The Gaius Realm: Echoes of Choice by JW Frederick & TL Hughes

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The Gaius Realm: Echoes of Choice by JW Frederick & TL Hughes-review & excerpt

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 11, 2025

Aiden and Leia thought they’d live happily ever after… until his superpowers knocked her into a coma.

Romance, superpowers, and psychology come together in The Gaius Realm: Echoes of Choice. Aiden’s desperation to gain control of his powers leads him into the heart of a hidden war, and he discovers that both sides of the conflict know more about his powers than he does. New revelations force him to make an impossible choice with far-reaching consequences.

All Aiden wanted was a life without superpowers. A life with Leia. But, depending on what he chooses, there may not be much of a life left to go back to.

•••••••

REVIEW: I wasn’t sure I’d like this at first. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book with an established couple. Usually it’s a second chance or a new relationship. There isn’t a lot of blurb to read, so it felt like going in blind.

We have the romance, we have paranormal (well it’s not normal to have a superpower, right?) and the psychology part? Well it got me thinking well after the last page….

Really well written. The plot gets you engaged and the characters keep you reading to find out more.

Told from Aiden’s point of view. He keeps his talent/curse to himself, only close family and Leia know the truth at what Aiden can do. His powers react to emotions, so even he gets upset, things happen! Aiden needs to keep calm.

Poor Leia is in a coma! (Not a spoiler, it’s in the blurb😉) and it’s all Aiden’s fault! How? Do we find out? (We do) And will she ever wake up?

Aiden’s powers begin to grow, and so does his confidence, but he’s still unwilling to share what he can do.

Something different and totally unexpected.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

At least nothing’s broken—this time.
“Is it safe to assume you did this as well?” he asks.
I hesitate before giving a dry, “Yeah.”
Dr. Larson presses his lips together, swallowing as he surveys the scene again.
“Did you… not appreciate the work of our overpaid interior designers? I’ve always thought this room had some weird feng shui myself, but I can’t say I understand your stylistic choices either.” He strokes his chin, his eyes narrowing as though he’s analyzing an abstract painting at an art gallery.
“I didn’t try to… It just happens sometimes.”
His tone shifts, the sarcasm vanishing. He turns to face me fully, his expression serious now. “So… you have an active LET, and you can’t control it?”
My head drops. I inhale deeply, trying to fill my lungs with enough air to keep out the truth I’ve avoided admitting. When I finally let the breath go, it takes the last scraps of hope I had for a normal life along with it.
I worked so hard to keep my powers a secret for so long. I had a few slip-ups, but the only people who really knew were my parents, my brother, sister, fiancée, and best friend. I trust Dr. Larson enough to answer his question, but still… where is this going to go once I tell him?
“No… I can’t control it.”
His expression sharpens with the curiosity of his relentless scientific mind. That curiosity is exactly what I wanted to avoid because I know it leads to a question that I do not want to answer.
“The details of Leia’s accident have always been somewhat vague to me,” he says slowly, his voice quieter. “Now I understand why. ARL has agreed to send a specialist, but he’ll need all the information relevant to Leia’s injury in order to diagnose and effectively treat her condition.” He pauses, his gaze locking onto mine. “Aiden, I have to ask you—what really happened that night?”

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His Possession / His Temptation by Delta James-reviews

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His Possession / His Temptation (Mafia Masters 2 & 3) by Delta James-reviews

HIS POSSESSION
(Mafia Masters 2)
by Delta James
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal, Mafia, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 29, 2025

I escaped one crime family…only to fall for the prince of another!
I feel him enter before I see him. The air shifts.
My heart slams against my ribs.
Whispers say he’s lethal.
Dangerous. Unseen forces coil around him like a living shadow.
I should run.
I can’t.
His eyes pin me in place.
There’s power in his stare, something not entirely human.
My pulse pounds like a drumbeat in the silence.
I stand in a world of marble and canvas.
He rules a kingdom of smoke and blood.
His family deals in secrets.
They say he’s a demon in a suit.
I know I should fear him.
I do.
Yet I reach for him anyway.
Bullets fly. Blood spills.
The lines between worlds blur, and I’m caught in the crossfire.
He won’t let me go.
And God help me…I don’t want him to.
Because I’m his. His obsession. His possession.

