Forged in Shadows

 He had a dark secret. He took it to his grave…

With the help of her K9 partner, Koda, widowed airport security officer Demi De Luca is committed to keeping her passengers safe as they fly. But when she overhears a mysterious phone call, she soon finds out that the real threat might be closer than she ever expected.

As founder of his family’s private security company, Gabriel Forge knows his mission in take the lead, hold the line, and never let anything–or anyone–get in the way. Not his faith. Not the beautiful girl from his childhood he thought he’d never see again. And certainly not an unruly German Shepherd puppy determined to eat his freshly polished shoes.

As dangerous forces begin to collide, Gabe and Demi must figure out the truth together, or watch from the ground as everything goes up in smoke.

Serve. Protect. Redeem.

Forge Brothers Security is a clean and Christian romantic suspense series. Each book is a standalone and can be read in any order. Tropes for Forged in Shadows include infertility rep, type A hero, adorable dogs, and a thrilling race against the clock.

My Review: 

There is a high-stakes event that is going to take place at the North Star International Airport and widowed TSA agent Demi De Luca and her K9 partner, Koda, are assigned to find out the plan and stop it before it happens. Childhood friend, Gabe Forge, quickly becomes involved when Demi discovers a fleeing intruder in her home and turns to him for help. Since he is head of his own security company it should be easy to keep Demi safe, shouldn’t it?

Hold onto your seat because you are going on a wild ride as the past collides with the present that will affect the future. I love how storylines intertwine and keep you turning the pages.

Things to love:
the dogs
Forge family
mystery
suspense
danger
faith thread
clean romance

This is part of the Forge Brothers Security series, and I have read every one of them. It can be read as a standalone, but I love seeing the brothers make an appearance. This book ends with a cliffhanger, so I can’t wait to read what is going to happen next.

To Love a Lady

For fans of My Fair Lady and The Gilded Age

New York City, 1883. Keira O’Day has spent her life scraping by in the tenements, haunted by the mystery of her parents’ abandonment. When wealthy widow and social climber, Maude Hill, offers her a daring proposition—to be adopted, polished, and presented as a society bride for an English lord—Keira sees an opportunity she can’t pass up.

Maude’s nephew, Alexander Paxton-Hill, is skeptical from the start. Tasked with teaching Keira the art of charm and flirtation, he soon finds himself captivated by her honesty and warmth as she challenges everything he thought he knew about love—and about himself.

After navigating the glittering, treacherous world of New York society, Keira arrives in England and catches the eye of the elusive Duke of Severton. She’s poised to win everything until a lavish ball, a long-buried secret, and one reckless act of love threaten to unravel it all. Now Keira must choose: the role she’s been prepared to play—or the woman she’s become.

Review: 
Keira O’Day is given a once in a lifetime opportunity to leave the tenements behind and become an heiress. But, everything comes with a condition. Keira will have to help save Maude Hill and her hotel dynasty by marrying a person of nobility. As you can imagine, Keira is bewildered by all of the things she must learn of society. But, she has made a friend and ally, Alexander Paxton-Hill who helps her with all that she will need in order to succeed. The details of the opulence of New York's and London’s societies were described in such detail that I felt that I was experiencing things along with Kiera. The Worth gowns, the furnishings, and being introduced to the queen and prince was all so exciting and a bit breathtaking. I loved the retelling of my Fair Lady and the way that it ended for Keira and Alec. It was the perfect ending for Keira and even better than what I could have imagined. Thank you to the author for doing that, otherwise I would have been very disappointed. Things to love: classic movie retelling cottage secrets flirting lessons flower brooch ballroom dances wardrobes faith of characters We are introduced to some other characters who I came to love in the story, and I am excited to see they will be featured in a future book in the Dollar Princess series. I received a copy of the book, but I was not obligated to write a positive review.

A Fortunate Miscalculation

 

A wager. An inconvenient love. A fortunate miscalculation that changes everything.

Andrew Langford is an honorable man. So it is deeply inconvenient when Sophie Renard, the woman he loved, appears at his door on the very day he’s reminded of a youthful wager that will cost the last unwed man a small fortune. She is beautiful, desperate, and, Andrew believes, married.

Sophie came to London for a prestigious mathematics position that she’s worked toward for six years. But after the promised job is withdrawn, she faces humiliating failure unless she can persuade her employer to reconsider. With no one else to turn to, she seeks help from her old friend, Andrew.

Andrew offers assistance where he can, determined to be nothing more than a friend. But proximity rekindles old feelings neither of them can afford, and Sophie’s charm and brilliance remind him why he once fell for her. As secrets unravel and the future threatens to pull them apart for a second time, they both must decide what they are willing to risk for love.

