Book review:First Temptation (Covert Affairs #1.5) by Joan Swan

Available August 19th 2013
Counterterrorist agent Taft Walker knows the Mexican cartel smuggling game. But posing as part owner of an adult store to ferret out the newest tunnel into the US is a first. So is Zoe Brooks, his partner, new to undercover and a sex-toy virgin. Taft’s up for the sexy challenge. At least until he sees the real Zoe beneath her tough façade and realizes, for the first time in his life, he’ll have to risk his heart to win.

After the death of a teammate, Border Patrol Agent Zoe Brooks is ready to get off the front lines. She’s willing to tolerate a swaggering partner like Taft for a chance to work investigations with ICE. But she’s not prepared for the way he understands her deepest, sexiest desires. Or the fact that she’ll have to break her own rules to grab hold of the passion she’s always wanted.

Note: Also appears in the anthology Wicked Firsts

This is a short 160 page novella and it's packed with action right from the first page. Zoe Brooks is ready for something different and she's put in for a transfer months ago. Finally she gets the call right after a hard night catching baddies on the border which ends up with her pretty banged up and almost killed. When she meets with her possible new boss and the guy she's going to have to work with on her first assignment sparks fly. Not even the good kind. At least not at first. Taft Walker is a bad ass that knows his way around under cover work and Mexican smuggling. His first thought when he sees Zoe is no way. She's a girl and not much to look at. Once she starts stripping off the bulky ugly border patrol uniform well then perhaps she does have the goods for this operation and more. lol Their first assignment together though is to pose as a couple running a sex shop. Things start getting pretty hot from there on out. It takes a while but Zoe proves she can handle the job and Taft finds that Zoe knows what she's doing. In between the job though that also learn something about themselves and who they are. A sexy little read filled with passion, action kick ass characters. 5 out of 5 stars for First Temptation by Joan Swan. 

Find out more about Joan Swan on her website here www.joanswan.com

Giveaway! Modokker Book Picks welcomes Dana Marton!

Deathwatch Blurb:

The only person who can identify the most notorious hit man in the country, Kate Bridges is running for her life. Murphy Dolan is in the Army Reserves, returning from his 2nd tour of duty, only to find a stranger hiding in his house. She's scared spitless. He's completely burned out on violence. Neither has any trust left to give.

Deathwatch Excerpt:

“Let’s try one more time.” Murph moved toward her. “Pretend I’m the assassin. Murph is dead out in the kitchen. You’re out of bullets and cornered.” He reached for her. “First choice?”

“Kill the bastard.” Kate grabbed for the barstool and whacked him in the head as hard as she could, but he twisted in the last second and the blow glanced off his skull.

He’d ordered her right at the beginning, fairly forcefully, to hold nothing back. And then he’d pushed and pushed, baiting and goading her. At this stage, if she maimed him, she figured he deserved it.

“Second choice?” He pushed forward with a growl.

“Incapacitate him then call 911.” She lunged forward instead of pulling back, and kicked at his most sensitive parts, but wobbled at the last second and missed by a fraction of an inch.

“Third choice?” He grabbed for her.

“Run like hell and live to see another day.” She put her head down, then yanked it up hard, smashing it into his chin so that his head snapped back and his grip on her slipped.

She ran for the stairs that led up.

He was on top of her in a second, bringing her down and pinning her. “Wrong move. What did we say about the stairs?”

“If I have a choice, go down.” The basement had an outside exit, while upstairs she could get trapped.

“Right.” He lifted his body off her and sat next to her, his eyes narrowing as he watched her struggle to catch her breath. His biceps bulged from under his black T-shirt that was barely wrinkled, while her shirt and pants looked like he’d mopped the house with her. Which, technically, he had.

She sat up. He was insanely strong. She hadn’t expected that, considering his injury. And he was fast. He didn’t have to think about what move he was going to make next. He fought on instinct, while her instincts pushed her to run away screaming.

Except when they pushed her to throw herself into his arms. She looked away from him, not wanting him to read her pitiful reaction in her eyes.

“I’m going to reinforce the rainspouts. Then you can go upstairs if you have no other choice, and climb down without breaking your neck.”

“I can break my neck even if the rainspout doesn’t break under me. Severe balance deficiency. Remember?”

He closed his eyes for a second. “All right. If at all possible, go for the basement.” He reached into his pocket and gave her a set of car keys.

“What’s this?”

“I got a rental today. It’s parked in front of 212 Summer Lane. You run out the basement door, cross the back neighbors’ yard. It’s a black Mustang. There’s some money and a backup gun in the glove compartment. If all else fails, you get in and drive away. Tank is full. It has GPS. Just drive and be safe.”

“And you?”

“Don’t worry about me.”

Tension filled the air between them as they stared at each other.

