High Sided (Armed and Dangerous #3) by L.P. Dover-a review

HIGH SIDED (Armed and Dangerous #3) by L.P. Dover-a review

High Sided

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RELEASE DATE: October 4, 2016

Wild, reckless, and fast.

That’s how I raced until a fatal accident on the track ruined my riding career. I had no choice but to leave that life behind; at least, until now. My name is Logan Chandler, one of the best FBI agents in the country. When an old friend calls for help and winds up dead, I take matters into my own hands. In order to do that, I have to go back to my past, back to the racetrack and to the one girl I never thought I’d see again . . . Kassidy Bennett.

She’s the key to solving it all, but bringing her in could put her in grave danger. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize she was already there. To save her, I have to put everything on the line. It’s a race against time, a race to the death, and only one will make it to the end.

•••••

REVIEW: HIGH SIDED is the third installment in L.P.Dover’s contemporary, adult ARMED AND DANGEROUS erotic, romantic suspense series. This is former motorbike racer, and FBI agent Logan Chandler, and Kassidy Bennett’s story line. HIGH SIDED is a stand alone story and is not interconnected with any of the previous installments.

Told from dual first person points of view (Logan and Kassidy) HIGH SIDED is a second chance romance story line that focuses on Logan’s return to Franklin, North Carolina. Eight years earlier Logan’s life was destroyed when a motorbike accident left our hero unable to walk and pushing away the woman that he loved. Fast forward to present day where FBI agent Logan Chandler returns home following the death of his friend, and sets up an undercover operation to ferret out the people responsible. Logan has never stopped loving Kassidy Bennett, and he is desperate to rekindle the romance and love towards a possible future and happily ever after. What ensues is the very quick proclamation of love and rekindling romance between our leading couple, and the search for a killer in the small town of Franklin, North Carolina.

The relationship between Kassidy and Logan picks up immediately as though eight years of separation never occurred. Kassidy accepts Logan’s reasons for pushing her away, and the love they had for one another has never wavered. The $ex scenes are intimate, intense and seductive.

We are introduced to a number of secondary and supporting characters including the Bennett and Hendrix Racing Teams; Kassidy’s step-brother Sean; her sister Madison; her best friend Janie; her father Richard Bennett and his mechanic Donnie Baker; and Logan’s FBI partner Micah Perry. There may be a building story line between Sean and Janie, as well as Micah and Madison.

The world building focuses on the world of bike racing, and the behind the scenes rhetoric and competition between the different teams. As Logan’s investigation begins to take a more personal direction, Kassidy and her father become targets from an unlikely source.

HIGH SIDED is a story of mystery, suspense, passionate romance, friendship and family. The premise is entertaining and enjoyable; the characters are colorful, animated and engaging; the romance is a sweet seduction to a happily ever after. There is plenty sexual chemistry between our leading couple. L.P. Dover ARMED AND DANGEROUS series is a must read for fans of romantic suspense and happily ever afters.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Sparking the Fire (Hot in Chicago #3) by Kate Meader

SPARKING THE FIRE (Hot in Chicago #3) by Kate Meader-a review

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SPARKING THE FIRE
Hot in Chicago #3
by Kate Meader
Release Date: September 27, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Sparking the Fire

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 27, 2016

Actor Molly Cade, America’s fallen sweetheart, finally has her shot at a Hollywood comeback with a dramatic new role as a tough-as-nails firefighter that promises to propel her back to the big time and restore her self-respect.

Wyatt Fox, resident daredevil at Engine Co. 6, needs a low-key job to keep him busy while he recovers from his latest rescue stunt. Consulting on a local movie shoot should add just enough spark to his day. Especially when in struts Molly Cade: the woman who worked his heart over good, and then left him in the Windy City dust.

