BuckeyeAngel's Book Reviews, Travels and Other Interests

The Second Stage of Grief by Katherine Hayton My rating: 4 of 5 stars Ngaire Blakes is an ex-cop trying to get her life together after battling PTSD. When she’s dragged into a murder investigation that points back to her, she prepares to stop the killer. This was the first time I read this author. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book in this genre so it was a good change of pace. The book is set in New Zealand and the author was very good in the familiarity of the surrounding and customs, so that was a bit different for me, but not in a bad way. Being a strong, independent woman, I really enjoy books where the lead female is the same. I really enjoyed reading as everything unraveled. I can’t wait to read more from this author. I highly recommend. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. View all my reviews

A Taste of Seduction by Bronwen Evans My rating: 4 of 5 stars Five years ago, Lady Evangeline Stuart and Lord Hadley Fullerton were so in love, they were going to defy their families and run off to be married. Yet, instead of his bride, Hadley received a note from her saying she’d rather marry for money. Now she’s back in London a widow and wants to meet him again. Hadley would rather marry a wallflower than put up with any of her lies. The plot sounded a little like a book I read not too long ago so I really didn’t think I was going to like it. However, I’m glad I gave it a chance because I really enjoyed the characters and plot. I’m glad it wasn’t predictable and had a number of twists I didn’t really see coming. Now I want to find other books in the series! I can’t wait for the next book. I highly recommend. **I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review View all my reviews

Storm of Ecstasy by Setta Jay My rating: 4 of 5 stars Pothos, the son of Hades and one of the Guardians, just found out that his mother wasn’t from his world. Shortly thereafter, he finds himself in another world and finds his mate, then gets sucked back into his world. Gefn has no idea why her protective cats have led her to a lake where a mysterious man is. He gives her a kiss like no other and then disappears. Now she’s going to have to explain this to her brother and hope it’ll help them find their missing sister. This is a continuation of the Guardians of the Realm series and it doesn’t disappoint. It was a quick read, very steamy and makes you want more. Pothos is just as hot as the others. I really loved the book. I can’t wait for the next one. I highly recommend. **I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review View all my reviews

Her Rogue Alpha by Paige Tyler My rating: 5 of 5 stars Jayson Harmon was severly injured during a mission a while ago. Since then he’s felt less than a man. He also doesn’t understand why Layla Halliwell wants anything to do with him. When an opportunity to make him complete comes along, he jumps at the chance, regardless the risks. My heart broke for Jayson when he was introduced in a previous book, so I was excited to see he got his own book and it didn’t disappoint. His determination to be the the man he feels Layla deserves at all costs made me love him even more. I thought Layla complimented him perfectly. She loves him for the man he is, scars and all and is willing to do anything to stay with him through everything. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend. **I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review View all my reviews

Bitter Bite by Jennifer Estep My rating: 0 of 5 stars Gin Blanco is back. This time she isn’t fighting bitter enemies. This time she’s trying to not lose her brother Finn when his mother mysteriously re-appears from the grave. After reading a number of books about the same character, I tend to lose interest, but not with Gin Blanco. This is the third book I’ve read from the series (alas I didn’t start with book 1), but even though the series is well established I love reading about everything Gin goes through. This one was incredibly personal for her as she tries to protect Finn the only way she knows how and yet still be there in the way he wants her to. I loved the book. I highly recommend the series. **I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review View all my reviews

Merry Cowboy Christmas by Carolyn Brown My rating: 5 of 5 stars Fiona Logan comes home on Thanksgiving. This time, however, it’s to start her life over after a horrible divorce that forced her to leave her job. Almost to her family home, she loses control of her vehicle and meets Jud Dawson, who comes to her aid. I’m not huge on contemporaries (movies or books), but for some reason I will binge-watch Christmas movies and find some Christmas stories to read. I just love the holiday spirit. This book encompassed everything I love about those movies. Fiona is a strong woman trying to start all over but hating having to come home and admit everything she’s been through. Jud is a hawt knight in shining armor who just wants her to love him. The author does a great job of giving you that small-town feel, inflicted with a lot of faith. I really loved the book and highly recommend. **I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review