Amy's 3 star ARC Review of Strong Silent Seal by Paige Tyler

Wedding planner Felicia Bradford is in trouble. Mercenaries are holding her sister hostage and threatening to kill her unless Felicia helps them steal top secret information from the Navy’s Special Operations Headquarters. Having no other way to access the base, she pulls a gun on the first man in a Navy uniform she finds, demanding he get her through the gate. 

Navy SEAL Logan Dunn just got back from a mission in Syria and is looking for a little down time to relax. That plan goes out the window when a beautiful woman shoves a gun in his back and begs him to do something she clearly doesn’t want to do. Logan does what any Navy SEAL would do in the same situation—he saves the girl and takes out the bad guys. 

But their actions that day kick off a crazy chain of events, including a fast-burning whirlwind romance, an out-of-control sister, an insane covert plot involving a defecting Russian pilot, a mercenary bent on revenge, and a sunrise wedding for a bride who never wakes up before noon. 

Getting through her sister's kidnapping will look like a piece of cake compared to what comes next

Strong Silent Seal 
Paige Tyler
3 stars

This is the second book in the Seals of Coronado series. I have not read the first. This book is centered around the character Logan Dunn which I do not know if you meet in the first book. Maybe if I would have read book one I might be more in tune with what was going on. I don’t know. 

This book was a go from the the start and I thought this one was going to be a keeper. Its not bad but the story is very short and rushed. There is a whole bunch of things going on that include a Russian pilot and bickering sisters whom one is being held hostage and the other who has been enlisted to save her by stealing top secret information. 

Okay so the issue I have is this lead character Felicia is a wedding planner and to get into SO Headquarters she pulls a gun on the first uniform wearing man she encounters. Not for me. I do love me some fiction surrounded by military men but this was too far-fetched for me. I do have my limits. 

Logan of course finds a way to save the day and agrees to help Felicia. From a gun sticking in his back the two characters find themselves smitten with each other and then the story begins to unfold. Chasen and Hayley are in this story which I assume are in book one. Moving forward events take a turn and Logan is called away leaving Felicia to question things while wondering if she and her sister are still in danger. 

Short and to the point you could say. If you love a quick read and the mother of all fictions surrounding some Navy Seals saving the day then this is your book. Not a bad read but just too much for me. However I always tell you to click it up and give it a whirl. Thank you for the ARC! Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.

Amy's 3 star ARC review of The Other Brother by Heather Knight

A political marriage to the young brother of the famous General Barry, a leader known for his ruthless brutality, is the last thing nineteen year-old Bianca Mason wants. But an alliance with these men will keep her father’s citizens safe from the endless Barry raids and be another step toward the return of modern civilization. Unfortunately, Bianca puts the entire treaty in jeopardy when she confesses a traumatic personal secret to her intended groom, and he refuses the marriage. Desperate to keep the peace, she gratefully accepts when another brother steps in to take his place. 

Kent, the other Barry brother, is known for his strong leadership ability, fair treatment of his troops, and brilliant military strategy. He is also a known for his burn-scarred face and his reputation as a sadist. When confronted with the disintegration of a much-needed treaty, he grudgingly steps in and marries Bianca, a girl traumatized by long-ago assault who doesn’t like to be touched. 

Kent must teach Bianca, as only he can, how to surrender herself fully, trust in him completely, and become the woman he needs. Only then can they both find happiness. 

This dark romance novel contains mature situations and sensitive subject matter, and contains triggers some readers may find discomforting. It is a work of fiction and is intended for adult readers 18 and older.

The Other Brother 
Heather Knight
3. 0 stars

Heather Knight is a new author to me and I have not read any of her books. This one arrived on my Kindle and I thought I would give it a try. There are some potential triggers in this book so beware. 
Bianca our lead female finds herself in an arranged marriage in order to keep her father’s village safe from the raids of the armies led by General Barry. She is nineteen and innocent. Leaving her father to save the citizens is something she must do. Sacrificing herself to a brutal man is not what any girl her age wants for their life. Thinking she will seal a peace offering she accepts her fate but the plans go astray when something from the past is brought to light. Nico becomes sickened by her and refuses the marriage. 

