There is something about McCarty's books that just draws you in and refuses to let go. She has a way with her worlds (and words!) that puts you right there, so you're experiencing every heart break, every loving word, every betrayal, and every laugh.
Striker was no different. I was engulfed in every word from page one, until the very end. This story was filled with so many trust issues, so much love, and a lot of angst, that it really kept me inrigued for what would happen next.
While I felt for the heroine, McCarty also did a great job in making the hero's actions (or inaction) justifiable. It was understanding why he did what he did, but at the same time, I completely understood where the heroine, Maggie, was coming from.
In the end, the entire story tied up nicely, and not without a lot of angst first. ;)
I highly recommend this book, as well as this entire series, to anyone, no matter whether your a historical fan or not.
ABOUT THE BOOK: New York Times bestselling author Monica McCarty continues her Highland Guard series in this tenth steamy historical romance set against the sweeping backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.
When Eoin MacLean decides to fight with Robert the Bruce, he knows he will earn the enmity of his new bride’s father, but he doesn’t expect Margaret MacDowell, the spirited girl he’s fallen in love with, to betray him. Blaming her—and himself for trusting her—for the disaster that led to the death of Bruce’s two brothers, Eoin cuts her out of his heart and leaves her behind with no intention of ever coming back. But when Bruce puts him in charge of conquering the troublesome southwest province of Galloway—ruled by his wife’s father—Eoin reconsiders. Especially after he learns that his treacherous wife who thinks him dead plans to remarry. That’s one wedding he has no intention of missing.
Abby Thompson didn’t sign up to be the daughter of the President of the United States. The position was forced on her by the small matter of her birth. Preferring a quiet life of study, she’s content to leave the politics and the international intrigue to her father. Unfortunately, the most powerful man on the planet is sure to make enemies. When a group of armed thugs takes her hostage half a world away, demanding the U.S. government release prisoners in exchange for her safe return, she fears her father’s policy of “not negotiating with terrorists” means she’ll never see the shores of the Potomac again. Luckily, there’s one glimmer of hope. His name is Carlos Soto. And though she abruptly ended things with him years ago, she knows now he’s the only man who can save her…
Black Knights, Inc. to the Rescue...
Carlos “Steady” Soto has taken part in his fair share of dangerous missions working at the covert government defense firm of Black Knights Inc. But nothing prepared him for the emotional rollercoaster he faces when he’s tasked with rescuing the only woman he ever loved—who also broke his heart. Racing against time and outmaneuvering a group of trained terrorists will take everything he’s got. Plus there’s the heat simmering between them which is threatening to ignite into an inferno. While ruthless enemies stalk them, they must learn to trust each other again. Even if they do make it out alive, will Abby turn her back on him…for the second time?
My review:
Julie has done it again. I tell you, this author delivers over and over again. Want a book that's got action, will have you laugh out loud, squirm in your seat from the sexy scenes, and will make your heart swell? Then seriously, pick up just about anything written by Julie Ann Walker.
Carlos and Abby were great to meet and watch. Their journey isn't one that's simple, nor is their relationship easy. It's filled with danger and challenges, and while both have no problem expressing their attraction to one another, the outside complications make this a story readers won't be able to put down.
It's a fresh story with a sexy twist. It's a read you'll be itching to get your hands on.
Jenna Lacombe needs complete control, whether it’s in the streets . . . or between the sheets. So when she sets out on a solo road trip to visit her family in New Orleans, she’s beyond annoyed that the infuriatingly sexy Jack Oliver wants to hitch a ride with her. Ever since they shared a wild night together last year, he’s been trying to strip away her defenses one by one. He claims he’s just coming along to keep her safe-but what’s not safe for her is prolonged exposure to the tattooed hottie.
Jack can’t get Jenna out from under his skin. She makes him feel alive again after his old life nearly destroyed him-and losing her is not an option. Now Jack’s troubles are catching up to him, and he’s forced to return to his hometown in Louisiana. But when his secrets put them both in harm’s way, Jenna will have to figure out how far she’s willing to let love in . . . and how much she already has.
My review:
This was so much better than books one and two. I seriously did not want to put it down.
Getting to the thick of it: Jenna needs to go home. She thinks the reason could possibly be BS, but the road trip across a few states from college to her home is something she's willing to do. Well, toss in a man who drives her crazy and who she is insanely attracted to, oh, and make sure to throw in a past one night stand and watch the fireworks light up.
Jack loves every minute of it. But all funny aside, he also wants to show Jenna just how much he cares. Only problem? Jenna doesn't want to hear any of it.
This was a great read. Toward the tail end there was a lot of action going on, both internally with these characters, and externally. I can definitely say if you pick this book up, you won't want to put it down. Great read.
I fell really behind on reviews and I'm blaming that on the Outlander series. This book, however, was extremely engaging. Frustrating, but engaging.
I found Jax to be this dark, sensual type of hero. And Riley was the exact opposite of him. It's basically a good girl meets bad guy story, with a twist that both play games with one another.
Here's what I wish for this story, though, and the reason I marked it down: I wish there would have been a bit more development that showed the relationship building outside of s.e.x. Those scenes are hot, don't get me wrong, but I found their feelings didn't match what they were showing on the pages.
The beginning of the book really kicks off with a bang and moves quickly, but unfortunately that slows down. There's a lot going on with these two and their history, and it's important in how the two develop.
It's definitely a book to read, especially if your want to gear your taste more toward erotica.
