Book Review - Always Watching (Elite Guardians, #1) by Lynette Eason

Photo Credit - Amazon

The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency is an elite group of women who are skilled in law enforcement. Wade Savage is a popular psychiatrist and radio personality and starts receiving gifts from a listener. However, it starts becoming clear that the person sending the gifts might be stalking Wade. Wade's father is worried about his son and hires the Elite Guardians to protect him.

When Wade's bodyguard was attacked and nearly killed, Olivia Edwards, the agency owner must step in and protect him. Olivia's abilities are put to the test when Wade's stalker becomes more aggressive and starts threatening people close to him. Olivia has a feeling that she might be next on the list when she and Wade are starting to fall for each other.

I liked the idea about having female bodyguards but, I thought it was annoying how they were always several steps behind their opponent and how Wade kept babying Olivia. Some of the characters seemed over the top and unrealistic. For example, when the daughter was yelled at for eating chocolates that were left by a stalker. She knew that her father's stalker was dangerous but, instead focused on her father's reaction of her wanting to eat chocolate. I liked that there wasn't too much back and forth in the romantic department. Where one character would push the other one way but, secretly want them. The plot was a bit predictable but, I still found the story enjoyable. I am looking forward to reading the other stories in the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

Book Review - Members Only by Sameer Pandya

Photo Credit - Amazon

Raj Bhatt doesn't know where he belongs. He moved to America from Bombay as a child. He knew very few Indian kids. He is now a middle-aged man living happily married in California. He is mostly happy with life and is teaching at a university. It seems to him that his wife who is white is fitting in better than he does, especially at their tennis club. He loves their tennis club and what it means to be a part of it.

During one week, his life starts unraveling. During a meeting for potential new members, Raj notices that there is an African American couple on the nominee list. He always dreamed of a more diverse tennis club. To fit in, he makes a racist joke and the committee turns on him. He feels betrayed since he has put up years of prejudice. To make matters worse, a group of his students reports him as "anti-Western".

As a person of color and of Indian descent, I have often found myself in Raj's shoes too. I find myself sometimes stump on certain social situations. I can understand how he needs to fit in while honoring his heritage. I thought the book was a fun and engaging read. I couldn't help but, think about my anthropology professor from my college days who was also of Indian descent. I now realize that someone can look put together but, have a host of insecurities and issues that they keep to themselves. The book details events in a week and it was easy to see how one event can lead to a spiral of an unfortunate week. I am looking forward to reading other books by the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Falling for Her Bodyguard by Amy Vastine + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Kelly Bonner keeps receiving gifts from a mysterious sender. Even when things escalate, Kelly isn't sure she needs a bodyguard, especially one like Detective Donovan Walsh. Detective Donovan Walsh is intense and has a tough-guy exterior. However, as Kelly spends more time with Donovan, she realizes there is more to him beneath his tough-guy appearance.  Donovan is struggling with raising his sister's children by himself. Kelly can see herself falling in love with him but, that would mean breaking her rule of not dating cops. Will Kelly and Donovan be able to let go of their rules to find happiness?

The novel was a fun and interesting read. The "stalker portion" of the story wasn't the main pull of the novel but, it was a surprise at the end.  Surprisingly, I didn't mind that the romance took center stage because both characters were lovable and realistic.  I thought the novel was a cute and romantic read.

  **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Falling for Her Bodyguard
(Grace Note Records #4)
By Amy Vastine
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
August 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She needs his protection…

But can he protect his heart?

Radio personality Kelly Bonner isn’t convinced she needs a bodyguard, especially one as intensely good-looking as Detective Donovan Walsh. Yet beneath Donovan’s tough-guy facade is a man struggling to raise his sister’s children. A man Kelly could care about…if he’d let her. Now she’ll have to find a way to convince her big, bad bodyguard that his family—and his heart—are safe in her hands.

