Christmas in Silver Springs brings a bit of redemption and second chances. This one isn't really what I would consider a Christmas romance. It's Christmastime, but the romance is more about moving on and learning your own heart. I will say that I didn't much care for the timing on Harper's end. It reminded me of an old expression I heard once - the best way to get over one man is to find another. It was just too much like a rebound relationship. That said, Tobias is such a sweetheart that I couldn't help but root for him. He does have a jaded past, and I liked that the author didn't make him the victim in it all. He's paid for his mistakes, and he's only looking to get on with his life. Despite the bad timing on Harper's end, I still liked her. She had some stuff to work through and did the best she could with what she had. I may have started with reservations about it, but Brenda Novak certainly won me over with a romance that is just the right mix of sweet and sexy, and a couple that is thoroughly lovable, faults and all.

So much for forever. When Harper Devlin’s rock star husband ditches her on his way to the top, she takes her two daughters to her sister’s place in Silver Springs for the holidays, hoping family can heal her broken heart. But comfort comes in unexpected places when she crosses paths with local Tobias Richardson. The moment Tobias spots Harper, he recognizes a sadness he knows all too well. After spending thirteen years in prison paying for his regretful past, Tobias is ready to make amends, and maybe helping Harper is the way to do it. But offering her a shoulder to cry on ignites a powerful attraction and a desire neither saw coming. Fearing her reaction, Tobias doesn’t reveal his checkered past. He’s falling hard, and if Harper finds out, he’ll lose her for good, especially because her famous ex is now trying to win her back. Secrets have a way of coming out, but maybe this Christmas will bring Tobias the forgiveness—and the love—he deserves.

I’ve seen this author’s name many times over the years but hadn’t had a chance to read any of her books so I was happy to get the opportunity to try this one. This was about two people who have gone through a lot that need each other to find happiness in the end. I really enjoyed the story and highly recommend. 

**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Her Darkest Nightmare - Brenda Novak Please see all of my reviews on my blog at https://www.robinlovesreading.com.

Well, Dr. Evelyn Talbot’s plans for Hanover House has come to fruition. When she approached the powers that be to build a special maximum-security facility in order to do exclusive studies on the psychopath prisoners who were to be transferred there, she met with stiff opposition. Evelyn is a psychiatrist who excels in her knowledge of the insanely criminal minds.

It has been a few months and, for the most part, things are coming along quite nicely. The only hitch in Evelyn’s life at this point is that her budding relationship with Sergeant Amarok has ended rather badly. There didn’t seem to be much hope in the beginning, as he was one of the most vocal opposers. But their break-up was for different reasons.

Until now, the small Alaskan town had been spared of brutal violence. Shockingly, however, a mutilated body is discovered, thus setting everyone on edge. Could one of the prisoners have escaped? Did Evelyn bring this horror to this town? Speaking of horror, Evelyn was running away from it as well as staring it directly in the face. In the prequel of the series, Hanover House, as well as in this book, Evelyn’s incredibly tragic past is recounted. While she was a teen, she was kidnapped, imprisoned and tortured by her boyfriend for days. This is why Evelyn does what she does. She is determined to figure out why some people behave as they do.

Amarok quickly does whatever he can to protect Evelyn, and his town. The terror that is being confronted is at war with the feelings the two are desperately trying to fight. Is Evelyn still in danger from the man who hurt her twenty years ago, or is there someone in that close community committing these horrific acts?

This story is ripe with drama. There is the new danger facing the town. There is the dangerous element within the walls of the prison, and not necessarily just the prisoners! The all-consuming passion that Evelyn and Amarok are fighting, in large part due to their age difference, is mentioned numerous times...almost to the point of annoyance.

This multi-layered story effectively deals with each issue. For those who enjoy a dark story, no worries there. Each chapter is preceded by a creepy quote from a real-life serial killer, thus setting the tone for the overall story. There is also a significant amount of gruesomeness. If you are a lover of romance, the relationship that evolves between Evelyn and Amarok is handled with patience. Then there is the edge-of-your-seat suspense flowing throughout the pages. I was kept guessing as to who the killer was. Definite shock therapy! Finally, the ending was absolutely bone chilling.

I have the next two books in the series, Hello Again and Face Off, but I need a break from the darkness. I am definitely anxious as to whether or not Evelyn’s darkest fears will be realized.

Her Darkest Nightmare - Brenda Novak Please see all of my reviews on my blog at https://www.robinlovesreading.com.

Well, Dr. Evelyn Talbot’s plans for Hanover House has come to fruition. When she approached the powers that be to build a special maximum-security facility in order to do exclusive studies on the psychopath prisoners who were to be transferred there, she met with stiff opposition. Evelyn is a psychiatrist who excels in her knowledge of the insanely criminal minds.

It has been a few months and, for the most part, things are coming along quite nicely. The only hitch in Evelyn’s life at this point is that her budding relationship with Sergeant Amarok has ended rather badly. There didn’t seem to be much hope in the beginning, as he was one of the most vocal opposers. But their break-up was for different reasons.

Until now, the small Alaskan town had been spared of brutal violence. Shockingly, however, a mutilated body is discovered, thus setting everyone on edge. Could one of the prisoners have escaped? Did Evelyn bring this horror to this town? Speaking of horror, Evelyn was running away from it as well as staring it directly in the face. In the prequel of the series, Hanover House, as well as in this book, Evelyn’s incredibly tragic past is recounted. While she was a teen, she was kidnapped, imprisoned and tortured by her boyfriend for days. This is why Evelyn does what she does. She is determined to figure out why some people behave as they do.

Amarok quickly does whatever he can to protect Evelyn, and his town. The terror that is being confronted is at war with the feelings the two are desperately trying to fight. Is Evelyn still in danger from the man who hurt her twenty years ago, or is there someone in that close community committing these horrific acts?

This story is ripe with drama. There is the new danger facing the town. There is the dangerous element within the walls of the prison, and not necessarily just the prisoners! The all-consuming passion that Evelyn and Amarok are fighting, in large part due to their age difference, is mentioned numerous times...almost to the point of annoyance.

This multi-layered story effectively deals with each issue. For those who enjoy a dark story, no worries there. Each chapter is preceded by a creepy quote from a real-life serial killer, thus setting the tone for the overall story. There is also a significant amount of gruesomeness. If you are a lover of romance, the relationship that evolves between Evelyn and Amarok is handled with patience. Then there is the edge-of-your-seat suspense flowing throughout the pages. I was kept guessing as to who the killer was. Definite shock therapy! Finally, the ending was absolutely bone chilling.

I have the next two books in the series, Hello Again and Face Off, but I need a break from the darkness. I am definitely anxious as to whether or not Evelyn’s darkest fears will be realized.