Playing Dirty by Tiffany Snow

DOWN AND DIRTY

 

Faced with a choice between bad-boy detective Dean Ryker and sexy power player Parker Anderson, Sage Reece fought the law--and the law won. But while Ryker's sizzling touch may rule her nights, Sage's days belong to Parker's cool, calculating intensity. . . .

 

Both Ryker and Parker are determined to protect Sage from a brutal enemy who'd use her to pay for their mistakes. Yet when the usually on-point Ryker is distracted by ghosts from his past, Parker seizes his opportunity to get Sage's attention--and keep it in ways beyond her wildest dreams.

 

Now, caught between a mobster out for revenge and two men who were once best friends, Sage must play to win--even if it means getting dirty. . . .

 

Series: Risky Business #2 | Publisher: Forever | Genre: Romantic Suspense | Source: Publisher | Rating: DNF

Normally, I don’t do the whole love triangle trope, but Playing Dirty had me intrigued because of the suspense aspect. I really should have stuck to my no love triangles rule.

 

First, I want to address that, while this is indeed a full-length book, it’s actually more like a serial rather than a series and it does end with a cliffhanger. So, if you’re not a fan of installments, turn around and flee. Honestly, you should just probably turn around and flee unless you like heroines that are TSTL and heroes that seriously just need to grow up, get their crap together, and move on.

 

I tried. I really, really tried to like this book but it ended up being a DNF. The characters just drove me insane. Both Parker and Ryker are head-over-heels for Sage and, honestly, I just don’t see it. All three of them need to grow up and move on. And Sage, was just bloody stupid. She was definitely one of those too stupid to live characters. I really wouldn’t have minded if the author knocked her off.

 

Overall, this book just wasn’t my cuppa tea. After barely making it through the first few chapters, I ended up skimming through the book hoping it would catch my attention and the only that they ended up happening was me loathing Sage and wanting to shake some sense into Parker and Ryker.

So, Lovelies, do you like love triangles in your romances

 or do you avoid them like the plague?

Waiting on Wednesday {16}: Safe In His Arms by Melody Anne

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

 

I’ve already devoured this novella in the Baby, It’s Cold Outside anthology. It’s the first in her Unexpected Heroes series and I really loved this novella and series. So, if you’re new to the series, this is a perfect starting point for you. If you love the series and haven’t read this one yet, it the perfect time to pick it up.

Title: Safe In His Arms

Author: Melody Anne

Release Date: November 30, 2015

 

Natalie Duncan is thrilled to get her first teaching job, but southern California didn’t prepare her for winter in Montana—or for gorgeous fire chief Hawk Winchester. For a man dedicated to putting out fires, Hawk really knows how to add heat to Natalie’s life, especially when he’s rescuing her from compromising situations. A man this strong and capable should know exactly what to do when a lady is trapped under the mistletoe. Suddenly Natalie’s blue Christmas is glowing red-hot...

What are you waiting on?

A Moment of Weakness by Brooklyn Skye

He can fight anything...except his need for her.

Until her new job starts in September, buttoned-up elementary school teacher Laurel Harris is at loose ends and in need of cash. Fortunately her best friend's older brother is a single dad and desperately needs a nanny. Or so she's told. She doesn't anticipate him being such a menacing, muscled, and undeniably gorgeous man...or that he has zero interest in hiring a nanny.

 

Micah Crane will do right by his young daughter, no matter the cost. And right now, that cost is juggling parenthood with long hours at his bar and working as an enforcer for a notorious crime boss. He doesn't need another complication in his life, but the sweet, frustratingly opinionated little blonde hell-bent on caring for his daughter stirs his blood like no woman ever has.

 

All it takes is a moment of weakness to ignite the lust blazing between them. A moment that will unravel their self-control and unleash all of Micah's darkest secrets...

 

Series: Boston Alibi # 1 | Publisher: Brazen, an imprint of Entangled| Genre: | Source: Publisher | Rating: 4.5

A sexy—but moody—mob enforcer falling for the straight-laced soon-to-be-school-teacher who is looking after his daughter? Yes, please!

 

Here’s what’s going on. Laurel needs a job to hold her over until school starts in the fall so when her best friend’s brother needs a babysitter for his young daughter, she jumps at the chance. Although she wasn’t expecting Micah to be so sexy…or dangerous.