••••

REVIEW: HIS POSSESSION is the second instalment in Delta James’ contemporary, adult MAFIA MASTERS erotic, paranormal, Mafia romance series. This is panther shifter/Irish mobster, business owner Rory McMahon, and cougar shifter / sculptor Maeve O’Connell’s story line. HIS POSSESSION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives ( Maeve and Rory) HIS POSSESSION follows the fated relationship between panther shifter/Irish mobster, business owner Rory McMahon, and cougar shifter / sculptor Maeve O’Connell. Maeve’s most recent gallery offering finds a visit from Irish mobster Rory McMahon.Maeve’s family is a part of the crime world, and our heroine is determined to stay as far away as possible but Rory is Maeve’s fated mate, and our hero will become guardian and protector of the woman with whom he is falling in love. The O’Neill Crime Syndicate has been targeted, and Maeve is about to become a pawn in a war of winner takes all but betrayal from within sets the tone for the upcoming battle. As to the paranormal nature of the story line, the supernatural element is limited with only one scene at the end.

The world building focuses on Rory’s need to claim Maeve as his own but Maeve’s father is determined to take control of his daughter, destroying the family in the process.

The relationship between Rory and Maeve is one of fated mates but Maeve wants nothing to do with the criminal underworld, having left that life for one of her own. When her friend is targeted, Maeve finds herself at the forefront of danger, in the hopes of protecting the people she loves, The $ex scenes are intimate and impassioned without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced Callum’s second Cormac Kelly, and his Enforcer Malachy; Maeve’s brother Alexander, and gallery owner and friend Sabella Sawyer. The requisite evil has many faces.

HIS POSSESSION is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, greed and madness, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is engaging and tragic; the romance is fated and spicy; the characters are desperate, determined and spirited.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one HIS OBSESSION

_______

HIS TEMPTATION
(Mafia Masters 3)
by Delta James
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal, Mafia, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 21, 2025

I hid for years… it only took him days to claim me.
I spent years erasing my past.
Gone. Hidden. Safe.
Then one photograph ruined everything.

Now MI5 is hunting me. My ex-fiancé wants me dead. Running isn’t an option anymore.

Enter Daragh O’Neill.
Cold. Ruthless. Deadly.
The O’Neill family’s enforcer.

He finds me. Captures me. Offers me a choice.
Stay and be protected.
Or keep running and risk everything.

There’s a catch.
I have to be his.
I should say no. I should run. But Daragh isn’t just any man, he’s something else.
Dark. Dominant. Tempting.
And my panther knows the truth.

He’s mine.

But danger is closing in. Blood will be spilled.
And when the final battle comes…
Will I fight for my freedom?
Or will I surrender to him?

•••••

REVIEW: HIS TEMPTATION is the third instalment in Delta James’ contemporary, adult MAFIA MASTERS dark, erotic, paranormal, Mafia romance series. This is panther shifters Daragh O’Neill of the O’Neill Crime Syndicate, and museum curator Siobhan Harrington’s story line. HIS TEMPTATION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Siobhan and Daragh) HIS TEMPTATION focuses on the rescue and capture of panther shifter and museum curator Siobhan Harrington. Siobhan Harrington is a shifter with special abilities, and is on the run from MI5, MI6, and well as wolf shifter and crime lord Sebastian Wolfe but our heroine’s first foray back into the world of art places a target on her back, and she is determined to stay one step ahead of everyone willing to take her down. Enter Daragh O’Neill, Siobhan’s fated mate, and the man who is determined to protect our heroine with his life but Siobhan isn’t going to make is easy; refusing to be claimed or owned by any man, and in this, Siobhan is determined to run at every opportunity. Keeping Siobhan safe and out of the hands of the people targeting our story line heroine becomes troubling when the woman herself is often TSTL, and walks out of the safety net secured by the man whom she loves.

