That's What I'm Talking About
I generally review romance, paranormal and urban fantasy. I tend to pick review books that I want to read, so generally my reviews will be positive. I always give my honest opinion: good, bad, and indifferent.
Note: on my blog I use a letter grading system. I've listed the ratings below. For sites with stars, I have listed the equivalent rating. If I didn't finish the book, I will not rate it with stars.
A+ Personal Favorite (5 stars)
A Loved It (4.5 or 5 stars)
A- Enjoyed A Lot (4 or 4.5 stars)
B+ Liked It A Lot (4 stars)
B Liked It -- Recommend (4 stars)
B- Liked It -- But I had a few small issues (3 or 3.5 stars)
C+ Liked It -- But I had issues (3 or 3.5 stars)
C Finished It -- Liked some, didn't like some (3 stars)
C- Finished It -- Liked a little, didn't like a lot (2 or 2.5 stars)
D Not A Big Fan (2 stars)
E Don’t Waste Your Time (1 star)
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TW: Reading this book was like watching a Train Wreck
DNF: Did Not Finish
updated July 9, 2015
Currently reading
Review: One Night More by Mandy Baxter
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by NetGalley
Galen Kelly is one of the top recruits for the U.S. Marshals Service's elite Special Operations Group (SOG). The night before he is scheduled to depart for France for a year, he and his best friend (and fellow Marshal) Landon go out to celebrate. Little did he know that taking down a creepy stalker at the bar, he’d end up going home with Harper.
Harper Allen is a recent journalism graduate of the University of Portland. When she feels an instant connection to the mysterious stranger who saves her, she takes a risk and brings him home. Sharing only the truth but withholding names, the pair spend an amazing night together, until Galen sneaks out and disappears from her life. That is until the pair reunite a year later when Harper finds her self under the protection of the U.S. Marshals Service.
One More Night kicks off Mandy Baxter’s new romantic suspense series with a bang. The book has an excellent balance of world building, mystery and intrigue, and steamy romance. I was immediately drawn into Harper and Galen’s strong attraction, and their initial hookup was knock-your-socks off hot! My biggest complaint - it took way too long for the follow-up encounter!
Harper and Galen are both strong characters, demanding and stubborn. Although they do butt heads from time to time, their strong attraction overcomes most differences. However, the fact that Galen shares a history with Harper must remain a secret from his boss, as well as from Harper, or Galen will be removed from his post. Internally, he struggles between wanting to be with Harper and wanting to protect her - which is what wins out and why he keeps up his charade. For a very long time. By the midway point of the book, I was frustrated, and while I understood and appreciated the need for keeping his silence, I wanted more. Finally, with nearly two-thirds of the book finished, the pair comes clean and the romantic elements kicked up several notches.
The action-filled suspense storyline is entertaining, although I felt some of the situations and scenarios were a bit unrealistic. Harper is witness to the murder of a major political figure and potentially in possession of key evidence. The need to keep her safe seems to take back seat at times to Galen’s desire and Harper’s indignant behavior. Putting the few issues I had aside, I liked the primary plot and felt the author created a solid storyline.
Overall, I enjoyed One Night More. The story is exciting at times and very sexy at others. Although I feel there are a few unrealistic situations, it is an enjoyable romance with an intriguing suspense storyline. The supporting characters add a lot to the world, including some well-timed humorous moments. Once the romantic storyline picked up, I found the book difficult to put down, and I look forward to the next story in the U.S. Marshals series.
