Your Sass is Mine: Sassy Ever After (Black Paw Pack #5) by Melanie James

Blurb:

Jay Dalton swore he’d never return to Blue Creek after his parents were murdered, but when his new Alpha sends him on a mission to help out with rogue wolves, he’s left with no choice but to return to the place he once called home.
Minx Monroe knew who the Fates intended for her mate. Sexy and handsome beyond belief, she was thrilled by the pairing. Until tragedy struck, yanking him from her life.
Fearing she had been left to walk the earth alone, she questioned if the Fates had been mistaken when they revealed their secrets.

My review:

Who says you can’t go home again? Werewolf Jay Dalton left Blue Creek twenty odd years ago and hasn’t been back. He unknowingly left behind his mate but now he is back and she isn’t going to let him get away again. I liked how the author mixed werewolf back history in with the story. This is a sweet and sexy story that will leave you with a smile.

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Memoirs of a Dragon Hunter (Dragon Hunter #1) by Katie MacAlister

Blurb:

Dragon Hunter Wanted: Sword supplied. No experience necessary. 
One moment, I was a normal (if somewhat germaphobic) math teacher getting ready for summer vacation. Then my sister died in a pile of black ash, leaving me with a sword... and her destiny as dragon hunter. It turns out there's a whole other world out there filled with demons, dragons, and spirits. Now my job is to protect mortals - and I haven't got a clue what I'm doing. 
Then there's tattooed hotness Ian Iskander. Part dragon hunter and part demon, Ian's got some seriously creepy business associates and keeps trying to steal my sword. So why do we keep getting lost in hungry, crazy-hot kisses? Ian is the only person who can help me figure out who - and what - I am. But trusting a half-demon is dangerous... because when you play with dragon fire, someone always gets burned.

My review:

I love all the things Katie MacAlister. That being said I was thrilled to start a new series by this author. Memoirs of a Dragon Hunter takes a young woman with OCD and germaphobia and turns her into a Dragon Hunter, No she doesn’t hunt dragons she hunts demons but enough about that. How is she supposed to hunt demons when she can’t squash a spider? Well with the help of hunky Dragon Hunter Ian Iskander of course. Ian has issues too. He is part demon and his chain is being held by an even worse demon.

This is a quirky fun and at times laugh out loud tale of love, laughter and dragons. I love that the characters aren’t perfect and am excited to see where this series goes.

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Dagger's Edge (Brute Force #2) by Lora Leigh

Blurb:

#1 bestselling author Lora Leigh is back--with a vengeance--in her latest novel of passion and intrigue, Dagger's Edge, featuring the men of Brute Force. 

Ivan Resnova wants nothing more than to escape his hard, brutal past. Starting over is not so easy once you've been a powerful crime boss but now, instead of being punished for his alleged crimes, Ivan fears that the one woman he can't forget is in danger of paying the price.

Crimsyn "Syn" Delaney thought the danger she'd faced was over, and that she could resume her life. She never imagined it would return with a vengeance and throw her back into Ivan's world. But when an attempt is made on her life, she needs Ivan more than ever to keep her safe--even if she is in danger of falling deeply and dangerously in love. . .

My review:

I was a little concerned when I found that this was going to be about Ivan and Syn I mean Syn was his daughter Amara’s friend and though I don’t have a problem with some age difference I was concerned. Then I found out that Ivan created Amara when he was just 13 oy. If you like a story that is high energy and keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what could happen next you are certain to enjoy Dagger's Edge.

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Through the Fire (Rocky Mountain K9 Unit #4) by Katie Ruggle

Blurb:

Kit Jernigan despairs of ever fitting in with her new tight-knit K9 unit. They've been through too much to open their arms to a stranger―and as mysterious fires begin raging across Monroe, she can't convince them to trust her long enough to catch the woman she knows is responsible.
Wesley March, local fire spotter, knows Kit is right, and he's willing to help her prove it. But the more time they spend together, the closer they get...and the more danger they're in. A member of the K9 unit's inner circle is determined to get revenge―no matter who gets burned in the process. 
This time, it's personal.

Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit Series:
Run to Ground (Book 1)
On the Chase (Book 2)
Survive the Night (Book 3)
Through the Fire (Book 4) 

My review:

Through the Fire introduces us to Kit Jernigan and her K9 Justice. Justice is a bloodhound and thus is perfectly suited to be a tracker. Kit is the new girl in town and only female cop. Wesley March, local fire spotter, tech genius and borderline hermit is smitten with Kit from first glance. Kit and Justice have their work cut out for them trying to fit in and assuring her brothers in blue she has their back.

I really liked Kit and found Wes awkwardly adorable. I liked that the author showed us how rambunctious bloodhounds are and how much training goes into keeping them on point. This book was full of resolutions and new possibilities. I really enjoyed it.

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Changeling (Sorcery and Society #1) by Molly Harper

Blurb:

Sorcery and Society Book 1 

“Witty and classic, Changeling had everything I wanted from a coming of age story: friendship, scandal, and a heroine learning to flex her magical muscles. If you liked Harry Potter, you will love CHANGELING!” —Kristen Simmons, critically acclaimed author of the Article 5 series 


If 14-year-old Cassandra Reed makes it through her first day at Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies without anyone discovering her secret, maybe, just maybe, she’ll let herself believe that she really does belong at Miss Castwell’s. 

Except Cassandra Reed’s real name is Sarah Smith and up until now, she lived her whole life in the Warren, serving a magical family, the Winters, as all non-magical “Snipes” are bound by magical Guardian law to do. That is, until one day, Sarah accidentally levitates Mrs. Winter’s favorite vase in the parlor... 

But Snipes aren’t supposed to have magical powers…and the existence of a magical Snipe threatens the world order dictated during the Guardians’ Restoration years ago. If she wants to keep her family safe and protect her own skin, Sarah must figure out how to fit into posh Guardian society, master her newfound magical powers and discover the truth about how an ordinary girl can become magical. 

“Molly Harper’s Changeling is masterful fantasy—a spunky Cinderella story with a heroine who’s equal parts compassion, determination, and pure magical delight.” —Rachel Vincent, author of the Soul Screamers series and The Stars Never Rise 

**Includes eight original illustrations!** 

My review:

Sarah Smith is a young woman who shouldn’t be. She was born into a family with no magic yet she seems to have quite a bit.  To keep all who know the truth out of trouble Sarah is taken under the wing of her family employer and is transformed into Cassandra Reed. Cassandra gets to go to school and learn about magic and live a life that Sarah had no chance at. She is chosen by a powerful magic artifact her first day at school. She learns about friendship and she and her two bff’s prevent a zombie apocalypse ala Harry Potter. This is a well written fantasy and I really want more. This is a book with female heroines you can be proud of. I heartily recommend.

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Sinful Seduction (Red Stone Security #8) by Katie Reus

Blurb:

He'll do anything to protect her....

Former Marine and newest Red Stone Security employee Alexander Blue is still adjusting to the civilian world after a decade spent at war, but when he sees someone in danger, nothing can take away that intrinsic need to protect. After stopping a would-be mugger, Blue finds himself being bandaged up by a sensual local artist in her Key West condo. He never expected to stay the night, even if it is on her couch. The mysterious Mina gets under his skin in a way he never thought possible. When it becomes clear that her mugging wasn’t random and she’s being targeted by deadly men, Blue has no problem stepping into the role of protector.

But she doesn't want to be saved

Tired of being coddled and treated like a child, Mina has tried to distance herself from her family. When danger finds her, she’s forced to turn to the sexy stranger who she feels a strong, unexpected connection with. In him she sees glimmers of herself; a little broken, withdrawn and wary of the world. Soon she learns that the biggest threat might not be from the men trying to kidnap her, but from the quiet warrior who poses an immediate risk to her heart.

Sinful Seduction appears in Sinful Seduction anthology 

My review:

Romantic suspense at its finest. Rich girl hiding in plain site. Former Marine saves her from kidnapping. Love happens while he attempts to keep her safe. I LOVE the fact that he realizes he can’t be her bodyguard if he is involved with her. A rollicking good read.

