Southern Heat by Natasha Madison (Southern #6)

 

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Have tissues & chocolate for this one! Southern Heat is a heart-stopping whirlwind that will grab your heart in a vice and not let go until the very end.

The amount of torment and emotional abuse that Willow has suffered in her life would be enough to destroy even the strong person, and yet she still takes one day at a time.

Watching her struggle to recover, but always having her black bag ready to go in case she has to run at the last minute, is guaranteed to break your heart.

Quinn is protectively enamored with Willow after he rescues her, and is by her side non-stop. His insta-love is endearing, especially the more his family becomes involved. The only battle he faces is trying to convince her that she can depend on people, him in particular.

A beautifully tragic story of finding trust and happiness after losing everything, even if things don't work out the way you thought they would. My heart still aches just thinking about this story, but I've loved every second of the journey.

 💧 Drama

💋 Romance

SUMMARY:

Willow

After being left for dead, I was given a fresh start by my knight in shining armor.

My protector.

I never had a family before they took me in.

But I don't know how to stay or trust.

I always had a bag packed and ready just in case I needed to escape again.

Like they say, old habits die hard.

Being in the shadows is lonely, but lonely is safe.

Quinn

I was the quiet one, the one who stood in the back and watched things unfold. The cowboy who only cared about his horses instead of the glory.

Until I found her fighting for her life. Something inside me shifted, and I couldn't stop it.

I couldn't stop protecting her.

I fell in love with her with one look because she was my soul mate.

Even though I knew I couldn't make her stay.

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Chase the Butterflies by Monica James

🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

Chase the Butterflies is an intense and beautiful journey! While I had a hint of what the story was about, I was not emotionally prepared for this book. 

Everyone deserves a second chance at happiness, especially after the two people you trust most in the world, betray you. Looking for a fresh start, Victoria opens up to a select few.

No spoilers and I won't ruin this experience for others, so believe me when I say, YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK! Filled with drama, plot twists and a touch of romance - it's a book that you won't be able to stop thinking about for days, and will recommend to anyone who will listen.

A beautiful and thought-provoking story, that no amount of reading books by Monica James will ever prepare you for. Make sure you have some comfort food, a blanket and tissues when you dive in. Enjoy!

Fair warning: this might have triggers for people that suffer from trauma in their past. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!

 💧 Drama
💋 Romance

Summary:

"Victoria, will you marry me?"

Those words changed my life forever...just not in the way it would for most. I had it all until one fateful evening transformed my life in ways I never imagined.

Nine months later, I move to a sleepy little town, hoping to escape the demons of my past. As I attempt to claim back my life, Jude Montgomery enters my world, and things begin to change.

I thought running would appease the nightmares, but I soon discover my past won't let go. Things are not what they seem, and I begin to question the world as I know it. Jude may hold the answers, but will my love for him blind me to the truth?

Does the flap of a butterfly's wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas? In my case, yes, it does.

Will the truth set me free? Or will it imprison us both?

My name is Victoria Armstrong, and this is my story...I think.

Now available at:

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Finn by Melody Anne (Anderson Billionaires #1)

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Finn is the gentleman your mama warned you about! A story about two people that come from similar backgrounds, suffering from their own losses.

Finn Anderson is sweet, yet broody, knows what he wants and doesn't take no for an answer. He's smitten with Brooke from the moment she knocks him on his backside.

Brooke Garrison is a self-reliant badass, but she's struggling with how to move on with her life after losing her brother.

I enjoyed the times Brooke and Finn spent together, and there's plenty of steamy scenes. It started out promising, especially after Brooke gets the better of Finn, but after about 1/3 of the book I felt as though the storyline started to drag a little. I would've loved to see more about the veterans center and the progress along the way.

I like a little more mystery or fight to my characters, but Finn had decided he was going to marry Brooke the first time he met her, so there was very little drama building, other than Brooke's resistance to him.

Overall it was a cute story, especially with both of them overcoming their past and learning to live life again. Not one of my favorites from the author, but I'm looking forward to seeing future stories in this series!

 💧 Drama

💋 Romance

Summary:
Finn Anderson is a loyal military veteran who has no desire to live a life of luxury and ease, but sometimes a person doesn't get a choice. His life is flipped upside down when he and his four brothers learn they're long-lost relatives of the absurdly famous and wealthy Joseph Anderson. The eccentric but generous billionaire puts the brothers to work building a new veterans center, and that's not all: Joseph won't stop until each new nephew finds love.

Finn has never expected or wanted an easy life, and he struggles with his early retirement from the elite SEAL team. But when a very confident Brooke Garrison literally sweeps him off his feet during a self-defense class he's teaching, he thinks less about his past and more about a brand-new future.

If Finn knows anything for certain, it's that he can't let this woman get away. Though Brooke is tough and compassionate, the loss of her brother has left her vulnerable. She isn't sure she can risk loving and losing another person in her life, including a very determined ex-SEAL. Can the two of them look beyond their past wounds and embrace what they're feeling?

Available: 
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Renner by Irish Winters (In the Company of Snipers #19)

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

Renner is one constant roller coaster ride that you don't want to end, all while covering your eyes and peeking through your fingers!

Irish Winters knows how to perfectly craft and weave a tale, leaving you breathless and wondering where the next plot twist will take The TEAM.