Kent intends on taking the young beauty and showing her everything he knows. His brother may not have wanted her but he will take her if he must. Teaching her the ways to please her husband might be fun after all. No one else wants him. His face along with his reputation keeps people at length. His mind is brilliant – 

There are a few additional twist and turns in this book. I won't reveal too much but Nico is … wow. What a wreck that one is. Kent and Bianca do have an HEA but not without turmoil and heartache. 
This book just wasn’t my cup of tea. I do love the dark and twisty stuff but I need more action and less saving. I love smexy times as well but this was pretty much all this book was. Again give me a deep story line with two character or more that are in the cross fire and add in the smexy … I'm good to go … Now having said that if you love the beauty and the beast syndrome with the beauty a little more scared herself then this one is for you. Click it up and read on! 

Thank you for the ARC! Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets! 

Amy's 4 star ARC Review of Sacrifice Love (Saints Protection & Investigations) by Maryann Jordan

Saints Protection & Investigations 
A private investigation business, pulling together men from the CIA, FBI, ATF, DEA, Border Patrol, SEALS, and police, devoted to the missions no one else wants or can solve. 

Chad Fornelli was used to a life of sacrifice, as a former ATF ordnance disposal expert. At the funeral of Adam, his friend and former ATF partner, saying goodbye was not the hardest part of the day for Chad. It was seeing his friend’s widow and remembering how he let the woman he loved two years earlier get away. 

Full of regrets over missed chances, he vowed to correct his past mistakes. 

Dani Turner had watched the man she love walk away two years ago and now buried her husband. Wondering if she and Chad had another chance together, she was willing to see if they had a future. But…her little surprise might change everything. 

The investigation into the explosion that killed Adam had Chad racing against the clock to stop an ISIS cell in Virginia from building more bombs. And evidence pointed to his friend being involved with the terrorists. 

Untangling the mystery, Dani was caught in the terrorist’s crosshairs as she and Chad worked together to prove Adam’s innocence…and save her life. 

Will they be able to live long enough to have their second chance? 

*****Due to mature scenes of a sexual nature and language some may consider crude, 18+ readers only!***** 
This book is a standalone, written in the Saints Series. Be warned - alpha men, strong women, suspenseful, and a sweet & steamy love story! 

Sacrifice Love
Saints Protection & Investigations
Maryann Jordan

4 stars
This is another really good installment of the Saints series. As you know sometimes you enjoy characters in the group more than others. The last book wasn't it for me so I had high hopes of loving our man Chad and that I did. This is Chad and Dani's story.

I will say along with the first release, this is one that I enjoyed the most. Two strong characters both making their careers in ATF and moving forward in different directions. A tragic incident brings them back together wondering what in the world Adam had to do with any of it. 

We flashback to Chad prior to joining the Saints to lay the story about between he and Dani. In this flashback you are introduced to Adam, his best friend. Leaving for a 6 month deployment, Chad returns home to find Dani (the love of his life) married to his best friend. Knowing he has to get away from the situation he reaches out to Jack and finds a new path. 

Dani is thrown into a whirlwind situation with her husband Adam and his secrets. Adam and she were not unhappy and things seemed normal so how could he be in the situation he is. Finding out the truth and making things right is what she intends to do. 

This story is centered around ISIS and the terrorist that live on our soil. If you have triggers from this situation please do not click. I loved the way Maryann handled this sensitive subject but also brought light to the fact that "terrorist" don't have a specific look. Its time to be vigilant and be brave. 

In this story we are given a few other stories. Luke for one has something to tell for sure. I am really interested in what is going to happen there with everything that was swirling around him. Blaise we have yet to learn what the cards hold for him. The other men are here along with their wives and the newest members of the Saints. I love seeing the family grow and I really love that we get a 5 months and a few years later story with the events that lead Dani and Chad to where they both are now. 

These books can each be read as a standalone but if you want to know the full story behind the characters and how this group has grown you need to start with Jack and Bethany. 

Thank you for the ARC Maryann. I always love seeing these show up on my Kindle. Great characters, great read and great time for this type of storyline. LOVE Dani ... strong woman and that's what makes our world go around. 

Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.

