Category Archives: romantic suspense

Shattered Blue: A Romantic Thriller by Jane Taylor Starwood

Shattered Blue: A Romantic Thriller by Jane Taylor Starwood
Publication Date: March 14, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Shane MacKinnon used to be somebody else. Hounded by scandal and haunted by a shameful secret, wealthy, privileged Shannon Malone fled Manhattan and took on a new identity.

Five years later, she’s finally met a man who loves her in spite of her troubled past. He’s leading her into a world of sensual pleasure she never imagined.

Now a menacing whisper on the phone threatens to shatter her new life. Someone thinks she has the missing millions from a massive investment scam. Someone who also has a far more sinister reason to come after her.

Shane thought the monster who tormented her childhood was dead. She was wrong. And now that he’s found her again, he’ll stop at nothing to finish his sadistic game.

REVIEW:
I loved Shattered Blue! Jane Taylor Starwood’s debut novel is a heart-lurching, page-turning, romantic suspense that kept me captivated! It has everything I look for in a great romantic suspense book. Plenty of danger, mystery, and steamy romance. Shattered Blue also has an intriguing plot with great characters. Matt Brennan is the perfect man in my opinion and Shane is a really likable female lead that is working to face the monsters of her past. I really enjoyed how they came together and the banter between them. Matt has an instant attraction with Shane, and Shane needs some convincing and boy does he set out to convince her! There is lots of steamy romance and passion between them. I highly recommend this book for all romantic suspense lovers! Jane Taylor Starwood is an author to watch and I can not wait to see what she comes up with next!

*Review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links:
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A taste of SHATTERED BLUE for you…

From Chapter 42 ~ SHATTERED BLUE
Jordan loomed over her and a flash of light blinded her momentarily. The knife. Shane felt her newfound courage faltering, felt herself falling back through the years, into the body of that little girl.

No.

She closed her eyes, pictured Matt’s face, Gram’s face, and felt her strength returning. She would not let Jordan terrify her again. She might fail tonight, she might die, but she would not be his whimpering victim.

Opening her eyes, she braved the flashing glare of the hunting knife he held above her face. She willed her body to lie still as she stared straight into his eyes. With a thrill of triumph, she saw the surprise in the gray eyes that stared back at her.

Neither of them spoke a word, but they both knew the final moves in the game were at hand, and that Shane had just altered the rules. She could see the dawn of awareness in his eyes: She was no longer a mere pawn to toy with as he pleased.

On the other hand, he still had the knife.

About the Author

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Jane Taylor Starwood is a long-time resident of Long Island’s North Fork, and grew up San Diego, CA, and survived the crucible of New York City for fifteen years before moving to the North Fork.

Her romantic suspense novel, “Shattered Blue,” is available as an ebook and trade paperback, and She is hard at work on the next one.

Her nonfiction book, “Long Island Wine Country: Award-Winning Vineyards of the North Fork and the Hamptons,” was published in 2009.

MINE TO TAKE by Cynthia Eden

MINE TO TAKE by Cynthia Eden
PUBLISH DATE: June 14, 2013
REVIEWED BY: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
Skye Sullivan knows that someone is watching her. Not just watching—stalking her. Months ago, Skye was involved in a dangerous car accident. The accident ended her dancing career and sent her fleeing back to Chicago. Skye is convinced that her stalker caused the crash, and she fears that he won’t stop pursuing her, not until she’s dead.

When someone breaks into her apartment in Chicago, Skye turns to the one man she believes can protect her—Trace Weston. Once, Trace was her lover. Two lost souls, they’d come together in a firestorm of need and desire. But then Trace had pushed her away. He’d joined the military, vanishing from her life. She’d put all of her emotion into dancing, and she’d tried to forget him.

Now Trace is one of the most successful men in the United States. Rich, driven, and carrying dark secrets, he agrees to help Skye. He’ll protect her from the danger that lurks in the darkness, but Trace wants more than to just be a guard for Skye.

He wants her. And he’ll take her. The years have changed him, hardened him. He’s not just a poor kid from the streets any longer. Now, he can have anything—or anyone—that he wants. And the one woman he has always wanted has just come back into his life. He won’t let her go again.

But with the threats mounting against Skye, she suspects that her stalker may be intimately close. He’s a man who knows her too well. As his attacks grow ever more dangerous, she realizes that if she trusts the wrong man, she could be making a fatal mistake.

