Totally, Sweetly, Irrevocably by Kira Archer – a Review

Totally, Sweetly, Irrevocably by Kira Archer – a Review

 

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Description:
When Officer Rick Boyd answers a call about a peeping Tom, he doesn’t expect to find a gorgeous woman holding the binoculars. But Gina Silvano’s no peeping Tom, and she can catch her cupcake truck’s kinky vandals herself, thank you very much. No sexy cops required.

No matter how hot their stakeouts, by-the-book Officer Boyd can’t see a future with a dangerous, rule-breaking wild-child who despises the law. He’s never felt more alive, though, and expunging her from his heart might be impossible.

But loving each other might cost them more than they are able to give.

 

Review:

Totally, Sweetly, Irrevocably by Kira Archer is upbeat, witty and sexy. All of these adjectives happen to describe Gina, whom we met in book 1 (review of Truly, Madly, Sweetly available here), and I knew she’d shine as the featured lead.

Rick is a by-the-rules police officer whose world is upended…the second he nearly arrests her! On a stakeout to catch her weasel of an ex making use of her cupcake truck as his own personal wanderlust, Gina is distracted by handsome Officer Rick who insists her amateur detective skills are not sanctioned…and that she could in fact be charged with trespassing and harassment. Stick to sales, Gina! “She was definitely a bad influence. She’d made him rules and break his routine already. And heaven help him. He liked it.”

When their investigation to catch the thief violating her truck (ew, imagine the health hazards) becomes collaborative, their banter flows, the attraction simmers, the possibilities expand. Opposites attract and they demonstrate it frenetically! It’s when the disbelief sets in, the confusion over why they’re comfortable together despite their vast, fundamental differences, that doubt digs in and festers. They’d never work out — it’ll hurt more the longer they lose themselves to revelry. “It’d be like plunking an exotic rain forest creature in the middle of the Sahara desert and tell it to thrive. It didn’t work. Another mark against them.” This is a heartwarming examination of the guts it takes to venture outside the box — the gain is an unexpected bounty.

While I certainly enjoyed the introductory novel to the Sweet Love series (so lovely to have Nat and Eric cameos!), Kira Archer enthusiastically depicted Gina and Rick, a couple who unsettle each other because they meld, accommodate, and account for one another despite the inner voices to run in the opposite direction. There’s a natural balance to relationships, a give and take when personalities clash, but Rick and Gina are uncompromising in their honesty — life is bland without each other. Your summer reading must include this! ~~~~~ I really liked this book!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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Marrying Her Royal Enemy by Jennifer Hayward – Review & Giveaway

Marrying Her Royal Enemy by Jennifer Hayward – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
The man she loves to hate… 

Most women would kill to be draped in ivory lace and walking up the aisle toward King Kostas Laskos. Stella Constantinides isn’t most women. But for peace in her kingdom, she’s agreed to marry the man she once bared her heart to with disastrous effect. 

The feisty princess refuses to be his pawn, yet one night in their marriage bed proves that Stella will never be immune to her husband’s charms. Soon Stella begins to see a truth behind the sins of their past…and she finds herself doing what she swore she’d never do—fall for her husband!

 

Review:

Princess Stella Constantinides of Akathinia needed a break, so she took one without her entourage to draw attention.  Imagine her surprise when King Kostas Laskos of Carnelia approaches her on said break.  There is history between the two back to when they were children.  A history that broke Stella’s heart and, unknown to Stella, affected Kostas as well.  Kostas convinces Stella to listen to his offer and leaves her with lots to consider.  If she marries him, it would unite their two countries.  It would also help Kostas prove to the Carnelian citizens that he is not his father, who had not been more dictator that anything else.  It may also place her in danger, as there are factions in Carnelia that look to unseat Kostas and his reign and continue in the ways of his father. 

Once Stella makes her way home to Akathinia and discusses her decision with her brother, King Nikandros Constantinides, she embarks on a path that she hopes will give everyone what they want.  She also has hopes she doesn’t lose herself in the process. 

