Saints and Spies by Jordan McCollum

When she finds her priest murdered, Molly Malone, secretary of their Catholic parish, vows to never let it happen again. She’ll use the full force of her Irish will, and her previous stint on the Irish police force, to protect the new priest from the congregation’s rumors of criminal activity. 

Falling in love wasn’t part of her plan. However, young, handsome and—dare she even think it?—flirtatious, Father Tim O’Rourke is nothing she expected. But Father Tim is also nothing like he seems to Molly: he’s Special Agent Zach Saint, an LDS FBI agent undercover to root out the mob that’s hiding in the parish. 

And Molly isn’t helping: every time Zach gets close to the mob, Molly manages to get in the way. Falling for her is the last thing he needs. Now Zach must find the murderer and catch the mobsters before his feelings for Molly blow his cover and add another murder or two to the mobsters’ docket. 

• File Size: 6309 KB
• Print Length: 321 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1940096189
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Durham Crest Books (October 14, 2015)

A new clean romantic suspense series from award-winning author Jordan McCollum!

My review: Saints and Spies by Jordan McCollum

4 stars

This has flirting, churches, mob, good characters, interesting plot and is a clean read. Mentions LDS and Catholic beliefs a little.

Special Agent Zach Saint, an LDS FBI agent undercover as a Catholic Priest.  He is sent in to find out who killed the last Father, and get the mob who is using the church.

Molly Malone used to be a police officer in Ireland.  Now she is a church secretary.  She found the priests body.  She is determined to save Father Tim from meeting the mobsters.

It has some twists that I saw and some I did not see coming.

I enjoyed reading Jordan McCollum's stories and will keep looking for more.

The Spring at Moss Hill by Carla Neggers (Swift River Valley #6)

Description

New York Times bestselling author Carla Neggers returns to charming Swift River Valley, where spring is the time for fresh starts and new beginnings…

Kylie Shaw has found a home and a quiet place to work as an illustrator of children's books in little Knights Bridge, Massachusetts. No one seems to know her here—and she likes it that way. She carefully guards her privacy in the refurbished nineteenth-century hat factory where she has a loft. And then California private investigator Russ Colton moves in.

Russ is in Knights Bridge to keep his client and friend, eccentric Hollywood costume designer Daphne Stewart, out of trouble. Keeping tabs on Daphne while she considers starting a small children's theater in town doesn't seem like a tough job until he runs into Kylie. Her opposition to converting part of the old hat factory into a theater is a challenge. But his bigger challenge is getting Kylie to let loose a little…like the adventurous characters she depicts in her work.

Kylie and Russ have more in common than they or anyone else would ever expect. They're both looking for a place to belong, and if they're able to let go of past mistakes and learn to trust again, they might just find what they need in Knights Bridge…and each other.

Series: Swift River Valley (Book 7)

Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Mira (January 26, 2016)

My review: The Spring at Moss Hill by Carla Neggers (Swift River Valley #6)

4 Stars

sixth book in the Swift River Valley series.  It is a small community so we see some characters from other books. 

Kylie Shaw is a new comer to Swift River Valley.  She illustrates children books and has a big secret she is keeping even her family.  It is sad that she does not let her family know about her.

Russ Colton is a private investigator.  He has come to the town to make a client's trip safely.  He realizes Kylie is hiding some things.  He lives in the apartment across from hers. 

Russ and Kylie are not looking for romance.

I enjoy reading Carla Neggers and look forward to reading more from her.

I was given this ebook to read for free from Harlequin and Netgalley.  In return agreed to give a honest review.

Thread and Gone by Lea Wait (Mainely Needlepoint #3)

Description

When a priceless antique is stolen, murder unravels the peaceful seaside town of Haven Harbor, Maine. . .

Angie Curtis and her fellow Mainely Needlepointers know how to enjoy their holidays. But nothing grabs their attention like tying up loose threads. So when Mary Clough drops in on the group's Fourth of July supper with a question about an antique needlepoint she's discovered in her family attic, Angie and her ravelers are happy to look into the matter. 

