Showing posts with label Military Romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Military Romance. Show all posts

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Review for Embedded by J.L. Drake



Title: Embedded
Trilogy: Stonewall #2
Author: J.L. Drake
Genre: Military Romantic Suspense
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers/Single Dad/
Forced Proximity/Secret Identity/
Forbidden Love/Slow Burn/Found Family
Release Date: November 18, 2025


BLURB

From the author of the bestselling Broken Trilogy and Dark Water Series comes Embedded—the second book in Stonewall, the heart pounding action and suspense series, where brotherhood binds them, and passion drives them even in perilous times.

Nicole Winter has many facets—a war correspondent, a protector, a mother in all but blood.

But those are just titles.

Nicole's relentless drive for the truth was forged in war zones and honed by years of experience. Her instincts catch the shifts others overlook, and what whispers now is clear— the Cartel is gathering strength, and war is coming. Once, she would have chased the story, but for the first time, she is in a position more dangerous than she has ever faced.

A secret.
A bond.
A betrayal.

Paul is recovering from his wounds, but the scars no one can see cut deepest. He can’t forgive Nicole for putting his son in the spotlight, yet the child he never claimed is bound to her. She’s a risk he can’t afford, yet the only one who can protect his future.

Fueled by vengeance and ambition, Bruno Perez’s recklessness gives Nicole the chance to do the unthinkable and return to the viper’s pit, even if it costs her life.

As the team closes in and loyalties fracture, the green light unleashes the unimaginable. Blood is shed in the most unlikely places, and no one is beyond the line of fire.





This plot continues the intense story from the first book. Nicole is on a mission to protect herself and the baby from the dangerous cartel and Bruno Perez, who is relentlessly pursuing her. Meanwhile, Paul, also known as Eric, is torn between his loyalty to Blackstone, his newfound son, and his growing feelings for Nicole.

We enjoyed the diverse cast of characters at the Stonewall compound, particularly the men and women who shared their stories. Nicole stood out as an intelligent and feisty. Paul was portrayed as moody and protective. The chemistry between them was intense, especially in their interactions with one another was pure fire and spicy.

The plot was filled with intrigue and suspense, keeping us engaged and on the edge of our seats. Secrets were revealed, drama unfolded, and emotional moments tugged at our heartstrings. The story was a captivating page-turner that we couldn't put down. with a mix of laughter and tears. Nicole's spiciness added a touch of humor to the intense narrative.

As secrets unravel and tensions rise, the cat-and-mouse game with Bruno escalates, leading to unexpected betrayals and dangerous encounters. The presence of familiar characters like Grim and Trigger adds depth to the story.

The book sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the series, leaving readers eager for the final installment. Bruno's menacing character adds a chilling element to the narrative, keeping the suspense high. The book ends with a gripping cliffhanger, promising an explosive finale.





PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU





ALSO AVAILABLE


AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU




AUTHOR BIO


Author J.L. Drake was born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, later moving to Southern California where she lives with her husband and two children. 

When she's not writing she loves to spend time with her family, traveling or just enjoying a night at home. One thing you might notice in her books is her love for the four seasons. Growing up on the east coast of Canada the change in the seasons is in her blood and is often mentioned in her writing. 

An avid reader of James Patterson, J.L. Drake has often found herself inspired by his many stories of mystery and intrigue.

She hopes you will enjoy her stories as much as she has enjoyed writing them.

AUTHOR LINKS

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Book Review for Zeke Siân Upton



Release Date: March 30th, 2026
Length: 528 Pages

Available in Kindle Unlimited

Blurb

He’ll do anything to save her, except claim her as his own.

When Zeke Vorderstrasse returns home from deployment, he expects the same chaos his family always brings—music, food, and too many opinions. What he doesn’t expect is Iris—a beautiful, soft-spoken young mother with eyes full of secrets and a baby in her arms.

Iris is rebuilding her life after escaping the wreckage of her traumatic past. Living under the protection of Enzo Ramirez, the paramedic who helped her start over, she’s learning how to trust not only others but herself as well.

Zeke feels the pull from the moment they meet—but must bury his attraction when he realizes Iris is the mysterious woman his cousin Enzo has already proclaimed feelings for.