The world building focuses on the search, protection and claiming of our story line heroine. Daragh O’Neill knows Siobhan is his mate but Siobhan refuses to accept her fate with our story line hero. Determined to run, believing she will be safer on her own, Siobhan is often at the centre of a gun battle or take down of the people aiming to do her harm.

The relationship between Daragh and Siobhan is one of fated mates but Siobhan refuses to accept Daragh’s claim. A claiming, a mating, and a determined Daragh O’Neill all but lock down our story line heroine, a woman who refuses to bend the ‘proverbial knee’ for any man including the man with whom she is falling in love The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

We are reintroduced to panther shifter / Irish Mobster Callum Kavanagh, and his mate, socialite Isolde Fitzwilliam, several MI5 and MI6 agents, as well as Sebastian Wolfe.

HIS TEMPTATION is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is fated and frenzied; the characters are strong-willed, stubborn and charismatic.

Copies supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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When He Hunts (Protector & Defender 2) by Cynthia Eden-review

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When He Hunts (Protector & Defender 2) by Cynthia Eden-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 25, 2025

She’s a dead woman walking.

Luna Black knows that she’s being hunted. The price on her head is astronomical. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and she saw some very dangerous people doing some very, very bad things. Now she needs to reach the Feds, stat, and get a new identity and a new life. Because her old life? Definitely over.

It’s not personal. She’s just a job.

Ronan Walker lives in the shadows. His job? Simple—to deliver death. And the latest hit has him tracking down the very elusive and unpredictable Luna. But he’s not the only hitman on her trail. Luna has valuable intel. The kind of intel that can never see the light of a courtroom. When the other hunters swarm in on her, Ronan has no choice but to intervene.

Death wasn’t supposed to be so…dead sexy.

After he defeated the group trying to abduct her, Luna expected to die by the gorgeous stranger’s hands. Even as he kissed her, Luna was sure that the tall, dark, and fierce predator would kill her. Only…she woke up, very much still alive, and handcuffed to his bed. Before she can even scream, he offers her a deal…protection, but for a price.

Is he a hitman with a heart?

No, he’s not. Not even close. His heart never gets involved in a job. Ronan faked Luna’s death, and now he has to keep her with him in the shadows until the Feds are ready to use her in order to bring down a massive criminal ring. The problem? He’s not exactly used to sharing close quarters with anyone. Especially not someone like Luna…a woman who pushes him to the edge and makes him want to let go of the fierce control that he’s kept in place for years.

On the run. Hiding in the shadows. Pretending to be a couple in love…

Sometimes, it’s easy to pretend. To act like lovers. But what happens when the pretending starts to feel all too real? The longer they are together, the more Luna realizes there is so much more to Ronan than meets the eye. He protects her, he defends her from every threat, and she…just might be falling hard for the hitman who swears he can never love…

The story of her life. To fall for the man who delivers death.

•••••

REVIEW:WHEN HE HUNTS is the second instalment in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary, adult GUARDIAN AND PROTECTOR erotic, romantic suspense series. This is assassin for hire Ronan Walker, and drama teacher Luna Black’s story line. WHEN HE HUNTS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Ronan and Luna WHEN HE HUNTS follows the hunt and take down of our story line heroine. Luna Black witness the murder of a friend, and now she is the target of a powerful man. On the run, Luna will face down several assassins including the man with whom she is falling in love. Refusing to lose his payday, Ronan not only abducts our heroine but takes aim at the other assassins hired to finish the job but Ronan never expected to find himself falling for our story line heroine, and in doing so, places a target on the woman he loves.

The world building follows Ronan and Luna as our couple begin a cross country adventure in the hopes of staying one step ahead of the man who hired our story line hero. Working undercover with the both the FBI and US Marshall’s office, Ronan takes aim at the people who placed a hit on our story line heroine.

The relationship between Ronan and Luna begins as assassin and captor but quickly turns into something more. Protecting Luna becomes Ronan’s number one priority even in the face of threats against his own life. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include the return of FBI Agent Grayson Stone; former Marine Kane Harte, and former Marine turned US Marshall Tyler Barrett, and his wife, professional thief Esme Laurent. The requisite evil has many faces.

