Reluctant Angel
by Cassandra Bella
New Concepts Publishing (March 5, 2015)
When a love is lost, is it possible to make room for another? When a murder at The Cullar Resort brings Gabi Cullar and Chase Winters together, sparks fly and passions ignite.
But Gabi still clings to the memory of her dead husband, leaving Chase to wonder if there will every be room in her heart to love another.
In a twist of fate, Gabi and Chase come together but it will take some “Divine” intervention before Gabi can ever accept Chase into her heart.
This book was a gift in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Gabi has kept the memory of her husband alive by keeping the resort they opened together running smoothly and successfully. When a murder is discovered all that is threatened.
Her Brother sends his friend Chase to watch over her and keep her safe while the investigation is ongoing.
Chase finds himself a little more than attracted to the feisty widow, but how can he fight a memory?
Our reluctant angel is her late husband who finds himself in the unenviable position of helping his wife move on.
A touching story of letting go and starting over, with steamy scenes of a budding relationship.
5 Contented Purrs for Cassandra!
Cassandra Bella
Born to Write Love Stories
Cassandra Bella believes it wasn’t just the fact that she was born the day before Valentine’s that she was fated to write romance. Intrigued by deep emotions that touch the heart and that special spark of falling in love, she enjoys creating stories and characters that leave her readers with a smile on their face and a tear in their eye.
Cassandra has been writing for as long as she can remember, and for nearly as long she’s been letting others know. Just look back into her junior high and high school yearbooks – both proclaim “Author” as her career goal. She completed her first book, “Dear Diary” in her grandmother’s family room on a manual typewriter at the age of 12 – that manuscript still holds a place of honor in her home.
Her current passion for romances stems from her love of stories that touch the heart. Her characters are born in many people, from old friends to grandparents to her “dear, sweet, loving husband.” When it comes to heroes, hers usually have some sort of law enforcement background and their inspiration lies in her father, who made a life-long career of keeping the peace.
A Romantic Life in The West
Cassandra was born and raised in Colorado, and currently lives there with her husband, who was her high school sweetheart, three sons, one daughter and two amazing grandchildren.
At the tender age of seventeen, Mary Beth discovered the family she thought would see her through anything couldn’t accept her one mistake. Thank goodness for her best friends that stepped up to support her decision to keep her child. Seven years later together with her friends she’s created a successful business on the verge of a large expansion.
But the desire to be accepted by her family continues to be a failure that taints all her accomplishments and has her making concessions she never thought she would.
Elias Marquez was content with his life. He definitely wasn’t looking for the vibrant redhead down the hall from him. After a chance encounter he can’t escape the need to be in her company again. He wants to explore the possibilities and the undeniable spark her touch inspires.
Torn between trying to right the past and accepting that she can only control her own life is Mary Beth truly ready for the love Elias is prepared to offer as a future?
Mary Beth has problems. Nate, her ex-boyfriend and father of her child, seems to think she is his personal property. So much so he declares no one will love her like he does. This in spite of the fact he is married. With a new single neighbor who is showing interest in her and her opinions, she finally feels ready to move on.
Elias is intrigued with his pretty neighbor and decides to get to know her and her son better. The first time he meets the ex he is thrown for a loop. Mary Beth changed in an instant and has him wondering if he shouldn’t just walk away. Problem is he thinks he is falling in love with her. That means he has to fight to keep her.
There are many surprises in this book and it is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. I recommend having some tissues handy and lots of small nerf type things to throw.
Michel hits on the emotional issues of psychological abuse. The book will hit home for a lot of single mothers and has handled the issues beautifully. I look forward to seeing more of lovely ladies of the Growing Strong Mafia in future books.
5 Contented Purrs for Michel!
Michel Prince
Michel Prince is an author who graduated with a bachelor degree in History and Political Science. Michel writes new adult and adult paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance.
With characters yelling “It’s my turn damn it!!!” She tries to explain to them that alas, she can only type a hundred and twenty words a minute and they will have wait their turn. She knows eventually they find their way out of her head and to her fingertips and she looks forward to sharing them with you.
When Michel can suppress the voices in her head she can be found at a scouting event or cheering for her son in a variety of sports. She would like to thank her family for always being in her corner and especially her husband for supporting her every dream and never letting her give up.
Michel has been awarded Elite Status with Rebel Ink Press in 2013, the service award for her local RWA chapter Midwest Fiction Writers and is a Pro member of RWA. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, cat and new puppy.