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│iBooks│Kobo│Harlequin

Other Books in the Series


About the Author

Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read. Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart husband, three teenagers who keep her on her toes, and their two sweet but mischievous pups.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card, a Reading is my Superpower custom-made sign, an autographed copy of The Girl He Used to Love and a bookmark (if winner is outside US then they would receive an ebook and egift card only)

Ends August 21, 2019

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Book Review - Like Never and Always by Ann Aguirre + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Liv Burnham and Morgan Frost are best friends. Liv always thought she knew everything about Morgan. When a terrible accident happens, she realizes she never knew Morgan, at all.  Liv wakes up in a hospital but, everyone keeps calling her Morgan. When the bandages come off, Liv realizes she sees Morgan's face. As she continues to spend time as Morgan, she realizes that Morgan has a dark secret. Will Liv be able to help Morgan solve a long-buried murder? Why is Liv trapped in Morgan's body?

The novel was a delicious read filled with twists and intrigue. I like the idea of a soul fusing with another body. I thought the author did a good job portraying both Liz's and Morgan's personality and thoughts as two people in one body. Overall, a great beach read!

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Book:

Title: LIKE NEVER AND ALWAYS

Author: Ann Aguirre

Pub. Date: July 17, 2018

Publisher: Tor Teen

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 336

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, iBooks, TBD

On a hot summer night, a screech of brakes and shattering glass changes two lives forever.

Liv wakes in the hospital, confused when they call her Morgan. She assumes it’s a case of mistaken identity, yet when the bandages come off, it’s not her face in the mirror anymore. It’s her best friend Morgan’s.

Morgan always seemed to have the perfect life, yet Liv must navigate endlessly disturbing secrets of the criminal and murderous variety—and a romance that feels like a betrayal. Torn between the boy she loved as Liv and the boy she’s grown to love as Morgan, Liv still has to survive Morgan’s last request.

About Ann:

Ann Aguirre is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. She likes books, emo music, and action movies. She writes all kinds of genre fiction for adults and teens.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a Kindle Oasis, US Only.

5 winners will win a finished copy of LIKE NEVER AND ALWAYS, US Only.

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Rafflecopter link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2775/?

Tour Schedule:

Week Four:

7/23/2018- Under the Book Cover- Review

7/24/2018- Confessions of a YA Reader- Review

7/25/2018- Moonlight Rendezvous- Review

7/26/2018- Simply Daniel Radcliffe- Review

7/27/2018- Two points of interest- Review

Book Review - Firestorm by Laura Hilton + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

The Behrs moved from a bustling Amish community in Ohio to the desolate and cold Upper Peninsula of Michigan after an incident with a stalker. Her father, Hosea buys a home which is currently inhabitable. The family is forced to reside in a RV, while their home is being rebuilt. Bridget is hoping for a fresh start. But, when the overly friendly Amish man who lives next door starts flirting with her, she has a hard time trusting him. She believes, he is a serial womanizer who takes home a new girl every week.

Gabriel Lapp was exiled from his Florida community because there wasn't enough work to keep him from trouble. His father wants Gabe to settle down and start a family. When the Behrs move next door and need help with the construction of their home, Gabe jumps to the chance of helping. However, the pair like each other but, fear that the other person wants something else. Will they realize there is more to each than they realize?

I found the book a fun read. I like reading the portions with Bridget's father and Gabe. Each character had their own faults and wants but, had a hard time following their hearts.  I didn't like that Bridget and Gabe were going back and forth about dating each other. Overall, a great read especially for fans of the genre.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Book

Title: Firestorm
Author: Laura Hilton
Genre: Christian Amish
Release Date: July, 2018

Bridget Behr and her family migrate from the bustling Amish community where she grew up in Ohio to the mostly unpopulated Upper Peninsula of Michigan after a stalker breaks into their home. While her father and brother try to find work in the area, the family is forced to reside in a borrowed RV until the house and barn are rebuilt. While Bridget is hoping for a fresh start, she’s afraid to trust anyone—even Gabriel, the overly-friendly Amish man who lives nearby. Bridget thinks he’s a flirt who serial dates and doesn’t even remember the girls’ names.