“I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“We’re going up against a master hit man. We’re going to get hurt. Our best case scenario is just not to be dead when this is over.”

She drew back, her limbs going cold suddenly. “Maybe we shouldn’t do this. I could just leave. I’m good at running. I’m a hell of a lot better at running than I am at fighting.”

“If all goes well, you won’t have to fight. I’ll fight for you. We discussed this already. This is the only way you’ll ever be free. This is your best chance. You have a partner this time, someone who’s been trained both as a cop and a soldier. And we know Asael is here, that he’s coming. He loses the element of surprise.”

He moved closer and took her hand. “If you want to be free…I’m pretty sure it’s one of those now or never things. We’ll set the trap for the day after tomorrow. I don’t want to wait too long, or he might make his move when we’re not expecting it.”

She nodded.

“We’ll make a show of me going off,” he said. “But I’ll circle back and come in through the back door. When he comes, I’ll engage him. You go call for help. If he gets through me, you run for your life. But it’s not going to happen. I’m going to handle him.”

He stood then reached out to pull her to her feet.

She hesitated a moment before she asked, “How is your shoulder?”

“I don’t even know what you’re talking about.”

“Right. That’s why you still favor your right arm.”

“I can use my left arm.” He put his left hand under her chin, tilting her face to him. Then he lowered his head to hers and kissed her.

Everything went still inside her as his warm lips touched hers. She could barely remember the last time she’d been kissed. She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed this, a man’s arms around her, his dark gaze boring into hers with scorching heat. And, boy, could Murph Dolan fix a girl with a look that sent tingles down all the way to her toes.

He smelled like man, tasted like coffee and felt like heaven.

Her eyelids fluttered closed, and she gave herself to the sensation of being pressed against his hard chest while his mouth explored her gently, teasing her, tasting her. His great warrior body vibrated with restrained need, but he took the kiss slowly.

He brushed his lips over hears in agonizingly slow motion, covering every nook and cranny, then catching her bottom lip between his teeth for a minute before he swept inside and tasted her fully, making her weak in the knees.

Maybe he remembered her balance issues, because he gathered her against him tightly. Part of her wouldn’t have minded staying like that forever.

“I wanted to do this from the moment I saw you sleeping in my bed,” he murmured against her mouth.

“I just wanted to shoot you,” she said the first thing that popped into her dazed mind, then caught herself and winced. “Sorry.”

He laughed as he stepped back. “That’s a very healthy survival instinct. We’re going to develop more of that in whatever little time we’ll be given.”

And then he attacked her.

I'm pleased to welcome Dana Marton to Modokker Book Picks!!

Romance Heroes – Military and Law Enforcement Edition

 

Romance novel heroes come in all shapes, sizes and species, but a few classics of the genre stand out, and for good reason.  Cowboys, dukes, sheikhs, pirates, billionaires, bikers and bad boys, the list is endless.  But the stereotypical alpha male, with a background in the military or law enforcement, is an eternal favorite.  Strong, honorable, stoic, protective, lethal, and loving, these guys mate for life when they fall in love with the right woman.  These heroes almost always have hidden vulnerabilities and insecurities, and these make them human (or inhuman, depending on the romance genre of your choice!).  What woman doesn’t want to be the one to recognize and heal the wounds of their hero?

Writing and reading about heroes in my favorite romances has had an unexpected side effect – it’s helped me see the heroic qualities in my husband and men I see in my everyday life.  :Looking through a romance lens increases my appreciation for those everyday heroes (and heroines) who show up, perform their duties, do the right thing without being told, and go home and love their families and pets and keep them safe, and surrounded in love.  What’s better than that?

My Broslin Creek books feature heroes who are both former military and law enforcement, and these alpha males pack a lethal punch, both figuratively and literally.  Through their connection at the Broslin Creek Sheriff’s Department, these men form a brotherhood of everyday heroes, doing their best to keep the town safe.  Which is a very good thing because there’s a lot of hidden danger lurking in Broslin Creek.

In Deathwatch, sheriff’s deputy and Army Reserve soldier Murph Dolan has just returned wounded after a tour in Afghanistan.  Murph is exhausted, scarred and ready for the peaceful life of his hometown.  Little does he know his life will soon be in danger again, and he will have to overcome the PTSD and survivor’s guilt he is suffering from to protect the woman he finds in his bed.

 

What’s your favorite kind of hero?

 

Author Bio:

Dana Marton writes fast-paced action-adventure romances that take her readers all over the globe. She is a Rita Award finalist and the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence. She loves writing stories of intrigue, filled with dangerous plots that try her tough-as-nails heroes and the special women they fall in love with. Her books have been published in seven languages in eleven countries around the world.

She would love to hear from her readers.

