LAST GUARD (PSY-CHANGELING TRINITY #5)

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh returns to a world devastated by change in her award-winning Psy-Changeling Trinity series, where two people defined by their aloneness hold the fate of the Psy in their hands…

Termed merciless by some, and a robotic sociopath by others, Payal Rao is the perfect Psy: cardinal telekinetic, CEO of a major conglomerate, beautiful—and emotionless.

For Canto Mercant, family and loyalty are everything. A cardinal telepath deemed "imperfect" by his race due to a spinal injury, Canto cares for the opinions of very few—and ruthlessly protects those he claims as his own. Head of intel of the influential Mercant family, he prefers to remain a shadow in the Net, unknown and unseen. But Canto is also an Anchor, part of a secretive designation whose task it is to stabilize the PsyNet. Now that critical psychic network is dying, threatening to collapse and kill the entire Psy race with it.

To save those he loves, Canto needs the help of a woman bound to him by a dark past neither has been able to forget. A woman who is the most powerful Anchor of them all: Payal Rao. Neither is ready for the violent inferno about to ignite in the PsyNet…or the passionate madness that threatens to destroy them both.

Release Date: July 20, 2021

Berkley Romance

Psy-Changeling Trinity #5, Psy-Changeling #20

Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

Last Guard is the newest book in the popular Psy-Changeling Trinity series from Nalini Singh. In Last Guard we learn about another Psy designation, Anchors, which has never been mentioned as an important designation in past books. 

The pairing of Canto Mercant and Payal Rao is a Psy-Psy paring, which is sometimes a challenging pairing for me. I honestly felt like Last Guard moved slowly for about the first half of the book. I really loved that Canto and Payal had saved each other as children, but hated they had been kept apart for much of their lives. Where Canto was welcomed back into the Mercant family and always protected, Payal was constantly challenged and threatened by her older brother and her father. 

I have to say I saw so much growth of each character once they were reunited in Last Guard. I really felt they needed one another to realize their true need in both the PsyNet, and in the world itself. They seemed to complete one another in a way no one else in their lives ever had. Canto raised with love had the appearance of being soft at times, even though he truly had a will of steal. Payal was so much more than I expected when the book started. I found myself wanting to learn more and more about her, and was on pins and needles anytime she was near her father or brother. I did end up falling in love with Canto and Payal as a couple, but it took a while to get there.

The Architect continues to keep me guessing. I feel like once I find out who she really is, I'm going to be like of course she is, but at this time she is still a mystery to me, and I can't wait to see all she tries in the next Psy-Changeling Trinity book. Nalini Singh left me wanting more, and I'm already counting down until the next Psy-Changeling book is released next year.

Rating: 4 Stars (B-)

ALL CONSUMING (BROTHERHOOD BY FIRE #3)

A sizzling new romance about a firefighter who reunites with an old flame and tries to rekindle the passion they once felt.

When firefighter Kal Donovan transfers to the Tactical Rescue Team, he's determined to succeed by giving work one hundred percent of his attention. This proves more difficult at his ten-year high school reunion when he runs into Hannah Clark, his first love. She's still the smart, funny, beautiful girl he loved in high school, but everything has changed. She's divorced, has a son, and has zero interest in exploring an old romance.

Hannah has moved back home after a disastrous end to a marriage that never should have been. Now her only focus is getting her hair salon up and running, and making sure her son is happy. She doesn't have time for love--especially not with Kal. She intends to look forward, not backward, and Kal is most definitely part of her past.

However as Hannah and Kal start spending time together, Hannah realizes that what she's feeling for him isn't nostalgia, but red-hot attraction. Kal's intent on showing her what it's like to be cared for, romanced, and consumed with passion--and Hannah loves it. But she wonders if she has the courage to risk her heart again, even as Kal vows not to lose her a second time.

Release Date: March 2, 2021

Berkley Books

Brotherhood by Fire #3

Contemporary Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

All Consuming is the 3rd book in the Brotherhood by Fire series from Jaci Burton. I've wanted Kal's book from the very beginning and it was totally worth the wait. I'm a big fan of the second chance romance, and adored Hannah and Kal's story.

