Unleashed

Author: Cai Emmons

Publisher: Dutton Publishers

Release Date: September 6, 2022

A very strange and unusual book that just didn’t hit home with me.

After they drop their only daughter, Pippa, off at college, Lu and George Barnes must figure out how to have a life with just the two of them. Over the years they have grown apart and now have very little to talk about. George spends most of his time at the local winery he owns while Lu would rather be outside in nature. College life is not what Pippa expected, she has trouble connecting to anyone except her zoology professor. As their relationship grows closer, Lu and George grow farther apart. Across the country women have been disappearing with no explanation and it is soon to approach the Barnes family changing things for them forever.

This book started out as an ordinary tale of families and how things change over time. But about halfway through it got weird, and not in a good way that kept me glued to the page. More of a “this is just plain weird and I’m losing my interest kind of way.” I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters and caring about what they were going through. The relationship and dynamic between Pippa and her parents was annoying, I can see the separation of her going off to college and wanting some space but the way she treated her mom turned me off and made me like her even less. I would have liked to see her grow as a character in different ways. This is the kind of novel that readers who enjoy a mystery of unearthly proportions will devour, but if that is not your type of read pass this one up.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

To Win a Prince

Author: Toni Shiloh

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: September 13, 2022

Another charming romance for anyone that is a fan of The Princess Diaries movies, not to be missed.

After her best friend became Queen of an African nation, Iris Blakely decides to stay and help the citizens of the country by starting a sustainable clothing company. Iris has been asked to bring on Ekon Diallo, the man who betrayed her best friend, to work with her at her company. Ekon has been stripped of his title as prince after trying to overthrow Brie before she could become Queen. Tensions are high as Ekon and Iris struggle to work together; they realize they are completely different people from different worlds but their hearts might just be wanting the same thing.

After reading the first book in this series, In Search of a Prince, I couldn’t wait for more from this world. The story of Brie reminded me of The Princess Diaries, which I loved and was eager to see how the story of Iris held up. I may have had my expectations set a little too high with this one because I felt a little let down. My biggest problem was the immediate attraction between the characters. I enjoy a fun rom-com but the romance here was just too quick after he had tried to betray her best friend. Toni Shiloh is a great writer and I enjoy her stories, just with less eye-rolling at such early attractions. If that hadn’t turned me off so early, I would have loved every part of the book. If that is something you can look past, then this will be a thoroughly enjoyable book. I recommend this book to readers that enjoy contemporary romance with characters that are instantly attracted to each other.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Brain Washed

Author: Manny Arango

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: September 13, 2022

A great book that will help readers take back control of their mind in a world where our minds are constantly being attacked.

Our world bombards us with so many distractions and things that can take our minds and thoughts captive, and we have a choice, let it take us captive or take the thoughts captive. Throughout the pages of this book, readers see how important it is to look to scripture in order to transform our minds and overcome what the world wants and expects of us. Many times throughout my life, I have heard that the Bible is the instructional manual for our lives. That can be hard to believe but it really is true. The Bible gives us instructions to deal with whatever may come our way, and I’ve had several hard things come my way lately. Learning to truly rely on God and his word is a hard thing but when we do find that faith it will change lives.

Dealing with trauma and pain can make relationships and our journey through life very difficult but using the words throughout Brain Washed will help make things easier. As I read through the pages of this book, I found myself nodding my head and smiling at many of the lessons it taught. With social media and all the outlets available to escape into, it is easier than ever for evil thoughts to get into our head and take us down a path we don’t want to be on. Readers will go throughout these pages and find helpful advice for everyday life and so much more.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Dangerous Beauty

Author: Melissa Koslin

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: September 6, 2022

A story with a lot of depth and tackling hard issues that will put a twist on how we look at marriage and hopefully not take for granted what we have.

Lilliana Vela is determined not to be seen as a victim. She is able to escape the world of human traffickers with the help of Meric Toledan. Lilliana was taken from her Mexican village and brought to the United States. When Meric finds her trying to escape, he knows she can’t return to her village; there is a target on her head, and she will be snatched again. He does the only thing he can think of to do at that moment, he asks her to marry him so she can legally stay in the United States. He is a very wealthy man and has connections to try and fight those trying to get her back.

