Book Review: The Cost of Honor by Diana Munoz Stewart

The Cost of Honor by Diana Munoz Stewart

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks Casablanca, November 26, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, Dominica

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

Length: 352 Pages

Heat Level: 2 Flame

Rating:  3.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

He gave up everything to escape his family

The only male to be adopted into the notorious Parish family, Tony Parish always did right by his vigilante sisters. But when an attempt to protect one of them went horribly wrong, he had to fake his own death to escape his fanatical family. Tony set sail and ended up in Dominica—face to face with the woman of his dreams...

Now he must give up Honor to save her

After the death of her mother, Honor Silva moved to Dominica, where her family could help her heal and move on. But her activist mother left her more than money, she left her proof that could take down one of the richest and most powerful men in the world.

Tony gave up everything he thought he knew when he fled his family. But when a threat too dangerous for Tony and Honor to fight on their own closes in, he has no choice but to go to them for help. Problem is, they'll demand something in return—something that could cost Tony not just Honor, but also the love that changed him forever.

Black Ops Confidential Series:
I Am Justice (Book 1)
The Price of Grace (Book 2)
The Cost of Honor (Book 3)

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Cost-Honor-Black-Confidential-Book-ebook/dp/B07T91DZFD/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-cost-of-honor-diana-mu-oz-stewart

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46651179-the-cost-of-honor

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks goes to the publisher, via Net-Galley, for the opportunity to read and review The Cost of Honor, book 3 in the Black Ops Confidential series, in advance of publication. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

This is the first book I’ve read by Diana Munoz Stewart. Her writing is quick and sharp, making this an action-packed reading experience. There are quite a few secondary characters, which had me shaking my head in confusion a few times. The plot is fast paced and the writing flows nicely.

Honor Silva’s character is full of energy and determination. She runs a cocoa farm she inherited when her mother died. She cares about her employees, and at times, it blinds her to issues within her business. She is fiercely loyal and can’t understand who could want her to fail.

Tony Parish, aka Laz, is an exciting hero. He’s bigger than life and is able to do a multitude of things at the same time. He carries a great deal of guilt regarding a failed project with his sister, which caused him to fake his own death. This part was a bit fuzzy for me, and I believe it would have been helpful if I had read the prior two books in this series.

The romance between Honor and Tony/Laz is fast and furious. This is a perfect story for readers who like plenty of sexual action because there’s lot in this romantic tale. The emotions run high at times, but not quite as deep as I enjoy. I missed the sexual tension in a story where something is keeping them from each other. Nothing interferes with this couple’s time between the sheets!

If you enjoy a fast-paced romance with an intriguing hero and a heroine with a huge heart, then you will enjoy The Cost of Honor. While this wasn’t a top pick for me, I did enjoy the suspenseful scenes. It certainly kept me engaged. Happy reading! 

Author Bio:

#1 Amazon bestselling author. 
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 declared, "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 said, "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..." 

Social Media:

Website: https://dianamunozstewart.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DMSwrites/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dmunozstewart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmunozstewart/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dmunozstewart/

Book Review: Sins of the Sire by Emily Royal

Sins of the Sire by Emily Royal

Publisher & Release: Tirgearr Publishing, March 13, 2019

Time and setting:  Medieval Scotland

Genre: Historical Romance

Book Length:  283 Pages

Heat Level: 2 Flame

Rating: 3.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Two years ago, English noblewoman, Elyssia De Montford, risked her life to free the Highlander held prisoner by her sadistic fiancé. She cannot forget the man who first stirred her heart–a memory that burns anew when she finds herself once more on the road to Scotland.

Tavish MacLean has sworn vengeance. It’s been six years since his beloved sister was raped and murdered by an English lord, a tragedy which almost destroyed his family. On his deathbed, his father demanded retribution and Tavish pledged before his clan to enslave the lord’s daughter then send her back to her father, pregnant with a Scottish bastard. When he learns that she is travelling north, he seizes his opportunity and orders her abduction.

