Review: After the Dark by Cynthia Eden

After the Dark (Killer Instinct #1) by Cynthia Eden

Publication Date: March 28th 2017 by HQN Books

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

In New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Eden's gripping new series, a disgraced FBI profiler must save her reputation by stopping a sadistic killer she knows all too well. 
Former FBI agent Samantha Dark was one of the most respected profilers in the bureau, an expert on the twisted minds and dark hearts of the most depraved criminals. But when her own former lover turned out to be the serial killer she was hunting, Samantha's career was destroyed. Blamed for the FBI's failure on the complex case, Samantha fled Washington, DC, for the quiet anonymity of Alabama.
Now an all-too-familiar killer is hunting once again. She can catch the sadistic assassin, but that means putting her trust in her former partner, Blake Gamble. Ex-military, Blake is tough, protective, precise. With her entire life on the brink, she knows he wants her back in the FBI…and possibly more.
But someone else wants her, too. A threat is waiting in the dark, a killer who has set his sights on the ultimate trophy victim—Samantha.

My Thoughts:

FBI Profiler Samantha Dark is shaken after finding out her former lover, Dr. Cameron Latham is a murderer, and she’s fired in the aftermath.  All the signs were there in front of her, but she never thought Cameron would be capable of such darkness.  Licking her wounds, she moves back to her hometown, all the while trying to track down Cameron before he strikes again, because Samantha knows he’s not done.

Blake, Samantha’s former partner, has never doubted her abilities and knew she was unjustly fired by the FBI.  Company policy prevented him from acting on his intense feelings for Samantha, feelings he suspects she returns, but she’s not his partner anymore.  When a new murder happens with a similar MO to Cameron’s, Blake has the excuse to track down Samantha for help, and this time never let her go.

I love Cynthia Eden’s romantic suspense novels! I can always count on a fast-paced, good time with some thrills and chills when I pick up one of her stories. As former partners, Samantha and Blake know each other well, and I just loved the undercurrent of sexual tension they had brewing between them. I knew it was only a matter of time before all that longing gave way to heat and passion!

While After the Dark was an exciting read, I think a little bit of the tension was gone knowing the identity of the killer.  Still, there were some twists to discover, and the jealousy over Blake’s relationship with Samantha made Cameron even more dangerous, making me worry over his reactions.

You could read After the Dark without reading the prequel, Gathering the Dusk, first, but it lays the foundation of Blake and Samantha’s relationship, and has its only little mystery.  It’s only sixty-two pages and currently free (see links below). 

3.5 Suns

The prequel to After the Dark (which I highly recommend reading first) is free on:

Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

Connect with Cynthia Eden:

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Giveaway: The One Real Thing & Every Little Thing by Samantha Young

Happy Friday readers! I thought I'd celebrate that the weekend is just about here by offering up a giveaway.  As most of you readers know, I'm a fan of Samantha Young's romances so I'm excited to offer up the first two books of her new series Hart's Boardwalk: The One Real Thing and Every Little Thing (my review), just released earlier this month. The giveaway is provided by the lovely people of Berkley and open to US and CA residents.  Just fill out the rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

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Review & Giveaway: Every Little Thing by Samantha Young

I've long been a fan of Samantha Young's romances so I'm thrilled to share my review of Every Little Thing as well as an awesome giveaway of ALL SIX On Dublin Street series generously provided by Berkley and the giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY!! Awesome, right?!

Every Little Thing  (Hart's Boardwalk #2) by Samantha Young

Publication Date: March 7th 2017 by Berkley

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

Hartwell, Delaware—the perfect place to get away from it all, and find what you never knew you needed…

Bailey Hartwell has many reasons to feel content—her successful business, a close circle of friends, and her steady boyfriend…even if their romance feels staid after ten years without a serious commitment. The only challenge in her life comes in the form of sexy businessman Vaughn Tremaine. She thinks the ex-New Yorker acts superior and that he considers her a small-town nobody. But when Bailey’s blindsided by a betrayal, she’s shocked to discover Vaughn is actually a decent guy.

Vaughn admires Bailey’s free spirit, independence, and loyalty. As his passion for her has grown, his antagonism toward her has only worsened. Every little thing Bailey does seduces him. But when Vaughn’s painful emotional past makes him walk away in fear he will hurt her, it opens an old wound in Bailey, and she uncharacteristically retreats.

Once Vaughn begins to realize he’s made the biggest mistake of his life, he has no choice but to fight like he’s never fought before to convince Bailey that the love they’ve found together only comes around once in a lifetime.