I've loved Kal since we met him in the first book. He is a bit different from his brothers, and something about him just grabbed me from the beginning. He is a charmer for sure, and I have to say I loved he found his way back to his high school sweetheart Hannah. Extra bonus for me was they reconnected at their high school reunion. It gave me all the happy feels.

Hannah is pretty hesitant to start up a relationship so soon after her divorce, yet can't seem to stay away from Kal. I loved Hannah's son Oliver so much. Kids in romances can sometimes be tricky, but I loved that Kal included Oliver in their relationship from the very beginning. I really loved Kal and Hannah had such amazing chemistry even after being apart for so many years. I totally fell in love with not only the couple, but the family they became.

I like some of the technical fire information Jaci Burton weaves into each of the stories. Kal is on a different path from his dad and brothers, and I really enjoyed learning about another aspect of firefighting. 

I liked each of the Donavan brothers, but still say Kal is my favorite. I enjoyed this trilogy, and would love to revisit these characters in the future.

Rating: 4 Stars (B)

IGNITE ON CONTACT ( BROTHERHOOD BY FIRE #2)

 New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton is back with a friends-to-lovers romance sure to melt hearts as one smokin'-hot fireman turns up the heat on love.

Relationships. Firefighter Rafe Donovan avoids them whenever possible. He loves dating women, but he makes sure they know up front that he's in it for fun, great sex and nothing more.

Fun. As an ER nurse and official caretaker of her disabled grandfather, Carmen Lewis doesn't have time for fun. But Rafe has been there for Carmen--and her grandfather--time and again, and he's clearly interested in her. She knows he's a player, but she's tempted by his charm and incredible body. And maybe a little fun isn't a bad thing, as long as she keeps her heart away from this fiery game she's enjoying with a very hot man.

Love. It doesn't take Rafe long to realize that until now he's only been playing at romance. With Carmen he feels searing passion and heart-tugging emotion for the first time. Now he has to convince Carmen that what they have together is the real deal.

Release Date: February 4 2020

Berkley Romance

Brotherhood By Fire #2

Contemporary romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

Ignite on Contact is the 2nd book in the Brotherhood by Fire series from Jaci Burton. I have to say Rafe and Carmen gave me all the happy feels in this book. First of all, they started off as only friends, and I love me a good friends to lovers romance.

Rafe has always been a bit of a player, but he has also always been there to help out Carmen and her grandfather when needed, along with his brothers. Carmen has been all about work and caring for her grandfather since her divorce, and she is not looking for any new relationship, especially with a former player.

I loved the smoking hot chemistry between Rafe and Carmen, and it always felt like more than just chemistry to me, even when Carmen was fighting against her feelings for Rafe. I did like how strong Carmen was, yet hated there was extra drama that felt unnecessary at times. I really loved that Rafe loved Carmen enough to be there even when she pushed him away, and still listen to her feelings and give them validation. 

I will say the relationship between Rafe and his brothers is seriously part of the reason I love this book and the entire series of books so much. I love they made a family for themselves even before they were adopted by their parents. The strength of their connection and love gave me all the happy feels as I read this story.

Ignite on Contact was a great addition to this series, and I look forward to reading the next book and getting Kal's story. Those Donovan brothers are smoking hot and sexy firefighters, and I'm here for every moment of their stories.

Rating: 4 Stars (B)

ALPHA NIGHT (PSY-CHANGELING TRINITY #4)

Alpha wolf Selenka Durev’s devotion to her pack is equaled only by her anger at anyone who would harm those under her care. That currently includes the empaths who’ve flowed into her city for a symposium that is a security nightmare, a powder keg just waiting for a match.

Ethan Night is an Arrow who isn’t an Arrow. Numb and disengaged from the world, he’s loyal only to himself. Assigned as part of the security force at a world-first symposium, he carries a dark agenda tied to the power-hungry and murderous Consortium. Then violence erupts and Ethan finds himself crashing into the heart and soul of an alpha wolf.

