Caught by Surprise by Jen Turano

Book Summary:

Miss Temperance Flowerdew is on her way to work when a stranger suddenly grabs her off the street and sends her on a Chicago-bound train before she can figure out what happened.

When Mr. Gilbert Cavendish is called upon to rescue a missing woman, he follows the trail to Chicago only to discover that the woman is his good friend Temperance. Before they can discover who was behind the abduction, they’re seen alone together by a New York society matron, putting their reputations at risk.

Gilbert is willing to propose marriage–except Temperance will have none of it. She’s finally stepped out of the shadow of her relations and won’t give up her independence. But when it becomes clear the misunderstanding in Chicago has escalated into a threat on her life and followed her to New York, accepting Gilbert’s help in solving the mystery may lead to more than she ever could have dreamed.

 

My Thoughts:

Each book in the Apart from the Crowd series has been delightful, and this one was no exception!  Caught by Surprise was  non stop fun, humor, and lively adventures!  No one crafts a romantic, yet hilarious tale quite like Jen Turano!  I loved every second of this book!  Temperance and Gilbert were perfection.  I loved how this love story was crafted.  These characters and their mishaps kept the pages of this book turning swiftly.  There was never a dull moment!  I found myself on more than one occasion laughing at the scenarios and antics taking place!  There were also plenty of sweet moments and a bit of romance as Temperance and Gilbert find their friendship blossoming into maybe something more.  As always in a Jen Turano novel there is a bit of mystery and intrigue that comes to light in the end of the novel.  I have really enjoyed this series and am a little sad to see it end!  The Wallflower ‘s were such a fun bunch of ladies to read about and each story was unique. Caught by Surprise was completely entertaining and the perfect conclusion to this series!

 

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Dead Drift by Dani Pettrey

Summary:

Burning debris littering the ground . . . smoke pluming in the acrid air . . . this is just the beginning if he fails.

Seven years ago, operative Luke Gallagher vanished to become part of an elite team set on capturing a deadly terrorist. When Luke returns to face those he left behind, their help becomes his only hope of stopping his target’s latest threat of an attack that would shake America to its core.

Private investigator Kate Maxwell never stopped loving or looking for Luke after he disappeared. But she also never imagined he left her or his life by choice. Now he’s back, and together they must unravel a twisting thread of secrets, lies, and betrayal, all while on the brink of a biological disaster.

Will they and their love survive, or will Luke and Kate become the terrorist’s next mark?

 

My Thoughts:

After reading the preceding books in the Chesapeake Valor Series, I knew that Dead Drift was going to be action packed and full of suspense!  It totally delivered.  I absolutely loved this book!  Really the whole series is fabulous.  Okay, on to the book!  Luke is back!  Fans of this series have been waiting for this moment and this book!  This book had the perfect amount of suspense, action, and romance.  I enjoyed that that there were two cases being worked during this book.  I loved that the cold case which the group had been investigating throughout this series finally had some movement.  And that particular story line was chilling.  There are so many moving parts to this book, and its definitely a fast paced read.  The reader can definitely feel the characters racing against the clock.  Weaved into all the suspense and action is the damaged relationship between Luke and Kate.  Since so much time had passed and there were so many hurts and questions, these characters had a lot of obstacles to overcome, while also trying to prevent a biological disaster.  I am not going to give any spoilers away!  This book’s conclusion satisfied me in every way.  It was the perfect ending to this series.  I am really loving the romantic suspense genre right now, and this series has been one of my favorites.  I did have a little trouble sleeping after finishing this one late at night.  The house was dark, and too quiet, and that serial killer story line was haunting me a bit.  But it was just so good!  I definitely recommend this book to any fans of suspense, or romantic suspense books.  I would suggest to get as much out of the book as possible that you read the whole series and read them in order.  It definitely would still be a great book as a stand alone, but why not read the rest of a great series?  Can’t wait to see what Dani Pettrey writes next!

To purchase a copy of Dead Drift or learn more about Dani Pettrey, visit the links below!

Amazon: Dead Drift

danipettrey.com

 

Freedom’s Kiss by Sarah Monzon

Summary:

Olivia Arroyo knows who she is and where she’s going—her sense of family responsibility a stepping-stone to her dream of becoming a chef. When her employer refuses her the chance to move from server to the kitchen, she makes another opportunity for herself with the owner of a new food truck. But her life derails when a hidden piece of her past suddenly comes to light, and she discovers everything she thought she knew about herself has been a lie.

A single decision can have innumerable consequences—a truth that has changed Adam Carrington’s life. A criminal defense attorney turned food truck owner, he is haunted by his role in an unpardonable act and driven by his need to make restitution. Unexpected help comes in the form of a feisty, raven-haired beauty, but she soon begins challenging his kitchen as well as his heart.