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Collision Point (Brute Force #1) by Lora Leigh

Blurb:

Riordan “Rory” Malone is a force to be reckoned with. A member of the Brute Force Protection Agency and an operative working with the Elite Ops, Rory is the fiercest of warriors and protectors. Honed from the strong Irish stock of their grandfather and sharpened to a razor’s edge, Malone men live for one single purpose: to protect the women who own them, body and soul. From the moment he saw Amara Resnova, he knew she could be that woman.

But Amara, daughter of an alleged notorious crime lord, is a force in her own right. When she betrays her father, she’s finds herself in the arms of a man who is dangerous for her body and soul.

Can Rory keep Amara safe while protecting his own heart? Can Amara trust Rory not to break hers even as the danger mounts, threatening to take them and their passion to a breaking point?

My review:

Collision Point is a bodyguard romantic suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There are twists and turns you don’t see coming. I totally enjoyed.

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Bubbles (Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club Book 12) by Candace Blevins

Blurb:

NOTE: Bubbles is a supernovel at 545 pages. This story can be read as a standalone if you haven't read the other books in the series or universe. --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lexi is late for her cosmetology class. She races another car for the only parking space close to her building -- and wins. She ignores the other driver's string of not-terribly-creative cursing and threats, and scurries to class. However, when she comes out hours later, she freezes when she sees members of the local gang sitting on the hood of her car, waiting. 

Terrified, Lexi rushes back inside to call her sister, who works for the local MC. Ten long minutes later, her sister tells her to go to the athletic center and wait for some guys on bikes, who'll take her to her car and keep her safe. 

Bubbles can't believe how tiny the girl with the pastel blue, pink, and purple hair is, and wants to lash out at anyone who scared her. He and Slick get her into her car and away from school, and Bubbles follows her home to be sure she's safe. When he realizes she lives in the heart of the gang's territory, his protective instincts kick in and he takes her home with him. 

Lexi's nineteen and has been with two men her entire life. Bubbles is in his thirties and has had every sexual experience known to man. He's a felon who's spent serious time in prison and is still on parole. He's the last kind of complication she needs in her life, but for such a gruff, giant of a man, he's gentle with her. He makes her feel safe. 

Little did Lexi know how drastically her life would change because she hit the snooze button one more time. 

My review:

Bubbles is a big, bad, biker, ex-con and werewolf. Lexi is multi-racial and has been through more in her 19 years than most folks will in a lifetime. She is street smart but still manages to retain an air of innocence that captivates Bubbles. The age differences between the two doesn’t really seem to make a difference except when Bubbles has to remember that part of growing up is learning from mistakes and he needs to allow Lexi to make those mistakes even if it puts him in the position  of having to punish her for them. The dynamic between the two is sweet. This story takes us deeper into the MC and readies us for the coming war. This is a surprisingly sweet and sexy story. I expected the sexy but the sweet was an unexpected delight.

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Later Gator (Southern Fried Sass #1) by Julia Mills

Blurb:

Welcome to Hairy Wart! Home of the SOUTHERN FRIED SASS DETECTIVE AGENCY and the DRAGONETTES - proof that it's not the size of the scales but the SASS in the flames that makes the Guardsma...ahem, I mean, Guardswoman. Where the Tofu is always Southern Fried and the Soul Food is vegetarian, 'cause it just wouldn't be right to eat your neighbors.

When the mood strikes and the need for change is too strong to ignore, most people move to the big city or the mountains, heck,some even head to the beach. 
Not me. No way. That would be way too easy. No L.A., Aspen, or Miami for this Witch. 

Hairy Wart, LA, is where I landed. 

Not only is it the Southern Fried Tofu capital of the world, but this blink-and-you-miss-it ‘burg with a population of Ninety-nine-point-five, (Do not ask.) and a mayor who happens to be a seven-foot Pink Bunny when the mood strikes, just might be the home of the craftiest chicken-napping, rock-wielding crazy killer I've ever come up against. 