Loved the catch up we see with old, yet very loved characters. The pregnancy in this story is the driving factor, along with the very real problems that exist after a happy ever after.
Ms. Shalvis has a way with words, and a way about her stories that make you feel as if you're right there along side, getting every detail down. This town is one that I hope she continues, and one I wished existed!
Vanessa Campbell is a CPA by day and a perfectionist by night. She's fit, successful...and decidedly lonely. She can't stop thinking about the youngest McCauley brother, Cameron. He's just like her: smart, attractive, and usually right—except when dealing with her.
...But Someone's Got To Do It.
Cameron McCauley likes Vanessa a little too well. She's a blond goddess with a razor-sharp tongue. She hates to be wrong, just like him. But she can hold a grudge and is stubborn to a fault—also like him.
A past misunderstanding has them rubbing each other the wrong way. Cam is dying to shake Vanessa up—get her to let loose. But if he succeeds, can his heart handle it?
MY REVIEW: This series has only gotten better with time. Granted, the book I’m looking forward to the most is the next one, but this one was a treat, too. The writing and story is engaging, fresh, and hot.
Here are two individuals that color between the lines and learn, when they’re together, that breaking out and going wild can be fun, too. The control these two have separately is astounding, but once they get together, the tolerance and restraint goes right out the window.
I loved watching their barriers crumble, and also getting updates on the rest of the family. This is a book you won’t want to put down, and one that will have you screaming for the next installment of perfect.
Ten years had passed since the doors slammed shut behind Decker Calhoun, taking away his freedom, but more importantly, locking him away from Elizabeth Waters, the only woman he’d ever loved—the woman he’d given up everything for.
The day he was sentenced, he’d looked at her and said, No regrets, Lizzie. But he lied, because he did have one. Although he’s been out of jail for three years now, he was a year too late. Lizzie never knew how he felt and just months before he was released, she found somebody else and it’s too late.
Or maybe not. It seems that Lizzie’s boyfriend wants an open relationship and two can play at that game. Now all Decker has to do is convince Lizzie that he’s the better man…and has been all along
MY REVIEW: My only complaint with this book was that I wish it was longer! It was a fast read with lots of suspense and a ton of hotness thrown in. Ms. Walker has a way with words and a way about really amping up the heat.
Decker and Lizzy were perfect for one another, and although it looked as if she had already moved on (much to Decker’s dismay), things weren’t exactly how they seemed. I loved how Ms. Walker threw in a bit of conflict here so it didn’t seem like the typical perfect story. Of course those make the best reads!
I couldn’t put this book down and I think you won’t be able to, either.
As the brains behind wedding site TyingTheKnot.com, Callie sees it all: from the ring to the dress, the smiles . . . to the tears. It's that last part that keeps her single and not looking. Getting left at the altar will do that to a girl. But when Callie returns to her old hometown, she finds that her sweet high school crush is sexier than ever. And he makes it hard to remember why she's sworn off love . . .
Tanner is a deep-sea diver with a wild, adrenaline-junkie past—and now his teenage son is back in his life. How can Tanner be a role model when he's still paying for his own mistakes? It's hard enough that gorgeous Callie has appeared in town like a beautiful dream, challenging his best-laid plans to keep his heart on lockdown. Though there's something about being around her again that makes him feel like he can be the man she—and his son—deserve. Little Lucky Harbor holds their past; can it hold a beautiful new future?
MY REVIEW:
I tell you what—Lucky Harbor once again is a place I want to visit. Ms Shalvis has made it that way with her vivid characters and clear descriptive words. Her characters are ones I often finish a book thinking they are friends. This book is no different.
Poor Callie had a lot of issues to work past (which book hasn’t?), and Tanner’s pushy ways didn’t help matters. Despite what she originally though, this was indeed, a very good thing. Toss in a kid that gives him hell, and pushes him to be the dad he needs to be, and a whirlwind of conflict paves the way for both.
The catch and release in this story was very moving, and highly emotional. All of it combined, along with the friends each have, forced these two to really open their hearts and minds to the possibility of something more.
It was an engaging read, and a story that will leave you wanting more, and will have you keying in for airline tickets to visit.
For too long, Miss Jane Burke’s father has taken advantage of her painstaking research. Heading to the South Seas to make her own name as a scientist despite the crew’s insistence that a woman aboard is bad luck, she isn't prepared to be championed by a handsome ship’s officer who rouses longings inside her as wild as any storm…
For Lieutenant Charles Dance, a post on His Majesty’s survey ship Tenacious is just one more dutiful rung on the ladder of his career. Even a headstrong bluestocking on board is less troubling than the ship’s drunken captain—and the ferocious gales that drive the ship off course. Stranded on a remote island, passion blazes between them as hot as the sun, but it’s Jane’s love Charles wants forever…
MY REVIEW:
Falling in love on the sea is challenging. Falling in love when you’re pretending is next to impossible, but Ms. Essex makes it happen!
Our heroine, Jane, deceives her way aboard a ship where everyone is already suspicious of things that have happened. Toss in the Captain dying an untimely death, and that death being covered up, a new Captain taking over (who really isn’t a Captain), and the old wives tale of bad luck = women aboard a ship and what do you get? Action packed love story with a twist.
This read was engaging and full of suspense. The longing and conflict between the hero and heroine made the pages turn. It was a great read, and one many readers will eat up faster than any ship can move.