Showing posts with label The One I Want. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Saving Jen by Ellie Masters {a review}

Ellie Masters has just released Saving Jen! This is the fifth book in the One I Want series, and it is a hard hitting, emotional story. This book is nothing like the previous four books, but it is still just as wonderful. Saving Jen is a steamy, second chance, contemporary romantic suspense. It features a protective hero and the smart, feisty heroine who steals his heart.

In Saving Jen, we have Jen and Patton. They have been married for a while now, and are trying to add to their family. Jen has had multiple losses, and it's taking an emotional toll. (as it should) Patton isn't dealing with the same emotions, or at least he isn't vocal about them. They continue to live their lives. He works for the military, and Jen is an EMT. When tensions rise in the community, it is becoming unsafe for the public, but Jen and Patton still need to do their jobs. But Jen working her job is causing issues with Patton. He would rather she stay home and be safe versus putting herself in danger. Their emotions are already elevated when tragedy strikes. This leads to conflict in the relationship, and an uncertain future. Can these two find a way to talk things out? Can they mend their relationship? Or is this it for Jen and Patton? Also, with the turmoil in the community, can both of them remain safe?

Having read the previous 4 books in the series, I thought I had a good idea of what to expect with the premise of the stories. Saving Jen proved to me that I was 100% wrong. This book threw me a curve ball, and at first I wasn't sure what to do. You see since the last two books were set in the same small town, I assumed we'd be headed back. Part of me also assumed that previous characters would either make an appearance, or at least be mentioned. That wasn't the case though. Which is fine. It just caught me off guard based on the previous books. As the story progressed, I was all in.

First, this is a marriage in trouble book. So it is our couple working through their issues, and finding a way to return to each other to make their relationship work. Loved that. Jen is a EMT in California, and her husband Patton is in the military.

Second, this book is emotion filled. Those emotions are not just from our main characters, but also from the storyline going on in the background. It's intense. It's real. It's just a lot. And I enjoyed every minute of it.

There were times in this book where Patton just had me shaking my head, as I was so frustrated with him. Then when he said what he said after that one incident? UGH! I was devastated for Jen. So when everything blew up, and the conflict kicked in, I wasn't sure how they were going to come out the other side.

Jen had me feeling the same at times. Part of me thinks if she had opened up about her feelings, then maybe all of this could have been avoided. But then at the same time that wouldn't have given the conflict for our characters to work through.

Loved the book. Love the series. Cannot wait for the next.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts. I hope you'll consider picking up Saving Jen, and giving it a read.

Laura

A story of the deepest love, tragic loss, and a chance for Redemption.

Jennifer
While our cities burn, I face devastation on the streets, saving lives while my marriage falls apart. I once thought Patton and I could survive anything, but we’re not coming out of this unscathed. We’ve lost too much and our love is stretched beyond the breaking point. The choices I make aren’t easy, but at the end of a long and brutal night, I’ll see what remains of both my city and the love of the man I can’t live without.

Patton
Overcome with grief, I walked away. The love of my life is on the streets, doing what she does best. Jen's saving lives, but when she goes missing in the middle of the riots, I can no longer ignore the truth. She’s my wife. My love. She's my life. I may not be worthy of redemption, but I will bring my wife home.

Will the riots and civil unrest destroy Patton and Jennifer's second chance for a happily ever after? Or does fate have something else in store?

(Saving Jen was previously published as Patton.)

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EXCERPT

All we needed was one spark to ignite the city. The situation had been escalating for some time. Overzealous media and corrupt politicians fed the fire, weaving truth and lies into an intricate web, never once letting facts get in the way.

Nobody really knew what started the riots, but some traced it back to a drive-by shooting in San Francisco. Bullets sprayed from a car. People were wounded. A small child died. The community banded together for a public vigil, angry about the gangs, frustrated by the failure of the police, and fearful for their futures. Words were exchanged and then fists. Citizens went on a rampage.

We braced for the worst, foreseeing the chaos which would surely result.

