2 in 1: Dead of Winter and Thaw of Spring by Rebecca Zanetti

Publisher: RAZ Inc., LLC
Publication Date: January 2025

Brock Osprey has spent years in the rugged Alaskan wilderness, far from civilization and even farther from his past. A former Navy Seal, Brock is now the unwilling protector of Knife's Edge, a remote town with more secrets than residents. But when FBI agent Ophelia Spilazi arrives to investigate the unsolved murder of his guardian—and recent unexplained deaths in the area—Brock's carefully guarded world is thrown into chaos.

Agent Ophelia Spilazi has one last chance to save her career, and Knife's Edge is her shot. The isolated town is full of secrets, and she's certain Brock knows more than he's letting on. The town's recent string of mysterious deaths only heightens her suspicion, but the more time she spends with the brooding Alaskan, the harder it becomes to ignore the dangerous chemistry between them.

As a brutal storm traps them in the isolated wilderness, Brock and Ophelia's growing attraction ignites, even as shadows from their pasts threaten to tear them apart. But with a dangerous conspiracy and powerful enemies lurking in the shadows, their only hope is to trust each other—before the wilderness consumes them both.

Dead of Winter is the first in the  Knife's Edge series.  This one is Brock and Ophelia's story.  It was a fairly good start to the series.  I liked that Brock and Ophelia had chemistry from the start.  However, I did think their love story was a bit insta-love though.  I mean the story only takes place over a time span of a week or so.    The main mystery (and the reason that Ophelia was in Knife's Edge) was solved in this one, but we are left hanging on a few others. There are a couple of mysteries that seem like they will carry through the entire series.  I enjoyed the book enough to pick up the next book right away.

Pulisher: RAZ Inc., LLC

Publication Date: September 2025

Christian Osprey prefers the wilderness to the company of people. A former Navy Special Operator, he’s built for isolation and thrives in the untamed wild. He doesn’t want ties, doesn’t need anyone—but he can’t seem to stay away from Amka, the soft-eyed tavern owner who always greets him with a warm smile, a hot cup of coffee, and no expectations.

Amka Pinga has spent her life being strong for everyone else, even as her own life unravels. Trapped in an engagement that feels more like a cage, she’s tangled in obligations that threaten to break her spirit. Christian’s quiet strength feels like a lifeline she doesn’t dare reach for—but danger is circling Knife’s Edge, and this time, she’s at the center of it.

When Amka becomes a target, Christian will stop at nothing to protect her. But their simmering attraction explodes into something fierce and undeniable, and keeping her close blurs the line between protection and possession. In a town where secrets run deeper than the icy rivers and trust is as treacherous as thin ice, survival means risking everything—even their hearts.

So far, I think that this one will be my favorite couple of the series.  I devoured this one.  This one is Christian and Amka's story.  These two really intrigued me from the first book.  Amka is engaged, but no one can really figure out why she would want to be with a man like her fiancé.  Especially Christian.  But when someone keeps trying to kill Amka, he knows he has to protect her.  Their chemistry was off the chart.  I loved how Amka just understood what Christian needed to not feel like he was caged in.  I also enjoyed the mystery.  I was definitely surprised.  There were also a couple of other surprises that I can't wait to see how they play out later in the series.  I highly recommend this series.

2 in 1: Keeping Him Close and Wanting Him Always by C.A. Harms

We shouldn’t let our past define us. Especially when the events are out of our control. 
We should learn from those mistakes and choose to do things differently.
We should strive for better.
Build a foundation that makes us proud.

Those are all things that are easier said than done.

I’m a fine example of one that allows the hardships and struggles of my past direct me in my future.

Hating Rory has always been easy. Well, easy to fake, because what I truly feel for him, it terrifies me.
He is a man I could fall for.
He is a man that could give me everything I didn’t even know I wanted.
He is the man that each and every time I am near, I feel my walls slowly start to crumble.

But giving in to those feelings could destroy everything I’ve struggled to control.
Loving him means that I have to go against every single rule I have ever set for myself.

But hating him, that is the hardest challenge of all.

This one was a great addition to the series.  It's an enemies to lovers story.  Well more like frenemies since Rory and Adley are in the same friend group.  I loved that Rory finally called Adley out on her behavior toward him and forced her to look at her true feelings.  The interactions between Adley and  Rory's son Jayden were very adorable.  I loved this couple together and highly recommend this one.