Amy's 3.5 star ARC Review of Sealing My Fate (Fate Series #2) by Heidi Lis

Sealing My Fate is the follow up to the novel Defying Fate. 
While reading Defying Fate first will give an in depth understanding of Sealing My Fate, it is not necessary and can be read as a standalone. 

Kara Santos fled Chicago in an attempt to escape danger. When she is introduced to a six-foot tower of muscle and tattoos, she quickly forgets her troubles. Until, evil returns with a vengeance. 

Years of living in fear came to a tragic end one dark night at a farmhouse in the middle of the woods. Kara so desperate to end her torment and save her best friend from a monster, she did the unthinkable. 

What she did not count on was the consequences her actions would ignite. 

Liam Talbot’s life was easy going until a sassy, long legged brunette came crashing into his life. Connections run deep, and Liam soon finds he is forced to make a hard decision. Give Kara up to the MC who wants retribution, or let the consequences fall on his shoulders. Faced with only one option, Liam made it his mission to keep Kara safe at all costs. 

Hidden lies, family secrets and personal vendettas will expose that no one is safe. 

Warning: Recommended for readers 18+ due to language, extremely hot and explicit sexual situations and graphic violence.

Sealing My Fate
Heidi Lis
3.5 stars

I had a very hard time reading this book although it states it can be read as a standalone. I have not read the first book but I think that the first several chapters had already taken place maybe in the first book? I don’t know as I said I have not read it. I do know that I was confused and the writing style isn’t for me. 

Our main character is being brutalized by her brother Dominic who is looking for Izzy; Kara’s best friend. She has hidden Izzy who has met Brax. After the last encounter with her brother, Kara flees Chicago to head for Izzy and meets Liam. Again I feel like this already happened maybe …. ? If it has not then its definitely written in the “past” tone of voice which is why I kept feeling … ok .. lets get to the story … Chapter after chapter I continued to feel the same way. 

Another secondary character comes in and (maybe this has already happened in book one) terrorizes Izzy and Kara. Things become a huge shit storm and lives are thrown into a hurricane of never ending drama. 

I can't really say much else along what went on because quite frankly I don’t know and I didn’t understand it myself. I rated it 3.5 stars because I feel like IF you have read the first book then this is an ending that you need concerning the relationships between these characters. The author is NOT telling a poor story so lets get that out there is as well – I just don’t know that I would recommend not reading the first book and say you could actually read this as a standalone. 

Heidi does say you will have a deeper understanding of what is going on if you read the first book but she holds that you don’t have to. In a reviewers opinion I feel as if I could have rated the book higher IF I would have been told I definitely needed to read the first book. I also am not crazy about the cover and for me it doesn't go with the story you find on the pages. Please click this one up for yourself and decide but I would for sure recommend hitting the first release up prior to reading this release. 

Thank you for the ARC! -- Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets. I am also grateful for the opportunity to read! 

Amy's 4 star Review of Clutch (Satan's Fury MC ) by L. Wilder

To get what you really want, sometimes you have to walk away.

From NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author L. WIlder comes book four in the Satan's Fury Series, a standalone MC romance. 

Olivia
Survival. It was the driving force that kept me going when our world as we knew it was ripped away from us in one horrific night. I didn't know who brutally killed my parents or why, but when the vicious killers turned their focus onto my brother and sister, I did the only thing I knew to do: I ran. 

I packed them up and left everything we knew and loved behind and headed for Memphis.

Clutch
The club was my life. I'd do anything for my brothers. Hell, I've taken more than a couple of bullets for them and I'd do it again. But I needed to step away to clear my head. I pushed the throttle forward and headed down south with one goal in mind: to fulfill Cotton's orders and establish the route for the club's new pipeline. 

Doing my job was my only focus until I saw her working in that diner down on Front Street. She had fire in her eyes and bite to her tongue -- and she was absolutely breathtaking. Full of class and spunk, the girl was out of my league. What was she doing working at a diner in Memphis, Tennessee? She was a mystery to me, and even though my gut told me she was hiding something, I felt a pull to her that I could not deny.

**Clutch is book four in the Satan's Fury series, but it is considered a standalone romance. This book is intended for readers 18 and older due to violence and explicit language.