Their story is straight out of a script: irrepressible, spunky heroine meets taciturn, smoldering hero. But these two refuse to be typecast, and when the embers of an old love are stoked, someone is bound to get burned…

•••••

REVIEW: SPARKING THE FIRE is the third installment in Kate Meader’s contemporary, adult HOT IN CHICAGO erotic, romance series focusing on the Dempsey family-a family of firefighting foster siblings who have seen their fare share of heartbreak and pain. This is former Marine/ firefighter Wyatt Fox, and actor Molly Cade’s story line. SPARKING THE FIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory, cohesion and enjoyment as all of the previous story line characters play secondary and supporting roles.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Wyatt and Molly) SPARKING THE FIRE follows the rekindling relationship between Hollywood’s controversial and fallen sweetheart Molly Cade, and firefighter Wyatt Fox. Five years earlier our couple spent one glorious $ex filled week together, no names allowed, after which each went their separate ways. Fast forward to present day and Molly’s production company arrives in Chicago to film her latest blockbuster movie, a story about a female firefighter and her foster family of firefighting brothers-a story line similar to the Dempsey family dynamic. Enter Wyatt Fox, temporarily on medical leave of absence from the CFD, and the newest professional firefighting advisor for Molly’s movie production. What ensues is the rekindling of a relationship between our leading couple, Molly’s integration in to the Dempsey clan, and her ongoing struggle to remain hidden from the paparazzi and media onslot that continues to focus on the events that lead to our heroine’s fallen reputation.

Wyatt Fox is the quiet, dark, and brooding Dempsey sibling-a man who lost his ‘blood’ brother on the job, and a man with a secret that is about to be revealed. Molly is a Hollywood actress, hoping for a comeback, whose reputation was destroyed one year earlier. Together Waytt and Molly fight the paparazzi, the past, and struggle towards a future with or without one another. The push and pull of the attraction is heightened as our couple contemplates the forbidden ‘workplace affair’ but also Wyatt’s need to keep his private life separate from the Dempsey clan. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and intense-how many times can one couple ‘christen’ the backseat of a classic Camaro.

There is a large secondary and supporting cast including all of the Dempsey foster siblings who are fiercely protective of their own. With their pasts shrouded in controversy including quick tempered ‘Youtube’ exposure The Dempsey’s battle the media almost as often as the Hollywood stars. I welcomed Gage and Brady’s ongoing love affair and the look into a possible future.

SPARKING THE FIRE is a fun, sexy, intense and revealing story line. Kate Meader adds a little bit of a twist to the family saga -one in which Wyatt was reluctant to reveal too early on- and a secret that threatens the relationship between Wyatt and his brother Luke. The premise is entertaining and will captivate your attention; the characters are colorful, charismatic and spirited; the romance is emotional and passionate.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
.5 Rekindle The Flame (Baby It’s Cold Outside Anthology)
1. Flirting With Fire
1.5 Melting Point
2. Playing With Fire
3. Sparking The Fire

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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about the author

Kate MeaderOriginally from Ireland, Kate cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Mills & Boon thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron or a fire hose, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines who can match their men quip for quip.

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

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There are TWO (2) ways to WIN !!

Kate’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of Flirting with Fire
(book 1) and Playing with Fire (book 2) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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The Bachelor Auction (The Bachelors of Arizona #1) by Rachel Van Dyken-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

THE BACHELOR AUCTION (The Bachelors of Arizona #1) by Rachel Van Dyken-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

The Bachelor Auction Banner

The Bachelor Auction
The Bachelors of Arizona
by Rachel Van Dyken
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: October 4, 2016

The Bachelor Auction

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 4, 2016

Cinderella never had to deal with this crap.

Jane isn’t entirely sure that Cinderella got such a raw deal. Sure, she had a rough start, but didn’t she eventually land a prince and a happily-ever-after? Meanwhile, Jane is busy waiting on her demanding, entitled sisters, running her cleaning business, and . . . yep, not a prince in sight. Until a party and a broken shoe incident leave Jane wondering if princes—or at least, a certain deliciously hunky billionaire—maybe do exist.

Except Brock Wellington isn’t anyone’s dream guy. Hell, a prince would never agree to be auctioned off in marriage to the highest bidder. Or act like an arrogant jerk—even if it was just a façade. Now, as Brock is waiting for the auction chopping block, he figures it’s karmic retribution that he’s tempted by a sexy, sassy woman he can’t have. But while they can’t have a fairy-tale ending, maybe they can indulge in a little bit of fantasy .

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE BACHELOR AUCTION is the first installment in Rachel Van Dyken’s contemporary, adult THE BACHELORS OF ARIZONA romance series focusing on the Wellington brothers. This is thirty five year old billionaire businessman Brock Wellington, and Cinderella Cleaning company owner twenty two year old Jane’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jane and Brock) THE BACHELOR AUCTION follows the modern retelling of Cinderella’s fairy tale rife with glass slippers, horse drawn carriages, wicked sisters, fairy godmother, mischievous animals, and the ‘king’ who is hoping to marry off his bachelor ‘prince’.