Marrying Her Royal Enemy is a wonderfully written story with characters that draw you in from the very beginning.  We’ve gotten to know Stella in the first two books, but this book gives us insight into what makes her tick.  She has a strong sense of honor and is determined to set things right, both with her new home, Carnelia, and with her new husband.  Kostas, even though misguided in the first 2/3 of the book, does truly have a sense of honor as well.  He just had a hard time seeing what was in front of him the entire time.  As Stella starts understanding what has made Kostas the way he is, her heart breaks for him.  Even though he’s vowed he’ll be faithful, but that he’ll never love her, a little of her hope fades.  But, when he truly opens himself up, and truly sees what a wonderful gift has been given him and the opportunities those present, you will fall head over heels for him.  He and Stella are truly a force to be reckoned with.

Marrying Her Royal Enemy is ultimately a story about letting go of preconceived notions and doing what is best, not only for you, but for everyone involved.  And, with all of that, maybe, just maybe, you’ll find yourself AND the love of your life.  Once again, if you’re looking for a quick and sexy read that keeps you turning the pages, you will never go wrong with this one, or any written by this fabulous author.  Well done, Jennifer Hayward!!  Very, very well done!!!
Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

 

About The Author

Jennifer Hayward

Award-winning author JENNIFER HAYWARD has been a fan of romance since filching her sister’s novels to escape her teenaged angst.

Jennifer’s career in journalism and PR, including years of working alongside powerful, charismatic CEOs and traveling the world, has provided perfect fodder for the fast-paced, sexy stories she likes to write, always with a touch of humour.

Jennifer emerged on the publishing scene when she won Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write global writing competition in 2012. She is the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Best Harlequin Presents of 2014 winner for her book, The Magnate’s Manifesto.

A native of Canada’s gorgeous East coast, Jennifer lives in Toronto with her Viking husband and young Viking-in-training.

 

 

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Rock Wedding (Rock Kiss #4) by Nalini Singh-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

ROCK WEDDING (Rock Kiss #4) by Nalini Singh-Review, Book tour and Giveaway

 

ROCK WEDDING
Rock Kiss #4
by Nalini Singh
Genre: adult, contemporary, rock star, romance
Release Date: July 19, 2016

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 19, 2016

After a lifetime of longing for a real family, Sarah Smith thought she’d finally found her home with rock star Abe Bellamy, even if she knew Abe didn’t love her the way she loved him. But their brief relationship, filled with tragedy and heartache, nearly destroyed her. Alone, emotions in turmoil, and already shaky self-esteem shattered, Sarah struggles to pick up the pieces in the wake of their divorce.

Abe knows he’s to blame for the end of his marriage. Caught in a web of painful memories, he pushed away the best thing in his life – the sexy, smart woman he adores – breaking them both in the process. Then fate throws him a second chance to get things right, to prove to Sarah that she means everything to him. Abe desperately wants that second chance at love…even if he knows he doesn’t deserve it.

But can he convince Sarah – now strong and independent without him – to risk her wounded heart one more time?

••••••••••

REVIEW: ROCK WEDDING is the fourth and final full-length installment in Nalini Singh’s contemporary, adult ROCK KISS romance series focusing on the members of the rock group Schoolboy Choir. This is Schoolboy Choir’s keyboard player/vocalist Abe Bellamy, and business entrepreneur Sarah Smith-Bellamy’s story line. ROCK WEDDING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and history.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Abe and Sarah) ROCK WEDDING is a story of second chances and happily ever afters. Throughout the series the reader becomes aware of the rocky relationship between Abe Bellamy and his (ex) wife Sarah Smith-Bellamy but the truth behind Abe’s destructive behavior comes to light in the current story line. Two years together and a devastating loss find our heroine running towards freedom, a divorce and a new start to life. Fast forward to present day wherein Sarah finds herself the victim of another relationship that goes horribly wrong, and Abe comes calling hoping for a second chance. What ensues are Abe’s attempts to become a better man, a better husband and a better friend to the people he loves.