 

Micah isn’t too keen on allowing a stranger to watch after his daughter. While he’s part owner of a bar, he’s also a mob enforcer so he doesn’t really trust anyone, but he knows that raising Shae in a bar isn’t the best choice either. So, he’s agreed to hire Laurel on one condition: she moves into his apartment. While his daughter is enamored with Laurel, Micah finds her attractive. Although he soon discovers that Laurel is more than just an itch he has to scratch but, because of the secrets he keeps, he knows she can be nothing more.

 

Laurel is prim and proper and Micah is gruff, broody, and earns money with his fists so, on paper, it doesn’t really seem like Micah and Laurel will work but, blimey, they were so good together.

 

I really liked Micah. He’s a single father trying to do right by his daughter but he’s also a mob enforcer. While he knows that it’s not the best choice, he does it because the money he earns allows him to provide for his daughter. You could tell that he struggles with this choice and he wants out but he’s afraid that if he does leave the mob that it will put his daughter on his boss’s radar. When Laurel comes along, it has him starting to rethink his position.

 

Laurel—even though she dog-ears her book pages—, was likable. She’s a fixer. And when she sees that Micah has been, more-or-less, raising his daughter in a bar, she’s determined to do all that’s in her power to convince Micah to allow her to watch Shae. What she wasn’t really prepared for was Micah’s side job. And while she wasn’t too thrilled with the fact that he was an enforcer, who could potentially bring harm to their doorstep, she never once looked down on him for it. She would simply clean his wounds, when he let her, and try to fix his problems.

 

I really enjoyed watching Laurel and Micah figure each other out. While it was instant attraction for them both, they first had to learn how to cohabitate as employer and employee. While the chemistry was prevalent from the start, Micah had some serious issues to deal with that plagued him through most of the book. There was a lot of things he had deal with and let go of before he could move on.

The conflict came mainly from the demons that Micah struggled with and while I knew that these issues were serious, and I knew that he was going to push Laurel away once he realized that he was falling for her, I still wanted to slap him upside the head. While I did like him—and while he was mostly a decent guy—he knew what to do to hurt Laurel and drive her away, so he did have his wanker moments as well.

 

While this book did have a bit of violence in it, it wasn’t over-the-top or gritty so if you’re looking for a steamy romance with light mob action this would perfect for you.

 

Overall, I loved this book. A Moment of Weakness had it all, characters you could root for, steamy sex, witty banter, a steady plot, and an adorable six-year-old that called it like it was.

So, Lovelies, are you a fan of mobsters

 in your romances?

Pumpkin Cranberry Scones (Sticky Fingers Bakeries)

I love warm scones on a crisp fall morning although they can be a bit time consuming to make, especially if you want something quick. So, when I discovered the Pumpkin Cranberry Scone mix from Sticky Fingers Bakeries, I knew I needed to give these a try.

 

This mix is super quick and easy. You just add 2/3 cups of cold water, mix, drop heaping tablespoons of dough on a lightly greased baking sheet, and bake for about 15 minutes.

 

I wasn’t really sure what to expect because I’ve never tried a prepackaged scone mix. Although I have to say, I was rather impressed. When they were baking, the aroma was nice mixture of pumpkin, cranberry, ginger and spices. And they were so delicious. While the pumpkin flavor is definitely front and center, it wasn’t overwhelming and allowed the other flavors to come through. Also, I have to say, the texture was amazing. They were moisty yet held up nicely with coating of butter and jam.

 

These are lovely in the morning with a nice hot cuppa tea or served with a nice veggie soup.

 

I’m eager to try the other flavors and the Pumpkin Cranberry Scones are one of the six flavors also available in gluten free. Check out their gluten free scone mixes.

 

Overall, I was really impressed with these scones. Lovely flavor, brilliant texture, super easy to make, and no one will ever know that they came from a mix unless you tell them.

Have you ever tried a scone mix?

If so, did you like it?

True Deceptions Veronica Forand

After his partner was murdered, Simon Dunn was done with MI6. But the cold, violent world of British intelligence never lets anyone go free. Now Simon has been blackmailed into a new job...with a beautiful new partner who's going to get them both killed.

 

Robotics expert Cassie Watson is a newbie field agent with as much sophistication as...well, a pacifist, vegan computer nerd. Now she's abruptly thrust into the cutthroat world of espionage with a partner who is as cold as he is brutally—and brutishly—handsome.