Being the girl who always manages to choose the wrong guy is exhausting.

If there is a loser in the crowd, I find him.
I fall, and I keep falling head over heels all the way down the mountain I just leaped off of.

It’s a vicious, ugly cycle.
And I’m done.
I’m done with relationships and two-timing men.
No matter how cute their smile is, no matter how sweet they pretend to be.
I. AM. DONE!

So when Finn decides he’s going to be a good friend and show me how a man should treat a woman, I know from the start it’s a bad idea…a really bad idea!

I can’t do this! I won’t!
This can’t end well.

Fake dating! I mean, what is that anyway?

But true to his word, he shows me the meaning of an honest gentleman. He introduces me to the playful, fun side of being with a man, and the more time I spend with him, the worse I begin to feel. Because, at the end of each day, I have to remind myself that this is all a game.

It’s fake… and fake dating a great guy is awful!

Wanting Him Always is the 4th book in this series and I think it's my favorite couple so far.  Finn wants Sophie to finally realize that she needs to be treated like a queen from anyone she is dating.  A fake dating scheme quickly turns into real feelings.  I just loved seeing Sophie finally feel valued in a relationship.  I also really loved Sophie and her relationship with Finn's mother.  It was adorable. This entire series is so fun and filled with wonderful characters.  I won't spoil the story, but I do highly recommend it.  

2 in 1Reviews: Loving Him More and Falling for Him by C.A. Harms

Publication Date: November 2021

First impressions can either be a kiss of death, or seal your fate.
You either click or clash, soar or fall.

Or in my case they could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Or so I thought.

We sometimes tend to forget that others may not always feel the same. Lines get crossed, messages get misconstrued.
That can, and did lead to a lot of heartache and confusion.

Maybe I was blinded by the comfortable state we’d fallen in to.
Or maybe I chose to ignore all the signs others could see.

Friendships are tested, bonds are broken and I’m not sure they can be fixed.
All I did know for sure was that I was the girl in love with the new guy...
OR other guy…

A guy I may never truly be able to have.

Loving Him More is the first book in the Hudson Boys series.  This one is Sutton and Brantley's story.  This was a little angsty, but ultimately, I really loved their love story. For both of them it was instant want and need.  The problem was how to deal with Bennet, Brantley's brother who also had feelings for Sutton.  The conflict between the brother's was realistic but not over the top.  The resolution and finding their way back to their bond was satisfying in the end.  I loved the chemistry between Sutton and Brant.  As the first in the series, we also get to start getting to know the other characters in the close knit groups of friends.  Sutton and her girls are definitely friendship/sisterhood goals.  I highly recommend this one.

Publication Date: November 2025

Wanting is a hard-to-control desire. Especially when the one you want is always there.

Every friendly gathering, all the daily functions…he is there.

But acting on those desires almost broke me last time.
I made a promise to myself. This time, I would be strong. This time, I would refrain.
My heart couldn’t take another rejection.

I am my own worst enemy.
I am the first person to criticize myself, the first person to find the bad in the smallest situations.

But he manages to chip away at me, finding the smallest crack.
And in the middle of the darkest of times, even though I do my best to fight it, he pulls me back.

But giving in, letting myself fall again, may be the worst mistake I make.
This time, it just might destroy me.

After the finishing the first book, I was really looking forward to Bennet and Lexi's story in Falling for Him.  There was a great build up of their story in the first book and I just knew it was going to be good. This book did not disappoint.  I just loved how Bennet slowly won Lexi over and got her forgiveness.  I was also so happy that they both finally admitted that they were perfect for each other.  Little Camryn was adorable and I loved the relationship that she and Bennet formed. This was the perfect way to tell this couple's story and I highly recommend it.

2 in 1: Reviews of Does He Know? and Is This Love? by Kaylee Ryan

Author: Kaylee Ryan
Publication Date: November 2023
Emerson

It’s not like I planned to fall for my older brother’s best friend.
It just happened. With a perfect body covered in tattoos, and a dirty mouth, Roman is the kind of guy women notice—and believe me, I noticed. Even when I tried not to.
When he finally gives in to temptation, there’s no going back. At least for me. Too bad Roman doesn’t see it that way.
He thinks he needs to protect me and my relationship with my brother, but I don't need him to fight my battles. I just need him.

