Tag Archives: suspense

July Reading List

Some of these were actually read in June; I just didn’t have a chance to add them to the post.

  • The MacKenzies, Liliana Hart – This is a bundle of the first 5 novellas in the series: Dane, Thomas, Riley, Cooper, and A MacKenzie Christmas.  All fall under the premise of love at first sight and several fall under romantic suspense.
  • Choices, Jamie Klaire – An erotica short that is interactive.  At key junctures of the story, the reader can choose which way to go.
  • Long Time Gone, Lorelei James – A novella with the Rough Riders series, telling the story of Kimi West and Calvin McKay, parents of Kade and Kane.
  • More than a Billionaire, Christina Tetreault – Sherbrookes of Newport; childhood friends get reaquainted with so much more.
  • When Darkness Ends, Alexandra Ivy – Guardians of Eternity; The final chapter in the battle against all that is evil focusing on Cyn (vampire) and Fallon (Chatri princess).
  • Against the Tide, Kat Martin – Brodies of Alaska; Rafe and Olivia explore their attraction while trying to sort out the details behind a friend’s murder.
  • Ravaged, Elizabeth Naughton – Eternal Guardians & 1001 Dark Nights; Daphne (nymph and Siren wannabe) is tasked with seducing and assassinating the thought to be dead Argonaut Aristokles.

Women of Power

The Women of Power series by Kathleen Brooks is centered around the Simpson family from Atlanta.  Their father worked his way up, steadily building up an empire over the years. When he passed away, Elle was put in charge of the family business and together with her siblings–Reid, Bree, and Allegra–managed to grow it into an international powerhouse.  The series is loosely connected to Brooks’ Bluegrass and Bluegrass Brothers series.

  1. Chosen for Power – Elle runs the family business, Simpson Global, but someone wants to take her and her company down.  Can tech mogul Drake help her save everything her family has built?
  2. Built for Power – Bree heads up the construction division of the family conglomerate and someone wants to ruin her. She’s convinced that architect Logan is her nemesis, but they soon find they’ve been set up by the true enemy.
  3. Fashioned for Power – Allegra oversees the fashion division of the family business and has been dealing with a stalker for months. Finn, former professional baseball player turned lawyer/entertainment agent, is tired of waiting for Allegra to acknowledge what they might have, until he needs to protect her from her enemies.
  4. Destined for Power – Sixteen years ago, Reid fell in love with Elle’s best friend Mallory who was the daughter of a rich senator.  When Daddy threatened to destroy Reid’s family, Mallory sent him away and broke his heart. She fell in with the CIA and trained with Ahmed (Bluegrass) which eventually led to her career in security. Now there’s a threat against the presidential candidates, her father being one of them, and Mallory has been tasked with discovering the details.  The twist? The order for the hit goes down in one of Reid’s casinos and now he’s a target, too.  It’s a race against the clock to put it all together and stop an assassination that will rock the world.

March Reads

Okay, this month I’m focusing on all the paranormal books I’ve got stockpiled.

  1. Crouching Tiger, Forbidden Vampire – Kerrelyn Sparks – the 16th and final book in the Love at Stake series.  Russell has been tracking Master Han for the past two years and is finally getting close.  But he’s not the only one who wants the evil vampire dead.  Han killed Jia’s parents and brother when she was eight and she wants revenge.  She’s more than willing to take Russell on as a partner, both for business and for pleasure.
  2. Twisted – Elisabeth Naughton – Book 7 in the Eternal Guardians series.  Cynna sold her soul to Zagreus (Hade’s son) in exchange for getting revenge on the Queen of Argolea.  She’s tasked with breaking Nick, Kronos’ son, but instead helps him to escape and becomes his point of focus as he harnesses the dark power buried deep inside of him.
  3. Her Two Alphas – Scarlett Grove – Lucy gets lost on a hike and is rescued by twin wolf-shifters, Elijah and Caleb, who have identified her as their mate.

Moonbound Clan Vampires series by Larissa Ione (Books 1 and 2)

  1. Bound by Night – Riker never got over his mate Terese who was driven to death by the humans.  At least until he met Nicole who had no idea her company, and her brother, were doing horribly vial things to the vampires.
  2. Chained by Night – Clan leader Hunter reluctantly agrees to mate with Rasha of an enemy tribe.  But when Hunter must fight for the right to save his first born, it’s her polar opposite twin Aylin who steps up to the plate and steals his heart in the process.