Florida, 1816
Propelled by a fleeting hope of freedom, Winnie and her family escape slavery and find refuge and new life with the Seminole Indians of Florida. But their future is still uncertain as threats of war, a return to slavery, and removal to the West shake their tentative grasp on freedom. Will they ever step out of the shadow of fear to leave a legacy of deliverance?

My Thoughts:

I am always happy to discover a new to me author!  I really enjoyed reading this book!  The modern day and the historical plots were both interesting with unique stories to tell which kept my interest throughout the book.  I found myself more drawn to the modern day story, only because I absolutely loved the characters and their interaction with each other.  Olivia and Adam were magic on a page!  Their chemistry, humor, and playfulness was so fun to read!  Loved it!  Apparently, I am late to the party on the Carrington brothers!  I had no idea that there were previous books highlighting the Carrington family, so I definitely am going to add those to my “to be read” list!

I thought the author did a great job of weaving in some really life impacting issues without making the story too heavy.  Winnie’s story was memorable and unique.  I had no idea that historically some escaped slaves found refuge with the Seminoles.  It was fast paced, full of danger, surprises, and even some suspenseful moments, and a touch of romance.

I would absolutely recommend Freedom’s Kiss to readers who love split time novels,  or just great stories from any time period.  I have already added several books by Sarah Monzon to my “want to read” list because this book was so well written.   Her characters were genuine and likable and her plot was unique and memorable.

To purchase a copy of Freedom’s Kiss or learn more about Sarah Monzon visit the links below!

Amazon: Freedom’s Kiss

sarahmonzonwrites.com

 

*I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep

Summary:

Mercy Lytton is a lady like none other. Raised amongst the Mohawks, she straddles two cultures, yet each are united in one cause. . .to defeat the French. Born with a rare gift of unusually keen eyesight, she is chosen as a scout to accompany a team of men on a dangerous mission. Yet it is not her life that is threatened. It is her heart.  Condemned as a traitor, Elias Dubois faces the gallows. At the last minute, he is offered his freedom if he consents to accompany a stolen shipment of French gold to a nearby fort—but he is the one they stole it from in the first place. It turns out that the real thief is the beguiling woman, Mercy Lytton, for she steals his every waking thought.   Can love survive divided loyalties in a back country wilderness?

My Thoughts:

I am really enjoying this series!  I think it is such a unique concept to follow the family lineage of characters in a series and utilize different authors within the series.  Loving it!  This latest release in the Daughter’s of the Mayflower series was a great addition!  I loved the characters of Mercy and Elias.   I loved how strong and unconventional Mercy was.  She was the perfect heroine for this story.  Elias was my favorite character in the story.  He was quick witted, smart, and had so many layers that were revealed as this story unfolded.   This book was packed with adventure and danger at every twist and turn.  The crew of misfits had a difficult mission.  They traveled through rugged terrain, and faced numerous unforeseen situations and obstacles.  All of these things were what kept the pages turning!   I would definitely recommend this book to historical fiction fans, especially those who like a little adventure and some danger!

To purchase a copy of the Captive Bride or learn more about the author, visit the links below!

Amazon: The Captive Bride

michellegriep.com

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Second Impressions by Pepper Basham

Summary:

He likes streamline. She prefers embellishments. His forte is business. Hers is atmosphere. Will they realize each has what the other needs most to create the perfect romance with a touch of Jane Austen flair?

When a country girl travels to Bath, England to visit Jane Austen country, will a serious businessman ruin her regency-dream?

 

My Thoughts:

This novella was everything I hope for in a contemporary romance story!  In true Pepper Basham style, this novella is filled with humor, wit, and tons of romantic chemistry between the characters.  Jane Austen fans will love this novella.  I have read a lot of Jane Austen re-telling’s and haven’t been a huge fan of the idea.  However, this was magical.  This story wasn’t a Jane Austen retelling, but it was filled with reminders, places, and experiences unique to Jane Austen and her works.  As a reader I enjoyed those things as much as the character seemed to.  The banter between the characters was perfection.  And the precarious situation that they find themselves in leads to a string of events that is completely, entertainingly, addictive.   The pacing of this story was perfect.  It was sweet, funny, and satisfying.  But, who am I kidding?   I could have read another 200 pages of this story!  I didn’t want it to end!  If you are a fan of contemporary romance you will love this novella!  Definitely download it!  You will devour it in one sitting!  And it is totally okay to ignore all of your real life responsibilities in order to accomplish that task.

If you would like to purchase a copy of Second Impressions or learn more about Pepper Basham, visit the links below!

