Review: Lonestar Homecoming (Lonestar #3)

Lonestar Homecoming by Colleen Coble


Description:
With nothing but five dollars, a train ticket, and the wedding dress she's wearing, Gracie Lister escapes with her daughter to the West Texas country where her family fell apart years ago. There, Lieutenant Michael Wayne gives Gracie the hiding place she needs.


My Thoughts:
Picked this up from the library because I needed an audio book and it was available. I wasn't sure what to expect. Lonestar Homecoming is the third book in the Lonestar series, but the first one I have read (the library site doesn't always do a good job of labeling books in a series). This book stands just fine on its own. It is a sweet, emotional romantic suspense. Gracie takes her daughter and runs to keep her safe but doesn't have any money or a place to stay. Michael finds her and helps her out. He happens to need someone to help him take care of his children. The couple falls in love gradually (which is a refreshing change) while dealing with their pasts and trying to keep their family safe. I have never read a book by this author before, but I will be sure to check out some of her other books.


My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!
*Note: This is a Christian romance and love scenes are only alluded to.

Review: Gabriel's Rapture

Gabriel's Rapture by Sylvain Reynard


Description:
Professor Gabriel Emerson has embarked on a passionate, yet clandestine affair with his former student, Julia Mitchell.

Sequestered on a romantic holiday in Italy, he tutors her in the sensual delights of the body and the rapture of sex. But when they return, their happiness is threatened by conspiring students, academic politics, and a jealous ex-lover.

When Gabriel is confronted by the university administration, will he be forced to share Dante’s fate? Or will he fight to keep Julia, his Beatrice, forever?


My Thoughts:
This book picks up where Gabriel's Inferno left off. Gabriel and Julia are enjoying their time together in Italy, but eventually they have to get back to reality. The consequences that had The Professor so concerned in Gabriel's Inferno finally catch up with them. While dealing with those consequences, both realize they have more growing to do, both individually and as a couple. It does drag a big at the end, after the main conflict is over, but it is good to see how they deal with one another and get their happily ever after. Fans won't want to miss it.


My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!!!

Review: Bluewater Killer

Bluewater Killer by C.L.R. Dougherty


Description:
A peaceful journey under sail on a classic yacht turns into a gut-wrenching nightmare for a beautiful, manipulative, and not-so-innocent young woman.

A distraught father enlists the aid of some shady characters from his past to find out what happened to his footloose daughter.

Mike Reilly's escape from his horrific past to the soothing environment of Caribbean yachting comes with some baggage.


My Thoughts:
This is an exciting thriller that pulls you right along from the first page. There are mysteries and twists that you don't see coming. The plot and characters are interesting and keep you reading. I was left with some questions and wonder if they will be answered in the next book. Either way, Bluewater Vengeance is out now and it is on my to-read list. 


My Rating: *****

Review: Niedermayer & Hart by MJ Johnson

Niedermayer & Hart by MJ Johnson


Description:
Jim Latimer reads of fellow photographer John Loxton's suicide in a daily newspaper. An old friend offers Jim an opportunity to take over Loxton's next assignment. He enters the orbit of Niedermayer & Hart, porcelain dealers with elegant headquarters in Hove. Jim's friends Ruth and Erich sense something isn't right and try to warn him. He is brought face to face with a terrifying manifestation of evil that had its inception in mediaeval Acre.

A band of unlikely vigilantes takes on an implacable enemy.

This is a story of friendship, courage and steadfastness, taking the reader on more than one journey before it arrives at its conclusion in the Berwyn Mountains of North Wales. More than just a fight for life - these friends are playing for the highest stakes of all.


My Thoughts:
The author has a sample of this book on his website. I didn't even read the whole thing. I read the prologue and rushed off to buy it. I was intrigued and needed to find out more. Jim Latimer gets a job at Niedermayer & Hart and immediately you get the sense that there is something off about the place. There are two separate stories woven together, one historical and one contemporary, and eventually it becomes clear what the connection is. The author does an amazing job of giving you the feel of the evil that is lurking without giving too much away too soon. This is a gripping story that has horror, mystery and suspense.  If you love a well-told, absorbing story, give this one a try.


My Rating: *****
*Note: Those are not typos, it is written in British English. I learned some new words and I now feel smarter.

Review: The Virtuoso

The Virtuoso by Grace Burrowes

Description:
A genius with a terrible loss...

Gifted pianist Valentine Windham, youngest son of the Duke of Moreland, has little interest in his father's obsession to see his sons married, and instead pours passion into his music. But when Val loses his music, he flees to the country, alone and tormented by what has been robbed from him.

A widow with a heartbreaking secret...

Grieving Ellen Markham has hidden herself away, looking for safety in solitude. Her curious new neighbor offers a kindred lonely soul whose desperation is matched only by his desire, but Ellen's devastating secret could be the one thing that destroys them both.

Together they'll find there's no rescue from the past, but sometimes losing everything can help you find what you need most.


My Thoughts:
I received this as a freebie in a giveaway by Shana Galen. (I read her book Lord and Lady Spy before I started the blog. I really should post a review for it. I liked it.) I have a weakness for Regency era romances. This one is part of a series, but can easily be read without reading the others. It does give you a peek at the other brothers, though. I would be interested to read their stories.

The Virtuoso is about Valentine, whose life had previously been all about his music. Now that he is unable to play, he doesn't know who he is anymore. He finds Ellen, but only wants her as a mistress since he doesn't think he is worthy of marriage. Ellen, who has been a widow for several years, doesn't think she is worthy of marriage again either, due to a secret in her past. They are both likable people and their story is very sweet and full of emotion. I found myself captivated by the writing. I recommend if you like sweet and steamy Recency romance with likable characters.


My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!!!