Book Review: H.I.S. Desire by Sheila Kell

*This is being posted a little after the blog tour because of a very busy schedule

How long would it take for him to turn into an ass again? She caught Jesse’s gaze and found herself momentarily mesmerized by his golden-brown eyes. What the hell?

HIS Desire (An H.I.S. novel) is a romantic suspense, stand-alone novel in the H.I.S. series releasing Nov 5th.

Can Jesse Hamilton, the head of H.I.S., protect his client when his past and his heart have put them both in jeopardy?

Synopsis

When FBI Special Agent Kate Ross is injured in a drive-by shooting, Hamilton Investigation and Security, Inc. (H.I.S.) leader Jesse Hamilton, believing she is the target of a killer seeking revenge against him, pulls the full force of H.I.S. into action to protect her.

Kate doesn’t believe Jesse, the only man to make her seethe one minute and lust after him the next, when he approaches her with a note from the Facilitator stating someone he loved would die shortly, and he knows in his gut it’s Kate. After a second attempt on her life, she can no longer fight his protection or her attraction to him.

After making a mistake that cost his wife her life, Jesse vowed to never love again, but Kate stirs something in him that puts his protective instincts into overdrive. Keeping her alive and out of his heart is more difficult than he expected. Then he makes a decision that could cost Kate her life. Is history due to repeat itself?

I absolutely loved H.I.S. Desire. I really like books that are considered to be romantic suspense or have some element of suspense in them. Especially stalker type ones whether they be secret admirers or people trying to kill the main couple as is the case in this novel. 

Kate and Jesse are great together in my opinion. I liked Jesse's overbearing protectiveness because I didn't feel that it went over the line into controlling like so many heroes in recent books I've read tend to do. He was concerned for her well-being in the beginning because he was simply attracted to her and doing his job but then because he loved her. I loved his interaction with his daughter and sister, and how he ran his company. I think the author did a good job showing the different sides of Jesse.

I liked Kate because she wasn't a doormat like a lot of heroines are nowadays. She doesn't sit back and allow everyone else to run her life and disrupt her even though someone is trying to kill her. Just because she has a strong, protective man in her life Kate didn't become a docile character because of it.

The ending was an initial surprise but looking back I can see how it would have been predictable. Nonetheless, I think the author presented several people who could have potentially been the person hiring the Facilitator. I liked the resolution of the novel because I think it was sweet and a generally nice HEA. I'm glad that it is the first in a series because I would definitely read more, maybe about Jesse's brothers. 

I give H.I.S. Desire 5 stakes and I would love to read more from H.I.S.

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Sheila has been an avid reader since she was young, believing in fantasy worlds, women sleuths and happily-ever-after. Instead of writing as a career, she followed in her father’s footsteps and joined the U.S. Air Force. After 12 years, she left the military as a disabled veteran then spent 12 year in higher education executive leadership. After reading her first romantic suspense novel, Sheila finally knew what she wanted to write. She has since retired to fulfill that dream. When not writing, she reads or spends time with her family. She lives in Batesville, Mississippi with three rescue cats.

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Book Review: What's Left of Us by Amanda Maxlyn

What’s Left of Us

Author: Amanda Maxlyn

The heartwarming conclusion to What's Left of Me.

Love found me three years ago.

I’m cancer free, happily married to the love of my life, and working toward my dream career.

Our life is complete. Perfect, really.

Or is it?

I’ve always wanted a family of my own, but never dreamed I could have one. Now Parker’s ready to make my dream our reality.

But sometimes our dreams are haunted by our deepest fears. Fears of failure, having a child, and in our case … death. How do I help the person I love get over his fear when I’m still trying to overcome that same fear myself?

Together we must learn What’s Left of Us.

My Review:

This book was shorter than I thought it would be but I loved it nonetheless.

What's Left of Us begins with Aundrea and Parker now married and living their lives. Aundrea will be graduating college soon and looking towards the future of working with NASA when Parker brings up the topic of children. Because of her cancer, Aundrea cannot carry children herself but the two look into getting a surrogate. They quickly find one and Aundrea and Parker soon begin life as parents. 

I think that this book was very sweet and I was glad to see a continuation of What's Left of Me. I absolutely loved that novel so I was happy to see where the couple ended up. The novel, to me, seemed a bit short and maybe rushed because of it. Also, this may be because Aundrea wasn't actually carrying the baby so not much of the pregnancy could be talked about from her point of view. In fact, the baby doesn't even come until the epilogue. Although, I loved seeing the little tender moments with Parker and Aundrea. They seem like a great couple.

Like the first book, there are many emotional parts of the story with the loss of a friend, Parker's fear of Aundrea dying, and the happiness of having a baby. I really liked the alternating POV from Aundrea and Parker because you get to see what each are thinking and feeling in the moment.