Roman

My name whispered from Emerson’s perfect pink lips is all it takes for me to betray my best friend.
Before that night, I kept the green-eyed beauty at arm’s length. Watched her from afar and told myself that the chemistry between us was one-sided.
I pretended that I didn’t want her more than my next breath. Which is what’s on the line if her brother ever finds out we’ve been sneaking around behind his back.
But I can’t stay away. Especially after knowing what it’s like to have her and lose her.
Now, I’m given a second chance, and I have every intention of making her mine—consequences be damned.

This is the first book in the Everlasting Ink series.  This one is Roman and Emerson's story.  It's an age gap, friends to lovers story.  Normally, I like these two tropes.  But the one thing that annoyed me about this book was the constant reminder of that age gap. I mean I get it, but at some point you have to move on.  The angst in the story was on steroids as well.  It ended up just being OK.  But I was intrigued enough about the other friends in the tattoo shop to keep reading the series.

Publication Date: March 2024

Legend

A marriage of convenience is one thing… but falling for your fake wife is all kinds of complicated.
Being married for a year is the only way to claim my inheritance. I couldn’t care less about the money. It’s not like I even knew my grandparents.
I wasn’t even considering it until Monroe volunteered. Sweet, sweet, Monroe. I’ve never let myself consider her as an option for me.
She’s been tucked safely away in a box labeled forbidden. That is until she takes my last name.

Monroe
It’s not like I planned to marry one of my friends… or fall for him.
One minute I offer to be his fake wife, and the next, we’re going through the motions— saying, “I do,” and playing house.
Legend is the kind of guy fantasies are made of—tall, dark, and tattooed. Now I’m sharing his bed and his last name for the next year.
Everything looks good on paper, and while this may have started out as playing pretend, the way I feel for him is the realest thing I’ve ever known.
As the weeks pass by, it doesn’t take long before either of us begins to question if we’re just friends or if this is this love after all.

Is This Love? is the second book in the Everlasting Ink series.  It is a marriage of convenience story.  I thought this one was adorable.  I just loved how Legend and Monroe slowly fell for each other. I also loved that the story took place over a long period of time.  It wasn't insta-love.  I was definitely rooting for them.  Out of the first two books in this series, this one was definitely my favorite.

2 in 1: Broken Harbor and Beautiful Exile by Catherine Cowles

Publisher: The PageSmith LLC
Publication Date: November 2024

Since the moment our lives fell apart, the only thing that mattered was making a good life for my son. A life where he was happy and safe. I just never expected to find that safety with a hockey player known for his brutal dominance on the ice and his recklessness off it.

But Cope Colson is so much more.

The gentle way he makes sure we’re okay. The playful care he shows my son. The way he truly sees me.

When my life comes apart yet again, it’s Cope picking up the pieces. Now, we’re living in his house, eating his incredible, chef-worthy meals, and it’s not just my son who’s falling.

It’s me.

Because when Cope touches me, I lose all sense. I’m no longer thinking about staying safe, I’m thinking about how my skin ignites with every glance, how I come undone with the barest brush of his fingertips, and when we give into temptation…I’m lost.

But Cope has secrets and so do I. And when the forces from our pasts emerge from the shadows, there’s nothing they won’t do to end our happiness once and for all…

Broken Harbor is the third book in the series and is Sutton and Cope's story.  While it's not my favorite, I still loved it.  I didn't really love Cope in the beginning.  Probably because he wasn't very prevalent in the first 2 books, so I didn't feel like I got to know him that much.  But, he quickly won me over.  I loved how he slowly won Sutton over.  And her son was adorable.  Once again, this author completely took me by surprise with the ending to the mystery.  I loved it.  Highly recommend this one.

Publisher:  The PageSmith LLC

Publication Date: March 2025

I should’ve known Lincoln Pierce was trouble from the moment I held my knife to his throat.

I’ve been running for most of my life, hiding away in a small town and hoping no one discovers who I truly am. The only problem is that I can never let anyone know the real me. Or at least that was true until my brother moved his best friend onto our shared property.

Now, I’m stuck trying to avoid the nosy billionaire’s probing questions and piercing stares. And it doesn’t help that I almost killed him the first time we met.

Oops.