Clutch
L. Wilder
4 stars

Clutch was what I was waiting for. If you have been keeping up with the men of Satan's Fury then you know why. I had been heartbroken for the man and hoped he would find his way. Each book in this series can be read as a standalone but in this case I do recommend reading Cotton prior to Clutch. There is a connection that would make Clutch's story more meaningful if you did read that book first. I suggest you start with the Summer Teaser we were given and go from there but to each his own! 

On to our gorgeous man himself ... Clutch is the Road Captain of the MC. Cotton has sent him to find a new route for transporting goods which will keep him away from home for a bit. Not only will this help the club but more important it will allow Clutch to get his head right and distance himself from things that he can't feel. With his final stop being Memphis TN, Clutch plans to stay put a bit so that he can help the chapter there get back n their feet. Duggar can't work and Blaze has his son to tend to. Cyrus and his old lady are putting him up in a little apartment above their diner .... Little did he know inside was the woman who would change his life and show him he wasn't running away from love but instead he was running towards it. 

Hazel (Olivia) is trying to survive. When her parents are murdered she takes her brother and sister and heads as far away from Boston as she can get. Having no idea she is working at a diner owned by a member of an MC she is completely unaware of the protection she fell in to. Living above the diner with the kids isn't ideal but it's keeping a roof over everyone's heads and allows her to be close to Charlie and Hadley. Fire works ... That is what the infuriating man sets off in her mind .... He is trouble and more trouble is the last thing Olivia needs right now. 

This was a easy read and really great story. There are a few stories within this one that I know we are going to see next. Smokey is a main fixture as well as Blaze who I think we might just find is a heart wrencher once we get his release. There is also a few snippets of what is going on with Stitch, Maverick and of course Cotton which is great. Keeping with with everyone is what we all like, we never want to fully say goodbye as we want to continue to see the families grow. 

If you are looking for a less brutal MC series this is your series. I usually like a lot more mayhem and blood shed but L. Wilder has kept me reading with hitting me right in the feels with her characters. I loved Clutch and love him even more now. This one is a keeper just like all the others. Great read and great series. Click it up! They are all free on Kindle Unlimited! 

Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets. Go stalk Tracy's blog. So many brilliant authors showcased. I promise you that you will find a new favorite! 

Amy's 5 star Review of Scars by Jaimie Roberts

I had the perfect school, the perfect friends—the perfect life ... 

At least, that’s what I thought. 

But you changed all that. 

You are always there ... Always watching ... Always waiting in the shadows. You send me flowers and messages. You stalk me, trace my every movement... 
Until that one day, in a silly game of Seven Minutes in Heaven, when I finally get to feel you—have a taste of you ... 

It left me wanting more. 

One catastrophic day, my wish is granted. 

Just past my eighteenth birthday, tragedy strikes and I watch my family die before my eyes. 

You are there. You rescue me. You choose my life over my older sister’s, and I hate you for that. I hate you for taking me and imprisoning me. You say it’s for my sake, but I know it’s for your own. You make me see that my life could be much worse without you in it... 

You make me see true darkness. 

It is in that darkness you make me desperate for your presence, your touch, your caress. You make me need you... You make it impossible for me to live without you… And then, eventually… 

You make me fall in love with you. 

Secrets will always wound the ones twisted within their web of lies... But the ones I’m tangled in ... are deadly. 

WARNING: Although this book (overall) is not a dark read, one chapter is an exception, and contains the following triggers: childhood sexual/emotional abuse with some intensity in one particular scene.

Scars
Jaimie Roberts
5 stars

I need to give a warning as this book is not explicit except for one particular chapter. It depicts the “incident” that we find left the scars on J and Charlotte. It deals with rape, childhood abuse and it very graphic. However this is the ONLY scene in the book and if you don’t want to know then skip it and just understand something very brutal happened to the two characters. 

Lily is thrusting us into her life from the word go by introducing us to the person who has been leaving a single Lily on her doorstep for several months. She realizes this is not something being done by her best friend of any of the guys as a joke but she is intrigued. Lily is a good girl – she sets her own rules and her parents are amazing. She is trusted, loved as is her sister. With the encouragement and won't take no for an answer best friend drags her to a party – Seven Minutes In Heaven changes her life forever. 