Jane is the owner of Cinderella Cleaning services and since the death of her parents she has struggled to keep one step ahead of her sisters (Esmeralda and Essence) self-centered, social climbing and demanding ways. When an invitation to the Wellington social event of the year finds our heroine tagging along, Jane will meet her future-Brock Wellington-the man who will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Brock’s eighty-something grandfather is hoping to one day step down from the family business but needs to ensure that his eldest grandson is married and in a respectable relationship therefore he organizes a bachelor auction where his grandson is the ultimate prize. When Jane is hired to clean a local ranch, she will, once again, come face to face with Brock Wellington and a three week seduction will ensue.

The relationship between Brock and Jane begins as employer to employee. Jane was hired by Brock’s grandfather to clean the family ranch but Brock wants nothing to do with the hired help when all he can think about is getting our heroine into his bed. There is some definite sexual chemistry between our leading couple but heartbreaking memories, ghosts from the past, and a strong sense of familial obligations cause a number of problems between Brock and Jane. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense.

We are introduced to the evil-sister: lawyers Esmeralda and Essence who continue to make Jane’s life miserable until the very end. Brock’s twin brothers-Brant and Brentley- who will make you laugh out loud, and giggle at the most inappropriate times. Their sexual banter, double entendres, and hilarious outlook on life hide some dark and brooding emotional secrets.

THE BACHELOR AUCTION is a sexy, fun, romantic comedy; a modern fairytale; a reimaging of Cinderella and Prince Charming. The premise is lighthearted and fun; the characters are entertaining; the romance is a seduction to a happily ever after. I am looking forward to Brant and Brentley’s stories- I can only hope their stories are as humorous as The Bachelor Auction.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

The Bachelor Auction Teaser

 

excerpt

 

“Jane.” It was a whisper, it was a question, and then his mouth was on hers—harsh, forceful, but so inviting she whimpered at the contact and leaned into him, begging him with her body to take what she couldn’t voice aloud.
It was a bad idea.
He was a bad idea.
Taken.
Ready to be married off.
But here, in this moment, he was hers.
So she kissed him back with as much passion as she possessed, her hands digging into the front of his shirt while his teeth nipped at her bottom lip.
His hands slid beneath her shirt, unhooking her bra with ease as he nudged her thighs apart.
“You feel so soft,” he murmured against her mouth. “Perfect.” Another plundering kiss, his tongue flicking hers before his lips slid down her neck. “So damn good.”
With a moan, she pressed as close as she could against him, nearly riding his leg in an effort to get more of him.
“That’s it,” he encouraged while she clawed at him.
“Brock!” Bentley’s voice pierced the air. “Did you need help?”
Brock froze above her, his face filled with irritation. “Open that door, Bentley, and I’m selling every car you own and replacing it with a Honda!”
Silence.
“You don’t mean it.” The knob turned.
Jane’s eyes widened in alarm as Brock quickly moved away from her and tossed the blanket…over her head. Right, like that was going to look normal. She pulled the blanket off her face and tried in vain to fix her bra while frantically pulling her hair back into a ponytail.
Bentley entered, took one look at both of them and smiled. “Clearly this room was dirtier than we thought?” He tilted his head at Jane. “Or maybe not dirty enough?”
“Out!” Brock barked.
“But—”
“Go!”
“Fine,” Bentley grumbled. “I’m leaving. I just thought you should know that Grandfather called and wanted to know how the maid was working out. I told him that you’ve been helping her since she sprained her ankle. He was concerned about her finishing the job.”
“What did you say?” Brock grabbed Bentley by the shirt and gave a little shake.
Bentley held up his hands. “Chill. I told him that she would make a full recovery, that she refused to sue, and that you were taking care of the situation. Because that’s all you’re doing, right Brock? Taking care of the situation…” He peered around Brock at Jane.
Feeling suddenly more naked than she actually was, she covered herself up with the blanket.
What had she been thinking?
It was beyond unprofessional.
Tears burned the backs of her eyes.
“Thanks, Bent.” Brock sighed, running his hands through his already mussed hair.
Bentley saluted him then added quietly. “For the record, any girl that can get Boring Brock to bend the rules is a keeper.”
Brock bit back a curse as Bentley shut the door.
“Boring Brock?” Jane asked.
“It’s about as bad as it sounds.”
“Well, I’m Plain Jane, so…I understand.”
He turned. “You’ve never been plain a day in your life.”
“I think you’ve already learned that you don’t need to give me pretty compliments to get me to kiss you.”
“You have seven freckles. You press your lips together to keep yourself from saying things you shouldn’t. You hum when you clean, and though I’m not sure what the tune is, it’s familiar. When you eat, you watch people rather than your own food, and I’m just going to come out and say it: you eat like an animal, the most erotic thing I’ve ever seen.”
Jane covered her face with her hands. “It was flattering until you said that last part.”
Brock laughed. “Seeing a woman dig into her food like she hasn’t eaten in weeks? It’s one of the most erotic visions I’ve ever had.”
Emotion flashed across his face as he made his way over to her and kissed her again, pulling away with her name on his lips. “Jane, I want you.”
“Thought I was just the help.” The walls around her heart started to slip; she felt it in the way her body rose against him. He’d noticed things about her nobody ever had, he was helping her, and he was beautiful. Was it so wrong to want this? For herself? Once in her life?
“You’re more than that, and you know it.” His eyes locked on to hers as his deep voice washed over her.
“You’re getting auctioned off in two weeks and you know it.”
He paused, his expression going completely ice cold before he looked away and then back at her. “And if I wasn’t? What then?”
“Then…” She bit down on her bottom lip. “I’d ask you to kiss me again.”
Excerpted from THE BACHELOR AUCTION by Rachel Van Dyken. Copyright © 2016 by Rachel Van Dyken. Used with permission of Grand Central Publishing. All rights reserved.