Mating at first sight is a myth, a fairytale. Yet Selenka’s wolf is resolute: Ethan Night, broken Arrow and a man capable of obsessive devotion, is the mate it has chosen. Even if the mating bond is full of static and not quite as it should be. Because Selenka’s new mate has a terrible secret, his mind surging with a power that is a creature of madness and death…

Release Date: June 9, 2020

Berkley Romance

Psy-Changeling #19, Psy-Changeling Trinity #4

Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza’s Review:

Alpha Night is the newest addition to the amazing Psy-Changeling series from Nalini Singh. My absolute favorite pairing remains when the couple has on Psy and one Changeling. Add in the fact we had a female Alpha Changeling and a Psy Arrow, and Alpha Night was complete catnip for me!

Selenka Durev is the wolf Alpha of the BlackEdge pack. Ethan Night is an Arrow, who is damaged so he doesn’t really feel like a true Arrow. When they meet at a symposium in Selenka’s city, her wolf recognizes Ethan as her mate, and they have mating at first sight. I absolutely loved the journey Selenka and Ethan took in Alpha Night. Selenka and her wolf sense something is different about Ethan. I loved how quickly Selenka and Ethan accepted one another as mates, even as they each had much to learn about and from one another. Their courtship to HEA gave me all the happy feels.

With each new book in the series, I feel like we learn a bit more about how the Architect, Consortium, and the rapidly destabilization of the PsyNet are all intertwined. I also felt like we learned the Architect was a woman in the book..if it had been revealed before, I had missed it.

Alpha Night is another winner from Nalini Singh! The romance was filled with emotions and beauty, and there was just enough action to keep readers on the edge of their seats

Rating: 5 Stars (A)

HOT TO THE TOUCH (BROTHERHOOD BY FIRE #1)

Love burns white-hot in this first scorching romance in an all-new trilogy about a family of firefighters from the New York Times bestselling author of the Play-by-Play novels and the Hope series.

Firefighter Jackson Donovan doesn't look back—as a rule. So when his past comes roaring back to life in the form of not-so-damsel-in-distress Becks Benning, the last thing he wants to do is relive old times. No matter how tempting she makes it seem...

Now thanks to his two interfering brothers, Becks is living with them while she looks for a new place and tries to pick up the pieces of her tattoo business that went up in flames. Which means a grown up, smokin' hot Becks is in his house, sharing meals, and digging up old wounds. And despite his better judgment, the more time he spends with this smart, artistic, incredible woman the more he wants her in his bed—and his future.

Becks always had it bad for Jackson. Unfortunately for her, not much has changed—he's still honorable, hard-working, sexy as sin—and closed off. But there's more than one way to get to a man's heart and if Jackson doesn't want to recall old memories, she'll just have to help him make new ones. Because now that she's found Jackson again, she's not letting him go.

Release Date: May 7, 2019

Berkley Romance

Brotherhood by Fire #1

Contemporary Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Nikki’s Review:

I love me some smokin’ hot firefighter books, so when Jaci Burton announced this one, I was super giddy about it!

Jackson. Man, he is exactly what I love in a hero. He’s broody and kinda a jerk, but redeemable. He is also vulnerable, even if he doesn’t show it, and he has an amazing heart.

Becks is a fun heroine. She has her own issues that she’s dealing with, but she’s sassy, smart, resilient, and an all around kind person. 

Both of these characters had crappy starts to life. They’ve both worked hard to make something of their lives. However, they still struggle to truly let people in.

I really liked the relationship that Becks had with Jackson and his brothers, Rafe and Kal. Even though Jackson resists at first, there’s a real feel of camaraderie despite not seeing each other for years. Their friendship was easy and I liked the chatter between them

Jaci Burton has a knack for burning up the pages with sizzling chemistry between her heroes and heroines. Jackson has a way with words that would make plenty of women drop their drawers! I may have swooned once or twenty times!

