Review- Midnight Captive by Elle Kennedy

Summary-

Former CIA agent Bailey Jones has spent months trying to forget her night of passion with mercenary Sean Reilly. An elite and methodical assassin, she has no room in her life for a reckless, rule-breaking Irishman, and she’s vowed to steer clear of the tempting bad boy who lured her into his bed under false pretenses.

When Sean is implicated in the robbery of a Dublin bank, Bailey knows something isn’t right. So what if she can’t trust him? There’s no way Sean would end up on the wrong side of the law. In fact, he’s stuck in the middle of a dark and dirty conspiracy that could put his twin brother’s life at risk with one wrong move. And Bailey’s life too when she agrees to help.

As the stakes are raised and Bailey finds herself torn between two brothers, the fine line between danger and desire is crossed…and it’ll take more than a killer instinct to survive.

Release date: June 2nd, 2015

Published by: Signet

Page numbers: 368

Review-

Midnight Captive is the sixth book in Elle Kennedy's Killer Instincts series. I have been really enjoying myself in this world full of assassins and mercenaries and each story is very unique and can be read as a stand alone. I have to say that for me, Midnight Captive was a weaker addition as compared to the rest of the series. It may be because I didn't care much for Bailey and Sean but for me, this was an okay read.

Let's start with Bailey. Bailey is an assassin in Noelle's group. Now that Noelle and Jim Morgan are married they have combined their forces. But back to Bailey, I don't know why but I just couldn't relate to her much. She was a good person but her reasons for keeping Sean at a distance were difficult to understand and it got repetitive after a while.

The book starts off with Sean robbing a bank. That makes you completely doubt where his head is at but you do see and understand his reasons after that. Sean's twin, Oliver is being held by someone and Sean has to get his brother back under any circumstances, even if it means joining the group himself. I liked Sean but he also had a bunch of insecurities. I liked his possessive and protective side though.

The first time Sean and Bailey sleep together Sean lies to her saying he's his identical twin Oliver. That is why from the start Sean and Bailey don't get along. When Bailey decides to help Sean to get Oliver back they are both riddled with misunderstandings underneath all the passion and chemsitry. I found Sean and Bailey to be a good couple but again, nothing special.

The most exciting part for me during the book was what was going on between Sully and Liam. I SO want to see where and how their story progresses. We also get a new addition to the group, Ash. All in all, with Elle Kennedy's fantastic writing Midnight Captive was a good read. Just not my favorite.

Review- Midnight Action by Elle Kennedy

Summary-

She’s got a broken heart...

and a fully loaded arsenal....

Ex–army ranger Jim Morgan leads a team of elite mercenaries, but eighteen years ago in Paris, he was part of a black ops unit whose mission was to hunt down a rogue operative. In order to trap the criminal, Jim seduced Noelle, the man’s daughter—a ruthless act that cost him the love of his life and turned her into a mortal enemy. Now he can’t trust her, but he still desires her. He also needs her help....

Older, wiser, and unwilling to play the fool again, Noelle runs a group of highly skilled assassins. And she’s just been offered the hit of the century: Eliminate Jim Morgan. History gives them no reason to trust each other, but with their lives in jeopardy at the hands of a common enemy, the lines between love and hate are soon blurred. Now Noelle and Jim must face the past if they want to have a future—let alone a future together.

Release date: November 4th 2014

Published by: Signet

Page Numbers: 368

Review-

FINALLY! After waiting a long long time I've reached Jim and Noelle's book. These two had sparks flying all over the place since the beginning of the series and finally it all culminated in Midnight Action. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Midnight Action and I loved that we got to see the history Jim and Noelle shared. It gave so much depth into their characters and relationship.

Let's start with Jim. Jim Morgan is the leader of the elite group of soldiers. He is a total hard ass but a man many respect and honour. We are hinted throughout the series that Jim is searching for someone and we finally find out who it is and the way it connects to Noelle. I really liked Jim. He was very stubborn but even he couldn't deny the chemistry Noelle and he shared.