 

 

About The Author

Rachel Van DykenFollow: Website / Facebooks / Goodreads / Twitter /  Instagram

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

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The Exposure (The Submissive #9) by Tara Sue Me-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

THE EXPOSURE (The Submissive #9) by Tara Sue Me-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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THE EXPOSURE
The Submissive #9
by Tara Sue Me
Release Date: October 4, 2016
Genre:adult, contemporary, BDSM romance

The Exposure

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 4, 2016

She’s ready for her close-up. . . .

Meagan Bishop gave up modeling after an ill-fated tryst with a sexy photographer left her career and heart in shambles. When that same sexy shutterbug makes a titillating offer to do a BDSM spread for his new photography book, she’s determined to refuse—until an anonymous blackmailer entices her to accept. Now her body is again at the whim of the man who broke her heart, and she’s finding his strong direction undeniably intriguing. . . .

Meagan is the muse Luke needs to make his shoot something special, even if it means keeping his hands off. But each new erotic scene they capture makes it harder to ignore his need to command her in the bedroom as well as the studio.

As their sexual tension explodes, Meagan’s arrangement with her extortionist becomes more perilous, putting in danger her darkest secrets and the fragile passion between Luke and her.

••••••••

REVIEW: THE EXPOSURE is the ninth full-length installment in Tara Sue Me’s contemporary, adult THE SUBMISSIVE erotic, BDSM romance series. This is Master/ artist photographer/ nightclub owner Luke DeVaan, and media corporation executive / switch submissive Meagan Bishop’s story line. THE EXPOSURE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Some of the previous story line characters play secondary and supporting roles including our original series couple Abby and Nathaniel West.

Told from dual third person points of view (Luke and Meagan) with an introductory and closing chapter through first person point of view (Abby West) THE EXPOSURE focuses on the rekindling relationship between photographer Master Luke DeVaan, and his former model Meagan Bishop. Fifteen years earlier our heroine posed for a series of nude photos for Luke DeVaan, and following one week of sexual pleasure where Luke introduced Meagan to the BDSM lifestyle, Luke walked out of Meagan’s life without a backwards glance. Fast forward to present day and Luke has been commissioned to photograph a series of BDSM images and wants Meagan to be his feature model. But threats of another nature place Meagan in a precarious position that forces our heroine to betray the man with whom she was once in love.

The relationship between Meagan and Luke is one of second chances but for Meagan there is the fear of another broken heart. Luke is a Master who wants his former lover and model to submit to his demands until he discovers that Meagan is hiding a secret that could destroy their relationship. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense. Luke likes to discipline with floggers and spanking.

