Navy SEAL Jake Heath has his eyes on Alexa Mays. The FBI Agent is whip smart and hot as hell, but she won’t give him the time of day. So, when she calls him out of blue, he thinks his luck has changed.
But instead of meeting up for a romantic dinner, Alexa needs Jake for a very different reason. Her counterterrorism team is hot on the heels of the extremist that Jake’s task force has been tracking for months, and now he’s on American soil. The only way she can take him down is with Jake’s help. Alexa knows Jake is tough and relentless...and that the chemistry between them is electric. Although she’s risking her heart—and maybe even her career—by bringing him onto the mission, she doesn’t have another choice. Together, they’re an unstoppable and powerful team. As the hours tick by and a lethal enemy gets closer to launching an unimaginable attack, Alexa and Jake need to fight fire with fire before the clock runs out. The only question is: will their own flames get in the way?
An energetic story, filled with an intense and intriguing investigation and vigorous, charming characters.
I absolutely adored Jake Heath and Alexa Mays, I loved everything about them. The chemistry between them, the connection they had both professionally and personally, the way their personalities complimented each other, the equality between them, their ability to kick ass and get things done. The story was filled with high energy when it came to catching the criminals, and sort of sweet fragility when it came to the attraction between Jake and Alexa. I liked how the developing relationship was played off, how the author gave them a fair chance yet kept it real, kept it from going to unrealistically too far with the developing emotions. An entertaining and potent tale, a quick read and that had just enough depth in it to hold my interest. ~ Four Spoons
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Laura Griffin started her career in journalism before venturing into the world of writing romantic suspense.
Her books have won numerous awards, including two RITA Awards (for Scorched and Whisper of Warning) and a Daphne du Maurier Award (Untraceable). Laura currently lives in Austin where she is working on her next book.
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The wedding is two weeks away
If they survive until then… Following a fire at the New Journeys women’s shelter, Deputy Tanner Dempsey is on high alert, and his fiancée, Bree Daniels, fears that one of the shelter’s clients is being targeted. Outmanned and outgunned, Tanner and Bree must make a last stand for justice and unravel the twisted plot of a dangerous sociopath. Will it be “’til death do us part” before they can say “I do”?
What an amazingly explosive, intense, emotional, fierce and severe ending to the enchanting series that has captured my mind over the summer.
Staring this new type of serial novel series from Intrigue where the same couple faces different kinds of danger and suspense on their way to their happily ever after over the four books - I knew two things: One: I am not a fan of serial novels Two: I would read anything Janie Crouch writes. And she certainly didn't disappoint. The journey with Bree and Tanner has been filled with edgy situations, deep emotions, awkward moments, tears, fear, laughter, and swooning sighs. From their meet-cute to the end, Bree and Tanner have had my full attention while they captured my heart. I can not say enough about them, you have to experience the magic, the undeniable connection that is Bree and Tanner, yourself. The thrilling action has been fierce, and especially in this last installment, Risk Everything, where they are not only against seasoned cruel criminal minds but against the unpredictability of wilderness - one of my favorite type of suspense - I literally read the book through at one sitting, without even realizing it, cause the enchantingly unputdownable tale! I loved how the author shined a light to the very sensitive and tough issue of domestic violence, with the utter respect towards the survivors. Noah, Dan, Cheryl and the whole secondary gang of characters were drawn with deep characteristics, they were people I grew to love and care for as well. And when the crumpy, antisocial but generous old man Henrikson comes and saves the day - I was enamored! I have truly enjoyed the RISK series and the danger and peril filled journey of Bree and Tanner. I will miss them, but thankfully these books are definite re-read material, and perfect for binge-reading! All the four books are out now, so for those who do not like the wait in between installments of serial novels, you can now just read them all at once! A fabulous, smashing ending to the thrilling, killer series ~ Five Spoons!
USA TODAY bestselling author Janie Crouch writes what she loves to read: passionate romantic suspense. She is a winner and/or finalist of multiple romance literary awards including the Golden Quill Award for Best Romantic Suspense, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the coveted RITA© Award by the Romance Writers of America.
Janie recently relocated with her husband and their four teenagers to Germany (due to her husband's job as support for the U.S. Military), after living in Virginia for nearly 20 years. When she's not listening to the voices in her head (and even when she is), she enjoys engaging in all sorts of crazy adventures (200-mile relay races; Ironman Triathlons, treks to Mt. Everest Base Camp) traveling, and movies of all kinds.