Overall, I really loved this book just like the first one. I think it could have been longer, maybe some parts about the baby could have been added to the end. I liked seeing how Parker and Aundrea interacted with each other, especially how sweet they are with one another, and I feel like they would be great parents so it would have been interesting to see a little of that. 

I give What's Left of Us 4.5 stakes.

To Read the Prologue and First Chapter - CLICK HERE

Read my 5 stake review of the first novel

Life works in mysterious ways.

Four years ago I became known as the girl with cancer.

I refuse to cry.

And I refuse to give in.

A relationship with a man is the last thing I’m looking for right now, but one night with Parker changes everything. He is persistent, and he knows what he wants. Me.

He doesn’t treat me like I’m fragile.

But he doesn’t know, and I’m not ready to tell him.

What if it changes everything?

Tragedy found me when I was seventeen.

Love found me when I was twenty-one.

My name is Aundrea McCall, and this is my journey.

I am the mother of two little boys, married to the love of my life, and living in one of the smallest towns in Minnesota. When I’m not chasing or cleaning up after my boys (yes, all three), I can be found writing or snuggled up with my kindle, a glass of wine, and spending time with my fictional friends and family.

I am first and foremost an avid reader! I love to read anything romance from paranormal, young/new adult, contemporary, and even yes, (wide eyes) erotic/BDSM.

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Book Review: Beneath the Mask by Meghan March

Synopsis

My name is Charlotte Agoston, and I’m a runner. Not the ‘let’s go for a jog and slap a 26.2 sticker on your bumper’ kind of runner; I’m the kind of runner who takes off when her father is staring down the barrel of a guilty verdict that carries a 175-year sentence for perpetrating the largest fraud in the history of the world. That’s right. Bernie Madoff was an amateur compared to Alistair Agoston.

Faced with living under a cloud of suspicion and constant questioning by the FBI, I ran. I’m making a new life in New Orleans as Charlie Stone. I traded my future in New York high finance for tattoos, booze, a few friends who don’t ask questions, and one giant mutt named Huckleberry Finn. Everything is simple and uncomplicated until Simon Duchesne—former hotshot Navy fighter pilot, NOLA’s favorite son, city councilman, and rumored congressional hopeful—walks into my life.

The flashing cameras he attracts threaten to expose everything I’m hiding, but I can’t seem to stay away. Why are the most dangerous ideas always the most seductive?

In trying to get lost, I found myself. And then I found Simon. He loves me, and he doesn’t even know my real name. I’m going to break his heart, but mine will shatter right along with it. This is our story.

Will we be strong enough to face the consequences of revealing what’s beneath this mask?

Book Link

Review

Beneath the Mask is probably one of the best books that I have read this year. I love books that have some type of mystery or tension in them and this one definitely does. It involves Charlotte or Charlie creating an alternative life for herself after her father is convicted fraud and stealing billions of dollars from innocent people. I admired her for declaring that she would never use her financial knowledge and education to harm other people.

Charlie is one of my favorite characters that I've read in a while. She has completely transformed herself in a short period of time and despite her upbringing she is a genuine and kind person. She went from a sheltered and controlled upper class child to a tattooed, independent woman with an attitude. She is in hiding from the FBI who suspect  that she was involved with her father's actions.

Because of her life in hiding, Charlie is reluctant to get involved in a relationship with Simon who just so happened to be a high profiled councilman and possible future congressman. Simon is determined to become seriously involved with Charlie and not just have casual sex which is what she wants. 

I loved that Charlie simultaneously hid herself and freed herself with her tattoos. They served a purpose and really meant something. I liked that she really thought about what was important and would memorialize it on her body, especially when she got the abstract fireworks tattooed after her date with Simon.

After a lot of ups and downs, Charlie finally admits that she belongs with Simon and she risks her security and seclusion to be with him. I loved that despite the secrets between them, Simon is eventually able to get over it and support Charlie when she detained by the FBI. 

New Orleans is my favorite city that I have ever visited and I am so happy that this book was based in there. Just the city itself exudes an air of mystery and wonder. The entire city has a feel about it that is unlike any other. 

Overall, Beneath the Mask is one of my favorite novels of the year. I really admire Charlie for trying to right her father's wrongs. I also really loved Charlie and Simon's relationship. They are ridiculously and perfectly imperfect. They have issues and some secrets but they genuinely love and support each other. I give this novel 5 stakes and I would absolutely love a sequel.

Excerpt

Backing me into a corner, he trapped me in the circle of his arms, much like he had earlier at the gate. I reached up and laid my palms against his chest, tracing the compass inked on his pectoral muscle with my index finger. Our skin didn’t touch anywhere else, but mine prickled with the need to feel him against me. I leaned closer, but he grasped my shoulders, effectively holding me back.