The secondary and supporting characters include most of the previous story line couples as we await the birth of Dena and Jeff’s child (The Collar #6). We are introduced to Meagan’s brother Jake-a man with a dark and dangerous past that has come back to haunt our story line heroine.

THE EXPOSURE is a story of second chances; a rebuilding of a relationship destroyed fifteen years earlier that is once again threatened by sins of the past. The premise is imaginative; the characters are moving and sensual; the romance is passionate and intense. If you are a fan of the BDSM genre, the content is mild and limited to some bondage, submission and mild discipline. There are no hard –core lifestyle situations.

Copy supplied through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

Posted by arrangement with Berkley, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin
Random House Company. Copyright © Tara Sue Me, 2016.

 

“Stand right there,” he said, setting up the camera. “The moon’s at the perfect angle.”
She didn’t know the first thing about angles and lighting, but if he was happy with it, she was, too. For several minutes, she swayed in the moonlight, brushed her hair back, and looked up at the sky. She’d never been photographed outside before, much less at night. There was something almost surreal about it. Magical would have been a good word if she believed in such things. Whatever it was, she felt alive.
“Can you unzip the dress by yourself?” he asked.
“I got it on alone,” she reminded him.
“I figured,” he said. “Just didn’t know if you needed help.”
“If you helped, we probably wouldn’t get any more photographs taken tonight.”
“Are you stalling?”
Maybe she was. He’d seen her naked before. Recently even. But this somehow seemed different. More personal. More intense. Just more.
Because they were alone? Or because they’d gotten to know each other better since then?
She turned so her back was to him and, looking slyly over her shoulder, she ever so slowly reached behind to her back and tugged the zipper down.
The only negative to having him as her photographer was the inability to see his eyes. Of course, maybe that was for the best, because this way she could pretend his expression held anything she wanted it to. Yes. Tonight she would play his moonlit muse and he would love her for it.
She looked off to her side as the gown slowly slipped from her shoulders and bit her lip as if unsure about what she was doing. In her mind and for the camera, she became someone else. She was an inexperienced siren gradually becoming aware of the power she held over the men around her. She turned her body slowly, brushing her hair over her shoulders, and twisted her hips so the gown fell softly to the ground.
Forget holding power over men, there was only one man she cared about. Luke.
He was silent as he worked, but she didn’t mistake the sharp intake of breath when she was finally naked and faced him fully. Even then, she wouldn’t look the camera in the eye for fear it would break the spell they were both weaving.
Together in the moonlight, they became the creators of an untold story. Making magic with the way she moved her body and the way he captured what he saw through his lens. No words were spoken while they worked. None were needed. For whatever reason, when he picked up his camera and focused it on her, they moved as one. It had been that way before and the years hadn’t diminished that.
Though she wasn’t watching him, she sensed when he stopped and put the camera down. She was surprised he’d finished, time seemed to have flown. But even more surprising was the realization she wasn’t ready for the night to be over.
She heard rustling as he put the camera away.
“You can get dressed if you want,” he said, breaking the silence, but not the spell. “Or I can go get you a robe.”
“No.”
“You don’t want a robe?”
She turned to face him. The moon had slipped behind a tree, it was hard to make him out. “I don’t want to get dressed.”
“Meagan?”
She wasn’t sure she’d heard him so unsure before. “Come to me, Luke.”
He struggled, she could sense it from where she stood. The man versus the gentleman. The Dom versus the professional photographer.
“You’ve put the camera down,” she told him. “It’s just us. Meagan and Luke.”
Part of her knew she shouldn’t tempt him. It was too similar to what they’d done before. But she was older now and wouldn’t let her emotions get involved this time. She was a grown woman, not a girl. She took what she wanted and tonight, she wanted Luke.
“Just for tonight,” she whispered. “Tomorrow we can go back to being working partners. Tonight we’re just two people who want each other and are finally doing something about it.” She tilted her head. “You do want me, don’t you?”
He didn’t answer, but crossed the distance between them with quick steps until he stood before her. There was just enough light for her to make out the desire in his eyes. “Hell, yes, I want you.”
“Then what are you waiting for?”
“Nothing.” He framed her face. “I’m not waiting for anything.”

