LETHAL NIGHTS (BRUTE FORCE #3)

Ilya Dragonovich is no stranger to the dark side. As a safe-house owner for security agency Brute Force, Dragon knows that the battle line between good and evil runs through the heart of every man―and, sometimes, a beautiful woman…

Emma Jane Preston needs help. After her marriage crumbled, she believed she could get back to a normal, happy life. But her ex-husband moved among some shady characters, and now she needs the kind of protection that comes at a cost―one that only someone like Dragon can provide. But can Emma Jane trust this handsome, undercover operator to keep her safe when she is in danger of falling into the arms of the deeply seductive, fiery Dragon…and never letting go?

Release Date: September 24, 2019

St. Martin’s Press

Brute Force #3

Romantic Suspense

Review copy provided by publisher

Nikki’s Review:

Lora Leigh is one of my unicorn authors. I have devoured her novels for years! I was so excited to dive into her newest book.

Ilya is a typical Lora Leigh hero, which I adore. He’s growly, stubborn, alpha, and oozes hot sexy times! Emma is the kind of heroine that I really like. She’s spunky, sassy, independent, and kind. She also has that vulnerability that I like to see in a heroine. 

The chemistry between the two was off the charts. It just kept building and building. By the time things came to a head, I thought I was going to scream “thank god!”. Lora Leigh knows how to keep the reader on their toes when it comes to the rising lust between her characters. 

As much as I liked this book, I struggled a bit. There’s constant mention of dragons. Dragon tribes, dragon bloodlines, dragon mates, and other mystical type of stuff. I started to wonder if I was reading a paranormal romance rather than romantic suspense. I think the flow of the story would have worked better had those things not been so prominent. I started to skim over those parts. 

One thing I can always count on with a Lora Leigh novel is the intricately woven suspense storyline. There was a great balance of romance and action. 

This book wasn’t my favourite in the series. It didn’t grab me quite like the first two books did, but I am definitely looking forward to the next installment! 

 Rating: 3 Stars (B)

ONE TOUGH COWBOY (MOVING VIOLATIONS #1)

First in a brand-new series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh and Veronica Chadwick about one man’s pursuit of justice—and unbridled desire. 


LAW AND ORDER. 
For as long as Samantha can remember, Hunter—a man as strong as steel, with a heart of gold—has been her hero. It came as no surprise to Samantha when she found out that the ranch-hardened cowboy who always protected her from bullies went on to become the town’s sheriff. What does surprise her is how incredibly hot he still is. And how much she still wants him…


PRIDE AND PASSION

And, lo and behold, Hunter still has feelings for Samantha. The long-smoldering heat of their innocent flirtation has grown into a full-raging fire. But when tragedy strikes, and their small-town community is shattered, Hunter vows to do everything he can to keep his childhood sweetheart safe. But can Samantha trust that Hunter has her best interests at heart…and that, after all these years, his love is true?

Release Date: January 29, 2019

St. Martin’s Press

Moving Violation #1, Law and Disorder #2

Romantic Suspense

Review copy provided by publisher

Nikki’s Review:

Two of my favourite things were all wrapped up in this book...suspense, and sexy as hell cowboys! I was a bit weary going into this one at first. Lora Leigh is one of my all time favourite authors, and this book is co authored with Veronica Chadwick. She’s a new to me author. My concern was that the “voice” I love when reading a Lora Leigh book would be lost,  or just different. Well, I was wrong. I could clearly “hear” Lora, and also something new and exciting. I’m definitely going to be checking out what other books Ms. Chadwick has available!

This book was full of action and swoon worthy sexy times! Hunter is a hot AF sheriff/cowboy, and he’s all about the pesky little girl who use to bug him when they were going up. Samantha isn’t a child anymore, and the sheriff has certainly noticed, and she’s a cop too. These two have ridiculously smokin’ hot chemistry! I loved when they were on the page sparring with each other. The banter was amazing. 

The plot was intricately woven and kept me on my toes. I found myself trying to figure out the connection between certain people and things. It’s not because it was confusing, because it wasn’t, it’s because the authors hid the clues well. I had to really pay attention. I like a book that engages me. 