To say I have bitten off more than I can chew is like saying the Grand Canyon is a pothole. However, I absolutely refuse to admit defeat. Especially not with Sherriff Sexy Pants dogging my every step and making me all hot and bothered. Whoever said a Gator Shifter can’t make a couple yards of denim really, really happy they became a pair of Wranglers never met Beauregard St. Croix. He takes a bite outta crime in an up close and personal kinda way that I’m liking a little more every day. 

With a mighty swish of my wand and my sisters by my side, I have made it my mission to rid Hairy Wart of all things nefarious and make the streets safe for everybody – scaled, furry, feathered, or otherwise. No case too small, no lawbreaker too evil. We’re here to help! 

Bubble, bubble, are you in trouble? Not to worry, we'll be there on the double. No need to fear. No need to fret. We're Southern Fried Sass, Baby. We'll save the day, and my friends, you should take that bet.

My review:

Silly, sassy and a whole lot of fun. Julia Mills has created an insane world with magic, shifters and a whole lot more. Check your brain at the door and just go along for the ride. I giggle snorted my way through this and loved every minute of it.

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A Deadly Business (Vigilance #3) by Desiree Holt

Blurb:

Someone to watch over her . . .
 
Her life in beautiful Arrowhead Bay seems like paradise. But for former CIA operative Marissa Hayes, it’s a deep cover she’s forced to live under after daring to take down a powerful enemy with strong terrorist ties. Out of necessity, she keeps her emotions as guarded as her life, even as she finds herself drawn to Justin Kelly, the most arousing man she’s ever met. But when Marissa must find a new place to hide, the able-bodied Vigilance agent is the first man she turns to . . .
 
 Justin can’t get close to Marissa, if he hopes to keep her alive. Which only makes sharing a villa with her at a remote island resort all the more challenging. The passion rising between them is exquisite—and excruciating. Even more so when terrorists infiltrate the island, putting Marissa in the crosshairs. Now Justin will do anything to protect the woman he cares about more deeply than he dares to admit. . . .

My review:

A Deadly Business is the perfect title for this addition to the Vigilance family. Former CIA operative Marissa Hayes has been living in Arrowhead Bay since her cover was blown as she took down a cruel criminal mastermind. She isn’t a femme fatale or super soldier she is great at finances and that is how the CIA took all his ill-gotten gains. He is not a happy camper and has vowed revenge. Former SEAL Justin Kelly knows she is hiding something but like a true hunter he has patience and will wait for her to feel more comfortable before he takes their friendship where he wants it to go.

When Stefan Maes finds her once again the action is accelerated to a fever pitch and will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end. Like any romantic suspense this is filled with action, adventure and love. Sketch out some time you won’t be able to put this one down.

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Protecting Mari: (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Counterstrike Book 1) by Cara Carnes

Protecting Mari: (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Counterstrike Book 1) 

by Cara Carnes

Blurb:

Who do you turn to when the law is the problem?

Marisol hoped divorce was the key to a new life—one away from her crazy ex-husband. Instead she’s working two jobs and struggling to make ends meet as her problems escalate. Terrified and desperate for help—any help—she turns to a stranger, a man her brother swore could help with just about any problem. The answer to her problems is tall, dark, deadly and everything she’d once thought she wanted in a man. But to him she’s a job. Nothing more.

No one should fight an impossible war alone.

When Ethan founded Counterstrike he expected a challenge but nothing could have prepared him for Marisol. She’s smart, courageous, compassionate, headstrong, and everything he’s ever wanted. But her troubles come with a price tag he didn’t expect when he must face his own personal demons to keep her safe.

They’ll both soon discover the hardest battle is the one for their hearts. 

My review:

Marisol is a divorcee on the run from her abusive ex. He’s a cop so she gets no help from those who are supposed to protect and serve. She gets put in touch with the Counterstrike team. They are men and women who protect those in need like Mari. The Counterstrike team gets some help from the folks in the Arsenal crew (if you haven’t read the books in the Arsenal series from Cara Carnes you really should). Romantic suspense at its most fun. Witty banter, action and romance this story is a total win.