 

But when their mission is betrayed from the inside, Cassie will be forced to place her life in the hands of the one man who's anything but trustworthy...

 

 

Title: True Deceptions | Series: | Author: Veronica Forand | Publisher: Entangled Select Suspense | Release Date: October 19, 2015 | Genre: Romantic Suspense | Source: Publisher | Rating: 5

I’m a huge fan of the show MI5/Spooks, so when I read the blurb for True Deceptions, I knew I had to read this book. And I have to say that I was not disappointed. True Deceptions is definitely going on my Top Ten Favorite Books of 2015 list. I could not put this book down and I did not want it to end.

 

Here’s what’s going on. Simon’s an MI6 agent who, after the death of his partner, decided to pull himself from the game and hideout in Bermuda until the woman he intended to shag dies of cyanide poisoning and a shady MI6 operative blackmails him back into service. Now Simon is stuck with a new partner who, while attractive, has the potential to ruin the mission and get them both killed.

 

Cassie has spent three years working as a technology specialist now she’s received orders to go into the field as a spook. While her new partner is one sexy spy, there’s just a few tiny problems: She’s a vegan pacifist who has no knowledge of field work. Now she’s thrown into a dangerous world with a partner she’s pretty sure despises her and he definitely doesn’t trust her.

 

When their mission is jeopardized from the inside, Cassie and Simon must rely on each other to survive and soon their cover of being lovers turns into the real thing.

 

Okay so, I loved this book. Like read it in 3 hours love. Sadly, I missed the first book in this series (Untrue Colors). Although True Deceptions works brilliantly as a standalone, I will be reading book one ASAP just to see what kind of trouble Simon’s brother gets into.

 

I really loved Simon, he’s a bit of wanker but it works for him. When I think of a spook/agent from MI6, Simon is exactly who comes to mind. He’s a cold, demanding, gruff, work focused, and not willing to let people—even his new partner—in. He’s working undercover as an arms dealer, the best in the field, but he’s only back in the game because he’s been forced. He had been hoping to have something more with his previous partner although she was murdered before anything happened. So, while he’s attracted to Cassie, he’s trying to keep her off limits.

 

I wasn’t sure how well I was going to like Cassie. She’s a pacifist who doesn’t believe in harming people or animals, she’s also anti-gun so she had the potential to come off as preachy or an over the top activist, thankfully, she wasn’t. While she was the oddest choice for a spook, I ended up really liking the way she dealt with her new lifestyle and her brutish new partner. And when push comes to shove, Cassie has the potential to shove back.

 

Simon and Cassie were like chalk and cheese. He’s 100% spy and she’s kind of like this little hippie yet they had amazing chemistry. It started the moment she held a gun to the back of his head and he quickly disarmed her and only grew as the book progressed.

 

While there was attraction and chemistry between them, there was also quite a bit of conflict and I was never really sure if they were to kill each other or shag and it totally worked for his book. There was also tension because she wasn’t his first choice—or even his tenth choice—for a new partner so it was fun watching them navigate their work and personal relationships.

 

The suspense aspect of this book started at beginning and didn’t slow down. There were several edge-of-your-seat moments while they set up arms deals and dealt with the fallout.

 

This book does contain it’s fair share of violence and at one point, Cassie is placed in a situation that some readers may be uncomfortable with.

 

Overall, this book was amazing. The characters were engaging and realistically flawed, the plot was fast-paced, actioned packed, and thrilling. If you’re like me and love a spy romance or are suffering from MI5 withdraws, this is the perfect book for you.

Connected Books

Untrue Colors

True Deceptions

One Forbidden Knight by Nicola Davidson

Catherine Linwood is amongst the favored of Tudor Queen Mary–until her physician father dies mysteriously. She’s distraught, shunned and desperate for answers. Catherine's only ally is Sir Brandon FitzAlan...who is willing to risk his life to protect hers. While the handsome stranger’s courage and wit soon capture her heart, his true allegiance and purpose is uncertain.

 

Brand is well used to the lies and shadows of court. Yet nothing prepares him for his sizzling attraction to innocent Catherine, or the deadly plot she is tangled in, for her father took a secret to his grave that could tear Catholic England apart. With one chance at salvation, Brand and Catherine begin a cross-country journey that reveals the shocking truth...and a burning passion that could save or destroy them both.