REVIEW:
This story is full of action, drama and suspense. It really kept me guessing and on the edge of my chair… and I loved it! There may not have been a lot of steamy action but I didn’t really notice that while reading. The author made the sexual and emotional tension between Skye and Trace intense and seamlessly part of the story. I’ll be thinking of this book for a while.

*ARC provided by Netgally in exchange for an honest review.

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**Special Release Week Sale – MINE TO TAKE will be priced at .99 until 6/24.**
Buy Links:
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Excerpt:
“H-hello, Trace.” She hated that stupid break in her voice. Trace made her nervous. Always had.He stopped in front of her. He stood at several inches over six feet, while she barely skimmed five feet three. Skye tilted her head back so that she could meet his stare.

“It’s been a long time,” Trace said, the words a deep, dark rumble. His voice went perfectly with the rock hard body and the sexy face—a voice that a woman could imagine in the darkness.

She swallowed because her throat was suddenly dry. “Yes, it has.” Ten years and three months. Not that she’d counted.

That assessing gaze of his slid down her body once more. There was an awareness in his stare that she hadn’t expected. A heat that made her remember too many things.

He was close enough to touch. Close enough for her to smell the crisp, masculine scent that clung to him.

His nostrils flared, as if he were catching her scent, too.

“You look good, Skye.” Again, that heat was in his stare. A heat that said he knew her intimately.

She wished her heartbeat would slow down.

“But you’re not here for a friendly chat, are you?” And he stepped away from her. He waved to the open chair near his desk and returned to his seat.

“We’ve never really been the friendly chat kind,” she said softly as she eased into the leather chair.

She didn’t take off her coat. She just pulled it closer to her.

A faint furrow appeared between his brows. “No, we weren’t, were we? More the hot sex type.”

Her lips parted. He had not just said that to her.

His faint smile said that he had.

“I’m not here for that, either.” She’d been wrecked after her last go round with Trace.

He leaned back in his chair. The leather groaned beneath him. “We’ll get to that…”

Uh, no, they wouldn’t. She wasn’t ready to feel that burn again.

He tapped his chin. “You’re not here for pleasantries, you’re not here for sex, then why have you come looking for me?”

This was where she’d have to beg. Because there was no way she had enough money in her account to cover his services. Not with the guy sporting this high rise building and looking like he’d just walked off the cover of GQ. How things have changed. “Someone is watching me.”

He stilled. The heat banked in his eyes as his whole expression instantly became guarded. “And what makes you so sure of that?”

“Because I can feel him.” Wait, that sounded crazy, didn’t it? When she’d gone to the cops, they’d sure looked at her as if she were crazy. You couldn’t feel a stalker. So they said.

She disagreed.

TEMPTED INTO DANGER (Harlequin Romantic Suspense) by Melissa Cutler

TEMPTED INTO DANGER (Harlequin Romantic Suspense) by Melissa Cutler
Publication Date: June 4, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
“Keep the asset safe or die trying.”

When a simple mission to deliver the beautiful and brilliant Vanessa Crosby to a safe house goes horribly wrong, ICE agent Diego Santero’s life gets complicated. Keeping the anti-crime analyst safe from the notorious mercenaries after her program will put everything he’s worked for at risk.

Relentlessly hunted and not knowing whom to trust, Diego takes Vanessa on the run, deep into the heart of the deadly Panamanian rain forest. Vanessa reminds herself that she’s just another asset to the ruggedly handsome black ops agent…until their intense situation leads to a release of passion neither expected. But even if they make it out alive, how can they ever have a future together?

REVIEW:
Melissa Cutler is a new author for me and I was surprised and completely blown away by Tempted Into Danger! It completely captivated me from page one and kept me up late turning the pages. Diego is the definition of a hot alpha male! I loved him! Vanessa starts off as a mission for Diego and turns into the person he can’t live without. The danger kept me on the edge of my seat and rooting for the characters. Their story completely pulled me in and once I started reading I couldn’t put the book down because I had to see what would happen next. This story has everything I look for in a great book. It is packed with danger, action, steamy romance and great characters. I highly recommend this book for all you Romantic Suspense lovers! I can not wait for the next book and I am adding Melissa Cutler’s books to my must read list!

*Review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Headed for Trouble (Troubleshooters) by Suzanne Brockmann

Headed for Trouble (Troubleshooters) by Suzanne Brockmann
Release date: April 30, 2013
Review by: Reading In Pajamas – Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann, whom USA Today calls “the reigning queen of military suspense,” breaks out a rapid-fire collection of pulse-pounding, heart-tugging stories and novellas featuring the intrepid men and women of Troubleshooters Inc., fiction’s hottest ultimate counterterrorism squad.