J had revenge on his mind. It didn’t included feeling for a girl that could get in the way of what he is trying to accomplish. It wasn’t in the plan to feel alive with Lily’s touch. He was supposed to finish off what was started – there are people depending on him. The web of lies and deception is dark and runs deep. 

There are so many secrets running through these pages. I had no idea what was going on and I wanted desperately to know the end to the means BUT let me tell you what had me more – it was the writing by Jaimie and how she developed the relationship between J and Lily. I have never in my life read more compassionate, smexy, brilliant and deep seeded feelers between a couple. This was A-MAZING – and no Im not talking about the two characters having sexy time – it was simply kissing and touching – absolutely fantastic writing. 

I clicked this book up based on Tracy’s post on the blog –Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets. I am so glad that I did and I'm so glad Tracy showcased this author. I plan on going back and picking up the Deviant books by Jaimie. I hear she is the master of “secret admirer” writing. I keep saying it but you need to click up this book pending the warning --- This one is fantastic. 

Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets. Thank goodness for Tracy’s post! 

Amy's 4 star Review of Hard Core by Tess Oliver

Warning: This sexy new page turner from New York Times bestselling author Tess Oliver may lead to a serious book hangover!

-LEDGER-

Sometimes one good dose of trouble could turn your life around, put you on the right path. But I'd taken the opposite side of the forked road and headed off looking for even more trouble, like a junkie constantly searching for the next high. Never would I have guessed that turn would lead me to her. 

I couldn't stop thinking about her. She was an angel, a hard core, bone-fide angel and in her short life, she'd already had a taste of hell.

-JACY-

Despair. Heartbreak. Silence. That was all I'd grown to know, until he showed up next door.

The handsome, tattooed stranger had the kind of eyes that were hard to look away from, and he gazed at me as if we'd been friends or even lovers in a different life. He looked at me as if he knew me, andsuddenly I had this flash of feeling as if I was right where I was supposed to be.


Hard Core is a full-length, standalone novel.
Contains mature content. Intended for readers 18+

Hard Core
Tess Oliver
4 stars -- only because I wanted more and it felt left unfinished – I'm selfish like that. 

What a really fantastic and intriguing read! I was so glad I found this one on Tracy’s blog and clicked it up. Hard Core is a love story of a different kind. I can't say how because it would spoil some very interesting events but I'm telling you its very much worth the read. 

Jacy is starting again. Moving to the sleepy beach town of Rockwood and opening up the coffee shop was a lifeline for her. Her best friend Rachel owns the bakery next door and someday the dream of making the two shops one big place to hang your hat will make things even better. Rex was her faithful companion and between she and Rachel that was all Jacy needed. The dark sometimes pulled her back down and in those times she survived but for the most part things were okay as long as she stayed within her small circle she had spun around herself. 

Ledger (holy swooning man of men) has just walked through the gates with no looking back. Serving two years for a crime he committed when he was “out of his mind” brought him to where he is now. Rockwood Beach is the perfect place to start over and to try and make something of himself. His parents loved him and there was nothing more he wanted to do than to prove to them he was worth something. He never had the chance to tell his father goodbye. Stories he heard on the inside where the only thing that kept him going and wanting more for his life. 

The secondary characters in this book are just as special as the Jacy and Ledger. Mike is someone who I would love nothing more than to hear more about but I don’t think we will get that. Rachel – now I would love to have a book around her. She is quite the character and perfect as Jacy’s best friend. Maybe we might get something as she is a bouncy ray of sunshine wrapped up in a fresh breeze; the perfect personality combination for Jacy and her past. 

I know Tess stated this was a standalone but Im not satisfied with the ending … I want to see further into this story and know more about all the characters. Come on Tess make us a book two! 

Great easy read but does contain some violence against women. Nothing explicit as far as descriptors in any chapters but it is mentioned as well as a loss of life -- just know it's involved in Jacy’s past but it's not a length mention or brutally graphic. 

Click this one up and carry it along to the beach or lake! You won't regret it. 

Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets. Go check out Tracy’s blog!