The hunters
Become the hunted. Deputy Tanner Dempsey and Bree Daniels are tasked with unraveling a deadly mystery in Dallas—one that involves transmitting live feeds of victims trapped in tanks as they fill with water. Bree’s computer genius is their only hope at solving the crime. Knowing the darkness in Bree’s past, Tanner is determined to make sure she comes out of this emotionally unscathed. Especially once they both become a killer’s next target…
I adore Bree and Tanner, their story and the connection they have sizzling in between them. But even more than that, I love the tender feelings, the protectiveness, the caring, the desire to get to know each other, and how they always support each other. The fact that Bree is awkward in social situations comes even more clear and is rather heavily underlined at the beginning, but also explained and showed how it all got to be before the book is over.
The suspense is intense at times. There are hair-raising moments, there are death threats and the ticking timebomb that is counting down in their computer screens. That insanely vehement research into the case with the computers reminded me of the other serial novel the author was part of, Tough Justice: Countdown, and gave just another confirmation that a savage investigation into a murder can be done in cyberspace as well. Was the storyline a bit predictable as they took the road trip - yes, giving even more severity into the reading experience as you are just waiting for the hammer to hit, so to speak... The fierce and boisterous suspense and investigation balance the adorably ardent romance developing in between Tanner and Bree. Their story will continue with one more installation, and I am looking forward to it. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
USA TODAY bestselling author Janie Crouch writes what she loves to read: passionate romantic suspense. She is a winner and/or finalist of multiple romance literary awards including the Golden Quill Award for Best Romantic Suspense, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the coveted RITA© Award by the Romance Writers of America.
Janie recently relocated with her husband and their four teenagers to Germany (due to her husband's job as support for the U.S. Military), after living in Virginia for nearly 20 years. When she's not listening to the voices in her head (and even when she is), she enjoys engaging in all sorts of crazy adventures (200-mile relay races; Ironman Triathlons, treks to Mt. Everest Base Camp) traveling, and movies of all kinds.
Single Dad (Milford College #3) by Noelle Adams is available NOW!
Title: Single Dad Series: Milford College #3 Author: Noelle Adams Genre: Contemporary Romance Trope: no-strings-attached; single dad
The last thing I want is to partner on a library exhibit with Max, a hot new art professor at my college, but it's part of my job as librarian so I don't have a choice. My attraction to him is intense and immediate, but I'm taking a break from dating so I can focus on myself. I don't need a distraction like Max.
He's a single father, and that's the only thing he can focus on now. He's never going to take a relationship with me seriously, no matter how much I want him to. Single Dad is the third book in the Milford College series, novellas about the faculty and staff of a small liberal arts college.
Enjoy a fragment:
I’m pretending to work on email but mostly giving myself a pep talk when there’s a tap on my half-open door. I turn around with a practiced smile, only to freeze when I see Max standing in my doorway, dressed in tan trousers and a black Oxford with that intimate smile on his face. It’s unseemly for a man to look that sexy. A universal injustice. “I’m three minutes early, but surely you aren’t surprised to see me,” he says. “Come on in. Of course I’m not surprised.” “Then why do you look like you’ve been socked in the gut?” “I don’t look like that.” “How do you know? You can’t see yourself.” I roll my eyes, my annoyance at this teasing overcoming the rush of attraction that had paralyzed me. I stand up. “Let me show you the books.” “Ah. I’m back to being treated with cold-as-ice professionalism.” His smile is even warmer than before, so it’s clear he isn’t remotely offended. I roll my eyes again. “I’m not treating you cold as ice.” “It feels kind of icy to me. And here I was being nice and bringing you lunch.” He raises a bag he’s been holding that I only half noticed before. “You brought me lunch?” “I brought us lunch, but if you don’t want me to eat with you, I can take mine with me.” “Why did you bring lunch?” I’m filled with another rush of pleasure. “Because I figured I was using up your lunch break, and I thought you might be hungry. I’m a nice guy that way. You just haven’t realized it yet.” “I know you’re a nice guy.” “Do you?” “Yes. I do.” I’m afraid I might be gazing at him fatuously, and he’s going to be able to see it. So