Publisher: Montlake Romance

#BookReview The Last Move by Mary Burton @MaryBurtonBooks @JoanSchulhafer

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#BookReview The Last Move by Mary Burton @MaryBurtonBooks @JoanSchulhafer Title: The Last Move

Author: Mary Burton

Published by: Montlake Romance on Sep. 19, 2017

Genres: Mystery/Thriller, Romantic Suspense

Pages: 338

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Mary Burton, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

In this gripping stand-alone from bestselling author Mary Burton, an FBI agent must catch a copycat killer. The only difference this time: she’s the final victim.

Catching monsters helps FBI agent Kate Hayden keep her nightmares at bay. Now an urgent call brings her back to San Antonio, the scene of her violent past. A brutal new murder shows hallmarks of a serial killer nicknamed the Samaritan. Tricky part is, Kate already caught him.

Either Kate made a deadly error, or she’s got a copycat on her hands. Paired with homicide detective Theo Mazur, she quickly realizes this murder is more twisted than it first appeared. Then a second body is found, the mode of death identical to a different case that Kate thought she’d put behind her.

Now Kate and Detective Mazur aren’t just working a homicide; the investigative pair is facing a formidable enemy who knows Kate intimately. While Mazur is personally trying to protect Kate, the closer they are drawn to the killer, the clearer it becomes that in this terrifying game, there is only one rule: don’t believe everything you see…

Review:

Disturbing, engrossing, and adrenaline pumping!

The Last Move, the latest novel by Burton, is a well-paced thrill ride featuring the tenacious and tough FBI agent, Kate, and the intelligent, patient homicide detective, Theo, as they join forces to hunt a serial killer with a penchant for reenacting the most heinous of crimes.

The writing is taut and tight. The characterization is well done. And the plot is a captivating police procedural with twists, turns, red herrings, family drama, deception, vengeance, depravity, murder and a smidgen of romance.

I have yet to pick up a Mary Burton book that wasn’t an entertaining, eerie, romantic mystery with exceptionally intriguing characters and The Last Move is no exception. And even though this novel is being billed as a standalone I sure hope we get to see Hayden and Mazur on another case sometime down the road.

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

             

 

 

Thank you to Mary Burton and Joan Schulhafer Publishing for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Mary Burton

New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist Mary Burton is the highly praised author of twenty-six romance and suspense novels and five novellas. She lives in Virginia with her husband and three miniature dachshunds.

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#BookReview All The Lies We Tell by Megan Hart @Megan_Hart

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#BookReview All The Lies We Tell by Megan Hart @Megan_Hart Title: All the Lies We Tell

Author: Megan Hart

Series: Quarry Road #1

Published by: Montlake Romance on May 1, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense

Pages: 303

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Montlake Romance, NetGalley

Book Rating: 6.5/10

Everyone knew Alicia Harrison’s marriage to Ilya Stern wouldn’t last. They’d grown up on a remote stretch of Quarry Street, where there were two houses, two sets of siblings, and eventually, a tangled mess of betrayal, longing, and loss. Tragedy catapulted Allie and Ilya together, but divorce—even as neighbors—has been relatively uncomplicated.

Then Ilya’s brother, Nikolai, comes home for their grandmother’s last days. He’s the guy who teased and fought with Allie, infuriated her, then fled town without a good-bye. Now Niko makes her feel something else entirely—a rush of connection and pure desire that she’s been trying to quench since one secret kiss years ago. Niko’s not sticking around. She’s not going to leave. And after all that’s happened between their families, this can’t be anything more than brief pleasure and a bad idea.

But the lies we tell ourselves can’t compete with the truths our hearts refuse to let go…

Review:

Intense, poignant and full of angst!

This is a dark, married-the-wrong-brother romance that highlights how tragedy affects us all differently; sometimes we cling to each other and sometimes we runaway.

The prose is fluid and smooth. The characters are troubled, complex but not entirely endearing. And the plot, which is ultimately about guilt, love, life, loss, heartbreak, yearning, sexual tension, friendship and family does have some of the sexy and steamy we’ve come to expect in Hart’s novels but at the same time seemed to have just a little too much going on for me.