WHEN HE HUNTS is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is exciting and engaging; the romance is provocative; the characters are determined and dynamic.

CLICK HERE for Sandy’s review of book one WHEN HE PROTECTS

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo – a Review

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The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo – a Review

 

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Description:
It’s been ten years. In case you’re out there somewhere—in case you’re listening, I’m here. And I have so much to tell you.

It’s been nearly ten years since Gabe’s been gone when Lucy finds a tiny piece of paper in a box of his old photos. An address in Rome. Why did Gabe keep it, and what was he doing in Italy? Lucy buys a last-minute ticket. Impulsive, but Gabe always brought that out in her.

Lucy’s journey to uncover Gabe’s secret leads her to Dr. Dax Amstrong, a New Yorker in Italy working with an NGO. His broad shoulders and sad, intense eyes draw Lucy in. His touch reaches her in a forgotten place—one that no one has neared since Gabe.

But her old life awaits, along with an earth-shattering decision—whether she and Darren should tell their son Samuel the truth about his real father. How can Lucy move forward while she’s rooted in regret? Fate broke her heart in the past. Can finding new love set her free?

 

 

Review:

The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo was a wonderful standalone novel.  This was a sequel to the previous book, The Light We Lost, which now takes picks up a decade after Gabe’s death, with his editor (Eric) calling Lucy to plan a promotion for a new book to be published.  Lucy ends up searching for Gabe boxes that has been in the closet for many years; she ends up finding an address in Italy with a drawing of a young boy.  Lucy decides to fly to Italy to do research on her own, why Gabe would have kept this address.  She will meet the family, including the young man (10 Years older), Bashire, who was a drawing expert whose photo was still cherished.

While in Italy, she meets Dax, a doctor who works with refugees coming into Italy. Lucy finds herself attracted to Dax, as he also falls hard for her.  When Dax returns to the states, their relationship escalates.  Though Gabe has been dead for 10 years, she wonders if her and Dax have found love. 

The main focus of this story revolves around Lucy, her three kids, and her ex, Darren and his wife, Courtney.   Lucy and Darren have shared custody, with each week the families switching to their house.  Their three kids – Violet, Liam, and Sam, make a very good happy family. Sam the youngest (8 years old) is actually Gabe’s son, which only Darren knows about.  Lucy decides she wants to tell Sam, and her other two kids, about Gabe; which infuriates Darren, who does not want this to be revealed.  Darren found out about Gabe, which was a reason for the divorce. The conflict between Darren and Lucy has them both at crossroads; but with help from Courtney, Lucy does tell her three kids about Gabe, and Sam realizes that he looks like Gabe. 

When Dax returns from Italy, their romance resumes, until Lucy fears her kids will not accept him.  She decides to break up with Dax, as she is reluctant to hurt her family; but when Dax has to help find Sam, and everything changes, including the kid’s acceptance.

The Love We Found was a very emotional and powerful journey, filled with grief, life, loss and secrets.  The Love We Found was very well written by Jill Santopolo.  This was a wonderful story, which I suggest you read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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The Bane Witch by Ava Morgyn-review, excerpt & giveaway

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The Bane Witch by Ava Morgyn-review, excerpt & giveaway

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo Paper /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 18, 2025

Piers Corbin has always had an affinity for poisonous things—plants and men. From the pokeweed berries she consumed at age five that led to the accidental death of a stranger, to the husband whose dark proclivities have become… concerning, poison has been at the heart of her story.

But when she fakes her own death in an attempt to escape her volatile marriage and goes to stay with her estranged great aunt in the mountains, she realizes her predilection is more than a hunger—it’s a birthright. Piers comes from a long line of poison eaters—Bane Witches—women who ingest deadly plants and use their magic to rid the world of evil men.

Piers sets out to earn her place in her family’s gritty but distinguished legacy, all while working at her Aunt Myrtle’s cafe and perpetuating a flirtation with the local, well-meaning sheriff to allay his suspicions on the body count she’s been leaving in her wake. But soon she catches the attention of someone else, a serial killer operating in the area. And that only means one thing—it’s time to feed.