Amazon: Second Impressions

pepperdbasham.com

A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden

Summary:

As a biochemist in early 1900s New York, Doctor Rosalind Werner has dedicated her life to the crusade against waterborne diseases. She is at the forefront of a groundbreaking technology that will change the way water is delivered to every household in the city–but only if she can get people to believe in her work.

Newly appointed Commissioner of Water for New York, Nicholas Drake is highly skeptical of Rosalind and her team’s techniques. When a brewing court case throws him into direct confrontation with her, he is surprised by his reaction to the lovely scientist.

While Rosalind and Nick wage a private war against their own attraction, they stand firmly on opposite sides of a battle that will impact far more than just their own lives. As the controversy grows more public and inflammatory and Rosalind becomes the target of an unknown enemy, the odds stacked against these two rivals swiftly grow more insurmountable with every passing day.

My Thoughts:

I am a huge Elizabeth Camden fan.  She has a way of weaving so much historical information into her stories!  I always walk away from a Camden novel feeling like I have learned things about a subject I was previously unfamiliar with.   This book has a stunning cover!  It really catches the eye, and there is actually so much detail on this cover that pertains to the book.  I love it!  It was interesting to read about the issues concerning clean water in the 1900s.  There were a lot of things I had never considered and it was eye opening to the issues and epidemics surrounding unclean water in cities.  Rosalind and Nick faced a lot of obstacles in their personal relationship and also within their chosen fields of work.  It was easy to see the passion for their different sides of view when it came to their work with the city’s water treatment.  I could definitely see both sides of the argument that Rosalind and Nick were dealing with.  Where this book took a wrong turn for me was when Rosalind decided to compromise her integrity for the sake of advancing her experiments.  I had a hard time identifying with her character after that point.  I was waiting for a realization of wrongdoing, or contrition, and I didn’t feel as though that was ever expressed.  I felt as though Rosalind was committed to her work, no matter the cost, and the cost was great. These things made it hard for me to cheer for her.  I don’t feel as though she ever had to realize the cost of her actions.  And that was frustrating for me.  I did however love Nick.  He was happy, fun, and driven.  His heart was genuine and his temper was short.  But, he was a likable and memorable character.  I think this has been an interesting series that has highlighted a lot of areas in history that I haven’t been familiar with before.  It has been great to read and discover some of those things in the context of a a fictional story.  All in all this was another rich, historical novel from Elizabeth Camden that Historical Fiction fans will enjoy!

To purchase a copy of A Daring Venture or learn more about Elizabeth Camden, visit the links below.

Amazon: A Daring Venture

elizabethcamden.com

 

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.

 

Engraved on the Heart by Tara Johnson

Summary:

Reluctant debutante Keziah Montgomery lives beneath the weighty expectations of her staunch Confederate family, forced to keep her epilepsy secret for fear of a scandal. As the tensions of the Civil War arrive on their doorstep in Savannah, Keziah sees little cause for balls and courting. Despite her discomfort, she cannot imagine an escape from her familial confines—until her old schoolmate Micah shows her a life-changing truth that sets her feet on a new path . . . as a conductor in the Underground Railroad.

Dr. Micah Greyson never hesitates to answer the call of duty, no matter how dangerous, until the enchanting Keziah walks back into his life and turns his well-ordered plans upside down. Torn between the life he has always known in Savannah and the fight for abolition, Micah struggles to discern God’s plan amid such turbulent times.

Battling an angry fiancé, a war-tattered brother, bounty hunters, and their own personal demons, Keziah and Micah must decide if true love is worth the price . . . and if they are strong enough to survive the unyielding pain of war.

My Thoughts:

I am always excited to discover a new Historical Fiction author!  And the cover of this book was beautiful!  I have read a few books set around the Civil War recently and I am really loving this time period right now!  I just kind of dove into this story, I didn’t read the book blurb, I just got sucked in by the cover!  This story had so many interesting and unique things about it, which kept my interest.  I really liked the main character “Kizzie” who overcame a lot of obstacles and was a true heroine because of her heart and her bravery.

It was interesting to get a glimpse of the underground railroad through Micah and Keziah.  The danger, the obstacles, and the steps involved in moving former slaves added a level of tension and suspense to this story.  I admired Keziah for working around her health issues to continue to try to lead slaves to safety and freedom.  The last chapters of the book were fast paced and full of tense moments!  I was happily satisfied with the conclusion of this book.  I don’t want to give away any spoilers.  Overall I enjoyed the book.  I thought the story was interesting, the characters were easy to like, and there was always something  happening to propel the story forward which kept me turning the pages.  Historical Fiction fans will enjoy this glimpse into Savannah during the Civil War.

If you would like to purchase a copy of Engraved On The Heart by Tara Johnson or learn more about this author visit the links below!

Amazon: Engraved On The Heart

tarajohnsonstories.com