Melissa Koslin pulled me in quickly with her first book and I was eager to read this one ready for another non-stop adventure. While the premise of this is hard hitting and might be difficult for some readers to handle, it does make for a great romantic suspense read. I loved the way she wrote Lilliana, she has been through a lot but refuses to be a victim through it all. Meric got on my nerves at times but he overall he was a good character that was trying to do his best, even though he was a little over the top with his own guilt for things out of his control. The way they had to figure out how to go through the stages of a relationship in a reverse order made for an interesting story. The action moments made the story fly and kept me engaged with the characters. This is a great story for readers that enjoy suspense with romance sprinkled throughout.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Rise of the Black Quarterback

Author: Jason Reid

Publisher: Andscape

Release Date: August 2, 2022

Good history of black quarterbacks throughout the NFL and the caliber of young quarterbacks currently in the league.

Throughout the history of the NFL, there have been many players to don a jersey in many different positions. Some quarterbacks have been great, while others weren’t even the best player on the team. A far cry from most of the players to start in that position for todays’ games. However, one trait was very common for the position of quarterback for decades: they were white. There have been a few black quarterbacks with teams that challenged the status quo, but many of them never saw the Super Bowl. Flash forward to present day, names like Patrick Mahomes, Kyler Murray, and Lamar Jackson are linked to high talent teams who regularly make playoff and even Super Bowl appearances. Times have changed and what is in store for the future of football?

It’s easy to forget how difficult change comes to any organization, but one as large as the NFL seems to have major difficultly making any kinds of shift. Reading this book and looking back in time, it was really startling to see how different the position of quarterback was compared to what it has become today. It’s just so easy to think of things in the present only. Reid does a great job chronicling this history and how changes came to be. He also gives dedicated chapters to several of the players who helped to shape that change as well as the current players who are pushing the envelope even farther.

Readers who enjoy documentary type reads and sports books will love this one!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

No Matter the Cost

Author: Susan May Warren

Series: The Epic Story of RJ and York #3

Publisher: SDG Publishing

Release Date: August 23, 2022

The final story in the RJ and York series wraps up leaving readers satisfied yet wanting more!

RJ is in disbelief that the worst thing she could imagine has actually happened, York can’t be gone; she refuses to believe it until she sees his body for herself. In order to find out what happened, she is going to have to dive deep into the past that York tried so hard to keep secret. There is more at stake than just finding the truth about York, she is also trying to stop a terrorist and save the lives of many before it is too late.

Of all three books in this series, this is my least favorite for one simple reason, RJ and York are separated for a lot of the book. The stories work so great because of the chemistry between the two of them. Having them separated is part of the story and drives the tension because readers are going to want these characters back together. It was a great story and wrap up to the series with some amazing characters. It is amazing to me that Susan May Warren has taken this series she started with the Marshall brothers and expanded it into so many different novels and characters. I would recommend reading this series in order to get the most out of it and really get to know the characters and connect with them. Fans of romantic suspense and the Marshall family novels will not want to miss this epic conclusion.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Enchanting the Heiress

Author: Kristi Ann Hunter

Series: Hearts of the Hearth #3

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: March 1, 2022

Another historical romance from Kristi Ann Hunter that is sure to entertain and bring enjoyment to readers.

Harriet Hancock uses her status as an heiress to help others in Newmarket. This is not something she flaunts, instead she tries to go about anonymously and keeps her distance to protect a deep held secret. After a friend asks for her help on a personal project, Harriet has reservations but can’t help but want to be there for her friend. Harriet enlists the help of Jonas Fitzroy, a stable hand that only agrees to help to keep his twin sister safe. The more they work together, the closer Harriet and Jonas become, and it is hard to resist the attraction between them, but they both wonder if it is enough to risk their hearts for what might happen?