Noelle on the other hand has come off as a cold hearted bitch throughout the series. But in Midnight Action, I liked her surprisingly. Seeing her thought processes and the way she tries so hard to not feel anything for Jim despite their history made it easy to understand the reasons for her behavoir. And Noelle is nothing if not loyal to her group of assassins.

Noelle and Jim both had really strong personalities and they definitely clashed when they got together. But that is what made them so hot together. They were both passionate and head strong but they can't ignore what's between them. We are also in for a bunch of surprises in this book and I liked all of them. We got to see all the sides of Jim and Noelle.

I also liked how there is so much progress in Sully and Liam's relationship. I was not exactly expecting it, but it feels right. We also see glimpses of Sean and Bailey's relationship as they get the next book. Action packed, filled with romance and angst Midnight Action was a great addition to the series.

Review- After Midnight by Elle Kennedy

Summary-

From a talented author on the rise comes a sexy new novella in Elle Kennedy’s action-packed Killer Instincts romantic suspense series. 

Abby Sinclair was one of the deadliest assassins in the world before she became a mercenary. She likes her work—the missions, the adrenaline, the danger. But now she has a secret that could change everything. Especially since she and her husband, fellow operative Kane Woodland, have been thrust into an assignment that has put their lives in mortal danger. But as the secrets between Kane and Abby pile up, they begin to drift apart—until only a fatal twist in the mission can bring them back together….

Release date: October 7th, 2014

Published by: Signet

Page numbers: 96

Review-

After Midnight by Elle Kennedy is the only novella till date in the Killer Instincts series. This novella lands smack in the middle of the series where we are taken back to Abby and Kane who were the first couple in the series. I don't know if the reason I didn't enjoy this as much as the other books in the series is because this was a novella or what but After Midnight was an okay read.

I have to admit that Abby and Kane were never my favorite couple out of all the ones I've read so I wasn't all that excited in the first place. But still, it was good to see them as a much in love married couple. Abby has always been the more closed off person in the relationship but when things change she pulls away even more which causes a rift between the two.

I don't know if this is exactly a spoiler but the reason for the misunderstanding between Abby and Kane is -you guessed it- pregnancy. Abby has her doubts about being a mother whereas Kane is over the moon. As both Kane and Abby are mercenaries this means huge changes for the both of them.

While nothing significant happens in this novella, we do get to meet Noelle in all her glory and we are hinted at a more human side of her personality. This novella was nothing too special so if you are not interested, you can skip it. I like to read every single book while reading a series and that is why I didn't skip After Midnight.

Review- Midnight Games by Elle Kennedy

Summary-

She wears a thousand deadly identities. He sees through them all.

A master of disguise, Isabel Roma spends her life pretending to be other women. Normally, her emotions are reined in tight—but sexy mercenary Trevor Callaghan has a knack for getting under her skin. The elite operative’s quiet strength and raw magnetism affect her in ways she’s never felt before, a distraction that can quickly turn deadly in their dangerous line of work.

After putting his tragic past behind him, Trevor is ready to focus on his future—and he damn well intends for Isabel to be in it. When their entire operation is thrown into chaos, Trevor enlists Isabel’s talent for deception. And as they attempt to save their team in a world where the stakes are high and the danger is grave, Trevor must convince Isabel that the woman beneath all the disguises is the one worth having... 

Review-

Midnight Games is the third book in Elle Kennedy's Killer Instincts series. I have to admit that I have been rooting for Trevor and Isabel since they first came together in Midnight Rescue. This was my most anticipated book in the series and it really does not disappoint. There are so many things happening in Midnight Games so it makes for an action packed read.

The book starts off with a bang when the compound where Jim Morgan's team lives comes under attack. There are losses but Trevor and the others manage to get out. Let's start with Trevor first. Trevor has grown SO much since the first book. He was a grief stricken man before but now he is over it and confident in his quiet strength. I loved the way he was always there for Isabel.