 

 

About the author

FOLLOW: Website / Facebook / Twitter

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Tara Sue Me is the New York Times bestselling author of the Submissive series, including The Enticement, The Training, The Dominant, and The Submissive. She lives in the southeastern United States with her family, two dogs, and a cat.

 

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Tara Sue Me’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of THE EXPOSURE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Restless (Fractured Farrells #4) by Mallory Crowe-a review

RESTLESS (Fractured Farrells #4) by Mallory Crowe-a review

Restless

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 4, 2016

Ashley needs a husband. Not in a week, not in a year. She needs a husband now if she’s going to keep her lecherous stepfather from getting any of the fortune her mother left to her. There’s only one person she knows who is powerful enough to take on her stepfather. Alex Farrell wanted her before and she’s going to bet her life that he’s still going to want her.

Except Alex Farrell wants so much more than her body. He wants her heart.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: RESTLESS is the fourth installment in Mallory Crowe’s contemporary, adult FRACTURED FARRELLS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the billionaire Farrell siblings. This is youngest brother Alex Farrell, and Ashley Koiv’s story line. RESTLESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but for backstory and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order as a number of the events in RESTLESS run parallel to the events of book 3-REMORSELESS. The Fractured Farrells is a spin off from Crowe’s Billionaires in the City series.

Told from several third person perspectives with present day and memories from the past RESTLESS focuses on the marriage of convenience between Ashley Koiv and Alex Farrell. Nine years earlier Ashley’s mother Nadia married Alex’s father Walter Farrell thus making our leading couple, along with Logan, Nathan and Robert Farrell, step-siblings but when her mother’s numerous affairs ended the marriage, Ashley was tossed out of the family along with her pride. Fast forward to present day wherein our now twenty four year old heroine is in desperate need of a husband to ensure her mother’s estate goes to the rightful heir and not the abusive man who is trying to destroy our heroine’s life. Enter Alex Farrell-the man Ashley has loved after most of her adult life-and the man who could help Ashley get what she deserves.

Nine years earlier Alex fell for the fifteen year old Ashley Koiv but as step-siblings and the fact that Alex was several years older forced Alex to make a decision and walk away from a potential disaster. Ashley’s mother continued her streak of marriage and divorce but dying under mysterious circumstances left her daughter Ashley in the hands of an emotionally abusive and controlling man. Ashley was in desperate need of help and offered herself up to Alex Farrell with all of the benefits of married life. When threats are made against Ashley and Alex, the Farrell siblings begin an investigation of their own only to discover that their father’s past discretions have resurfaced looking for revenge.

The relationship between Ashley and Alex is a rekindling friendship and romance with plenty of sexual tension, and the push and pull of want and need. Alex’s attraction to Ashley has never been questioned but his brother’s see something else with Ashley’s reappearance-a woman looking for money and to bring down the Farrell sibling. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and seductive.

All of the Farrell siblings play secondary and supporting roles. There are two sources of conflict and threats against Ashley and Alex; one of a questionable nature with connections to Logan Farrell.

RESTLESS is an entertaining and riveting story line. The Fractured Farrells series takes an intimate look at one family’s struggle as they unravel their father’s dark secrets and links to the past. The premise is dramatic and entertaining; the characters are spirited and intense; the romance is sensual and fated. The epilogue fast forwards the series and story line approximately several months where we get a glimpse into the future. There is a short bonus scene that focuses on the search for the truth about a murdered journalist that may be part of the next story line or another spin off series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Ruthless
Reckless
Remorseless
Restless

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Sandy

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In Safe Hands by Katie Ruggle – Review & Giveaway

In Safe Hands by Katie Ruggle – Review & Giveaway

 

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In Safe HandsAmazon / Barnes & Noble / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
In the remote Rocky Mountains, lives depend on the Search & Rescue brotherhood. But in a place this far off the map, trust is hard to come by and secrets can be murder…

It’s all come down to this…

Daisy Little has lived in agoraphobic terror for over eight years. Trapped within a prison of her own making, she watches time pass through her bedroom window. Daisy knows she’ll never be a part of the world…until the day she becomes the sole witness of a terrible crime that may finally tear the Search and Rescue brotherhood apart for good.

 

Review:

In Safe Hands by Katie Ruggle is the 4th and final book in her Search and Rescue series.   This was a fun and exciting series that introduced us to some wonderful characters, great couples and a mystery that continued to flow into the next book. In Safe Hands leads to all of them working together to find the true killer.

