night never to return. Now he's back—and so are all the old feelings. Noelle knows he won't stay. But how can she maintain her icy shields when every heated glance melts her to her core?

Kindle Edition, 172 pages

Published October 9th 2018 by WebMotion

About The Author:

Get freebies and 99¢ deals at: http://ridley.vip

Erica Ridley is a USA Today and New York Times best-selling author of historical romance novels.

In her new Rogues to Riches historical romance series, sigh-worthy Regency rogues sweep strong-willed young ladies into whirlwind romances.

Fan-favorite Dukes of War features charming peers and dashing war heroes who return from battle only to be thrust into the splendor and madness of Regency England.

When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found riding camels in Africa, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.

Book Review: Blind Date Bet (Man's Best Friend #1) by Nicole Flockton

Title: Blind Date Bet (Man's Best Friend #1)

Author: Nicole Flockton

Stars: 2 1/2  

Review:
I am giving the story 2 1/2 stars due to the fact the Author series is called Mans best friend and from the cover you expect the dog to play a huge part in the book but really it is used for what you expect the guy figures out something is wrong because the dog won't leave the woman he care fors. 
The story has a gun shire Isabella who doesn't seem to want to like Ethan K9 handler but after so many stops and starts she finally confesses her reason why.  
 The story starts off with a ok lets see where this story goes to finishing and wondering why I even read it.  The story is disconnected in many places.  The side story of her father is only used to egg her on to ask out Ethan after she turned him down.  Which she comes off little nutty for even the most patience guy.
The story feels like it was written in pieces and the author threw it all together leaving his disjointed in many areas.
Thank you to Netgalley and The publisher Tule Publishing for the advance copy of Nicole Flockton Blind Date Bet.

Synopsis:
After loving and losing a soldier once, Isabella Knowles made a vow: No more military men. She’s rebuilt her life and has a classroom full of fifth graders to love, which is more than enough even though her father doesn’t agree. When he sets her up on a blind date, she only goes to humor him -- never dreaming that the man she meets will tempt her to break her one rule. 

In theory, Ethan Masters is not opposed to the wife, kids and house with a white picket fence. But he loves his career as a K-9 handler in the air force, and a dream promotion dangles before him like dog tags. While contemplating his future, he accepts a drunken bet for a blind date, never dreaming that the captivating woman fits perfectly into his ideal, all-American dream. Only one problem. She's gun-shy about all things military. 

Can Ethan prove to Isabella love is worth the risk?

Kindle Edition, 232 pages

Expected publication: January 22nd 2019 by Tule Publishing

About The Author:

USA Today Bestselling author Nicole Flockton writes sexy contemporary romances, seducing you one kiss at a time as you turn the pages. Nicole likes nothing better than taking characters and creating unique situations where they fight to find their true love.

On her first school report her teacher noted "Nicole likes to tell her own stories". It wasn’t until after the birth of her first child and after having fun on a romance community forum that she finally decided to take the plunge and write a book.

Apart from writing Nicole is busy looking after her very own 

Book Review: Sleight of Hand (Outbreak Task Force #3) by Julie Rowe

Title: Sleight of Hand (Outbreak Task Force #3)

Author:  Julie Rowe 

Stars: 4 

Review:
This is the first of the Outbreak Task for books series I have read and I found I couldn't put the book down. The Author has the ability to mix science, medical information weaved into romance, suspense and heartbreaking story lines that will have readers needing more.
This story can be read as a stand a lone book. Julie Rowe has a wonderful ability to create characters who are likable, real and emotional.  The characters comes across to many as broken but instead they have seen the worst in life.
Julie Rowe is able to create fun dialogue that will have readers smiling as the story transforms from informational to mystery to romance. The story has lots of sex but it doesn't over take the story even when it is graphic it in the background instead of overtaking the story.
From beginning to end readers will know where to story is head but the banter, humor and heart breaking moments make this a story worth curling up for a blanket.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Entangled Publishing LLC (Amara) for the advance copy of Julie Rowe Sleight of Hand

Synopsis:
CDC nurse Joy Oshiro is stressed to the breaking point. College students are dying and no one knows why. And her new partner Dr. Gunner Anderson is frustratingly annoying--and sexy, but mainly just plain annoying--and proving difficult to avoid. He spent three years with Doctors Without Borders, and disillusioned is just the tip of his issues.