The Sentinels series by Alexandra Ivy  (Books 1 and 2)

  1. Born in Blood – Supposed “norm” detective Duncan teams up with “freak” Callie to solve a murder and stop a madman from taking over the world while dealing with the fallout from a relationship between them.
  2. Blood Assassin – Serra is magically lured to St. Louis to find a kidnapped girl and Fane goes after her in a race against the clock to save both the girl and Serra.

The Fallen Angels series by J.R.Ward (Books 5 and 6)

  1. Possession – Jim trades a victory for Sissy’s soul which leads to a number of distractions for him, forcing the battle to a sixth round.
  2. Immortal – The conclusion to the war between good and evil which goes the full seven rounds.

Other, non-paranormal…

  1. Cabin Heat – Bella Love-Wins – Part 1 of the Billionaire Romance Redemption.  Abby is headed back to San Francisco and school with five others when they are forced to take a detour and get stranded in a raging snowstorm.  Luckily, they happen upon Andrew’s Lake Tahoe cabin to wait out the storm.

February Reads

…and now back to my regularly scheduled randomness….

  1. Heavy Hitters – Mike Lupica – Book 3 of the Game Changers series. Yeah, I know.  It’s a kids book.  My son read it for a book report for school and so I could help him, I read it too.  It was a good book centered around baseball although those eleven year old kids seemed awfully mature…
  2. Loving the Billionaire – Christina Tetreault – novella in the Sherbrookes of Newport series.  Where it all began–Callie’s parents Ruth and Warren.
  3. Always Loving You – Sydney Landon – Book 6 of the Danvers series.  Now that Mac has moved on, Ava is scrambling to get him back.
  4. One Long Embrace – Tina Folsom – Book 5 of the Eternal Bachelors Club series.  Tara thinks she’s slumming with Jay, but when she discovers his ruse, he’s got his work cut out to get her back.
  5. Maximum Risk – Ruth Cardello – Book 3 of the Andrades series. Tara gets sucked into the Andrade family soap opera when Maddy hires her to get to the bottom of the big family secret, but is able to get loner Max back into the fold with his brothers.
  6. Against the Sky – Kat Martin – Book 2 of the Brodies of Alaska series.  Nick and Samantha only intended for it to be a weekend fling in Vegas, but when they explore the possibility of more, they get tangled up with the Russian Mob and a murder investigation.
  7. Curveball – VK Sykes – Book 4 of the Philadelphia Patriots series.  Taylor orchestrates a trade that changes Ryan’s entire career.  As they deal with one curveball after another, their lives become more entwined by the day. (If you don’t like baseball, you might not like this one too much.)
  8. Deja Date – Susan Hatler – Novella 9 in the Better Date than Never series.  Melinda has guarded her heart since she was fourteen and lost her best friend, her dog and her dad all in the same year.  Now Nate has returned to show her how to embrace life and actually live it.
  9.  A Little on the Wild Side – Robin Kaye – Book 3 of the Wild Thing series.  When Trapper discovers Bianca is pregnant and not taking care of herself, he goes all Alpha on her, repeatedly screwing up as he tries to win her over.