Okay, the above version is the glamour version for press releases. The truth is that my path to publication was nothing but unglamorous. I wrote for 13 years and completed 4 books (as well as having others in various stages of completion) before I finally received a call from a Harlequin editor. I was beginning to wonder if I was being tenacious or just too dense to know when to quit. But it all worked out at the end! J I love, love, love writing and would spend all day in front of the computer if I could just break my family of the habit of wanting to eat and wear clean clothes. What’s up with that? But I must get up from the desk now and then, if only because my Internet connection goes down or my ancient PC overheats. Then I do enjoy cooking, knitting, hunting for treasures at the flea market, our Beagle, Peanut the Destroyer, and gardening.

I’d love it if you picked up one of my books and emailed me to tell me what you thought of it. I’ve been known to name characters after readers. Just ask Princess Judi

Find out more about Dana Marton and The Broslin Creek series here www.danamarton.com

Enter the giveaway below!

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Hot Cover Monday! Getting Rowdy (Love Undercover #3) by Lori Foster

Available Sept 24th 2013

An alpha hero's attraction to the one woman he can't have could draw him into a killer's snare in the sizzling new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster 

Charismatic bar owner Rowdy Yates isn't the kind of man women say no to. So when he approaches waitress Avery Mullins, he fully expects to get her number. However, the elusive beauty has her reasons for keeping her distance-including a past that might come back to haunt them both. Avery spends her nights working for tips...and trying to forget the secret Rowdy is determined to unearth. But when history threatens to repeat itself, Avery grows to rely on Rowdy's protective presence. As the sparks between them ignite, she will be forced to choose between the security she's finally found...and the passion she's always wanted.

Find out more about Lori Foster here www.lorifoster.com

Hot Cover Monday! Rush Phoenix Rising Series, Book 3 by Joan Swan

Available August 27th 2013

Jessica Fury, Washington lobbyist, has money, connections, and her own firm. But five years ago she had something better: happiness. Her firefighter husband, Quaid, was handsome, courageous, and crazy about her. Then one day he walked into a chemical inferno—and never walked out. Jessica has been through hell to get back on her feet. And then a rumor surfaces that could bring a miracle or shatter her world – again.

Q has been a prisoner forever. He’s honed his mind and body into weapons. He’s developed abilities no one else understands. But he’s still at the mercy of a cabal of ruthless men, who blank his memory, test him like a lab rat, and tell him lies. Although his past has been erased and his future looks grim, instinct tells him he has a woman to live for. What his mind can’t remember, his body can’t forget…

The heat is on.

Find out more on Joan Swan's website about this book and the series. www.joanswan.com

Book review: Midnight Secrets (Wildefire #1) by Ella Grace

AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, THE HEAT BEGINS
 
On a hot southern night, with a storm on the horizon, a family is shattered. Three beautiful daughters—Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina Wilde—go on with their lives, each significantly changed, as they bear the memory of the murder-suicide that killed their parents. For years, they have stayed away from Midnight, Alabama. Until Midnight calls them home.
 
Savannah is the first one back, when a grueling case in Nashville leads the young prosecutor to seek shelter in the quiet of the once grand Wilde mansion. But when she finds letters casting doubt on her family’s dark, shameful past, she realizes that peace in Midnight is a shallow façade and sinister secrets lurk beneath the surface. Zach Tanner, once the town’s bad boy, is now the new police chief and still has a wild hold over her. Zach can feel it, too, but he hurt Savannah once. As teenagers, they broke every rule together. Now it’s his job to keep her safe, even though he isn’t sure who her enemies are—or which ones might be his own

This is book one in the Wildfire Series by Ella Grace.  It serves as a intro into the series and the 3 Wilde triplets get introduced whom the series will be about. It all starts with a murder/suicide. The girls are just young kids at age 10 when it appears their father murders their mother and then kills himself.  Later as teenagers of 18 years Savannah falls for bad boy Zach Tanner. She sees in him what most other people don't. He's sweet and sensitive and takes care of those he cares about. Then right on the cusp of him leaving for the military it all falls apart. The promises he makes to Savannah are shattered overnight. Ten more years pass and when Savannah is forced to go back to Midnight, Alabama to take a break from her job as a prosecutor and close up and sell her family home she finds herself running into Zach again.  Zach is now a war vet and the town's police chief.  The chemistry is still there and things begin to sizzle between the two again. When Savannah finds some letters from her grandfather which indicate her father might have been innocent and murder victim as well Savannah and Zach start investigating a 18 year old murder case which starts a mess of terrifying incidents that tells them they are on to something. While trying to find a killer Savannah and Zach get close and have to learn to trust each other again and let go of old hurts and tell secrets that might end their fragile new beginnings. Lots of things going on in this book because you have to intro quite a few characters and yet tell the story of Savannah and Zach.  The couple have a long way to go to finding their love again. The suspense keeps you guessing. The guilty party was a big surprise to me. Never would have guessed it. I think this was a solid intro into the series and i loved the love story here and it hurts the heart to know that Savannah and Zach wasted ten years of happiness they could have had. Definitely looking forward to book 2 in this series. 