My Thoughts:

Bailey and Vaughn have had an antagonistic relationship since Vaughn built his hotel on the Bailey’s beloved boardwalk.  They verbally spar and snark, and could be pretty terrible to each other, but everyone around can sense the underlying attraction there.  That’s been a moot point since Bailey’s been with the same guy for the last ten years, a lackluster relationship to anyone with eyes, but it’s safe and comfortable to Bailey.  Tom is reliable and would never break her heart, or would he?  That question is answered leaving Bailey on her own and ready to move on.  She’s attracted to Vaughn, and can finally acknowledge it, but should she when she barely likes the man?

They dynamics in their relationship have changed and Vaughn finds himself drawn to Bailey over and over, and even though he hates that he’s attracted to her, there’s no use in denying it.  He’s not interested in settling down, so it would be a waste of time to act on his feelings, but still, he can’t stay away from Bailey.

Both Bailey and Vaughn hate that their attracted to each other for different personal reasons.  For one, Vaughn acts like a jerk pretty much every time Bailey runs into him, and Bailey isn’t very nice either.  One hurt turns into another snipe, and they just keep the animosity going, until Bailey runs into some trouble with the notorious Devlin’s and Vaughn makes it his business to defend her. Seeing Vaughn in a new, positive light changes Bailey’s initial opinion and both let their guard down for a steamy night of passion.  Of course, this is where Vaughn turns into a bigger ass and screws up everything.  There was push and pull, and these two keep circling, because they can’t stay away!  The heart wants what the heart wants! For the most part I was wrapped up in their story, getting to the whys for Vaughn’s reluctance, and Bailey’s trust issues, because they do each have their reasons.  I did roll my eyes a time or two when the drama was a bit predictable, and annoying, but thankfully it wasn’t drawn out.  

On a side note, I found Bailey’s sister, Vanessa so very irritating I wanted to reach into the book and smack her! Bailey didn’t just lie down and take her antics, but she was much nicer in the end than I could’ve been.

I enjoyed Every Little Thing far more than the first book in the series and I’m very interested in the next story to come.  It seems like Jack Devlin and Emery might be next.  I wonder how Jack will redeem himself.  Can’t really say I’m over here swooning, but I haven’t heard his side of the story yet.

4 Suns

Berkley has kindly provided a giveaway of  all six of the On Dublin Street series! The giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY!!!  Yay!! Simply fill in the rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

Review: Live Wire by Caisey Quinn

Live Wire (Nashville's Finest #1 by Caisey Quinn)

Publication Date: March 7th 2017 by Berkley

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

Caisey Quinn—author of the Neon Dreams romances—delivers the debut novel in an explosive new romantic suspense series...

HE’S NOT AFRAID OF ANYTHING…

Explosive ordinance disposal specialist Chase Fisk never breaks a sweat defusing even the most complicated of explosives. So when a homicidal maniac threatens to set off military-grade IEDs during Nashville’s largest music festival, Chase is the man to take him down. But with the reappearance of a woman he thought was long dead, everything he thought he knew is blown away.

EXCEPT LOSING HER AGAIN.

FBI operative Vivien Montgomery is an enigma to everyone around her. So when a deadly threat lands her in Nashville and paired up with the only man she’s ever loved, she isn’t looking forward to an emotional reunion. She’s only here to get the job done and get out. But when the madman behind the chaos targets her for death, the one man she left behind might be the only person she can count on to save her life... 

My Thoughts:

Chase Fisk thought he lost the love of his life, Vivian Brooks, four years ago, shattering his heart into bits.  When Vivian, now an FBI agent, shows up in Nashville assigned with his team to find the person intent on blowing up targets during a big music festival, Chase has the shock of his life.  Can he put aside his anger, hurt and feelings of betrayal and work with her to stop this madman before he strikes?

Oh, the flood of so many conflicting emotions!  My heart hurt for Chase and for Vivian (once I got her side of things). Chase was furious and upset with Vivian, and I couldn’t help but side with him, at first.  The pain of loss, the nightmares he experienced, all seemed so unnecessary, because Vivian wasn’t dead!  I could totally understand why Chase felt so betrayed.  But as Vivian’s side came out I felt for her as well, and I just wanted them to patch things up, and get back together.  This was the perfect blend of romance, and angst, my feelings being tugged all over the place for these two! 

Chase and Vivian find themselves faced with danger as they try and hunt down this madman, and I was on the edge of my seat wondering when the killer would strike next! I didn’t want to put my kindle down and just read straight through! 