I have to admit that this wasn’t one of my favourite novels by Hart but her exceptional ability to write stories about unconventional relationships and to push people to understand and accept that there is no one norm will always make me a huge fan.

If you haven’t already had a chance to read my review for one of her previous novels “Beg For It” be sure to check it out HERE!

 

This book is due to be published on May 1, 2017.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

             

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Montlake Romance, for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Megan Hart

Megan Hart has written in almost every genre of romantic fiction, including historical, contemporary, romantic suspense, romantic comedy, futuristic, fantasy and perhaps most notably, erotic. She also writes non-erotic fantasy and science fiction, as well as continuing to occasionally dabble in horror.

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#BookReview The Hangman by Mary Burton @MaryBurtonBooks @JoanSchulhafer

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#BookReview The Hangman by Mary Burton @MaryBurtonBooks @JoanSchulhafer Title: The Hangman

Author: Mary Burton

Series: The Forgotten Files #3

Published by: Montlake Romance on Apr. 25, 2017

Genres: Mystery/Thriller, Romantic Suspense

Pages: 350

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Mary Burton, NetGalley

Book Rating: 10/10

Julia Vargas is a cop with a mission. When she’s not chasing down bad guys, Julia dedicates her time to investigating the Hangman serial killer…the same unsolved case that her father, Jim Vargas, was working on when he supposedly shot and killed himself three decades before. While rumors continue to swirl around her father’s death, Julia attempts to hunt down the truth.

The case once again hits dangerously close, however, when a woman’s bones are discovered in a historic downtown home, together with a photograph of Jim and Julia as a young girl. As horrifying as this discovery is, it may just be the break Julia has waited for. Working alongside Tobias Novak, a homicide detective with whom she shares a complicated—and steamy—history, she’s forced to confront her own past even as the Hangman looms in the shadows. But as the mysterious killer circles closer, Julia can feel her own noose begin to tighten…

Review:

Action-packed, riveting and impeccably executed!

This is a well crafted, gripping thriller that takes us on a hunt to find a ruthless serial killer and reminds us that when it comes to organized crime, secrecy, trust and loyalty means everything.

The writing is fluid and seamless. The characters are intriguing, determined, scarred, strong and sexy. And the storyline is a roller coaster ride of secrets, lies, danger, red herrings, murder, sizzling chemistry, tension, and romance.

To me this series just keeps getting better and better. This book is incredibly entertaining, extremely suspenseful and I absolutely loved it and can hardly wait for the next one. If you love romantic suspense this is one series you don’t want to miss.

If you haven’t yet read any of the previous novels in the “The Forgotten Files” series be sure to check out my review for “The Shark” (The Forgotten Files #1) HERE and my review for “The Dollmaker” (The Forgotten Files #2) HERE.

This book is due to be published on April 25, 2017.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

             

 

 

Thank you to Mary Burton and Joan Schulhafer Publishing for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Mary Burton

New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist Mary Burton is the highly praised author of twenty-six romance and suspense novels and five novellas. She lives in Virginia with her husband and three miniature dachshunds.

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#BookReview The Dollmaker by Mary Burton @MaryBurtonBooks @JoanSchulhafer

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#BookReview The Dollmaker by Mary Burton @MaryBurtonBooks @JoanSchulhafer Title: The Dollmaker

Author: Mary Burton

Series: The Forgotten Files #2

Published by: Montlake Romance on Nov. 15, 2016

Genres: Mystery/Thriller, Romantic Suspense

Pages: 352

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Mary Burton, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8.5/10

Dr. Tessa McGowan had never seen anything quite like it. But the mutilated bodies on her exam table tell a stunningly macabre tale: someone with a twisted mind is kidnapping women and altering their faces to resemble real, life-size dolls. As a forensic pathologist, it’s her job to aid the agent leading the case—even if that agent is her estranged husband.

Twelve years ago an unspeakable tragedy destroyed Dakota Sharp’s world. Haunted by the ghosts of his past, he’s devoted himself to capturing killers. His only regret is that it cost him Tessa. Now, as the Dollmaker case brings them together—and raises his suspicions that he’s crossed paths with this deranged psychopath before—they may just have their second chance. But it seems Dakota’s not the only one who wants to make Tessa his own…

She may be the Dollmaker’s next target, but Tessa has no intention of winding up as another toy on his shelf. Can she and Dakota stop this ghastly killer before his next deadly playdate?