One of the things that I was a bit disappointed with was the lack of ugly cry moments. This book does have angst, but I expected more. There was so much potential to really grab the reader and make them feel all the feels. It just kinda fell flat in that area. I was like, oh that sucks for them, but I didn’t even get a lump in my throat or have a single sniffle. 

All in all, I liked this book and I’m looking forward to book 2 in 2020! 

Rating: 3.5 Stars (B+)

WOLF RAIN (PSY-CHANGELING TRINITY #3)

The end of Silence was supposed to create a better world for future generations. But trust is broken, and the alliance between Psy, Changeling, and human is thin. The problems that led to Silence are back in full force. Because Silence fixed nothing, just hid the problems.

This time, the Psy have to find a real answer to their problems–if one exists. Or their race will soon go extinct in a cascade of violence. The answer begins with an empath who is attuned to monsters–and who is going to charm a wolf into loving her despite his own demons. 

Release Date: June 4, 2019

Berkley Romance

Psy-Changeling #18, Psy-Changeling Trinity #3

Paranormal Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

I was so excited to see we would be back with the SnowDancer and DarkRiver packs in Wolf Rain. While I love branching out into other parts of the world and packs from other areas, I have to say being with these two packs always makes my heart happy. Add in a kick-ass Psy in Memory, and you had me in my happy place.

I loved Memory was a fighter from the moment Alexei discovered her in a prison deep underground in SnowDancer territory. Yes she is initially fearful and slow to trust him, yet with her emphatic abilities, she sees parts of Alexei he can't even see about himself. I was pulled into this story quickly as I could feel their connection from the moment they met. They were both attracted to one another, and it seemed like they each found a sense of peace just being near the other. I worried they each would let past experiences shape the possibility of their future together, as Memory had been forced to work with a psychopath and him concerns of following in his brother's footsteps and becoming rogue. I loved that Alexei saw a strength in Memory from the beginning she didn't even see in herself.

I honestly felt like this book was written more along the lines of the earlier books in the series and I just felt like I was coming home. I adore the Psy-Changeling series so much and it was fun to see some of my favorite characters from past books, while still having Memory and Alexei's story as the focus of the story. I loved seeing Memory grow stronger with both her Psy abilities and her inner strength with each passing day. She made so many connections with new friends for the first time in her life and you could see her blossom on the page. Alexei seemed to change the more time they were together, as it seemed like wolf recognized Memory even before he did. With so many men in Alexei's family going rogue and Memory witnessing her mother's murder then being imprisoned by said murderer, they each had many emotions to work through. While they each had understandable anger issues, they seemed to work through them better when together. 

 I'm glad to see with the new E sub-designation, the Psy are seeing a light at the end of a very dark tunnel when it comes to stabilizing the PsyNet, Not that Memory can do it alone, but I felt like they at least have a chance to keep the PsyNet going a bit longer thanks to Memory. 

The Psy-Changeling series remains one of my favorites and an auto-buy for me. I love it so much I tend to buy in both print and audiobook. Wolf Rain was a wonderful addition to the Psy-Changeling series of books filled with action, romance, laughter, and tears.

Rating: 4 Stars (B+)

HOT TO THE TOUCH (BROTHERHOOD BY FIRE #1)

Love burns white-hot in this first scorching romance in an all-new trilogy about a family of firefighters from the New York Times bestselling author of the Play-by-Play novels and the Hope series.

Firefighter Jackson Donovan doesn't look back—as a rule. So when his past comes roaring back to life in the form of not-so-damsel-in-distress Becks Benning, the last thing he wants to do is relive old times. No matter how tempting she makes it seem...

Now thanks to his two interfering brothers, Becks is living with them while she looks for a new place and tries to pick up the pieces of her tattoo business that went up in flames. Which means a grown up, smokin' hot Becks is in his house, sharing meals, and digging up old wounds. And despite his better judgment, the more time he spends with this smart, artistic, incredible woman the more he wants her in his bed—and his future.