A Fortunate Miscalculation is a clean regency romance without any explicit content.

Seven Gentlemen. One Reckless Wager. A Fortune in Play—and Their Hearts on the Line.
***The Gentlemen's Gamble is a series about six men racing to the altar in order to avoid losing a wager. Starting January, the books will release in an unannounced order to keep the loser of the wager a surprise.***

Review: 

Andrew and Sophie, childhood friends, find themselves in a precarious position as Sophie must find a place to live while she tries to figure out her next step for employment. Andrew’s family townhome becomes her only option, but there are complications. With misunderstanding, secrets, and avoiding the local gossips, Andrew and Sophie have to find their way through a maze of growing feelings and a fake marriage.

Ms.Thornell wrote some splendid scenes that evoke a variety of emotions. I was laughing as Andrew and Sophie trying to avoid a nosy woman who will tell all if she sees them together. I was angry with the thoughtlessness of her parents, and was ready to join Andrew in doing something to Sophie’s employer who belittles her. I love how both Sophie and Andrew encourage one another in their dreams.

Things to love:
friends to more
bluestocking
amazing former classmates
supporting each other

I highly recommend this book in the Gentlemen’s Gamble and look forward to reading more in the series. Who will be the last to marry and lose the bet that these men wagered?

I received a copy of the book, but I was not obligated to write a positive review.

A Madcap Arrangement

She was meant to be his bait, not steal his heart.

Richard Kendall, Marquess of Wilton, is a man on a mission. Determined to find the scoundrel who ruined his sister’s life, he tracks the elusive Mr. Smith to a quiet village—only to discover the man has vanished once again. In his place, Richard encounters Miss Theodosia Smith, a vexing young woman who insists she knows nothing of this mysterious relation. Unconvinced, Richard hatches a bold he’ll take her to London under the guise of serving as his sister’s companion, hoping her presence will lure Mr. Smith out of hiding.

Theodosia finds Lord Wilton to be arrogant, overbearing, and far too handsome for his own good. She has demanding responsibilities managing her deceased father’s estate. Yet the chance to see London is too tempting to resist, even if she must endure his constant suspicion. As their uneasy alliance grows, Theodosia glimpses a man weighed down by duty, while Richard discovers a woman far stronger and more capable than he imagined.

But Richard’s loyalty to his family leaves little room for trust—or for love. And when long-buried truths come to light, he must decide if protecting his family’s reputation is worth the cost of breaking Theodosia’s heart. Because this time, it isn’t just scandal he risks…it’s the only woman who could claim his guarded heart.

Review:

Ah, Theodosia and Richard! They are quite the pair that couldn’t be more different. He is the gruff, fierce, arrogant marquess and Theodosia is the independent, practical, and outspoken daughter of a baronet. I wasn't quite sure how Ms. Beers was going to be able to bring them around to caring for one another since they so vehemently opposed one another. But, the adage, "The lady doth protest too much," .But, she did it quite well and Theodosia grudgingly admires Richard, which then softens her heart towards him.

Things to love:

brooding MMC

enemies to more

mystery

banter

Richard's mother and sister

Richard was extremely brusque with Theodosia at times, but I loved how she saw beyond his crustiness and rudeness to the wonderful man he really was. We get to see his vulnerability and the self-imposed expectations of nobility he has in being a marquess. I loved seeing Richard and Theodosia's HEA. I can't wait to read more books in this series!

I received a copy of the book, but I was not required to write a positive review.

Track of Courage

 

Description: 

A hijacked plane. A pursuing killer. And a K9's instinct to help them make it out alive.

Pop singer Keely Williams's search for her biological mother in Alaska has been painfully unsuccessful. Now she just wants to escape this wild frontier and never look back. But when her plane is hijacked, she's suddenly plunged into a race against not only an Alaskan blizzard but also a killer who's on her tail.

After a career-ending injury, ex-cop Dawson Mulligan has only one friend--Caspian, the stray dog he adopted. Dawson just wants to figure out how to get his life on track, but during a flight home to Copper Mountain, he spots a downed plane and stops to help. Except, when his not-a-rescue dog runs off into the woods and discovers the trail of a missing survivor, it's up to the former cop to stage a rescue.

But Dawson has no idea he's being pulled into a deadly pursuit, or that Caspian is more than he seems. There might be redemption and second chances waiting for both Dawson and Keely if they have the courage to face their wounded pasts and fight for their future.

Join master storyteller Susan May Warren for a propulsive ride through the Alaskan wilderness, where love might be the riskiest--and most rewarding--adventure of all.