Review:

Creepy, menacing, and highly suspenseful!

This is the second book in “The Forgotten Files” series, and this time we join the ruggedly handsome, troubled, Agent Sharp as he hunts for a deranged serial killer intent on finding and creating his own perfect doll, and are introduced to the lovely, intelligent pathologist, Dr. Tessa McGowan, who may surprisingly play the biggest role of all.

The characters are multi-layered, convincing, and determined. And the plot is well crafted, fast-paced, engaging, mysterious, captivating, full of good twists, deviousness, and a little romance.

Overall, this is a well written whodunit that is enjoyable, entertaining, and definitely worth a read.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out my review of “The Shark” (The Forgotten Files #1) you can find it HERE.

And don’t forget to mark your calendars, the third book in the series “The Hangman” is due out in Spring 2017.

 

This book is due to be published on November 15, 2016.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Joan Schulhafer Publishing, for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Mary Burton

New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist Mary Burton is the highly praised author of twenty-six romance and suspense novels and five novellas. She lives in Virginia with her husband and three miniature dachshunds.

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#BookReview Filthy Rich by Raine Miller @Raine_Miller

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#BookReview Filthy Rich by Raine Miller @Raine_Miller Title: Filthy Rich

Author: Raine Miller

Series: Blackstone Dynasty #1

Published by: Montlake Romance on Nov. 15, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Erotica

Pages: 304

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Montlake Romance, NetGalley

Book Rating: 6.5/10

Billionaire Caleb Blackstone lives in the glamorous world of wealth and success, with every material luxury. But the moment he sees Brooke Casterley, none of that matters. Caleb is filled with a raw, undeniable need that he can’t ignore…for a girl who is so completely different from everything and everyone he’s ever known.

Only Brooke isn’t looking for love. She knows all too well just how much damage the wrong guy can do. Still, what sane, broke British girl can resist the charms of an incredibly sexy, chivalrous billionaire? What starts as flirtation quickly turns into all-consuming passion. Nothing could have prepared her for the searing heat of Caleb’s touch—or just how much she craves him.

Their whirlwind romance is the stuff of high-society fantasy—but for every moment of pleasure, there is a cost. Past mistakes and tragedy shadow them both…and falling for him might be the kind of trouble she can’t afford.

Review:

Erotic, steamy, and full of drama!

This story is told from two perspectives; Brooke, a young woman trying to move onward and upward after suffering some severe mental and physical hardships; and Caleb, a rich, handsome billionaire who has never fallen in love.

The story, for me, started off really well. The plot was interesting and intriguing, and the characterization and budding drama had me completely engrossed and captivated. However, by the second half of the story I was a little less engaged. The plot seemed to become a little flat, and the repetitive dialogue/narration caused the flow to be slightly disjointed.

I have to admit that I was really looking forward to reading this novel, as I really enjoyed reading “The Blackstone Affair” series in the past, and although I didn’t love this as much, I think fans of Raine Miller will still enjoy this first book in “The Blackstone Dynasty” series.

 

This book is due to be published on November 15, 2016. 

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Montlake Romance, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Raine Miller

Raine Miller is a New York Times – USA Today – Wall Street Journal bestselling author who likes to write romantic stories pretty much every chance she gets. She has a handsome husband, two amazing sons, and two very bouncy Italian greyhounds to keep her busy the rest of the time. Her boys know she likes to write stories, but gratefully have never asked to read any. Thank God!

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#BookReview Not Quite Perfect by Catherine Bybee @catherinebybee

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#BookReview Not Quite Perfect by Catherine Bybee @catherinebybee Title: Not Quite Perfect

Author: Catherine Bybee

Series: Not Quite #5

Published by: Montlake Romance on Sep. 20, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 330

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Montlake Romance, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee delivers the fifth heartwarming, flirty novel in the wildly popular Not Quite series.

Mary Kildare knows how to read people. It’s both why she makes a great therapist and why she refuses to trust the average bachelor. Staying fiercely independent has been her primary relationship strategy—until wealthy playboy pilot (and commitmentphobe) Glen Fairchild reappears in her life. After a yearlong teasing tug-of-war, Mary and Glen test the waters of attraction, only to find that their physical chemistry runs deeper than flirtation.

