GRR Reviews Don't Ditch a Detective by Cami Checketts

Jed can't believe that he got pepper-sprayed while jogging behind a twitchy woman. The fact that she's beautiful (after he washed his eyes out with snow) did mollify him somewhat. Her name is Cassandra, and he knew her... She's an idealistic do-gooder who decided EVERY child is redeemable. He's a police detective who saw the worst life has to offer, for he had lived it as a foster child. But neither is entirely correct about the other. When Cassie went to Mexico to help an orphanage, and was targeted by a local cartel, will Jed and help get to her in time?

Not bad, though one really wonders if the best way to get help for an orphanage is to get help from the US rather than look for local help? Or perhaps no local help can be trusted? 4/5

GRR Reviews her Hockey Superstar Fake Fiance by Cami Checketts

Jag left town a decade ago to become a hockey superstar. He succeeded, but in the process, his girlfriend Faith left him. He's back in town to spend the Holidays with his family, but he has a secret and a reporter on his *** hoping to get a scoop on his secret. Then he ran into Faith... // Faith can't believe Jag is back in town and pretending he didn't break up with her. She may be a widow (her husband's been dead a year, fast brain tumor), but she's NOT ready to forgive Jag. Until she read a letter left by her dead husband...

Pretty trope plot, but well-polished. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews Don't Fall for a Fugitive by Cami Checketts

Hazel, a British photographer, accompanied a friend to the US for some deluxe accommodations and a chance to photograph some majestic mountains in the winter. Being witness to murder wasn't in her plans... nor was running for her life, or stowing away on the jet of millionaire Heath Strong. // Heath was surprised to find Hazel on his aircraft, but his instinct was to protect her, as the pursuer, Brigham, is a well-known shady guy with ties to the mob. If Brigham said Hazel killed his cousin, chances are Brigham killed his cousin and tried to frame Hazel. But can he justify putting his own family at risk? And how would he hide Hazel under the nose of his (quite large) family?

Nice tight plot. But there are a couple technical details that made no sense. 1) How high would a staircase be in a HANGAR's office, that Hazel could have watched from a nearby aircraft, and caused nearly-fatal injuries? And 2) They called various numbers (including 911?) using regular cell phones while on a private jet flying to Colorado...  The action ending isn't that bad. 4/5

GRR Reviews Her Loyal Protector by Cami Checketts

Kaytlyn left her home a decade ago, having had enough of her father's emotional abuse. She drifted and eventually met Jacob, who treated her like a second daughter next to his own daughter, Jennifer. And Jacob is worth billions. Kaytlyn is also fond of Cameron, Jacob's bodyguard. But when Jennifer got married, she slowly started to change. Not even Kaytlyn's being surrogate for Jennifer's baby can mitigate her simmering rage. And it turns out Kaytlyn wasn't just a surrogate... The baby is half hers (they used her egg without telling her) And Jacob is dying... Reluctantly, Jacob enacted his final plan... He will "marry" Kaytlyn, and claim the child as his heir, and NOT A SINGLE PENNY will go to Jennifer and her husband to fuel his narcissistic political ambitions. Jacob's confidant and bodyguard, Cameron (who already wanted to date Kaytlyn), will protect Kaytlyn. Kaytlyn must protect her child and her charitable foundation from Jennifer and her politician husband. and Jennifer, feeling deep rage for the "betrayal" by her father, vowed revenge...

The plot seems a bit too complicated, and half of the legal maneuvering, like forcing Cameron to stand aside, seems to be superfluous, esp. with Jennifer's public outburst during Jacob's funeral in front of hundreds. And the final fight seems to be way too convenient due to a TSTL moment. 3.5/5

GRR Reviews Don't Date Your Brother's Best Friend by Cami Checketts

Trey had explored the world as an adrenaline junkie adventurer, but coming home and meeting Ella left him stunned... How could he had NEVER noticed the sassy beauty, now all grown up?  It helps that Ella had a crushed on him since middle school. However, Trey's reputation as a love-em-and-leave-em guy, not to mention her brother (and his best friend) are both warning him to stay away and don't break her heart. Can he convince her (and her brother) to give him a chance?

Sweet, but the plot's been done bajillion times before. 4/5

GRR Reviews Extreme Devotion by Cami Checketts

Jex is an extreme athlete and in love with his manager/agent Pearl for years, but he never dared to show it, just some teasing language before each stunt. Pearl yearns for Jex, but she's also terrified of losing him at every death-defying stunt he pulled. And something inevitably did. After a stunt gone horribly wrong, Jex almost lost his legs. Now forced to stay still and contemplate his fate, will he conquer his own demons... or will he push away everything and everyone he loved?