A lot of historical romances are the same but this one had a different vibe to it and I enjoyed that. The characters were not what I expected, but in the best way. Jonas was not the typical male protagonist of a story like this, he doesn’t want much, he isn’t trying to form a relationship, he just wants to keep his sister safe and is willing to do what he needs to make sure that happens. The romance here flowed freely and went with the pace of the story very well. I think the one thing that bothered me about this story was the slow start, once it was going it wasn’t bad at all, but the start was a bit slow for my liking. This is the kind of story that fans of Hunter, and historical romance novels will not want to miss out on.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

In Honor’s Defense

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Series: Hanger’s Horsemen #3

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: June 7, 2022

A fun and whimsical historical romance that fans of the genre will greatly enjoy.

Luke Davenport thought the hardest thing he would ever have to live through was his time on the battlefield. He’s fought for those around him unable to fight for themselves and now he is the only one of his Horsemen brothers left to battle his demons within. Fighting and protecting others is in his blood; when a job comes up for him to track down bandits, he knows it is perfect for him. Damaris Baxter has moved to Texas to care for her nephew, Nathaniel, after her brother passes away. Having a family was never something she wanted until it was thrust upon her, now she craves to provide support and stability to Nathaniel. When Luke tries to help Nate and grows fond of Damaris, he also finds a family he never knew he needed and wants desperately to keep.

Karen Witemeyer tackled some very tough topics with this book but did so in a way that readers won’t be turned away be the hard issues. That is a hard task for any author to attempt, let alone do well, but this is a case of an author that knows what she is doing. The Characters of Luke and Damaris lead us through the story with grace and ease, readers will feel for the characters and be drawn into the story with all they are having to deal with. This is the third in the series and the continuation of characters and their stories makes for a great read. Historical fiction can sometimes be a slow read for me, but I felt like this story went quickly and kept my attention throughout. I would recommend reading this series in order to get the most out of it. Readers that enjoy historical romance will surely want to add this to their collection.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

To Tame a Cowboy

Author: Jody Hedlund

Series: Colorado Cowboys #3

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: May 3, 2022

An old west romance that shows how healing the heart can help in more ways than one.

Brody McQuaid may have survived the war, but he is not the same man as before he left, something inside of him died. He spends his days trying to save wild horses and time with his niece. The horses are being killed off by ranchers angry that the horses are feeding on the open grass and taking the land and food away from their cattle. Veterinarian Savannah Marshall ends up working with Brody to try and save the horses after running away from the man her father had chosen for her to marry. Now they both have the trouble of the ranchers and Savannah’s family coming after them.

When reading a historical romance, especially a western historical romance, you go in with a certain expectation as a reader. I am not usually entertained as much with these types of books but did find this one enjoyable. I don’t know if it was the horse aspect or what, but I did enjoy the story. This is the third in a series and I had not read the others but felt that this was still enjoyable on its own. Brody and Savannah had a great chemistry and even with all they were both dealing with they were able to work together and moved the story along at a great pace. If you enjoy western romantic suspense this will be a great one to add to your collection.

I Will Find You

Author: Susan May Warren

Series: The Epic Story of RJ and York #2

Publisher: SDG Publishing

Release Date: August 16, 2022

The second book in the RJ and York saga continues with the same heart stopping action readers will not want to miss!

After being wounded and in the hospital, York wakes up to find out RJ has gone to Berlin to try and save a little girl. She was supposed to be back by now, but no one can get in touch with her. With the woman he loves in danger, York takes off to find her and bring her home before the terrorist they are trying to stop gets to her first.

This second book in the series was just as good as the first with all the action, drama, suspense, and romance fans of the series love. Susan May Warren is a powerhouse when it comes to writing romantic suspense and it shows in these books. She can spin out novels faster than most anyone I know and make them good, enjoyable stories that are quick to read and make you feel like you are all over the world with these characters. The Montana Marshalls is a fun series with great characters, and I was happy to see RJ and York get the attention they deserved in this series. The way York cares for RJ and can’t stand to see her in danger really pulls at the heart strings and made me feel for them. Fans of Susan May Warren’s writing and romantic suspense fans will not want to miss this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.