Review: Hearts Under Siege by Natalie J. Damschroder

Title: Hearts Under Siege

Author: Natalie J. Damschroder
Source: Entangled Publishing
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: Novel
Release Date: February 24, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 3

Brady Fitzpatrick has spent a decade burying the pain of a broken heart while working for
SIEGE, an information-gathering spy agency. That it kept him away from his family as well as his best friend Molly has been an unfortunate side effect. But when his brother, also an agent, is killed during a foreign op, Brady is drawn into a web of intrigue that threatens the lives of everyone he loves…

Molly Byrnes has loved Brady forever. As his best friend and a de facto member of the Fitzpatrick family, she holds them together in their crushing grief. But as a member SIEGE’s ground team, she doesn't buy the official line about Brady’s brother’s “accidental” death and launches her own investigation—only to uncover a shocking secret that she and Brady must get to the bottom of before their target finds them.

Tangled emotions land them in bed together, opening Brady’s eyes to the incredible, fearless woman who’s been there for him all his life. But after a lifetime of disappointment, how can Molly trust the possibility of a future with him…or if they can count on any future at all?

I'm not usually a fan of military style romance, but I love Natalie Damschroder's other books and I'm so glad I took a chance on this one. SIEGE is a super secret spy agency - the type where the people working there don't even know who else is working there.  Brady is out on assignment when news comes that his brother has died.  No one can reach him but Molly, another agent of SIEGE and Brady's best friend from childhood.  So the adventure starts with her tracking him down, but it doesn't stop there - something is odd about the death and they both set out to find out just what it is.

Hearts Under Siege is full of action, but throughout it all Brady is trying to come to grips with realizing that he might just be falling in love with Molly.  There were a few times it was a little predictable, but in the end Natalie had a few surprises up her sleeve for me that I never saw coming.  Both Molly and Brady were incredible characters.  Their strengths and weaknesses complimented each other and neither of them was completely perfect, but very lovable in their imperfections.

The agency itself only came into play as a prop to get the story started and a few times to keep it moving in the right direction.  It never overshadowed our characters but hummed along nicely in the background helping to hold the storyline together.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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October Top Picks!!!

September was a very busy month for us all, but never fear!!! Here's our Top Picks for October!



Emi's Pick:

Forged in Dreams and Magick (Highland Legends #1) by: Kat   Bastion

Isobel MacInnes wakes up in present-day California, lunches in medieval Scotland, and by ten days’ end, falls in love with a man and his country, only to lose them in a heart-wrenching twist of fate . . .

Found in the arms of her second soul mate . . .

Forced to balance the delicate strands of time between two millennia . . .

Shocked by revelations rewriting the very foundations of history . . . of everything.

Isobel, a rising-star archaeology student, is dropped into two ancient worlds without warning . . . or her permission. Her fiery spirit resists the dependency thrust upon her. Amid frustration at her lack of control, she helplessly falls in love. Twice.

She struggles to adjust to the unimaginable demands of two leaders of men—a laird in the thirteenth-century Highlands and a Pict chieftain in a more ancient Scotland. Isobel transforms from an academic, hell-bent on obtaining archaeological recognition, to a woman striving to care for those she loves, and ultimately . . . into a fearless warrior risking everything to protect them.

CaroleDee's Pick:

Close Remembrance (Krinar Chronicles, #3)  by Anna Zaires

 

 

The stunning conclusion to the critically acclaimed series that has won thousands of fans!

When a ruthless enemy finally strikes, Mia and Korum will face the biggest test of their relationship yet. But it’s Korum’s own secrets that may ultimately tear them apart.

From the beaches of Costa Rica to a planet in a distant galaxy, theirs is a love story that may change the world 


Cerridwen's Pick

Heavy Metal ( Goddess Rising #2) by Natalie J. Damschroder

 

 

The world is not what Riley Kordek imagined. On the run from those who’ve targeted her, all Riley wants is a chance to figure out her new ability to bend metal's energy. When a hot guy who knows more than he should helps her escape her attackers, she thinks she might’ve found someone who can lead her to the answers she needs.

Three years ago, Sam Remington walked away from his employer and the woman he loved, and now, all he’s looking to do is fill the gaping hole left behind. Except, when Sam takes Riley to the Society for Goddess Education and Defense, the stakes rise beyond what either of them could have imagined.

After being alone for so long, falling for Sam would be far too easy—and far too painful, once his old flame calls needing his help. Worse, Riley uncovers a plot with disastrous ramifications not only for herself, but for Sam and the people he loves—and potentially every goddess in the country.

 

ARC Review: Heavy Metal ( Goddess Rising #2) by Natalie J. Damschroder

Title: Heavy Metal ( Goddess Rising #2)
Author : Natalie J. Damschroder
Source: Netgalley ( In exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Romance
Length : paperback 400 pages
Publisher:  Entangled Publishing, LLC
Reviewed by: Cerridwen

The world is not what Riley Kordek imagined. On the run from those who’ve targeted her, all Riley wants is a chance to figure out her new ability to bend metal's energy. When a hot guy who knows more than he should helps her escape her attackers, she thinks she might’ve found someone who can lead her to the answers she needs.

Three years ago, Sam Remington walked away from his employer and the woman he loved, and now, all he’s looking to do is fill the gaping hole left behind. Except, when Sam takes Riley to the Society for Goddess Education and Defense, the stakes rise beyond what either of them could have imagined.

After being alone for so long, falling for Sam would be far too easy—and far too painful, once his old flame calls needing his help. Worse, Riley uncovers a plot with disastrous ramifications not only for herself, but for Sam and the people he loves—and potentially every goddess in the country.

 

I seem to have a bad habit of choosing books for their covers, hee hee.

This book didn't leave me disappointed either so I must be having good luck with my strategy.  Being the second in a series, I have NOT ready the first in this either, the storyline could be a stand alone. It had a back story of the previous book but also followed up with enough that it didn't leave the reader hanging going : what the F just happened?!"

It took me a bit to warm up tot he Riley character. At first she seemed strong willed and the you learn she is really just winging it. Not knowing much at all about her powers except by trail and error,  she is smart enough to track down Sam.

Together they create a wonderful power couple in every sense of the word.

This book held me from the first chapter. The action was well placed and romantic tension well drawn out enough to clench your first.

I have a feeling Damschroder is going to be an author to keep an eye out for.