ROCK WEDDING is an emotional story line; a story about overwhelming loss, the destructive nature of addiction, and the struggle to forgive and move forward. Abe’s story is heartbreaking-a man unable to let go of the grief and guilt from his past. Sarah is a woman whose earlier years were filled with rejection and abuse. Wanting a family to call her own is everything Sarah had hoped and dreamed but her marriage to Abe was anything but. Abe’s addictions and subsequent verbally abusive behavior pushed our heroine over the edge and into the arms of something worse.

The relationship between Abe and Sarah is one of second chances. Abe’s past treatment of Sarah is reprehensible and destructive not to mention the accusations meant to destroy the human psyche. Rehab and working towards a cleaner lifestyle find Abe hoping for a second chance with the woman he has always loved. Abe’s grief and guilt will forever remain but he must learn to deal with the emotional and physical fall out of his actions. In the end both Abe and Sarah are stronger for the losses they have endured. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

All of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles. There are several weddings, proposals and marriages as each member of the band gets his happily ever after. The world building focuses on second chances and forgiveness-the music, the tours, and the band are secondary to the story and almost non existent. There are some issues of repetition and redundancy but easily overlooked.

ROCK WEDDING is the final installment in the Rock Kiss series but Nalini Singh has revealed she will be writing a few novellas and short stories to update the reader on some of our favorite Schoolboy Choir romances, and the potential for a spin off series in the works. The story line saw the evolution of four relationships culminating in a series of weddings and celebrations. The premise is entertaining and emotional but the angst is limited to the events of the past; the characters are broken but strong; the romance is a second chance at a happily ever after.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Rock Addiction
Rock Hard
Rock Courtship
Rock Redemption

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

excerpt

 

 

Sarah sat on the floor of her living room, books spread out all around her.
Having worked nonstop for days, she’d given herself the afternoon off. First, she’d gone to see her son. The anniversary had rolled around again, and though she hurt, this month wasn’t one of the bad ones. She’d talked to him, told him about her day, left him with a kiss.
Her plan for the rest of the day had been to get into her pj’s and curl up on the couch with Flossie to binge-watch a favorite television series. Then had come the buzz at the gate that made her heart thunder and her skin flush… and the delivery of a most unexpected package.
I hope you’re doing okay today. Say hi to Aaron for me. I’m sorry I threw your books in the pool. I was a dick. – Abe
Sarah stared at the note card again, still not certain she was reading it right. The first two lines, they turned her throat thick, but the rest… He’d been so high that day that she’d have bet her business he had no memory of the ugly incident. Sarah had never forgotten it: she could still feel the wrenching ache of the sobs that had overwhelmed her as she tried futilely to fish out books that had been well and truly drenched.
Abe, meanwhile, had moved on to throwing the pool furniture into the shimmering blue water.
Her fingers trembled as she picked up a leather-bound copy of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. It matched the other Austen novels he’d sent her, the set a lovely reissue packaged for collectors. Beside the fancy collector’s editions lay cheerful paperbacks with laughing couples and/or dogs on the covers.
She stifled a wet laugh. He’d clearly chosen those at random, but it was cute that he’d remembered she liked romances with animals in them. Half the time when she’d read to him or talked to him about her favorites, she’d thought he was mostly asleep. It hadn’t mattered—she’d just liked being with him.
The most surprising book in the package was the one about the entrepreneur who’d gone from rags to riches on stubborn grit and sheer determination.
It gave her a funny, fluttery feeling in her tummy to realize Abe really did take her business endeavor seriously. It wasn’t mockery, not when he’d gone to the effort of choosing these other books with her likes specifically in mind. He’d thought she’d like the book because she was an entrepreneur too.
Her eyes burned.
Her hand went to her phone, but she hesitated, the memories of her awful loneliness while she’d been with Abe holding her in place. Curling her fingers into her palm, she picked up the television remote instead.
She had to keep her distance if she was to have any chance of protecting her battered heart. Because this Abe? The one who sent her flowers and books and who dropped by to make sure she was all right? He was more dangerous than the man who’d broken her to pieces.