Isabel has not had a good childhood. She is a master of disguise who can change her appearance and personality to suit the operation. While Trevor and she have worked together in the past, Isabel values her friendship with him too much to risk a relationship. I loved Isabel. She was a very sweet heroine who had so many vulnerabilities. Trevor's strength and support was exactly what she needed.

I loved Trevor and Isabel together. They were great and well balanced. I loved how they shared the genuine warmth of friendship even though there was an attraction between them. Seeing Trevor, Isabel and the whole team work together was a pleasure to watch as I always love seeing the camaraderie these men and women share.

I also love that Elle Kennedy has several plot lines going along with the main one. We are given hints about the remainder of the characters and teased about their stories while moving forward with the current romance. I must say that Midnight Games is my favorite book in the entire Killer Instincts series and I don't think that's gonna change for a while.

Review- Midnight Alias by Elle Kennedy

Summary-

She’s smart, seductive, and in way over her head.

He’s her only way out.

An undercover DEA agent has gone off the radar. Suspecting an internal mole, the government needs Luke Dubois and his elite team of operatives to recover their man, and the New Orleans native thinks he’s found his way inside the dark underbelly of Manhattan: Olivia Taylor, the girlfriend of a mob boss and the sexiest woman he’s ever laid eyes on. His new mission objective? Get past Olivia’s defenses and convince her to take a chance—on him.

All Olivia wanted was to finish law school and live a normal life, but that dream was shattered when one dangerous night put her deeply in a mobster’s debt. Now Luke and his team will help her escape—in exchange for intel on the missing agent. But Olivia doesn’t anticipate her intense attraction to the reckless Louisiana charmer or that she’ll be forced to risk everything—including her heart.

Review-

Midnight Alias is the second book in Elle Kennedy's Killer Instincts series. I had really liked the first book in this series and it had me curious to see how the stories went forward with other couples so I picked up Midnight Alias right after and I am so glad I did because I think I enjoyed Midnight Alias even more than Midnight Rescue.

Luke is the hero in Midnight Alias. This sexy cajun was portrayed as a total player in the last book with his good looks. Here we see what is beneath the surface. When an undercover DEA agent goes off the radar Jim Morgan's team has to recover the man. This is where Luke meets Olivia who is one of the strippers in the club owned by the people Luke and his team are investigating. It is a total case of insta love where Luke is concerned. It was cute seeing him so smitten with Olivia.

Olivia, again, was not a very easy heroine to like. I don't know why that keeps happening with me in this series. She is actually a student who has to take care of her mother who is in remission the third time from cancer. Therefore, Olivia has no option but to work in the club to pay the bills. It also doesn't help that the owner of the club thinks himself to be in love with Olivia.

Olivia was slow to trust Luke but I liked how Luke was always so willing to help her out. Luke and Olivia defintiely had chemistry but while Olivia was hesitant Luke was always very open about his feelings. I liked how Luke was willing to work in their relationship and he was so willing to try for a serious commitment.

Some threads from the previous book are continued in this one. I am SO happy that Trevor and Isabel's book is next because those two are my favorite. The sparks flying between Jim Morgan and Noelle can't be ignored and D, Ethan, Liam and Sully make for great comic relief. I enjoyed Midnight Alias.

Review- Hot as Sin by Bella Andre

Summary-

THEY’RE LIVING LIFE TO THE EXTREME…AND BURNING UP THE COLD MOUNTAIN NIGHTS

Only total desperation could reunite Dianna Kelley with Sam MacKenzie, the irresistible bad boy she walked out on ten years ago. But the fearless firefighter with the awesome wilderness skills is the only one who can take her where she needs to go. It’s a gamble—tracking down her endangered sister while keeping Sam and their undeniable attraction at arm’s length. Not easy when they’re trekking into a remote corner of the Rockies, where she’s got to trust her former lover with her life. 

Despite their past, Sam never could refuse a damsel in distress, especially one who has haunted his dreams for years. He’ll help find her sister and get Dianna out of his system once and for all. But soon it’s hard to tell whether the greatest threat is from the rushing rapids, the deadly enemy on their trail, or the passion that’s sending them straight into the line of fire….