I looked up questioningly.

 “You left me a message, then slammed a gate in my face, then you strip in front of me, and invite me to go skinny dipping. I can’t keep up with you. I need to know what the hell is going on here before it goes any further.”

I sagged back against the edge of the pool, letting the concrete lip dig into my spine. So much for my hastily constructed plan. An experienced seductress I was not. He must have read the defeat in my expression because he said, “I’m not saying I’m not interested. Hell, I’m buck ass naked, and I can’t exactly hide that I want you. But I need to know ... why now? What changed?”

I stared down at the water, wishing fleetingly that the pool lights were on so I’d know for certain that he still did, in fact, want me. But given the leap I’d taken by stripping naked in front of him, I suppose I owed him at least some sort of an explanation.

“I decided that, for tonight, I didn’t care that you’re you and I’m me. I decided to take a risk and see what happened.” My answer was vague and without substance, but I hoped it would be enough. Heat pulsed between my legs and my nipples beaded almost painfully. I wanted him. Now.

But he didn’t relent. “It doesn’t matter who I am or who you are. Tonight or any other night. We’re just people.”

I held in a snort. Barely. He wouldn’t be in this pool if he knew who I really was. I was poison to someone like him. To everyone.

Simon tilted my chin up, forcing me to meet his eyes. “If I fuck you tonight, are you going to throw me out on my ass as soon as we’re done and never call me again?”

I bit my lip. Damn. He should be a freaking interrogator instead of a politician. But I wasn’t going to lie to him. At least not about this. “Probably.”

He released my chin and backed away. “Then, no.” He shook his head. “This isn’t happening. Not tonight.” He turned and made his way to the stairs. I caught a flash of his pale, muscular ass as he climbed out of the pool. I looked down at the water, hot humiliation filling me. What the hell am I doing? I sank farther beneath the surface, up to my chin. I needed to be covered. I heard the rustle of clothes and wondered how he was drying off without a towel. But I didn’t look up to assuage my curiosity. I’d given in to curiosity once already tonight, and this was where it landed me. In a pool of my own shame.

He cleared his throat, and I finally looked up. He was wearing his tux pants, and the shirt was partially buttoned. He held his soaked white undershirt in his hand. One question answered.

His hazel eyes drilled into me. “You have my number. Call me when you want more than a quick fuck.”

And then he was gone.

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Author Bio & Links

Meghan March is a Michigan native who has spent a good portion of her life buried in a book. Case in point: she read the entire romance section of her small town public library by age fourteen. Even after growing up (sort of) and getting a law degree, she never lost her passion for a great story, twisty plot, epic romance, and amazing characters. When she’s not writing, she’s probably reading, target shooting, drooling over fast cars, playing with her crazy mutt, or hanging with her very own sexy bad boy.

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Blog Tour: Hidden Barriers

 

 

Hidden Barriers is book two in the Barriers Series and is considered a stand-alone and doesn't contain a cliffhanger. Some scenes do overlap with Frozen Barriers. It's suggested to read Frozen Barriers first, simply to understand the characters history more.

Josh & Sam's Story

Love has been hiding for too long. What happens when it reveals itself?

Josh Page, a Massachusetts State Trooper, wants nothing more than to put his first love behind him. His career is all he’s ever known for the last ten years. Seeing her is a constant reminder of what he could have had if he had not put his career first years ago.

Relationships and dating women have never been part of his lifestyle. He continues to have meaningless sex with women as an attempt to distance himself from his past. That is until he opens the door and a sassy roller derby girl stares back up at him.

*****

Samantha Daley’s past haunts her. After college, she spends years building a new life with new friends, roller derby, and a bustling business under her feet. Her past suddenly comes rushing back after just one phone call.

Afraid to love, she never imagines a life where one man can turn her world inside out and make her reevaluate what she wants in her future. Almost instantly, she’s attracted to the man in front of her. He pushes her trust to a new level and is willing to take a chance with her.

Will Sam be able to handle the reminders of her troubled past enough for her to be with Josh, or will it be Josh’s secrets that threaten to tear them apart in the end?

**For mature audiences. 18+. This book contains sexual and abusive situations, and strong language.**

~ My Review ~

I absolutely loved Hidden Barriers and Frozen Barriers. Both of the Page brothers, Josh and Jeremy are sweet, loving, and protective. After reading book 1, Frozen Barriers, I was dying to read about Josh and how he eventually gets over his high school love. I was curious as to what would happen with him because although I knew he would find someone else, I thought the Sue would still pop back into his life romantically. I'm glad she didn't because I love Sam. 

Sam is strong and vulnerable at the same time. She has had a rocky start involving an abusive ex-boyfriend. Due to this abuse, Sam has had to run away from her old life and learn to put on a tough shell. Josh is exactly the type of person that Sam needs. He is protective but still willing to let her have her own space and own life, until her abuser turns up after being granted parole.