•••••

REVIEW: THE BANE WITCH by Ava Morgyn is a contemporary, adult, paranormal, thriller focusing on Bane Witch and interior designer Piers ‘ Acacia’ Corbin.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Piers ) and third person (Reyes) THE BANE WITCH follows Piers Corbin in the aftermath of faking her death to escape her abusive and controlling husband. The only family she knows of is her aunt Myrtle, a strange woman she met only once but a woman who will reveal the reality of who and what is our story line heroine. For as long as she can remember, Piers has been drawn to plants and poisons, but more specifically the berry of the pokeweed, and in this, her need to devour and eat pokeweed is disconcerting until the arrival of her aunt Myrtle who sees more than Piers could have ever thought possible. Fast forward to present day, now working and living in Crow Lake with her aunt Myrtle, Piers, now known as Acacia, will discover she is descended from a long line of bane witches, women who consume poisonous plants and berries, using their powers to rid the world of dangerous men. As the body count increases, local sheriff Regis Brooks begins to suspect a connection to Piers and Myrtle, and the investigation into Piers’ ‘death’ arrives in Crow Lake, near the Canadian border.

The world building is detailed and complex as Piers aka Acacia learns about the family history, the legacy and the venery (practice of hunting) she knew nothing about, details hidden by her mother, a woman who denied her heritage in the wake of debilitating need and pain. Meanwhile, there is a serial killer hunting in the woods of the Adirondacks, and Piers suspects she may be a target of the Saranac Stangler.

There is a building romance and relationship between Piers (Acacia) and Sheriff Regis Brooks but a relationship that struggles in the face of the numerous murders, and the sheriff’s suspicions regarding the method of killing. Piers and Regis’ love is forbidden but Piers is determined to protect the man who has stolen her heart. The $ex scenes are limited and mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and interesting secondary and supporting characters including several members Piers’ extended family, known as the venery. We are introduced to Piers’ aunt Myrtle, cousin Azalea, Sheriff Regis Brooks, Detective Emil Reyes, Piers’ husband Henry Corbin, as well as a number of local villagers including Ed and his dog Bart, and targeted victims and abusers. I am hoping the author has plans for future story lines involving Piers’ extended family of witches.

THE BANE WITCH is a magical story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and madness, abuse and murder, family and acceptance. The premise is dark and dramatic; the characters are determined, charismatic and disconcerting; the romance is subtle.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Click HERE to read an excerpt from THE BANE WITCH by Ava Morgyn

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THIS MOMENT (Moose Village 1) by Kelly Elliott-review tour

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THIS MOMENT (Moose Village 1) by Kelly Elliott-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

Goodreads: https://geni.us/ThisMomentGR

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 18, 2025

Kian Carter is stuck in a rut. A successful lawyer in his parents’ New York City office, he’s sick and tired of their greed, their lifelong insistence on putting their powerhouse practice above all else—including Kian and his siblings. So he does what he should have done long ago, what his brother and sister did…Kian turns his back on law. Quitting the firm and moving back to the only home he’s ever known, quiet Moose Village in Upstate New York.

Not much ever changes in the tiny town in the foothills of the Adirondacks. Or so Kian thought. But this time, there’s one big difference: Moose Village is playing host to a mystery woman. And she happens to be working at his aunt’s bakery. Lovely Cadie Waterford is the talk of the town gossips, as much for her luscious banana bread as her unwillingness to talk about her past.

Kian’s not normally one to engage in gossip…but the more time he spends with Cadie, the more intrigued he becomes. Whatever her secrets may be, he’s sure he can handle them—but when words like FBI, CIA, and even murder come into play, does Cadie need more protection than Kian thought?

Or does Moose Village need protection from Cadie…?

