Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Coming Home by Maryann Jordan is a stunning entry in the Baytown Boys series, a perfect book for fans of romance and suspense. Readers are introduced to compelling characters, military men who come home to their roots, to rediscover the tranquility of their seaside town. All they want is to make life better for the most unfortunate of their brothers. Former FBI agent Mitch Evans gets entangled with Tori when one of her guests dies of poisoning. Mitch wants to find out the truth, but things change when he discovers that the poison might have been intended for Tori. Victoria Bradford is back home too, but she has business to do. She thinks running the Sea Glass Inn would be the most peaceful thing, but something more awaits her in her childhood crush. Readers are taken on a fast ride of romance as childhood friends reconnect and passions awaken.

This entry of the Baytown Boys series is beautifully written with prose that is as sensual as it is entertaining. The sex scenes are detailed and somewhat intoxicating, so it would be a fair warning to let readers know that it’s not for the “mild” reader. Maryann Jordan knows how to lead readers into the heart of human emotion. She builds tension in readers by creating suspense with shifts in subplots. Readers long to know what will happen next as they move from scene to scene. The plot is stellar work, fast-paced, and filled with many surprises for readers. This is one of the books I’d recommend for readers who love their romance to be sizzling.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Sheila Kell’s His Choice is the second entry in the HIS Series, an engaging blend of sizzling romance with suspense, one of those stories that delight fans who love romance with powerful plots and intense action. AJ Hamilton is a killer. A merciless one. This time, his orders are very simple. Warn the woman, threaten her, make her scared enough to stop.

Megan Rogers is a reporter, and she seeks justice for her brother, knowing the dangers in the way. She is stubborn and determined, the very traits that got her brother into trouble. “He’d never have given up and neither would she,” but when a man who has been sent to threaten her deliberately kisses her, and later saves her from certain death, things change irrevocably for both of them. As their romance intensifies, the threat to both their lives becomes more powerful and they must fight to keep ahead of the man known as the Magician, while figuring the best way to expose him. AJ is thrust into a dilemma where making a choice would cause huge danger to the life of the woman he has come to love passionately.

Sheila Kell is a mistress of the genre and she has a gift for crafting well-rounded, rock-solid characters and scenes that are emotionally charged and interesting. Readers will love the mix of romance and action as they follow the heroes of this tale. I enjoyed the idea of a killer falling in love with a reporter. The twists in the story are many and they are designed to give readers sudden jolts and surprises. His Choice is intelligently plotted, masterfully written, and well-balanced. You’ll finish reading and find yourself thinking about the characters.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Discover Love: Saints Protection & Investigations is a romantic novel of suspense written by Maryann Jordan. Luke Costas loved being part of Jack Bryant's Saints Protection & Investigations Team. Working for the CIA had been a disappointing and stifling experience. His MIT background in Computer Engineering made him the perfect tech specialist for Jack’s private security team. The Saints worked and partied together; they were a family as well as a professional team. As he watched the rest of the Saints and their wives and girlfriends having fun at Chuck's Bar & Grill, he wondered when or if he would ever find someone special. The only other single guy on the team was Marc, who could pick and choose his dates. Luke was a nerd, always had been, and while his neighbor, as he was growing up, had taught him martial arts, and he did some running in college, Luke was more comfortable with his computer than with people. He did have one computer friend, someone he had gotten to know online and who had actually helped the Saints with some of their cases, but Luke had no idea who they were. Luke's responsibilities on the team were abruptly changed after they were approached by the FBI for their assistance in investigating the death of an informant, Eli Frederick. Frederick’s body was found in the Potomac River, months after he was supposed to meet with them. Frederick was a programmer genius who, like Luke, had also gone to MIT.

Maryann Jordan’s romantic novel of suspense, Discover Love: Saints Protection & Investigations, focuses on Luke, one of the newer members of Jack Bryant’s Saints Protection & Investigations Team. While it’s not the first book in the series, Jordan gives enough background information to allow this book to be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel. She does a superb job of making each of the Saints and their significant others distinct and memorable without overwhelming readers who are new to the series. I especially liked the character of Charlie, who is an intriguing combination of streetwise and bookish nerd. Discover Love is an action-packed military thriller that shows the Saints operating as a team against a particularly heinous crime scheme, and the story works quite well. Discover Love: Saints Protection & Investigations is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

His Desire: HIS Series, Book 1 by Sheila Kell is the story of passion and finding that sweet relief when you can fall in love once more, especially when you have sworn you will not love again. The story follows FBI Special Agent Kate Ross; she is independent, aggressively competent, and ready to take on her job with a single minded approach to justice. However, there is one man that has the power to bring her to her knees and she will never accept that.