Find out more about Ella Grace (AKA Christy Reece) on her website here www.ellagracebooks.com

Book review: Thrill Ride (Black Knights Inc. #4) by Julie Ann Walker

Available now!!
He's Gone Rogue

Ex-Navy SEAL Rock Babineaux’s job is to get information, and he’s one of the best in the business. Until something goes horribly wrong and he’s being hunted by his own government. Even his best friends at the covert special-ops organization Black Knights Inc. aren’t sure they can trust him. He thinks he can outrun them all, but his former partner—a curvy bombshell who knows just how to drive him wild—refuses to cut him loose.

She Won't Back Down

Vanessa Cordova hasn’t been the team’s communication specialist
very long, but she knows how to read people—no way is Rock guilty of murder. And she’ll go to hell and back to help him prove it. Sure, the sexy Cajun has his secrets, but there’s no one in the world she’d rather have by her side in a tight spot. Which is good, because they’re about to get very tight…

This is book 4 in the Black Nights series. I have not read the first 3 books and although i could see when reading that there were things that went on in previous books that would've helped me better understand this book it really didn't bother me. The Core story for Rock and Vanessa was there and well written. Most of the things were easily figured out just by reading. I would love to go back and read the first three books still. Mostly because i enjoyed this one so much and the writing. Julie Ann Walker writes a story that's fun and exciting with her witty dialogue while at the same time your are suspended in the intrigue, romance and the conflict between the two main characters. The secondary characters compliment the main story as well.  
Here are a few of my favorite lines.

" Why are you grinning at me like a possum eatin' a sweet 'tater?" 

Ozzie piped up with " Good God, You two have got to quit that. You're making my boy parts get bigger!" 

Lastly .

And when he saw her crashing through the undergrowth, dirty, bedraggled, and so beautiful he could barely breathe, making him hotter than a billy goat in a pepper patch just by stomping toward him with unconsciously sensuous gate of hers, he knew he was a lost cause.

Just in those lines you can see the humor the romance and some of the conflict.  Rock is from the south with a hot sexy voice. I would love to hear this book in audio. If the voice work is good it would be phenomenal.  Rock is a man with no future. Branded a traitor and supposedly gone rogue and a possible murderer. The Black Knights don't believe it or don't want to, particularly Vanessa. Vanessa has gotten to know Rock and remembers all the things he has done to help her feel welcome in the group. They set out to find him and then exonerate him. The book is action packed and will take you as the book title states on a Thrill Ride!! 5 out of 5 stars for Thrill Ride by Julie Ann Walker.

Find out more about this book and the series on Julie Ann Walker's website here www.julieannwalker.com

Book review: Bare It All (Love Undercover #2) by Lori Foster

Available April 30, 2013

"A cop's craving to know more about the woman next door could prove fatal in the steamy new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster"

As the person responsible for taking down a brutal human trafficker, Alice Appleton fears retaliation at every turn. No one knows about her past, which is exactly how she prefers it...until the sexy cop next door comes knocking.

Detective Reese Bareden thinks he knows what makes women tick, but his ever-elusive neighbor keeps him guessing like no other. Is his goal to unmask Alice's secrets? Or protect her from a dangerous new threat? One thing is certain: their chemistry is a time bomb waiting to explode. And with no one to trust but each other, Reese and Alice are soon drawn into a deadly maze of corruption, intrigue and desire-and into the line of fire...

Bare it All is book 2 in the Love Undercover series. I am really excited about this series. It's a branch off the Men with Walk the Edge of Honor series. Alice is a secondary character from Trace Rivers book Trace of Fever. We met Reese in book one and for me he was a bit of a mystery. At the end of that book his apartment was the scene of crime so he's without a apartment but luckily Alice, his neighbor takes him in. He's intrigued by her and her secrets and decides he needs to figure her out. It doesn't take long for the attraction to become obvious for both of them.  I will admit i could not remember who Alice was. It's been a while since i read Trace of Fever. I was told when she explains some of her history to Reese i would remember. It came back really fast when she did. Alice had got a lot of secrets. Reese needs to know those secrets and because of some of them Alice inadvertantly finds herself in danger.  It takes most of the book to get all the details out and when it happens there is a character that makes an appearance i wanted to cheer for.Not going to tell you who it but you can probably guess. Rowdy gets a decent size chunk of this book and you get some insight into him. Some of it i liked some of it i didn't. You also get a tiny peak at Dash who is Logan's brother from book one.   I enjoyed this book from start to finish. Really excited for the next two book which will focus on Rowdy and Dash according to the author's website. Thoroughly enjoying the series. 4 out of 5 stars for Bare it All by Lori Foster.