Angie's best guess is that the mystery piece may have been stitched by Mary, Queen of Scots, famous not just for losing her head, but also for her needlepointing. If Angie's right, the piece would be extremely valuable. For safekeeping, Angie turns the piece over to her family lawyer, who places it in a safe in her office. But when the lawyer is found dead with the safe open and ransacked, the real mystery begins. . .

• Series: A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery (Book 3)
• Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Kensington (December 29, 2015

My reviews:Thread and Gone by Lea Wait  (Mainely Needlepoint #3)

4  STARS

Lots of drama, mystery,and with new characters to join the old familiar characters Thread and Gone is full of history that I enjoyed as they solved the murder.  It is a clean read.

Angie Curtis is still in charge of the business of the Mainely Needlepointers.  Her grandmother is on her honeymoon.  Angie has been asked for help to find out about a old needlepoint that was found in an attic.

Angie went to a lawyer and had the needlepoint put in her safe.  The lawyer is murdered and the safe robbed.  Angie does not give up and searches for answers that lead back to Mary Queen of Scotts.

I have read all three books of Mainely Needlepoint and look forward to reading more of them.

I was given this ebook to read by Netgalley and Kensington.  In return I agreed to give a honest review of Thread and Gone.

The Royals of Monterra: Royal Wedding Cake by Carolyn Rae (Kindle Worlds)

 Reporter Danielle Dawson is excited to cover the wedding of Monterra’s Prince Dominic II and his bride Kat MacTaggart. She enjoys meeting the royal family and especially his handsome cousin, Prince Armando Fiorelli. However, after a bomb derails the reception and two of the princesses are kidnapped, she helps Armando find them, but will the dashing Armando ever consider settling down with one woman? 

• File Size: 2303 KB
• Print Length: 156 pages
• Publisher: Kindle Worlds (January 20, 2016)
• Publication Date: January 20, 2016

My review: The Royals of Monterra: Royal Wedding Cake by Carolyn Rae  (Kindle Worlds)

3 STARS

This is a romantic suspense I would call it. A novella that is set in the book setting of Royal Date by Sariah 

Wilson.  The royals of Monterra.

It is the reception for Prince Dominic II and Kat MacTaggart.  A bomb is found and reporter Danielle Dawson is right there.

Danielle is a American sent over to cover the wedding.

Prince Armando Fiorelli is a security for his cousin's wedding.  He is interested in Danielle and invites her to have dinner next night with King and Queen.  Armando has his own security firm.

Lots going on in this novella.  Lots of drama, romance, traveling there is a few love scenes.

The Royals of Monterra: Royal Delivery by Rebecca Connolly

Then comes marriage… 

Kat Fiorelli is the queen of Monterra. That was weird, but that’s what you get for marrying the Crown Prince, and when his parents abdicate… Voila! You find yourself on the throne. But with Nico at her side, and running most of the show, she could handle it. Now if their plans for starting a family would kick into gear, she would be much happier with things. But wishing for things tends to get people into to trouble, and Kat is no exception. 

…Then comes baby in a baby carriage! 

Pregnancy is no joke, and with it comes all sorts of adventures. Being a pregnant Royal is even worse, since literally everyone is watching. With the pressure of being on the throne, and her impending motherhood, Kat’s fears come to life. Could she meet the world’s expectations, and her own? Would she actually be able to handle this pregnancy on top of everything else? And the most important question of all…would her cravings ever go away?

• File Size: 2109 KB
• Print Length: 158 pages
• Publisher: Kindle Worlds (January 20, 2016)

My reviews: The Royals of Monterra: Royal Delivery by Rebecca Connolly  

5 STARS

This is my favorite story in the The Royals of Monterra kindleworld so far.  It seems like it could have been written by Sariah Wilson.  The characters have same feel to them.

It is funny caring, snarky and tender as we see Kat go through her pregnancy.  She is Queen Kat now.  The world is watching her.  The King is willing to do anything for her.

I would like to read more books by Rebecca Connolly.

Royal Chase by Sariah Wilson (The Royals of Monterra)

Booking her client, Prince Dante of Monterra, on reality show Marry Me is a royal coup for PR agent Lemon Beauchamp. But thanks to a last-minute glitch, Lemon must pretend to be one of the contestants vying to win the playboy prince’s love and then live happily ever after—at least until the publicity tour ends.