In Safe Hands belongs to Daisy and Chris as our heroes.  Daisy has not been in the outside world for over 8 years when she saw her mother killed.  Daisy may suffer from agoraphobia, but inside the house she is comfortable and active.  Deputy Chris is Daisy’s best friend, and he comes over often to teach her how to fight and protect herself.  When he brings her a dummy to wrestle with, Daisy is in her glory.  Exercising in her gym during the day and watching the neighborhood through the window at night.  One of those nights, Daisy sees something unusual; a hooded figure carrying something wrapped and putting in to the trunk of a police suv.  Daisy tells Chris that she thinks it’s a body. From that moment, Daisy life will slowly open her up to company and trying to cope with possibly going outside her safe zone.

If you have read the previous stories, you will know who the real killer is, as that was the cliffhanger in the last book.  What follows is an exciting adventure, where the killer continues to eliminate those who learn his identity, as well as to try to make Daisy and her claims as that of a mentally disturbed young woman. 

What was really nice about this story was that Chris’s friends start coming to Daisy’s house to use her great home gym, and slowly they will all befriend her, with Lou, Ellie, Rory (previous heroines) helping Daisy solve the murders.  It was great to see the guys and girls have fun together, and new friendships that will help Daisy slowly overcoming her fears.   Chris was a great hero, always there for Daisy, as a friend, lover and protector.  He was also very determined to find the killer, despite the obstacles standing in the way.

Katie Ruggle did a fantastic job in writing this finale with an exciting tension filled story, and bringing everyone back to be part of it.  Daisy turned into a great heroine, and her romance with Chris that was slow build was very sweet.  This was a fun series, with great characters.  I suggest if you have not read this to series to start with the first book, as you will need to learn about the murder from the start.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

giveaway

Katie’s publisher is offering a paper copy of IN SAFE HANDS to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from October 3- 6, 2016

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Class of ’59 (American Journey #4) by John A. Heldt-a review

Class of ’59 ( American Journey #4) by John A Heldt-a review

Class of 59

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk

When Mary Beth McIntire settles into a vacation house on June 2, 2017, she anticipates a quiet morning with coffee. Then she hears a noise, peers out a window, and spots a man in 1950s attire standing in the backyard. She panics when the trespasser sees her and enters the house though a door to the basement. She questions her sanity when she cannot find him.

In the same house on March 21, 1959, Mark Ryan finds a letter. Written by the mansion’s original owner in 1900, the letter describes a basement chamber, mysterious crystals, and a formula for time travel. Driven by curiosity, Mark tests the formula twice. On his second trip to 2017, he encounters a beautiful stranger. He meets the woman in the window.

Within hours, Mary Beth and Mark share their secret with her sister and his brother and begin a journey that takes them from the present day to the age of sock hops, drive-ins, and jukeboxes. In CLASS OF ’59, the fourth book in the American Journey series, four young adults find love, danger, and adventure as they navigate the corridors of time and experience Southern California in its storied prime.

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

OK, so I have been reviewing for John Heldt for a while now, and I admit that when I start one of his books, he is already at a 5 star rating, simply because he ALWAYS delivers. Every time I review I think, “my goodness, seriously there has to be something that I can pick at?”, but NOPE, NEVER IS! This time is not the least bit different, and I struggle to find new ways to gush about John’s writing. So instead of trying to find new ways to write an “OMG, I LOVED IT!” review, I am just going to write the gush of happy that I felt, and if it comes across repetitive, well it’s John’s fault for writing another freaking fantastic book! LOL

Class of ’59 is the fourth book of John A Heldt’s American Journey Series. This book was MY FAVE! I always make mention of my dislike of time travelling books (other than The Outlander Series) and for sure now, other than American Journey Series. This book had a more lighthearted feel, with it’s own unique sense of danger and angst, but forefront to all of John’s books, and especially in this one, is romance and love. I love a gritty dirty book, but John doesn’t deliver this, thank goodness, because what he has done, that many dirty gritty book authors do not, is make me believe in timeless romance and sweet true love. How refreshing!

