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: Becker Circle by Addison Brae

Becker Circle by Addison Brae

Publisher & Release: Tirgearr Publishing, March 14, 2018

Time and setting:  Present Day, Dallas

Genre: Contemporary Romance/New Adult/Romantic Suspense

Book Length: 281 pages

Rating: 3.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

New starts mean new rules. Can she triumph through the challenges?

My boyfriend believed I was too gutless to leave. He was dead wrong. I graduated Harvard early and left his hot temper and everyone else behind for Dallas. Determined to make it on my own, I land a second job bartending at the neighborhood pub, smack in the middle of drama central, where almost every jerk in the neighborhood hits on me.

A week into the job, the neighborhood’s very popular drug dealer falls to his death a few feet from the table I’m serving. The cops say suicide, but the hot guitar player in the house band and I suspect foul play, and we intend to prove it. Digging deeper, we’re drawn closer to each other. Then we make a shocking discovery. We know the murderer.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Becker-Circle-Addison-Brae-ebook/dp/B07B3HT15Y

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38885893-becker-circle

Vikki’s Musings

I received an offer from the author to read and review her debut novel, Becker Circle. The book description sounded interesting, so I eagerly accepted her kind invitation. New adult is not one of my favorite genres, but Becker Circle is a fine example and follows what I expect when reading that genre.

The plot is excellent. I enjoyed the characters as well. One thing I noticed, the story could have used smoother transitions from one character/scene to another. At times, it was a bit abrupt, which had me searching to catch up, so the pacing goes from slow to fast quite often.

At times, I really liked Gillian, but some of her ill-advised decisions had me shaking my head. I would have liked to get into her feeling and motivations on a deeper level. Normally, when a book is in first person POV, that comes through. Unfortunately for me, that did not happen. I kept reminding myself that this novel was New adult, so when the romantic relationship took way too long to develop, I tried to be patient.

I did like Jon quite a lot. He certainly has patience with Gillian when she takes off in a dangerous direction. Again, I wish I could have gotten a better sense of his goals, motivation and conflict, but since the author never gives his POV, it was difficult to truly fall in love with him.

The romance in Becker Circle is slim to none. It’s well into the last 25% of the book before I could even figure out who the hero was. This book isn’t truly a romance, even for New Adult. It’s more women’s fiction with a small romantic element. True lovers of romance may grow impatient waiting for something to happen.

Nonetheless, the story is enjoyable, and I’m sure other readers will enjoy Becker Circle. The secondary characters are interesting and added greatly to my overall enjoyment. I congratulate Ms. Brae on her debut novel and wish her well. Happy reading!

Book Review: Silent Threat by Dana Martin

Silent Threat by Dana Marton

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, January 2, 2018

Time and setting:  Present Day, Pennsylvania

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length: 311 pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

A former Navy SEAL, Cole Makani Hunter has returned home from a disastrous black ops mission without his best friend, his hearing, or the use of his right arm. So when his ex–commanding officer assigns him to an undercover mission at a rehab center for vets to discover who leaked sensitive military information to an enemy, he’d rather be anywhere but there. Almost immediately, Cole finds himself at odds with Annie Murray—a peace-loving ecotherapist whose dream is to open an animal sanctuary out of her home. While the two seemingly have nothing in common, their spirited arguments soon fuel a passion for each other.

But just as things begin to heat up between therapist and patient, dangerous complications arise. So does the past—and a shocking revelation that puts Cole and everything he now holds dear in the path of a murderous traitor.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Silent-Threat-Mission-Recovery-Book-ebook/dp/B071VF6YV4

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35073715-silent-threat

Vikki’s Musings

I received an invitation from the publisher via Net-Galley to read and review Silent Threat. The book description interested me so I decided to accept. I don’t recall reading a book by Dana Marton, so she is a new-to-me author. I enjoyed this book a great deal so I’m glad I read it.

When Annie Murray has a chance meeting with former Navy SEAL, Cole Makani Hunter, she is scared at first, but quickly learns he is not a threat to her physically, but on a second meeting, she soon realizes he may be a threat to her emotional well-being.

Cole is working undercover at the Rehab Center Annie works for. He is drawn to her immediately, so refuses to see her in a professional capacity. The physical attraction is too strong to deny.

Someone is pulling pranks toward Annie. She believes they are coming from a disgruntled man from her past, but the incidents become more violent. Cole is determined to find the person behind these malicious activities. When threats turn life-threatening, can he save her in time?

Annie’s character is engaging. She has not had an easy life and is afraid to open her heart to anyone. I enjoyed her character development a great deal, and Ms. Marton does an excellent job showing that growth.