This is but one story of what happened in the days and weeks leading up to the riots … It’s my story: a story of the deepest love, tragic loss, and a chance for redemption.

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AMAZON
US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

99c for a limited time!

AMAZON
US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

AMAZON
US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

Coming Soon

Releasing July 31

AMAZON
US / UK / CA / AU

Meet Ellie Masters

Ellie writes the kind of heart-stopping, pulse-pounding, can't-stop-reading romance filled with all your sexy, swoon-worthy, alpha men. They have to be, because the heroines Ellie writes are strong women with take charge attitudes.

International, bestselling, multi-genre author, Ellie writes the stories she loves to read. Dark romance lover? Sweet contemporary romance? How about a romantic suspense to whet your appetite? Ellie writes it all. Don't wait any longer, your next book boyfriend is waiting for you.

Born in the South, raised under the Hawaiian sun, Ellie has traveled the globe while in service to her country. The love of her life, her amazing husband, is her number one fan and biggest supporter. And yes! He's read every word she's written.

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Thank you to Ellie Masters, and Give Me Books PR, for providing me with an advanced copy of Saving Jen.

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Saving Dani by Ellie Masters {a review}

Ellie Masters is back with another new release. Saving Dani is the latest addition to the One I Want series, and get ready reader friends because this one was so good. Although I feel like I say that about all the books in this series.

In Saving Dani, we meet Dani Studor and Alexander "Dax" Kingston. Dani is attending college to become a veterinarian, and this semester is winding down. Things are a bit rough with her fiancee, and Dani decides to end things once and for all. With spring break coming up, Dani decides to head home to spend time with her dad, and hopefully catch up with her friend Cate. Meanwhile, Dax's military career has just ended, and he's feeling a bit lost. He knows he should head home to Texas to be with his family, but the tension with his dad is keeping him away. He'll get there eventually, but first a road trip to see the US. Before he leaves on this road trip though, he visits a shelter, and ends up adopting the perfect dog for him. Together these two drive from Florida to Montana. Shortly after arriving to Bear Creek, Montana, Dax finds himself in the local diner where he overhears a conversation. Turns out one of the locals needs help during calving season, and well Dax is just the man for the job. A few days later Dax is driving along when he sees a vehicle on the side of the road, and a woman who appears to be struggling with changing a tire. He offers his assistance, she doesn't want it, but concedes that the lug nuts are too tight for her to release. And that is when Dani and Dax meet for the first time. No names are exchanged, and Dax drives off after loosening those lug nuts. Imagine his surprise the next morning when Dani finds him in the river where he's taking a quick bath. Friends, this is just the beginning of their story. Everything that happens during the river scene, to the discussion with her dad, to the fair, to her ex showing up, to the revelation of just who Dax is, it all just captures the readers attention.

Do I even need to say how much I enjoyed this book? Do I? Because I absolutely adored it. From the initial meet-cute on the side of the road, to the scene at the river, and every other part of the story, I was all in. I was drawn to Dax. There is something about him that just attracts you to him. There's a pull. Part of it may have been how he omitted little facts about who he is, the experience he has with cattle, his military background, and everything else that just makes Dax who he is. Dani is a strong, independent woman, who is capable of so much. Asking for help is something she isn't used to doing, and so she struggles with that. Dani is also a bit reserved about sensitive subjects, and gets uncomfortable when they are discussed. Together though, her and Dax are explosive. Dax brings out a side of Dani that she did not existed. The setting of Saving Dani is obviously gorgeous. I mean it's Montana, how can it not be? The characters of course drew me in, and I loved getting to reconnect with familiar faces from previous books. The story is so much more than just a love story. It's also about accepting the help that is offered to you, and trusting that you'll still be alright in the end. It is also about a family reconnecting, and moving on from the pains of the past. It's just so good.

You know I'm recommending this book, right? Of course you do. Whether you like small town romances, military romances, a bit of romantic suspense, somewhat of a forced proximity, or the feeling that the characters are soul mates, you need to read Saving Dani. Also, Saving Dani is the FOURTH book in the One I Want series, but it can be read as a standalone since each book focuses on a different couple. It's just that some of the characters you'll meet do have their own stories out there, so why not start from the beginning with Saving Ariel. I think you'll really enjoy them.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Saving Dani. It is a wonderful story, and I hope you'll give it a read.