I clear my throat and give myself a mental shake. “Why wouldn’t I?” “I don’t know. Like I said before, I’m still trying to figure you out. So do you want some lunch?” “What did you get?” “I didn’t know what you would want, so I got two kinds of salad, three kinds of sandwiches, and some pasta salad. I’ll eat whatever you don’t want.” I gape at him. “You’ll eat two salads and two sandwiches?” He laughs as he pulls containers and wrapped sandwiches out of the bag. “I could, but I probably won’t. You’ll have to eat half this stuff.” “I can’t eat half of all this. You do see the size of me, don’t you?” I’m checking the labels and getting excited at every one I see. They’re just half sandwiches, so I pick the chicken salad on sourdough and the small Greek salad. “Yes. I see the size of you.” My breath hitches at his shift of tone. When I lift my eyes to meet his, I’m trapped by the heat of his gaze. His eyes are running up and down me, from my loose hair to my sandals. I’m wearing a long, soft skirt today in a pretty, feminine print. It’s not a sexy outfit, but I feel that way under his possessive gaze. My whole body starts to pulse. When I realize what I’m feeling, I wrench my eyes away from his and focus down on my food again. I sit in my desk chair with an awkward flop. He appears in better condition than me, but he doesn’t say anything else as he takes the turkey club and the pasta salad. He hands me a napkin and utensils, and we begin to eat. “Thank you for this,” I say, after I’ve swallowed a bite of sandwich. It’s really good. “You’re welcome. Thanks for your help with the exhibit.” “No problem. The books are over there.” “Great. We can look at them after we eat.” His suggestion makes sense since we obviously don’t want to get food all over the books I’ve collected for him. But it extends our time together longer than I was hoping. It would be so much easier and better for my state of mind if I could get him out of here in ten minutes. No such luck.
Who can you trust
When family, truth, and love are all on the line? Gracie Parish knows the true cost of trust. Rescued as a child by the infamous Parish family, she became a member of their covert sisterhood of vigilantes. Gracie saw her most precious relationships destroyed by secrecy. She learned long ago to protect her heart as well as her family's secrets. Special Agent Leif "Dusty" McAllister will do anything to uncover the truth about the Parish family's covert operations. Dusty knows Gracie is his ticket in. He'll use everything he's got—fair, unfair, and just plain wrong—to break through her defenses. But the more he gets to know Gracie and her family's mission, the harder he starts to fall. Neither one is sure they'll get out of this with their lives—or their hearts—intact.
Dusty entered the packed club. Not an empty seat at the bar. Or an empty space around it. People pushed in hard.
Behind the bar, the club’s owner, little Miss Gracie Parish was overrun, making multiple drinks simultaneously, while she nodded to acknowledge people and instruct servers. Only one other person helped Gracie behind the bar. A brunette in the server’s white shirt and black pants. He pulled beers and gave shots, but Dusty didn’t see him making any mixed drinks. Never say he wasn’t a man to help a friend in distress. Even if he had orchestrated that distress in order to get close to her, use her to get to her family and uncover their vigilante activities. He navigated his way through the crowd with care. Being as big as he was, he was well aware of his ability to intimidate without trying, so he tapped shoulders, nodded politely, and made his way behind the bar as graciously as he could. Upon seeing him, Gracie jerked her head in surprise then smiled. Hadn’t expected that. Kind of warmed his heart. He put up a single digit, a give me a second before you kick me out. He leaned closer. She was a good foot shorter. “Stopped by to check on you and have that drink.” He gazed around. “Looks like you’re slammed. Okay if I help? Worked as a bartender in college.” Gracie’s face walked the line between yes please and stay the hell away, then tipped over. “I could use the help.” She sent the obviously relieved server back into the club, opened a couple of beers and handed them to a guy across the bar. She took his cash and smiled when he told her to keep the change. When she turned back to Dusty, her eyes ran down him like it was involuntary. That kind of warmed him too. Warm enough to start a fire. She pointed to a notepad. “There are two parties that have a tab, try to handle those. You can just write the drinks down. We have the credit cards, so we can tally them later.” She began making a mixed drink, efficient and calm and sexy as anything he’d ever seen. “Cash is king for you. Drink prices are there.” She pointed to a laminated document held together at a punch-holed corner with a silver hoop. She winged a slice of