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A Wolf Apart (The Legend of All Wolves #2) by Maria Vale

Blurb:

Can a human truly make room in her heart for the Wild?
Thea Villalobos has long since given up trying to be what others expect of her. So in Elijah Sorensson she can see through the man of the world to a man who is passionate to the point of heartbreak. But something inside him is dying...

Elijah Sorensson has all kinds of outward success: bespoke suits, designer New York City apartment, women clamoring for his attention. Except Elijah despises the human life he's forced to endure. He's Alpha of his generation of the Great North Pack, and the wolf inside him will no longer be restrained...

She sizes me up quickly with eyes the color of ironwood and just as unyielding.
"Thea Villalobos," she says, and it takes me a moment to get my breath back.
Thea Villalobos. Goddess of the City of Wolves.

My review:

I haven’t read the first book in this series (I didn’t know there was one) however I don’t think it lessened my enjoyment of this story any.  A Wolf Apart is a romantic fantasy that takes place in a well written world. Our hero has been out in the human world providing for his brethren of the Great North Pack but he is tired of humans and their ways and their stink. Our heroine is human but she hates the city almost as much as our hero. Falling in love with a human may save his mind but it could cost him his life. Mating a human is against all the rules. After a slow start (it probably would have gone faster if I’d read the first one) I really got into the story and read it in one sitting.

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Worth Fighting For (Heart of the South #3) by Wendy Qualls

Blurb:

For two gay men in the Deep South, fighting for love and family can lead to one beautiful, sexy, and unexpected knock out . . . 

In college, an “are you sure you’re gay?” experiment with his (female) best friend left Sterling Harper married with a baby on the way. Eleven years later, his life is flipped upside-down—his wife has died, his “little boy” is transitioning to her new life as a girl, Alexa, and his embittered in-laws have proven too transphobic to babysit for the summer like they’d planned. They’re fighting for custody of Alexa, though, so Sterling can’t afford to give them more ammunition. If only there were a nice, conservative, trans-preteen-friendly nanny available on short notice . . .

Jericho Johnston doesn’t do “conservative,” but Alexa takes to him immediately. He’s got a teaching job lined up for the fall, a killer smile, and loads of charisma . . . but he is not going back in the proverbial closet. It doesn’t take long for the two men to go from comrades-in-arms against their rarified community to two men in love. This kicks off the looming custody battle with Sterling’s bigoted in-laws, though, and the idea of two gay men raising a trans daughter isn’t going over well with anyone. Now, with so much to lose, Sterling and Jericho must fight harder than ever—for themselves, for Alexa, and for their future.

My review:

m/m

 Worth Fighting For is a heartwarming story of a single father and his trans daughter trying to find their way. When his ex’s parents refuse to accept his child presenting as female Sterling Harper has to find new plans for his daughter for over the summer. Enter Jericho Johnston a teacher who has experience with trans adults and special needs kids. Mr. J takes on the job of nanny for the summer.  

I fell for Alexa and really liked Mr. J. Dr. Harper took a bit longer for me to warm up to. This is a sweet, sometimes heartbreaking tale of love and acceptance and though it is part of a series can be read standalone.

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The Long-Lost Love Letters of Doc Holliday by David Corbett

Blurb:

The most notorious love letters in American history—supposedly destroyed a century ago—mysteriously reappear, and become the coveted prize in a fierce battle for possession that brings back to life the lawless world evoked in the letters themselves.

Lisa Balamaro is an ambitious arts lawyer with a secret crush on her most intriguing client: former rodeo rider and reformed art forger, Tuck Mercer. In his newfound role as an expert in Old West artifacts, Tuck gains possession of the supposedly destroyed correspondence between Doc Holliday and his cousin and childhood sweetheart, Mattie—who would become Sister Mary Melanie of the Sisters of Mercy.

Given the unlikelihood the letters can ever be fully authenticated, Tuck retains Lisa on behalf of the letters’ owner, Rayella Vargas, to sell them on the black market. But the buyer Tuck finds, a duplicitous judge from the Tombstone area, has other, far more menacing ideas.