Find out more about this book, the series and author Lori Foster here www.lorifoster.com

Book review: Shades of Passion (Special Investigations Group (SIG) #3) by Virna DePaul

Available Now!
Shades of the past

Detective Simon Granger has devoted his life to solving high-risk cases, and he's vowed never again to get involved with a woman whose work is equally as dangerous. But when the Special Investigations Group teams him with a beautiful psychiatrist , his resolve is shattered by the tense and emotionally charged partnership.... 

Shades of intrigue

Determined to outrun the grief over her sister's death, Dr. Nina Whitaker reluctantly agrees to use her training to help the police. Despite Detective Granger's disdain for her profession, she believes she can change his mind. But then a grieving father begins a deadly game of revenge, threatening Nina's life, challenging her beliefs, and drawing Nina and Simon together in an explosive endgame of intrigue...and unstoppable passion. 

Shades of passion...

This is book 3 in the Special Investigations Group series or SIG as it is often referred to in the books. We met Simon in book one and got a little more of him in book two when the woman he had been involved with was murdered. Now he finds himself face to face with a woman who looks quite a bit like Lana, the woman he lost and she is a psychiatrist as well just like Lana. Now what? He's stuck with her shadowing him on the job but being close to her is dangerous for various reasons he doesn't want to think about to closely. Nina doesn't really want to shadow Simon she is a giver though and is guilted into helping out her boss to shadow Simon and observe the how the police deal with suspects who suffer from mental illness.  Both Simon and Nina have things in their pasts they are struggling with. Simon's ex-girlfriends murder and Nina's sisters suicide and the suicide of a young patient a few years ago. Unfortunately things turn deadly when homeless men turn up dead and with initials carved in their backs which looks like someone is after Nina. Simon thinks he knows who is doing it but things are not adding up after a while. This is is a raw thrill ride of suspense, mystery and murder. The author kept me guessing the whole book. I could never get a good bead on who the killer could be and was surprised at the outcome. Most times you can usually get idea where things are going but Virna DePaul doesn't even give you a inkling. All the books in this series are like this. The thriller/suspense part of this book is in full evidence in this book but the romantic sexy side is equally delicious. 4 out of 5 stars for Shades of Passion by Virna Depaul.

Find out more about the series and Virna Depaul on her website here. www.virnadepaul.com

Book review: Free Fall (Elite Force #4) by Catherine Mann

Available now!
On This Mission, There Are No Accidents...

Pararescueman Jose "Cuervo" James is the guy they call for the most dangerous assignments. He lives for his job.

On a high-risk rescue deep in the African jungle, Jose encounters sexy, smart Interpol agent Stella Carson. They'd once had an affair that burned hot and fast, but family is everything to Stella, and Jose just can't go there.

Fate has thrown them into the deadly hot zone together, and sparks will fly...but only if they can live to tell about it.

Wow I have read several book by Catherine Mann and she always delivers a action packed story with plenty of action and romance mixed together. Stella Carson meets Jose James while on a mission. One look in his eyes and she's hooked. After 5 great months together though it all comes crashing down when they discover there are a few things they can't compromise on when it comes to being together forever so it ended. A month later though Jose finds himself saving Stella from a kidnapping situation and what follows is a lot of revelations about each other, a deadly traitor in their mists and a missing person who might not really be missing. This is a action packed fast paced book once it gets going. There are multiple things going on so sometimes you really have to pay attention.  I figured out a few things before they happened but it was still a thrill ride to the end! 4 out of 5 Stars for Free Fall by Catherine Mann.

Find out more about Catherine Mann and her work including a excerpt for Free Fall here www.catherinemann.com

Die for Me: A Novel of the Valentine Killer by Cynthia Eden

She thought her fiancé was the perfect man—until he turned out to be the perfect killer…

Katherine Cole is running for her life, desperate to escape the Valentine Killer—so-called because he stabs his victims through the heart and leaves them holding a telltale single red rose. Still he tracks her to New Orleans and begins carving a bloody path to her door. But this time, Katherine refuses to run any farther. This time, she’ll do anything to stop the madman she once loved, even trust the sexy cop promising to keep her safe…

Detective Dane Black never lets his emotions interfere with his job, even as the Valentine Killer surfaces in New Orleans to stalk his prey. But when Dane agrees to protect the killer’s ex-fiancée, Katherine Cole, he can’t ignore the passion kindling between them. After a single unforgettable night binds them body and soul, Dane knows he won’t rest until Katherine is safe in his arms—and the Valentine Killer is dead.