Prince Dante agreed to go on the show to find a wife, even though he already has the perfect candidate in mind. She’s smart, funny, sexy, and completely uninterested in wealth and fame. She’s also absolutely determined to keep him at arm’s length.

Even if Lemon weren’t already engaged, she can’t trust a notorious flirt like Dante. So she ignores the lingering looks. Those subtle, thrilling touches. That pulse-quickening kiss. Until suddenly, Lemon isn’t playing for the cameras. She’s lovestruck for real, and just maybe, the man behind the title is the one who’s always been in her heart

• Series: The Royals of Monterra
• Paperback: 286 pages
• Publisher: Montlake Romance (January 26, 2016)

My review: Royal Chase by Sariah Wilson   (The Royals of Monterra) 

4 STARS

This is a second book of the Royals of Monterra.  This is the series that has spun off the fan fiction kindleworld  of same name.  I guessed what would happen in the end but was worth the journey.  Now I have to wait for the next book.

Lemon Beauchamp. has one client and that is the Royals of Monterra.  She has arranged one of the twins Prince Dante to be on a reality dating show.  Dante is such a flirt.  Lemon is tired of having all her boyfriends cheat on her.  So she is engaged to someone who she has known forever.  Lemon ends up filling in for one of the women who was kicked off.

Prince Dante has been flirting with Lemon since he has met her.  He is not afraid to tell her how special she is to him.  I like Dante.  He is hansom, rich, sense of humor and treats Lemon as a special  women in his life.  He loves his family and country.

Lemon is fighting her feelings for Dante.  She almost becomes what she blames the men in her life for.  She is conflicted about her choices.

This is romantic, funny, sad and clean story.  I wish it was set more in Monterra. Instead of mostly in California.

The Royals of Monterra: Midnight in Monterra by Caroline Mickelson (Kindle Worlds Novella)

When Tex-Mex chef Madison Bishop receives an invitation from her old college friend Princess Kat to collaborate on a fundraising project, she's delighted to accept the offer. Once she arrives in Monterra, Madison is enchanted with the entire Fiorelli Royal Family, the picturesque European principality, and she's especially intrigued by a palace driver named Luis. However, Madison soon learns that Luis is not at all what he seems to be. He's handsome and charming, but unfortunately, he's also a prince. Which means that his life as a royal, and hers as a restaurant owner from North Texas, are completely incompatible. But although Madison's mind accepts this, her traitorous heart longs for a happily ever after.

• File Size: 269 KB
• Print Length: 117 pages
• Publisher: Kindle Worlds (January 20, 2016)
• Publication Date: January 20, 2016

My review: The Royals of Monterra: Midnight in Monterra  by Caroline Mickelson 

3 STARS

This is a kindle worlds set in the setting of Royal Date by Sariah Wilson.   Monterra is a principality by Italy and France.

Midnight in Monterra  is a fun romantic novella.   A clean read.

Madison Bishop is a Tex-Mex chef and college friend of Princess Kat.  She has come to Monterra to work on cookbook with Kat for the royal charities to fight cancer.

Madison thinks a Prince out jogging is her driver to show her around Monterra.

Luis is a Prince visiting his cousins the Princes of Monterra.  When he is mistaken for a driver he jumps at the chance to be a regular guy in the beautiful Madison's eyes for a day.

a good entertaining novella I will look for more books from Caroline Mickelson in the future.

The Royals of Monterra: Royal Quest by Rachel Branton

Going undercover as a maid at the Lodge Royal in an attempt to meet her half sister, Katerina, isn’t one of Amelia Lennox’s best ideas. Kat has no idea of Amelia’s existence, and her recent marriage to Nico, the new King of Monterra, puts her further out of Amelia’s reach. Even if Amelia finds Kat, there’s no guarantee the queen will believe her—or that she wants a sister. 

To complicate matters, Amelia meets Davide Ciano, who steals her breath away and makes her knees weak. She’s never believed in the kind of fairy tale that her sister found, but then she’s never known anyone like Davide. Maybe, if their secrets don’t keep them apart, she might begin to believe. 