Cole is a hero I could love. He’s suffered great physical complications from a mission gone bad, which left him deaf, along with problems to his left arm. I enjoyed his pursuit of Annie, and his determination to protect her.

The romance between Cole and Annie is satisfying and I truly wanted them to find their happy ending. The sexual tension is good and had me rooting for them as a couple.

The suspenseful aspect of this book is excellent. It had me grabbing the arms of my chair several times, especially at the climax. And…I didn’t figure out who the villain was until the end! That kept me guessing and that’s always enjoyable.

If you enjoy romantic suspense with an intriguing plot and likable characters, then you will enjoy Silent Threat. I look forward to reading more books by this talented author. Happy reading!

Book Review: Show Me by Abigail Strom

Show Me by Abigail Strom

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, January 2, 2018

Time and setting:  Present Day, Hawaii

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length: 253 pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

“Houston, we have a major attraction.”

After years of dealing with a heart condition and an overprotective mother, Airin Delaney is finally having her first taste of freedom in Waikiki—and it’s intoxicating. But it’s nothing compared to the out-of-this-world attraction between her and astronaut Hunter Bryce. Airin is determined to shoot for the stars and experience her first real kiss.

All Hunter has ever wanted is to explore the universe. That is, until a certain black-haired, wide-eyed beauty shakes him to the core. Hunter knows almost nothing about Airin, not even her last name. All he knows is that she’s the kind of girl he could fall over-the-moon in love with. Unfortunately, the timing couldn’t be worse. While Airin is celebrating her first night of freedom, Hunter is celebrating his last—before embarking on an eight-month mission.

It was only supposed to be one night. But sometimes that’s all fate needs to change two lives forever.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Show-Me-Abigail-Strom-ebook/dp/B073D5Z15X

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36154785-show-me

Vikki’s Musings

This is not the first book I have read by Abigail Strom, so when I received an invitation from the publisher via Net-Galley, to read and review Show Me, I eagerly accepted. I appreciate the offer, and I’m glad I chose to read this book.

Airin Delaney is at last, ready to take over her life. After battling a heart condition for years, her last surgery was completely successful and her doctor declares her fully recovered. However, her mother is not ready to accept her changed health and tries to remain in control.

Airin sneaks out and goes to a bar where she meets, astronaut, Hunter Bryce and shared an amazing kiss. She is immediately attracted to him, but since he is scheduled to begin an eight-month Mars trial, she knows she will never see him again.

Fate has a way of intervening when an attraction is so strong. Circumstances throw them together again, and she plans to make the most of this second chance. Can she capture his heart, or will her controlling mother destroy what has just begun?

Airin’s character is enchanting. While living a sheltered life since her diagnosis, she is feisty and determined to find her way on her own. I thoroughly enjoyed her growth from such a controlled life-style to one where she can make her own choices.

Hunter’s character is all that I enjoy in a hero. Of course, he yummy and sexy, but he’s also an all-around good guy. He is considerate of Airin’s naivete. His struggle between his desire for her and his life-long commitments is well-written, and I thoroughly enjoyed that.

The romance between Airin and Hunter is all that I could hope for in a contemporary romance. The sexual tension is strong from the first page and remains that way until the end.

If you’re looking for an enjoyable read with a great romance and engaging characters, then you will enjoy Show Me as much as I did. I do recommend this stand-alone novel. Happy reading!

Book Review: Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. I'm still reading a lot of books, but due to my writing, my review will be shorter due to time constrants.  

Publisher & Release Date: Revell, July 1, 2010  

Time and setting: 1770s, Kentucky Territory

Genre: Historical Fiction/Frontier/Inspirational

Length: 370 pages

Heat Level: Sweet

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

Morrow Little is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men--ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable--vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones--and garner suspicion from her friends--by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn't love? 

This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop readers as it takes them from a Kentucky fort through the vast wilderness to the west in search of true love.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Courting-Morrow-Little-Laura-Frantz-ebook/dp/B00B853YG8

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19038086-courting-morrow-little

Vikki’s Musings

This is an excellent novel of frontier life during the turbulent years of the American Revolutionary war. I thoroughly enjoyed the character arch for Morrow. Because of the huge loss she suffered at the hands of Indians when she was 5 years old, she was very biased, so it took her a long time to move past that and to recognize her love for Red-Shirt.

Red-Shirt is a character that is a true joy to get to know. Ms. Frantz does an incredible emoting his feelings since the book is written in Morrow's POV. His actions spoke to me in an astonishing way. His determination to protest Morrow touched my heart. His faith journey is inspiring.

I'm so pleased I found this amazing novel of a young woman's journey into adulthood. I highly recommend this excellent book. Happy reading!