At first, a bicoastal romance suits them both—especially since Glen can swoop in and whisk Mary away on one of his company’s planes. But no matter how close they get, they’re still three thousand miles apart. And when Mary’s life is threatened, Glen realizes the one luxury he doesn’t have is time. Can he close the distance between them before it’s too late?

Review:

Sexy, sassy, and surprisingly suspenseful!

This is a satisfying contemporary romance story that has the right amount of everything; great characters, witty dialogue, steamy chemistry, and a touch of danger.

The writing is well done. The characters are charming, intelligent and likeable; complete with a charismatic playboy, and a reluctant therapist. And the plot has all the elements we love about rom coms, as well as a few extra twists that give it that little bit more.

This really is an engaging, easy read that is thoroughly enjoyable, and I highly recommend it.

This book is due to be published on September 20, 2016. 

Pick up a copy of this novel from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Chapters/Indigo

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Montlake Romance, for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Catherine Bybee

Catherine Bybee is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of twenty-five books that have collectively sold more than three million copies and have been translated into twelve languages. Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Not Quite series, the Weekday Brides series, and the Most Likely To series.

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#BookReview Now That It’s You by Tawna Fenske @tawnafenske

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#BookReview Now That It’s You by Tawna Fenske @tawnafenske Title: Now That It's You

Author: Tawna Fenske

Published by: Montlake Romance on Sep. 6, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 314

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Montlake Romance, NetGalley

Book Rating: 7.5/10

Talented chef Meg Delaney hasn’t spoken to her cheating ex-fiancé, Matt Midland, for two years. Ditching him at the altar after blurting out “I can’t” instead of “I do” would sour any relationship. But now, just as Meg is finally ready to bury the hatchet, she learns closure is permanently off the menu. And the kicker? Matt’s brother, Kyle, is back in her life, stirring up feelings that are equal parts guilt and lust.

Meg was the best thing that never happened to Kyle. He couldn’t make a move on his brother’s girlfriend—even if Matt didn’t value her nearly enough. The situation is even more complicated now that Meg’s bestselling aphrodisiac cookbook has spawned a legal battle with the Midlands. Maybe he should stay away. But love, like family, plays by its own rules. And the one woman he shouldn’t want might be the only one who’s perfect for him.

Review:

Sweet, melancholic, and engaging!

This is an empathetic contemporary romance story that encompasses familial dynamics, love, loss, grief, guilt, and delicious food.

The writing is good. The characters are charming, troubled, and likeable. And although it gets a little bogged down with the constant focus on the unscrupulous behaviour and character of Matt, the rest of the plot flows nicely and is filled with a good mix of heartbreaking drama, character dialogue, and romantic liaisons.

Overall, this is a light, amusing, easy novel that is an enjoyable read.

 

This story is due to be published on September 6, 2016.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Montlake Romance, for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Tawna Fenske

When Tawna Fenske finished her English lit degree at 22, she celebrated by filling a giant trash bag full of romance novels and dragging it everywhere until she’d read them all. Now she’s a RITA-nominated, USA Today bestselling author who writes humorous fiction, risqué romance, and heartwarming love stories with a quirky twist. Publishers Weekly has praised Tawna’s offbeat romances with multiple starred reviews and noted, “There’s something wonderfully relaxing about being immersed in a story filled with over-the-top characters in undeniably relatable situations. Heartache and humor go hand in hand.”

Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, stepkids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year.

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#BookReview Breath of Malice by Karen Fenech @karenfenech

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#BookReview Breath of Malice by Karen Fenech @karenfenech Title: Breath of Malice

Author: Karen Fenech

Series: Malice #1

Published by: Montlake Romance on Jun. 14, 2016

Genres: Romantic Suspense

Pages: 228

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Montlake Romance, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

FBI special agent Paige Carson hoped she’d be able to start a new life in small-town South Carolina. But when a senator’s sister is murdered and a blank postcard is left next to the body, Paige realizes that a killer from her past has found her—and is sending her a very personal message.