Royal Quest is the story of how two sisters find each other, and about love—true love. Because in Monterra, fairy tales do come true.

• File Size: 347 KB
• Print Length: 93 pages
• Publisher: Kindle Worlds; 1 edition (January 20, 2016)

My review: The Royals of Monterra: Royal Quest by Rachel Branton

4 stars

This is a kindle world  that is The Royals of Monterra from the book Royal Date by Sariah Wilson.

It is a novella. Only 93 pages.  Wish it were longer though it does a nice job.  it is romantic, funny and charming.

Amelia Lennox is working as a maid at the Lodge Royal.  She has found out that she has a half sister who now is Queen of Monterra.  Amelia has no other family.

Davide Ciano meets Amelia and is drawn to her right off.  He has had bad experiences with women just wanting him for his title or money so he is planning to hide that he is a rich duke from her at first.

I loved the scene with them all riding in the woods.  I admit I laughed a lot with them.  Also liked the ball scenes.

I would read more books from Rachel Branton in the future.

Royal Date by Sariah Wilson

This Cinderella didn’t plan on a prince . . .

Kat MacTaggart is a girl who has a plan for everything—including her holiday ski trip to Monterra with her best friend. Everything is going according to plan until she finds herself careening out of control down a mountainside and being rescued by a guy who looks like Superman’s hotter Italian cousin. 

HRH Prince Nico is intrigued by the woman he saved on the slopes and her refusal to date him. He offers Kat a deal—let him show her his country and he’ll pay her to write articles that will help Monterra’s tourism industry. Kat agrees, but given her past and lingering distrust of men, she has one condition—absolutely no kissing.

Thanks to the claims of a jealous British noblewoman and the schemes of a meddling paparazzo, Kat’s rule doesn’t seem to be a problem at first. But the more Kat gets to know Nico and the people around him, the harder it is to remember her keep-your-distance plan. Should she stick to it or risk everything for a chance at happily ever after?

• File Size: 1776 KB
• Print Length: 254 pages
• Publisher: Kindle Press (March 3, 2015)
• Publication Date: March 3, 2015

My review: Royal Date by Sariah Wilson

4 Stars

I first read one of the Kindle world books about the Royals of Monterra and wondered about the book that the setting came from.  So I was looking and saw this book on Kindle unlimited and got. Then I got the next book pre ordered can't wait to read it.

Royal Date is charming, funny with darling secondary characters and a couple I dislike too.  With dealing with real problems in a sensitive way.  I love fairy tales, and Royal Date does not disappoint.  It is a clean read.

The setting is a Mountainous Principality between Italy and France.  Have good skiing and mines.

Kat MacTaggart  is spending Christmas vacation with her roommate Lemmon, skiing in Monterra over Christmas break.  She is one semester away from graduating with a masters in Social Work.  She comes from a broken family and poor. 

HRH Prince Nico will someday take over and be King when he marries.  While skiing with friends he notices Kat in the lodge reading and is not interested in him. He is very drawn to her.

Lemmon gets a chance to help Nico get his country more publicity and plans to use it for her thesis.  She thinks Kat and Nico should date and Kat should write about it on Social media and places Nico takes her in Monterra.

This is a fun read.  I will look for more books by Sariah Wilson in the future.

The Royals of Monterra: The Royal Guard (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Cindy M Hogan

Fiercely independent and exceptional, Marisa Donati, a guard for the Monterran monarchy, wants nothing more than to become a member of the personal guard, an elect team of escorts that protects the royal family. Unfortunately, the handsome captain of the guard, Christian Di Stefano, blocks her attempts at every turn. 

Determined to get the position she knows she deserves, she works harder than ever until she is presented with the opportunity to reveal a dangerous secret about Christian which only ends up putting both of them in danger—along with the Monterran monarchy Marisa has worked so hard to protect. 

Desperate to set things right, Marisa must face her growing feelings for Christian while working with him and an elite black ops group to find the real enemy of the monarchy and save the country from a war that will most definitely break out if she doesn’t. 

Suspenseful, with the right amount of romance, and awash with action and adventure, The Royal Guard will send you on a thrill ride that will be hard to forget. 