They’ll need to learn to trust one another if they have a chance at figuring out who is behind the attacks. She makes him laugh, makes him forget--for a little while. But each new clue keeps them one step behind the terrorists, with buildings and evidence being destroyed just as they near.

Now they’re in a race against time to not only find a cure but also to avoid becoming the next targets themselves.

ebook, 362 pages

Expected publication: January 28th 2019 by Entangled Publishing LLC (Amara)

About The Author:

Julie Rowe’s first career as a medical lab technologist in Canada took her to the North West Territories and northern Alberta, where she still resides. She loves to include medical details in her romance novels, but admits she’ll never be able to write about all her medical experiences because, “No one would believe them!” A double Golden Heart finalist 2006, Julie’s writing has appeared in several magazines such as Today’s Parent, Reader’s Digest (Canada), and Canadian Living. She currently facilitates communication workshops for her local city college. Julie enjoys hearing from her readers. You can reach her at www.julieroweauthor.com or on Twitter @julieroweauthor .

Book Review You Will Suffer (The Agency #3) by Alexandra Ivy

Title: You Will Suffer (The Agency #3)

Author: Alexandra Ivy 

Stars: 4.75

Review:
Alexandra Ivy has the ability to pull readers into a mystery that will keep readers on their toes wondering what will happen next and who is the villain. The author writes though different points of view.  The story takes off from the beginning and the characters are looking for redemption and a normal life when things turn crazy with dead bodies.
The story flows from beginning to end with endless questions that Ellie can't seem to find an answer for.  The twist that start the mystery that has more questions than answers.

The story can be read as a stand a lone novel or part of a series but it is a can't be missed Mystery.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Headline Eternal for the advance copy of Alexandra Ivy You Will Suffer

Synopsis:
Every small town has a secret...and this one is worth killing for. The rolling fields outside Curry, Oklahoma, are a beautiful spot to ramble on an early spring day...and a lonely place to die. Among the prairie grass and wildflowers, a killer kneels beside a curled-up figure, plunging a syringe beneath skin to deliver the fatal dose. And as the victim's last breath mingles with the air, it sends a warning out to the world: this is just the beginning. Rejecting her judge father's prestigious connections, Ellie Guthrie opened her own law firm in Curry. But something strange is going on. Ellie's tires are slashed. Dead rats are dumped on her patio. Her neighbour, former FBI agent Nate Marcel, insists on watching out for her. And then bodies begin turning up - supposed overdoses that Nate suspects are something much more sinister. There's a killer in town, toying with her, drawing both Ellie and Nate into a web of murder and vengeance. To find answers, she'll have to unearth this small community's dark and twisted past...before it's her turn to die. 

Paperback

Expected publication: January 29th 2019 by Headline Eternal

About The Author:

I'm not exactly sure when I fell in love with books. Probably on my mother's knee listening to her read Dr. Seuss to me. I do remember that I was barely old enough to cross the street by myself when I discovered the delights of the local library. Could anything be more wonderful than spending summer days surrounded by stacks of Nancy Drew mysteries? Over the years I fell in love with Victoria Holt, Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and J.R.R. Tolkien just to name a few. I read poetry, essays, biographies, and plays. In fact, I read anything I could get my hands on. 

Years later (no, I'm not admitting how many) I'm still an avid reader, and my tastes are still as varied as they were in my youth, which I suppose helps to explain why I enjoy writing regency historicals under the name of Deborah Raleigh, as well as my contemporary paranormals as Alexandra Ivy. For now that is enough to keep me busy, but who knows what the future might hold!

I do have a few other loves in my life besides reading and writing, the most important being my unbelievably patient husband, David, and my two sons, Chance and Alexander. Without their constant support and belief in me, I never could have been able to follow my dreams. They are truly my heroes.