I have no idea why but when i saw this cover i just had to read this book. I like my romantic suspense but not so much when there is a lot of killing in them. It's more of a thriller is some ways than a romantic suspense. In any case it turned out to be a damn good mix. If i could have blocked out the time to read this in one sitting i would have. It didn't take me long to realize i was really going to enjoy this book. If after 3 chapters you don't want to put it down to do anything it's probably going to be a keeper. There is so much going on in this book but the pace is great. It's not too fast not too slow. The characters are complex and fleshed out. I always like to think i can figure out who the killer is when reading a book like this and for a while your sure it's Michael like it's supposed to be. Then the doubts come. lol I know i was off a time or two and thought there was a twist coming i could see but it wasn't what i thought.  Cynthia Eden keeps you guessing. Not only about the killer but the characters as well. Lots of suspicion and doubts among her characters. The only put off for me and it was slight is i felt the book went on a little to long.  That's it and it really wasn't a big factor at all for me. Would i recommend this book to a friend? Heck yes! It's a thrill ride for sure. 5 out of 5 stars for Die For Me by Cynthia Eden.

Find out more here www.cynthiaeden.com

Book review: Tactical Advantage (The Precinct: Task Force #3) by Julie Miller

His only job was to protect her—not to get her into bed. When his co-investigator was attacked just moments after Detective Nick Fensom left the scene, he swore he'd never let her get hurt again. Thanks to their tense relationship, criminologist Annie Hermann wasn't happy to have Nick as her newly appointed protector. And although Nick couldn't blame her, being together 24/7 caused him to see Annie in a whole new light. Before long, he couldn't stop picturing the beautiful brunette wrapped up in his arms—and in his sheets. But allowing unfamiliar feelings to get in the way of the job was completely unprofessional …especially once Annie discovered the evidence that could cost her her life

I believe this is my first Julie Miller book. I'm a big fan of romantic suspense and i have really good luck with Harlequin's Intrigue line. This was no exception. Nick and Annie were like oil and water. Didn't mix. Annie has a sad background though. Her parents were killed in a car accident when she was a young girl and she had a fiance who dumped her when she wouldn't conform to what he thought she should be. After being hurt and left alone so many times she's insulated herself from any kind of relationship where she could get hurt and left again. Then she gets attacked on the job and Nick who she was partnered with when it happens saves her and decides he will protect her at all costs.  This book is action packed from start to finish. I was rooting for Nick and Annie right from the start. You can't help but like both characters. The one thing that confused me is they catch one of the bad guys in the story but not the two that the whole thing is focused on. I'm not sure if that's part of the series or if it's just not that important to the love story part of the book. I did enjoy the writing. It was fantastic. I was guessing the wrong guy the whole time. lol 4 out of 4 stars for Tactical Advantage by Julie Miller.

Find out more on the Julie Miller website. www.juliemiller.org

Free ebook Friday!Almost free! Agents under Fire Trilogy by Dana Marton

Book 1: Guardian Agent

When Gabe Cannon's commando team is tasked with bringing down a rogue soldier, he doesn't expect to come face-to-face with the target's sister at the showdown instead of the man himself.

Jasmine is trying to lead the team away from her injured brother. Recognizing one of the hunters as her teenage crush is definitely a shock to her system. To save her family, she must convince Gabe that her brother was framed. But can she stop from falling in love with him all over again?

A fast-paced, heart-pounding romantic suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Book 2: Avenging Agent

An undercover agent on a deadly mission, the last thing Jake needs is a troublesome beauty distracting him from his investigation. But something about Allison makes it impossible for him to leave her to her fate, surrounded by danger in a war-torn country.

They couldn't be more different, but soon they must rely on each other to stay alive, uncovering a diabolical plot that shakes even Jake's battle-hardened heart. Attraction grows between them as they form a tight team against their enemies. But to act on that attraction, first they have to stay alive.

Book 3: Warrior Agent

Troy Hill has been tirelessly working for months to bring down a corrupt congressman. When the man’s goons capture him and lock him up, he knows they can’t afford to leave him alive. His only chance at escape is the congressman’s new security guard, Claire Montgomery. He expects he’ll have to either manipulate her into setting him free or kill her. He doesn’t expect to fall in love with her.

Find out more about Dana Marton here on her website www.danamarton.com

Get the whole trilogy from Amazon for 99 cents here www.amazon.com

I have read and reviewed all three of these and enjoyed them very much. 

Note the trilogy was free but apparently ended at midnight last night but 99 cents is still a great deal. 

Book review: Stolen by Shiloh Walker

Shay Morgan has stayed hidden for a long time. Living a reclusive life in Earth’s End, Alaska, she’s as far away as she can get from the trauma of her childhood and the man who hurt her long ago. But terror takes over Shay’s life yet again when an unknown stalker steals away the fragile peace she’s built for herself—targeting not only her but the one man who’s ever managed to get past the walls she’s built around herself.