Over the months that follow, shared dinners blur into something deeper. When tragedy strikes and Enzo is killed in the line of duty, their grief binds Zeke and Iris together in ways neither of them are prepared for.

Now, as they navigate loss, loyalty, and the slow, fragile bloom of something that feels like love, Zeke must face the hardest truth of all: sometimes doing the right thing means risking everything.

 This story delves deep into the emotional struggles of Iris, a character plagued by self-doubt and a lack of self-worth. Her inner turmoil is raw and relatable, drawing us in with its authenticity.


Zeke, the hero, is a well-rounded character who balances strength with emotional depth. His protective nature and emotional intelligence make him a compelling figure. The found family element adds depth to the story.

The plot highlights the significance of community and support for military families living there. We appreciated the unexpected twists and turns in the story, including the revelation of secrets.


For readers who have followed the series from the beginning, there is a consistent subplot that unfolds throughout the books, providing answers and holding the antagonistic characters accountable.
This romance novel unfolds at a gradual pace, focusing on the personal development of its characters, life-altering opportunities, the concept of found family, endearing characters, suspense, love, enduring friendships, and offers a glimpse into the lives of military personnel and their families. The characters are well-developed.

About the author

Siân Upton is a military spouse and mother of four. When she's not hiding away reading herself, she's usually writing Contemporary Romance. She enjoys traveling and sharing experiences with family and friends. Siân looks forward to moving back to her home state of Oregon someday, where the beach and the mountains are both close.









Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Review & Release for RUBEN by Siân Upton

 



RUBEN

Siân Upton

Release Date: January 12


Meet Siân Upton

Siân Upton is a military spouse and mother of four. When she's not hiding away reading herself, she's usually writing Contemporary Romance. She enjoys traveling and sharing experiences with family and friends. Siân looks forward to moving back to her home state of Oregon someday, where the beach and the mountains are both close.


Connect with Siân Upton

https://www.sianuptonbooks.com 


Blurb:

He's the Marine who never backs down.

She's the Musician who won't be tamed.

Lavender “Vinny” Blume has made her mark as a plucky touring musician with a fiercely loyal online following—a life that provides her the freedom to rush to her best friend’s side after she is nearly killed in a tragic accident. Determined to keep her focus on music and healing her family, Vinny is not prepared for the chaotic military life her friend married into…and one Marine, specifically. Too bad he’s considered part of the family.

Ruben Holt has dedicated his life to the Marine Corps, his brothers-in-arms, and the family he chose along the way. Loyal to a fault, he takes his role as godfather seriously—even if it puts him at odds with the sharp-tongued musician living above his best friend’s garage. 

What began as the worst possible meet and greet quickly escalated into a silent war. Now she’s everywhere, holding front row tickets to the worst moments of his life. But behind the judgement and hostility, Ruben begins to see another side of Vinny…the one his friends adore. And it leaves him pondering the fine line between hate and passion. 

Beneath the arguments lies a connection as raw and electric as any song Vinny has ever played…and as dangerous as any battlefield Ruben has ever faced. And if they can survive each other, they just might learn what it means to surrender—for love, not war.

Buy Link: 

https://amzn.to/3NibSyM

Available in KU


This book kicks off with a bang, portraying a story of a fiery musician, Vinny, and a disciplined Marine, Ruben, who clash in a battle of wills. A plot that feels real and is captivating, this book is a must-read. Vinny is a whirlwind of emotions, while Ruben is a stoic figure with hidden emotional turmoil. Their interactions are intense and far from a typical meet-cute. The authenticity of the characters and their dynamics is what stood out to me. The banter is sharp yet not malicious, and the slow -burn romance feels genuine. The military backdrop is portrayed realistically, adding depth to the story without romanticizing it. The found family element adds a layer of complexity and emotional depth to the plot. Vinny is all about protecting her family. Vinny's character development is particularly compelling, as she navigates her own struggles while trying to connect with Ruben. The gradual unraveling of their defenses is both satisfying and moving. Overall, we loved this story. The mystery and the drama added depth to the story. The characters were amazing, as we have now developed a soft spot for Abner, aka Abe, who happens to be Rubin's dad. Vinny is a character not easily forgotten; that woman had spunk and a mouth to go with it. We loved it. P.S This book is a 3-book series. It is advisable to read Eric first, as this series has an ongoing plot that has become more dangerous with each and every book presented to us.