Release date: October 27th, 2009

Published by: Dell

Page numbers: 335

Review-

I really enjoy reading second chance romances and that is the reason I decided to pick up Hot as Sin by Bella Andre. Hot as Sin was a good read and I liked reading it but there was nothing new in the romance. I felt like I've read similar stories before and I found the conflict between the hero and the heroine to be a bit weak with the suspense part as well. 

Let's start with Dianna. Dianna left Sam ten years ago. Now she's the host of a successful show on TV where she gets to meet several new people and try out different things. She thinks that she has moved on in her life but she hasn't allowed anyone close to her heart. I liked Dianna. In her head she was right and her reasons for leaving Sam were understandable. I liked how hard she fought for her sister.

Then we have Sam. Sam is a firefighter. After Dianna, he has nothing to lose and that is why he goes in the most dangerous of fires and tries to save people. It was easy to see that Sam has never been able to get over Dianna. Yes, he has his doubts about marriage and relationships but he wants it all with Dianna. I liked Sam and how protective he was of Dianna. He was a good man overall.

The romance between Sam and Dianna was nice. It was kinda like insta love when they first meet 10 years ago but I liked that we got to see the little glimpse of past. In the present, there are a lot of words unsaid between them. I found the misunderstanding between Sam and Dianna to be a little weak. Also, the accident in which Dianna is hurt was a little unbelievable.

Bella Andre always writes a sweet romance and Sam and Dianna definitely deserved their happy ending. Like I said before, the suspense part of the book was not very strong but I liked the romance bit. Hot as Sin didn't have anything exceptional in it but it was a good read.

Review- Midnight Pursuits by Elle Kennedy

Summary-

Her job is to stay hidden.

Too bad he can’t take his eyes off her.

Soldier-for-hire Ethan Hayes is the youngest member of an elite mercenary team. While he may be affectionately nicknamed the rookie, the skills Ethan honed as a Marine make him seriously dangerous. But when a sudden distress call puts him in close quarters with a rival, he finds more than his field skills being put to the test.

Juliet Mason stands out as the master thief in a covert group of assassins and spies. Her latest mission is personal—and it’s gone horribly wrong. Juliet may prefer to work alone, but when the rookie comes to her aid in snowy Eastern Europe, she can’t deny they make a good team. But even up against a powerful enemy, their most challenging task yet may be fighting the passion between them...

Release date: April 1st, 2014

Published by: Signet

Page numbers: 368

Review-

Midnight Pursuits is the fourth book in Elle Kennedy's Killer Instincts series. I loved the last book Midnight Games to pieces so I didn't expect to like Midnight Pursuits as much as I did. This series just keeps on getting better and as I'm getting more familiar with all the characters I'm loving them more too. Midnight Pursuits was a great addition to the series.

Let's start with our hero Ethan. Ethan is the youngest in Jim Morgan's elite team of soldiers and hence has been teased "rookie" mercilessly. I loved Ethan. He was a great hero who kept his alpha side hidden. I loved how much respect he had for his friends and how he took all their teasing in stride. The one thing he was not easy about though was Juliet. He was possessive and protective where Juliet was concerned and I loved seeing all the sides to him.

We'd met Juliet in the last book. She came off as a smart ass but in this book we actually get to see her other sides. Juliet is ruthless at times but it only shows how protective she is of the people she cares about. Juliet's revenge mission goes wrong and that is when Ethan comes to help her. I liked how Juliet admitted that she was attracted to Ethan. She didn't pretend to be coy. She was a smart and confident woman and I surprisingly liked her.

I loved how this book had an older woman younger man pairing. Juliet and Ethan were amazing together and they each make up for the other's strengths and weaknesses. I loved the banter Juliet and Ethan shared and the romance between them was sweet and sexy. They made a great pair and the whole opposites attract thing worked in their favor.

We also get to see a little bit of the history between Jim Morgan and Noelle. D is an all around asshole but you can't help but be curious about the guy. I loved seeing the team again. Elle Kennedy writes such fully fleshed out characters that it is easy to imagine each one distinctly. I really enjoyed Midnight Pursuits.