January Reading List

  1. Forever Christmas – Christine Lynxwiler – Fighting for your identity despite what’s best for the greater good.
  2. Just in Time – Barbara Bretton – Book 3 of the Rocky Hill Romance series.  They tried to make it work once before.  Can polar opposites overcome their very different personalities to build a life together?
  3. No Denying You – Sydney Landon – Book 5 of the Danvers series.  A love/hate working relationship gets elevated to the next level.
  4. Calendar Brides – Ginny Baird – Twelve granddaughters work secretly to reunite grandma with her childhood sweetheart.
  5. Reclaiming His Bride – Heather Tullis – Book 3 of the DiCarlo Brides series.  A husband who refuses to sign divorce papers and a baby on the way, not to mention the fake ghost driving the guests away.
  6. Wild Hearts – Heather Tullis – Book 5 of the DiCarlo Brides series.  Amazing how much trouble a dead matchmaking father and a shiny rock can cause.
  7. Always Her Cowboy – Karen Rose Smith – Book 4 of the Search for Love Series.  It takes a near tragedy at Christmas to get past the past and embrace the future.
  8. Deathblow – Dana Marton – Book 4 in the Broslin Creek series.  Broslin’s favorite son Joe has his hands full with an undercover gang op, a murder investigation of a friend, and protecting the mother of his child from her abusive ex.
  9. Daisies in the Canyon -Carolyn Brown – Book 2 of the Palo Duro Canyon series.  Ex-Army Abby is forced to deal with the death of her absent father, her two half-sisters, and Cooper the rancher next door.
  10. Gentling the Cowboy – Ruth Cardello – Book 1 of the Texan Nights Series (was reissued by the author under the title Taken, Not Spurred in the series Lone Star Burn).  A wrong turn lands Sarah on Tony’s ranch .  As much as he hates the intrusion, he can’t seem to let her leave.
  11. Against the Storm – Kat Martin – Book 4 of the Raines of Wind Canyon series.  Trace has his hands full with Maggie and her stalker case which morphs into arson and finally murder.
  12. Kisses After Dark – Marie Force – Book 12 of the McCarthys of Gansett Island series.  A lot happens in the few weeks between McCarthy weddings, focusing on Shane and Katie’s sudden relationship.
  13. Fashioned for Power – Kathleen Brooks – Book 3 of the Women of Power series.  Allegra is out to prove herself capable as she juggles a relationship while fending off a dangerous stalker.
  14. Hometown Love – Christina Tetrault – Book 2 in the Love on the North Shore series.  Jessie eases into a relationship with her high school crush Mack when he returns to raise his daughter in North Salem, only to have it threatened by a jealous ex-wife.
  15. The Trouble with Texas Cowboys – Carolyn Brown – Book 2 of the Burnt Boot, Texas series.  Jill and Sawyer join forces as they fend off the Brennans and the Gallaghers in the ongoing feud.

December Reading List

  1. The Brands Who Came for Christmas – Maggie Shayne – The 1st book in the Oklahoma Brands series. Fate will bring them back together.
  2. Up to Date – Susan Hatler – Book 8 in the Better Date than Never series.  You can’t deny fate.
  3. Bedding the Bad Boy – Virna DePaul – Book 2 in the Bedding the Bachelors.  People do change.  They just need the chance to prove it.
  4. Santa Society – Kristine McCord – How Christmas really works.
  5. Married for Christmas – Noelle Adams – Book 1 in the Willow Park series.  Who says arranged marriages can’t become love matches?
  6. Playing Santa – H Y Hanna – a Summer Beach Vets novella.  There’s nothing like a puppy to bring two people together.
  7. Christmas Healing – Morris Fenris and Jasmine Bowen – When it seems that Fate is handing you a raw deal, she comes through with a Christmas miracle.
  8. Christmas Kisses – Verna Clay – Book 5 of the Romance on the Ranch Series. Nothing worthwhile is easy, even at Christmas.
  9. Cowboy for Christmas – Katherine Garbera – Book 1 of the Copper Mountain Christmas series.  Everyone deserves a second chance at their first love.
  10. Kissing Under the Mistletoe – Bella Andre – Book 10 of the Sullivans series.  Nearly 40 years after their whirlwind romance started, Mary reminisces about how it all came to be.
  11. Mistletoe Magic – Melissa McClone – Book 3 of the Copper Mountain Christmas series.  Another second chance novella.
  12. Christmas Lamp – Lori Copeland – Coming to terms with the past while stumbling across that special someone.
  13. Mrs. Scrooge – Barbara Bretton – Book 1 of the Rocky Hill Romances series.  There’s nothing like a genius 10 year old matchmaker in search of a husband for her mom at Christmas time.