But when all my carefully crafted lies come crashing down around me, it’s Linc stepping in to shield me. And when it looks like the person hunting me for all those years is back, Linc will do anything to keep me safe.

Only it’s not just my safety at risk. It’s my heart. Because when Linc touches me, I lose all sense. And when I truly get to know the broken billionaire, he’s so much more than a ruthless business tycoon. He’s the man showing me that it’s time to really live.

But I’m not the only one with secrets. Linc has them, too. And when the forces from our pasts emerge from the shadows, it’s with only one goal: to end the new life we’re building together. For good.

Beautiful Exile is the fourth book and definitely one of my favorites of the series.  I have been intrigued by Arden since the first book.    Her back story was heartbreaking.  Linc was just the man to help her feel safe and be able to come out into the light.  I loved his relationship with his sister as well.  Once again, the mystery resolution as a huge surprise.  I'm not sure how the author keeps doing that, but I'm here for it.  The extended family members also did not disappoint. It always feels like visiting family when I read this series.  Highly recommend this one!

2 in 1: Fragile Sanctuary and Delicate Escape by Catherine Cowles

Publisher: The PageSmith LLC
Publication date: May 2024

The scowl should’ve been my first clue to stay far away from Anson Hunt. The sexy smirk and the fact that he’s my brother’s best friend? Reasons two and three. Not to mention, he’s the new contractor working on my house.

He’s everything I’m not: grumpy, rude, and more than a little attached to his solitude. It doesn’t matter how many times I try to kill him with kindness; the man simply won’t crack.

Until he sees me shatter.

Because when my world comes crashing down around me, Anson is the one catching me as I fall. And as so-called accidents start plaguing every part of my life, it’s Anson who steps in to keep me safe.

As he does, I can’t help but feel a flicker of heat. And it only takes a single moment for that spark to ignite into flames, engulfing us both.

But Anson’s a man with secrets, and they have a price. When they’re revealed, neither of us will make it out unscathed…

Fragile Sanctuary is the first book in the Sparrow Falls series.  I ended up binging this entire series (so far) on vacation last week.  It's that good.  I am going to have a hard time picking a favorite, so be prepared for major gushing.  I loved this first book.  Anson and Rowan were just perfect match for each other.  Both of them had so much gut-wrenching tragedy in their background. Rowan found a soft place to fall and an amazing found family of the heart.  Anson didn't have that, but he slowly realizes that Rowan can help him find the healing he needs.  I loved that their romance was a slow burn.  I also loved watching Anson slowly begin to open up the hard shell around his heart.  Along with the romance, the family bond among the Colson clan was so fun and heartwarming.  The solution to the mystery really caught me off guard.  I love a good surprise ending.  Highly recommend.

Publisher: The PageSmith LLC

Publication Date: August 2024

Trust doesn’t come easily when you’ve been running for as long as I have, which is why moving in with a man I barely know is such a bad idea.

Shepard Colson is all golden-boy charm and devastating good looks. But I know what it’s like to be taken in by easy smiles and the promise of forever—I have the scars to prove it.

Only the handsome contractor won’t stop coming by the bakery and prying little truths from my lips. Those amber eyes of his seeing far too much. And when all the secrets come crashing down, he’s determined to keep me safe. Even if it means moving into my rundown cabin to do it.

Now, Shep isn’t just rebuilding the walls of my home, he’s working his way into my heart. Suddenly, he’s everywhere: shirtless in my garden or in a towel coming out of my bathroom. And my resolve is no match.

Only it’s more than his golden looks. It’s him. The way he watches for my wounds but tells me I’m stronger than anyone he’s ever known. And I can’t help but fall.

But I should’ve known better than to think I could be happy. Not when a ghost from my past still has me in his sights. And when he finds me, he’ll do anything to tear my life apart, even if it means ending it for good…

Delicate Escape is book number two and is Shep and Thea's story.  Again, I loved this love story.  It's always a winner when the guy falls first.  Again, both of them have trauma in their past and their relationship is exactly what the both of them need to heal.  I absolutely loved the care that Shep took with gaining Thea's trust. Her story was enraging and so sad.  Letting her be in control of how they interacted was exactly what she needed.  I also loved how she is quickly pulled into the fold of the Colson clan.  The twist in this one blind-sided me.  I did not see that coming at all.  This is a wonderful follow-up to the first book in the series and I highly recommend it. 