This is definitely one of those stories that make you never want to anger the author, with how much knowledge they have to properly dispose and maim your body, lol.

Yet another amazing addition to In the Company of Snipers series. Bringing back plenty of your favorite characters, and introducing you to new ones that you'll invite in your heart as well. Be prepared to laugh, wince and cry on this journey.

💥 Action
 💧 Drama
💪 Military
💋 Romance

Summary:
He hates to fly...
But there Junior Agen Renner Graves is, standing on the ledge of Roslyn, Virginia's tallest high-rise about to fall to his death. If only he hadn't mistakenly cuffed himself to the beautiful cat burglar on the ledge with him. If only he hadn't assumed she was the serial murderer he was stalking. It's a long way down, but he can't go back inside. Renner has to jump. With his new lady friend. Can he do it? Does he dare?
Better question, will they live?

She's a woman in hiding...
Once an Olympic hopeful, Tara is now running from her ex-husband, an ISIS terrorist. The world has become a frightening place for the once audacious risk-taker. She can't trust anyone...until she encounters a brash, over-confident man while she's robbing a local penthouse. She knows she's met her match when he cuffs them together, but is this guy brave or strong enough to take her on? Is he as good as he seems? There's only one way to find out.
They have to fall - together.

Available at:
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Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center

🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

Things You Save in a Fire is a beautifully poignant read that no one should miss! Katherine Center is a new-to-me author that I'm kicking myself for not discovering sooner.

This book focuses on Cassie Hanwell and her love of firefighting. She has a past full of tragedy that she's never discussed with anyone, which has also kept her from dating as well.

Despite everything, she's determined to be the best firefighter she can be, so when that chance is threatened after an encounter with her past, Cassie must transfer stations and start all over.

The timing is perfect, as her mother calls with a desperate plea for her help. Their estranged relationship is awkward, mainly due to poor communication and resentment. When certain things come to light, it puts the past and present in a whole new perspective.

Still reeling from life changing news, Cassie must also deal with a stalker who wants her out of the firehouse and possibly dead. She also has growing feelings for the rookie, which is not only against the rules, but something Cassie never thought she'd be able to feel after her past.

Throughout the book, you get to experience her personal growth during the many trials she faces. I found myself glued to each page - demanding answers, justice, and closure.

This is definitely one that I'm immediately adding to my bookshelf and recommending to anyone that'll listen! I can't wait to dive into How to Walk Away after finishing this phenomenal book.

 💧 Drama

🔎 Mystery

💋 Romance

Summary:

Cassie Hanwell was born for emergencies. As one of the only female firefighters in her Texas firehouse, she's seen her fair share of them, and she's excellent at dealing with other people's tragedies. But when her estranged and ailing mother asks her to uproot her life and move to Boston, it's an emergency of a kind Cassie never anticipated.

The tough, old-school Boston firehouse is as different from Cassie's old job as it could possibly be. Hazing, a lack of funding, and poor facilities mean that the firemen aren't exactly thrilled to have a "lady" on the crew, even one as competent and smart as Cassie. Except for the handsome rookie, who doesn't seem to mind having Cassie around. But she can't think about that. Because she doesn't fall in love. And because of the advice her old captain gave her: don't date firefighters. Cassie can feel her resolve slipping...but will she jeopardize her place in career where she's worked so hard to be taken seriously?

Available at: 

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Bad Saint by Monica James (All The Pretty Things Trilogy #1)

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I literally couldn't put this book down last night, even when my eyes kept watering and I knew I should get some sleep. This dark romance takes you on an epic adventure, with danger around every corner (chapter), and plenty of action both in and out of the sheets.

I never knew I could go from cheering for a character, to crying with them, to wanting to slap the ever-loving shi!t out of them - and that was all within the same chapter, on several occasions. Well-written, Bad Saint will captivate you from the first chapter.

Dark romances aren't my typical read, but I'm SO glad I took a plunge with this one. Holy cow - I'm definitely a new covert to Monica James! Knowing that it's a trilogy when you start, I found myself mildly prepared for how the book ends, but I can't wait until the next one.

Fair warning:
There are some scenes that could be triggers for some readers, so be aware as you dive in.

💣 Action
💧  Drama
💋 Romance
🔥  Steamy

Summary:
Willow Shaw has overcome a lot in her past and just when she finally happy and moving on with her life, she's abducted on her honeymoon and nothing is what it seems.

Saint is one of three abductors and swears he's nothing like his name. He knows what kind of man Willow is going to be a slave for, and tries to prepare her the only way he knows how.

Available at:
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Why Not Tonight by Susan Mallery (Happily Inc #3)

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Why Not Tonight is a quick-paced romance, showing that opposites DO attract! Natalie Kaleta is dedicated to her job at the art galley, so when nobody can get a hold of artist Ronan Mitchell, she goes out in a storm to make sure he's okay. Her car ends up getting totaled, leaving her stranded overnight with the antisocial man.

Sparks fly between the two, but Ronan doesn't want Natalie to feel taken advantage of, so it's put on the back burner...for now. Romance then blooms between the two, but Natalie is actively seeking someone to give her a family, while Ronan can't open himself to be hurt by anyone, especially after a family secret is revealed.

I absolutely LOVED the depth of these characters and the journey they go on to find what they really want in life. Susan Mallery knows just how to reel the reader into the story and make your heart burst!

💧 Drama
💋Romance

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