The Page family make me wish that I could be adopted by them. I fell in love with them in Frozen Barriers and I can understand why everyone in the books seem to be drawn to them and wish to be a part of their family. 

I love the way Josh protects Sam and how she initially resists so she can do her own thing. I also loved that their love wasn't perfect. Their relationship showed a real couple with real problem, although not every couple has to deal with a violent ex-boyfriend recently released from jail.

I give Hidden Barriers 4.5 stakes and I can't wait to read the next one in the Barriers series.

  

JOSH

The feeling of sleeping in your own bed is comforting in and of itself. When you fall asleep in the arms of a beautiful woman, that’s peace. The moment you wake up next to the woman who’s quickly taking your heart in her hands, comfort and peace cease to exist. This is absolute euphoria.

        I’ve been lying here watching her sleep for a while now. The sun has been slowly creeping its way into the room through her windows, illuminating the glass chandelier over her bed. Rainbow prisms dance against her walls as I gently push aside a stray hair, so I can just watch her sleep.

        I already knew I was quickly falling for her, but after last night, I knew she was it for me. Yeah, true, we’ve only known each other for a short time, but when you know, you know. There is still so much about her that’s a mystery, but I could spend the rest of my days willing to find out.

        Lying here, facing her, I push that pesky stray hair from her face again and wonder how it was that any man, let alone her ex-boyfriend, could ever want to hurt her. The heinous things he did sickens me. What could have run through his head to want to take her life? She’s the most angelic creature, and I have to wonder what could have been.

        Where would I be now if Stone actually succeeded in killing her that night? My body tenses immediately at the idea of her not being here with me. Even now, I don’t have any power to help keep that asshole behind bars, but I’m definitely going to find out everything I can about the fucker, and I will protect Sam the best I can. If that means giving my life for her, then I’ll do it. If I already took an oath to serve and protect strangers, I will gladly put my life on the line for her.

SAM

I move away from Josh who continues to talk on his phone with my brother. I scuffle my heavy legs through the room over to the kitchen cabinet I need. Josh watches me with concern written all over his face, but I know there isn’t anything I can say to make him leave. If I thought not having space before this was bad, unless by some miracle they find Stone soon, there won’t be any way I can handle Josh’s overprotective nature for another week.

        I pull open the cabinet and grab the bottle of Jack, foregoing the shot glass. I shut the cabinet door and twist the top off the squared bottle. As I bring the bottle to my mouth, the stinging smell hits me first before I tilt my head back and chug until I can’t take the burn anymore. I straighten my head, coughing as the burn wears off in my throat until I feel the warmth coat its way into my system. Only this isn’t what I need right now.

        I stare at the bottle in my hand and start laughing hysterically before screaming at the top of my lungs. As I continue to scream and laugh, tears well in my eyes, but not before I catch sight of the girls rounding the corner to see what’s going on. Josh stands there, silently watching me mentally break down. Nick storms through the front door, most likely thinking the worst has happened, considering his hand is already on his holster ready to draw his gun. All of them think I’m losing my shit and quite possibly I am.

        For three years I was safe and happy with my new life and friends. I had just found love and a future with a man who was willing to deal with all my bullshit, and in less than a few weeks, I’m back to where I was three years ago. Everything I worked so hard to overcome is disappearing in a flash.

"Live your Dreams, Follow your Heart"

Emily Cameron is America's newest figure skating star looking for her own personal identity. Her high profile life was never her dream, it was her parents.

Jeremy Page is a minor league hockey player who always imagined himself playing for the NHL.

A chance encounter has them crossing paths after several years apart. Which way will his heart lead him? Will Emily embrace his charm?

Just when things finally fall into place, an unexpected event occurs leaving Emily reevaluating everything in her life.

Can Emily escape from under her parent's intrusive ways and take a chance on love? Will Jeremy be able to break down the barriers that have held her back for so long?

Book 1 of the Barriers Series. This story does not have a cliffhanger. **Mature Subject matter. 18+ due to strong language and sexual situations**

 

A romance novel addict finds herself staying up well past her bedtime to see how the next story is going to end. Sara spends her days living on a vineyard in wine country with her husband and cat. Her family hailed from Italy where her ancestors lived in the mountains of Rocca di Cambio. A former Broadway star and champion skier whose career was cut short because of her passion for being a wine sommelier. It was on her way west where she met her husband, the President of a very influential MC in California. You can find her riding off through the vineyards on the back of a Harley almost every night.

Her passion for books has been viewed as borderline obsessive. But, when all you have is time and a bottle of wine awaiting you as the sun sets off the veranda writing became second nature.

In Vino Veritas