 

 

Title: One Forbidden Knight (Novella)| Author: Nicola Davidson | Publisher: Scandalous, an imprint of Entangled | Release Date: October 19, 2015 | Genre: Historical Romance | Source: Publisher | Rating: 4

Catherine and Brand were just so good together that I could not put this book down.

 

Here’s what’s going on. Catherine was a favorite of Queen Mary until her father, the queen’s physician, dies under mysterious circumstances. Desperate for answers, she turns to her father’s friend Sir Brandon FitzAlan.

 

Being the bastard of a noble, Brand knows just how much of a viper’s nest the Tudor court can be and there’s no way that he’s leaving Catherine to fend for herself while she searches her answers regarding her father’s death. Although their inquiry has drawn the attention of the Queen’s guards who will stop at nothing to keep the truth from coming to light.

 

As Brand and Catherine search for answers, their attraction for each other comes to light. Yet the secrets that Brand harbors could cost both of them their necks before they can explore their new found passion.

 

Okay, so I’m going to be honest. While I really did love this book, it started off a bit slow. It wasn’t until Brand entered the story that it picked up its pace and held my attention.

 

I really loved Brand. He’s a bit damaged, broody, and surly but, blimey, that man was yummy. He has quite a few secrets ranging from his wife’s mysterious death to his true religion, plus he’s also dealing with being the bastard son of a nobleman who just recently decided to acknowledge Brand as his cousin rather than his son.

 

Catherine, while I liked her determination, was a tad bit naïve but for this era (Mary Tudor’s reign), it actually worked. She wants answers about her father’s death—and she’s ready and willingly to do what she must to get them—but I don’t think she was really prepared for what she was going to uncover. When Brand enters the picture, she’s more than attracted to him but he’s doing his best to put her off and she’s not going to let him.

 

The chemistry between Catherine and Brand was rather intense yet Brand, due to his past, was doing everything in his power to stay away from her, which only added to the sexual tension. I also liked that Catherine was the one who initiated their sexual encounters. She may have been a virgin but she knew she wanted Brand and wasn’t going to stop until he finally gave in. And when he finally did give in, it was rather steamy.

 

The suspense in this book was handled really well and seamlessly woven into the romance as they searched out answers and fled from the guards. While I was fairly certain I knew the ‘who’ and ‘why’, it was still a fun journey to take.

 

I really liked that this was set near the end of Queen Mary Tudor’s reign and dealt with her phantom pregnancies. It’s an era that really doesn’t pop up in fiction, especially historical romance, often, so it was a nice change. Although there’s one tiny problem that I had. Twice Mary is referred to as ‘Bloody Mary’ and it drove me a bit mad because she never received that moniker until after her death.

 

While this is a novella, the plot was well rounded, the characters fleshed-out, and the pacing was more or less steady. A few things could have been expounded further to stretch the story out a bit longer or to add more of the suspense aspect, but it wasn’t necessary to get the feel of the story.

 

Overall, I really enjoyed this novella. Brand and Catherine were just amazing together. Bits of humor were mixed in with suspense and a steamy romance making it nearly impossible to put down.

 

If you’re looking for a bit of Tudor intrigue mixed in with a steamy romance, give this novella a go.

Other Tudor Titles by Nicola Davidson

His Forbidden Lady

Waiting on Wednesday {15}: The Lady is a Thief by Alissa Johnson

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

 

This one looks good. And I do like it when the characters have a past. Plus, it’s a Victorian romance and I’m really glad to see more of this era coming out. 

 

 

 

The Lady is a Thief

Alissa Johnson

Release Date: November 3, 2015

 

Years ago, Owen Renderwell earned acclaim-and a title-for the dashing rescue of a kidnapped duchess. But only a select few knew that Scotland Yard's most famous detective was working alongside London's most infamous thief...and his criminally brilliant daughter, Charlotte Walker.

 

Lottie was like no other woman in Victorian England. She challenged him. She dazzled him. She questioned everything he believed and everything he was, and he has never wanted anyone more. And then he lost her.

 

Now a private detective on the trail of a murderer, Owen has stormed back into Lottie's life. She knows that no matter what they may pretend, he will always be a man of the law and she a criminal. Yet whenever he's near, Owen has a way of making things complicated...and long for a future that can never be theirs.