As Lisa works feverishly to make things right, Rayella secretly enlists her ex-marine boyfriend in a daring scheme of her own.

When the judge learns he’s been blindsided, he rallies a cadre of armed men for a deadly standoff reminiscent of the moment in history that made Doc famous: The Gunfight at the OK Corral.

My review:

The Long-Lost Love Letters of Doc Holliday is a tickle to the imagination. This is an intriguing what if. This thrilling mystery will take you down several paths and each is as exciting as the last.

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The Lycan Hunter (Gardinian World #1) by Kelsey Jordan

Blurb:

When Alexis James arrives at her first assignment in months, she anticipates the danger and violence rife in her calling as a Lycan Hunter. What she doesn’t expect is a handsome, blue-eyed wolf saving her life and kidnapping her. Surrounded by the enemy, Alexis must not only survive her prisoners but the bonds of a different sort that begin to form against her will. 
Mikko Kyran was chosen by the gods to lead his pack, and he has made it his mission to end the eight thousand years of war plaguing his people. The Alpha never suspected that the key to the prophecy ending the Forever War would be held by a smart-mouthed, sexy Hunter determined to kill him. 
Can two people from different worlds set aside everything they know about one another long enough to survive retribution from the Hunters, the pack, and the gods? Or will their differences start a war that neither can win?

My review:

The Lycan Hunter is the first in a series by new to me author Kelsey Jordan. The “Forever War” between Lycans and Hunters has been going on for millennia and Lycan Kyran and HunterAlexis had hoped that their pairing was the fulfilling of a prophecy that would end the killing. Follow them as they make their way in a fantastic world filled with Gods who have a personal relationship to their charges. This book will transport you into an intense battle as Alexis and Kyran adjust to a new reality. This book is a terrific fantasy and I look forward to the next installment.

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Good Luck with That by Kristan Higgins

Blurb:

Emerson, Georgia, and Marley have been best friends ever since they met at a weight-loss camp as teens. When Emerson tragically passes away, she leaves one final wish for her best friends: to conquer the fears they still carry as adults.

For each of them, that means something different. For Marley, it's coming to terms with the survivor's guilt she's carried around since her twin sister's death, which has left her blind to the real chance for romance in her life. For Georgia, it's about learning to stop trying to live up to her mother's and brother's ridiculous standards, and learning to accept the love her ex-husband has tried to give her.

But as Marley and Georgia grow stronger, the real meaning of Emerson's dying wish becomes truly clear: more than anything, she wanted her friends to love themselves.

My review:

Good Luck with That is one of the most powerful books I’ve read in a long time. It is sweet and sad and empowering. It touches on a subject we all deal with to some degree and encourages us to do what we can to learn not to judge ourselves and others so harshly and just maybe learn to love and accept ourselves flaws and all. I encourage everyone to read this.

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BAM

The Wolf's Bandit: Paranormal Shifter Romance: A Howls Romance by Milly Taiden

The Wolf's Bandit: Paranormal Shifter Romance: A Howls Romance by Milly Taiden

Blurb:

Robyn Loxley is determined to save every homeless child she can find, even if she has to break the law to do it. Since the royal foundation rudely turned her down, her target has become their crown jewels. She needs only one more job before she’s done for good.

Wolf shifter Aitan Hansen is the crown prince of a small country where he runs his royal foundation and takes care of his shifter town. He comes to the U.S. to find who has been stealing his family heirlooms. He’s completely unprepared to meet his mate, especially when he suspects her of being the thief.

With the opportunity to score a lucrative piece of artwork, Robyn jumps at the chance. The problem is Aitan isn’t the only one interested in her night job. Her black-market dealer doesn’t want to share profits any longer and he’ll do whatever needed to get her latest heist, even taking her with the merchandise. 

Reader's Note: This shifterfied modern take on a fairytale is full of action and romance...enjoy!

My review:

Robyn Loxley robs from the rich and gives to the poor. The prince is out to get her. Oh what a merry chase it is. I don’t quite remember the prince as being so sexy or polite for that matter but in this retelling of Robin Hood he is and I like it.  A sweet and sexy romp.

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