From the moment he hired her, FBI special agent in charge Sam McKade knew Paige was hiding something. Prompted by this recent threat, she finally opens up: one year ago, she caught the eye of suspected serial killer Todd Thames. Now he’s come back to pull her into his game, whether she wants to play or not.

As the danger increases, Paige and Sam give in to their growing attraction, and he vows to protect her no matter the cost. But the murderer will stop at nothing to get to his intended prey, and the strong arm of the law—and the shelter of her new love—may not be enough to save her.

Review:

Suspenseful, highly entertaining, and disturbingly creepy!

This story takes us on a hunt for a serial killer, a highly intelligent serial killer, with a fascination for medieval torture, and an obsession for a specific FBI agent.

The characterization is well done. The main character, Paige, is tenacious, brave, and likeable, and her counterpart, Sam, is strong, relentless, and handsome. The plot builds and flows nicely from start to finish. And the storyline is interesting, action-packed, and a little steamy.

This is a really easy, exciting, enjoyable read that would be perfect for fans of Karen Robards or Mary Burton.

 

This book is due to be published on June 14, 2016.

Pick up a copy of this story from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

For more information on Karen Fenech, visit her website at: karenfenech.com

or follow her on Twitter at: @karenfenech

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Montlake Romance, for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview Wrong Place, Right Time by Elle Casey

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#BookReview Wrong Place, Right Time by Elle Casey Title: Wrong Place, Right Time

Author: Elle Casey

Series: The Bourbon Street Boys #2

Published by: Montlake Romance on May 10, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense

Pages: 368

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Montlake Romance, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Jenny’s single-parent life revolves around her kids and her job, which means that hours of Animal Planet and strings of computer code are about all she has time for. Not that Jenny’s looking for adventure or romance—she’s the type of woman who believes in playing it safe.

When Jenny is called upon to do some consulting for the Bourbon Street Boys—a New Orleans private security firm—she knows she should stay away. They conduct surveillance on known criminals and put themselves in harm’s way pretty much every day, so No is the obvious answer…Problem is, there’s a guy on the team with a body to die for and a dimple that just won’t quit luring Jenny in, tempting her to throw all caution to the wind.

Will Jenny take the risk or will she do what she’s always done—play it safe and wait for the right time?

Review:

Elle Casey writes great contemporary romance. I really enjoyed the first book in the Bourbon Street Boys series and this one was just as good.

It has everything you want, and more, in a romance novel. It is flirty, fun and packed full of excitement.

It has interesting, witty, sexy characters. It has an engaging plot full of humour, suspense and romance. And the prose is funny and precise.

If you want an easy, light read that will make you smile, and maybe even laugh out loud at times, this is the book for you. 

 

This novel is due to be published on May 10, 2016.

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Montlake Romance, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview Sweet Resolve by Jill Sanders

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#BookReview Sweet Resolve by Jill Sanders Title: Sweet Resolve

Author: Jill Sanders

Series: Lucky #2

Published by: Montlake Romance on Jun. 7, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 176

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Montlake Romance, NetGalley

Book Rating: 7.5/10

Amy Walker is steps away from her perfect job. The day she makes partner at her real estate firm will be the happiest of her life, second only to the day in junior high when her tormentor, Logan Miller, finally moved away. But fate has a warped sense of humor, because Logan is back. In her town, in her office, gunning for the same promotion. Worse, the man is sinfully hot. But that won’t keep Amy from exacting the revenge he richly deserves…

Logan had reasons for acting wild in his youth, but he still regrets the way he treated Amy. Especially once he’s sharing an office with the smart, self-controlled beauty. For one thing, she’s got a wicked sense of payback. For another, he’s realized there’s something he wants much more than a promotion. And that’s to melt the ice he helped form around her heart all those years ago and to prove that loving thine enemy can be the ultimate happy ending.

Review:

This is a nice contemporary romance story.

It is the second story in the Lucky Series, but can definitely be read as a stand-alone novel.

The writing flows easy. The characters are sweet and engaging. And the plot has humour, romance, and a little twist to create a bit of suspense.

Overall, although predictable, this is a cute, light-hearted read, that is certainly not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

 

This book is due to be published on June 7, 2016.

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Montlake Romance, for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.