© Copyright 2016 by Nalini Singh

 

 

About The Author

Nalini Singh is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling, Guild Hunter, and Rock Kiss series. She lives and works in beautiful New Zealand, and is passionate about writing.

If you’d like to explore her other books, you can find lots of excerpts and free short stories on her website. Slave to Sensation is the first book in the Psy-Changeling series, while Angels’ Blood is the first book in the Guild Hunter series. The Rock Kiss books are all stand alone and can be read in any order.

STALK HER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Sinner’s Revenge (Sinner’s Creed #2) by Kim Jones-Review and Giveaway

SINNER’S REVENGE (Sinner’s Creed MC #2) by Kim Jones -Review and Giveaway

 

SINNER’S REVENGE
Sinner’s Creed #2
by Kim Jones
Release Date: July 19, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance, MC

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 19, 2016

The sizzling second book featuring the Sinner’s Creed Motorcycle Club, bikers bent on riding chrome and meting out mayhem…
Shady has spent the last eight years of his life dedicated to the Sinner’s Creed Motorcycle Club. But after losing the man who was both his brother and his best friend, he has a new purpose—to avenge the death of the greatest nomad in Sinner’s Creed history.
His plan is flawless. His mission is simple: seek and destroy. There is no room for distractions—especially a distraction like Diem.
She’s infuriating. Demanding. Complicated. Impossible. And for some reason, Shady can’t stay away. But he only has space in his heart for one love: Sinner’s Creed. And the club always comes first. Always.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: SINNER’S REVENGE is the second installment in Kim Jones’s contemporary, adult SINNER’S CREED erotic, romance MC series focusing on the members of the motorcycle club Sinner’s Creed. This is MC member Shady (aka Zeke Robinson), and pharmaceutical rep Diem’s story line. SINNER’S REVENGE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but for cohesion and back story I recommend reading the series in order as many of the events in the current story line occur as a direct result of the events of book one Sinner’s Creed.

Told from dual first person points of view (Shady and Diem) SINNER’S REVENGE follows Shady on his journey of revenge. Following the murder of his best friend and Sinner’s Creed nomad Dirk Dixon, Shady has vowed retribution and vengeance against the MC responsible -Death Mob. Along with fellow MC members Rookie and Tank, Shady enacts a plan that focuses on vindication, taking out as many members of Death Mob as possible as he struggles with the loss of the man he considered closer than blood. The MC will always be number one in Shady’s life but when the beautiful, demanding, strong willed woman with attitude Diem enters his life, Shady is caught between the MC and moving forward with the woman that calls to his heart…but Diem has a secret-one that could end Shady’s life, and in this the twist to the story comes full circle and even more personal.

The relationship between Diem and Shady is built upon secrets and lies. There is plenty of back and forth, push and pull, and frenetic banter between our leading couple. The $ex scenes are intimate,erotic and hot.

SINNER’S REVENGE has a large ensemble cast of characters including several members of both Sinner’s Creed and Death Mob motorcycle clubs. We are also introduced to Diem’s extended family adding a surprising twist to the story line premise.

The world building continues to focus on the MC lifestyle -their lives and loves, family, battles, power and control. There is a large amount of violence both graphic and implied-revenge is not pretty or docile; retribution is ugly and determined.

SINNER’S REVENGE is an intense, passionate and vengeful story line. The premise is gritty; the characters are passionate; the romance is steamy. The twists and turns you will never see coming.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one -Sinner’s Creed

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Reading Cafe and Kim’s publisher are offering a paper copy of SINNER’S REVENGE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Unwanted (Elemental Assassin 14.5) by Jennifer Estep-a dual review

UNWANTED (Elemental Assassin 14.5) by Jennifer Estep-a dual review

Unwanted

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2016

The New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series continues with a new e-novella–from the point of view of Finnegan Lane, the foster brother of Gin Blanco, and a fan favorite of readers of the series.