Book Review: Beyond Risk (Florida Wildlife Warriors #1) by Connie Mann

Title: Beyond Risk (Florida Wildlife Warriors #1) 

Author:  Connie Mann 

Stars: 5

Review:

Beyond Risk is a fast pace mystery mixed with love story.   Author Connie Mann bring readers into her world where Charlee has a big family who loves her and tries to help her though the one year anniversary of a teens death who on her watch. Her best friend Hunter who has stuck by her side helping he deal with the sorrow and death. 
Romance, Mystery, bombs, and alligators will keep readers needing the truth behind who killed girl and who is trying to kill her family.
This is a great start to a new series by Connie Mann.  
The will admit that I thought this was the second in a series with the missing information that will be filled in later on in the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher  Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advance Copy of Connie Mann Beyond Risk

Synopsis:
Former Fish & Wildlife Officer Charlotte “Charlee” Tanner still carries the guilt of a tragic drowning accident that occurred on her watch. She hoped moving back home to the wilds of central Florida would provide a safe haven—until she learns the death was no accident, and she’s the intended target.

Tough and decisive, Lieutenant Hunter Boudreau loves his new job as a law enforcement officer with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Charlee is his best friend, so when she comes under fire, he’s not letting her out of his sight until the killer is caught. But Charlee won’t sit by and let anyone else die for her.

As danger closes in and Charlee and Hunter’s attraction threatens to consume them, Charlee has to decide if she can trust Hunter. And to save Charlee, Hunter will have to trust her, too.

Mass Market Paperback, 416 pages

Expected publication: January 29th 2019 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

About The Author:

Connie Mann is a licensed boat captain and loves writing romantic suspense stories set in Florida’s small towns and unspoiled wilderness. She is the author of Beyond Risk, (Florida Wildlife Warriors #1), the Safe Harbor series (Tangled Lies, Hidden Threat, Deadly Melody), as well as Angel Falls and Trapped! She has lived in seven different states but this weather wimp has happily called the Ocala area home for more than twenty years. 

When she’s not dreaming up plotlines, you’ll find “Captain Connie” on the Silver River, introducing boats full of schoolchildren to their first alligator. She is also passionate about helping women and children in developing countries break the poverty cycle and build a better future for themselves and their families. Besides boating, she and her husband enjoy hanging out with their grown children and extended family and planning their next adventure.

Book Review: Flare Up (Boston Fire #6) by Shannon Stacey

Title: Flare Up (Boston Fire #6)

Author: Shannon Stacey 

Stars: 3.75 stars

Review:
Boston Fire series seems to trade off between on story being more mystery\suspense and the other more romance with a small tiny little bite of a mystery\suspense. 
Flare Up is romance with a small bite of mystery\suspense that might disappoint readers if they are expecting the stalker part of the story to be the lead.  Its not and it only gets a slight mention at the end.
The story is a second chance romance that readers of the series have been waiting for.  
The story had me scratching my head trying to figure out why she ran away because it didn't make any since.  The author wanted to create tension and build up but will leave most readers as confused as Grant was as to why Wren left.  It almost feels as if the author didn't have a reason for her leaving and came up with something that could fill .25 % of the book to give a readers a reason for this second chance romance.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Carina Press for the advance copy Shannon Stacey  Flare Up

Synopsis:
Nursing a broken heart while everybody around him seems to be drowning in happiness has Grant Cutter wondering whether staying with Engine 59—or even Boston Fire—is in his future. It’s tempting as hell to pack up what fits in his Jeep and hit the road. But then a 911 call brings the woman who shattered his heart back into his life, and he knows he won’t ever be able to fully leave her in his rearview mirror.

For a few months, Wren Everett had thought the nightmare of her past was behind her and she might live happily ever after with Grant. Until she got the phone call letting her know the time her ex had spent in jail for assault hadn’t cooled his temper or determination that she belonged with him. Cutting ties with Grant was the hardest thing she’d ever had to do, but it was also the only way to keep him safe.

Now that Grant is back, he’s not letting Wren push him away again. And even with the trust issues between them, Wren dares to hope she and Grant might have a future together after all…if they’re willing to fight for it.

