Hold On by Kristen Ashley
Series: The ‘Burg, #6
Romance Suspense
Rating: B

Hold On is the final story in The ‘Burg series and Ashley closes it with a bang. In classic Ashley style, she combines a sexy hard-fought romance with a multi plotted storyline. Nosy friends, pushy exs, chin dips, alpha heroes, and equally strong heroines all blend together to lead us to a glorious finish line. A strong secondary cast of old friends only serves to further endear you to this couple and their laughter filled, drama laced journey towards their HEA. While I’m sad to see the series end, I enjoyed the time I spent reading and re reading it.  If I had one qualm, it is the filler that sometimes finds it way into Ashley’s writing. Little off topic scenes that tend to meander around in circles until they find their way back to the main road.

Conquering the Dark by Clay & Susan Griffith
Series: Crown & Key, #3
Urban Fantasy
Rating: B+

The Griffiths end this historical steampunk trilogy on a high note as the final battle for London and the world commences between the Crown & Key Society and Gaios, an insane demigod bent on revenge. Previous open storylines are wrapped up as this fearless crew places their lives on the line in a graphic and climatic finale. Action galore saturates this adventure packed storyline with a perfect blending of romance, humor, strong characterization and dialogue. Even though this was a trilogy, I do hope the Griffins decide to revisit this world soon.

The Dead House by Dawn Kurtagich
Mystery Suspense/YA
Rating: DNF

A YA psychological thriller dealing with disassociate personality disorder, mysticism, psychosis, and murder. 25 years ago the Elmbridge School burned down. Some students died…some students were never found. Now in the present, the mystery of the school and the supposed arsonist is being investigated and the story told through a series of diary entries, video tapes, outside narratives, and newspaper articles. Switching between mediums and time frames, The Dead House is unique and quite arresting in its telling, up to a certain point. Unfortunately, the frequent switching from various mediums and from past to present confuses and drags the story down. It takes too long to get to the action and I found my attention just wasn’t engaged enough  to continue.

Spiral of Need by Suzanne Wright
Series: The Mercury Pack, #1
PNR
Rating: B+

A spin-off of Wright’s popular Phoenix Pack series; this new series focuses on the Mercury Pack which is led by Nick and Shayla -from Carnal Secrets. Just as with her other PNRs, Wright builds an engaging story featuring strong men and women, humor, action, suspense, and some steamy hot love scenes. Smooth writing and strong dialogue keeps the story flowing fast and able to handle the multiple plot lines. Fans will love seeing plenty of old faces from The Phoenix Pack and getting some updates on previous couples. EDIT-Releases 9/29.

Charlie Foxtrot by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Code 11-KDP Swat, #5
Romantic Suspense
Rating: C+

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times. You must suspend a lot of belief for Vale’s books. Insta love prevails amongst over the top antics and melodrama fueled conflicts. Blake and Foster are good together. Hot chemistry and excellent banter. Storyline is well plotted though the suspense concerning Blake was odd and seemed under developed. I wish Vale had divulged a little deeper into her ex husband’s animosity towards her. Vale writes sexy fun and her books that guarantees fun fueled escapism.

Mandi is sneaking one in: 

The Highlander’s Woman by Monica Burns
Historical
Rating: DNF @ 35%

I’ve enjoyed Monica Burns in the past, but this one did not work for me. The hero keeps a secret from the heroine, and refuses to tell her – as he says it is not his secret to tell. The heroine thinks he had an affair. Previous to this, they were deeply in love (and married). She leaves him. Then there is a horrible fire, and she is injured, yet still rejects him. I felt like, their love for each other was so deep and genuine (that part I really liked) that the hero would have definitely told the heroine this secret – I mean – they are married! They can tell each other a secret. Later, the hero even thinks this same thing. It felt so forced. They are apart for six months or something. The forced separation seemed silly to me. I needed a better reason that would drive these two apart.