I’ve loved McCarty’s Highland Guard series so when I saw this debut into a new genre, I didn’t think twice. And, she didn’t disappoint! SEAL Team Nine’s Retiarius Platoon goes on a covert, unsanctioned mission into Siberia, Russia and realizes too late that they’ve been set up. The survivors “go dark” and scatter until… Continue reading Going Dark by Monica McCarty ★★★★ (The Lost Platoon #1)
This series has a continuing story arc. I do NOT recommend reading the books out of order. The Set Up Evelyn Talbot is the head psychiatrist at Hanover House, a maximum security prison for serial killers, located in Hilltop, Alaska. The facility is devoted to the psychological study of these criminals and it’s her… Continue reading Face Off by Brenda Novak ★★★★ (The Evelyn Talbot Chronicles #3)
Madeline (Maddy) Whittier has literally lived in a bubble for most of her 17 years, afflicted with a rare disease affecting her immune system. She’s never left her house, living a lonely existence with her mother and nurse, Carla. That is until new neighbors move in next door and high school senior Oliver (Olly) Bright… Continue reading Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon ★★★★
I read this a few years ago and still remember it being one of the most exciting books I’ve read! I’m trying to read the third book in the series but am too chicken right now. Once planned for the big screen, the author recently regained the rights and is now actively working to make… Continue reading Red Rising by Pierce Brown ★★★★★ (Red Rising #1)
Business consultant Olivia McGovern and firefighter Derek Gilman find themselves trapped in a stalled elevator. They’d checked each other out right before entering and their attraction was undeniable. They went their separate ways following rescue but days later had an unplanned reunion at a charity meeting. This time they wasted no time in moving forward… Continue reading Under Control by Shannon Stacey ★★★★ (Boston Fire #5)
Lydia Fitzsimons and her husband get caught up in some deadly business that takes a wrong turn. He’s a judge and she comes from a prestigious family so there’s a lot at stake. The things that happen afterwards are shocking, unpredictable, diabolical and...fascinating. The opening line of this story sets the tone: “My husband did… Continue reading Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent ★★★★★
Amanda Briars is unmarried and about to turn 30-years old. She’s an accomplished novelist, independent and self sufficient in an era that’s pretty hard on women without husbands (19th century London). But, she does not want to reach that age milestone without experiencing carnal love. So, she discreetly arranges with the town’s brothel owner for… Continue reading Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas ★★★★
The aftermath of the grudgingly put together merger of two publishers created two co-CEOs with their own personal assistants who sit adjacent to each other in silent (mostly) animosity. Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman are protectful of their respective CEOs and never miss an opportunity to one-up each other in any way. Things ratchet up… Continue reading The Hating Game by Sally Thorne ★★★★★
Sofia Tres Santos is young (20-years old) but has already faced a lot of suffering. Her highly-abusive father regularly beat her and her siblings and she was raped as a teen. She was so traumatized that she then engaged in risky, demoralizing behavior. Now she’s taken control of her life and is going to school… Continue reading Once Pure by Cecy Robson ★★★★ (Shattered Past #3)
Maggie Hughes is the 15-year old daughter of an English speaking Canadian father and a French mother living in Quebec. Despite her father’s admonishments to not cavort with French boys, Maggie’s young heart is captured by Gabriel Phénix, the young and impoverished boy living at the adjacent farm. When she ends up pregnant, her parents… Continue reading The Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman ★★★★1/2
