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!

Reviewed by Janelle Alex, Ph.D. for Readers' Favorite

Maryann Jordan’s book, Gabe, in her Alvarez Security Series is sexy and enticing. Yet she beautifully incorporates a truly compassionate addition to the storyline. Jordan’s lead female character, Jennifer, may be a very petite woman, but she is a powerhouse. When she meets alpha male, Gabe, her world begins to tilt sideways. They are both used to protecting and saving others, but they go about it from opposite ends of the spectrum. Will their vast differences help bring them together or force them apart? As intimidation, danger and the darker side of humanity move closer and closer to Jennifer in her efforts to save and protect, you can hardly wait to turn the page and discover just how Gabe will be able to help her.

Jordan’s excellent writing skills and outstanding descriptions of the scenes and characters within Gabe pull you in to the point where you almost feel like you are there too. Her ability to paint a clear picture without overdosing you on imagery allows you to easily open the door to your own imagination. The potential of a romantic relationship can kick-start your heart as Jordan leads you along Jennifer and Gabe’s journey. Even more, your stomach may jump, your curiosity will be piqued, and your heart will be full of hope for wonderful outcomes for those that need both Jennifer and Gabe’s protection. With an excellent plot and fascinating character intricacies, Gabe is a romantic fiction that will keep you turning page after page until the very end. Well done!

Reviewed by Kerliza Foon for Readers' Favorite

Cate Beauman's Answers For Julie is an emotionally charged book that will leave you breathless. Chase Rider is finally going back home to Washington after his grandmother, Nana, passes away. He needs to go back, go through her things, and possible put her house on the market. Hopefully, he can do it in as little time as possible and head back to work in Los Angeles without running into Julie Keller, the woman who broke his heart. Julie Keller has known Chase all her life and, at one point, hoped for the rest of her life. Bad choices during a difficult time led to them being separated, but now that he is back in Washington maybe they can be friends again. At least that's what she hopes until fate throws her a curve ball that she's not prepared to deal with. As her world is turned upside down, Chase and their relationship are the only things she knows. Chase steps back into Julie's life to help her make sense of her new world and refuses to leave until he has answers...answers that could change everything.

I have loved suspenseful romance novels ever since I picked up Harlequin's Intrigue monthly novels. While those books are short and lead straight to the point, Cate Beauman's novel is more in depth and takes the tale from the past to the present. The build-up to the climax is moving and the resolution leaves the reader in a blissful state of contentment. It is a stand alone novel, but at the same time, characters from the other books make an appearance which invites the reader to read the others in the series, if they haven't done so already. I fully enjoyed every minute of the book and, while reading, I got blissfully lost in Julie and Chase's world. This is a lovely book for those who love romance with suspense. A book I would gladly pick up to read again and again.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Dangerous is a romantic suspense thriller written by Lorrie Farrelly. It's set in Central California in a small town called Chima Valley. Cam Starrett is a former LAPD officer who's seen too much misery and is making a fresh start for himself as the new sheriff. On his way into town, he comes across a truck with a horse trailer overturned in a ditch, and he can hear a horse screaming from inside the trailer. As he approaches the scene, he sees Merry Hayden, a young woman, attempting to reach the trapped driver. After the stressful events leading to the arrival of the police and emergency vehicles, the two somehow find themselves passionately kissing. As they've both had disastrous romantic histories, this is an embarrassing and awkward position for each of them, especially when they realize they're living and working in the same town.

Lorrie Farrelly's romantic thriller is an enjoyable and fast-paced novel. Farrelly makes central California come alive with her descriptions of the grassy hills and the small-town atmosphere of Chima Valley. Her two main characters, Cam and Merry, are both strong, though flawed characters, who alternately cling to each other and spark dangerously, and it's entertaining to watch them work out their problems. The underlying racial tensions both in town and school are well-handled and realistic. Merry's role as the School Guidance Counselor also adds to the realistic feel of this work as she works within the school, the community, and with Cam. Dangerous is fun and exciting to read, and I felt involved and interested from the very first sentence.

Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite

Cyndarella, Tavie, Denise and Vette had been best friends since high school, but Cyn was the pivot of the friendship and her friends could talk to her about their deepest secrets. Cyn's life was, however, far from perfect itself. Although now happily engaged to a truly wonderful man, memories of her greatest love still haunted her. Bashar was her first love and she had been deeply in love with him. They had made plans for their future and everything was going according to plan until he left on a business trip to Baghdad and never came back. No final goodbye and no reason; he just vanished and for thirteen years she did not know what had happened to him. Since Bashar, Cyn found it hard to trust any man; all her relationships had been filled with scepticism and were always short lived until she met Thad. Cyn was all ready to get married and start a new chapter with Thad when Vette discovered some horrifying truth about Bashar's disappearance. Suddenly Cyn was stuck between her greatest love and her fiancé.

One Foot Outside The Door by Vina St. Fran is a fascinating contemporary romance story that takes you deep into the lives of four women as they try to find their right footing in the world of relationships. The four were all comfortable in their professional lives, but it was exciting to follow their personal journeys and witness a friendship so pure and fierce. The story portrays the beauty of having friends you know you can count on at any time and turn to with/for anything. I loved the way the other three completely trusted Cyn and knew that they could tell her anything without fear of being judged or ridiculed. One Foot Outside The Door by Vina St. Fran delivered a story filled with romance, suspense and relationship drama through love triangles, betrayals, broken trust, and second chances.

Reviewed by Janelle Alex, Ph.D. for Readers' Favorite

Kathryn Guare has brought an enchanting tale into the world by writing The Secret Chord. This mystery suspense thriller is the second in The Conor McBride Series. Conor leaves Dingle Peninsula, Ireland, behind and heads to Hartsboro Bend, Vermont. He is full of secrets, which he really needs help dealing with, but he wants to keep inn owner, Kate Fitzpatrick, in the dark. However, Kate has a number of secrets and hidden traumas that she needs to deal with too. As each of their secrets begins to come to light, the shock for both Conor and Kate is gut-wrenchingly severe. Their fates have been intertwined for years upon years, completely unbeknownst to either of them. One man is at the center of the grave deceptions and traumatic experiences that Conor and Kate have endured and continually face. Will this drive them apart or bring them closer together?

Nicely done, Kathryn Guare's The Secret Chord is a little slow to start, but has compelling twists within the plot that keep you engrossed until the end. There is also a marvelous artistic connection between Conor and Kate as Conor is a violinist and Kate is a painter. The reader is drawn in to discover whether or not the colorful strokes of Kate's brush and the lilting notes brought forth from Conor's bow can create a strong enough opportunity for these two broken individuals to find love. Amidst it all, there is a great deal of suspense that keeps the mystery at the forefront. Guare's work is paradoxically charming and suspenseful. I most certainly recommend reading The Secret Chord and the rest of The Conor McBride Series.