Monday, December 1, 2025

Review for Phoenix by Sybil Bartel



Title: Phoenix
Series: Paragon Operations #1
Author: Sybil Bartel
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Tropes: Kidnap, Navy Royalty/SEAL
Enemies to Lovers, Age Gap, Billionaire
Release Date: November 17, 2025

BLURB

Operative.

Agent.

Tertia Optio.

I was whoever I needed to be, as long as I stayed invisible. That was my one overriding mission. Anonymity. It kept me breathing.

Your breath, I didn’t care about.

If you crossed my path, you’d be as dead as my old life. An existence so far gone, I no longer remembered it.

Until she stepped into the darkness behind me.


PHOENIX is the first standalone book in the thrilling Paragon Operations series by USA Today bestselling author, Sybil Bartel! If you’re ready to step into a whole new world of romantic suspense, come meet Phoenix and the darkly dominant Tier One Operatives at Paragon Operations who will make your e-reader combust!


Phoenix, the second book in Sybil Bartel's Paragon Operations series, is a captivating read that continues the story of Phoenix, previously known as Bravo in the Alpha Elite Series. It is recommended to read Paragon first to fully understand Phoenix's character.

The book is filled with twists, turns, and surprises that will keep you engaged from start to finish. The story follows Phoenix, his team, and Isla, a strong character who has faced many challenges in her life.

As Phoenix navigates his own past traumas and plans for the future, the plot unfolds with suspense and intrigue. The book also introduces other members of Paragon, hinting at future storylines to look forward to. The laugh-out moments the story gave us made the story even more enjoyable.

We adored the characters in the book; they were fun, interesting, and intriguing, making us laugh. Isla stood out as a great character, loved with her witty banter, smart mouth, and sense of humour. Nix, when he tried to assert his dominance, was sexy as all get out. Fanning over here is undeniably sexy.

The chemistry between Isla and Nix was off the charts hot. sizzling, and we loved them as a couple. Talk about a mysterious character, Isla's brother Wolf was one who intrigued us the most. We loved getting to know more about Isla and Nix, and after hearing their stories, Isla's brother, Wolf, was a mysterious character who piqued our interest.

As we learned more about Isla and Nix, we discovered they have a lot in common. The only thing we can say about the commonality is that the common thread is their parents' having failed them both. It was refreshing to see a range of emotions portrayed by all the characters.

Overall, Phoenix is a compelling read that immerses you in Sybil Bartel's world. For a complete experience, it is recommended to explore her other series as well. Don't miss out on this thrilling and well-crafted story!









PRE-ORDER LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU


AVAILABLE NOW


AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

The captivating writing of the book completely absorbed me in its enthralling plot, causing me to lose track of time as I couldn't put it down. The story immediately drew me in from the very first chapter. As the plot unfolds, it gradually reveals intriguing glimpses that eventually come together to form a captivating narrative. The book is fantastic, with an engaging and suspenseful plot, filled with mystery and witty banter between the characters that made me laugh out loud. The characters were lovable, dangerous, mysterious, funny, serious, and engaging. Isla quickly became my favourite character with her mysterious, funny, and outspoken personality, leaving me eager to uncover more about her. There is clearly more to Isla than meets the eye, and I am excited to discover the secrets of this intriguing character. Will Isla and Nix act on the explosive chemistry between them? Nix exuded a sexy and dangerous aura, wrapped in lies and suspense, with his bad boy vibes adding to the intoxicating mix. I love plots like this that keep you guessing with layers of mystery and suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat. I can't wait to see what unfolds next in the story. I didn't want this captivating tale to end.





AUTHOR BIO


Sybil Bartel is a USA Today bestselling author of unapologetic alpha heroes. Whether you're reading her deliciously dominant Alpha Elite mercenaries or her protector hero Alpha Bodyguards, her page-turning romantic suspense and heart-stopping military romance all have unwavering alpha heroes.

Sybil resides in South Florida, and she is forever Oliver’s mom.