• Tough-as-nails Troubleshooters operative Sam Starrett learns the agony of loving someone in danger—and the hell of waiting on the home front—as his wife, Alyssa, hurtles into a foreign hotspot that’s about to boil over.

• Navy SEAL Frank O’Leary’s ill-fated holiday reunion with his older brother takes a turn for the better—when a chance encounter on a rainy New Orleans street gives Frank a reason to be thankful after all.

• In a maze of tunnels deep beneath a military base in Germany, Jules Cassidy, Alyssa Locke, and their comrades in arms match wits with terrorists on a mission with explosive consequences.

Plus more never-before-released adventures featuring Jenk, Izzy, Gillman, Lopez, Kenny, Savannah, and other members of SEAL Team 16—along with Suzanne Brockmann’s exclusive interviews with her beloved characters.

Looking for the best kind of trouble? You’ve found it!

REVIEW:

If you are a fan of Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooters, this is a must read! This book is a collection of 16 short stories that will catch you up on all your favorite characters in this series. They are action packed and leave room to turn into a full story. I loved all them. I Recommend to anyone romantic suspense fans, but if you want more background to go with the characters I recommend reading the whole series in order. It can be read as a stand alone though. Great little quick reads that have plenty of action, romance and suspense!

A review copy was received from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

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REAL by Katy Evans

REAL by Katy Evans
Publication Date: April 8, 2013
Rating: 4 Stars
Reading In Pajamas – Cori

Book Description:

*Mature New Adult/Adult novel – contains adult situations, high sexuality, some violence, and is suited for ages 18 and up*

REAL

A fallen boxer.

A woman with a broken dream.

A competition…

IS HE FOR REAL?

He even makes me forget my name. One night was all it took, and I forgot everything and anything except the sexy fighter in the ring who sets my mind ablaze and my body on fire with wanting…

Remington Tate is the strongest, most confusing man I’ve ever met in my life.

He’s the star of the dangerous underground fighting circuit, and I’m drawn to him as I’ve never been drawn to anything in my life. I forget who I am, what I want, with just one look from him. When he’s near, I need to remind myself that I am strong–but he is stronger. And now it’s my job to keep his body working like a perfect machine, his taut muscles primed and ready to break the bones of his next opponents . . .

But the one he’s most threatening to, now, is me.

I want him. I want him without fear. Without reservations.

If only I knew for sure what it is that he wants from me?

Review:

So intense, it kept me on edge! Remy is the ultimate sexy, hot, cocky, alpha male fighter! I just loved him! He’s extremely intense and emotional. This book was a roller coaster of emotions for me. The writer made me really feel the characters. REAL is packed full of action, hot sex, danger, and emotions! Great book! I can’t wait to see what will happen in the next book!

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Breaking Her Rules (Red Stone Security Series) By Katie Reus

Breaking Her Rules (Red Stone Security Series) By Katie Reus
Publication Date: March 31, 2013
Rating: 5 Stars

Description:

Iris Tarango is a small-town girl from the wrong side of the tracks; she’s also a decorated former Marine who fought hard to become one of Red Stone Security’s most respected agents. But her perfectly ordered life is turned upside down when she’s assigned to guard the sexy, dominating tycoon she shares a secret history with. The instant Iris walks back into the billionaire’s diamond-studded orbit, the wild attraction flares between them…and her reputation, objectivity, and heart are in trouble.

After an attempt on his life, business magnate Wyatt Christiansen calls in major favors to hire Iris as his bodyguard. He knows she’s the best, though he has another motive too. He sees this as his final chance to win her heart. But when danger spins out of control, all Wyatt can think of is getting Iris out of harm’s way—even if it means losing her love in the end.

Unfortunately, the killer seems to know their every move. If Wyatt and Iris don’t figure out who put out the hit, they’ll lose more than their chance at happiness together.

Review:

I loved Breaking Her Rules, the 6th book in the Red Stone Series. These books can be read on their own, but I always like to read them in order if it is part of a series.

Iris Tarango and Wyatt Christiansen grew up together. He had an alcoholic for a father and she had a single mom with issues with men. This contributes to who they are. Wyatt has been in love with Iris since he was fifteen and when Wyatt finds himself needing security protection he requests Red Stone Security in the hopes of spending more time with Iris and winning her heart. They both find themselves in danger and protecting each other. I was worried that a female heroine would not give me the male alpha I prefer to read about. That was not the case with this story. Wyatt is an ultra, protective hero. Loved him!

