Review: Angels Fall by Nora Roberts

Angels Fall by Nora Roberts

Genre: Romantic Suspense

I always enjoy Nora Roberts's romantic suspense books. I just like the combination of romance and suspense which are paired together wonderfully. This is was the case here. After all Reece has been through (she has a pretty tragic past) I wanted her to find peace and love. I knew that to have this she also needed to face her past, which she definitely did. I was really involved in the mystery. It took almost to the end for me to solve the mystery and it was a good one. Is Reece going crazy, or is there something more sinister going on? In comes Brody, whose traits match his name well. He's rugged, gruffy and very much like a mountain man. It works considering the environment. I really liked the setting. I could understand why Reece would run away to such a wild and isolate, yet beautiful place.

Other romantic suspenses by Nora Roberts:
High Noon
Midnight Bayou
Blue Smoke
The Search
The Witness

Right after reading this I knew I wanted to see the film version just to see the story come to life. It wasn't as good as the novel but I did enjoy seeing the setting and the characters act out certain scenes.

 

Review: Mirror Image by Sandra Brown

Mirror Image by Sandra Brown

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Thriller

It's hard to imagine being in Avery's shoes, especially since she survived a horrific plane crash and undergoes drastic facial reconstructive surgery. It's to the point where she looks just like another woman and finds herself playing the role of wife to that woman's husband. That said, the plot was an interesting one and I found myself quickly turning the pages. It turns out the person she impersonates isn't a normal everyday wife, but one to a powerful man with many enemies. Being a reporter she takes it upon herself to investigate and uncover the mystery and stay away from the danger that lurks everywhere. There was some great chemistry between Avery and Tate. I found it hard at times that he really couldn't tell Avery apart from Carole, his wife that Avery is pretending to be. Aside from that the plot was complex with a lot of players involved and the mystery kept me guessing as to who were the bad guys. The story was fast-paced, had dangerous moments, and romance. These are all the things I like in a romantic suspense. It isn't my favorite book by Sandra Brown but still a good read.

Recommendation:
Obsession by Karen Robards

Review: For You by Kristen Ashley

For You by Kristen Ashley

Series: The 'Burg #1
Genre: Romantic Suspense

This is one of my favorite book by Kristen Ashley ever. It's a second chance romance with a great suspenseful mystery. Like most of Ashley's couples, Colt and Feb have this amazing chemistry even when they are not together. They have this long history that is both mysterious and painful. Even when keeping his distance, Colt is still super protective of Feb, which is one of many great trait he has. Feb is also a great character. She has a unique personality and quirks that makes her really lovable. She wasn't perfect but has her flaws and hardships. I was really rooting for them and curious as to what went wrong. Well, I got my answer to that in a really interesting plot. I did wish it didn't take them so long to find each other again but I'm so glad they did. If you are new to her books, definitely try this one.

The 'Burg series order:

Review: Shiver by Karen Robards

Thrilling! I was in the mood for a suspenseful story with lots of action and some romance and this book had it. Within a few pages, the action starts and it continues like that almost the entire book. Some of the scenes were scary because they were disturbing and violent but it goes to show the kind of trouble Sam finds herself in. I like the way she came across, a bit down on her luck but working very hard to change that being a single mother to a young child. She is both vulnerable and independent. Then there's Danny, who's just plain trouble. Wherever he goes trouble finds him but he's strong and able to protect. They are both caught up in Danny's mission with bad guys chasing after them. Danny's mysterious and being secretive doesn't exactly help him earn Sam's trust, but she does anyway. I thought they worked well as partners. He gets his moments to protect her but in some situations she has her own strengths. I liked Tyler, Sam's son. He was adorable but also helped soften Sam and Danny's personalities and brought out their protective sides. Around the middle of the story I did wish the action would pick up since they were holed up in the safe house for a while, but overall when there was action it was memorable. It's not my favorite book by this author but it was good.

Shiver by Karen Robards
Genre: Romantic Suspense

When she swore off love, he was the last man she imagined would steal her heart.

If driving a piece-of-crap tow truck through the seediest part of town with a Smith & Wesson beside her means putting a roof over her son’s head, then Samantha Jones is going to be the best damn repo woman on the books. The streetwalkers, the drug pushers, the bands of looking-for-trouble punks haunting the mean streets at midnight don’t intimidate her. These are her people. The guy she finds bound and bloodied in the trunk of her latest conquest, a flashy new BMW, is a different breed entirely.

Daniel Panterro was certain he was going to die. Instead, by a stroke of luck, he was beaten to within an inch of his life and left for dead. But if he’s having a bad day, Sam’s day is about to get way worse. Danny knows he hasn’t seen the last of the vicious drug runners who kidnapped him from protective custody. His only recourse is to take his pretty savior hostage and force her to help him. There’s no going back for Sam and her four-yearold son, Tyler. They’re in way too deep.

With ruthless killers stalking their trail, Sam’s only choice is to trust this handsome, menacing stranger. But as she relinquishes control, Sam feels an unmistakable desire. Could she be tempted by Danny, who seems intent on protecting her and Tyler from even his own darkest secrets? And what is the price of falling in love with a man who operates on the edge of danger—her heart, her life . . . or both?