Laura

BLURB

Air Force special ops, Dax Kingston is a military Pararescue Jumper who swoops in to save the day, rescue the wounded, and bring peace to the world. That is... until he becomes one of the wounded.

With his injuries, the Air Force sends him on his way and he’s left to say goodbye to the only life that ever mattered. Adrift without purpose, he takes his beat-up pickup truck and his trusty dog on the open road, looking for something, anything to ease his troubled mind.

What he doesn’t count on is the spitfire, slip of a girl he finds stranded on the side of the road. Dani hits all his buttons, takes none of his flack, and won’t let him fix her flat.

She makes him feel things he never thought he could feel, and while he’s determined to reel her in, she fights every step of the way.

Sparks fly. Tempers flare. But, he knows she’s his one.

There’s only one problem.

Dani's nursing a broken heart and wants nothing to do with love.

Will Dax and Dani lose their chance at a happily ever after? Or will true love prevail?

Saving Dani is a steamy, second chance, contemporary romantic suspense about love at first sight. It features a protective hero and the smart, feisty heroine who steals his heart. If you believe in true love and soulmates, this story is your happily ever after.

Get your copy today and let the binge-reading begin.

(Saving Dani was previously published as Dax.)

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EXCERPT

“I want sleepless nights and conversations without end. I want passion, madness, and someone who will make my entire body shiver with one look from across a crowded room. I want someone who will pull me close and make me feel as if I not only belong, but am an indispensable part of them. I want them to see my flaws, embrace them, and show me how they’re my greatest strengths. I want love without compromise. I want to face the storm and know I’m not alone. I don’t want an ordinary love. I want the impossible.”

I bare my soul, giving him everything in one breath. Then I sit still. My chest heaves. My heart pounds. Regret creeps into my thoughts.

What the hell have I done?

He says nothing, yet his thoughts are telegraphed in the movements of his body. In the tensing of his legs. In the way his breaths hitch. He tells me everything.

He splays his hand across my belly, keeping his touch modest and yet at the same time, incredibly sensual. Possessive. Protective.

Dax’s chest swells with the deepness of his breath, then it’s as if his entire body curves around mine, claiming me as his own.

He wraps his arms around me, sheltering me. The warmth of his breath whispers past my ear, sending a shiver down my spine and a tickle shooting up my neck.

I tilt my head back against his shoulder.

“That’s…” He clears his throat. “That’s not what I was expecting.” He tugs on the reins and his horse ambles to a stop. “Who hurt you? Who took your heart and broke it?”

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FREE for a limited time!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Always free in Kindle Unlimited

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

COMING SOON

Releasing February 22

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Releasing July 31

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AUTHOR BIO

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AUTHOR LINKS

Thank you to Ellie Masters, and Give Me Books PR, for providing me with an advanced copy of Saving Dani.

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Saving Cate by Ellie Masters {a review}

Ellie Masters has done it again. She has written a story that captivated me from the beginning. I did not want to put Saving Cate down, as I was fully invested in Cate and Caleb's story. Rescuing Cate is a steamy, second chance, contemporary romantic suspense, about love at first sight. It features a protective hero and the smart, feisty heroine who steals his heart. If you believe in true love and soulmates, this story will give you the happily ever after you seek.