Due to not enough construction work in his Florida community to keep him out of trouble, Gabriel Lapp has been sent to Michigan to work. His father is desperate for his son to settle down. When the family walks into Gabe’s home in the middle of a thunderstorm and he discovers their circumstances, he offers to help with construction. For Gabe, the beautiful girl he teasingly calls “the recluse” once he discovers she doesn’t attend youth events, confuses him like none other.

As Gabriel and Bridget grow closer, they realize there is more to a person than meets the eye. Just as Bridget is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding love, tragedy strikes. Now Bridget and her family must decide if they should move to another Amish community, or dare to fight for the future they’d hoped for in Mackinac County.

About the Author

 

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with over twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

Giveaway

Grand prize: Firefighter Puppet 9 (Melissa & Doug), Copies of Amish Firefighter and Firestorm by Laura Hilton.

First place prize of “I Love You to the Cross & Back” Mug (Gardenfire) & Firestorm by Laura Hilton!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cf87/firestorm-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review - Love by the Numbers by Laura V. Hilton + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

A tragic accident claims the life of Lydia's fiancee and with a secret threatening her home life, Lydia flees to Jamesport, Missouri to help manage her aunt's gift store.  However, Lydia receives math induced headaches, so she is excited to learn that her aunt hired an accountant to help her with the daily accounting. When Caleb Bontrager enters the shop to help with the bookkeeping, both parties are shocked by each other's presence. Caleb is smitten by Lydia's charm and her personality, but he is afraid that her bright personality would lead down the path of temptation. Lydia is attracted to Caleb, but when Caleb asks another girl to become his girl, will Lydia be able to put her feelings for Caleb aside?

I have read a few Amish romances and I felt this one definitely had a bit more sauce to it. In this novel some of the characters live with their Mennonite relatives or have not joined the church so they use cell phones or electricity.  While this book is clean by my standards, there is mention of premarital sex, unwanted sexual advances and talks of temptation. Personally, I enjoyed the book and was emotionally involved with each character having a happy ending.  It was a delightful and refreshing read and I can't wait to read more works by the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion** 

About the Author

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with almost twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write and Putting on the New.
Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.
When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

Giveaway

In honor of the tour, Whitaker House is giving away

Grand Prize Package: Love By the Numbers, Healing Love (Amish of Webster County #1), and The Snow Globe (The Amish of Jamesport #1) by Laura Hilton; “The Angels Cry Holy” scented candle in tin with lid from Abba Jerusalem

1st Place Package: Love By the Numbers, The Snow Globe (The Amish of Jamesport #1) by Laura Hilton, and Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils

2nd Place Package: Love By the Number by Laura Hilton and Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils!!!

Click the link to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c6ca

Book Review - Imperfect Justice (Hidden Justice #2) by Cara C. Putman

Photo Credit - Amazon

It seemed like an easy open and closed case - Kaylene Adams kills her daughter only to be killed by the police. Kaylene's attorney, Emilie Wesley, questions the validity of the highly publicized story. She knows that Kaylene would never hurt her daughters and she was looking to leave an abusive marriage. Emilie is consumed by self-doubt and it affects her ability to help other women in violent relationships. Will Emilie be able to find out what really happened to her client?

The novel had an interesting story, but I felt the main character was lacking. She is a person from money and it seems like a lot of things that she does is motivated by money. She mentioned that she would use her trust fund to furnish her lifestyle but not her work. However, she kept mentioning how her work is how she identifies herself and without it, she is lost. She also claims that Kaylene was a good friend and she was torn about the deaths but when Kaylene's brother requested her help, she was hesitant to help saying how it would cut into her personal time (which she also claims she is always working and barely spends time with her friends). But if you think your friend was wrongly accused, I wouldn't worry about my free time (which she still manages to hang out with her other friends). I also think it was petty, that she keeps mentioning her salary at the women's center. And when news of Kaylene's death shook Emilie, she tries to remember  all the good she has done, but when another client comes in to escape with her 10 month old, she seems to be more concerned that she can't write an article for her side job. Overall, it's an interesting book, but it just wasn't for me.

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion**