A Longer Fall (Gunnie Rose #2) by Charlaine Harris

Blurb:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Charlaine Harris returns with the second of the Gunnie Rose series, in which Lizbeth is hired onto a new crew, transporting a crate into Dixie, the self-exiled southeast territory of the former United States. What the crate contains is something so powerful, that forces from across three territories want to possess it.

In this second thrilling installment of the Gunnie Rose series, Lizbeth Rose is hired onto a new crew for a seemingly easy protection job, transporting a crate into Dixie, just about the last part of the former United States of America she wants to visit. But what seemed like a straight-forward job turns into a massacre as the crate is stolen. Up against a wall in Dixie, where social norms have stepped back into the last century, Lizbeth has to go undercover with an old friend to retrieve the crate as what’s inside can spark a rebellion, if she can get it back in time.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse mysteries and Midnight, Texas trilogy) is at her best here, building the world of this alternate history of the United States, where magic is an acknowledged but despised power.

My review:

A Longer Fall starts slow, builds up speed and takes us crashing into a fantastic read. This book is better if you’ve read the first  An Easy Death as the world building is better explained there. The author has created a vivid landscape where your imagination can immediately see what the author intends. This book is filled with beauty and horror and I absolutely loved it. I look forward to more in this world.

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Misadventures with a Firefighter by Julie Morgan

Blurb:

Cara Murphy is a New York City kindergarten teacher with a bright future and tenure on the horizon, and she won’t let anything—any man—distract her. She’s had her heart broken before, and she won’t make that mistake twice. She’s got her career to focus on, and being single has many, many advantages.

Noah Hughes is a firefighter with a charred heart who heats up every room he enters, but he lives solely for the happiness of his five-year-old son. When he crosses paths with Cara at a club, sparks fly, and they share a hot night of passion. But that flame is quickly doused during a surprise second encounter.

Continuing to see each other would truly be playing with fire, but Cara and Noah can’t stop. Still, Cara’s career is in jeopardy, and Noah’s heart is locked in guilt. Is there really a chance they could build a love that forever burns bright?

****
Misadventures is a romantic series of spicy standalone novels, each written or co-written by some of the best names in romance. The stories are scandalous, refreshing, and, of course, incredibly sexy. They’re the perfect bedside read, a ‘quick blush’ for the reader who loves a page-turning romance.

My review:

Misadventures with a Firefighter by Julie Morgan is smoking hot and incredibly sweet. Firefighter Noah Hughes is a widower and single dad. Cara Murphy is a New York City kindergarten teacher with scars on her heart. But when these two get together it is HOT. I really enjoyed this story but recommend a fan and a tall cool drink. 

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Amazon

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Tough Guy (Game Changers #3) by Rachel Reid

Blurb:

They have nothing in common—so why does Ryan feel most like himself whenever he’s with Fabian?

Pro hockey star Ryan Price may be an enforcer, but off the ice he struggles with anxiety. Recently traded to the Toronto Guardians, he’s determined to make a fresh start in the city’s dynamic LGBTQ Village. The last thing he expects to stumble upon in his new neighborhood is a blast from his past in the fabulous form of Fabian Salah.

Aspiring musician Fabian loathes hockey. But that doesn’t stop him from being attracted to a certain burly, ginger-bearded defenseman. He hasn’t forgotten the kiss they almost shared back in high school, and it’s clear the chemistry between them has only intensified.

Fabian is more than happy to be Ryan’s guide to the gay scene in Toronto. Between dance clubs and art exhibits—and the most amazing sex—Ryan’s starting to feel something he hasn’t experienced in a long time: joy. But playing the role of the heavy on the ice has taken its toll on his body and mind, and a future with Fabian may mean hanging up his skates for good.

My review:

Tough Guy by Rachel Reid is a sweet, slightly angsty, m/m second chance romance. Ryan Price is a pro hockey star the standard bearer of everything up and coming musician Fabian loathes. Fabian has his reasons of course but the big guy is that almost first kiss from long ago. Ryan is blown away by the beautiful and talented Fabian. Watching these two get together and grow had me laughing and sighing. You don’t have to understand hockey to enjoy this story. Although this is part of a series this story stands on its own very well. That being said I am going to get the two earlier stories as well.

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Amazon

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Luna (Luna's Paranormals Book 1) by Shelly Small

Blurb:

Growing up moving from one foster home to another. Never knowing who to trust or how long she will be there. Love was something she read in books.

This last foster home, she has been in for over a year, but it was a year of hell. She thought she knew abuse from other home's she lived in but nothing like this.

Almost sixteen years old and wanting to die daily. The only thing keeping her alive is her plan to runaway. That was until something changed and her life will never be the same.

My review:

Luna is the first in a new series. Most of the book was setting up for the rest of them still it is interesting to see how Luna came to be where she is. Lots of surprises. I look forward to seeing where the author takes us next.

Buy link:

Amazon

The Luck of the Wolves by Sophie Stern

Blurb:

One human...
One Alpha...
One desperate race against time...

Madison is out of hope and out of options. She has to save Eva, and she has to do it, like, yesterday. She only has one shot left, but Madison's got nothing to lose. The Forbidden Forest might be, well, forbidden, but Madison doesn't care. She'll do anything for her friend.

Bronx is the Alpha of the Oasis Pack. He saved the wolves when he became the pack leader. He’s not about to let some human traipsing through this part of the Forbidden Forest be their downfall. Not this time.

The human isn’t acting like a hunter, though, and Bronx has a feeling she isn’t what she seems to be. He has to find out the truth about Madison before it’s too late.

My review:

The Luck of the Wolves by Sophie Stern is a paranormal fairytale romance.  Check your brain at the door and enjoy Madison as she goes out of her comfort zone to save the woman who raised her and finds love along the way. This is a silly story but a fun escape.

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Amazon

Their Rising Sun (Daeria World) (Wintervale Packs Book 1) by Milly Taiden

Blurb:

**Grab the first of this sexy reverse harem series**

Blake Parker believes in giving herself and helping others whenever and however she can. When she hears about an opportunity to help an alien planet repopulate and rebuild, she jumps at the chance to be a surrogate. Blake herself was born to a surrogate mother, so it feels like the right thing to do. Giving the shifter alpha males on planet Dearia a family is her ultimate pay it forward.

Not long after arriving on Dearia she meets not one but four handsome wolf shifters. They all claim she's their mate. How in the world did she get so lucky? Jericho, the Wintervale Alpha, and his sentry, Mace have agreed to share a surrogate. However, two other males take an interest in her. So now four guys are ready to share her in the dirtiest ways possible and she's beyond excited about the prospect. She's a sick woman with a perverted mind.

When Blake’s life is threatened by a race of ancient monsters who rise from the grave, hungry for her blood, it’s up to Jericho, Mace, Serge, and Castien to keep her safe. They need to discover her true heritage, and train her for the fight of her life. Not to mention, get her to realize she's their fated mate and they're keeping her. Forever.

Readers' Note: This book is set in the Daeria world after the Nightflame Dragons but is a brand new standalone set of books.

My review:

My oh my! This sexy tale has the earth girl getting not only the Alpha but three others as well. But she can handle it because there is something extra special about her too. Something they all discover while trying to save themselves from a race of ancient monsters that rise from the grave, hungry for her blood and willing to go through her guys to get it.

This is another sexy, fun romp from Milly Taiden and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next.

Buy link:

Amazon

Junkyard Cats by Faith Hunter narrated by Khristine Hvam

Blurb:

From the author of the best-selling Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood series comes a tough new heroine who is far more than she seems.

After the Final War, after the appearance of the Bug aliens and their enforced peace, Shining Smith is still alive, still doing business from the old scrapyard bequeathed to her by her father. But Shining is now something more than human. And the scrapyard is no longer just a scrapyard, but a place full of secrets that she has guarded for years.

This life she has built, while empty, is predictable and safe. Until the only friend left from her previous life shows up, dead, in the back of a scrapped Tesla warplane. Clutched in her cold fingers is a note to Shining—warning her of a coming attack.

With dread, Shining realizes: someone knows who she is. Someone knows what she is guarding. Will she be able to protect the scrapyard? Will she even survive? Or will Shining have to destroy everything she loves to keep her secrets out of the wrong hands?

My review:

Junkyard Cats is a post-apocalyptic tale of survival. Shining Smith is doing all right in her piece of the wild. She runs her junkyard and isn’t bothering anyone. But now folks want something hidden in the junkyard. Something even Shining didn’t realize was there. But she isn’t about to let anyone expose her or take her home.

This is an exciting tale with a strong independent heroine, a cyborgish sidekick, some AI snark and of course junkyard cats. I thoroughly enjoyed this action packed tale and look forward to future adventures with Shining Smith and friends.

Buy link:

Audible