One of the secondary characters, Jacob, had me drooling. There’s a scene that Hunter stumbles upon; Jacob and a mystery lady doing something delicious. That scene had me itching for more from the reclusive Jacob. 

This book was just plain ol’ fun! And did I mention that it was sexy?! I’m very excited for the next installment in this series!

Rating:  4 Stars (A)

DAGGER'S EDGE (BRUTE FORCE #2)

Ivan Resnova wants nothing more than to escape his hard, brutal past. Starting over is not so easy once you've been a powerful crime boss but now, instead of being punished for his alleged crimes, Ivan fears that the one woman he can't forget is in danger of paying the price.

Crimsyn "Syn" Delaney thought the danger she'd faced was over, and that she could resume her life. She never imagined it would return with a vengeance and throw her back into Ivan's world. But when an attempt is made on her life, she needs Ivan more than ever to keep her safe--even if she is in danger of falling deeply and dangerously in love. . .

Release Date: August 28, 2018

St. Martin’s Press

Brute Force #2

Romantic Suspense

Review copy provided by publisher

Nikki’s Review:

I struggled a bit with this one. I absolutely love Lora Leigh's romantic suspense books, but there was something about the hero and heroines relationship that didn't quite pull at me like her other characters in the past. I think it was because it felt somewhat forced. There's tons of lust and sex, but the emotion wasn't quite there.

I liked Journey. She had been handed a crap deal in life. She's never really known love. Her family has always treated her horribly. In spite of that, she's really strong. She's soft where she needed to be; vulnerable when appropriate. I liked the many facets of her personality.

Ivan is your typical over the top alpha male. Lora Leigh's books are always full of those! And I love them! He's a bit of an anti-hero. He kinda toes the line between an honest life and organized crime. 

I liked these two characters separately, but I couldn't connect to them as a couple, at least not easily.

It wouldn't be a Lora Leigh book if it didn't have off the charts smouldering hot sex scenes. I do so look forward to those! 

Overall, the plot was great. I didn't have a clue who the bad guy was. I like being surprised, because it means the author did a great job weaving the mystery storyline. 

I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series. I never miss a book by this amazing author!

Rating: 3 Stars (B)

COLLISION POINT (BRUTE FORCE #1)

Riordan “Rory” Malone is a force to be reckoned with. A member of the Brute Force Protection Agency and an operative working with the Elite Ops, Rory is the fiercest of warriors and protectors. Honed from the strong Irish stock of their grandfather and sharpened to a razor’s edge, Malone men live for one single purpose: to protect the women who own them, body and soul. From the moment he saw Amara Resnova, he knew she could be that woman.

But Amara, daughter of an alleged notorious crime lord, is a force in her own right. When she betrays her father, she’s finds herself in the arms of a man who is dangerous for her body and soul.

Can Rory keep Amara safe while protecting his own heart? Can Amara trust Rory not to break hers even as the danger mounts, threatening to take them and their passion to a breaking point?

Release Date: February 27, 2018

St. Martin’s Press

Brute Force #1

Romantic Suspense

Review copy provided by publisher

Nikki’s Review:

This book brought me so joy. Seriously, there is nothing like a heart racing romantic suspense book by Lora Leigh to make my day.

This book, in my opinion, has an "old Lora Leigh" feeling. It's like she went back to her roots with this one. I love her writing, but her Elite Ops series from years ago holds a special place. This new series seems to be a spin off from that. Characters from the Elite Ops make appearances, which makes my heart sing. 

Riordan and Amara lit up the pages with every smouldering glance they shared. Sweet baby Jesus, Lora Leigh is one of a few authors who can still make me blush. I loved the possessiveness that Riordan had over Amara. It was all alpha and growly, and kinda made me swoon. 

One of the things that I can expect from a romantic suspense by this author is she will share the details. Lots and lots of details. It's not information overload, but it's a well thought out and plotted series of twist and turns. I found myself gasping out loud and using my amateur sleuthing skills to try and unravel the intricate web. So much freakin' fun!