The fallout from his disastrous “family reunion” in Bitter Bite has left Finn feeling hurt, angry, and depressed. He can barely stand to look at himself in the mirror, much less eat any of the delicious barbecue from Gin’s famed Pork Pit restaurant.

But when the funeral for a slain security guard at his bank turns into a showdown with some nasty underworld giants, Finn knows that he must act in order to protect an innocent family.

Finnegan Lane might be the most unwanted man in Ashland these days, but he’s determined to try to make amends for his past mistakes…

••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review

NOTE: If you have not read BITTER BITE, there may be some spoilers in my review.

REVIEW: UNWANTED is a novella by Jennifer Estep that focuses on the aftermath and fallout from the events of BITTER BITE (Elemental Assassin #14) wherein Finnegan Lane’s past comes back from the dead seeking retribution, leaving a path of destruction and death in its wake.

Told from first person point of view (Finnegan Lane) UNWANTED follows Finnegan and his growing guilt in the days and weeks after several co-workers were murdered doing their job. Although not directly responsible for the massacre and ensuing death, Finn compounds his grief and guilt with each funeral having to face the employees and their family knowing most of them place the blame squarely on his shoulders. When a threat of a different nature touches upon one of the survivors, Finn makes it his responsibility to mete out justice, ending the threat-once and for all.

UNWANTED takes a quick look at the man we have grown to love. Although we still know very little about Finnegan’s life with Fletcher Lane, UNWANTED reveals some of the thought processes and his need to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. The premise helps to close up some lose ends in the aftermath of a dark and dangerous time; the characters are an eclectic mix of good and bad.

 

Barb’s Review

Unwanted by Jennifer Estep is 14.5 of her wonderful Elemental Assassin series.  This novella is different, as it is told in Finn’s POV.  Finn is Gin Blanco’s foster brother.  Unwanted picks up right after Bitter Bite left off.  Finn is depressed and feeling guilty about his behavior in not trusting Gin, when he allowed his mother to set a trap for him, thereby causing deaths and Bank issues that are still trying to be resolved.  Those in the bank, where he works, do not talk to him, as they blame him for everything. 

When he has to attend a funeral of one of the banks employees, he overhears a bookie threatening the family of the deceased.   Though everyone does not want any help from him, Finn is determined to intervene and help.  Finn will snap out of his self imposed lethargy, as he has to face 3 giants, who plan on hurting the wife and child of the deceased.  Finn will not go to Gin, as he can feel his old self rising to the challenge.  It was great to see Finn battle the villains, and I also enjoyed reading this in his pov. Finn’s boss also helped the way to get those blaming Finn straight by telling them he was tortured during the fiasco with his mother.  This was a face paced short story, which is always difficult to write reviews.  If you are a fan of this series, it is a fun read that you will enjoy. If you have not read this series, do not start with this book.  Go back to beginning and learn all about Gin Blanco, one of the best kick-ass heroines. 

 

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

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Wanderlust by Roni Loren-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

WANDERLUST by Roni Loren-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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WANDERLUST
by Roni Loren
Genre:adult, contemporary, erotic, romance, rock musicians
Release Date : July 19, 2016

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 19 2016

Restaurant critic Aubrey Bordelon is never at a loss for words to describe her meals in the fancy restaurants of New Orleans. But after her magazine’s high-profile music reporter falls ill, she finds herself out of her element and in a sea of screaming fans awaiting Wanderlust’s lead singer, Lex Logan. The sound of his voice gives her goosebumps, and the stage presence of the hard-bodied rock star takes her breath away. So when he pulls her onstage for a sexy stunt, she knows she’s in real trouble.

