She’s a straight-arrow, by-the-rules Alaskan State trooper so Kate Holiday’s objective when it comes to investigating a local band of secretive commandos in remote Grizzly Harbor is clear – disband Alaska Force and arrest them, but she didn’t count on the diabolical temptation of Templeton Cross. He’s always been good at keeping his game face on and his emotions hidden, but working with Kate brings memories of losses, Templeton prefers to keep locked up tight. With pressure mounting and Christmas drawing closer, it’s a given that someone is going to get hurt.

This ‘Alaska Force’ romance is a slow burn romance that requires a lot of hard work as both parties are determined not to give in to their emotions, the electrical chemistry or the heat building up between them, but it seems the more they fight it, the harder they will fall. These strong, vibrant characters captures hearts and provides a delightfully entertaining courtship that makes readers chuckle. Lots of emotions – not matter how much the hero and heroine try to keep them locked down – flow the pages as Templeton and Kate try to uncover who is behind some mysterious incidents that surround the Alaska Force.

The plot is fast paced and full exciting events and snaky commentary that builds thrilling suspense and adrenaline pumping excitement through the story which keeps readers on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. Some ‘What the… twists and turns keeps readers guessing and a hero that spends his time trying to convince his careful, wary trooper that there is more to the holidays makes readers hold on tight to this intense, satisfying and entertaining holiday read.

His old friend’s sister is all grown up and smack of a dangerous murder investigation and while the last thing Blue Hendricks needs is trouble, he didn’t become a SEAL to turn his back on the hard stuff. Her murdered roommate’s body has vanished and Everly Campbell fears she’s next. Desperate, she runs to a remote Alaskan town to find a man she only vaguely remembers. Blue wants to keep things all business, but as the men on Everly’s tail draw closer, Blue will do anything to protect the woman he’s starting to think of as his…

The first book in the ‘Alaska Force’ series is an engaging and suspenseful read that draws readers in and refuses to let go. The strong, compelling characters are easily connected to and readers can’t help but enjoy the gruff Navy SEAL Blue Hendricks that tries his best to keep his distance from the spunky Everly. The chemistry is positively electrical and the emotions are wrenchingly gripping as this couple try to determine just what happened to Everly’s roommate. However, the relationship has a bit of an obstacle in regards to Blue’s past and the angst that stems from it, keeping the happily ever after in question throughout.

The whole group of military men in a remote Alaska wilderness captures readers’ imaginations and sends hearts pounding from the very beginning as the author sets up a smorgasbord of temptation for books in this series. In this one, the plot is steady paced and full of suspense that keeps the anticipation building and as the danger escalates so does the adrenaline pumping excitement. And with a couple of stunning twists, throws everything the reader thought completely out the door in this fascinating and exhilarating romance.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

After being sent to the hospital twice over her shellfish allergy, Mariah is starting to think there is something nefarious going on. She's in the middle of getting a divorce from her emotionally abusive husband who doesn't want the embarrassment of a divorce as he is gearing up to run for office. Her late night YouTube surfing has led her to contact a group of men who call themselves Alaska Force.

Griffin isn't a fan of prissy blonde women after he found his wife and bestfriend were cheating on him. He's days as a Marine sniper have given a particular set of skills but have also made him think he shouldn't be around civilians. When Mariah shows up looking for help, his guard is instantly up.

While Alaska Force tries to determine is Mariah is really in danger, Griffin fights his own battle against falling for the client.

They were men without ties. Some without pasts.

The Alaska Force is made up of former military men, second in the series Sniper's Pride, focuses on Griffin. I have not read the first in the series but I had no problem jumping in here as the author gives sufficient background on the group and how everyone ties in together. Our heroine Mariah is a new character and has the grace and backbone of a girl who grew-up on the wrong side of the tracks and had to survive the snake pit of high society.

Griffin came off a bit harsh with Mariah in the beginning, he was making her pay for the pain his ex-wife cost him, I'm not sure I fully forgave him for his attitude. It was also excessively pushed how he felt he couldn't be around civilians. I read a good amount of romantic suspense, so maybe I'm just worn on this trope but I felt there wasn't enough given of Griffin's personality for me to believe in why he felt this way. Griffin says it over and over, the telling me all the time but not showing which leads me to not feeling.

Mariah was the stronger of the two characters, her admitting that she married to escape her family and poverty, to building up enough self-esteem to leave her marriage, and standing up to Griffin. Her character was sweet, strong, and funny. The chemistry between the two wasn't as strong as I would have liked, a lot of my issues was due to how rude Griffin could be to her at times. Their first sex scene felt a bit out of nowhere and their “I love yous” seemed very quick.

We get to see a couple of the other members of the Alaska Force, a teased romance between the founder and a grumpy cafe owner, but I would have liked to have seen more scenes between all the guys or Griffin's friendship with them, I think it would have filled out his character more.

All in all, this was basic line romantic suspense, Griffin was a bit cardboard cut-out alpha male, the villain was kind of fantastical, and the danger had the heroine needing to be rescued. Tropes that rom suspense readers look for, they just weren't given a fresh feel or much umph behind them.

A Cinderella tale gone wrong, a mysterious group of former military men, and a vegan sandwich 

Sniper's Pride by Megan Crane purchase link

Ultimate Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Sandwich recipe

***copies provided by publisher through NetGalley***

BOUND TO THE BACHELOR by Sarah Mayberry

I wasn't expecting a work of art, but at least something that would've kept me engaged. It didn't.

It was filled with clichés, it was predictable, featured bland characters and a very iffy insta-love romance that failed to strike the right notes, but at least it was a quick read.


BACHELOR AT HER BIDDING by Kate Hardy

The hero was a saint, the heroine was a self-righteous bitch filled with self-pity, the plot was rife with clichés and seemed written by a high-school student.


THE BACHELOR'S BABY by Dani Collins

This book was one massive clichéd rip-off of a Harlequin story (just read the blurb to know why).

The characters were poorly (or none at all) developed, the heroine's issues were annoying and the "drama" unnecessary and forced...I ended up skimming the better part of it.


WHAT A BACHELOR NEEDS by Kelly Hunter

If I had to use a word to describe this story it would be "simple". Too simple, in fact, with a very basic, rehashed and clichéd plot, and a cheesy, ordinary romance.
There was no conflict, no depth, no agency...It was just there, not doing anything.


IN BED WITH THE BACHELOR by Megan Crane

Poorly written with way too much inner monologues and with even more poorly drafted characters making them difficult to understand, empathize, sympathize and/or like.
Slow, boring and firmly in the "meh" category.


ONE NIGHT WITH HER BACHELOR by Kat Latham

Rather inconsistent (character- and their behavior-wise), and definitely nothing to write home about.
It had potential, but the author failed to bring it to fruition.