The build-up is good, but as you can probably guess, the darkest hour will last a bit so his own family can talk some sense into him. The grand gesture is nice. 4.5/5

GRR Reviews The Fearless Groom by Cami Checketts

Izzy refused her father's billions and became a nurse practitioner at a children's hospital. So she was surprised when her father insisted that she attend a bachelor auction (where all proceeds benefit to the hospital she's at). In fact, he's bankrolling her to bid on Xavier, one of the football stars of his team, the Texas Titans. Xavier has a reputation as a playboy... different woman every week. But she can spend daddy's money for the kids... right? // Xavier loves football but hates the schmoozing that had to go with it. His agent plays up his playboy image to ignite a bidding war between his current team and Denver, his hometown. So who's the brunette that just bid half a mil for him? He liked Izzy until he learned that she's the owner's daughter... Must be a spoiled brat, throwing daddy's money around like that... and a conspiracy to keep him in Texas... // Xavier and Izzy have chemistry, even as they slowly learned that both had misunderstood each other. But with Xavier's contract war warming up,  their loyalties and love will be tested to the breaking point...

Nice complications. You'll learn why Izzy refused to take a cent from her father (it's more than just "pride") and her step-family was also definitely anti-trope. In fact, the whole novel was decidedly anti-trope, it's brilliant. There's even an innocent explanation of her father's actions. 5/5

GRR Reviews Her Dream Date Boss by Cami Checketts

Mae had been working for Slade for a while, by remote, usually via video chat. Mae had fallen for Slade a long time ago. When Slade is flying to her and wanted to have dinner, she accepted eagerly. But she went a little overboard... and totally transformed herself... so much so, he didn't recognize her. Then she suddenly gets the idea to "test" him by claiming she's Josie, and see how will Slade react to Josie... and will he still be "loyal" to Mae...  // Slade wanted to have dinner with Mae, but can't find her at the restaurant. Finding Josie there was a stroke of luck, but he's really attracted to Mae... Decisions, decisions...

Basically a "wrong twin" scenario with the same person as "both twins". I find Mae's reasoning to be a bit... suspect. Her insecurities are so deep that she allowed a waiter to manipulate her into messing with Slade's affections. And how can Slade not recognize her up close, despite a total transformation?  4/5

GRR Reviews Her Too Perfect Boss by Cami Checketts

Billionaire Holden Jennings sponsors lots of things, including a fitness reality TV show, and the finale is filming on a tropical island. Best of all, Navy Quinn is one of the trainers. However, technically Holden is Navy's boss, so he should keep his hands off, despite they have been wanting each other for a very long time. When a hurricane struck the island, driving everyone into the storm shelter, it will be down to Holden and Navy to keep everyone alive... But can they finally be honest with each other about their intentions?

Most of it is actually hurricane survival adventure, at least a good portion of it.

3.5/5

GRR Reviews The Resilient One by Cami Checketts

Alyssa escaped from her rotten father who apparently sold access to her body to his sleazy friends, doing anything to make a buck. That cured her of desire for any men... Alyssa was always a photographer, and her escape to Maui should be perfect for her... Until Beckham Taylor arrived. The ex-NHL star was nice and protective, but Alyssa has secret guilt... Her photograph of his moment of grief with his family was twisted by tabloids into a family feud. Even as Alyssa fell for Beckham, who rescued her multiple times, her past misdeed was thrust into the light when a tabloid decided to make her and Beckham front cover news...

Ah, now that's some emotional turmoil, yet both are reasonable, not over the top. She's afraid of men who wanted to take advantage of her, and he's "too busy for love" after losing his parents. The extra complications, like Alyssa's father showing up, the tabloid after them again, works. My problem here is I didn't know Alyssa's bestie works for a tabloid?

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews The Tough Warrior by Cami Checketts

Griff Quinn knew he can't leave anyone behind broken-hearted as a SEAL, and later, going undercover for Sutten Security. So he broke the one woman's heart... Scarlet Lilly. He knew she made it big as a premier action star. When Sutton learned of an anonymous threat against her... offering ONE MILLION bucks to kidnap her via the Dark Web, Sutton assigned Griff to be her bodyguard. // Scarlet can't believe Griff is finally back to see her... but only as her protector, not as her lover. She understands the threat against her is real... She has acted the heroine enough to understand the reality of it. But she wants Griff... even if only part-time... If only she can make him see that...

I knew the climax had a twist to it, and I wasn't disappointed. But the ending seems to have dragged on a bit too long, IMHO.

Category: Contemporary / Romantic Suspense

Overall Rating: 4/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.

GRR Reviews The Conflicted Warrior by Cami Checketts

Jasmine used to be an... "covert operative" until she went straight and joined Sutton Security. But it seems her old "friends" may not be ready to let her go just yet. While protecting singer Kaleb, Kaleb told the fans that he's engaged to "Jasmine" to ward off over-enthusiastic fans. Right after the concert, Kaleb received a threat... a stalker promised to kill two people close to Kaleb if Kaleb doesn't actually marry Jasmine. Jasmine doesn't believe that Kaleb is in love with her... She had done horrible things before and is not lovable. But to save him, she will fake marry him and protect him, while the rest of Sutton Security and deal with the threat around Kaleb, including his large family. But Kaleb had loved Jasmine from afar for a while, and with her so close, he will show her that she is lovable... But who is threatening Kaleb and his family?

I don't really get the threat, which I can't explain further as it will spoil the story. Let's just say, I already gave a big hint, but the motivation still escapes me. The ending is actually quite good and worthy of an action firm (and probably inspired by one). All in all, a solid 4/5

Category: Contemporary / Romantic Suspense

Overall Rating: 4/5

NOTE: Tropes are now in the "Labels" below.