Lex doesn’t want to pretend that the sparks on stage between him and Aubrey never happened, but it certainly makes the fact that she’s writing a story on his band all the more dangerous. The last thing he needs is some nosy reporter revealing their problems to the world. But the sexy Southern belle doesn’t give up easily, and soon he’s wondering if the best way to chase her off the story is to coax her into his bed…

••••••••••••

REVIEW: WANDERLUST by Roni Loren is a contemporary, adult, erotic romance storyline focusing on restaurant critic Aubrey Bordelon, and musician Lex Logan-front man and lead singer for the rock group Wanderlust.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Aubrey and Lex) WANDERLUST follows the building relationship between Aubrey Bordelon –a journalist and restaurant critic whose latest assignment finds her ‘filling in’ for the magazine’s music reporter; and rock star Lex Logan-musician, singer, manwhore-and a man determined to push Aubrey Bordelon out of his life. What ensues is the push and pull between two people from different walks of life, but whose backstories are heartbreaking and real. Aubrey presents herself as the straight and narrow, high society girl; Lex is the sexy rock-god whose reputation with the ladies needs no introduction.

Aubrey is determined to survive one week with the band but Lex is making it difficult when the sexual attraction between one another is palpable and hot. Aubrey’s life is about to take a devastating and embarrassing turn, and Lex is there to pick up the pieces but in the morning Aubrey is unable to face the walk of shame. When a member of the band spirals out of control, Lex blames Aubrey destroying any chance of happiness or a future together. The $ex scenes are erotic, intense and seductive. The sexual chemistry is unmistakable.

We are introduced to the other members of the band-Sean, Gunner and Jared, as well as their manager Pete; Aubrey’s politically connected and spiteful parents who use their daughter to their own advantage making our heroine’s life a living h*ll; and Aubrey’s ex-boyfriend who is hoping for a second chance with the girl from whom he walked away years earlier.

The world building focuses on the sex, drugs, and rock and roll; the backstage groupies and hangers-on; as well as the destructive nature of fame and fortune.

WANDERLUST is a predictable and familiar story line between a rock star and a journalist. The premise is entertaining; the characters are colorful and energetic; the romance is seductive with a couple of missteps along the way. I am not sure if WANDERLUST will be part of a series but I am hoping Roni Loren writes a story for each member of the band. The epilogue fast forwards the story line approximately one year.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter.

Reviewed by Sandy

WanderlustQuoteCard1

About The Author beige

Roni LorenRoni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. Though she’ll forever be a New Orleans girl at heart, she now lives in Dallas with her husband and son.

If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her reading, watching reality television, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to rockstars, er, rock concerts. Yeah, that’s it. She is the National Bestselling Author of The Loving on the Edge series from Berkley Heat.

 

Places to find Roni Loren:
Site: www.roniloren.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoniLoren
Twitter: https://twitter.com/roniloren
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4877863.Roni_Loren

 

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Wild Ride (Wind Dragon MC #4.5) by Chantal Fernando-a review

WILD RIDE (Wind Dragons MC # 4.5) by Chantal Fernando

Wild Ride

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 11, 2016

Talon has a complicated relationship with the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club. He’s the president of their rival club, the Wild Men, but he’s also related to one of their members—who hates him. He could handle that, but he’s also got problems in his own club; someone is leaking information and disrupting their business, but Talon can’t find the mole. So the last thing he needs is even more complication in the form of a beautiful single mother who’s bolder than half the bikers on his squad. But he can’t take his eyes—or his hands—off her…

Tia’s always been a little reckless, up for a good time wherever she found it, but she’s also a great mom to her young son. So even though she thinks Talon is basically sex on a stick, when she realizes she wants to be more to him than just a club groupie, she has to take things a bit slow. Plus, a momentary attraction, no matter how smoking hot, isn’t worth risking her son’s happiness in any way. Is there any chance that Talon might be up for a more permanent arrangement? Or has Tia leapt before looking once again?

•••••••••••

REVIEW:  WILD RIDE is a novella length story in Chantal Fernando’s contemporary, adult WIND DRAGONS MC series focusing on the men and women of the Wind Dragons motorcycle club. This is rival MC president Talon, and Tia’s story line. WILD RIDE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory. Tia is Bailey’s (Rake’s Redemption) best friend, and Talon has played a secondary role throughout the series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Talon and Tia) WILD RIDE is a story of forbidden romance between the Wild Men MC’s president Talon, and Tia-a dental assistant under the protection of the Wind Dragon MC. Tia has pined after Talon since their first meeting but Talon is not willing to risk the tepid truce between the Wind Dragon MC and the Wild Men he leads. When attraction and need pull our leading couple together, Talon knows he is going to face the wrath of Rake, a man almost as close as the brother’s in the Wild Men MC. But trouble is brewing for Talon when one of his men is killed, and the murderer may be someone on the inside. Hoping to uncover a possible mole, Talon calls in a marker from the Wind Dragons MC. Wind Dragon prospect Vinnie and Shayla’s story is next -Wolf’s Mate August 2016. Shayla is under the protection of Wild Men’s president Talon.

WILD RIDE is a fast paced, friends to lovers, quick building romance that looks inside the lives of the rival MC. Talon is a man determined to protect the woman that he loves and keeping her safe means keeping private his relationship with Tia. Because of the novella length of the story, I felt the character building was lacking, and I wanted more of Tia and Talon.

We are introduced to several members of the Wild Men MC; Rake and Bailey (Rake’s Redemption) play secondary and supporting roles, as well as a few cameo appearances by a number of the Wind Dragons MC.

The world building continues to focus on the dangerous and competitive world of the motorcycle clubs: the members, the illegal activities, violence and death, and the women they love. The premise is entertaining but lacks the intimate details and building relationship between our leading couple; the characters are colorful and animated; the romance is a quick build to a happily ever after for now-I am hoping for more of Tia and Talon in the upcoming stories.

WILD RIDE sets up the next book Wolf’s Mate wherein Talon calls in a marker in his quest to uncover a mole within his MC.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Dragon’s Lair
Arrow’s Hell
Tracker’s End
Dirty Ride 3.5
Rake’s Redemption
Wild Ride 4.5

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Ruined (The Barnes Brothers #4) by Shiloh Walker-a review

RUINED (Barnes Brothers #4) by Shiloh Walker-a review

Ruined

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 19, 2016

As one of the Barnes brothers, Sebastien has always felt blessed. Not only does he have an amazing family, but he’s become a Hollywood golden boy who has everything he’s ever wanted—with one exception. He’s had a thing for Marin since he was a kid, but when he finally summons the courage to ask her out, she turns him down. Marin is ready to settle down, she wants commitment and stability, and Sebastien is still too much of a playboy, caught up in the wild life of the spotlight.

Still reeling from the rejection, Sebastien’s luck runs out later that night when he saves a girl from an assault. The shining knight role fits him just fine, but his armor—and his perfect life—become tarnished when the near-deadly attack lands him in the hospital. Physically scarred, he gives up acting and retreats from everybody.

If anyone can pull Sebastien back from the abyss, it’s Marin. But first she has to convince him that beauty is not only skin deep.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: RUINED is the fourth installment in Shiloh Walker’s contemporary, adult BARNES BROTHERS erotic, romance series focusing on the Barnes brothers. This is actors Sebastien Barnes and Marin Lassiter’s story line. RUINED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Sebastien and Marin) RUINED is a friends to lovers romance wherein our couple have been in love with one another for years but Marin is seven years Sebastien’s senior and ready to settle down; Sebastien has a reputation as a playboy and isn’t looking for anything but a good time. When an attack against Sebastien’s ex leaves our hero scarred both inside and out, he walks away from his career, leaving family and friends in the dust. The only person Sebastien is willing to acknowledge is the woman he has loved from afar but their last encounter before the attack was met with rejection, and Sebastien isn’t ready to face the world or the woman who broke his heart. What ensues is Sebastien’s year long struggle with guilt and remorse, and Marin’s battle with her heart – a drunken one –night stand is about to change their lives forever.

All of the previous couples play secondary and supporting roles including the Barnes parental units who are heartbroken at their youngest son’s inability to move forward and let go of the past.

The world building continues to focus on family and friendship; love and lost. The premise is dramatic and intense; the characters are emotional and passionate; the romance is fated but struggles with personal guilt, personal trauma, and misunderstanding.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Wrecked
Razed
Busted
Ruined

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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