Review ~ Rescuing Rayne ~ Susan Stoker #COYER

Rescuing Rayne by Susan Stoker
Delta Force Heroes #1
Release Date: February 9, 2016
Genre: Adult, Romantic Suspense
Source: Kindle Freebie
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
As a flight attendant, Rayne Jackson is used to cancellations, but she never dreamed her latest would lead to a whirlwind tour of London with a handsome stranger...or a life-altering night in his bed. One evening is all the enigmatic man can give her, and Rayne greedily takes it, despite suspecting it will never be enough.

Heading home after another extreme missions, Keane "Ghost" Bryson hadn't planned to seduce someone during his layover, but Rayne is too sweet to resist. Being a Delta Force member means lying to protect his identity, which is unfortunate, considering Rayne seems made for Ghost, right down to the tattoo on her back. For the first time in his life, regret fills him as he slips away the following morning.

Both are shocked when, months later, they meet again - under the worst possible circumstances. Seems fate has given them a second chance...if they can survive the terrorist situation they're in. If Ryane can forgive Ghost his lies. And if Ghost can trust Rayne to be strong enough to endure the secrets and uncertainty that come with loving a Delta Force soldier.

Rescuing Rayne is the first in the Delta Force Heroes series and served as my introduction to Susan Stoker's brand of romantic suspense. Stoker's characters are well-defined and the suspense was tight, if predictable. I enjoyed meeting Ghost and Rayne and look forward to getting better acquainted with the guys of Delta Force.

Highlights:

• Characters/Romance
  Ghost and Rayne are well developed. I had a good sense of who they were - courageous, protective, loyal, smart - individually and they also made a strong couple. The way Stoker developed them and their romance - their meeting and the impact they made on each other, how they left one another and found each other again - felt very realistic even with the element of fate being involved. Their connection was palpable and Stoker also involved the secondary cast well. Ghost's team, and even a few others, are well-drawn. The dynamics between them felt genuine and I want to get to know these guys better. They way they take each others' backs and the way they enveloped Rayne into their fold was heartwarming.
• Suspense
  Despite the circumstances that created the suspense being a foregone conclusion, Stoker chose a relevant way to incorporate the suspense. She also didn't skimp on the horror and terror - although it wasn't explicit. There was one aspect I felt was a bit unrealistic given the situation though.

Overall, Stoker's brand of romantic suspense worked well for me. I'm eager to continue this series as well as check out her other series. 

Review ~ Conviction ~ Corinne Michaels #ShelfLove #TravelingtotheTerminus

Conviction by Corinne Michaels
Salvation #4, Consolation Duet #2
Release Date: May 27, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Military Romance
Source: Borrowed from Denise on Kindle
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
I fell in love with Liam only to be shattered into a million pieces. Again. The idea of being without him cripples me but the reality is, he's gone.

He doesn't understand and I can't make him.

If only he'd see the conviction behind my words - then Liam would still be here.

I admit to being a little worried about how CMichaels would work everything out. I'm happy to report she did so more than satisfactorily. *grins*

Highlights

• Character Growth
  Okay, so I already loved and was fully invested in Lee and Liam. The events at the end of Consolation had me concerned about their ability to be rational and sane with regards to where they now stood. I wanted to shake them at times and Lee really upset me with some of her actions towards Liam but they both did some emotional maturing and I was so happy and relieved. Also, with regards to one character and the obstacle he poses to Lee and Liam's happiness I have to give props to CMichaels for redeeming him in my eyes. I really was unsure he was redeemable but she managed it.
• Romance
  There were HUGE obstacles thrown in their way but I *knew* Lee and Liam's love was the real deal and that they'd be able to weather any storm. Well, I was relatively certain anyway - I mean, the title is Conviction. :) And can I add that the way Liam was with Aarabelle made me swoon? Love a man with or around a baby. 
• Plot
  I liked how CMichaels wove several sub-plots into the main plot because they added depth to Lee and Liam's relationship. One sub-plot was left unresolved so I'm going to have to read more (the Salvation series) to see if those answers are ever given.

Overall, I'm pleased with my introduction to CMichaels. Luckily I own the Salvation series already so I can go *back* and get Jackson's and Mark's stories.

Review ~ Consolation ~ Corinne Michaels #ShelfLove #TakeControl

Consolation by Corinne Michaels
Salvation #3, Consolation Duet #1
Release Date: March 18, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Military Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TakeControl
Goodreads

Synopsis
Liam wasn't supposed to be my happily ever after.
He wasn't even on my radar.
He was my husband's best friend - forbidden.

But my husband is dead and I'm alone. I ache for him and I reach for Liam.

One night with Liam changed everything. Now I have to decide if I truly love him or it he's just the consolation prize.

This was my first read from Corinne Michaels and yes, I realize I started at #3 but it's also #1 AND a friend really wanted me to read it. So I did. And I can tell you that I will absolutely be reading #4/#2 ASAP as well as starting at the beginning because Corinne Michaels? She left me wrung out and utterly shocked.

Consolation started off in a way that left no doubt that I was in for an emotional read. Witnessing Lee fall to pieces and then have to put herself back together - or at least look like she had - was difficult. I can't imagine being in her shoes. And although she put on a brave face, nothing and no one was getting through to help her move on. Then Liam knocked on her door. Liam was there to help his best friend's wife - a woman he'd known for years and had come to care about - pick up the pieces, do what needed doing so she could move on. This was done out of respect and love for both his best friend, Aaron, and for Lee. But what started out innocently grew into something so much more.

CMichaels handled all these challenging elements so realistically. The feelings experienced through grief and then those that came once new feelings began developing - guilt, betrayal, hope, desire...love. These are things no military spouse ever wants to deal with and yet there are many who struggle through it. I have no experience with it but I felt CMichaels portrayed it well. I also felt as though she portrayed the military "family" realistically. The supporting cast is filled with Lee and Aaron's friends who are currently or have served in the military alongside Aaron and who've been a support network for each other. This felt genuine and gave depth to the story.

And then there was the ending which left me stunned. I didn't see it coming and it left me a weepy mess.

Consolation would have been a 4.5 bookworm read but for one element that I felt was used more as a plot device and wasn't developed as well as it should have/could have been.

There's more to Lee and Liam's story. And I'm eager for it!