Elliot Winter has lived through being falsely accused before—it ruined his military career. Now it’s happening all over again. And this time, his accuser is a twisted impostor who’s targeting his ex-girlfriend, Shay. Despite a fierce mutual attraction, Shay and Elliot broke up because Shay couldn’t let her guard down, couldn’t let Elliot in. But now they both need to trust each other to confront a psycho who seems to know all their secrets.

This is my first Shiloh Walker book. I have heard really good things about her books so i was excited to give one a try. I do enjoy my romantic suspense but this book is one of those that kicks it up a notch in the intensity.  Shay first four years of life is pretty much a blank. She can't remember but tiny bits and pieces. Just enough to haunt her. Her step father blamed her for something but she wasn't sure what. She was taken in at age 4 by a wonderful social worker and adopted. All that changed when she hit 16 and her step father got out of prison and found her. He beat her adoptive mother to death and kidnapped her and did terrible things before she got away.  Two years later when her stepfather was sent back to prison for what he did she simply disappeared.  Now in Alaska she's write of thrillers. She pretty much thinks she's anonymous.  Only 2 people know who she was back then. Doesn't mean she's still not having trouble dealing with everything. She has nightmares about her past that she can't explain. Luckily she has a wonderful man named Elliot though and when things get really bad he's there to help her. It didn't take very long to figure out who the bad guy was in this book so i kept waiting for me to be wrong lol. It didn't happen but there is still a bit of a twist towards the end even though it's not really a big revelation how it comes out.  This book is gritty and intense in some places. Little more than i like but pushing beyond what your used to is always a good thing. The characters are well fleshed out and you just want to hug Shay. Shay may have some pretty big demons in her closet but Elliot has a couple as well that they have to deal with. Shiloh Walker does a thorough job and getting all the details right. My one small problem would be it lagged just a little about halfway through or more. I knew who the bad guy was but it seemed to take to long before the characters did anything logical about it. It is fiction though so it isn't a what would i have done thing. lol 4 out of 5 stars for Stolen by Shiloh Walker.

Find out more about this book and read a excerpt on Shiloh Walkers website here www.shilohwalker.com

Book review: Blaze (book 2 in Phoenix Rising series) by Joan Swan

Blaze
Release date September 25th 2012

The hotter they come, the harder they fall…

With a man like him, every mission becomes personal…

Ever since FBI agent Keira O’Shay started tracking a young boy named Mateo, she’s felt a connection even her empathic abilities can’t explain. She needs to save Mateo from the cult leader holding him hostage. Nothing can interfere with that—not even the reappearance of Luke Ransom, the hot-as-hell fire captain she’s regretted walking out on for three long years.


Losing Keira left Luke vulnerable—in every way. When they were together, the powers each possesses were mysteriously enhanced. But it’s the sexy, surprising woman beneath the tough exterior that Luke’s really missed. Even if she betrayed him utterly. And even if agreeing to help her uncover a government conspiracy means watching his life and his heart go up in flames again…

This is book 2 in Joan Swan's debut book series Phoenix Rising. I have to admit i missed book 1 but am on my way to remedying that sad fact right now. Fever is book one and then Blaze the current release is book 2. You can read them as a stand alone as i had no trouble reading this one by it'self and not feeling to deprived having not read book 1. From what i could gather there were 8 people on a Fire fighting team. There was a explosion in a warehouse that forever changes them and one of them is presumed dead. It's touched on here and there in book 2 so like i said your not out in the cold with no way of figuring out what's happened previously. In the aftermath though all remaining who were in the explosion were left with weird powers.  Keira and Luke used to be together before the explosion that changed them.They haven't seen each other in three years since Keira left to pursue the FBI after Luke gave her a ultimatum. She's a crack shot now. Best in the nation. Keira and Luke, who is now with the ATF run into each other on a mission. One that has gotten kind of personal for Keira. She's tracking a boy and the feelings she gets when touching his picture makes her feel all kind of things she's not sure about. Problem is the boy doesn't speak English so what she hears she can't understand. Keira's power is hearing things. Getting a feel for people by touching their picture or something of theirs or just being in the vicinity. Luke skin is resistant to fire and from bullets apparently. Their powers get ramped up when they are together. Keira's been looking for a little boy by the name of Mateo. She finally finds him but he only speaks Greek so there is a big language barrier. Without that barrier the story would  more simply unfold but nothing is supposed to be that easy in a romantic suspense. lol Now that she has him she's got to figure out the mystery of who he is and what  experiments have been done on him, who he belongs to and who is out to get him back. Lots of mystery to go hand in hand with the past paced action and suspense. This book is filled with intense action but balances out with casual moments and fun witty dialogue. Ms Swan lets you feel like your in on the action like these are real people. You get Luke and Keira's story but you also get glimpses of everyone else from the team. This is what makes you feel invested in the series. I know i want to read more and see what happens next! PS once you read these books you figure out how aptly the books are named for the characters. 5 out of 5 Modokker Book Picks for Blaze by Joan Swan

