Mini Review: Army Brats

The Bailey kids' mom has just been assigned to Fort Patrick, and it'll be the family's first time living on an army base! Tom, Charlotte, and Rosie get to make new friends, explore the neighborhood, and cool off in the huge pool. Unfortunately, they also have to deal with the base bully, who seems determined to make Tom's life completely miserable by telling everyone he's a wimp.

When the Baileys discover a mystery on base--an abandoned building long rumored to be haunted--they know that this is the way to show the world how brave Tom truly is. But when they go to investigate, they find there's more to the house than some old rumors. What is that weird equipment? And who is that suspicious man sneaking around inside?
It's up to Charlotte, Tom, and Rosie to figure out the base's secrets-and prove to everyone that no bully can keep the Bailey kids down. - summary from the publisher.

Why I liked it: 
Army Base
Military Mother
Adopted child
Siblings
Spying
Finding True Friends
Dogs

Cover Thoughts: I love the wrap around cover
Source: My Library

Mini Review: The Protector

Book 2 in the Sons of Texas trilogy

This book continues the saga of the uncovering their father's kidnapping and how it relates to their past troubles.

The Good:
The story continues from another son's prospective
And the pilot
Romance
Danger
Secrets
Understanding more of the past.

The Bad:
We didn't get too much of the other siblings in this book (but really just nitpicking)

I'm happy I just picked up the third book from the library so I can finish it!

Recommendation: Get this series!

Adult Review: The Hero

 * First in a new trilogy *

Owen hasn't been home in years - and neither have his two brothers. But when tragedy strikes, all three of them are pulled from their elite military jobs and sent back to Texas. Family members killed and their father kidnapped. He and his brothers are to recover the missing item and their father. But what Owen didn't count on was seeing this high school sweetheart - the one he let escape the military life.

Natalie isn't about to let Owen back into her heart - nor is she going to let him control the mission. His father came to her for a reason and now there's a price on her head. She's going to do what she can to help out - even if the memories come rushing back and all she wants to do is turn back time.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I'm so looking forward to the next one in the trilogy and I can't wait to get to know the brothers better. I feel terrible for them - for the tragedy in their past. I like watching them heal. I like watching them kick butt even more. I loved the way Natalie handled herself - even when she was scared, she moved quickly and wanted to help out. I love second chance stories and I didn't want to put this one down. 

Cover Thoughts: Strong
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Perfect for your romance collections - grab this one!

Confession: I haven't read too many romantic thrillers - do you have any recommendations for me?

Upcoming Review: I'll Meet You There

Skylar can't wait to leave her hometown behind and spread her wings. She's headed to art school and she couldn't be happier.

Until her mother goes in a downward spiral and looses her job. Skylar tries to get through to her mother, but she's stuck in a deep depression and nothing works. Could her future plans be in jeopardy?

The only person who can take her mind off her troubles is Josh - a marine veteran who just returned home after losing his leg. Together they attempt to weather the ups and downs of their small town.

My Thoughts: I loved this book. It made me feel EVERYTHING. I felt horrible for Skylar - being stuck in a rut and desperately trying to escape. I felt horrible for her relationship with her mom - and growing up too fast and for having to play the role of the parent herself. I loved her creative outlet and her collages. I cheered her on as she fought for her freedom and her escape to create a better life for herself.

I loved her relationship with Josh - how they were drawn to each other, how they were friends first, and how the sexual tension built until you just wanted to them to kiss already.

I loved Josh - he was dealing with so much from coming back home. Not just his time away and how it changed him but how he was left to get away and was stuck back where he started. I felt horrible for him dealing with his sense of loss and survivors guilt. 

This book was inspired by the author's life and I"m so glad she shared her family's story with us. It was touching, heartbreaking, and hopeful all at the same time.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Sent for Review
Release Date: February Third
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Overall Thoughts: This is one of those books that people having talking about for ages. Believe the hype and get yourself a copy of this book. You won't  be sorry.