Jesse Hamilton, the leader of Hamilton Investigation & Security (HIS), had sworn off love when his one mistake cost him the life of his wife. Now he is raising his daughter alone and all he wants to do is be a good father and stay far, far away from Kate. But this independent woman has made her way under his skin and there is no getting out now. However, things are becoming worse; someone is targeting Kate because of him and that stubborn woman will not listen to him. Is he destined to lose the ones he loves? Even the ones he refuses to lose? Is his hell ever ending, or is this his punishment for that one mistake?

This is a hot, powerful, and simply scintillating story. Both Kate and Jesse were equally dominating and tenacious and that somehow made them the perfect couple. No one was the little woman in the relationship and, even though sometimes Jesse had the upper hand, Kate never let the reader down by being complacent. She was in charge and her presence could not be ignored, ever. Sheila Kell did an amazing job at creating these two very powerful characters that demand your attention on every page. His Desire is definitely one of my favorite novels so far this year! Superb and such fun!

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Always Room for Cupcakes by Bethany Lopez is a humorous tale of how to pick oneself up off the ground and have a good shake up! Lila was married to Eric for 12 years when she found him with his head between the legs of a girl who wasn’t her. With quick thinking, she got her revenge with one photograph. Now divorced, she has taken a job as an Investigative Photographer and spends her days photographing others who are in compromising situations. Suddenly, she finds herself mixed up in something just a little too dangerous for words, but she seems to have a knight in shining armor, as well as group of very good friends, behind her. One thing Lila does know is that, no matter what happens, no matter where the chips fall, there is always room for cupcakes.

If you are offended by strong language and strong sex scenes, do not read Always Room for Cupcakes by Bethany Lopez. If you are not offended, then I strongly urge you to pick up this book. This is a really fun read, a fantastic story with some very strong characters. I laughed so much while reading this I had tears pouring down my face. The story line is sound, there is plenty of action in it – between the sheets and out – and a lot of suspense. It is a unique story line and Bethany has done an amazing job with it. There really are no holds barred but, with the exception of a couple of words that I personally don’t like, it was all done very tastefully. This has everything – action, suspense, murder, romance and sex. Great book, I will definitely be reading more from Bethany Lopez.

Reviewed by Kerliza Foon for Readers' Favorite

Serial Love by Maryann Jordan is the first book in the Saints Investigations & Protection series. Meet Jacques "Jack" Bryant. A tough, sexy alpha male who runs the Saints Investigations & Protection company. With his background in the Special Forces, he's pulled together various men from different agencies to help protect the innocent. Everything seems to be going fine. While his job can show him the underbelly of society, he loves his job and trusts his comrades. What more could he ask for? A question that seems to be popping up in his mind more often lately, ever since Bethany Bridwell and her grandmother, Ann, stumbled upon his property. An exquisite beauty that seemed to be haunting his thoughts and dreams. Can a relationship work between them? When a serial killer on the loose starts targeting girls on college campuses, Jack and his team are called in to help find the killer and close the case. Soon Jack is racing around the clock to stop the killer, and he starts to question having Bethany in his life. Can he solve the case and protect Bethany from his job? Or will the job win and he'll lose Bethany forever?

This book was a pleasant read. The character development was bit skewed, but at the same time realistic. I felt some of the events were glossed over, but at the same time I was anxious for what was coming next. Maryann Jordan dropped a lot of hints as to who the killer may be and while I did not figure it out, I did try multiple times throughout the book to guess who it was. The plot focuses on the romance, but the suspense is the driving force that keeps you reading until the end. If you like romance books that are part of a series and can also be stand-alones, then this book is for you.

Reviewed by Samantha March for Readers' Favorite

Hanna Peach brings readers a twisting, psychological thriller with the memorable Paper Dolls. Eighteen-year-old Aria seems to be a normal girl. She works a regular job, she has a regular boyfriend, Clay. But we quickly learn not everything is as it seems when her twin sister, Salem, makes an appearance back in her life. We begin to learn about the horrific past, the abuse that Salem endured, the decisions she and Aria were forced to make. But Salem hates Clay, and Aria begins to learn that both her boyfriend and her twin are hiding something from her, something that could destroy her.
The prologue was a terrific way to pull readers in. We get into the action right away, and it leaves us with so many questions as we begin the story.

When I first began reading Paper Dolls, my initial thoughts were it was just too much. It was too dark and too suspenseful and too … everything. There were simply no light moments and I wondered what could possibly become of this story. I felt myself starting to lose touch, but curiosity kept me reading. And then came the ending. I repeat: and then came the ending. And it did become worth it. There was a twist that I never predicted, plenty of gasp out loud and bring a tear to your eye scenes, and the last few pages were particularly moving. Paper Dolls from Hanna Peach will have readers reeling from the mind games, wanting to re-read this book again, and giving you goosebumps at the final outcome.