Find out more about this book and the Phoenix Rising series on Joan Swan's website here www.joanswan.com

Free ebook! 2 days only THE THIRD SCROLL by Dana Marton

Sold into slavery, Tera, a budding healer, is thrust into the savage realm of barbarian warlords, the same realm which claimed her mother years ago. She must avoid the displeasure of her warrior lord and survive the cruelties of the concubines, even as war threatens on the horizon.


Yet a greater danger looms when she catches the eye of the most powerful lord of the land and he takes her for his Pleasure Hall. Tera struggles to escape, while searching for the secret behind her mother’s death. But what she discovers challenges everything she believes in. A path set long ago beckons. A path that could lead to triumph, or the destruction of her world.


Find out more about author Dana Marton on her website here www.danamarton.com/

Buy it from Amazon for free the next two days only June 13th and June 14th here www.amazon.com/Third-Scroll

Book review: Secrets Exposed by Lisa Renee Jones

Her enemy is her passion, her passion is her enemy


Lindsey Paxton was once the number one defense attorney in New York. She fought for those who were innocent, but charged. Her instincts were her lifeline, never failing her, as they guided her in her choices of who to defend. Or so she thought. Until she won a case she would forever wish to have lost. Her client, an accused rapist, kills and rapes a woman only a day after being set free. Destroyed by her role in the woman’s death, Lindsey blames her father’s controlling ways for what she has become, and runs from her career and life. Years later – the past becomes the present . . . Her father has cancer, and Lindsey is forced to leave her career with the Washington branch of the FBI. She finds herself facing the responsibility of running her father’s law firm with the reluctant help of hotshot attorney Mark Reeves, a man who sparks her temper while also managing to tempt her heart. With his help she finds herself fighting the emotional battles of the past, tempted to trust both him and her instincts. Now, faced with a case inherited from her father so similar to her career-ending one, she now must decide if her instincts will lead her down the path to saving an innocent man or setting free another killer. But while she fights her own battles, someone watches, wanting from the past what he had failed to get the first time . . . Lindsey

Secrets Exposed is a prelude novel to the new Lisa Renee Jones Tall Dark and Deadly series. I read a little backward and started with Hot Secrets book 1 in this series. Mark and Lindsey have a small part in it and i found out they had their own book so i needed to check it out.  Lindsey is this confident got it together attorney until she defends a guy accused of rape and wins and the very next day he supposedly rapes and kills a woman. Guilt from that follows her wherever she goes. Her father and her ex-boyfriend are controlling men and between the guilt from the trial and her father and ex she decides she needs a change and joins the FBI and moves to Washington. Unfortunately her father becomes ill from cancer and she has to come back and run his firm. Moving back even temporarily bring with it all the guilt and anxiety from before. Mark Reeves she thinks is her answer. She knows his reputation as an attorney and that he and her dad used to get along until they had a falling out. She needs his help to run the ailing firm that's falling apart and face a new case she inherits from her father that's similar to the rapist case that caused her to lose her nerve. I liked this book but no where near as much as i liked Hot Secrets. I think you can tell how much Lisa Renee Jones has grown as a writer since writing this. There were quite a bit of typos that i can most of the time over look but it got to be annoying. The other thing that was a bit annoying is every time Mark seemed to be getting Lindsey to trust him she would pull out the," He's just trying to control me" card. I get that she has been burned but it was to much finally for me. I had to try and block that out to enjoy the story. Mark is awesome. Plenty of patience and understanding. Lindsey's friend Steve from the FBI is great too. I would love to see him end up in another book. I will say i never guessed who the bad guy was and i had a guess or two. The sex scenes were very sensual and exciting. You could definitely feel the heat between the two characters. I really wanted to tell Lindsey to get a clue and not let Mark get away though. lol She finally complied. Secrets Exposed is a sexy little read with just the right amount of suspense. It can be read as a stand alone though but is connected to the new Tall, Dark and Dangerous series that started with book 1 Hot Secrets in January. 3 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars for Secrets Exposed. This was this past Friday free ebook Friday read.

Find out more about this book and the Tall, Dark and Dangerous Series on Lisa Renee Jones website.www.lisareneejones.com She also has a blog tour going on right now and Modokker Book Picks in on it for March 20th. Come back then to see what it's all about and there will be a prize too. Details on the top right of Lisa Renee Jones home page. Plenty of chances to win.