But when his men fling the prisoner before him, Tavish recognises Elyssia, the woman who once saved his life. Loyalty to his clan trumps the debt he owes her and he claims Elyssia as his captive. Though she’s one of the hated English, her willing body ignites passion in him at night, though she fights him at every turn during the day. As time passes, he questions his loyalty, finding himself increasingly enthralled by his fiery captive.

Treachery surrounds Clan MacLean. When long-buried secrets come to light, Tavish must risk his life and his clan, or all that he holds dear will be destroyed.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Sins-Sire-Dark-Highland-Passions-ebook/dp/B07N974NW5

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43803946-the-sins-of-the-sire

Vikki’s Musings

This is the debut novel by Emily Royal. I received an invitation from the author to read and review Sins of the Sire, and since the book description intrigued me, I accepted. My opinions are my own are not influenced in any way.

Whew, what an emotional rollercoaster. Sins of the Sire is a dark, twisted story, reminiscent of the bodice rippers from the seventies and eighties. It stays true to the brutality of this period of history, making it difficult to read at times. There is rape, and a great deal of violence throughout the entire book, making it a page turner.

I have mixed feelings regarding Elyssia De Montford’s character. While I liked her, she went from being a strong woman, to being too accepting of her fate. She’s fiercely determined to save her slow-witted sister from her own ordeal, and an ordeal it is! I could understand why she wanted to protect Grace, but the manner she used did not sit well with me. While I admired her for her loyalty, I wanted her to fight her situation with greater determination.

Tavish MacLean is not a hero to admire. He’s brutal and treats Elyssia with great cruelty throughout most of the book. Even when he learns she’s the woman who saved his life, he’s hell-bent on exacting revenge for what Elyssia’s father did to his sister. He is determined to plant his seed, then return her to her father carrying his bastard. I tried to take into account, the historical times this novel is set in, but I believe the author could have given the hero more integrity.

For me, this is not a romance. It’s historical fiction, masterfully written. If I had understood that, I could have been more accepting of the content. Unfortunately, it is categorized as a romance. There is nothing remotely romantic about the relationship between the hero and heroine. The sexual scenes show no tenderness or care. Even at the end, when he is supposed to love her, he takes her too forcefully. If the author had given him even a little remorse for what he’d put her through, I would have felt differently.

As a romance, it deserves 1 star, but as historical fiction, I would give it five. The author is true to the historical times, which were indeed brutal and dark. The suspenseful scenes are brilliantly written, and while difficult to read, are spellbinding, so much so, that I gave it an overall 3.5 stars. The publisher should consider revising the category for this novel.

If you enjoy dark, gritty novels of great historical accuracy, then you will love Sins of the Sire. If you’re looking for a romance, I would not suggest reading this book. Now that I understand Ms. Royal’s writing style, I will read the next book, knowing in advance, it will be a tale of the brutality of medieval times. Her writing is exciting and compelling. I will not expect romance. Happy reading!

Book Review: The Wrong Man by Natasha Anders

The Wrong Man by Natasha Anders

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, September 4, 2018

Time and setting:  Present Day, South Africa

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length:  336 Pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 3 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

No commitments. No expectations. No way this could possibly go wrong…right?

Former special-ops soldier Sam Brand is used to getting what he wants. What he wants is to unbutton the buttoned-down, sweet, and shy Dahlia McGregor. He’s hot to find her wild side. She’s eager to let him explore it. So he makes his proposition—no strings, no hurt feelings, and no promises—save for one: she’ll have the time of her life.

After a broken engagement, Lia’s looking to someday find the right man and settle down. That’s some day. Now it’s all about the night. A hot, meaningless fling with a magnificently weathered blue-eyed stud like Sam couldn’t hurt: he’s sexy, and sure he’s arrogant, but best of all, he’s here. In other words, he’s perfect…for now.

But when Sam is wounded in the line of duty and left in Lia’s tender loving care, all bets are off. Because the more time they spend together, the more it becomes clear: this “one night” deal is getting steamier and lasting longer than they counted on. It started as a fun little game. Is it possible they could be playing for keeps?