Amara has lost a year of memories. She doesn't remember loving Riordan, but she senses that she needs him and that he was important. Riordan is determined to find out the secrets that are locked in her mind...and to have her back in his life. 

All the ingredients needed to make a thrilling romantic suspense are in this book; betrayal, secrets, alpha heroes, and sexy times. I don't want to give away the details of the plot because the fun part is going on the journey and watching the mystery unfold. 

If you're in the market for a book that has a panty-melting hero, a strong heroine, captivating writing, and love scenes that'll bring you to your knees...this one is for you! Collision Point is a brilliant start to this new series.

Rating: 4 Stars (A)

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+)

INTENSE PLEASURE (BOUND HEARTS #14)

Sexy, scintillating, and secretive, Intense Pleasure is the story of hidden desires and illicit romance. When danger threatens a woman, the two men who crave her, cannot live without her, will stop at nothing to protect her life… and satisfy every burning desire she has. They must stay bound together to be stronger than what hunts her, and let passion consume them…

TOO HOT TO HANDLE

Her name is Summer, as beautiful and occasionally fierce as her name suggests. Her past has just come back to haunt her, and suddenly she’s not sure who she can trust. Her longtime confidantes Falcone and Raeg seem to have Summer’s best interests at heart. . .but it’s clear that their desire for her still burns between them. Can they find a way to keep Summer safe—or will a bitter rivalry stand in their way?

Falcone and Raeg need to work together, now more than ever, if they intend to protect Summer from an old enemy who knows her dangerous secret. When Summer’s identity as a sweet, Southern socialite gets out, the two men must find a way to draw out the ruthless assassin on her trail. . .and keep their illicit romance with her under wraps. But some passions are so intense they can’t remain hidden.

What are Falcone and Raeg willing to risk for the woman they both crave like no other, in Intense Pleasure, the next Bound Hearts novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh.

Release Date: January 3, 2017

Bound Hearts series #14

Romantic Suspense

St. Martin’s Press

Review copy provided by the publisher 

Nikki’s Review:

Lora Leigh represents book heaven for me. She was my introduction into erotic romance many years ago. The first time I read one of her books, I was flushed and my heart was hammering in my chest. All this time later, nothing has changed.

One thing I can always count on in a, Lora Leigh book is a complex plot line. Sure there's tons of steamy lovin', but there's a solid story filled with details. I love a book that really makes me think and pay attention. Intense Pleasure delivered on those things!

The chemistry between, Summer, Raeg, and Falcone (yes, it's a delicious ménage story...woot!)  is palpable. There's so much desire and want sparking through the pages. The brothers are in lust and love with Summer, though they won't admit it. Summer’s heart is all but on her sleeve. The push and pull between the characters was constant throughout the book. There was a lot of internal conflict going on. They all had their baggage.

I found myself getting choked up on and off throughout this book. Lora Leigh writes emotional scenes like a boss! You know they want to be together, but there's so many obstacles standing in their way; at least that's what they believe. I wanted to shake them and tell them to get their shit together and just be with each other. When a book provokes that type of reaction from me, I know I'm reading something that is going to consume me until the very end. 

I really liked Summer's personality. She's fierce. She can take care of herself and kick ass while doing it. Raeg and Falcone would like nothing more than to wrap her in cotton and keep her completely sheltered. Ha! She's having none of that!

Despite the constant internal and out loud struggles between them, the bedroom antics are wickedly seductive, and will leave you breathless! 

Like almost all of, Lora Leigh's novels, this one is full of spine tingling suspense that will keep you guessing until the end. And this is where all that detail comes into play. The amount of research regarding government agencies and the life of a spy or Russian mob hit man, must have been ridiculous. I'm no expert on any of these things, but it sure seemed accurate to me!

The one thing that left me feeling a little disappointed was the fact that characters from previous books didn't make an appearance. I know they've had their story already, but I like a little glimpse of them after their happily ever after. 

This book can be read as a stand-alone. You wont feel left out of the loop. However, because the series rocks, you should totally read them all! Lora Leigh is an auto buy for me, and I don't anticipate that changing. 

Rating: 4 Stars (A)