While you could read Live Wire as a standalone, I would recommend reading the prequel, Lit Fuse, first.  I don’t think you’d feel the intensity of Chase and Vivian’s connection, or understand how deeply it cut when they separated four years earlier.  I loved their emotional story!

This is the first time I’ve picked up a story by Caisey Quinn.  She grabbed me by the heart and squeezed with Lit Fuse and Live Wire, and I enjoyed every minute! I’ll be watching out for anything she writes in the future! I hope we get Luke and Annalise’s story next!

4.5 Suns

Spotlight, Review & Giveaway: Talk Cowboy to Me by Carolyn Brown

I love Carolyn Brown's Southern romances so I'm thrilled to be participate in the Spotlight Tour for Talk Cowboy to Me.  I loved this story! As part of my stop I have my review, an excerpt and a lovely giveaway sponsored by the wonderful people of Sourcebooks Casablanca, so be sure to scroll down to the bottom to enter for a chance to win!

Talk Cowboy to Me (Lucky Cowboys #1) by Carolyn Brown
Publication Date: March 7th 2017 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

One cowboy. One cowgirl. One ranch.
Who will win the Double Deuce by the Fourth of July?

Adele O'Donnell knew that Double Deuce Ranch had to be hers the second she walked onto the property. Freshly divorced, she sees it as the perfect spot for her and the kids to start a new life. Remington Luckadeau was always a carefree playboy...until his suddenly orphaned nephews became his responsibility. The Double Deuce Ranch would be the perfect place to raise two boys. But some fiery woman is fighting him for it, and Remington is not sharing-no matter how the sparks fly when he and Adele are together.

My Thoughts:

The premise for Talk Cowboy to Me caught my attention right away because it promised a fun antagonistic romance, and with Carolyn Brown, I can almost guarantee I’ll have a good time!

Remy Luckadeau and Adele O’Donnell want the same property, and must work and live together for one month to prove they’re the right fit for a beloved ranch. Remington and Adele see the Double Deuce Ranch as a perfect property to raise their respective children.   For Adele moving off her ex’s ranch means starting a new life with her two daughters, free of the man that so easily tossed them aside. Remy is left with the care of his two young nephews when his brother dies, and wants them to have the down-to-earth upbringing he had. Neither is willing to give up without a fight let the competition begin, and the sparks fly!  

There are definitely sparks of attraction between Remy and Adele, but both are cautious, with good reason. Adele has much more to risk than her heart as a mother of two, but Remy brings out emotions that even her ex-husband couldn’t. Remy has been a tried-and-true-player, only interested in a one-night stand or at the most a weekend, but he’s dealing with much more than a fleeting attraction with Adele. Working side by side he’s come to admire Adele: her feistiness, work-ethic and big heart.  The O’Donnell’s and Luckadeau’s start off with an adversarial relationship, the girls against the boys, but soon working together they form a grudging respect; actually begin to like each other.  Before they realize it, neither can picture life at the Double Deuce without each other, one big blended family. 

I love the way Carolyn Brown depicts ranch life: minding cattle, farming, cooking and canning, sipping sweet tea on a porch swing while watching the sunset after a hard day of work.  It sounds like an old-fashioned, simpler way of life, and it appeals to this tired city girl. 

Carolyn Brown captured my heart again with this sweet, sassy Southern romance.  I laughed and swooned in equal parts while reading, and I was thrilled how everything worked out!

4 Suns

Excerpt:

About the Author:
NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author and RITA Finalist, Carolyn Brown, has published more than seventy books.  These days she is concentrating on her two loves:  women’s fiction and contemporary cowboy romance. She and her husband, a retired English teacher, make their home in southern Oklahoma.

Connect with Carolyn Brown:

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Review: Abduction by Cynthia Eden

Abduction (Killer Instincts) by Cynthia Eden

Publication Date: February 21st 2017 by Harlequin Intrigue

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Eden has killer instincts when it comes to breathtaking suspense!

Once the town troublemaker, Sheriff Hayden Black became the teen hero who saved young Jillian West from a savage kidnapper. He never got over their brief affair. Now the ex-SEAL and the burned-out FBI agent have reunited in their Florida hometown and rediscovered their powerful attraction. But as they hunt down a long-forgotten killer, will they get a second chance at happiness? When a series of accidents begins to plague Jill, Hayden won't let her fall victim again. There's too much history between them…and too much desire.

My Thoughts:

As teenagers, Hayden and Jillian are bonded together after he rescues her from a kidnapper.  They stick together and fall in love, but as often happens with young love, it didn’t end well. They’ve both never quite recovered.