SEALed Fate
(Deep Six Security Book 0)
by Becky McGraw
Publisher: Kindle Worlds August 2, 2015
Former Navy SEAL Jaxson Thomas left the teams in disgrace to save his squad from being dragged through the mud with a JAG investigation. He never thought he’d have to leave the civilian job he got after the teams in the same way, but that’s exactly what happened. To keep his friends at Deep Six Security from losing their biggest contract, he takes the blame for an assignment gone bad. The SEAL mentality drilled into him for years won’t let Jaxson give up though, so he goes to work for Guardian Angel Protective Services, a new security firm started by his former SEAL teammates, hoping yesterday would be his last bad day.
His first GAPS assignment tells him more bad days are coming however, when he is charged with protecting the woman directly responsible for his exit from the teams. Frumpy Fallon Sharpe is now a federal judge, and the big-mouthed redhead has taken on an East Coast mafia family who wants her dead. She will only accept a SEAL to protect her and his new boss insists that he’s the man for the job, but Jaxson isn’t so sure since he’d been dreaming of killing her himself for five years.
He takes the job, because he has no choice, but the last thing Jax expects to feel for Fallon Sharpe when he sees her again is attraction. Even though her waspish mouth is the same, the thick glasses and frizzy red hair are gone and those damned spindly legs that reminded him of a flamingo before have toned up and end somewhere near her ears now.
Dealing with his old hatred and this new attraction while trying to protect her was going to make the assignment the perfect storm that could lead to a Charlie Tango Foxtrot of epic proportions if Jax wasn’t careful. Maybe the last one of his life.
This book was a gift from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Jax definitely has his hands full trying to protect Judge Fallon Sharpe. Aside from the obvious hit men from the mob, there are other things that threaten the two of them. One of which is a hit squad sent by an Arab prince to do away with him. Not to mention the attraction Jax has for Fallon, in spite of all that has transpired previously.
I would say Fallon was having a very bad day when first the mob attempts the hit and then a much more profession version tries while they are traveling to the safe house. All this on top of telling Jax she knows he wasn’t guilty of the charges that led to his discharge.
The action and suspense is top notch. The arguments explosive and sometimes funny topped off with sizzling sex.
I just couldn’t stop reading until I came to the very end. I hope we see more of Jax, Fallon and the rest of the gang in future books.
I can’t wait for the next installment in the Deep Six Security series! 5 Contented Purrs for Becky!
Becky McGraw
Becky has been an avid reader of romance novels since she was a teenager, and has been known to read up to four novels of that genre a week, much to the dismay of her husband, and the delight of e-book sellers.
She has been writing fictional short stories and novels for fun, as well as technical copy for her jobs for many years. She was a member of the Writer’s Guild on AOL during her last venture into writing romance, as well as a founding member and treasurer of the first online chapter of the Romance Writers of America, From the Heart Romance Writers. She is currently a member of the Romance Writers of America and From the Heart Romance Writers.
Shifter Lia Popescu is desperate to find the book Legends of the Werewolf, her only clue as to what happened to her pack. When she loses her heart to the sexy detective Riley Morgan, she wonders how he will handle knowing the truth about her.
My Review
I love this concept of the wolf, the search for family, the loyalty and love.
Lia is searching for the book her grandmother told her to find. The only clue leads Lia to Calderwood for the booksigning of ‘Wolf’ a best selling novel by Jamie Volka. What she didn’t expect was to be labeled a stalker.
When she is approached by detective Riley Morgan a friend of the Volka’s, an interrogation quickly becomes something more. In Lia’s words, “MATE!”
The problem, Mike Volka is Riley’s friend and the question to be answered is Lia a friend or foe.
A delightful read, filled with suspense as well as fun! I hope this won’t be the last we see of The Devora!
5 Contented Purrs for Desiree.
The Ardennes Curse
(Woolven Secret)
by Saranna DeWylde
Victoria’s determined to free her people from the curse that forces them to become mindless, slavering terrors every full moon. Even if it means taking, Armand Rommulus, their new Alpha to mate.
My Review
A darker story of wolves and witches and a curse that must be broken.
After killing the Alpha of the Ardennes Pack Armand Rommulus takes over. First running into the pack Beta Victoria who attacks him but not in a challenge for the position of Alpha, but to try to get him to leave.
He is part Ardennes Witch and he believes he can break the curse. There are obstacles to be overcome, but will he be strong enough to give them what they need. Can he mate with Victoria?
I think I had my fingers crossed throughout this book. I was wrapped up in this tale from the first word to the last. I hope we see more of Victoria and Armand, I think there should be more adventures.