Review: 

I hate the cold and certainly blizzard-like conditions, but Susan May Warren’s books that are set in Alaska keep me coming back for more. Her books are well written, packed with action, danger, and romantic relationships that the outdoor elements provide suspenseful scenes and a glimpse into the tenacity of the people who live there. The story of Dawson and Keely was one that has several layers with not only the plot of criminals on the loose, but also deeper stories of adoption and trusting God. 

Be sure to read the author’s notes. It was so interesting to see that Ms. Warren had drawn from her personal experiences to write this amazing story.

I loved this story and highly recommend reading it if you like Christian romantic suspense. While this is the first book in the Call of the Wild series, there are characters from past books who are a part of this story. It makes it all that richer because it is like reuniting with old friends and seeing what they are doing. 

I received a copy of the book from Revell and NetGalley, but I was not obligated to write a positive review.

Mr. Eastwood's Match

Description: 

He is always second best. She has no idea how to play her part. And now they have to learn to grow together.

When Lyness Eastwood's elder brother, Lord Hartwell, begins a sensible courtship with the charming Lady Emily Sterling, Lyness’s quiet contentment shatters. Ever since their brief meeting in London, Lady Emily’s smile has haunted him. How can a man with a stutter and no title compete with a lord? He must settle for watching her from the shadows.

Lady Emily is determined to solidify her family’s place in Society. Lord Hartwell is a perfect match: respectable, stable, and acceptable. Yet every time she speaks with the quiet, insightful Lyness, she feels a spark and a genuine connection that Lord Hartwell cannot ignite.

As the season progresses, the pressure mounts on Emily to accept the sensible match. But Lyness can no longer stand idly by. A devastating public scandal will throw their lives into chaos, forcing them to choose between stability and the courage to claim a true, imperfect love.

A sweet historical novel brimming with romance, Mr. Eastwood's Match is a tender tale of friendship, self-discovery, and the courage to speak from the heart.

Review: 

Lyness and Emily had met a year previously in London, so it was a lovely reunion of the two of them with the season in Bath. Both of them are younger siblings and have spent their lives trying to be what their families have needed at the expense of their wishes.
I loved this story and connected with the role in their family. Much of what they felt was expected of them was self-inflicted, and it was gratifying to see when Lyness spoke to his brother and Emily spoke to her parents about their feelings instead of continuing to try and live up to their own ideals of the role they each had in their family.

I loved the way that Lyness took charge of a potentially damaging situation for Emily and protected her. He was clever in having it work towards himself instead of deferring to others. I was particularly pleased that he gave Emily the idea of creating a room for drying her flowers and herbs and advancing her love of medicinal tinctures and salves.

Things to love in the story:
the dedication
canary symbolism
gardening
mystery
courage
clean romance
friends to more

Favorite Quotes:

“A woman like her deserves to know when she is loved.”

“He didn’t want to be useful. He wanted to be chosen.”

“The only thing that I am certain offs that I wish to stand with you. No matter what comes.”

I highly recommend this book to readers both young and mature. This is the first book in the Gentlemen of York series, and I am looking forward to reading more!

I received a copy of the book, but I was not obligated to write a positive review.

Dual Devotions

Description: 

In the heart of Northumberland, the adults of the prominent Roylance and Jenkins families cherish the hope that their children will someday marry. But when the Jenkins family is exposed and Alexander’s parents are cast into debtors’ prison, the Roylances unceremoniously cut him out of their lives, forbidding their children from any association with him and abandoning the boy to a lonely life of destitution. Despite his dire circumstances, Alex is determined: he will make it on his own.

It’s been nine years since Charlotte Roylance has seen Alex Jenkins, but she hasn’t forgotten him. When he returns to town a self-made man seeking to renew his relationship with her family and unite with them in a shared business venture, she sees it as an opportunity to put to rest old grudges. Her older brother does not share her sentiments and forbids her from seeing their old friend again. But fate—and Charlotte’s heart—has other plans. As the two serendipitously meet time and again, the secret rekindling of their friendship soon evolves into deep connections—and feelings that are decidedly romantic. But Charlotte’s brother will do anything to keep them apart.

Review:

Charlotte Roylance is caught in an unenviable position. Does she honor her brother’s wishes in not associating with Alexander Jenkins or following her heart and forgiving Alex and pursue their friendship? Alex exhibited turning the other cheek and rising above hatred and bitterness. This book had a depth to it that I was not expecting, but I totally loved and it deserves all the stars I can give it. I highly recommend reading this!

Things to enjoy:

childhood friends

digging for treasure

water rescue

trellises

worms

faith thread

forgiveness