What are you waiting for?

14 Nights of Halloween Giveaway

 

Halloween is just around the corner and it's time for the 4th annual Attack of the 14 Nights of Halloween Giveaway from Laughing Vixen Lounge. 7 wickedly fun shops have come together to create one spooktalcular Prize Pack ($225+) full of Jewelry, Perfume, Clothing, Accessories and more! All shops are offering Gift Cards or your choice of item(s) so there will be something for everyone. Many of the shops have items perfect for any book lover along with lots of other unique, handcrafted and custom designs. You can enter via the Rafflecopter below or visit the Main Giveaway Page on the Laughing Vixen Lounge Blog HERE.

Join us daily on the Laughing Vixen Lounge Blog during the giveaway for our Halloween Movie Marathon featuring the Guess the Movie Game and our Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt. Each event will get you daily entries in the giveaway plus a special giveaway for the Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt. Find full details for these events HERE.

October is the perfect time for watching spooky movies. Along with the Halloween Movie Marathon each of our participating shops, and many of our blog sponsors, will be sharing some of their favorite movie choices with you.

 

My favorite movie to watch at Halloween has to be The Lost Boys. What’s not love about it. Yummy vampires who do not sparkle and the Frog brothers, sounds like a winner to me!

 

The giveaway runs October 18th - November 1st and is open worldwide. 1 winner will win the Prize Pack and 1 winner will win the Scavenger Hunt Prize Pack. Laughing Vixen Lounge is responsible for all giveaway details. Please visit the Laughing Vixen Lounge Blog HERE to see the full prize list, participating shops and daily giveaway events. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kissing Her Crazy by Kira Archer

Sometimes a kiss is so much more...

 

Single mom Lena Oserkowski just wants to relax at the 5-star resort where her brother is getting married. Oh, and figure out how to make one of her businesses successful enough to support her son. Her focus is thrown out of whack when Elliot Debusshere, twin brother of her new sister-in-law, swims to her rescue at the hotel pool.

 

Elliot is disillusioned with his wealthy, playboy lifestyle and wants nothing more than to bring some meaning and purpose to the charity he runs. When he rescues Lena from a case of heat exhaustion and meets her son Tyler, he has no idea the answer to his problems might have just fallen in his lap. Literally.

 

With Lena's ideas and Elliot's know-how, they might just be able to make their ventures a success. Except pleasure has a sneaky way of mixing with their business, leaving both dazed and confused. Charming as he is, Elliot isn't father material. And there's no room for a single mom and her child in his life. While the attraction between them isn't easily squashed, there's no telling the lengths his family will go to prevent a relationship.

 

Title: Kissing Her Crazy | Series: Crazy Love #2 | Author: Kim Archer | Publisher: Entangled Lovestruck| Genre: Contemporary Romance | Source: Publisher | Rating: 4.5

When a wealthy playboy who is trying to reform meets a single mother, sparks fly in this cute little romance.

 

Here’s what’s going on. Elliot is tired of living the playboy lifestyle. When he aids a single mother, who just so happens to be his twin sisters soon-to-be sister-in-law, he can’t seem to get Lena or her son Tyler out of his head. Even though his life isn’t child-friendly and he doesn’t really have room for a relationship, he finds himself growing closer to Lena and her son.

 

All Lena wanted to do was relax at the 5-star resort, keep her son out of trouble, and try to figure out how to turn one of her many ideas into a successful business that will allow her to provide for Tyler. Although her plans are thrown out of whack when Elliot comes to her aid. While she’s attracted to Elliot—and her son’s been sticking to him like glue—she’s not sure she wants to get too involved with him given his playboy reputation.

 

Yet, there’s more to Elliot than meets the eye and when he asks for her help to reform his family’s charity, Lena starts to wonder if Elliot could truly settle down.

 

Kissing Her Crazy was such a feel good book. I could not put it down and read it in just a little over two hours.

 

Elliot was likable from the start. He may have earned his reputation as a playboy but he’s ready and willing to transform. The opening scene where he brushes off the woman flirting with him to rescue Tyler and Lena proves he’s ready to grow up. Then, when Lena faints, it’s up to him to take care of Tyler and it was fun watching him figure out what to do with kid. I also liked that he was ready to stand up against his parents.