••••

REVIEW: THIS MOMENT is the first instalment in Kelly Elliott’s contemporary, adult MOOSE VILLAGE erotic, romance series. This is thirty-three year old, attorney Kian Carter, and baker Cadie Waterford’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kian and Cadie) THIS MOMENT follows in the wake of the arrival of Cadie Waterford to Moose Village, Massachusetts. Cadie’s arrival is met with gossip and interest, and our heroine is determined to keep her secrets from the people in Moose Village but the return of home town favorite Kian Carter finds our heroine a bigger topic of gossip, and in this, she finds herself falling for a man who is struggling with a new direction in life. All is not as it appears to be as Cadie’s past refuses to let go, and our heroine must reconsider her future in Moose Village where she rediscovered her passion, and a man with whom she will fall in love.

The world building follows Cadie as she starts life anew in the small town of Moose Village. A baker by trade, Cadie is welcomed into Kian’s aunt’s place Batter Up Bakery, where Cadie will make a name for herself baking treats and desserts but Cadie refuses to reveal too much about her past, and in this, the town gossips work overtime to uncover the truth. Kian Carter is an attorney who has always wanted to write, to become an mystery author, and has decided to return to his home town in an effort to escape the world of high finance and the law but coming face to face with Cadie gives Kian thoughts for a future, a future with the woman with whom he is falling in love. Meanwhile, Kian reveals the dysfunctionality of the Carter household, as Cadie must come to terms with the events of the past.

The relationship between Cadie and Kian is one of immediate attraction but Cadie’s secrets become the source of the town gossipers and bullies. Working for Kian’s aunt give Cadie a purpose but her past may also be a threat to the people she is growing to love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and dynamic secondary and supporting characters including some questionable gossipers found in small-town life. We are introduced to Cadie’s best friend Lauryn; Kian’s aunt Opal, his sister Macy, brother Mark, and their parents Lacy and Doug, housekeeper Sally, as well as Cadie’s ex Michael.

THIS MOMENT is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is thought provoking and edgy; the romance is spicy and spirited; the characters are energetic and sassy.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Lost Love, and Never Enough, to name a few.

Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, Gus, her chocolate lab, four cats, and endless wildlife creatures. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.
www.kellyelliottauthor.com

Connect with Kelly

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NO MORE SPIES (M&M: New Recruits 4) by Lexi Blake-review tour

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NO MORE SPIES (Masters and Mercenaries: New Recruits 4) by Lexi Blake-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters/Indigo / Apple /

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3Wr8nYS

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 8, 2025

Kala Taggart has known she was in love with Cooper McKay since she was a young girl. But her wild-child ways sometimes clashed with Coop’s apple pie, all-American persona. After the worst night of Kala’s life, she decided to give up on having any kind of normalcy. She focused on her future and let the idea of Cooper go.

Cooper knows he screwed up with Kala when they were young, but the adult Cooper is unwilling to let their past rob them of a future. He joins her CIA team not for the thrill of the job but to be close to the woman he’s always loved. He spends night after night with her at the club, trying to fulfill her needs, to prove he doesn’t need some perfect partner. All he needs is her.

When Cooper and Kala are assigned to a mission, they find themselves locked together and forced to face their problems. As the truth of that long-ago night slowly comes to the surface, Cooper has to admit that Kala might be further from him than ever. And all his plans come crashing down as the elusive terrorist they’ve been hunting makes a move no one is expecting, but the real threat might come from within.

••••••

REVIEW: NO MORE SPIES is the fourth instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult MASTERS AND MERCENARIES: NEW RECRUITS erotic, BDSM, romantic suspense series, a spin off from the author’s numerous interconnected Masters & Mercenaries series, crossing over with the author’s Texas Sirens / Nights in Bliss (written as Sophie Oak). This is Ian ‘Big Tag’ Taggart and Charlotte’s daughter Kala, and Alex and Eve’s son Cooper McKay’s story line. NO MORE SPIES can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the NEW RECRUITS series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including D/s situations, spankings and violence, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Cooper and Kala, NO MORE SPIES follows several intersecting pathways including the heart breaking relationship between Kala and Cooper. At the ages of fifteen Cooper destroyed Kala’s heart and soul, rejecting her invitation for something more, and in doing so, set into motion years of anguish and grief for our story line couple. Fast forward twelve years, Kala has had to endure, and survive dangerous assignments that have left her broken and betrayed but Cooper wants nothing more than to have his best friend and the woman he loves back in his life. Kala Taggart is a no-nonsense operative with the ability to shut down when needed but her lack of emotion and stoic persona hide the reality of who and what she is.-the breakdown of a woman who rides the edge of reason and sanity, a woman who is the target of manipulation and control.