November Reading List

  1. The Escort – Ramona Gray – Thirty year old virgin experiences the twin switch.
  2. Always on My Mind – Bella Andre – Book 8 of the Sullivans series.  Lori needs a time out from her life and situates herself as Grayson’s farmhand.
  3. Still the One – Kathryn Shay – Book 1 of the Educators series.  Unrequited love 20 years later.
  4. Rocky Mountain Romance – Vivian Arend – Book 7 of the Six Pack Ranch series.  Second chance to do things right.
  5. Bluegrass Dawn – Kathleen Brooks – Book 2 of the Bluegrass Singles.  Where it all began–Marcy & Jake and the Vietnam War.
  6. Montana at Sunrise – Blaire Brand – Book 1 of the Montana Brides.  Mail order bride gone wrong.
  7. In Good Hands – E C Sheedy – Beach fling that becomes so much more.
  8. Cowboy Boots for Christmas – Carolyn Brown – Book 1 of the Burnt Boots series.  The perfect one was there all along.
  9. One in a Million – Jill Shalvis – Book 12 (the last book) of the Lucky Harbor series.  Unrequited high school crush gets a second chance.
  10. Candlelight Christmas – Susan Wiggs – Book 10 of the Lakeshore Chronicles series.  Just because it didn’t work out the first time, doesn’t mean you can’t have another chance.
  11. A Curvy Coldwater Christmas – Jenn Roseton – part of the Coldwater Springs series.  The ultimate Christmas match…Santa and Mrs. Claus.
  12. I Saw Her Standing There – Marie Force – Book 3 of the Green Mountain series.  City girl, mountain man.  How can they make the impossible a possibility?
  13. Against the Fire – Kat Martin – Book 2 of the Raines of Wind County series.  Gabe has an arsonist after him and Mattie is scarred by her past.  Can they find a way to make things work out in the end?

October Reading List

I read…a lot. Here’s a list of titles I’ve finished this month.   Links point to Goodreads unless otherwise noted.

  1. Divas Do Tell – Virginia Brown – book 5 of the Dixie Diva series. Murder mystery with some humor.
  2. He’s So Fine – Jill Shalvis – book 11 of the Lucky Harbor series.  Romance with some suspense.
  3. Home to Me – Ruth Cardello  – book 2 of the Andrades series.  Angsty rich guy with family issues romance.
  4. Banished – Cindy Stark – book 3 of the Retribution series.  Romantic suspense where the vigilantes are the good guys.
  5. Sweet Addiction – Maya Banks – book 6 of Sweet series.  Love triangle heavy on the BDSM.
  6. Untameable Texan – Janice Maynard  – Lead-in novella for the Texas Cattlemen Club: After the Storm series.  Love lost and found, cowboy included.
  7. Beguiled – Sylvia McDaniel  – book 3 of the Cuvier Widows series.  1890’s romance complete with murder trial and trust issues.
  8. Not Quite a Wife – Mary Jo Putney  – book 6 of the Lost Lords series.  There’s nothing like an unexpected pregnancy to end a 10 year estrangement in the early 1800’s.  Complete with kidnapping and daring rescue at sea.
  9. Hunt the Darkness – Alexandra Ivy  – book 11 in the Guardians of Eternity series. Vampire Roke and Sally the Witch end up in a magically induced mating.
  10. A Very Levet Christmas – Alexandra Ivy – follows book 11 in the Guardians of Eternity series.  Dickens’ A Christmas Carol revamped (pun intended) as only Levet could do it.
  11. Long Hot Texas Summer – Carolyn Brown – the first book in the Palo Duro Canyon series.  He screwed up, she ran. After 17 years, can they start over and do it right this time?
  12. Night Unbound – Dianne Duvall – book 5 of the Immortal Guardians series. A new vampire army is rising and the immortals are struggling to find the instigator as Zach is brought into the fold.
  13. Siren’s Song – Dana Marie Bell  – book 5 of the Gray Court series. Someone’s out to get the Oberon, Gray Court King. Is Cassie able to save him?
  14. Dare Me – Parker Blue – book 5 of the Demon Underground series. Someone is hunting Shadow Demons and Val is in her own personal love triangle hell.
  15. When I Fall in Love – Kristin Miller – book 1 of the Blue Lake series.  April is feeling the pressure to find a husband when Mason suddenly appears in her life.
  16. The Ultimate Santini Novella Collection -Melissa Schroeder – novellas focusing on the 4 military brothers with a bonus story rehashing how Mom and Dad came together.