Becks always had it bad for Jackson. Unfortunately for her, not much has changed—he's still honorable, hard-working, sexy as sin—and closed off. But there's more than one way to get to a man's heart and if Jackson doesn't want to recall old memories, she'll just have to help him make new ones. Because now that she's found Jackson again, she's not letting him go.

Release Date: May 7, 2019

Berkley Romance

Brotherhood by Fire #1

Contemporary Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

Jaci Burton starts off her newest series of books with a bang! Hot to the Touch opens when Jackson and his 2 brothers Kal and Rafe were homeless kids who are rescued from a fire in an abandoned beach house. All 2 boys were lucky enough to be adopted by Laurel and Josh Donavan and all 3 follow in their father's footsteps and become firefighters.  As the story opens to present day, Jackson and his crew are sent to a fire where he rescues Becks Benning, who happened to be another homeless kid that ran with their group all those years ago. I love a reunion story, even though Jackson didn't originally remember Becks when he rescued her from a fire. Luckily for Becks, Kal and Rafe do remember her and jump in right away to offer her a place to stay.

I loved that Becks had a crush on Jackson when they were kids, and she was totally still attracted to him as an adult. I have to say Jackson wasn't really my favorite character when the book started. He was such a jerk to Becks in the beginning I really didn't know if he could redeem himself. I loved when his brothers gave him hell about how he was acting and the fact that Becks didn't cower to him and called him out on his actions.

I loved Becks and how she continued to give back to the homeless community after she was lucky enough to find a family, a job, and a home. Even though Jackson wasn't comfortable going back around that community from his past, I loved that for Becks he not only did, but connected her with his mom who was a social worker and eager to help out. 

Jackson stepping up to really help Becks because he wanted to went a long way to making him a much more likable character. I got that Becks was part of the past he really didn't want to think about, as it wasn't really that great. Honestly I even understood him blocking out parts of his past as surviving a house fire is a very traumatic experience. I did like the more time Jackson spent with Becks, the more I liked them as a couple. They had a bit of an instant attraction going on and I was so glad when they finally got together as their chemistry was HOT! Even though they both promised to keep their relationship casual, I questioned either could as Becks had real feelings for Jackson, and he just didn't seem to be a casual sort of guy. Yes they had a few dark moments along the way thanks to Jackson's failure to talk about the past, I ended up really liking them as a couple.

Hot to the Touch was a great start to a new series from Jaci Burton. I love a story that centers around a family and the Donavan brothers each stole my heart. I can't wait to see where Ms. Burton takes us with this series. I'm super glad we will get both Kal and Rafe's books, and hope we get to spend more time with the various firefighters on their crew as well.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (B+)

VENGEANCE ROAD (TORPEDO INK #2)

Christine Feehan takes romance full throttle in the second gripping novel in her #1 New York Times bestselling Torpedo Ink series.

Breezy Simmons was born into a ruthless motorcycle club—and now that she’s out, she’s never going to be that girl again. But when her past catches up with her, Breezy must go to Sea Haven to seek out the man who almost destroyed her. The man who chose his club over her and left her feeling used and alone.

As vice president of Torpedo Ink, Steele is ride or die for the brothers he lived through hell with. He never thought he’d find something as pure as his feelings for Breezy, or that keeping her safe would mean driving her away with cruel words that turned her love for him to ash.

Now, Steele won’t let her walk away twice. He’ll do whatever it takes to make Breezy his woman again—especially when he learns the real reason she came to him for help, and that the stakes are higher than he ever could have imagined…

Release Date: January 29, 2019

Berkley Romance

Torpedo Ink #2

Romantic Suspense/MC

Review copy provided by publisher

Nikki’s Review:

Jesus, this book was hard to read at times. The descriptions of child abuse was difficult to get through. But it was also integral to the story. As much as it broke my heart, I needed to understand what Steele and his brothers endured. Their shared experiences shaped the men they turned into.

I loved the emotion in this book. It was dark and angsty, and that’s something that I am enjoying at the moment. Bree and Steele have a complicated past that is further complicated by a secret that Bree has kept to herself.

