Review: Fool's Game by Heather Huffman

Fool's Game by Heather Huffman

Description:
At the request of the U.S. Government, Caitlyn O’Rourke faked her death years ago, only to be reborn as the Cat—a deadly black-ops agent tasked with working for the shadowy organization Chameleon and doing the jobs that can’t be done in the light of day. Now, on the verge of taking down a notorious drug lord and rescuing a captured Chameleon agent, Cat is targeted for assassination…from within. But who’s making the call, and why? As she attempts to uncover answers and stay alive, Cat finds herself working alongside Cody Kingsley, the mysterious senator who broke her heart and betrayed her long ago. Along with an inner circle of fellow agents, Cat and Cody must untangle the web of lies that surrounds them before it’s too late. From the sultry streets of New Orleans to a secluded plantation in Ecuador to Washington, DC, Cat must elude an agent hell-bent on her destruction while figuring out how high up the ladder the conspiracy reaches. At the same time, she must work through her tumultuous and conflicting emotions where both Cody and fellow agent Galloway—who may or may not have her best interests at heart—are concerned. A thrill ride of emotions, suspense, and action, Fool’s Game intertwines matters of the heart and survival …and the only thing certain is that Cat will never be the same.

My Thoughts:
If you are a fan of Heather Huffman, you'll like this one. It is fun to see characters show up in different books. There is the same combination of romance, suspense, and humor that we have come to expect. I did have a bit of trouble getting into this one at first. I didn't really understand the characters. I didn't get what happened between them and what was keeping them apart. Things eventually become more clear although I still don't really get Cody. I don't think we see much of his personality. I liked seeing Cat in action, although it came later in the book than I would have liked. It really helped to understand her character, I thought. Overall this was fun, action-filled romance with suspense.

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


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Review: Roses in Ecuador by Heather Huffman

Roses in Ecuador by Heather Huffman

Description:
Unknown to each other, they each escaped to the heart of Ecuador to make the world a better place, having sworn off the possibility of love… but disaster pulls them together.

Jane Russell is certain she’s had enough heartbreak for one lifetime, and love is the last thing on her mind when she arrives in Ecuador. Focused and determined, she settles in to write a book on the local jaguar preservation.

Devon McAllister, the wealthy and handsome son of a corporate mogul in the U.S., has broken his share of hearts despite his best intentions. He moved to Ecuador to escape his father’s destructive greed and pursue his passion to do good in the world, opening a fair trade rose plantation.

When the jaguar preservation comes under attack by what appears to be a group of angry locals, Devon jumps in to help Jane fight for the animals they love. As the danger grows, the motives of the attackers are revealed to be much more sinister than either could have ever imagined.

Unsure of whether they’re more frightened by the prospect of love or the danger to the jaguars, they must decide whether they can open their minds–and their hearts–to trust again.

Publication: Feb 1, 2013

My Thoughts:
This book has it all: romance, suspense, and humor. It is a fun read that also shines a light on issues that one might not think about under normal circumstances. I loved the characters Jane and Devon and their fun back-and-forth banter. There were so many funny one-liners. A wonderful combination of sweet, funny, and thought-provoking with suspense mixed in. Highly recommend.

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


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Review: Suddenly a Spy

Suddenly a Spy by Heather Huffman

Description:

On her wedding day, Veronica Sinclair thinks she has it all: the loving family, the Vera Wang dress, the hunky husband. But then a mysterious and beautiful woman shows up at the reception, suggesting Veronica's new hubby isn't exactly who he says he is. As if that weren't enough, Veronica and Richard must flee gunmen in the middle of their honeymoon, convincing Veronica she got more than she bargained for when she said, "I do."

Thrown into a world of espionage, seduction, and human trafficking, Veronica must fight for the life and husband she thought she had - and she must discover whether they are the life and husband she truly wants.

My Thoughts:
I was hooked from the first page.  This book starts with a wedding.  Before the reception is over, Veronica realizes she doesn't really know her new husband. Rick's past has come back to haunt him, but he doesn't want to tell his new wife anything about it, hoping to keep her safe.  Veronica is dragged into it anyway, and finds herself wanting to help.  The story is full of action and hard to put down.

My Rating:  ****
Steam Factor:  !!

Review: Ties That Bind by Heather Huffman

Ties That Bind by Heather Huffman

Description:
Kate Yager never had a father, and she never minded - until her mom died. Now, acting on the name called out on her mother's deathbed, Kate has moved to San Francisco and gotten herself hired by the man she suspects to be her dad. As if a new job, new apartment, and new parent weren't enough, Kate finds herself head-over-heels in lust with a complete stranger she met at an art show. A stranger who, she later finds out, happens to work in her office.

As her relationships with her friends and father grow stronger, Kate has to confront the decisions of her past to find out whether she can love the man who gave her up, love the man who loves her truly, and even whether she can love herself.

My Thoughts:
This one is a little different than the other novels I have read so far by Heather Huffman.  It is more about Kate's internal struggles than anything else.  Kate is lost after her mother dies so she moves to a new city to go looking for her unknown father. The instant attraction she feels with Gavin scares her based on past experiences and she tries to keep her distance, but Gavin is patient, persistent, sweet, caring, and makes her laugh.  There are a lot of twists in the story, both things from the past and in the present, and Kate has a lot of issues to work through.  I enjoyed the story.  Gavin is a great character and I love the banter, especially about the age difference!

My Rating:  ****

Steam Factor: !

Review: Jailbird by Heather Huffman

Jailbird by Heather Huffman

Description:

In this paradoxical blend of light and dark, Jailbird is a warm and humorous tale about the power of hope.

Neena Allen has led a tough life. Born on the reservation, raped and unjustly convicted of murdering her attacker, she survives prison - barely. When an opportunity presents itself, she doesn't hesitate to escape. Presumed dead, she stumbles into a sleepy Arkansas town where she finds refuge with a kind family and glimpses the chance for a real home, a place to belong.

But leading a double life isn’t easy, especially when you fall in love with the town lawyer.

To complicate matters further, a tenacious reporter gets too close to the truth and Neena finds herself on the run again. With a manhunt under way and her newfound happiness at risk, Neena is forced to face the painful memories of her past to decide on her future. Should she fight for her new life or give up those she loves to keep them safe?

My Thoughts:
Jailbird by Heather Huffman opens in the middle of a jailbreak.  You find yourself thrust directly into the action as our heroine escapes from prison and has to find a way to survive on the outside with no one to trust.  Her story comes out bit by bit and I found myself captivated, unable to put the book down because I needed to know more.  The story telling is very straight forward, relying more on action than description to move things along.

This could have been a dark book, considering the topic, but it is filled with humor and light moments.  Neena is a very strong, determined character and she spends most of her time pushing forward, doing what needs to be done, instead of dwelling on the hopelessness of her situation.

Heather Huffman uses her writing to raise awareness of social issues, but it doesn't feel preachy.  It is just there, in the plot, and that is what gets you thinking about it, wanting to do something about it yourself.  Very sneaky.  Check out her website, she has a lot of information there about social issues and charities, things you can do to help.

My Rating:  ****
Steam Factor:  !!