Viv's List

I recently had a lovely get away with good friends followed by an intense work schedule…okay, I was at the beach. I did work–finished the Christmas story, in fact. But I also read and laughed and relaxed and watched a few things and listened to some books as well.

Here's what I enjoyed!

Books

Games People Play by HelenKay Dimon

The series is a re-read for me. When I'm busy writing I find it more comfortable to go back to books I know I love. Also, a different genre than I'm writing.

These are romantic suspense, low on body count. The suspense is more about figuring out who done what, and they are all great in different ways. 5 books, series complete.

Book 1, The Fixer has the most awkward, alpha, outrageously amusing hero. Book 4 is one of my favourite books ever. The Protector just hits a lot of my happy buttons and as always, these are HEA guaranteed.

The Fixer

He’s known only as Wren. A wealthy, dangerously secretive man, he specializes in making problems disappear. A professional fixer, Wren hides a dark past, but his privacy is shattered when Emery Finn seeks him out—and what she wants from him is very personal.

Some people disappear against their will. Emery’s job is to find them and bring closure. Wren is the only person who can help solve Emery’s own personal mystery: the long-ago disappearance of her cousin. Just tracking down the sexy, brooding Wren is difficult enough. Resisting her body’s response to him will prove completely impossible.

Anonymity is essential to Wren’s success, yet drawn by Emery’s loyalty and sensuality, he’s pulled out of the shadows. But her digging is getting noticed by the wrong people. And as the clues start to point to someone terrifyingly close, Wren will have to put his haunted past aside to protect the woman he loves.

Amazon ♥ B&N ♥ Kobo ♥ iBooks ♥ Google Play

Sutton's Place series by Shannon Stacey

The first two in series are out now, number 3 coming in June, and they are utterly delightful. Small town done to perfection. I kept snickering every few pages because someone would do or say something that was so real.

And the romances are wonderful. Book two is An Unexpected Cowboy–how cool is that?

Book 1 is Her Hometown Man.

She has many reasons to leave

He’s the best reason to stay

Summoned home by her mother and sisters, novelist Gwen Sutton has made it clear—she’s not staying. She’s returning to her quiet, writerly life as soon as the family brewery is up and running. But when Gwen’s lifelong crush, Case Danforth, offers his help, it’s clear there’s more than just beer brewing! Time is short for Case to convince Gwen that a home with him is where her heart is.

Amazon ♥ B&N ♥ Kobo ♥ iBooks ♥ Google Play

The Federation Chronicles series by Lauren Dane

These were also re-reads, but brand new editions since Lauren re-released them after they've been out of print for many years.

Erotic science fiction with high heat and an incredible world to explore, with the heroes and heroines who are saving not just the world, but beyond!

The first book in the series is UNDERCOVER.

An erotic future universe of passion, danger, and deceit…

On the battleground or in the bedroom, one woman and two men fight for dominance in a bold, new, and excitingly different direction in erotic romance…

As a lieutenant of the Federation military, Sera Ayers is accustomed to giving orders, not taking them. Now she must obey the one man she can't stand-and can't stop thinking about.

With the enemy Imperialists gaining ground, a covert team is assembled by Ash Walker. Ten years before, Sera had lovingly submitted to Ash's dominance in the bedroom. But when he was forced into a political marriage, she refused to play mistress. His marriage now over, Ash wants Sera on his team-and back in his bed.

The third team member, Brandt Pela, has an elegance to match Ash's savage sexuality. And when their undercover plan requires Sera to pose as Brandt's lover, it ignites a passion among the three of them more dangerous than their mission.

Amazon ♥ B&N ♥ Kobo ♥ Apple

Audio

Men of Haven by Rhenna Morgan

This was a re-read as well. I'm up to book 4, and really enjoyed walking with the story going in the background. I know this series so well that I don't have to pay super close attention, but I still mostly do because they're excellent books.

A band of brothers, high heat level, and heroines who are strong and powerful in their own ways. I have enjoyed this series for years now, and seem to re-read at least twice in some format.

Book 1 is Rough & Tumble

Live hard, f–k harder, and follow only their own rules. Those are the cornerstones the six men of the Haven Brotherhood live and bleed by, refusing to conform to society's expectations, taking what they want and always watching each other's backs.

A self-made man with his fingers in a variety of successful businesses, Jace Kennedy lives for the challenge, and he always gets what he wants. From the start he sees Vivienne Moore's hidden wild side and knows she's his perfect match, if only he can break it free. He will have her. One way or another.

Amazon Audio ♥ Audible ♥ iTunes

Watching

A Discovery of Witches

I know I'm late to the party, but wow, this was excellent!

I actually read the books first in February, and I do recommend that, because while the show is really good, there's so much detail they couldn't include. It makes the plot lines easier to understand with some extra background.

I'm not sure why I didn't read these books when they first came out. Possibly because it was early in my writing career and I was putting in lots of hours. More probably because there are vampires involved, and while they're not my favourite creature, in this series, they work.

And I wasn't too squeamish. Only had to cover my eyes a few times!

Anyway, the romance is WOW and the story is great. I loved that you could tell the author had real knowledge of the history involved in the story.

All three seasons available!