Kindle Edition, 352 pages

Expected publication: January 29th 2019 by Carina Press

About The Author:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shannon Stacey lives with her husband and two sons in New England, where her favorite activities are writing romance and really random tweets when she’s not riding her ATV. She loves mud, books, football & watching way too much TV.

Book Review: Covert Games (Redemption Harbor #6) by Katie Reus

Title: Covert Games (Redemption Harbor #6)

Author: Katie Reus 

Stars: 4 

Review:
Covert Games is a fast pace that has dark characters who are are dealing in the skin trade. Lucy is a pretty much simple straight forward female lead she would do what anyone would do in her position which is the right thing.  Leighton is the man who is pure Alpha. The characters follow the tradition of Katie Reus characters from other books.  While the series is on book 6 I will admit as a reader they are starting to blur together.  The secondary characters from other books are fun to catch on and they are in the story as much as in the lead characters.
The background story from the other books becomes front and center in this story.  Action, Romance, sex and things blowing up.  Readers who love Katie Reus will enjoy this story and those new to the series will be able to catch up quickly and enjoy the story.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher KR Press LLC for the Advance copy of Katie Reus Covert Games

Synopsis:
Redemption Harbor Consulting’s greatest enemy, Alexei Kuznetsov, is in their sights. For RHC cofounder Leighton, toppling the treacherous criminal’s empire is one more small step toward making up for his own past. To destroy Kuznetsov, he’ll go through the Russian’s niece, a woman Leighton suspects may also be guilty of dirty deeds. A woman he doesn’t count on wanting…who boils his blood and makes Leighton want things he doesn’t deserve with someone he can’t have.

Despite other prospects, family loyalty has Lucy Carreras running one of her uncle’s prosperous hotels. But the longer she observes its operations, the more she believes the elegant establishment is host to some shady exploits. When her suspicions are confirmed by Leighton—a dangerous man straight out of her fantasies—Lucy’s entire world explodes when she learns just how evil her uncle’s sins are. Now she can’t stand by and let it continue. She and Leighton will take Alexei down together…if they can survive the deadly storm hurtling toward them.

ebook, 300 pages

Expected publication: January 22nd 2019 by KR Press, LLC

About The Author:

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, & IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom's stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn't always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.

Book Review: The Conspiracy (Maximum Security #1) by Kat Martin

Title: The Conspiracy (Maximum Security #1)

Author:  Kat Martin

Star: 4 1\2 

Review:
I found Kat Martin a little over a year ago. From the first series I was hooked.  She is able to bring out characters who will keep readers hooked even when they know the end will be Happy Ever After. The character are easy to fall in love. As well as the secondary characters that will have their own books as well.
The story flows well with the right amount of suspense, action and romance. Kat Martin has readers pulled into a world where sun is shining and people are willing to kill anyone to get what they want.

While the Story has it moments of being over the top I have to admit I enjoyed the story and readers of Romantic suspense will love this new series as well.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher Harlequin for Kat Martin The Conspiracy  

Synopsis:
Harper Winston’s brother has disappeared. Pursuing his dream of sailing the Caribbean, Michael hasn’t responded to texts or emails in days. When even the Coast Guard can’t find him, Harper is forced to take desperate measures. Which means going to Chase Garrett, once her brother’s best friend, now the only man she can trust…or so she hopes.

As the successful owner of Maximum Security, Chase has learned to trust his gut. He knows Harper’s father is mixed up in a deadly business, and suspects there’s more to Michael’s disappearance than meets the eye. Getting involved again with the Winstons goes against everything he stands for, yet old loyalties die hard. As the case draws him closer to Harper and deeper into the Winstons’ snarled crime family, he is forced to put everything on the line to keep Harper safe…and both of them alive

Kindle Edition, 368 pages

Expected publication: January 22nd 2019 by HQN Books

About The Author:

Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.

Published since 1988, she singed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.

Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe. 

"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."

"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era." 

Book Review: The Golden Tresses of the Dead (Flavia de Luce #10) by Alan Bradley

Title: The Golden Tresses of the Dead (Flavia de Luce #10)

Author: Alan Bradley

Stars: 3.5

Review:

An interesting story with a very intelligent young British girl as the main character. She dabbles in investigations, criminal or otherwise, with her late father's valet and general dogsbody. He is also very intelligent and they do business under his name owing to her youth. This case has it's beginning when a severed digit is found in her sisters wedding cake and leads the pair on a merry chase, to include murder and fraud before the culprits are found out by the enterprising duo. The story takes place after WWII in England which gives it a nostalgic feel.