If you read Saving Brie, then you may recall meeting Cate at the end of that story. It was a nice segue into the next book. Cate is a wilderness tour guide. She knows the land quite well, and is extremely confident in her skills and knowledge. After all her Dad taught her so much, and then there was all the exploring she did as a child/teen with Caleb. When the news trickles in that there are two missing people, Cate quickly gets the information and basically TELLS the men that she is joining in the search. They cannot talk her out of it, which is a good thing since she knows the land. Not long after she and the others are out searching, Caleb arrives back in town. He's been gone for years, and currently has a break from all the missions he has been on with the military. After visiting the local diner, he learns of the missing hikers. Caleb immediately knows that Cate is involved in the search, and he knows that she will find them. BUT Caleb also knows that he can't sit this one out. With his skills, he can help. And it is up in that mountain where Cate and Caleb see each other for the first time in years. The heartache is still strong, the desire is still intense, but Cate cannot focus on that. She needs to focus on bringing these two women to safety. Anything having to do with Caleb will have to wait. But will Caleb stick around, or will he leave town again? Will he leave her again. Cate may be a strong independent woman, but her heart is still broken from years ago.

There is SO MUCH that happens in Saving Cate. Not only do we have that search and rescue going on, but we have the drama between Cate and Caleb. Plus there is the towns interest in the outcome of their relationship. The town has witnessed these two grow up, fall in love, have their hearts broken, and have been there to help pick up the pieces. This second chance romance drew me in and held me hostage until the very last page. Caleb always wanted to get out of this small town, and well Cate, she had her reasons for never wanting to leave. Her reasons were deep, emotional, and filled with heartache. Once you understand all that she has been through, it's easy to agree with her. But there is also that part that everyone else is trying to get through to her, but until something major happens, Cate isn't going to listen. Saving Cate had our characters working overtime for their HEA. That HEA definitely did not come easy, but in the end, all that they had to go through made their HEA that much sweeter. You may recall that in the first two books of The One I Want series that there was some suspense surrounding our characters. Ariel was trying to get people off an oil rig during a hurricane, and Brie was working on finding a sunken treasure while modern day pirates about to take over. That was a lot. It was intense. It made me love the stories that much more. In Saving Cate, there wasn't that same level of suspense. Yes there was the missing hikers, but that was more so a way for our characters to reconnect. So this book was missing that suspense element that I had come to expect. Don't get me wrong, I still fully enjoyed Cate and Caleb, and there was that situation that Caleb had to deal with, but it wasn't something that our couple had to work together on to perservere. Ya know? Does it really matter? No, no it doesn't. No matter what Cate and Caleb's second chance romance was a wonderful story.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go double check Goodreads to see when the next book in the series will be releasing!

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Saving Cate. It is my hope that by sharing the books that I do, that you will find a new romance to read and enjoy. Happy Reading.

Laura

BLURB

True love isn’t about falling in love. Sometimes it’s about letting go…

Caleb broke what should never have been broken. He made a mistake and walked away from his soulmate to join the Marines and become the man she deserves. Now grief has stolen Cate's smiles. He did that. He destroyed her happiness.

When he returns as a Delta Force Operative, the elite of the elite, he’s not prepared for the woman she’s become, or how her feelings for him have changed. She’s smart, feisty, fiercely independent, and hates his guts.

A blizzard, a mountain rescue, and an overly affectionate dog will unite them. They’ll have to work together to survive, but she doesn't want him to stay.

If she won’t accept they’re meant to be together, she’s in for a fight because he’s never giving up.

Will Caleb and Cate rekindle their lost love? Or is this the end?

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

EXCERPT

He takes a step toward me.

I shift back.

“You’re not running from this.” The muscles of his jaw bunch, and he gives a slow shake of his head.

“Caleb …”

“You’re more beautiful than freshly fallen snow.”

I hold out a hand, trying to stave him off, and take another step back.

He steps toward me. “You’re mesmerizing like a spring rain and more vibrant than the flowers poking up through the snow. You’re wild like fall leaves blowing with wintery gusts. You’re my eternal summer, my endless fall, the warm embrace of winter, with all the hopes of spring to carry me through. You can’t run from this. You can’t run from us.”

I stare at him, defiant and afraid. He isn’t letting this go.

Our gazes lock in a silent battle while he advances and I retreat. A war rages between us until tears rise in my eyes when I can no longer deny the truth.

“Why did you have to come back? Why couldn’t you stay away?” Tears roll down my cheeks as he heaves a deep sigh.

We stand for a moment, simply feeling each other’s presence.