Other books by Karen Robards:
Pursuit
Sleepwalker
Shattered 

Review: Lethal by Sandra Brown

The action is there practically from the start and doesn't really let up until the end. Loved that! I like Honor who came across as strong and protective of her daughter. She's not helpless but able to hold her own. Considering the life threatening situation she finds herself in she definitely needs her smarts with her. Then there's Lee who like many of Brown's heroes is dark and mysterious. I found him intriguing because of all his secrets. It was obvious he was hiding something and just like Honor I was looking forward to finding the truth behind him and about the people in Honor's lives. She's in danger and needs someone to trust, but who? I read through this pretty quickly and it was a thrilling ride. In this story there is a nice combination of action and romance, mainly action which kept me reading on.

Lethal by Sandra Brown
Genre: Suspense

When her four year old daughter informs her a sick man is in their yard, Honor Gillette rushes out to help him. But that "sick" man turns out to be Lee Coburn, the man accused of murdering seven people the night before. Dangerous, desperate, and armed, he promises Honor that she and her daughter won't be hurt as long as she does everything he asks. She has no choice but to accept him at his word.

But Honor soon discovers that even those close to her can't be trusted. Coburn claims that her beloved late husband possessed something extremely valuable that places Honor and her daughter in grave danger. Coburn is there to retrieve it -- at any cost. From FBI offices in Washington, D.C., to a rundown shrimp boat in coastal Louisiana, Coburn and Honor run for their lives from the very people sworn to protect them, and unravel a web of corruption and depravity that threatens not only them, but the fabric of our society.

Review: The Witness by Nora Roberts

I have enjoyed so many books by Nora Roberts, it's not really a surprise The Witness is a winner for me. She writes sweet contemporaries which I adore, and romantic suspense stories that I can turn to for a nice balance of romance and danger. I found this here and this book is one my newest favorites by her. The scene starts with a young Elizabeth who is ready to rebel against her strict life. What occurs is an experience that will forever change her life and follow her to twelve years later. Elizabeth has changed her identity, her world and lives in fear. During this time she learns how to protect herself and puts her smart to good use. The setting is a small town, which doesn't invite a lot of danger but works for the characters. It gives Elizabeth, now Abigail a chance to live the life she wants. And there is a great hero around. I like how Brooks managed to get under her  skin and he doesn't give up on getting to know her. It's a nice slow-paced kind of suspense, with some minor dangerous moments.

The Witness by Nora Roberts

Genre: Romantic Suspense

 Daughter of a controlling mother, Elizabeth finally let loose one night, drinking at a nightclub and allowing a strange man’s seductive Russian accent lure her to a house on Lake Shore Drive. The events that followed changed her life forever.

Twelve years later, the woman known as Abigail Lowery lives on the outskirts of a small town in the Ozarks. A freelance programmer, she designs sophisticated security systems—and supplements her own security with a fierce dog and an assortment of firearms. She keeps to herself, saying little, revealing nothing. But Abigail’s reserve only intrigues police chief Brooks Gleason. Her logical mind, her secretive nature, and her unromantic viewpoints leave him fascinated but frustrated. He suspects that Abigail needs protection from something—and that her elaborate defenses hide a story that must be revealed.

With a quirky, unforgettable heroine and a pulse-pounding plotline, Nora Roberts presents a riveting new read that cements her place as today’s most reliably entertaining thriller
author—and will leave people hungering for more.

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I'm super excited that her next release in April will be another romantic suspense. Whiskey Beach sounds so good!

My Favorite Books by Nora Roberts

Even though I have heard about Nora Roberts's books for quite a while it was until about a couple of years ago that I finally read my first book by her. I started with Vision in White, part of the Bride Quartet series and quickly went on to read other books by her. The cover for this series is so beautiful and it sounded so romantic I knew I had to read it. Now I can see why so many people look to her books as their comfort reads. I know I can always expect a wonderful romance.

I was pleasantly surprised that not only did she have a huge backlist of books but that she is a prolific writer who releases several books a year. Even better is that she has written in multiple genres from historical, to contemporary and romantic suspense. I read from all these genres so it's great to know I can still enjoy her books no matter my mood. Some of my favorite books by her happen to be romantic suspenses. I was really excited to read The Witness and when I did, she didn't disappoint. It's one of my favorite romantic suspense of the year. Later I went on to read Angels Fall and that was also a good read, although I prefer The Witness more. I also watched the TV version of Angels Fall (I learned several of Nora Roberts's books have been made into films) and it was fun to see the book turned to life. Now I'm planning to read the other books that have been made into films.

Recently I found out Nora Roberts will be releasing a new book this Spring and it will be a romantic suspense. I'm definitely anticipating Whiskey Beach. Doesn't it sound wonderful?

For more than three hundred years, Bluff House has sat above Whiskey Beach, guarding its shore—and its secrets. But to Eli Landon, it’s home…

A Boston lawyer, Eli has weathered an intense year of public scrutiny and police investigations after being accused of—but never arrested for—the murder of his soon-to-be-ex wife.