I have rated this book 3.5 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review. Thank you Frank for the Review.

Synopsis:
Flavia de Luce, the twelve-year-old chemist and amateur detective "with better than an average brain," is eager to turn professional. She and her father's valet, Dogger, have founded a detective agency, Arthur Dogger & Associates, and unexpectedly cut into their first case during the revelry at her sister Ophelia's wedding reception. 

After an eventful ceremony with a missing best man and spontaneous ventriloquist act, spirits are high as Feely and her new husband head for the towering and beautifully iced wedding cake. But as Feely slices into the first piece, a scream rings out--the bridal cake contains a severed human finger. Delighted, Flavia wraps the finger in a napkin and whisks it away to her chemical laboratory. By studying the embalmed skin, the indentation of a ring, and the slope of the fingernail, she'll not only be able to determine the identity of the victim--but also point a finger at a killer.

About The Author:

 Alan worked at numerous radio and television stations in Ontario, and at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute (now Ryerson University) in Toronto, before becoming Director of Television Engineering in the media centre at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, where he remained for 25 years before taking early retirement to write in 1994.

He became the first President of the Saskatoon Writers, and a founding member of the Saskatchewan Writers Guild. His children's stories were published in The Canadian Children's Annual, and his short story, Meet Miss Mullen, was the first recipient of the Saskatchewan Writers Guild Award for Children's Literature.

For a number of years, he regularly taught Script Writing and Television Production courses at the University of Saskatchewan (Extension Division) at both beginner and advanced levels.

His fiction has been published in literary journals and he has given many public readings in schools and galleries. His short stories have been broadcast by CBC Radio.

He was a founding member of The Casebook of Saskatoon, a society devoted to the study of Sherlock Holmes and Sherlockian writings. Here, he met the late Dr. William A.S. Sarjeant, with whom he collaborated on their classic book, Ms Holmes of Baker Street. This work put forth the startling theory that the Great Detective was a woman, and was greeted upon publication with what has been described as "a firestorm of controversy".

The release of Ms. Holmes resulted in national media coverage, with the authors embarking upon an extensive series of interviews, radio and television appearances, and a public debate at Toronto's Harbourfront. His lifestyle and humorous pieces have appeared in The Globe and Mail and The National Post.

His book The Shoebox Bible (McClelland and Stewart, 2006) has been compared with Tuesdays With Morrie and Mr. God, This is Anna.

In July of 2007 he won the Debut Dagger Award of the (British) Crimewriter's Association for his novel The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, the first of a series featuring eleven year old Flavia de Luce, which has since won the 2009 Agatha Award for Best First Novel,the 2010 Dilys Award,the Spotted Owl Award, and the 2010 Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie has also been nominated for the Macavity, the Barry, and the Arthur Awards.

Alan Bradley lives in Malta with his wife Shirley and two calculating cats

Book Review: Demon's Mercy (Dark Protectors #9) by Rebecca Zanetti

Title: Demon's Mercy (Dark Protectors #9) 

Author: Rebecca Zanetti 

Stars: 4

Review:
I have read many books by author Rebecca Zanetti with that knowledge I knew there would be lots of steamy sexy scenes what I wasn't prepared for was how much I enjoy the chase and between Mercy and Logan.  
This story can be read as a stand a lone novel.

This was the first in the series I have read and I enjoyed the author ability to paint a worlds within our world that has readers fighting, wondering and discovering a whole new world. 

The characters have a lot more levels than I expected from a supernatural romantic suspense story.  
I can't wait to go back and read the other stories as I wait for the next story in the series. Mercry is the brains in the story or at least in her mind she is the brains and Logan is the muscle.  The story is one of finding balance in the world, relationships and do whatever it takes to keep the ones you love safe.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the Advance Copy of Rebecca Zanetti Demon's Mercy

Synopsis:
Mercy O’Malley hates killing people. So when she’s assigned to take out Vampire-Demon Logan Kyllwood, she lures him to a seedy bar in Scotland, then decides to kidnap him instead. How can she cold-bloodedly end all that heat, those green eyes, that ripped body?
 