2 in 1: Reviews of Protecting Caroline and Protecting Alabama by Susan Stoker

Date of publication: September 2014

Matthew “Wolf” Steel hated flying commercial. Luckily his job as a Navy SEAL meant he didn’t have to do it very often. He’d been unlucky enough to be assigned a middle seat on the cramped jet, but fortunately for him, the woman next to him was willing to switch seats with him. Hoping for a relaxing flight, Wolf was pleasantly surprised at the good conversation and sense of humor the woman had as they flew 36,000 feet over the countryside.

When Caroline boarded the plane to Virginia to move across the country for her new job she never expected to be seated next to the hottest guy she’d ever seen. She also never expected he’d be so easy to talk to. She knew he’d never be interested in talking to her if he hadn’t been trapped in the seat next to her, but it was a nice way to spend a long plane ride.

Neither Wolf nor Caroline were prepared for a terrorist hijacking of their plane, but if Caroline thought that would be the last time she’d see, or need, Wolf, she’d be sorely mistaken. 

Protecting Caroline is the first book in the SEAL of Protection series.  For the most part, I enjoyed this one.  You really have to suspend a LOT of disbelief to buy into this scenario.  The three SEALs just happen to be on the same plane as terrorists and one of them just happens to sit next to the one person that can smell a chemical in the ice.  It's a reach but it was entertaining.  This was also very much a love at first sight story. They did have mad crazy chemistry and I liked that part of the story.  The suspense part of the book did have me hooked enough to finish.  What I loved more was the friendship between the guys.  I'd recommend it.

Publication date: October 2014

Alabama didn’t have a good start to life. Emotionally and physically abused by her mama, Alabama spent her high school years in foster care. People let her down, time after time, and she’d learned to rely on only herself.

Christopher “Abe” Powers earned his nickname because he tolerated nothing less than absolute honesty from the people around him. Finding the bar scene stale and having watched his friend and teammate, Wolf, find the woman of his dreams, Abe was determined to find someone to share his life with too.

Alabama and Abe had no idea their paths would cross and their prayers would be answered, but like most things in life, nothing is ever as easy as it seems at first. Two words would change both their lives and they’d have to fight hard for their happy ever after.

The second book in the series, Protecting Alabama is really intense.  While reading, I swear I was put through the gambit of emotions. Alabama's past was heartbreaking and it was easy to see why she was as quiet as she was.  Abe was kind of a dumbass and I think Alabama should have made him grovel a bit more in the end.  But, they were ultimately good for each other and I did ultimately like their story.  Each of these books can be read as stand alone books and I do recommend them.

2 in 1: Reviews of The Art Collector & The Siren's Song by Katelyn Brehm

Madelyn Frye enjoys her simple, drama-free life, even if it means there's an empty seat next to her on the couch at night. But when her firm lands a lucrative contract to appraise the paintings of an infamous mansion with a storied past, her comfortable routine is upended by the handsome and mysterious millionaire who owns it.

For over a century, Thomas von Dreiss has resigned himself to a solitary fate, refusing to let his hunger transform him into a monster. But he never expected the art appraiser who shows up at his door to test his unshakable restraint. Her brilliant mind and kind heart rekindle long forgotten hopes and set his carnal needs aflame.

Will Madelyn risk shattering her safe and predictable world to be with Thomas? And if she does, will Thomas's dark secret destroy their chance at a happily ever after?

The Art Collector is the first in the Demons Among Us series.    It's a quick paranormal romance.  Madelyn is an art historian hired by Thomas to catalog his father's estate.  There is an immediate draw between the two.  Little does she know, he is an incubus who is over a century old.  This was actually a sweet romance.  I know that is weird to say about a demon romance but it was really sweet.  I enjoyed spending time watching as Thomas and Madelyn feel for each other.  I just wish it was a bot longer.  I also wish there was more lore about his kind.  I do recommend this one.

Lena Sommer can’t win. Her marriage is a failure. The yoga studio she founded no longer needs her. And she just lost her grandma, the only family she’s ever known. Alone, grieving, and determined not to repeat the mistakes of her past, she tries to ignore the advances of a rakish singer she meets on the beach. But his carefree nature is infectious, and his mesmerizing voice proves too seductive to resist.

Elias Georgiou has it all—a loving family, the endless ocean, and, most importantly, his independence. Constrained by nothing but the pursuit of pleasure, the last thing he’s interested in is a relationship with any of the countless admirers he charms with his song. Until he meets Lena, and a future with the resilient and courageous woman becomes more tempting than freedom.

Can Lena learn to trust herself and Elias in the face of past betrayal? Or will the enchanted song of a consummate bachelor ruin all hope for a future filled with love?

The Siren's Song is the second book in the series.  In this one, Lena is as a crossroads in her life.  She just lost the only family that she has ever had.  While her yoga studio is successful, it can really run without her.  After meeting Elias, she begins to see a clearer path for her life.  Elias has lived his life as a siren thinking he would never need to settle down.  Until he meets Lena.   This one is a bit longer than the first book.  I did feel like there was more time spent with Lena and Elias getting to know each other.  I really liked that aspect and ended up loving their HEA at the end because of it.  I also felt like there was more about the lore behind the siren.  My only complaint about the book was Elias and the way he spoke.  He is supposed to be in his 40's but he speaks like an 18YO surfer dude.  It kind of took  me out of the story at times.  I definitely recommend this  one as well.

2 in 1 Review: A True Cowboy Christmas & Cold Heart, Warm Cowboy by Caitlin Crews

Publisher: St. Martins Press
Publication Date: October 2018

Gray Everett has a heart of gold but that doesn't mean he believes in the magic of Christmas. He's got plenty else to worry about this holiday season, what with keeping his cattle ranch in the family and out of the hands of hungry real-estate investors looking to make a down-and-dirty deal. That, plus being a parent to his young and motherless daughter, equals a man who will not rest until he achieves his mission. Now, all Gray needs is the help of his lifelong neighbor. . .who happens to have grown into a lovely, spirited woman.

For Abby Douglas, the chance to join forces with Gray is nothing less than a Christmas miracle. Much as the down-to-earth farmer's daughter has tried to deny it, Abby's been in love with stern, smoking-hot Gray her whole life. So when Gray proposes a marriage of convenience as a way to combine land--and work together toward a common cause—Abby can't refuse. But how can she convince Gray that sometimes life offers a man a second chance for a reason. . .and that their growing trust and mutual passion may be leading to true and lasting love?

A True Cowboy Christmas is the first book in the Cold River Ranch series.  It's a sweet marriage of convenience story that will warm your heart.  This is Gray and Abby's story.  Throughout the story, I kept thinking, "You poor clueless  man" about Gray.  You can't help but love his clueless heart though. It's clear his intentions are pure, if misguided.  I was rooting for Abby to help him see that he could love her and have a happy and real marriage, not just a practical one.  Both Abby and Gray had the most horrible parents on planet earth, it's no wonder they had issues.  I definitely recommend this one.

Publisher: St. Martins Press
Publication Date: July 2019

Ty Everett ran off to the rodeo when he turned eighteen and has been riding bulls ever since…until his last fall causes partial amnesia and he must return to Cold River Ranch to figure out what comes next. But how can he pick his next move when he can’t remember how he got here in the first place—much less the beautiful woman who appears at the ranch, claims she knows him, and warms his cold heart for the first time since he woke up in the hospital?

Rodeo Queen Hannah Monroe gave up her crown for Ty Everett, and her innocence. What she wants from Ty now is a divorce. But Ty can’t remember her—or their secret wedding, or even the son she never meant to hide from him—and Hannah is torn. How can she leave the man she can’t forget and still loves despite herself? And even if she’s willing to start over, what will happen when the truth comes out?

Of the two books, this was my least favorite.  I was disappointed that, again, we have a character with bad parents.  Well, Hannah's mother wasn't that bad, but she wasn't exactly a role model for teaching her daughter to trust anyone. However, her father was not in the picture either.  This one is Ty and Hananh's story.  I wasn't a fan of the amnesia trope here.  I predicted what would happen in the end and found my eyes rolling a bit. I've never been a fan of the hidden baby trope either.  I also thought that the writing was a bit repetitive.  I kind of got tired of being reminded how crappy of a father Amos was to Ty and his brothers.  There were a few other examples of this as well.  It's not a bad addition to the story, it was just OK for me.

Review: Tangled Threat & Suspicious by Heather Graham

Author: Heather Graham
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication Date: August 2019

TANGLED THREAT 

A body, hanging from the infamous History Tree, had unraveled their teenage love. Now, twelve years later, Maura Antrim is again tangled up with Brock McGovern, and they're back where that devastating murder occurred. But with two women missing, and Brock now an FBI agent, Maura is determined to help. Together they'll have to confront a threat that never died, and see if their passion has withstood the test of time.

SUSPICIOUS 

Big-city lawyer Lorena Fortier's suspicions about her father's death have brought her to a small town nestled in the Everglades. But when a killer claims more victims, Lorena knows she's in over her head. Hardened cop Jesse Crane only complicates matters. As they face danger more menacing than any they had ever imagined, Lorena needs to put her life in Jesse's hands. Can she do the same with her heart? 

This is a ":2 in1" book that has a recent story, Tangled Threat (August, 2019), and an older selection from this author, Suspicious (July, 2005) .  I listened to the audio version and for the most part enjoyed both of the books.  They aren't connected in any way, so they can each be read as stand alones.

Tangled Threat was the one I liked the most out of the duo.  It involves FBI agent Brock McGovern who has to return to his home town to investigate a series of disappearances.  There he reconnects with his high school sweetheart Maura.  I liked the couple.  The romance felt a bit rushed because they hadn't seen each other in 12 years.  The mystery was the best part of the story.  I didn't see the twist coming at the end.  It's a quick read and one I do recommend.

As I said before, Suspicious is an older book.  Written in 2005, you can see how far this author has come in her writing.  The mystery was interesting, if a little cheesy. I won't spoil it.  I didn't call the ending, so there is that.  The romance between Lorena and Jesse was way to insta-love for my taste.  I think the story takes place over  about a week.  Far too quickly for "I love yous".  Still, it's worth a read for fans of this author.

2 in 1: Sunkissed Days & Remind Me by Samantha Chase

Publisher: Chasing Romance, Inc.
Publication Date: February 2019

Mallory Westbrook is ready to make her move on Jake Summerford, the boy—now man—she’s been crushing on for years. Coming back to Magnolia Sound to celebrate her great-grandfather’s birthday provides the perfect opportunity to show Jake that she’s no longer a child.

The last thing Jake expected to do at his mentor’s birthday party was to find himself kissing Mallory under the moonlight. Though he’s known her for years, the thought of kissing her never crossed his mind. But the shy tomboy he once knew is gone, and in her place is a woman he can’t resist.

They have one summer before they go their separate ways. Insecurity wars with the possibility of a future together, but it could all come to an end before it even has a chance to start.



Publisher: Chasing Romance, Inc.
Publication Date: March 2019

It’s been years since Mallory Westbrook set foot in Magnolia Sound, but the death of her great-grandfather forces her back. Two weeks to get his affairs in order then she would return to her life in New York. The perfect plan, if not for Jake Summerford—her first love who broke her heart.

Jake always regretted the way things ended with Mallory and now that she’s back in town, he’s hoping they can put the past behind them. As they reconnect, old feelings resurface and Jake realizes that friendship is only the beginning of he wants from Mallory.

With one foot out of the door, Mallory is looking for any excuse to leave Magnolia Sound behind. Forever. Will Jake’s plan to replace the old, painful memories help him finally show her their love deserves another chance?

My thoughts:

I'm combining my review for these two books because they directly relate to each other.  Sunkissed Days is a novella that is a prequel to Remind Me.  It tells the story of Mallory and Jake when they were younger and how they got together.  It was a cute story with a heartbreaking cliff hanger ending.  It did get me excited to read the next book to see if they could repair their relationship.  The best part about this novella was the relationship between Mallory and her grandfather as well as his relationship with Jake.  IT was so endearing and a joy to read.

Remind Me takes place years later.  Both Mallory and Jake are more mature and come to the relationship with a better and fresher perspective.  I loved them together and was rooting for them.  I was really rooting for Mallory to realize that she could give up her boring life in New York and move back to the place that is truly her home.  I loved the ending!  It was perfect!

The other characters in the book rounded out the story nicely.  I thought the Mallory's cousins were hilarious.  It looks like the next book features Mallory's brother,  Sam.  I already have it on my TBR.  I highly recommend this series.