These two characters have both been through hell. They should be absolutely broken, but they’re not. They are some of the strongest characters I have ever read. The chemistry between them is hot AF! They continually burn up the pages with steamy passion. Yum!

I struggled a bit with Steele’s possessiveness. I love an over the top alpha hero, but he went beyond that. I had to really dig deep to understand his need to have Bree at his side at all times. I know it stems from his abuse as a child, but it was still hard to take at times.

The writing was well done, and the plot was very fast paced. I was totally invested in these characters. I’m already dying for the next book. There a number of supporting characters that I’ve already fallen hard for! 

This book is full of heart pounding action and enough sexy times to steam up your windows! 

Rating: 4 Stars (A)

ONE PERFECT KISS

Josie Barnes has always craved a sense of home. She's found that in Hope, Oklahoma--she bought a house, has a new job as an English teacher at Hope High, she's made wonderful friends, and she's taking in stray animals that no one else wants. Now she's flirting with fellow teacher and hot high school football coach Zach Powers. But he's almost too good to be true, and Josie learned long ago not to trust in the too-good-to-be-true, because it has always let her down.

A former pro football player, Zach had to pull back when a career-ending knee injury forced him to rethink his future. Now he's happy calling plays as Coach. If he could just get Josie Barnes to stop benching his players for their poor grades, life would be perfect. Instead, she drives him crazy as the stern teacher at school and the sexy woman of his dreams outside of the classroom. He knows she's been hurt in the past, but he wants to be that guy she can trust.

The one thing Josie has never been able to count on is the people closest to her. But Zach intends to show her that what they have between them is a textbook case of love.

Release Date: September 4, 2018

Berkley Romance

Hope #8

Contemporary Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

I really enjoyed One Perfect Kiss by Jaci Burton. It is the eighth book in her sweet romance series that takes place in Hope, Oklahoma. With One Perfect Kiss, we get Josie Barnes's story.

Josie Barnes didn't have the easiest life growing up. Her mom wasn't really there for her and cared more about her drug addition than she did her own daughter. Josie had major trust issues when it comes to love because of her past, yet is one of the best friends to her friends a person could ask for. I knew she would need a really great guy to make her risk her heart again and it appears that Zach Powers was just the man for the job.

Zach Powers is a former professional football play turned high school coach. He loves the sport, but really does love and want what is best for his players more. He is pretty much your perfect hero for a romance novel. He is hot, a great teacher and coach, a wonderful friend, and even ends up adopting a 3 legged dog when he goes to the shelter with Josie, who had planned to adopt the dog. I won't lie; I totally fell in love with Zach when he adopted Wilson. 

Zach and Josie were a really great couple. Their romance was more on the sweet side, but that didn't take away from them having really great chemistry. I only had one problem with this story and it was Josie's flip-flopping about their relationship through so much of the book. Yes she had trust issues thanks to her mom, but Zach never gave her any reason to believe he was anything but honest with her. It about broke my heart to see Josie run away from someone who so clearly loved her. I loved that Josie did finally realize how much she really loved Zach and was so glad they both found a way to make their relationship work for them both.

One Perfect Kiss was a wonderful sweet romance. The reader will meet many of the couples from prior books since all the characters are friends in a relatively small town. I love reading books in a series where I get to visit with past characters. Jaci Burton once again delivered an emotional romance and I highly recommend it. 

Rating: 4 Stars (B+)

RACKED AND STACKED (BLACKTOP COWBOY #9)

Growing up with three older brothers, Larissa "Riss" Thorpe defines the term tomboy--a moniker that never mattered to her until she crossed paths with sexy cowboy playboy, Ike Palmer. His declaration that he prefers his women soft and feminine is the one benefit to becoming his business partner. Since Riss is obviously not his type, there's little chance they'll mix business and pleasure when they're in close quarters on the road together.

Former cattle broker Ike Palmer was ready for a new chapter in his life when he partnered with Riss, a contrary redhead who lords her mechanical abilities over him at every turn. Ike raised his three younger sisters; he knows a thing or three about how women work. The problem is...Riss is unlike any woman he's ever met.