• File Size: 2043 KB
• Print Length: 144 pages
• Publisher: Kindle Worlds; 1 edition (January 20, 2016)
• Publication Date: January 20, 2016

My reviews: The Royals of Monterra: The Royal Guard (Kindle Worlds Novella)  by Cindy M Hogan

4 stars

I am not sure if this fits in a different series or if the Kindle Worlds is a Christy world.  Christy and friends show up and are minor characters.  I have not heard of The Royals of Monterra before. 

 Now I have read Royal Date by Sariah  Wilson.  Which is the book for the setting for the kindle worlds The Royals of Monterra.

 Marisa Donati is a royal guard of Monterra.  In fact she is the first woman to be a royal guard.  She is good and leads in numbers but is a young guard who does not really fit in.  She wants a promotion to the protection of the Royal family and not just a guard on the woman's quarters.

Christian Di Stefano is Captain of the Royal Guard.  He does not think Marisa is ready for a promotion.  Marisa is given information that she can try and blackmail the Captain to promote her.

This has lots of action, treachery, honor and romance.  It is a clean read. Strong female characters.  It is a good fast read.

I bought this on Amazon because I like Cindy M. Hogan books that I have read.  I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Sweet Haven by Shirlee McCoy

Description

In Benevolence, Washington, the Lamont family's irresistible handmade chocolates are a cherished tradition--and always a reason to celebrate. And now they're giving the three Lamont sisters, one by one, delicious chances to start again, make a change, and have their sweetest dreams come true...

Neighbors who care, a peaceful routine--accountant Adeline Lamont is glad some things about her beloved hometown never change. But when her grandfather is injured, she has to run the family store, Chocolate Haven, and make its legendary fudge. Trouble is, she can't get the recipe right to save her life--or Chocolate Haven. And she doesn't need her ornery new tenant, Sinclair Jefferson, stirring up the pot with his help--and daring Addie to taste her wild side…

Once Sinclair gets his hapless brother back on track, he's leaving Benevolence for good this time. He's made his life far away from his irresponsible family and their scandals. Trouble is, he can't quite stay away from Addie's optimism, enticing plus-size curves, and kindness to those who need it most. But they don't seem to have a thing in common--except that Addie's passion for chocolate, and for Benevolence, is just as contagious as Sinclair's passion for her. Maybe small-town life has its charms after all…

• Print Length: 336 pages
• Publisher: Zebra (February 23, 2016)
• Publication Date: February 23, 2016

My review: Sweet Haven by Shirlee McCoy

4 STARS

First book in new series is a yummy treat.  Characters you like and want to see more of them, tender, sweet, funny.  I knew how a few things would turn out but it was a fun journey.  Though it does make me hungry for fudge.

This is a  clean read.

Adeline Lamont is the only one from her sisters that stayed in their home town of Benevolence, Washington.  She has her own accounting business.  She has stepped in after her grandfather fell and broke his femur to run the family chocolate store Chocolate Haven.  She is overworked trying to run two business.

Adeline can not make her family's famous fudge.  She is not giving up though.

Sinclair Jefferson has come back to Benevolence to help his brother clean up the property they were both left by their grandfather.  His family has a history of drunks, lazy men.  Sinclair was going to be different.  He could not wait to leave town.

You meet a bunch of characters that I want to see more about them and wonder about their lives more.  It is a nice small town.  I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I was given this ebook to read by NetGalley and Kensington.  In return I agreed to give a honest review.

Kate Concealed (Code of Silence Trilogy, #2) by Cindy M. Hogan

It’s time to stop living in the past.

After discovering her birth mom was on the run from the mafia, Kate decides to focus on her future. Until she uncovers a secret that her adoptive parents have been keeping. Anxious to discover the truth, she unlocks doors that not only expose the heinous secrets of her adoptive family, but also those of her birth family.

As her mind turns to revenge, she is reunited with the boy who saved her from the mafia, placing him, her friends, and family in extreme jeopardy.

If she can’t unravel the secrets of her past, she might not have a future

My review: Kate Concealed (Code of Silence Trilogy, #2) by Cindy M. Hogan

5 Stars

Kate Concealed is nail biting.  Full of drama, great settings, choices and mysteries.  It is also a clean read YA.

Kate in the first book found out about her father being part of the mafia.  She still has nightmares about being forced to be part of it.

Kate, Ellie, and Colby have the chance to go to Italy for a few days.  Kate finds out that her mom is keeping secrets from her.  Kate has decided to give up for now on finding her mom because of no clues.  Then she gets a lead.

The setting for most of the book is in Italy.  I want to go.

I want to read the next book in the series now and not wait till it comes out.  I like Cindy's writing style, her characters.  I hated to have to put the book down.

I was given this book for free by the author and in return I agreed to give a honest review of Kate Concealed.

Bulletproof Badge by Angi Morgan (Texas Rangers: Elite Troop #1)

Description

HE'D TAKE A BULLET FOR HER 

His key witnesses dead, Texas Ranger Garrison Travis had to protect innocent bystander Kenderly Tyler. Her crucial evidence had two very dangerous Texas crime families willing to do anything to keep her quiet. But Garrison's undercover status had branded him a killer, and now the bad and the good guys were after them both. 

Hiding out with a handsome protector, on the run for her life, was so beyond anything Kenderly had imagined. While there was more than just adrenaline pulsing between them, the Ranger vowed his job was his life. Dare she wonder what would become of them should they actually make it out alive?

• Series: Texas Rangers: Elite Troop (Book 1)
• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin; Not for Online edition (January 19, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373698860
• ISBN-13: 978-0373698868

My review: Bulletproof Badge by Angi Morgan Texas Rangers: Elite Troop (Book 1)

4 STARS

New series start featuring Texas Rangers.  Good start to the series with Bulletproof Badge.  Lots of drama, action, suspense and romance.  It is a big chase as they figure out why and who to trust.

Garrison Travis is a Texas Ranger working undercover at a mob party.  Kenderly Tyler is a hairdresser working on the hair of two mob families hair.  While she is out of the room both ladies were murdered.  She saw the killer but Garrison saved her life.  They get out of the house with the mob chasing them.  

Soon they are identified as the killers by everyone.

Garrison does not know who to trust.  His boss who put him undercover has been shot.  His friends are all in a different town.

good fun chases while falling in love.  A couple of love scenes.  I want to read more of Texas Rangers: Elite Troop.

I was given this ebook to read for free by NetGalley and Harlequin.  In return I agreed to give a honest review of Bulletproof Badge.

Fortune's Perfect Valentine (The Fortunes of Texas: All Fortune's Chi)

Description

BE MY (OFFICE) VALENTINE 

Wes Robinson may be part of the lost Fortune family, but he's more concerned with the fortunes of Robinson Tech. On Valentine's Day, his company will be rolling out a new computer app that will—allegedly—fix users up with their ideal mate. Wes has nothing against amour; he just has no faith in the perfect, lasting kind. He'll take a passionate fling any day. 

Tell that to Vivian Blair, however. Wes's longtime employee with the earnest heart has complete faith that her app will work. So when she and Wes are challenged to use My Perfect Match themselves, it's game on. What follows is a series of dating debacles—and Viv's horrifying suspicion that her Mr. RIght might be her curmudgeonly boss in the cubicle next door…

• Series: The Fortunes of Texas: All Fortune's Chi (Book 2455)
• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin; Not for Online edition (January 19, 2016)

My reviews: Fortune's Perfect Valentine (The Fortunes of Texas: All Fortune's Chi)

3 Stars

This story is a nice  romance but is also part of a bigger story.  I admit I have not read enough of the 

Fortune's of Texas to follow the whole story.

Wes Robinson comes from a big family.  He might be from a bigger one too.   His twin brother thinks they might be part of the Fortunes.  Wes is disappointed that his father did not give him the company Robinson Tech to run but put his brother in charge.

Vivian Blair works for Robinson Tech and developed a app  My Perfect Match that will help people find their perfect match.  she believes that having common interests will make people happy.  Wes believes chemistry works.  But he has no plans to get married.  

Wes and Vivian agree to sign up to find their own perfect match and the media is following them to see if it works.

Lots of sex in the story. 

I was given this ebook to read for free from NetGalley and Harlequin.  In return I agreed to give a honest review of Fortune's Perfect Valentine.