lemon around the drink she’d made and handed it to a woman, who handed Gracie a credit card. Running the card, she gave Dusty a quick overview of the cash register. Basically, he had to push three buttons. He could handle that and the math. “What about credit/debit cards?” She pulled out the receipt that had just spit from the credit card machine. “I’ll handle all people with cards.” “Got it, boss lady.” She smiled, and as she walked away, tossed back, “Thanks. Really.” Lady had a great backside. “Happy to help.” Quick to learn where everything was, Dusty hit his stride. It wasn’t hard to find people with cash or on account, so he didn’t hurt for business. For the next few hours, he and Gracie worked, brushing hotly against each other as they buzzed here and there. But, much to his disappointment, not standing in one place long enough to talk or explore that heat. The crowd kept them hopping. A few people got handsy with him and her, trying to get attention. Nothing they couldn’t handle, until the big guy. Dusty watched him. Impatient as hell, using his size to insert himself at the bar as if the crowd were an insult. He put two fingers in his mouth and whistled loud to get Gracie’s attention. She turned. If it had been him, Dusty would’ve ignored the guy. But he saw Gracie’s eyes evaluate the guy and the situation. A smile on her face, she went right over. They exchanged a few words. She tapped the bar as if asking for his patience and began to turn. Guy’s big hand shot out and grabbed her wrist. Gracie looked at where he held her, said something, smiled like it was the only warning she’d give. The guy’s knuckles whitened on her wrist. A few people at the bar were paying attention now. Someone had taken out a cell. Gracie Parish on camera. Which meant she wasn’t likely to pull any self-defense. She surely wouldn’t want that all over the internet. Dusty would’ve moved to help, but he was also sure the lady didn’t need it and wouldn’t appreciate him butting in. Plus, he wanted to see what she’d do. Still smiling at the guy, she reached under the bar, pulled out a nozzle for the fountain drinks, and blasted the guy, not in the face, but directly up his nose. Shock and the sting of it had him reeling back. The people lining the bar sprang away. Gracie backed up too but kept hold of the nozzle. That second was all that was needed for one of the bouncers to move in for the kill. He wrestled the dude, got him under control, grabbed him by the neck. Forcing the guy’s head down, he marched the soaked idiot out. By the time the bouncer reached the front door, Gracie was already getting bar towels and handing them to customers, apologizing for the mess and offering free drinks. Maybe feeling his gaze, she looked over at him. He’d thought he’d see condemnation, like why hadn’t he hotfooted it over there and given her a hand, but she smiled. She smiled and mouthed, “That was fun.” Lady was going to break his heart.
Armed with a razor-sharp wit and a rolled-up MFA in Creative Writing, Diana Muñoz Stewart cartwheel-kicked her way into publishing with her fiery Black Ops Confidential series. Washington Independent Review of Books called the series’ award-winning debut, “original, impressive” a “rollicking good ride” and “high-octane.”
Of her writing Publishers Weekly said, “Stewart plays adeptly with the reader’s emotions” and noted that in her series, “Stewart’s talent shines.” Of her unflinching openness in taking on today’s relevant topics, Booklist noted, “Munoz-Stewart discusses such sensitive topics as human trafficking, sexual violence, and sexism…while the diverse …Parish family and their mission to protect women everywhere give these topics…hope…” Kirkus Book Reviews noted her romantic suspense series, along with having, “Sizzling physical encounters” also “enables an emphasis on recovery and power.” Munoz Stewart’s work has been a BookPage Top 15 Romance of 2018, a Night Owl Top Pick, A BookPage Top Pick, and an Amazon Book of the Month. A 2014 Pages From The Heart Winner, 2015 Golden Heart® Finalist, 2016 Daphne du Maurier Finalist, and a 2016 Gateway to the Best Winner, Diana Munoz Stewart is a member of Romance Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime. Diana lives in an often chaotic and always welcoming home that—depending on the day—can hold husband, kids, extended family, friends, and a canine or two. A believer in the power of words to heal, connect, and distract from chores, Diana blogs regularly on topics near and dear to her heart, including spotlight pieces on strong women from around the world. When not writing, Diana can be found kayaking, doing sprints up her long driveway—harder than it sounds–attempting yoga on her deck, or hiking with the man who’s had her heart since they were teens. Diana is represented by the wonderful Michelle Grajkowski of Three Seas Literary Agency. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |