Monthly Archives: December 2015

Arresting Developments by Lena Diaz – a Review

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Arresting Developments by Lena Diaz – a Review

 

Arresting DevelopmentsAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
A mysterious beauty had nursed him back to health—and attracted the attention of some very bad men… 

Somewhere over the Everglades, the airplane’s engine failed and Dex Lassiter plummeted into the swamp’s murky depths. Amber Callahan didn’t expect to find any survivors in the wreckage, but Dex was about as tough as they came. And too smart not to dig into why a woman like her had run away to settle in remote Mystic Glades. Or why a killer circled their every move. As floodwaters rose, deputizing Dex was just what this lawless small town needed. Because escape wasn’t possible. And the only thing Dex did better than starting things was defending them.

Review:

A mysterious mist engulfed the Cessna Dex was flying, killing the engine, and causing it to nosedive into a tree. Yup, we’re back in the Everglades, where the incredulous mingles with reality. We met Dex in book 1 of Lena Diaz’s Marshland Justice Series (available here) and to say I was interested is an understatement. Arresting Developments features navy pilot turned millionaire mogul, Dex Lassiter, and Amber Callahan, former healer turn hideout. When their paths cross, secrets are exposed and murder is rampant. It’s hard enough for two opposites to find common ground, but when Dex and Amber lower their guards and glimpse a better, stronger future together…what can’t they survive? Lena Diaz will keep you on edge, looking over your shoulder, in this short, sexy, dangerous story.

Most of the engine was intact. Only a few parts had been ripped away or crushed on impact. Everything looked normal.

Except for the electrical tape…

Since electric tape wasn’t standard equipment in any engine compartment, especially a brand-new plane, he could only reach one logical conclusion.

Someone had tried to kill him.

Amber doesn’t want to get involved (she’s already implicated in something enormous), but when a plane goes down, in the perilous Glades, her good heart is prompted into immediate action. In and out; drop off the city boy in town with no one the wiser. But upon arrival, Dex gets her heart pumping! This charming man can’t keep the flirtations to a minimum despite sepsis poisoning his body (and why can’t Amber stop blushing and enjoying every overture?) Because Lena Diaz wrote one hell of a leading man! That interest I referred to earlier? Far too mild a noun now that he’s developed. I loved the chemistry and temptation; the desire to give in to those impulses without regret (or too much at least, lol!)

Before you know it, Amber’s past is revealed (in parts) and it weighs as heavily as the threat (and guilt) burdening Dex. Attraction aside, Amber and Dex should run and hide back to their respective holes — is there a person who asks for more complications? That would be Dex, lol, but it’s only because their connection is so compelling; it urges them to reach for more: For Amber to stop running and for Dex to right his wrongs.

Am I sharing too many feelings instead of plot lines? This review flowed because Arresting Developments was such a forward, fast-paced read. Ms. Diaz addresses Amber’s questionable past, but she shifts center stage to make room for Dex’s arc; where his vulnerabilities are exposed, mucking up his share of the Mystic Glades waters.

Who knew crisis could forge such an unexpected kinship? Amber and Dex dig deep to offer the best of themselves and no one deserves a happier HEA! I have been inhaling this Marshland series and look forward to the third installation…and the inevitable conclusion. Get on this, my friends!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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The Fix Up (First Impressions #1) by Tawna Fenske-Review and Book Tour

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THE FIX UP (First Impressions #1) by Tawna Fenske-Review and Book Tour

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The Fix Up
First Impressions #1
by Tawna Fenske
Release Date: December 14, 2105
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic romance

The Fix Up

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 14, 2015

Uncovering this sexy geek’s charm is easy. Keeping her hands off of him is impossible.

While he may look like the love child of a movie starlet and an NFL linebacker, Ben Langley has the people skills of a half-drowned porcupine. Why socialize when there are chemistry labs and bad sci-fi flicks? If he has any hope of taking the helm as CEO of the family business, Ben needs an image makeover. Pronto.

Enter Holly Colvin, owner of First Impressions public relations and branding firm, and the woman who just saved Ben from the clutches of an over-attentive sales clerk. Holly’s rebranded hundreds of companies in her career, but she’s never rebranded a person. The guy clearly needs help, though, and she’s just the woman for the job.

With the clock ticking for them both, Holly and Ben face off over wardrobe malfunctions and business jargon that sounds a lot sexier than it should. But can Holly make Ben into the man he thinks he should be without losing the man she’s starting to love?

•••••••

REVIEW: THE FIX UP is the first installment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult FIRST IMPRESSIONS erotic, romance series. This is CEO Ben Langley, and public relations expert Holly Colvin’s storyline.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Ben and Holly) THE FIX UP focuses on Holly’s latest ‘rebranding’ job. Ben is the new CEO of Langley enterprises and he is in desperate need of a make over and influx of people skills. Enter Holly Colvin, the owner o First Impressions PR and Branding Firm, and the woman with whom Ben will fall in love. While Holly attempts to correct Ben’s socially awkward people skills, Ben will work at seducing the woman in charge using bad movies, popcorn and flannel pajamas.

There is plenty of sexual innuendo, and euphemism interjected throughout the storyline. Ben is an engineer who has designed a new product, and with it comes plenty of sexual analogy as Ben tries to explain to Holly what it is he is planning to do. Ben’s lack of self-confidence is a detour from the usual self-confident billionaire.

THE FIX UP is a sweet story; a forbidden romance between Holly and her business client Ben, but a romance that is going to happen regardless of Holly’s professional ethics. The premise is fun and full of sexual banter; the characters are entertaining and light-there is not too much angst or personal reflections of self pity and pain but I did have one issue as it pertained to Holly’s ex-husband. Holly’s ex plays a pivotal role in Holly’s financial future, and throughout the story, his control and power over Holly’s independence is a conflict that is addressed on several occasions, and yet, there is never any resolution and we never do meet the man in question. I have to wonder why the constant reference when nothing ever came to fruition.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

The saleswoman turned and scurried away, leaving Ben to stare down at the wife now affixed to his arm. She tucked her hair behind her ear and glanced the direction the saleswoman had retreated.
“I hope I read that right.” The brunette scooted out from under his arm, and he instantly missed her softness. She looked up at him with those odd violet-gray eyes and smiled. “You looked like you were being eaten alive there, but too polite to tell her to back off.”
“Eaten alive,” he repeated, a little mesmerized by the woman’s eyes. “I’m not entirely sure.”
“Seemed like that’s what was going on. Salesgirl sees a big guy with a big budget and big—” she paused, then gave a small shrug. “Well, sometimes it brings out the worst in women.”
“Thank you,” he said, meaning it. “I’ve been flying back and forth between cities all week, so I’m a little jetlagged and distracted. I guess I wasn’t even a hundred percent sure I was being—uh—”
“Hit on? Ogled? Mentally undressed?”
“Right.” He cleared his throat. “Not until you pointed it out. Thanks for the rescue.”
“No problem. Pay it forward sometime.”
“Is that real? It’s huge.”
She blinked, then glanced down at the paperweight-sized rock adorning her ring finger. “Nah, I keep it in my purse for when I want to avoid getting hit on at ladies’ night.”
“Does it work?”
“Not with the real jackasses, which probably defeats the purpose, huh?”
He nodded, not sure what to say to that. “I’m sorry, what was your name again?”
“Holly. Holly Colvin. I’m the owner of First Impressions.”
“First Impressions?”
“We’re a public relations and branding firm that specializes in creating and remaking corporate identities.” She fished into her purse to pull out a business card. She held it out to him and Ben started to reach for it, but Holly withdrew her hand.
“Shit. Vampira the Sales Queen is headed back here.”
Before he could say anything, Holly was sliding her hand around to cup his ass. For a few beats, he thought she was copping a feel, and he hoped like hell she kept doing it. Then he realized she was tucking her card into his back pocket. She grinned and tilted her head back to look up at him.
“Gotta commit to the role, right?”
“Right,” he murmured, staring down into those slate-speckled eyes. “We certainly do.”
“I suppose we could throw in a little something extra if you really want her to buy it.”
“Like what?”
Her lips parted slightly, almost like she was braced for a kiss. Or was that his imagination? It seemed hot in here, and he was getting dizzy, and now all he could think about was claiming those perfect lips.
“I’m sure you’ll come up with something,” she murmured.
Her mouth looked so soft, so inviting, and he could have sworn her lashes fluttered low the way they might if she were waiting for him to make a move. A big move.
He knew what he needed to do. What he wanted to do.
And with that, he bent and kissed her.

About The Author

Follow: Goodreads/Website/Twitter/Facebook

Tawna FenskeTawna Fenske is a romantic comedy author who writes humorous fiction, risqué romance, and heartwarming love stories with a quirky twist. Her offbeat brand of romance has been praised by Booklist as “A tame Carl Hiaasen on cupid juice,” and RT Book Reviews nominated her debut novel for contemporary romance of the year. Tawna is a fourth generation Oregonian who can peel a banana with her toes and who loses an average of 20 pairs of eyeglasses per year. She lives in Bend, Oregon with her husband, step kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets.Rafflecopter Giveaway

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Teased (Dark Protectors 7.5) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review and Book Tour

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Teased (Dark Protectors 7.5) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review and Book Tour

TEASED Tour-banner

TEASED
1001 Dark Nights Novella
Dark Protectors
by Rebecca Zanetti
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance
Release Date: December 8, 2015

Teased

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 8, 2015

The Hunter

For almost a century, the Realm’s most deadly assassin, Chalton Reese, has left war and death in the past, turning instead to strategy, reason, and technology. His fingers, still stained with blood, now protect with a keyboard instead of a weapon. Until the vampire king sends him on one more mission; to hunt down a human female with the knowledge to destroy the Realm. A woman with eyes like emeralds, a brain to match his own, and a passion that might destroy them both—if the enemy on their heels doesn’t do so first.

The Hunted

Olivia Roberts has foregone relationships with wimpy metro-sexuals in favor of pursuing a good story, bound and determined to uncover the truth, any truth. When her instincts start humming about missing proprietary information, she has no idea her search for a story will lead her to a ripped, sexy, and dangerous male beyond any human man. Setting aside the unbelievable fact that he’s a vampire and she’s his prey, she discovers that trusting him is the only chance they have to survive the danger stalking them both.

••••••••••

REVIEW: TEASED, a paranormal romance storyline by Rebecca Zanetti, is the latest entry into the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights novella series, as well as Rebecca’s DARK PROTECTORS series. This is Realm assassin Chalton Reese, and journalist Olivia Roberts’ storyline. TEASED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Chalton and Olivia) TEASED follows Chalton’s hunt for the human female trying to ‘out’ the supernatural world. Chalton has been assigned, by King Dage Kayrs, to locate the woman responsible for releasing secret information about the possible existence of another species. What ensues is a cross country journey wherein Chalton realizes Olivia is his mate but not before the Kurjans, and Chalton’s brothers focus their sights on Olivia, as well.

TEASED, like the name implies, is a little tease involving Rebecca Zanetti’s world of the Dark Protectors. With the introduction of Chalton’s two brothers, there is the potential for two more storylines (perhaps novellas) especially one that may involve Chalton’s brother Jared, and Olivia’s best friend Ronni. Ronni is dying, and Olivia is hoping to save her BFF anyway she can.

Rebecca Zanetti pulls the reader into a fast paced, suspense filled, action packed novella that sees another vampire finding his mate. There is a little bit of sex, humor, fear, and the push and pull that only Rebecca writes with dueling mates. The familiarity and connection to the original series comes with the cameo appearance of King Dage and his mate Emma. The premise is entertaining and intense; the characters are fun and charismatic; the romance and $ex is a quick build to a happily ever after-but then again, in Rebecca’s world of the vampire falling in love is always immediate and fierce. TEASED is a welcome addition to the Dark Protector series.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter.

Reviewed by Sandy

Teased teaser 4

excerpt

What in the world was she doing? She’d just agreed to have sex with a vampire. In fact, forget the guy was a vampire. She’d just agreed to get naked and horizontal with the sexiest and probably the most dangerous man she’d ever met.
They did it horizontally, right?
“Why?” he asked, tossing the belt over his shoulder and moving toward her.
The scent of man and the warmth of male washed over her. “I want to.” Sometimes life was as simple as that. Plus, her curiosity had gotten her far in life, and she just couldn’t turn it off. “Do we really have to have an in-depth conversation about this?” Geez. Kiss her already.
“No. Just making sure this is what you want.” He lifted her against his torso, turning to stride toward the bathroom.
“You’re strong,” she said breathlessly, grabbing his very bare chest for balance.
He grinned. “You’re a lightweight, sweetheart.”
She scoffed. “Not even close.” Did she really want to get naked with such male perfection? Nobody had ever called her petite. Or small. Or fit. “Wait. I’m not—”
Then his mouth was on hers.
Hot and deep, he commandeered her lips, sending her senses spiraling. She moaned low in her throat and kissed him back, or rather followed his lead.
Still kissing her, he somehow reached into the shower and flipped on the water. Slowly, keeping her pressed against his muscled body, he allowed her to slide down him until her feet settled on the smooth tile.
She broke the kiss, her mind turning to mush, her breath panting out. A sense way too sharp to be desire sliced through her, making her want him with a craving that should give her pause. But it was too late to pause.
The look in his eyes was pure lust…and it was for her. He wanted her…all of her.
Drawing courage from that look, she reached for the hem of her dress and yanked it over her head.
The sound he made, low and guttural, vibrated through her body to land between her legs. “Beautiful,” he murmured…

About the Author Black and Green

Rebecca ZanettiNew York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She is a member of
RWA, has won awards for her works throughout the industry, and has a journalism degree with a poly sci emphasis from Pepperdine University as well as a Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho.

Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her
every day-or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

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Wicked Reunion (Wicked White #2) by MIchelle A.Valentine-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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WICKED REUNION (Wicked White #2) by Michelle A.Valentine-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

Wicked Reunion

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / The Book Depository / BAM

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 15, 2015

College sweethearts London Uphill and Jared Kraft were inseparable. He was a rising baseball star with a promising future, and she seemed destined to become “Mrs. Kraft.” Then a tragic night and a series of devastating mistakes caused Jared to walk away from his life, leaving London without any explanation and tearing the couple apart.

Five years later, Jared has reinvented himself by putting down the bat and picking up a guitar to play for the red-hot band Wicked White. In all that time, London hasn’t gotten over her forever love—or the pain—despite seeking solace in the arms of the one man no one dreamed she’d run to.

When Wicked White’s lead singer goes MIA, Jared finds the time—and courage—to return to his hometown and face the mess he made. He’s shocked at how London’s life has changed, yet he’s determined to prove their love is worth fighting for. Is this breakup too big for any hope of a reunion tour? Or can London open her heart to Jared once again?

••••••••

REVIEW: WICKED REUNION is the second installment in Michelle A.Valentine’s contemporary, new adult WICKED WHITE romance series. This is lead guitarist for the rock band Wicked White Jared Kraft, and primary school teacher London Uphill’s storyline-a second chance, of sorts, for two people whose lives imploded five years earlier. WICKED REUNION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. There is a slight connection with Valentine’s Black Falcon series.

Told from alternating first person points of view (Jared and London) as well as alternating past and present timelines wherein the present day events of WICKED REUNION run parallel and cross over with the events of book one WICKED WHITE, WICKED REUNION follows the before and after of a traumatic and tragic night in the life of Jared, and his brother Wes Kraft, and Jared’s fiancée London Uphill. Michelle A. Valentine pulls the reader into a heartbreaking and painful series of calamitous events (after the fact) all perpetrated and instigated by Jared Kraft and his need to lash out at the pain of losing someone close. What ensues is Jared’s need to get out of town, leaving his family and his fiancée behind without a goodbye or KMA. Five years will pass before Jared returns home to face his family and friends.

WICKED REUNION is a roller coaster of events, flashbacks, memories and alternating timelines that follows Jared’s fall from grace, losing everyone that he loves, and in doing so walks directly into his rock and roll future in a matter of hours and days. While Jared’s star begins to rise on the rock and roll concert stage, London pines away back home hoping for the return of the only man she has ever loved. Five years will pass and our heroine is still worshiping at the altar of Jared Kraft even though he has yet to contact or acknowledge her existence the entire time.

The personality and lack of emotional depth in our heroine, borders on obsession and psychotic. She is unable to let go of the past, so much so, that it affects every aspect of her life. There is no light at the end of the tunnel for London Uphill-she is a woman lost in a world of loss and grief. London’s love for Jared has never faltered in the five years since he walked away, and in all of that time, London has toyed with the heart of another man knowing he will never be the one she loves.

Jared is a selfish and egotistical pr*ck: a rock star who wants center stage regardless of who and what the label says. His behavior towards London is reprehensible; his jealousy and obnoxious conduct is filled with temper tantrums, lashing out, and immature behavior. I felt there were no redeeming qualities in our storyline ‘hero’. It is only when he has to face what he has truly lost does Jared offer up an apology.

As I stated in my opening remarks WICKED REUNION is a story of second chances-of sorts-because our couple do not reconcile or meet again until the final couple of chapters of the novel, and in this I had some issues with London’s easy acceptance and ability to take back the man that has caused her so much heartache and pain. London welcomes Jared home with open arms, but not everyone is accepting of his return.

WICKED REUNION felt a bit disjointed in the telling of the story but the larger issue is London’s ‘Debbie Downer’ throughout the entire story. The finale was too quick and too neatly packaged-a frustrating end to an over dramatic situation. The conflict and its resolution was barely addressed leaving this reader disappointed. What started off as great potential went downhill very fast.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of WICKED WHITE.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Wicked Reunion Teaser

about the author

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Website / Facebook/ Twitter

Michelle ValentineMichelle A. Valentine is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Rock the Heart. Wicked White is the first novel in her Wicked White romance series. She attended college as a drafting and design major, but her love of people soon persuaded her to join the nursing field. It wasn’t until after the birth of her son that she began her love affair with romance novels, and she hasn’t looked back since. When she’s not writing, she feeds her music addiction, dabbles in party planning, and expresses herself by working with arts and crafts. She currently lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband, son, and two beloved dogs.

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Teague / Grace (The Family Simon # 4 & #5) by Juliana Stone-reviews

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TEAGUE / GRACE (The Family Simon #4 & #5) by Juliana Stone – reviews

Teague Grace

TeagueTEAGUE
(The Family Simon #4)
by Juliana Stone
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Amazon.com / / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 24, 2015

Teague Simon is a man at a crossroads. He’s no good around people and spending time alone at the family cottage will hopefully ease his burden. What he doesn’t need is the woman next door poking around his business making things worse. And what he really doesn’t need are her two young children in his face. How can they help slay the demons that haunt him?

Sabrina Campbell is barely surviving and doing everything that she can to hide that fact. She takes care of her kids and keeps herself busy. She’s not looking for anything other than the chance to forget. But when Teague Simon shows up, looking as haunted as she is, she’s drawn to his pain. His loneliness. She knows his scars run deep, but so do hers. She should stay away and yet she can’t.

Can these two broken souls somehow heal each other?

•••••••••

REVIEW: TEAGUE is the fourth installment in Juliana Stone’s adult, contemporary The Family Simon romance series focusing on the Simon Family. This is US soldier Teague Simon, and widow/single mother Sabrina Campbell’s storyline. TEAGUE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Several of the characters from the previous storylines as well as Teague’s family play cameo roles throughout the story.

Told from dual third person perspectives TEAGUE follows the building relationship between two broken souls. Sabrina is a young widow with six year old twins Morgan and Harry, whose husband passed away from cancer: Teague is a soldier whose PTSD and injuries from his time in Syria, finds our hero lost in a world of nightmares and grief, with the death of a friend weighing heavily on his mind. While on R&R at his family cottage in Muskoka/Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada, Teague will reconnect with childhood friend Sabrina Campbell while reconsidering another assignment that will take him away from his family and friends.

The storyline focuses on the rekindling of a friendship between Teague and Sabrina, and the growing bond between Teague, and Sabrina’s twins. Teague is a man whose demons ride fairly close to the surface, and he believes he is not capable of love or understanding with all that he has had to endure. His goal is to escape the nightmares and ghosts by embarking on another mission. At times, his attitude and patience push away the people he loves.

The relationship between our couple is slow to build as Teague tends to keep to himself a good portion of the storyline but as children always do, Morgan and Harry worm their way into Teague’s heart, opening a path for Sabrina and her love. The $ex scenes are intimate and romantic, without the over the top erotic factor.

Many of Teague’s family are present, some by way of mention, while others take an active role in Teague’s life. We are introduced to townie Josiah Duff whose interest in Sabrina catches Teague off his game.

The world building brings together the Simon’s and their extended family reminiscent of the Kennedy clan with their money, power and political aspirations. Teague is the war veteran who has seen too many deaths, and in this, the Simon family are concerned about their son, and sibling’s emotional recovery.

TEAGUE is a story with family and friends; romance and love; recovery and grief. It is also a story about two friends who reconnect at a time when both are in need of physical and emotional support. Juliana Stone’s THE FAMILY SIMON is a series about family, relationships and love, and in this, TEAGUE sees another Simon family

Reviewed by Sandy

_________________________

GraceGRACE
(The Family Simon #5)
by Juliana Stone
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 25, 2015

Matt Hawkins, the tortured man you first met in The Barker Triplets, is finally getting his story! And more than a match for him is Grace Simon

When love and pain collide, all bets are off…

Grace Simon is a fixer. But fixing the men in her life has led to more heartbreak than she cares to admit to. She should know by now that some men are damaged for life. Yet Matt Hawkins awakes in her such a need to connect that it can’t be denied. Risking her heart might be the only way to help him, but it could also be the one heartbreak she will never get over…

Matt Hawkins has never learned to deal with his painful past. He uses booze and women to forget and he sure as hell knows that ‘forever’ isn’t in his future. He’s no good for a rich girl like Grace Simon. Yet he can’t deny the powerful attraction between them and his desire to be with her. Does he push her away knowing he’ll only hurt her? Or does he take a chance and hope that she’s the key to slaying his demons…

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: GRACE is the fifth installment in Juliana Stone’s contemporary, adult THE FAMILY SIMON romance series focusing on the Simon family. This is the Simon family’s only daughter Grace Simon, and car restorer Matt Hawkins storyline. We were first introduced to Matt in Juliana’s THE BARKER TRIPLETS series. GRACE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous storylines is imparted where necessary. There is a cross over between the Barker Triplets series and The Family Simon.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Grace and Matt) GRACE focuses on second chances, and letting go of the past. Two years earlier, Grace and Matt shared a kiss at Betty-Jo Barker’s wedding-a kiss that Grace believes meant something more but Matt pulled away and our heroine hasn’t seen the man of her dreams in all that time. Fast forward to present day where Grace will all but be destroyed when Matt takes everything Grace has to offer, then pushes her away like yesterday’s garbage. What ensues is a rekindling of a friendship, a building love, and Matt’s need to let go and forgive himself for the sins of the past in order to move forward.

GRACE is an emotional and heartbreaking storyline where one man is consumed by self-hatred, and the memories of his younger self. Matt is a broken man; a damaged soul who has always struggled with his demons, his dysfunctional family, and his hatred for the man and woman who destroyed his life. No one knows the truth about what drives Matt or what caused the pain and haunting emptiness in his eyes but one look at his past and the truth is not very far behind.

The relationship between our couple is one of immediate attraction but Matt’s self loathing and the sins of his past keep friends on the periphery of really getting to know the man in question. Matt is a man-whore who uses women for one night stands; his heart and soul are darkened by hatred and a past that haunts his night and days. Meeting Grace reminds Matt that he is a dark and damaged man, and will never be good enough for the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are erotic, intense and seductive.

Most of the previous storyline couples and characters play a secondary or supporting role –some by way of mention or through phone calls and memories. We revisit with the Barker family including triplets Betty, Billie and Bobbi-Jo and their significant others. Betty Jo Barker is Matt’s best friend and the woman who pushes Grace to never give up on the man that she loves. Grace’s cousin Cooper Simon has a small cameo role-Cooper’s story is next.

Juliana Stone reveals the heartbreak and emotional backstory of one man whose heart and soul were destroyed by the very people who were supposed to love and protect. The premise is engaging and intense; the characters are haunting and memorable; the romance is a slow build to a happily ever after. There is plenty of push and pull throughout the story especially when Matt realizes that Grace is too close to the truth.

Congratulations Juliana on another great story.

Reading Order
Tucker FREE ebook: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /
Jack
Maverick
Teague
Grace
Cooper 2016

Reviewed by Sandy

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To Catch His Mate / Dangerous Deception by Savannah Stuart-reviews

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TO CATCH HIS MATE (Crescent Moon 5) and Dangerous Deception by Savannah Stuart (Katie Reus)-reviews

 

TO CATCH HIS MATE
Crescent Moon #5
by Savannah Stuart
Release Date: December 15, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release date December 15, 2015

When she ran, she didn’t think he’d follow…

Pack princess Alyssa Clare was trying to come up with ways to get out of her arranged mating to alpha wolf Reece O’Shea—until she meets the powerful male. After getting to know him, mating doesn’t seem like such a bad idea anymore. But when he makes it clear she’s just a business arrangement for him and his pack, she calls off the mating and heads south to stay with a friend to lick her wounds in private.

But he’s not willing to let her go without a fight.

Reece can’t let Alyssa go, not when he’s completely fallen for the sweet, sexy female. He doesn’t care about the arranged mating deal, he just wants her and has no idea why she ran. To win her back he infiltrates another alpha’s territory, knowing it could mean his death. Luckily Grant Kincaid allows him in his domain—as long as Alyssa is okay with it. Convincing her that she’s all he wants is a bigger challenge than he imagined. But he’s not giving up, because he knows she’s the one he’s meant to be with forever.

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: TO CATCH HIS MATE is the fifth installment in Savannah Stuart’s (Katie Reus) adult, contemporary CRESCENT MOON erotic, paranormal romance series. This is alpha wolf Reece O’Shea, and Clare Pack princess Alyssa Clare’s storyline. TO CATCH HIS MATE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from several third person perspectives TO CATCH HIS MATE follows two paths towards two different matings. Alyssa is the daughter of the Clare Pack Alpha, and as such is considered Pack royalty but when a mating is ‘arranged’ by her father, and Reece O’Shea,the O’Shea Pack alpha, Alyssa is caught off guard when she discovers that the mating is a business arrangement between the Packs. Unsure as to her own future, our heroine heads to the Kincaid Pack where she asks Grant Kincaid for protection and reassurance against a forced mating. What ensues for Reece O’Shea is the hunt for his future mate, and the need to address the rumors and innuendo about their forced mating.

We also learn that Alyssa’s mother died in child birth and her father Kayne Clare, the Clare Pack alpha, has never considered finding another mate until now. Alyssa’s best friend Ember has fallen in love with Kayne, and the feelings are mutual between Ember and Alyssa’s father. Alyssa suspects that her father has fallen in love with Ember but pushing her best friend and father together makes things a little uncomfortable for a woman whose own love life has become a little too complicated with the call to mate.

TO CATCH HIS MATE is another fascinating and sexually graphic, erotic romance storyline by Katie Reus writing as Savannah Stuart. Reece is a strong, Alpha male who must woo and court the woman who calls to his heart because a mating between two strong shifters is never going to be easy. The premise is flirty and impassioned; the characters are entertaining and fun; the romance is seductive and not without some apologies and chagrin. Katie Reus (Savannah Stuart) continues to be one of my go-to authors every time.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

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DANGEROUS DECEPTION
by Savannah Stuart (Katie Reus)
Release Date: August 11, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO

ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-release August 11, 2015

Two years ago her world was turned upside down…

Sage Miller’s life changed irrevocably with one violent act. Longing for anonymity, she relocated to the coast of North Carolina. Just when her life is settling down, a sexy man from her past shows up and wants to pick up where their explosive relationship left off. And this time, he’s the one calling the shots.

This time he’s not letting her go…

Former Navy SEAL Trent Takoda spent an intense week with the sexiest woman he’d ever met—before she disappeared in the dead of night. Now that he’s found her again, he’s not letting go. When a vicious stalker with ties to her past tracks her down, all bets are off. With a deadly enemy hunting her, Trent will do anything to protect her and prove they belong together.

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REVIEW: DANGEROUS DECEPTION is a re-release contemporary, adult, romantic suspense novella by Katie Reus written as Savannah Stuart. This is former Navy SEAL Trent Takoda, and Sage Miller’s storyline.

Told from several third person perspectives DANGEROUS DECEPTION is a second chance story of romance and suspense. Two years earlier, following a tumultuous time in her life, Sage Miller spent one glorious week with Trent Takoda, and in the ensuing years, Trent has never forgotten the woman who walked out of his life without so much as a good-bye. Fast forward to present day wherein Sage finds herself the victim of a stalker, whose threats are too similar to the person that took the life of someone she loved. Enter Trent Takoda, Sage’s boss’s brother, and the man with whom she had fallen in love years before.

DANGEROUS DECEPTION is a sexually graphic and erotic short story about two people whose lives crossed paths two years earlier, and would cross once again through circumstance and family. While Trent tries to ensure Sage’s protection, Sage continues to push Trent away in the hopes of keeping him safe and out of the line of fire.

Katie Reus (Savannah Stuart) writes a passionate tale of mystery and suspense, romance and love, moving forward and letting go of the past. The premise is intriguing; the characters are colorful and intoxicating; the romance is a quick build to a happily ever after. You can never go wrong with Katie Reus.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Crashed Out (Made in Jersey #1) by Tessa Bailey-a review

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CRASHED OUT (Made in Jersey #1) by Tessa Bailey-a review

Crashed Out

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 7, 2015

His inspiration. His torment. And his temptation…

Jasmine Taveras is the reason Sarge Purcell grabbed his six-string and bailed the hell out of New Jersey four years ago. She’s the fuel for every song he’s ever written-each one laced with bitter, hard-edged, hungry lust. Now, with his hugely successful band is on temporary hiatus, Sarge is determined to prove to Jasmine that this “kid” turned into every inch the man she’s always needed…

Men are slim pickings for a single factory girl in Hook, New Jersey…until tall, broad-shouldered hotness walks-or rather storms-into Jasmine’s life. Sarge’s return shouldn’t affect her this way. He’s her best friend’s much younger kid brother, and the kind of rough, gritty, sexiness Jasmine has no right to taste for herself. Even if he lets her.

But lust is a blinding, insatiable force. And when it crashes, it will take both Sarge and Jasmine down with it.

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REVIEW: CRASHED OUT is the first installment in Tessa Bailey’s contemporary, adult MADE IN JERSEY erotic romance series focusing on the members of the rock band Old News. This is lead singer and front man Sarge Purcell, and blue collar worker/former singer Jasmine Taveras’s storyline.

Told from dual third person perspectives CRASHED OUT focuses on a forbidden love between rock star Sarge Purcell, and Jasmine Taveras-a woman seven years his senior and the muse to his writing success. Growing up in Hook, New Jersey, a much younger Sarge fell in love with his sister’s best friend Jasmine Taveras. Jasmine was the focus of every dream, every fantasy and every song he has ever written. Fast forward to present day, when the band takes a much needed break for the Christmas holidays, Sarge returns to Hook, after a four year absence, to seduce the woman he has always loved. What ensues is an erotic affair between two people who have known one another most of their lives.

CRASHED OUT follows the building relationship between twenty two year old Sarge Purcell, and twenty nine year old Jasmine Taveras. Jasmine is a woman stuck in a blue collar job in Hook, New Jersey when the singing career she always wanted never failed to materialize. Sarge is the boy from Hook who made it big on the music stage, and the man who has come home to claim what it is he has always wanted-Jasmine Taveras.

We are introduced to Jasmine’s best friend and Sarge’s older sister River Purcell, and her three year old daughter Marcy. River’s life as a single mother has not been easy as she works two jobs to support her daughter and herself ; and band manager James Brandon, and Old News drummer Lita Regina-who may or may not have a thing for one another. Lita has a habit of getting herself into trouble, and James is the one constant always bailing her out, and standing by her side.

CRASHED OUT is a storyline with graphic sexual text. Sarge likes to talk dirty in the bedroom but at times the ‘dirty’ crosses a line into ‘rude, crude and crass’. The age difference between the characters is amplified by Sarge’s raunchy expressions and phrases both in and out of the bedroom. The premise gets lost in the numerous sex scenes and dirty talking bad boy that does not compensate for the lack of sexual chemistry between our leading couple. And the constant reminders about the age difference was disappointing although Jasmine’s lack of maturity seemed at odds with the storyline premise.

Tessa Bailey writes a predictable but entertaining storyline about forbidden romance and falling in love. The characters colorful, animated and engaging; the romance is erotic and provocative; the happily ever after finds our couple singing the praises of togetherness and love.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Sweet Ruin (Immortals After Dark #16) by Kresley Cole-a review

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Sweet Ruin (Immortals After Dark #16) by Kresley Cole-a review

Sweet Ruin

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository / BAM

About the book:Release Date December 1, 2015

An immortal assassin is caught between desire and duty…

A foundling raised in a world of humans

Growing up, orphaned Josephine didn’t know who or what she was—just that she was “bad,” an outcast with strange powers. Her baby brother Thaddeus was as perfect as she was flawed; protecting him became her entire life. The day he was taken away began Jo’s transition from angry girl… to would-be superhero… to enchanting, ruthless villain.

A lethally sensual enforcer on a mission

A threat to the Møriør has brought archer Rune the Baneblood to the mortal realm to slay the oldest living Valkyrie. Whether by bow or in bed, he never fails to eliminate his target. Yet before he can strike, he encounters a vampiric creature whose beauty conceals a black heart. With one bite, she pierces him with aching pleasure, taking his forbidden blood – and jeopardizing the secrets of his brethren.

A boundless passion that will lead to sweet ruin…

Could this exquisite female be a spy sent by the very Valkyrie he hunts? Rune knows he must not trust Josephine, yet he’s unable to turn her away. Despite his millennia of sexual conquests, he can’t ignore the unfamiliar longing she arouses deep within him. When Jo betrays the identity of the one man she will die to protect, she and Rune become locked in a treacherous battle of wills that pits ultimate loyalty against unbridled lust.

Review:

Sweet Ruin begins with Josephine, aka Jo, and her little brother on the streets with only each other to depend on. They had been in and out of the foster system until Jo finally decided that was not the way to go. They’d had “problems” with the foster parents and Jo was doing her best to take care of herself and Thaddie.

Fortunately, Mrs. Brayden, aka Miz B, a part-time librarian feeds them on a regular basis and will watch Jo’s little brother, Thaddeus, for a little while so that Jo can take care of a few things. The neighborhood wasn’t a good one. There was a gang that was brutal to girls on the streets and that made Jo’s blood boil. She did what she could to help them, until that fateful afternoon she encountered “The Wall”, the gang leader. He’d figured out she was the one that had been messing with his stuff and, last night, sat his house on fire. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your pov, he had a gun pointed at her face……and pulled the trigger.

When Jo woke, she was disoriented and it took her a little bit to remember what had happened. And, then she figured out she was…..a ghost? She seeks revenge against the one who shot her and then strikes out to get Thaddie back. But when she goes to Miz B’s, Thaddie doesn’t recognize her and Miz B tells her she died and she needs to “pass on”. Devastated, she leaves and spends a few months trying to get herself together and goes back to take her brother. But, when she arrives and sees how well he’s doing, she knows she’s lost him….for now.

Rune the Baneblood was the one Morior who had stayed awake for five centuries as the dimension of Tenebrous had gone through time and space to reach Earth. Once they neared, he woke the others. The Morior is a group of extremely powerful beings that include the first werefolf, the Overlady of Witches, and the oldest vampire, just to name a few. Their mission to kill the oldest living Valkyrie….Nucking Futs Nix herself. Rune is dispatched to ferret out information and to locate Nix and ends up in present day New Orleans. He’s called Rune the Insatiable because he uses sex to achieve his goals, and he always gets what he wants.

Since Jo has been in New Orleans, she has discovered that there are others like her. Not “just” like her, but not human. She has used her powers for good trying to rid the streets of pimps and help the girls on the streets as best she can. One night while out walking, she encounters a handsome man servicing a group of nymphs and decides to do a little spying. Rune almost immediately knows someone is watching, but he can’t see her. Once he leaves the group of nymphs, he zeroes in on Jo and they talk for a bit. Rune knows she’s not human, but doesn’t know exactly what she is. When Jo rebuffs his advances, Rune is stunned. And intrigued. What follows is a series of events that will make you laugh, will make you tear up and will definitely keep you turning the pages.

Sweet Ruin is an awesome story that will advance the Accession storyline. I, for one, was disappointed when I saw that the leads were new characters, but the disappointment didn’t last long. Cole has said that this story was necessary for a few reasons. It will push the Accession forward in a major way. She also said it had to come before the others because she’s setting up future conflicts, and that one of the new characters will play a huge role in Nix’s future. I believe that one of the Morior is Nix’s mate and can’t wait to read that story! But, I digress. Jo was a great heroine. She was so naïve in the fact that she didn’t know there were more like her, but when she finds out what she is AND what she can do? Awesome! She’s been by herself for so long and has longed for someone to be hers, and she misses Thaddie terribly. Rune, whom Jo calls Ruin to tic him off, has a heartbreaking past. He’d been enslaved for centuries and is thousands of years old, and had given up on finding a mate. When he finally figures out what Jo is and that she’s not affected by his poison blood, he feels something that he hasn’t felt in eons….Hope. But, as he and Jo navigate their burgeoning relationship, he worries that his fellow Morior will never be accepting of him, or any of them, having a mate. The two of them are an amazing pairing. Probably in my top three of the series. Nix plays a big part in this one, and we get to see a lot of the other characters from the series. I wish I could tell you what EXACTLY is happening with the Accession, but I don’t have a clue as of yet. Ha! All I can tell you is you’d better get to reading!! Well done, Kresley Cole! Very, very, very well done!!!!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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