5 Contented Purrs for Saranna!
Odd Mate
(Odd Stuff Series, #4)
by Virginia Nelson
Gretchen fell in love with Charly, a sweet, nerdy bear of a man but ran fast and hard from his side when she realized he’d hate her for a genetic twist of fate she couldn’t change. Now she’s back in town and drawn to his side. Can a wolf sworn to destroy all coyotes claim a coywolf mate or will he be forced to destroy the only girl he ever loved?
My Review
Gretchen and Charly had been in love for years, but were separated when her parents moved her away.
Now her coywolf pack Alpha has ordered her to infiltrate Charly’s pack and pave the way for a takeover.
Charly’s pack has opened to accept new members including making a couple of witches honorary pack members to strengthen the pack as a whole.
This was a fun read with the antics of the witch and suspenseful with the impending threat of the coywolves. I loved the second chance at love. I think there needs to be more of this expanding pack, please!
5 Contented Purrs for Virginia!
Running with the Wolf
(The Cascadia Wolves)
by Gayle Donnelly
Abram spends his days protecting the pack children, but he finds himself wanting more. The quiet, elusive kindergarten teacher has sparked a hunger inside him and he knows it won’t be satisfied unless he makes her his mate. When her past comes calling, he must make a choice…defy pack law and bring her into his world or let her run and lose her forever.
My Review
This story touched my heart. Abram protects his Alpha’s triplets Kirra, Sawyer, and Marina. As such he escorts them to school and waits watching until he brings them home.
Since day one, he has had his eye on their teacher Abby Mann. He finally gets up the courage to ask her out and she accepts. Before they can have that first date a blizzard hits and Abram and the children end up staying at Abby’s house.
When the pack’s rangers inform him of a break-in at the school and what was taken a whole new level was added to the protective wolf within.
A wonderful tale of strength and commitment. With lots of good lovin’ as well.
5 Contented Purrs for Gayle!
Redemption’s Forgiveness
(The Rending, Book 2)
by Cara Carnes
Marek will do anything to protect his pack and their land, including executing any Outsiders who dare enter pack lands. There’s no soft in war—until Felicity, a curvaceous wolf with more sass than sense limps into Redemption with an impossible tale of betrayal.
My Review
Redemption is preparing for the culling, the process used to vet new warriors for the outpost. Packs have sent their prospects for this process, some more qualified than others.
Marek is out with a group of the greener ones when he scents the blood trail of an injured female wolf. An intruder, not part of the pack and protecting what he senses is a dead cub.
Felicity is an outlander, one of those whose families had fled their packs before the Rending. Injured and being treated by the white dragon doc she had to warn the Alpha Commander.
Marek knows the attraction between them is intense and he has to come to terms with that fact and the fact that the Sentinal Peyton isn’t going to let him go without a fight.
This story has it all, jealousy, lust, love, fierce sex and oh yeah, the war.
I loved this one as much as the first in the series Redemption.
5 Contented Purrs for Cara!
Under Her Spell
(Keystone Predators, Book 1)
by Brandy Walker
Diego wants Daphne as his mate instantly and is ready to do whatever it takes to make her his. Part wolf, and part witch, Daphne is a little more skeptical of the situation. Her wolf is telling her to go for it while her witchy side balks, knowing Diego will try to suppress her more enchanted side.
My Review
Everyone is gathering for the official ceremonies to bind Alpha Gideon and his mate Ryder.
As Gideon’s Beta, Diego is assigned to pick up his cousin at the airport, not that he didn’t have enough to do with this wedding. He starts off poorly with Daphne Moore, by arriving late and then ogling a couple of stewardesses. From there things go bad to worse. With all chaos involved with the wedding and naming ceremonies, he doesn’t quite know what to make of the mating call.
Daphne recognizes the mate reaction in herself but is unsure Diego feels it as well. His reaction to a small display of her witchcraft leaves her less than confident.
With her father and his mate demand for her to choose Wolf or Witch. She is Diego’s mate, can’t she be herself both witch and wolf? Gideon and Ryder like her the way she is. Can she mate with Diego and become part of Gideon’s pack?
I seem to have gotten a real taste for this witch/wolf breed. The families in the pack are as diverse as any family. With the boys being snarky and the parents protective. Of course there is that one person in the family who just has to make trouble. Just the back and forth with Daphne and Diego in itself was both amusing and hot.
I look forward to more of the Keystone Predators!
5 Contented Purrs for Brandy!
Always
(Dragon Wars #3)
by Rebecca Royce
Robbie Owens has fought the dragons for seventeen years, leading his group of secret, elite werewolves. Tatyana Knox is a human in a world where humans are like unicorns—they simply don’t exist. But she is real and she is Robbie’s mate. If he can trust her, they will turn the tide of the war. But the clock is ticking and Tatyana’s time with Robbie is almost up.
