The Royals Upstairs by Karina Halle

 Book Excerpt:

"He's the royal bodyguard. She's the royal nanny. The annoyingly hot attraction that simmers between them—that's a royal pain.

James Hunter has made a tactical error. His new role as protection officer to Prince Magnus of Norway was supposed to be an exciting change. Instead, he's marooned on a royal estate in the middle of nowhere, charged with chasing after demon children and dodging the machinations of meddling staff. And the crowning jewel in this little drama—the children's nanny- is Laila Bruset. The woman whose heart he broke. The woman who still holds his.

When Laila took the job as a nanny for the Norwegian royal children to be closer to her ailing grandmother in Oslo, the last thing she expected was to have her life upside down—again. But as much as James gets on her nerves, he's also getting under her skin, and the tension between them sizzles just as devastatingly as before.

As undeniable sparks turn James and Laila's battle royal into a more serious game of hearts, the nanny and bodyguard must decide just how much they're willing to risk for a second chance at love.

Title:  The Royals Upstairs

Author:  Karina Halle

Publisher:  Berkley

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"The Royals Upstairs" by Karina Halle

My Perception:  

'The Royals Upstairs' was a good read about the nanny [Laila Bruset, a Norwegian nanny] and the bodyguard [James Hunter, a Scottish bodyguard.] in Norway's royal estate. These two once had a relationship, but things didn't end well for them. Now, they have been thrown back together after some years apart. Will they be able to get back together after admitting their true feelings to one another?   It was a well-written read with complications, but seeing how they worked things out between the two by the end gave the read heartwarming in this second chance romance. 

Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, and NetGalley, for the ARC!

No One Does It Like You by Katie Shepard

 Book Excerpt:

"College sweethearts reunite to restore more than just an old inn in this new romance by Katie Shepard, author of Sweeten the Deal.

When's the best time to tell your ex that you want them back?

Probably not in the middle of a Category 3 hurricane. But when Broadway actor Tom Wilczewski is about to dive into the floodwaters to rescue his co-lead, he calls the ex-wife he hasn't seen in ten years to swear he still loves her and ask for a chance to make things right.

Two months later, Rose Kelly is tired of seeing pictures of her ex-husband Tom rescuing Hollywood darling Boyd Kellagher. Not that she's jealous. Of course not. She's far too busy caring for her elderly aunt and worrying about the storm damage to the family B&B on Martha's Vineyard to miss the love of her life. But after belatedly hearing Tom's voicemail, Rosie asks him to follow through on his promises for once by helping her fix the inn. Thinking this is the perfect way to win her back, Tom agrees.

When they get there, things are…less than ideal. Rosie expected the inn to be in better shape. She expected it to have more beds. And she expected more help from her actual family—not from Tom and the rest of his Broadway cast. But Rosie wonders if the life she expected isn't what she wants. If she and Tom can repair the inn together, can they possibly repair the damage to the relationship they both thought was long gone?"

Title: No One Does It Like You
Author: Katie Shepard
Publisher: Berkley
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:
"No One Does It Like You" by Katie Shepard

My Perception:

'No One Does It Like You' was a sweet romantic read by Tom Wilczewski and Rose Kelly. Seeing what Tom would do to save his ex-wife back was attractive. Will he be able to do it after all they have been through? You will enjoy this second chance at romance in how this author brings it out to the reader. You will be given a heartwarming reunion by the end as things come together for these two. Be ready for a good read of a 'mix of romance, family dynamics, and home repair chaos' that will make you smile as you see how these two work it all out in the end.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC, which was provided in exchange for an honest review.

The Lawyer in the Dock: An Island of Secrets Legal Thriller (Island of Secrets Legal Thriller Series Book 5) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood

 Book Excerpt:

"Accused of crimes that could imprison him for life, Benjamin Wolfe is no longer the star in the courtroom—he's The Lawyer in the Dock.

He's willing to betray anyone to survive, even if it means teaming up with a corrupted lawyer—a man with his own agenda.

As the trial intensifies, Benjamin faces a haunting question: Can justice be won through betrayal and deceit? His answer is yes.

Title:  The Lawyer in the Dock

Author:  Freya Atwood

Publisher:  Cobalt Farry

Series:  Island of Secrets Legal Thriller Book 5

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Lawyer in the Dock" by Freya Atwood

My Perception:  

'The Lawyer in the Dock' was an excellent continuation of the series about what Benjamin Wolfe had to endure to escape his mess. His attorney, Coates, was quite an interesting character who did his job well in helping Ben get out of his situation. I felt somewhat sorry for Ben's brother Nicholas, but he brought many of his problems on himself in all he was involved in.

As the story approaches its end, we see that the extended epilogue will contain more.   I am tired and hope Ms. Brown finally gets what she desires because it seems like she is getting away with it all as the story continues on and on! Indeed, will there be someone who can bring her down?