For what seems an eternity, I feel the beating of my heart. It wants to run to him, but I hold it back.

Not exactly sure when he moves, or how he crosses the remaining space between us, I gasp as he grabs my arm. My heart skips a beat, and I try to yank free.

He cups my chin and backs me against the heavy front door. There’s nowhere to run, not that I would.

He forces me to look at him, to breathe him in, and absorb every detail, every nuance of his expression. In him, I see the boy who grew into a powerful man. His determined stare, blue eyes blown out by the dark depths of his lust, and the hitch in his breath, tells me everything I need to know.

He loves me too.

ALSO AVAILABLE

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

COMING SOON

Releasing October 19

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Releasing February 22

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Releasing July 31

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

AUTHOR BIO

Don't forget to sign up for her newsletter. Never miss another release, sale, or exclusive.

AUTHOR LINKS

Thank you to Ellie Masters, and Give Me Books PR, for providing me with an advanced copy of Saving Cate.

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Saving Brie {a review}

My name is Laura and I LOVE ROMANTIC SUSPENSE BOOKS!

After having read Saving Ariel, I knew that I was going to continue on with The One I Want series. I knew I was going to get some great suspense, and Saving Brie did not let me down. If you are looking for a strong female lead, a bit of instalove, and a some suspense, then be sure to go grab Saving Brie.

In Saving Brie, we have Brent Calloway who is determined to find a sunken ship. He has a rough idea of where it is, he has the boat to get there, and he has someone to dive with. What he doesn't have is a lot of time, and now someone to captain the boat. That is until he meets Brie Hamilton. She quickly puts him in his place regarding the fact that she is a woman in an industry filled with men. She informs him that she is more than capable of captaining his vessel, and after negotiating the job, she agrees to take on the task. It is after they are on the boat that the attraction starts ramping up for both of them. Then there is Brent's partner, and well he is trying to make his intentions clear as well. Thankfully Brie only has eyes for Brent (and her job). Soon enough the arrive to the coordinates that Brent has, and the diving begins. Can these two work together and put their feelings aside? Or will they end up falling for each other? No matter what, they are going to need to work together because trouble is headed their way.

Oh what to even say about Saving Brie? I mean obviously I enjoyed it. That goes without saying. I will say that Brie and Brent's introduction wasn't my favorite thing in the world, but at the same time it showed how feisty Brie is, and how she's not afraid to speak her mind when it comes to the things she is passionate about. She went toe to toe with Brent when she felt it was necessary. I liked how everything happened on the boat. From the discovery of what they were looking for, to the way things kept happening, to the big suspenseful moment. And oh that moment. That was something. I mean I did kind of see that coming, but I doubted myself occasionally. Loved Brie and Brent together, and how everything happened with them.

If you are a fan of romantic suspense, you need to read this series! Start with Saving Ariel, as there is a slight tie in, but you will not regret it. If you do read Saving Brie (or Saving Ariel), let me know. I'd love to discuss. Also, keep an eye out for Saving Cate! It is releasing September 21, and it sounds AMAZING!

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,
Laura

Treasure hunting leaves little room for romance…

Brie Hamilton has learned to trust logic, not emotion. Fairy tale endings and love at first sight simply don’t exist. Then a sexy historian hires her to captain his research vessel and she starts to question everything—including why she shouldn’t sleep with her boss…

Brent Calloway has spent his career hunting for sunken treasure. Now, the biggest discovery of his life is finally within reach. When he suddenly loses his captain, he needs to scramble fast and find a replacement. He just never expected his new employee to be a woman. Now, the keys to the success of the entire operation—and maybe even his heart—are in her gorgeous, capable hands.

But treasure tends to attract trouble—and in this case, that means treacherous enemies and even a few modern-day pirates. Looks like Brie and Brent will have to fight more than the lure of forbidden desire if they want to find their happily ever after…

Saving Brie is a steamy, instalove, contemporary romantic suspense about love at first sight. It features a protective hero and the smart, feisty heroine who steals his heart.

(Saving Brie was originally published as Brent.)