Drowning by T.J. Newman

Only minutes after takeoff, Flight 1421 loses all control and is forced to ditch in the ocean. During the evacuation, an engine explodes spreading fuel and flames across the water surface and forcing the remaining passengers to close the doors right before the plane sinks to the bottom. With only about six hours of oxygen, it's a scramble for the coast guard and a nearby naval vessel to come up with a plan of rescue. At the center of the story are Will Kent, an engineer, and his young daughter Shannon trapped in the plane, and Chris Kent, Will's ex and owner of a marine related construction and diving company on contract with the navy. 

While parts of the story seemed too convenient or consequential, the fact that Chris is a desperate mother trying to save her child, and their past tragedy, make the story more relatable and personal. This was a pulse pounding, action packed, and emotional thrill ride. Once I started I couldn't put it down. 

Primal Possession by Katie Reus

From the blurb: 

"Bookshop owner December is no stranger to loss—her younger brother was murdered by a shifter years ago. After resettling in the quiet mountain town of Fontana she’s finally made a life for herself, including befriending local shifters. But now she’s been targeted by a human hate group, forcing her to turn to a bossy wolf who’s convinced they’re mates. She thinks the very thought is ridiculous, but if she wants to survive, she’ll have to find a way to trust him. Before it’s too late for both of them."

I admit I didn't read the first book, and at first I was a bit lost. But the author does a good job explaining a little of what happened so I didn't feel like I missed much. I like how independent December is even with the huge overprotective shifter hovering around her all the time. I felt bad for Liam when he was feeling guilty over bringing all the trouble to December but I still wanted to kick him for abandoning her, especially when the danger was still there. His groveling at the end was super sweet especially with her shocking news. I can't wait to read the continuation of Kat and Jayce's story next!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Brutal Rival by Ember Holt

Scarlett grew up knowing she was useless to the crown as a nomaj--no magic. She narrowly escaped assassination ordered by her queen mother at age fourteen and survived on the streets using her wits and acquiring what little magic she could by whatever means. Now she's the leader of her territory and plotting revenge against her mother to save her three sisters. 

Zane is the Spider Lord, his territory bordering Scarlett’s. As the only person who doesn't seem afraid of his vicious nature and strong powers, she's always intrigued him. But one night by chance he finds out the source of her mysterious gifts and vows to help her in her mission of revenge-- and to claim her for himself.

This book has done the impossible-- made me love a spider! Full of action, magic, spice, and vengeance, I couldn't put this book down! I'm so excited it's part of a continuing series and I can't wait to find out what happens next!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

The Love Rematch by Kay Marie

Jake and Emily met in high school and fell in love over ten months, but they always knew they would have to separate after graduation. Him to Los Angelos to become a movie producer and her to design school in New York. But she never expected him to just disappear and leave her heartbroken. Now she's working in her mother's flower shop and growing her jewelry designs business in her spare time leaving no time for romance. She's shocked to see her mother on national television begging America to find her a boyfriend. Even more shocked when, after the story goes viral and she's invited to become the lead on Love Match, her producer is none other than Jake himself. 

It destroyed Jake to leave Emily back then. Her face still haunts his dreams seven years later. But what becomes his nightmare is fixing up the love of his life with another man for tv ratings. He wasn't good enough for her then... he's still not good enough for her now. If only he could convince his heart of the same. 

I'm definitely not a fan of the Bachelorette show, but a rom-com second chance close proximity book with this setting was fun and unique. I like the dual POV throughout the book that shows each character's perspective with sprinkles of their past thrown in for added drama. I was wondering how this was ever going to work out for them and was thrilled by the ending and the hint at the next book featuring Sam and Cooper.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Love Interest by Clare Gilmore

Casey is introverted and shy, trying to break out of the shadow of her creative parent's expectations and live her own life. When a job opening comes up in her magazine production company, she thinks maybe it wouldn't hurt to try for a job with more sparkle. When she's passed over for the position by none other than the chairman's son, she dislikes him on sight. 

Alex is an extrovert with a compulsion to be liked. Everyone at the company loves him except the one woman he met on the elevator that first day and can't seem to forget. When they're forced to work on a project together, Casey realizes she misjudged him. And even though their personalities are totally opposite, they bring out the best in each other. But how can any kind of relationship work when she's transferring to London in the summer?

This is a story where the reader realizes that Alex fell first well before Casey did. He's such a cinnamon roll character and I love how they acted together. He could be his true self and relax around her and she came out of her shell. This is a cozy office romance with some spice. 

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Warrior's Hope by Rebecca Zanetti

From the blurb:

As the only female vampire ever born, and the heir to two powerful immortal families, Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood has always felt the weight of fate and destiny. Now her heart is torn between two men and two different futures. It’s a choice between duty and love, peace and war, with the fate of everyone she loves hanging in the balance.

As the leader of the Kurjan nation, Drake has always known that mating Hope is the best path to avoiding war. He’s counting on her to know the same. . . . Paxton has been Hope’s best friend and protector since they were children. He would kill and die for her without a second thought. In fact, he’s always known that would be his path . . .

With deadly factions at her heels, Hope must decide whom to trust and where her loyalty lies—before the choice is taken away from her . . .

When I requested an ARC copy of this book, I didn't realize it was book 16, the final book in a continuing series.  I had a lot of catching up to do and spent the past week immersed in the world of vampires,  demons,  witches, and fae as I binge read almost the entire series! With glimpses of Hope, Paxton, and Drake throughout the series as they grew up,  this is the final conclusion to overthrow the evil Kurjan. We finally have an answer to the purpose of all the different characters and how they all come together for the final battle.  I was happy with how the series ended,  but also sad for the story to be over. 

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The House Beyond the Dunes by Mary Burton

From the book description:

"Lane McCord wakes up in a hospital having survived a near-fatal fall at a North Carolina beach cottage. Her boyfriend, Kyle, wasn’t so lucky. A senseless tragedy on their first romantic getaway. All Lane remembers is lying at the bottom of the stairs in Kyle’s pooling blood.

Confused and grieving, Lane plans to return to the cottage, collect her personal belongings, and get out. Until a winter rainstorm leaves her stranded and vulnerable, but not alone. A concerned neighbor, who claims he heard a violent argument before the accident, has come out of the storm. So has a suspicious detective on the trail of a missing woman, whose diary deepens the mystery—and raises more questions that fill Lane with dread.

How well did she know Kyle? How well does she know herself? What really happened at the cottage on the beach? And when the answers come, who can Lane trust to get out of this waking nightmare alive?"

In my opinion, you should go into this book blind. I read a few reviews beforehand that spoiled some of the suspense for me, but this book was full of excellent twists and turns and I still really enjoyed it. This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be my last.