Review of Breaking Free (Colorado High Country, #8) by Pamela Clare

 My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

You cannot go wrong with a Colorado High Country book, so imagine my utter joy when I discovered the series was far from over. Three years since the last book was released, the newest edition to the lineup takes place not long after the conclusion of book 7, Chasing Fire.

Breaking Free centers around Winona, Chaska’s sister and resident Wolf whisperer, and Jason Chiago, a fellow Native American (of the Tohono O’odham nation), who makes his living as a US-Mexico border agent. Not only are there instant sparks between the two, but they work together rather nicely, as is evident by their ability to track down a livestock killer and his “pet” wolf.

There’s no real angst in this book, and the only real conflict stems from a promise Jason made to his grandmother on her deathbed. That being said, there is plenty of mystery and danger as the two work this case.

Overall, another great book in the series that has me looking forward to the next Colorado High adventure!

Review of Hook, Line, and Sinker (Bellinger Sisters #2) by Tessa Bailey

 

 My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Firstly, thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC! The second book in the Bellinger Sisters series had a lot to live up to, given how much I enjoyed the first. I can happily note, “Hook, Line, and Sinker” did not disappoint! In fact, I rather enjoyed Hannah’s book more than Piper’s. The romantic buildup between Hannah and Fox was a bit slower, as they started out as friends, letting their relationship progress into more over the course of a year+. Because of this, I found their rapport to be a lot sweeter, and certainly more believable. The romance works even better thanks to how likeable Hannah and Fox are. Hannah is the same sweet, hippie girl we saw in the first book. She might be tentative when it comes to fighting for career opportunities, but when it comes to those she loves, she fiercely defends them. It became evident that Fox needed a girl like that in his life, having been perhaps unjustly labeled as a playboy and heartbreaker. He desperately needed a cheerleader in his corner, since he couldn’t rely on family or friends to reaffirm his self-worth. Like with the first book, there is no real prolonged drama or angst in these pages, just a sweet, simmering romance that will make you smile!

Hidden Gems to Read in 2021

Be sure to check out these 2021 romance releases!

Redwood (Linear Tactical #11) by Janie Crouch

On the run from a dark and dangerous past, the heroine receives some help and attention from a Special Forces soldier turned sheriff.

Her Royal Payne (The Survivors #10) by Shana Galen

This historical romance pairs brawn with beauty, as a pugilist helps out a woman whose minister father goes missing.

Don't Play With Odin (Trouble for Hire #2) by Cynthia Eden

A viking-esque PI pairs up with a bubbly heroine who is convinced her next door neighbor is a killer.

Saving Penni (SEAL Team Tango #2) by Nicole Flockton

A convenience store robbery ends with a tough Navy Seal falling for a sweet and savvy PR guru, unfortunately for them the danger doesn't stop there.

Sweet Rogue of Mine (The Survivors #9) by Shana Galen 

Stubborn meets sassy as a blinded sharp-shooter living in self-imposed isolation crosses paths with a quirky and scandalous woman, whose missionary parents have all but abandoned her in the soldier's backyard. 

Review of It Happened One Summer (Bellinger Sisters, #1) by Tessa Bailey

 My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

This one was a quick read for me due to the fact that I couldn't put it down!

The book follows LA party girl, Piper, and her music obsessed sister, Hannah, as she tries to make a go of independent living in the coastal town of Westport. There she encounters a bar left to the sisters by their father, an estranged family member, and most importantly a aloof, but hunky fisherman named Brendan.

As she begins to put down roots in Westport, she not only forms a relationship with Brendan, but with the people of Westport and the bar she came to inherit. Piper might seem shallow on the surface, but she is so much more than glitz and glam. She has a compassionate and caring side, along with a charisma that is best described as her "sparkle"; both of which make her quire likeable.

The male portion of this duo, Brendan, is a stickler for routine and balance. Because of this, he seems a bit cold at first, but soon after he meets Piper, he begins to let loose. The romance between the two is both steamy and sweet, the cutest facet of their relationship, to me, being the fact that Piper calls it her "recharging station" whenever Brendan hugs her!

Not a lot of angst or suspense in this one, but certainly enough action (both in and out of bed) to hold ones interest.

Yet another solid novel by Tessa Bailey. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Review of the Big Kahuna (Fox and O'Hare #6) by Janet and Peter Evanovich

 More like Big Disappointment....

My Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars I love this series, or at least I did. Unfortunately, this book did not live up to the previous books in this series, a big disappointment especially after such a long wait. Perhaps it was the change in co-authors, but some of the characters seemed off - most notably Nick. Gone was the suave, sophisticated con-man, and in his place was a bit of a goof. His intelligent banter with Kate was lacking, as was their overall relationship - disappointingly, that didn't seem to progress at all from the last book. The plot was a bit sloppy. Despite action packed scenes, it didn't feel like much happened throughout the entirety of the 300+ pages. In the past it seemed as if the cons were well developed and more complex, but this time I felt the whole "mission" just meandered from point A to point B. Furthermore, the team consisted of secondary characters that didn't really serve any purpose - Cosmo was a joke (and not a funny one). One even disappeared somewhat randomly, having been killed "off-stage". Perhaps it was pressures behind the scenes - a change in authors, deadline changes, etc. - that led to this being my least favorite book in the series. Though I'm disappointed, I am still invested in the characters and look forward to the next book. But please, for the love of God, bring back Lee Goldberg for the next one!