Now ten years later, Jillian is an FBI agent needing some time off to recharge after a case gone bad.  She goes home recuperate, and doesn’t expect to find Hayden back, too, seeing as he’s supposed to be away serving as a Navy SEAL.  But her intel is a little outdated, and Jillian’s faced with the man who broke her heart.  

Hayden let Jillian go ten years back, but he won’t make the same mistake twice. She may not be ready to let him back in yet, but the sparks are still there and they now have a common goal: solve the cold case murder of Christy Anderson, a teenager taken and killed immediately after Jillian’s rescue. 

I loved that Jillian was a smart, well-trained woman able to defend herself, but smart enough to know when to take help when needed.  I hate it when a character goes off half-cocked, recklessly charging toward avoidable danger.  Not the case with Jillian. 

I’m always a sucker for a second chance romance.  Hayden and Jillian never got over their first love, and so I wanted to see them happy and together.  Hayden was determined and Jillian was understandably cautious, but didn’t push him away.  They didn’t hold back their thoughts or feelings about the past, working things out while trying to stay one step ahead of a killer.  This became trickier as the threats became more and more dangerous!  This wacko just didn’t quit!

I love Cynthia Eden’s writing! She kept me on the edge of my seat for much of the story with action, thrills, and twists! I had to read Abduction straight through!

After meeting Samantha Dark, Jillian’s FBI profiler friend, I’m looking forward to her books in this series!

4 Suns

Connect with Cynthia Eden:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Review & Giveaway: Cole's Redemption by J.D. Tyler

Cole's Redemption (Alpha Pack #5) by J.D. Tyler

Publication Date: March 4th 2014 by NAL/Signet Eclipse

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

About the book:

Once, they were Navy SEALS. Now they are the Alpha Pack: a top secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers who take on the darkest dangers on Earth. But sometimes the greatest danger lies within their own hearts....

Healer and black wolf shifter Zander Cole has survived horrors that would have broken a weaker man. But when a battle leaves him deaf and his powers dimmed, Zan is devastated. Believing himself to be a burden to his team, he sees only one option: leave the Pack forever.

White wolf shifter Selene Westfall knows pain—she is certain her father was responsible for her mother’s death. And she lives to exact revenge. So when she is challenged by a savage black wolf, she puts up a vicious fight—only to become the black wolf’s Bondmate as a result of his bite.

Two damaged souls—one filled with hatred and one who’s lost his reason for living—are forced together as they come to terms with their unlikely, turbulent bond. A love neither expected may be all that stands between them and a killer trying desperately to keep the past dead and buried....

My Thoughts:

Zander and Selene are bonded together accidently when Zander takes a bite out of her, while in wolf form, fending off her attack on Nick, his commander. Selene is hell bent on taking revenge out on her father, Nick, after being brought up to think he killed her mother.  As a reader it is evident there’s more to this story, but it took a while to get to the truth.  I wanted these two to get to the truth and repair their father/daughter relationship, seeing as the lies caused them both so much pain.

In the meantime, Zander and Selene must make sense of their surprise bond as the Alpha Team track rogue vampires on a killing streak.  Yes, this was all a little instant romancey, but hey, shifter stories can usually make that work.  Selene and Zander were pretty well matched for not meeting previously, and their attraction was powerful thanks to the mating bond.

My only complaint with this story was the reckless choices Zander made with his life.  Using his paranormal abilities to heal others put him in danger, because he was healing from previous injuries. We’re talking blowing-blood-vessels-in-his-brain-and-dying kind of danger.  Going out with the rest of his pack to hunt these rogue vampires seemed completely stupid when his doctors repeatedly warned him of the danger.  I wanted to smack him more than a few times! Also, why didn’t Nick, as his commander, ban him from going?

Cole’s Redemption is the second book I’ve read in the Alpha Pack series and other than some last minute drama that made me want to throw something, I really enjoyed it.  The story was fast paced, action packed and full of sexy times! Shifter romances are always so much fun, filled with primal instincts and possessiveness!  Whenever I discover Kirsten Potter is the narrator I try and “read” the book by audio (which you can add for only $3.49 when you buy the Kindle version).  Her performance was a treat as usual! 

I’ve already downloaded the next book, Nick’s story. What he went through at the end of this book twisted my stomach, so I’m sure his story will be a bumpy ride…

3.5 Suns

The lovely people of Penguin Group provided a copy of Cole's Redemption to giveaway to one Waves of Fiction follower.  Just fill in the rafflecopter for a chance to win. Good luck!

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