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Wrong-Man-Alpha-Men-Book-ebook/dp/B0797SF7XQ

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38200857-the-wrong-man

Vikki’s Musings

This is the third book in the Alpha Men series. I read the first one, The Wing Man, and thoroughly enjoyed it, so when I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review in advance of publication, I accepted. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

The Wrong Man is certainly titled correctly. The hero does not fit any of the desires of the heroine. I know opposites attract, but in this case, I believe they are too different. The writing flows well and the pacing, while a little slow, did not truly drag. My main issue with this book are the unlikeable hero and the doormat heroine.

Dahlia Mc Gregor’s character is way too ordinary and just too nice. She has no back-bone, even allowing a jerky date a second thought when she clearly does not even like the guy. She gives into everyone, especially Sam. While I normally love a nurturer, Dahlia takes that archetype to a new level that was even too much for me!

Sam Brand is crude and abrasive, and never truly warmed to him. He is constantly dropped the f-bomb which never sets well with me. While he is redeemed somewhat by the end of the book, in my estimation it takes way too long. His willingness to enmesh himself in the small-town life was all right but was way out of character. 

Another reviewer mentioned that the romance never truly takes off. Sex yes, but not love. I found it very difficult to see this couple having a lasting relationship, so I never became vested in their “love” story. The sexual scenes are steamy, and I can see why some reviewers could enjoy them, but for me I like more emotion and less graphic detail.

Nonetheless, The Wrong Man is an interesting read, and I will probably read future books from Ms. Anders since I have enjoyed several of hers in the past. This book is missing the edge that is normally in her books. I would suggest The Unwanted Wife over this one. Happy reading!

Book Review: Dagger's Edge by Lora Leigh

Dagger’s Edge by Lora Leigh

Publisher & Release: St. Martin’s Press, August 28, 2018

Time and setting:  Present Day, USA

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

Book Length:   Full Length

Heat Level: 2 Flame

Rating: 3.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Ivan Resnova wants nothing more than to escape his hard, brutal past. Starting over is not so easy once you've been a powerful crime boss but now, instead of being punished for his alleged crimes, Ivan fears that the one woman he can't forget is in danger of paying the price.

Crimsyn "Syn" Delaney thought the danger she'd faced was over, and that she could resume her life. She never imagined it would return with a vengeance and throw her back into Ivan's world. But when an attempt is made on her life, she needs Ivan more than ever to keep her safe--even if she is in danger of falling deeply and dangerously in love. . . 

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Daggers-Edge-Brute-Force-Novel-ebook/dp/B079DX4ZB6

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38238839-dagger-s-edge

Vikki’s Musings

This is the second book I have read by Lora Leigh, and I enjoyed it for the most part. Thanks go to the publisher, via Net-Galley, for the chance to read and review in advance of publication. Dagger’s Edge is an action-packed romantic suspense novel that walks the edge of erotica.

Ms. Leigh writes fantastic suspense scenes that had me nibbling on my nails, waiting to find out what would happen next. It quickly drew me in, and I had a hard time putting it down. This is a plot-driven story, and for anyone who loves hot, steamy, sexual scenes, there are plenty of those.

Regarding the characters, I never truly became vested in either of them. I would have liked more inner thoughts from both of them. The relationship was all about sex with very little emotional connection between the pair, so as a romance this book didn’t work for me. At times, the sexual scenes seemed out of place. I found myself flipping through them to get onto the action. I’m sure other readers may not agree because reading is very subjective.

What did work for me, is the high suspense and the startling surprise at the end when I found out who the villain was. I could feel the heroine’s pain at this realization. If I were to give two ratings for this book, I’d give 5 Gold Crowns for the suspense and 2 for the romance, hence my 3.5 rating.

If you love high suspense and lots of sexual scenes, then you will enjoy Dagger’s Edge. While the romance didn’t work for me, the suspenseful aspect of this novel kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat and made it a worth-while read. Happy reading!