My Review
Unbeknownst to the wolves a human faction has been aiding them. Hidden away behind technology is a research facility and medical clinic. The personnel there has been studying the wolves for generations, now their time is almost up and as they are preparing to leave the unheard of happens. One of the wolves remembers.
Robbie remembers Tatyana and her scent, roses, Mate. The humans have technology that can help win this war. Now Robbie must convince them to let them have the broken tech.
Tatyana doesn’t understand the whole mate thing, but she knows she wants Robbie. She is also sick but no one knows why or what she is suffering from.
All this and the Dragon war to boot. I love the way this tale unfolds. Many surprises, very hot sex and stupid, human males. Dang I love these wolves!
This is the third book in this series and while it can be read as a standalone, reading the others first will give you much more to enjoy.
Violet’s Shadow
(Shadow Mates #1)
by Jennifer Kacey
Violet’s spent her entire life aching to belong and she finally finds it in the pack of Shadows she is destined to join. Everything she’s ever wanted in life and love is finally at her fingertips if she’s brave enough to embrace…her Shadow.
My Review
Violet is trying to figure out her life. She rents a cabin in the middle of a protected forest far from society to think. When she notices a wolf that seems to be watching her every move she freaks out.
Rayden the shadow wolf has been sent to protect her. However, three others show up naked on Violet’s porch and all hell breaks loose. Then there is a rush to get Violet away.
While the story has an interesting take on wolves and mating, I found it to be a bit confusing. The appearance of naked men and the wolf protecting her had no back story. There are plenty of hints but no communication not to the reader or Violet. There is also lots of hot sex but there was a lack of connection that made it less than maybe it should have been.
This being the first of a series, I expected to get more of introduction to the characters and the story before diving into sex.
This story just didn’t do it for me.
2 Purrs for Jennifer.
Wolf with Benefits
(Wolves of Willow Bend)
by Heather Long
After graduating college and spending a summer breaking the law, Shiloh Sullivan needs to make amends and accomplish something for Willow Bend. When her best friend, the wolfish and playful Matt Montgomery moves her in with him, she’s hard-pressed to refuse. But pretending a relationship with a wolf is impossible, and while Shiloh might be human, she knows the rules…
My Review
Mason (Willow Bend’s Alpha) has allowed several involved in the illegal forming of a new pack to return under probation. For Shiloh, a human in the pack, this means living with her parents and ultimately being treated like an errant child. Only allowed out of the house with a specific task the situation escalates from frank disapproval of the pack to vandalism on a grocery trip. Tiffany the pack lawyer’s mate is with her and the discovery of two flat tires on her car and broken windows on another, quickly gets escalated.
Matt has always been Shiloh’s best friend, he is also a wolf. He sneaks Shiloh out for some beers and a talk after witnessing how angry her family is with her. After half formulating a plan to have her play his perspective mate, he decides to make it official when he comes upon the vehicle being investigated. To the amusement of Tiffany, he makes a public display of affection as he informs Shiloh of his intent.
This story takes us on a journey both with family and friends to find the path to forgiveness and love. I love the Willow Bend wolves and can’t wait for the next one River Wolf to be released.
The Alpha’s Saving Grace
(Lonestar Wolf Pack #1)
by Melissa Schroeder
Alpha Jacob Sanderson doesn’t have time for distractions as he hunts a vicious killer attacking his pack. Sheriff Alexandra Littlefoot is his best resource and a woman he can’t seem to resist. As secrets rise to the surface, the killer’s violence escalates and threatens to destroy the entire pack.
My Review
Alex has more to contend with than just being new Sheriff in town. It seems the town drunk’s wife thinks she arrested him because of “a fixation on his manly person” and has questions as to her sexual preferences. One of her deputies (Dillon) hit on her (kiddingly) and the Mayor (Jacob Sanderson) has come up with some similarities between some out of jurisdiction murders. Ah Mondays! Not to mention she feels an attraction to Jacob that she can’t come to terms with, one does not date the boss.
Jacob has a feeling that Alex is his mate, but since she’s not a wolf he tries to ignore it. Unfortunately for him the more he is with her the less control he seems to have. As they investigate the murders there is the suspicion that it is someone in his pack, not a thing that could be hidden from the Alpha.
I love this take on wolf human mating. Very unusual and very cool. A strong Alpha and a strong female, combine for explosive sex and arguments. I look forward to more of this series.
Carol Kittie Reviews 