Review- Stay With Me by Cynthia Eden

Summary-

Shelly Hampton intends to spend the holidays alone in her family’s mountain cabin, but when a snow-covered stranger appears on her door-step, her plans are shot straight to hell. The man before her seems oddly familiar, and he stirs a dark need within her. 

It’s soon apparent that John Smith is far more than a normal man—he’s too strong, too fast, and she could swear that he seems to read her thoughts…and know her most secret desires. 

But is John a man that she could love…or is he someone she should fear? Because even as the snow fall deepens, a deadly threat is closing in on her little cabin. And soon, Shelly will be trapped on the mountain with a dangerous man…a man who swears that he has come back from the dead, just to be with her. 

STAY WITH ME…A “Lazarus Rising” Novella 

Release date: December 12th, 2017

Published by: Hocus Pocus Publishing Inc.

Page numbers: 165

Review-

I really enjoy Cynthia Eden's books from time to time. She just knows how to combine romance with a suspense plot. The Lazarun Rising series actually combines romance, suspense and a little bit of paranormal as well. You may think how would that go but Cynthia Eden makes it work beautifully. Stay With Me is the third book in the series and it is more of a longer novella. All these books can be read as stand alones so you don't need to go in any order.

I have been reading the Lazarus Rising series right from the beginning. Basically there are soldiers which were enhanced by the Lazarus formula which makes them super soldiers but with that comes the risk of losing your sanity. Some have already gone over to the dark side but there are a few who remain tethered by love.

Stay With Me is the story of John and Shelley. The novella takes place over the holiday period and this is probably the most far fetched one out of the rest but somehow Cynthia Eden makes it work. John does not remember his past. All he knows in his gut is that he knows Shelley. Shelley has never met John and when he comes to find her Shelley is in danger.

I loved the chemistry between Shelley and John. They were smart and sensible. I love how Cynthia Eden's heroines are feminine and strong with their head on their shoulders. John was a good hero, protective, and he only wanted what was best for Shelley. I also loved seeing familar faces from the previous books and I can't wait for the next book to come out. If you still haven't tried out a Cynthia Eden book I would highly recommend giving the Lazarus Rising series a try.

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

Review- Undercover Attraction by Katee Robert

Summary-

Scandal. Wealth. Power. Seduction. Welcome to the world of the O'Malleys.

Ex-cop Charlotte Finch used to think there was a clear line between right and wrong. Then her fellow officers betrayed her, and the world is no longer so black and white. Especially when it's Aiden O'Malley, one of the most dangerous men in Boston, who offers her a chance for justice. The only catch: she'll have to pretend to be his fiancée for his plan to work.

Aiden can't afford to let anyone see the man behind the mask. To run the O'Malley empire, he has to be cool and controlled at all times. But the moment he meets Charlie, they're playing with fire. Her slightest touch is enough to send him over the edge. At first their "engagement" was a way to eliminate his enemies. Now he'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe-- even if he has to destroy his own family to do it.

Release date: November 28th, 2017

Published by: Forever

Page numbers: 352

Review-

Undercover Attraction by Katee Robert is the fifth book in the O'Malley series. I have been following this series right from the beginning and I have to say that I am invested in most of the characters and their lives. This series follows the O'Malley siblings as they navigate through their love lives while keeping a hold on their empire. The O'Malleys are basically a crime family who are trying their best not to lose control of Boston.

Undercover Attraction follows the story of Aiden and Charlie. Aiden is the head of the O'Malley empire. He is now the head of the family and has to make decisions which suit the family best. We'd met Aiden in the previous books and he totally came off as uncaring. But here we get to see that the stoicism is just a facade. He is trying to make the best out of a horrible situation but he knows he is putting a strain on the bonds with his siblings. While Aiden was not my favourite, I understood him more clearly in this book.