With the odds stacked against them, Riss and Ike will have to choose between the stubbornness that keeps them apart and the fiery attraction that could lead to something more...

Release Date: August 7, 2018

Berkley

A Blacktop Cowboy Novel #9

Contemporary Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Nikki’s Review:

Nothing gets me more excited than a brand spanking new Lorelei James book! This book hit the ground running. Larissa (Riss) and Ike have a unique relationship. They start out as "frenemies" with some amazingly funny banter and name calling! I found myself laughing a lot throughout the whole book. Riss is pretty creative in her story telling and cussing. A girl after my own heart! 

When Ike and Larissa end up as roommates, things to start heat up. But it was slow, so damn slow. And here's where my frustration began. I get not hopping into bed right away. I understand letting the lust burn a bit, but holy hell, this was slower than the second coming of Christ. I kept look at the page number on my kindle and thinking that it must be coming any minute now. But still I waited. And waited some more. 

When these two FINALLY hit the sheets it was amazeballs. I think actually released a breath of relief! 

I'm not gonna lie, Riss isn't my favourite Lorelei James heroine. She was a little too flakey for my liking. And sometimes a little too rough around the edges. But like I said, her sassy mouth kept me interested and laughing.

As always in a Lorelei James book, the writing and plot kept me engaged and interested...for the most part. I felt like the ending dragged on a bit more than it needed to. 

While this wasn't my favourite book in this series, it was still crazy entertaining! Ike and Riss have a way of communicating that kept me smiling and anticipating their next conversation. 

Rating: 3 Stars (B)

OCEAN LIGHT (PSY-CHANGELING #17)

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh dives beneath the surface of her Psy-Changeling world into a story of passionate devotion and selfless love...

Security specialist Bowen Knight has come back from the dead. But there's a ticking time bomb in his head: a chip implanted to block telepathic interference that could fail at any moment--taking his brain along with it. With no time to waste, he should be back on land helping the Human Alliance. Instead, he's at the bottom of the ocean, consumed with an enigmatic changeling...

Kaia Luna may have traded in science for being a chef, but she won't hide the facts of Bo's condition from him or herself. She's suffered too much loss in her life to fall prey to the dangerous charm of a human who is a dead man walking. And she carries a devastating secret Bo could never imagine...

But when Kaia is taken by those who mean her deadly harm, all bets are off. Bo will do anything to get her back--even if it means striking a devil's bargain and giving up his mind to the enemy... 

Release Date: June 12, 2018

Berkley Romance

Psy-Changeling #17, Psy-Changeling Trinity #2

Paranormal Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

Ocean Light is the newest release in the Psy-Changeling series from Nalini Singh and picks up about 8 weeks after Silver Silence ends. With Ocean Light we finally get a book with major focus on BlackSea changelings, and I couldn't be happier.

Ocean Light is Bowen and Kaia's story and they form a bond pretty much from the first moment they see one another. While Bo is the head of the Human Alliance and lives on land, Kaia is a BlackSea changeling who lives in the deepest part of the ocean. I loved these two such different individuals hated to be apart from one another so quickly. Of course the fact that Kaia is the one to inform Bo he might have a trader in the midst of the Alliance was a bit of a strain for a time. All evidence available to Black Sea is pointing to someone in the Alliance being responsible for the missing members of the BlackSea clan. I loved that while Bo trusted his people, he didn't brush off the evidence and immediately wanted to investigate, even while waiting to see if the procedure to stabilize the chip in head will work.

I was completely charmed by Ocean Light. I can't say that I wanted Bowen to get his book right now, but as soon as I met Kaia, I knew there was no other individual that was more perfect for him. Watching them fall for one another gave me all the happy feels, even as I knew they had so many challenges ahead of them. They were very open with communication and really did seem to be real friends before moving on and becoming lovers. 