He finds sanctuary at Bluff House, even though his beloved grandmother is in Boston recuperating from a nasty fall. Abra Walsh is always there, though. Whiskey Beach’s resident housekeeper, yoga instructor, jewelry maker, and massage therapist, Abra is a woman of many talents—including helping Eli take control of his life and clear his name. But as they become entangled in each other, they find themselves caught in a net that stretches back for centuries—one that has ensnared a man intent on reaping the rewards of destroying Eli Landon once and for all… 

Information from Amazon

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Putnam Adult
Pages: 496
Release Date: April 16, 2013

Romantic Suspense Series

I am featuring some romantic suspense series at great deals.

She Can Run (She Can.. #1) and She Can Tell (She Can.. #2) by Melinda Leigh

 

Description for She Can Run:

Elizabeth was a young widow with two small children when she met Congressman Richard Baker. Handsome and wealthy, with a sparkling public image, Richard seemed like the perfect man to provide the security that Beth and her kids were craving. But when she uncovers a dangerous secret about her new husband, Beth realizes he will go to any lengths—even murder—to keep it. After barely escaping with her life, she and her children flee. They eventually make their way to a secluded estate in the Pennsylvania countryside, where Beth dares to hope she has found a safe place at last...

Forced into retirement by an unexpected injury, Philadelphia homicide detective Jack O’Malley is mourning the loss of his career when his uncle abruptly dies, leaving Jack to dispose of his crumbling country house. Unbeknownst to him, his uncle engaged a caretaker just before his death, a mysterious woman with two children and a beautiful face that haunts his dreams. Determined to know her, Jack begins an investigation into Beth’s past. When he uncovers the shocking truth, and a local woman is viciously murdered, Jack puts his own life on the line to keep Beth and her children safe.

A 2012 International Thriller Award nominee for Best First Novel, She Can Run is a sexy, satisfying debut from award-winning author Melinda Leigh, packed with enough suspense and romance to get even the tamest heart racing!

Hidden (Bone Secrets #1) and Chilled (Bone Secrets #2) by Kendra Elliot

 
 

Description for Hidden:

Eleven years ago, the Co-ed Slayer murdered nine female students on the Oregon State University campus. Lacey Campbell barely escaped his attack, but lost her best friend whose remains were never found. As the sole surviving victim, Lacey helped send the sadistic serial killer to prison for life.

Now a forensic odontologist examining teeth and bones for the state Medical Examiner, Lacey is devastated when she arrives at a crime scene and identifies the skeletal remains as her college friend’s.

The remains are discovered on the land of ex-cop Jack Harper. Sparks fly between him and Lacey, even as they realize that the prosecution’s witnesses from a decade ago are now being murdered one by one. All the evidence points to the Co-ed Slayer as the culprit—only, he’s long since dead. So who’s the new killer? And is Lacey next in line to die?

Golden Heart finalist Kendra Elliot combines chilling suspense and steamy romance in a gripping tale, uniting in-depth forensic knowledge with a passion for thrillers. Set in the snowy winter of Oregon, Hidden creates spine-tingling chills.

Fatal Affair (Fatal #1) Free, Fatal Justice (Fatal #2), Fatal Consequences (Fatal #3), Fatal Destiny (Fatal 3.5) Free, Fatal Flaw (Fatal #4) and Fatal Deception (Fatal #5) by Marie Force

   

Description for Fatal Affair:

Washington, D.C., Metro Police Detective Sergeant Sam Holland needs a big win to salvage her career--and her confidence--after a disastrous investigation. The perfect opportunity arises when Senator John O'Connor is found brutally murdered in his bed, and Sam is assigned to the case. Matters get complicated when Sam has to team up with Nick Cappuano, O'Connor's friend and chief of staff...and the man Sam had a memorable one-night stand with years earlier. Their sexual chemistry still sizzles, and Sam has to fight to stay focused on the case. Sleeping with a material witness is another mistake she can't afford--especially when the bodies keep piling up.

Obsession (Faces of Evil #1), Impulse (Faces of Evil #2) and Power (Faces of Evil #3) by Debra Webb

   

Description for Obsession: 

She thought she'd left the murders-and his obsession-behind . . .

Special Agent Jess Harris has spent more than a decade studying the many faces of evil. In her determination to stop a serial killer, she broke the rules, and it cost her everything. With her career in need of resuscitation and her love life dead and buried, Jess jumps at a chance to advise on a case that has the top detectives of Birmingham, Alabama, stumped. But the case forces her to confront all the reasons she put her hometown-and her first love-in her rearview mirror.

Four young women have gone missing, and Police Chief Dan Burnett will do anything to find them before it's too late-even if it means asking for help from the woman who has spent a decade avoiding him. Jess agrees to lend a hand and welcomes the diversion of a new case, a new life to save to make up for the victims she's lost. But then the unthinkable happens: the crazed serial killer from her past follows Jess to Birmingham. The situation is becoming increasingly desperate-and time is swiftly running out . . .