Unfortunately for Mercy, attempted murder and kidnapping are just foreplay for the Kyllwood brothers. Logan may be the youngest of the bunch, but death and violence are already a way of life.  Now he’s ready to complete a painful, terrifying ritual to become one of the Seven, dedicated to protecting this world from the most dangerous evil it’s ever known. But first he has to deal with a blackmailing Fey, a ransom demand and his own pounding need for the last female he ever should have fallen for 

Kindle Edition, 320 pages

Expected publication: January 22nd 2019 by Lyrical Press

About The Author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner - only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and sexy contemporary romances.

Book Review: Kiss of a Duke (12 Dukes of Christmas #2) by Erica Ridley

Title: Kiss of a Duke (12 Dukes of Christmas #2)

Author: Erica Ridley

Stars: 4 

Review:
The second installment of The 12 Dukes Of Christmas Regency series. Taking place in the far northern region of England where Christmas is celebrated 12 months of the year. The old spinster (34) scientist develops a scent (called Duke) that has women swooning at the feet of which ever man who happens to be using it at the time. Enter the notorious rake who wishes to stop the sale of such a scent as it endangers his position which he worked hard to achieve. Unbeknown to him she is working on a a new scent (called Duchess) that will do the same for women.  Will the sparks ignite a firestorm between the two opposing forces? This is a regency romance for those who like both strong female and male characters.

I have rated this book 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Thank you Frank for your Review.

Synopsis:
Lady chemist Penelope Mitchell took England by storm with Duke, a perfume for men that has women swooning at their feet. To prove the same aphrodisiacal potency of her upcoming version for ladies, the new perfume must cause a rake to fall in love with her in ten days. And she has just the man in mind… 

Sexy pleasure-seeker Nicholas Pringle—known as “Saint Nick” for his wicked ways—wants to end the absurd cologne that has every young buck believing himself a ladies’ man. How hard can it be to charm a spinster into changing her mind? But when Penelope does the charming, this rakish scoundrel must decide between losing the war... or losing his heart. 

ebook, 200 pages

Published November 6th 2018 by WebMotion

About The Author:

Erica Ridley is a USA Today and New York Times best-selling author of historical romance novels. 

In her new Rogues to Riches historical romance series, sigh-worthy Regency rogues sweep strong-willed young ladies into whirlwind romances.

Fan-favorite Dukes of War features charming peers and dashing war heroes who return from battle only to be thrust into the splendor and madness of Regency England. 

When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found riding camels in Africa, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.

Book Review: In Self Defense (A Winchester, Tennessee Thriller #1) by Debra Webb

Title:  In Self Defense (A Winchester, Tennessee Thriller #1) 

Author: Debra Webb

Stars: 4 1\2 Stars

Review:
The book starts off with a murder that hooks readers in right away keeping them focused on the story as it revels itself.  The romance doesn't take away the story because most readers will focus on the mystery that needs to be solved.  This is a second chance romance story that readers will focus on the mystery and less the romance that everyone knows front he start will end in Happy Ever After.
This book will be so hard to put down and a great start to the beginning of the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Harlequin Intrigue  for the Advance copy of Debra Webb In Self Defense.

Synopsis:
When a tireless newswoman becomes the story…

she could lose everything—starting with the family business.

To get the scoop on two grisly murders, newspaper publisher Audrey Anderson needs help from Winchester sheriff Colton Tanner—the gorgeous cowboy who betrayed their teenage love. But Audrey fears that finding the killer will mean exposing the family secret she desperately needs to stay buried. She’ll do whatever she has to in order to protect those she loves. No matter what happens…or how hot things get with Colt. 

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: February 1st 2019 by Harlequin Intrigue 

About The Author:

DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 140 novels, including reader favorites the Shades of Death, the Faces of Evil and the Colby Agency series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Recently Debra was awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having achieved publication of her 100th novel. 