Reviewed by Kerliza Foon for Readers' Favorite

Maryann Jordan writes a steamy romantic suspense story that might just have you asking: "Where can I find a guy like that?" Meet Montgomery Honor Lytton, also known as Monty. Monty is a former FBI agent who now works in the private sector for Saints Protection and Investigations Agency. His life seems boring and dull until he happens to see an interesting woman on a date one night. In walks Angel Cartwright, owner of Angel's Cupcake Heaven. Angel is a sassy curvy girl whose confidence and personality are both charming and endearing. Monty is struck by how colorful she is and, boy, does he wish he could meet her. Well, in steps fate and the two meet over a case that Monty is pursuing. Everything seems to be working out until the case takes a turn for the worse and Angel is caught in the crossfire. Now Monty and his team must do all they can to solve the case and keep Angel safe. Can they solve the case in time?

Honor Love is part of the Saints Protection and Investigations Series, but can be read as a standalone. I liked Monty, but I mostly loved Angel. She's sassy, funny and adorable. I wish sometimes my brain worked as quickly as hers does because she has some of the best comeback lines in this novel. I felt that the romantic angle was just a little too compact. I know it could happen that way in real life, but the drama was more in the case and, in some moments, I felt that Angel's personality did not shine through completely. On the other hand, Monty was interesting and the case took a surprising turn. I thought I had it figured out and then, BAM! Maryann Jordan surprised me. You've got to appreciate it when the author can pull the wool over your eyes. I enjoyed this book and I'll most likely pick up the other books in this series.

Reviewed by Heather Osborne for Readers' Favorite

Reagan’s Redemption by Cate Beauman is the eighth book in the author’s The Bodyguards of L.A. County series. Doctor Reagan Rosner comes to The Gap in the Appalachian Mountains, hoping to move on from the death of one of her pediatric patients. Haunted by the death, she throws herself into getting the federally funded clinic off the ground, but the community is highly suspicious of outsiders and she struggles to win their trust. Shane Harper, a part of Ethan Cooke Security, doesn’t particularly want to be spending a stint in the mountains, but a job’s a job. Although wary of him at first, Reagan begins to warm to Shane after they save the life of teenage mother, Jenny, and her baby, Faith. Taking the pair in, they begin to form a stronger bond. However, with the mining community suffering from an illness, and no one willing to 'fess up to the true causes, will Shane be able to protect Reagan long enough for love to blossom, or will mysterious phone calls and vandalism chase the good doctor away from her mission?

Reagan’s Redemption is the third novel I have reviewed by Miss Beauman. I believe this has to be my favorite one so far. I loved this book so much I read it in a day! I loved Reagan’s headstrong character, and how she cared deeply for the needs of others. Adding Jenny and Faith in was a beautiful touch, especially seeing Shane’s fatherly love for the pair. The romance between Reagan and Shane had just the right amount of build-up before fireworks exploded. I will definitely be following this series for as long as Cate Beauman continues to write it.

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

Meant to Be by Jessica James is a love story that portrays honor and devotion to the call of duty. Lauren Cantrell sits mesmerized by the ocean, she can’t believe she is finally vacationing at her childhood getaway. So much has happened... so much more to be done. One moment, onc chance encounter changes everything. Romance and a relationship was the last thing on her mind. But then, there he is – strong, handsome, magnetically charming and with such a gentle voice. Rad appeared out of the blue, swept her off her feet. In one day, he had captured her heart. How could she have let her guard down? Could they really turn one day into a lifetime? Parting, heading into their separate, covert lives, would their paths ever cross again? Both of them would lay down their lives for God and country - one a spy, the other a soldier. But nothing had prepared them for what would happen. One highly classified mission would change their lives forever. The memory of one magical day becomes the lifeline that entwines their twisted fates. Some things in life are just “Meant to Be.”

Jessica James declares the heartache and victory of the military culture in her novel, Meant to Be. The opening sequence pulls the reader immediately into the story. The polished manuscript was a captivating and mesmerizing read. I was so caught up in the story and the characters, I read it in one day! James paints her scenes with sensory descriptions, from the depiction of the power and lure of the ocean, to the horror and reality of war. Her characters are strong, dynamic, but balanced. Lauren is bold, brave, yet feminine. Rad represents the epitome of a special forces warrior, yet is calm in manner and speech. The minor characters are really not minor. Much like the cohesive brotherhood of a special forces team, they are essential to the story’s outcome. The plot is full of action, meaningful dialogues, pleading thoughts and intense external and internal conflict. Jessica James doesn’t pull any punches – she really “cowboyed up.” James portrays both sides of the warrior’s life – the home front and battlefront. She lays the military life out - the duty, guts and glory in a strikingly daring narrative. Meant to Be is one of the best books I have read!