Amy

Nobody can write a royal romance like Rachel Hauck! She’s definitely the gold-star standard, and she keeps the bar high in her latest novel To Win a Crown.

The third offering in the True Blue Royal series, this novel could stand alone, but it builds ferociously on the storylines of the first two books in a masterful way. Hauck delves deep into the feelings that main character Scottie O’Shay must have after growing up without a mother. I love the way To Win a Crown explores the deep need in all of us to be connected in a strong, personal way to others – and to God.

Forgiveness and redemption also carry top billings in this book. These themes resonate through the storylines of several characters, making these values both relevant and relatable. Doing the right thing, even when it’s hard or unpopular, also takes a high priority in this book, and I love it. In a culture that currently values all things fun and easy, we need great examples of a plumb line, and that’s what you’ll find in To Win a Crown.

So that’s why I love To Win a Crownhttps://amzn.to/4rxbbk8. There’s so much here: realistic characters, swoon-worthy scenes, deep lessons, quotable lines, fierce adversaries, as well as all the pomp and ceremony that make royal stories fun – that fans of both serious and fun stories alike will love it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

Last to Fall is the absolute BEST! Lynn Blackburn slammed so much drama, romance, and redemption into this book that I’m going to need some time to recover.

I absolutely love how Blackburn wraps up this series. Mo and Bronwyn’s story hits all the right notes. Mo’s story arc is absolutely perfect because we see him grow not only through this book but throughout the series. Bronwyn’s backstory is so much deeper, more painful, and yet so much better than I expected. Blackburn’s brutal to her characters – can they go through any more pain? – and yet she brings them through these trials by fire both battle-tried and experienced. I’m a big fan of this kind of growth in novels, and I can’t wait to see what Blackburn does next.

So if a dramatic romance with a deep backstory and unknown bad guys are your jam, put Last to Fall on your TBR list today.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.

Renegade storms into the Susan May Warren universe with unending love and fierce protectiveness, and it doesn’t get any better than this!

Renegade is everything I want in the first book in a new series (and, let’s be real, just in every book always): it introduces a great setting and the people who live there, complete with setting up controversy and conflict between both the people and that setting. When you add in the amazing lead characters, high stakes action, tender romantic moments, and lots of wise lessons, this is a book you won’t be able to put down.

I sure didn’t. I read it in one sitting. I absolutely loved the father/son lessons, the found family concept, and the goal of honoring one’s history and legacy. Renegade is meaningful on many levels, and I found myself highlighting line after line that I wanted to come back to and ponder.

Renegade encapsulates what we need more of: people willing to look out for each other, to put love into action, and to live out their beliefs. This novel has old-fashioned ideals with real life heroes and modern action – and it’s a fantastic mix. Keep’em coming, please, Susan May Warren.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Wow! If Apollo doesn’t make elite warrior status, then who possibly could? This new novel will make you appreciate safe surroundings and our military warriors in a way that nothing else could.

For someone who supposedly doesn’t have what it takes, Apollo has a lot to give, and it’s a thrilling journey towards his place of belonging! Kendig knows how to put her characters through the ringer, and I love how she doesn’t hold back.

That’s true for Leighton, too. She’s caught between a rock and a cliff in Apollo, and her determination to protect those she loves is admirable – and while it makes you want to see her get what she wants, it’s also makes for a crazy suspenseful story.

I personally love that suspense, though, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. So if exciting, high-stakes stories with realistic settings and heroic characters are your jam, grab your copy of Apollo today.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I didn’t know that ‘hockey’ was a genre, but if The Not-So-Neutral Zone is an example, give them all to me! This novel has everything: steamy-but-clean romance, strong writing, realistic characters, important lessons, and redemption.

I’m generally not a fan of books that make me cry – because really, who wants to do more of that? – but The Not-So-Neutral Zone made my cry in the sweetest way. The Warrens put Brody and Chloe in the most impossible situation, causing loads of drama and angst, that it just slides onto you as you both feel and cheer for them.

And the theme of this book? Of being seen for who God made you to be? It’s spot-on awesome.

So I’m now a fan of professional hockey and dragon books. Who knew? If you’re like me, though, you’re going to want to venture into the unknown and give ‘The Not-So-Neutral Zone’ a try. Trust me. You’ll be very glad you did.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Atlas is the PERFECT continuation of the Discarded Heroes series! I loved those books when Kendig wrote them, and the story world is made better by this new spinoff series.

Although while you should totally read that series because it’s fabulous, Atlas can stand alone. You’ll get the background you need as you read, which works because this is a high-octane read from start to finish, and I’m here for it.

I I couldn’t believe the traumatic situations that Kendig writes into this book, though I should, because she’s no stranger to high stakes – but you’ll love the way that she draws out the suspense for McKenna.

And Dante? How can you not love a perfectionist special ops guy with mad skills and family issues? He’s so amazing and yet also completely relatable as an insecure person who has to learn his value and purpose – don’t we all?

So if you want a book that will draw you in, make your pulse pound, and tempt you to cry and cheer for the main characters by turn, you need Atlas in your life – immediately.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Whiteout dives into the world of intrigue and survival from the very first page, and you won’t escape until you turn the last one! Romantic suspense authors Dani Pettrey and Lynette Eason have teamed up to create this novella anthology, and I hope there are more collaborations on the horizon.

Pettrey populates her story Buried in Shadows with red herrings and dead bodies as Cassandra Parker tries to survive her longtime stalker. I loved the way I was kept off-kilter and guessing throughout the story. The stalker scenario felt all-too-real and against the backdrop of the storm, the survival elements of the story rocked.

I love how Eason’s story Snowbound Secrets continued in the same setting as Pettrey’s book. While there were new characters, it built continuity across the two stories, which I appreciate. While this story dealt with the aftermath of the storm from Pettrey’s book, the survival conditions were completely different, though no less severe, making for a really creative spin. I enjoyed figuring out the bad guy in this one and the way that it played out in an unexpected way.

So if you’re into romantic suspense and want to get a feel for these two amazingly fun authors, want some great winter stories, or are just there for the best in romantic suspense, put Whiteout on your TBR list now.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

When I’m With You by Rachel Hauck is a super sweet story about the importance of going after your dreams – and being flexible enough to change course if your dreams do. I love the way that Hauck incorporated drama, suspense, and a few twists and turns to keep the story both realistic and fun.

I appreciate Elizabeth’s focus. She’s a fun, hardworking character who I think would be really fun to know – but Ryder is just as important. I love how Ryder has overcome the difficulties of his past and isn’t running away from the ones facing him in this book.

That’s what makes When I’m With You such a fantastic story: Hauck strikes exactly the right notes between dramatic and lighthearted, between serious and fun. This isn’t just a fluffy bunny story, but you won’t be sobbing into your pillow, either. There are problems to solve and lessons to learn, but there are also moments of sheer joy, of rightness, that lighten the mood and let the story carry you away.

So I’m definitely on board with Hauck’s new book When I’m With You and can’t wait for the next one. If you’re a fan of stories about close-knit communities, friendship, and love, with a little bit of mystery sprinkled in, you’re going to love it, too.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.