With more than four million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com or write to her at PO Box 10047, Huntsville, AL, 35801.

Book Review: No Mercy (Ellery Hathaway #2) by Joanna Schaffhausen

Title: No Mercy (Ellery Hathaway #2) 

Author: Joanna Schaffhausen

Stars: 4 stars

Review:
I will say this isn't a stand alone novel but the author does an ok job of catching readers up on what happened in the first book but I feel it would be easier to under the story if readers read the first book in the series.
The story takes time to develop and for new readers to the series it might make it difficult to get though the first several chapters.  The story is full of anxiety, tension and a mystery that will have readers wonder what could happen next. The romance between Ellery and Reed takes it times it starts to develop. Readers will enjoy the change in their relationship and excited to see how things develop throughout the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Minotaur Books for the advance copy of Joanna Schaffhausen No Mercy

Synopsis:

Police officer Ellery Hathaway is on involuntary leave from her job because she shot a murderer in cold blood and refuses to apologize for it. Forced into group therapy for victims of violent crime, Ellery immediately finds higher priorities than “getting in touch with her feelings.”

For one, she suspects a fellow group member may have helped to convict the wrong man for a deadly arson incident years ago. For another, Ellery finds herself in the desperate clutches of a woman who survived a brutal rape. He is still out there, this man with the Spider-Man-like ability to climb through bedroom windows, and his victim beseeches Ellery for help in capturing her attacker.

Ellery seeks advice from her friend, FBI profiler Reed Markham, who liberated her from a killer’s closet when she was a child. Reed remains drawn to this unpredictable woman, the one he rescued but couldn’t quite save. The trouble is, Reed is up for a potential big promotion, and his boss has just one condition for the new job—stay away from Ellery. Ellery ignores all the warnings. Instead, she starts digging around in everyone’s past but her own—a move that, at best, could put her out of work permanently, and at worst, could put her in the city morgue.

Kindle Edition, 320 pages

Expected publication: January 15th 2019 by Minotaur Books

About The Author:

Joanna Schaffhausen wields a mean scalpel, sharp skills she developed in her years studying neuroscience. She has a doctorate in psychology, which reflects her long-standing interest in the brain―how it develops and the many ways it can go wrong. Previously, she worked as a scientific editor in the field of drug development. Prior to that, she was an editorial producer for ABC News, writing for programs such as World News Tonight, Good Morning America, and 20/20. She lives in the Boston area with her husband and daughter.

Book Review: No Stone Unturned (Lexi Carmichael Mystery #11) by Julie Moffett

Title: No Stone Unturned (Lexi Carmichael Mystery #11)

Author: Julie Moffett

Star: 3.75stars

Review:
I will admit I have read all of the Lexi Carmichael series.  The author is able to allow characters to grow and develop while keep the stories moving from one crazy moment to the next.
This book didn't have me nearly as excited as the others. Slash and Lexi are engaged and he wants to protect her from his past.  The story is told from different points of view and while that is interesting and well done the story seemed chopped up and glued together.  We finally learn a little more able Slash past and who is father is but not his mother.  Which is the cliff hanger in the story.  
No Stone Unturned might leave readers wondering why the hush hush over Slash backstory. 
The story doesn't flow nearly as well as other.  The author spend a lot of time describing the scenery, locations in Italy that takes over the story. The story loses some of the excitement the other stories have the villain is interesting because of the connection to the church but he lack anything that had readers wanting to see his end.
While it is a nice addition to the Lexi Carmichael series it felt as if it was a patchwork story written at different times or scenes written than throw into a location in hope hopes to save the story but instead falls flat. 
Thank you to Nextgalley and the Publisher Carina Press for the Advance Copy of Julie Moffett No Stone Unturned

Synopsis:
Geek girl Lexi Carmichael thought getting engaged would mean calmer days ahead. But when Slash's past brings up more questions than answers, she's not going to let anything--or anyone--drive them apart.

Getting engaged is supposed to be a fun, exciting time in a girl's life. But things are never that easy for Slash and me. Instead, someone is threatening to expose Slash's past--a past so secret, even I know very little about it.