 

I struggled with Lena a bit at the start. I know she’s terrified of the water but when your kid refuses to come out of the kiddie pool, you don’t just stand there yelling at him to come out, you put on your big girl panties and go get him out of the water. Other than that little blip, I liked Lena. She’s a good mother but she feels as though she’s failing because—even though she’s working—she’s not been able to fully develop one of her ideas to bring in enough income to move from her brother’s house. When Elliot walks into her life, she knows she’s attracted to him but she’s a little standoffish because she doesn’t want to do anything that will hurt her son.

 

The chemistry between Elliot and Lena was strong from the start and grew stronger as the plot progressed. Both had some issues that they needed to overcome and the issues were true-to-life issues that had to be worked out. I loved that they didn’t immediately jump into bed, they got to know each other and get comfortable around each other. Although when they decided to have some sexy fun time, it was smoking hot.

 

One thing I liked about this book was watching Elliot and Tyler form a relationship. It was interesting watching Elliot, who had never been around children, navigate the dos and don’ts of taking care of a child.  

 

Overall, it was so easy to fall in love with Kissing Her Crazy. The characters were engaging, the plot was steady and entertaining, and I was rooting for both Elliot and Lena to succeed in love and in life. If you’re looking for a light weekend read, this is the book for you.

Crazy Love Series

Driving Her Crazy

Kissing Her Crazy

The Professional by Addison Fox

Despite her job as a wedding planner, Violet Richardson doesn't believe a happy-ever-after is in her future. And when she's kidnapped by a killer, she's surprised that rescue comes in the form of her tempting yet irritating neighbor Max Baldwin.  

 

Trying to forget his dark past, Max never meant to take on his attractive neighbor's troubles. But now the bickering pair must outrun a thug who's determined to get his hands on mysterious jewels he thinks are in Violet's possession. And as they race for their lives through Dallas's summer heat, Max and Violet may finally open their eyes to the burning passion they share.

 

Title: The Professional | Series: Dangerous in Dallas #3| Author: Addison Fox | Publisher: Harlequin Romantic Suspense | Genre: Romantic Suspense  | Source: MLM Media Relations | Rating: 3.5

Okay, so I came into this series (Dangerous in Dallas) a little late—The Professional is book number three—so to say that I was a little lost is a bit of a understatement.While a little backstory was provided, I believe I would have connected better with this book if I would have started with book one.

 

Here’s what’s going on. Violet is a successful wedding planner and one of the three owners of Elegance and Lace. While she does everything in her power to give couples their happily ever after, she doesn’t believe one’s in the cards for her. When a creep looking for two priceless rubies kidnaps her, Violet’s shocked to find that Max, the one guy that drives her up the wall, is her rescuer. Now Max and Violet are on the run attempting to flee the man who is after the rubies. As they claw their way out of one dangerous situation after the other, they finally start to give in the attraction they are feeling.

 

Max and Violet both have issues from their pasts that they need to overcome. They also have preconceived notions of each other that they need to work through. So it was interesting watching them deal with their issues while trying to stay alive.

 

There was an attraction between Max and Violet, although they bickered like two little kids from the start of the book and only grew worse as the plot progressed. There were several times that I wanted to put them in time out. It seemed like every time a spark of chemistry presented itself, it was doused by the constant conflict between them. I like a healthy dose of conflict between my characters but this just came off as annoying. They did have their cute moments, but they were very few and far between.

 

If you’re looking for a full out suspense novel, then this is the book for you. The suspense kicks in at the start and doesn’t stop until the very last page. It was action-packed and thoroughly edge-of-your-seat engaging.

 

While I completely enjoyed the suspense, I felt a little lost regarding the origin of it. The catalyst—which was the discovery of three priceless rubies and a faux set of the English Crown jewels that were hidden under the floorboards of their business—started in book one and everything that happened in this book was the fallout of what happened in books one and two.

 

Even though it was a little far-fetched, I would have liked to have seen a bit more about why the Renaissance Stones were so important, and why they had to be spirited out of England.

 

I loved Addison Fox’s House of Steele series, so I was a bit disappointed to discover that this one fell short. I know some of my inability to connect came from missing the previous books, but the characters fell a little flat as well.

 

Overall, the suspense was riveting but this series truly does need to be read in order. I would have liked to have seen less bickering and more chemistry between Max and Violet as well.

Dangerous in Dallas

Silken Threats

Tempting Target

The Professional