The mystery of the Consortium and who is running it remains as strong as ever. Yes we are learning a bit about those individuals who would sell out their people to help them, yet I didn't feel like we saw any solid leads to the group. I do feel like we made strides with the Alliance, Psy, and Changelings being true allies for the future.  I also loved that we finally learned more about the water changelings. While they are still a bit of a mystery, I have to say spending so much time with BlackSea did answer some questions I've had about the group since we first met them. 

I really enjoyed Ocean Light and thought it was a wonderful addition to the series. It was filled with romance, action, and intrigue. 

Rating: 4.5 Stars (B+)

USA/Canada

Ebook: BAM, iBooks, Kindle, Kindle.ca, Kobo, NOOK 
Hardcover: Amazon, Amazon.ca, B&N, BookDepo, BAM, Chapters, IndBnd, PRH, Powells 
Audiobook: Amazon, Audible, iTunes

NAUTI ANGEL (NAUTI #9)

#1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh unleashes a fiery new Nauti novel, in which a dangerous woman finds herself a target in more ways than one...

Angel Calloway isn't the girl next door. Known for being rude and cursing like a sailor on a bender, she's meaner than the two mercenaries she's followed since she was young. Needing anyone is not what she's about. Or so she thought--until she found the mother she was taken from so long ago, Chaya Mackay, wife to the notorious Natches Mackay.

One night with Angel and devilishly sexy Marine Reece Duquaine was hooked. She nearly blew his head off, and moments later, she blew his mind. He's been after her ever since, wrestling with a desire that fights to consume him. But now he has her in his sights--and is ready to take his shot.
Unless someone else moves in for the kill first... 

Release Date: November 7, 2017

Berkley Books

Nauti #9, Nauti Girls #4

Romantic Suspense

Review copy provided by publisher

Nikki’s Review:

This book was a much-welcomed treat when it hit my kindle. I know it takes time to cultivate perfection, but the waiting was killing me. Lora Leigh is like a romance goddess in my eyes. I could hardly wait to go back to Somerset Kentucky and get lost in the Nauti world.

This story kinda goes all the way back to Nauti Dreams, book # 3 in the Nauti Boys series. At least, that's where we first hear about the tragic circumstances that left Angel "dead". 

Angel is tough as nails. She kicks butt and asks questions later. She’s had to be hard and strong; she’s had to protect herself and others who need her help. 

Duke has worked along side Angel for years as Mercenaries. He's been her shadow and her protector; from the bad guys and from herself. He's a good man and alpha as all get out...yum!

After the truth of who Angel really is comes out, the Mackey family rally around her. And she hates it. She's angry and devastated. Chaya Mackey is her mother, and Angel believes the woman deserted her all those years ago as a child. That couldn't be further from the truth. I will admit that I struggled a bit with this being drawn out so much. At times Angel behaved like a petulant child. Her refusal to listen to Chaya, or anyone else who knew the truth, got old after a while. 

The bad guys have come back to Somerset. A different set of bad guys, of course. Angel is determined to protect her little sister, Bliss. That's all she cares about. Well, that, and getting nekkid with Duke as often as possible! True to Lora Leigh's style, the chemistry between the hero and heroine was insanely hot, and the love scenes were drool worthy. 

One of the things I love best about any of Lora Leigh's books, besides the romance, is the suspense and action. The stories are always so intricately woven and complex. But in a good way! She really drags you into the plot and you get invested in the characters.

There was one moment that really hit my heart hard in this book. The part towards the end with Chaya and Natches. I won't go into detail about it because that would ruin it for you, but just know that I was gutted. If you're a hardcore Nauti fan, like me, you'll know that Natches and Chaya have an epic love story. You'll also know that Natches doesn't cry...until now.

I loved that moment when everything became clear for Angel. The moment when she realized she loved Duke with her whole heart, and that she needed and loved her mother. It was breathtaking. 

I really believe to enjoy this book to the fullest you need to have at least read Nauti Dreams. There is so much back-story that will help you fully understand all the emotions in this book. I mean, you should just read the whole damn series...from the beginning. You won't be sorry. 

Rating: 3.5 Stars (B+)