Before I can get used the weight of Nonna's antique ring on my finger, he's on his way to Rome...and we're farther apart than we've ever been. Still, I have no intention of sitting at home and letting him take on the Vatican by himself.

With a little expert-level hacking, I learn Slash is keeping secrets from me. Big ones. Dangerous ones. In fact, the more I dig into Slash's past, the more I discover things about him I never knew--things that eventually pit us against each other.

From Rome to the Amalfi coast to the highest levels of the Vatican, we both race to discover the truth. No matter what I find, we're officially a team now, so I won't let him face this alone. Even if I don't know if our relationship can survive it.

Kindle Edition, 374 pages

Published January 14th 2019 by Carina Press

About The Author:

Julie Moffett is a bestselling author and writes in the genres of mystery, young adult, historical romance and paranormal romance. She has won numerous awards, including the 2015 Award of Excellence, 2014 Mystery & Mayhem Award for Best YA/New Adult Mystery, the prestigious 2014 HOLT Award for Best Novel with Romantic Elements, a HOLT Merit Award for Best Novel by a Virginia Author, the 2016 Award of Excellence, a PRISM Award for Best Romantic Time-Travel AND Best of the Best Paranormal Books of 2002, and the 2011 EPIC Award for Best Action/Adventure Novel. She has also garnered additional nominations for the Bookseller's Best Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Her book A Double-Edged Blade was an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Novel.

Julie is a military brat (Air Force) and has traveled extensively. Her more exciting exploits include attending high school in Okinawa, Japan; backpacking around Europe and Scandinavia for several months; a year-long college graduate study in Warsaw, Poland; and a wonderful trip to Scotland and Ireland where she fell in love with castles, kilts and brogues.

Julie has a B.A. in Political Science and Russian Language from Colorado College, a M.A. in International Affairs from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and an M.Ed from Liberty University. She has worked as a proposal writer, journalist, teacher, librarian and researcher. Julie speaks Russian and Polish and has two sons.

Book Review: A Merciful Fate (Mercy Kilpatrick #5) by Kendra Elliot

Title:  A Merciful Fate (Mercy Kilpatrick #5)

Author: Kendra Elliot

Stars: 5 stars

Review:
Kendra Elliot is able to take a series and keep it fresh characters growing, developing and interesting without repeating the the story line.
The mysteries in each book have a way of pulling readers keeping them wondering what will happen next. A Merciful Fate is full of family, mysteries that have readers wondering who will be killed next and a twist some readers will see but most will be shocked.
The side stories are just as great as main mystery.  This readers was up until 3 am in the having to finish the book in one sitting.
Thank you to the Author, Netgalley and the publisher  Montlake Romance for the advance copy of Kendra Elliot A Merciful Fate

Synopsis:
Raised by preppers, survivalist and FBI agent Mercy Kilpatrick has a deep-rooted need for a safe place. Her getaway in the Cascade Foothills is her secret. But when skeletal remains are unearthed—those of a murdered man linked to a notorious heist—Mercy realizes she isn’t the only one with something to hide.

Thirty years ago, an armored-car robbery turned deadly. The mastermind was captured. Four conspirators vanished with a fortune. One of them, it appears, never made it out of the woods alive. For Mercy and her fiancé, Police Chief Truman Daly, their investigation opens old wounds in Eagle’s Nest that cut deeper than they imagined. Especially when a reckless tabloid reporter draws fresh blood. It’s clear to Mercy that somebody in this close-knit community is not who they seem to be.

Some are still shattered by the heist. Some still have reason to be afraid. But which one will kill again and again to hide three decades of secrets? To land this case, it’s up to Mercy to unmask a familiar stranger before someone else dies.

Kindle Edition, 1st edition, 359 pages

Expected publication: January 15th 2019 by Montlake Romance

About The Author:


She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives there with her family and three cats. She's fascinated with forensics, refuses to eat anything green, and dreams of living every day in flip flops. 
 

She also writes the Widow's Island and Rogue River novellas with author Melinda Leigh. 

A seven-time Wall Street Journal best selling author, 2014 International Thriller Writers finalist, a three time Daphne Du Maurier winner, and a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice finalist.