The world building is elaborate and meticulous, and follows several intersecting pathways that reveals a darkness that threatens to engulf our story line heroine as well as the betrayal and heartbreak of friendships and love. The past refuses to let go as secrets reveal the real world absoluteness of the who, how and why, and in this, the cycle of pain and deception comes full circle with the revelations of truth.

The relationship between Cooper and Kala is a best friends to frenemies to friends to lovers but a relationship in which the ups and downs are disquieting and hurtful. The number of times trust and understanding are betrayed leads to a friendship in which hurting one another suggests it is time to part ways. Kala struggles with understanding emotions of the heart-naïve to some extent but a woman who is struggling with what I can only believe is a neuro-divergent persona. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of familiar, energetic and charismatic characters most of whom we have met throughout the numerous interconnected series including, but not limited to, Big Tag and Charlotte Alex and Eve, as well as Captain Zach Reed, CSIS Agent Ben Parker, Kala’s twin Kenzie, their sisters Lou and Tasha, their cousins ‘Devi’ Devon Taggart, and TJ, and Dr. Emmanuel Huisman, and CIA psychologist Lena Gallagher. Devi and Zach’s story is next.

NO MORE SPIES is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, mistrust and misunderstanding, power and control, obsession and madness, family and friendships, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is detailed, complex and impassioned; the romance is heart breaking and emotional; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Love the Way You Spy
Live,Love, Spy
2.5 The Bodyguard and the Bombshell
Sweet Little Spies

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. Since starting her publishing journey in 2010, she’s sold over three million copies of her books. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings.

GOODREADS/ INSTAGRAM/ BOOKBUB / PINTERESTFACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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Ranger’s Justice / The Rookie by Delta James-reviews

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RANGER’S JUSTICE / THE ROOKIE by Delta James-reviews

Ranger’s Justice
Lone Star Wolf Rangers 1
by Delta James
Genre: adult ,contemporary, erotic, paranormal, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 14, 2025

They told me to stay out of it… I should have listened.

I was raised to believe in justice. To hunt down the truth no matter the cost. But when that truth led me straight into the sights of the Del Toro cartel, I realized too late, I might have bitten off more than I could chew.

I was tracking a shipment I thought would lead me to my corrupt stepfather. Instead, I ended up in the middle of a bloodbath, staring down the barrel of a gun. And then he showed up. Zane “Rush” Rushton, Lone Star Ranger, all raw power and barely restrained fury. He dragged me out of that hellhole, kicking and cursing, warning me that I was in way over my head.

I don’t like taking orders, least of all from a man who thinks he can control me. But Rush isn’t just any man. There’s something different about him, something dangerous simmering beneath the surface. When he shifted, right in front of me, I realized just how deep this danger runs.

Now I’m entangled in something far bigger than I ever imagined; cartel secrets, human trafficking, and the undeniable truth that my own bloodline is tied to it all. I should run. But Rush won’t let me. He says he’s the only one who can protect me. That he won’t let me go.

The scariest part? I don’t want him to.

••••••••••

REVIEW: RANGER’S JUSTICE is the first instalment in Delta James’ contemporary, adult LONE STAR WOLF RANGERS erotic, paranormal, romantic suspense series focusing on a group of former military personnel, wolf shifters who now form Texas Rangers Team W: Rush, Gideon, Dalton, Deacon and Gage. This is forensic accountant Cassidy Marlow, and Alpha wolf shifter/ Texas Ranger Zane ‘Rush’ Rushton’s story line. There is a slight cross over with the author’s Cerberus Group and Club Southside

Told from dual first person perspectives (Rush and Cassidy) RANGER’S JUSTICE follows in the aftermath of the suspected murder of Cassidy Marlow’s father Thomas Marlow. Ten years earlier, Thomas Marlow died is an explosion, an explosion Cassidy suspects was set by his business partner Joseph Hollister. Fast forward ten years, vowing revenge for her father’s murder, Cassidy begins an investigation into her step-father, a man with connections to the Del Toro Cartel but Cassidy is unaware of the proverbial hornet’s nest she has poked, and quickly becomes the target of the people in charge. Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers Team W has covertly been investigating the same organization, an organization that is also involved in money laundering and human trafficking. When Cassidy finds herself in too deep, wolf shifter and Texas Ranger Zane ‘ Rush’ Rushton becomes our heroine’s guardian and protector, even in the face of her refusal to stand down.