I highly recommend this romantic suspense story. Katie Reus is the ultimate storyteller. I always find myself unable to put down her books. Lots of action, suspense, danger and steamy romance. Everything I love to read in a great story.

Reading in Pajamas – Cori

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Cynthia Eden – Die For Me – A Novel of The Valentine Killer

Die For Me
Release Date: February 5, 2013

Description
She thought her fiancé was the perfect man—until he turned out to be the perfect killer…

Katherine Cole is running for her life, desperate to escape the Valentine Killer—so-called because he stabs his victims through the heart and leaves them holding a telltale single red rose. Still he tracks her to New Orleans and begins carving a bloody path to her door. But this time, Katherine refuses to run any farther. This time, she’ll do anything to stop the madman she once loved, even trust the sexy cop promising to keep her safe…

Detective Dane Black never lets his emotions interfere with his job, even as the Valentine Killer surfaces in New Orleans to stalk his prey. But when Dane agrees to protect the killer’s ex-fiancée, Katherine Cole, he can’t ignore the passion kindling between them. After a single unforgettable night binds them body and soul, Dane knows he won’t rest until Katherine is safe in his arms—and the Valentine Killer is dead. Dark and intensely sexy, this romantic suspense novel from USA Today bestselling author Cynthia Eden is sure to leave readers breathless.

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Review:
5 Stars
I am never disappointed when I read anything Cynthia Eden writes! Loved the suspense in this new book. Who doesn’t love a hot and protective cop? I read this straight through. Couldn’t put it down because I had to read what would happen next!

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Review: TRUE WOLF (STAT Book 3) by Paige Tyler

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TRUE WOLF (STAT Book 3) by Paige Tyler

Publication Date: February 22, 2022

Genre: Paranormal Romantic Suspense

SynopsisNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Paige Tyler brings excitement, action and adventure that’ll leave you breathless!

Fierce werewolf alphas determined to protect, no matter the cost
Steamy romance as breath-taking as the action
Thrilling international intrigue you can escape into

KEEP YOUR TEAM CLOSE AND YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER…

Werewolf agent Caleb Lynch takes the lead on STAT’s newest case: to track down the thieves who stole nuclear weapons from the air force. His best lead points him to a brother-sister duo with a shady record, but Caleb sees something in the mysterious woman that could change his whole world.

Brielle Fontaine’s supernatural abilities are a force to be reckoned with, making her one of STAT’s biggest threats and a most useful ally. But Brielle is suspicious of anyone who might use her for their own gain, so she keeps most people at a distance—that is, until she meets werewolf Caleb Lynch.

When Brielle, Caleb, and the other STAT agents come under fire from supernatural terrorists seeking to start a war, the attraction between them could lead to something much more explosive…

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I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced addition to the STAT series. Right off I was pulled into the mystery and danger the team had to defuse. The introduction of unknown supernaturals made their mission more difficult, while giving the reader a good time.

I was looking forward to seeing how the author would go about finding Caleb’s mate, hoping it was a good match because he deserved it. Brielle is that woman. Yes, I thought there was more to her than being one of the bad guys in book two but was pleased to learn more about her. She is strong and intelligent, yet not cocky. A perfect combination to make me like her and become invested in their relationship. I liked watching them interact and the sweet way they grew together.

As always, I’m a sucker for books that involve a group…when it is done well. STAT is one of the good ones. The pack dynamic is full of banter and the caring only a close-knit group has. The kind that makes me wish I were a part of it all. I enjoyed the storyline, the globetrotting and battles kept me glued to the pages wondering what would happen next. However, there were a few instances that pulled me out of the book because the situation was so improbable due to the location and proximity of humans. I quickly recovered to read on and follow this romantic and sexy wild ride. I can’t wait to see who is up next, and what evil they will face.

*Review copy provided NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

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About the author image

Paige is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sexy romantic suspense and paranormal romance. She graduated from The University of West Florida with a degree in education in 2000, but decided to pursue a full-time career as a writer in 2004. Since then, she’s written over fifty books in several genres, including paranormal, contemporary, western, sci-fi and erotica. She loves writing about strong, sexy, alpha males and the feisty, independent women who fall for them. From verbal foreplay to sexual heat, her stories of romance, adventure, suspense, passion and true love will leave you breathlessly panting for more.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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