Then we have Charlie. Charlie is an ex-cop. She was betrayed by he fellow officers and now even her father doesn't believe in her/ When Aiden comes up with a proposal which has Charlie pretending to be his fiance she is surprised to say the least. But Charlie has her own motives. I liked Charlie. She was a strong woman and she knew what she was doing. She actually saw beneath Aiden's mask and she couldn't help but fall for him.

Charlie and Aiden's relationship starts off as a business relationship but there is no denying the attraction between them. I liked how honest they were with each other and there was no unnecessary coyness. They were both responsible adults who wanted to take care of their family and loved ones.

I also really liked how Charlie made an effort to reach out to Aiden's siblings to repair his relationship with them. I loved seeing all the previous couples and how they were doing. This book also moves Keira and Dimitri's plot forward and I am really looking forward to their book. More than I expected at first. Undercover Attraction was a good read for me.

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

Release Week Blitz- Twisted Truths by Rebecca Zanetti

TWISTED TRUTHS by Rebecca Zanetti

Part of the BLOOD BROTHERS series.

November 14, 2017 | Trade paperback: $14.99 | eBook: $5.99 | ISBN:978145559431

"TOP PICK! 4 1/2 stars! Zanetti proves that when it

comes to RS, she is in a class by herself!" ―RT Book Reviews

Summary-

You can't escape the past . . .

Noni is desperate. Her infant niece has been kidnapped, and the only person who can save her is a private detective with too many secrets to count--and more enemies than he can name. A man who walked away from Noni without any warning a year ago, a man who broke her heart. But with Talia's life on the line, Noni needs his help now more than ever--and this time, she won't take no for an answer . . .

The moment Denver Jones sees Noni, the memories come rushing back. The fire in her eyes. The determination in her voice. The danger of having her in his life. Denver had to push her away once, but now with vicious criminals threatening Noni and her niece, he'll do whatever it takes to protect them. But enemies from his past are circling, and they'll use anything--and anyone--to get to Denver.

With twists and turns that will blow you away, TWISTED TRUTHS is sexy, action-packed suspense at its very best from New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti.

Release date: November 14th, 2017

Published by: Forever

Page numbers: 432

Review-

Twisted Truths by Rebecca Zanetti is the third book in her Blood Brothers series. Though the books can be read as stand alones I would definitely recommend reading them in order as they face their biggest enemy in this final book. The story would be richer and we get to see the depth of the bonds these brothers share. I am a Rebecca Zanetti fan and I loved seeing how she tied all the threads together in Twisted Truths.

This is the story of Denver. Denver Jones is the quiet brother. No one knows what goes on in his mind most times but he is definitely one of the most lethal soldiers. Denver left Noni for her own good but he hasn't been able to forget her. When Noni is in danger he will do anything to protect her- even risk his own life. I loved Denver. He was so protective of his family. He always tries to do the right thing even if it means sacrificing his own happiness.

Then we have Noni. Noni was such a sweetheart. She was heart broken when Denver left her without a word and she has tried to pull the pieces together. When Noni's infant niece is kidnapped she knows the only person who can help get her back is Denver. She is ready to do anything to get her niece back safely even if it means being in close quarters with Denver again.

Rebecca Zanetti writes an excellent second chance romance. Denver and Noni have so many unresolved feelings for each other. There is a strong connection between them and the sparks are on fire. There is just enough angst threaded through to make us understand the emotions Noni was going through and while Denver may come off as stoic at times, he is anything but where Noni is concerned.

Like her previous books Twisted Truths is filled with twists and turns. We get to see a lot of action and there are definitely some surprises in store for everyone. The danger is real and Dr. Madison is after her boys. If you enjoy action packed romantic suspense books I'd highly recommend the Sins Brothers and the Blood Brothers series by Rebecca Zanetti. I am looking forward to reading more from her in the future.

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five romantic suspense, dark paranormal, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller lists. She has received a Publisher's Weekly Starred Review for Wicked Edge, Romantic Times Reviewer Choice Nominations for Forgotten Sins and Sweet Revenge, and RT Top Picks for several of her novels.  She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat...and a huge extended family.  She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off...and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Find Rebecca at: www.rebeccazanetti.com

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