The world building follows the formation of Texas Rangers Team W; Cassidy’s desperate attempts to uncover the truth about her father’s death; and the take down of the man she blames for destroying her life.

The relationship between Rush and Cassidy begins acrimoniously as Cassidy refuses to listen or stop her personal one-woman army of destruction. Cassidy is reckless, vulnerable, strong-willed, a liability and most often TSTL (too stupid to live), refusing to accept she is not capable of taking down the Cartel, alone. There is often times a struggle for author’s between a strong heroine or a heroine who is borderline b*tch. Rush is determined to prove Cassidy needs help but his wolf has plans for something more permanent. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters include Texas Rangers Team W: Gideon, Dalton, Deacon and Gage Cassidy’s boss and her father’s best friend Marcus Kane; Cassidy’s younger sister Sadie; Step-father Joseph Hollister, and several members of the Del Toro cartel. Deacon’s story line is next.

RANGER’S JUSTICE is a story of secrets and obsession, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love. The action packed premise is intriguing and enchanting; the romance is limited to a fated relationship; the characters are magical, empowering and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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THE ROOKIE
(Club Southside 4)
by Delta James
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, BDSM, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 11, 2023

He’s supposed to protect her, NOT fall in love.

Stunning. That’s the first word that comes to mind when I see the brilliant, curvy beauty performing comedy in a club. At the time I didn’t know who she was.

With the soul of an artist and the spirit of a warrior, Pippa is gorgeous, quirky, and unique.
She’s also my friend’s little sister.

After getting fired from my job as a detective and promptly hired by the Cerberus group, my first assignment is to protect Seth’s little sister, Pippa.

Someone has been threatening Pippa and her crew. It is my job to uncover the culprit while keeping her safe.

As their chemistry and the danger both heat up, Dillon will stop at nothing to keep her safe and… make her his.

••••

REVIEW: THE ROOKIE is the fourth instalment in Delta James’ contemporary, adult CLUB SOUTHSIDE erotic, BDSM, romance series focusing on the men and women who work for Cerberus Security. This is former Chicago Detective and Dom Matt Dillon, and comedienne Pippa Newcomb. THE ROOKIE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Pippa is the sister of Cerberus Security specialist Seth Newcomb

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Dillon and Pippa) THE ROOKIE focuses on the protection of comedienne Pippa Newcomb. Pippa Newcomb has a stalker, and the attacks are becoming more personal and dangerous. In an effort to protect his sister without involving the police or himself, Pippa’s brother Seth offers former Chicago Detective Matt Dillon the ‘opportunity’ to keep an eye on our story line heroine but from the outset, nothing goes according to plan. An attack against Pippa’s manager Gretchen Miller, and the regular appearance of threatening notes brings with it the possibility of someone close, who is taking aim at our story line heroine.

The world building focuses on the building relationship between Dillon and Pippa, as Dillon struggles to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. Pippa is determined to push Dillon and the Cerberus crew out of her life but as the threats become more dangerous, Dillon will blame himself for crossing the line with our story line heroine.

The secondary and supporting characters are energetic and dynamic. We are reintroduced to Pippa’s brother Seth Newcomb, as well as Pippa’s manager Gretchen, assistant Marty Simpson, former US soldier turned B&B owner Jack MacNair; and fellow comic Kimberly.

THE ROOKIE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, jealousy and obsession, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is provocative; the characters are determined and desperate.

Previous Reviews
The Sentinel
The Keeper
The Player
The Fixer
The Sniper

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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