Mary Beth lives in 2017, and is vacationing with her sister Piper, when she sees a man strolling into the house’s basement. This man is dressed as if he comes from the 1950’s. Before we know it, an elaborate story of finding a letter that the original home owner wrote, with description of time travel, surfaces. Deciding, “well let’s see what happens!” we are back in the 1950’s where poodle skirts, sock hops, drive in movies and old fashioned teenage fun is being had by our characters. Mark (who was the man entering the basement) has a brother Ben who becomes paired up with Piper. Essentially, sisters Mary Beth and Piper become romantically involved in brothers Mark and Ben.

Innocent fun and experiences are being enjoy by both couples, and true love is blooming. However, time travel comes with consequences, and times are dangerous for our couples. Before long, the questions of “Where is it the most safe?”, and “Is it fair to ask one person to jump into life with another outside of their planned existence?” are asked. Is this even possible? Unfortunately, fate takes over and separation must occur. What does one do when they have found a once in a lifetime love with another, but decades is what is separating you? Is there a way back to each other or was it only ever meant to be brief?

Ya, my heart string got pulled as well! LOL I found I asked myself more than once, if I was ever presented with the ability to time travel, would I do it? It also made me reflect of how different eras produce such different generations, but love will always be love.

Strong, well rounded, and believable characters. Strong story with vivid examples of a time I have never experienced but think I came about as close to it as I could reading this book. John, you never cease to amaze me with your talent. If you are looking for a fantastic time travel series, please, PLEASE do yourself a favour and read John A Heldt!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
September Sky
Mercer Street
Indiana Belle
Class of ’59

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T.

about the author

John HeldtFollow John: Goodreads / Website/Blog/ Twitter /

John A. Heldt is the author of the critically acclaimed Northwest Passage and American Journey series. The former reference librarian and award-winning sportswriter has loved getting subjects and verbs to agree since writing book reports on baseball heroes in grade school. A graduate of the University of Oregon and the University of Iowa, Heldt is an avid fisherman, sports fan, home brewer, and reader of thrillers and historical fiction. When not sending contemporary characters to the not-so-distant past, he weighs in on literature and life at johnheldt.blogspot.com.

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Take Me Deeper (Texas Bounty #1) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

TAKE ME DEEPER (Texas Bounty #1) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

Take Me Deeper

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 4, 2016

Even as a Green Beret, Zane Redmond hasn’t faced a tougher mission than going home again. Loyalty to his brothers is the only reason he’s back in Texas, not that he intends to stay for long. Zane sure as hell isn’t going into the family business. One last bounty and he’s done—or so he thinks. Nobody warned him that his fugitive happens to be a red-hot brunette with a smart mouth, a body made for sin, and a brutal cartel on her trail.

Bad circumstances and worse choices have left Iris Callahan in a desperate situation. After getting arrested for a drug drop gone wrong, she skipped bail and hit the road to avoid testifying. Now the cartel wants Iris silenced forever, and she’s just lucky that Zane catches her before they do. Handcuffed to a bed, she surrenders to the cool-as-ice bounty hunter in order to survive. But as the chase heats up, Zane sneaks past her emotional defenses—and Iris is in too deep to let him go.

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REVIEW: TAKE ME DEEPER is the first installment in Jackie Ashenden’s contemporary, adult TEXAS BOUNTY romantic, suspense series focusing on the men (and brothers) of Lone Star Bounty-Zane, Quinn and Rush Redmond. This is Special Forces soldier Zane Redmond, and Iris Callahan’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Zane and Iris) TAKE ME DEEPER follows Zane’s return home from his latest assignment overseas only to find himself on the hunt for a woman who skipped out on her bond. Iris Callahan was easy to find but Zane and his family owned Lone Star Bounty are not the only people searching for Iris-our heroine got caught up in some nasty business with a drug cartel and she isn’t willing to go down without a fight.

Zane is a protector at heart and keeping Iris safe is paramount even if it means placing himself and his brothers at risk. He is a man determined not to set down roots and being pulled back into the family business is something he never planned. Iris is a woman who made a bad decision for all of the right reasons but a decision that had caused her to lose someone close. What ensues is the building relationship between a man whose guilt from the past is focused on another woman running for her life. Both Zane and Iris have issues of trust because of events from their pasts. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

We are introduced to Zane’s brothers-Quinn and Rush Redmond. The three brothers currently own and run Lone Star Bounty since the death of their father months before. Lone Star Bounty is a struggling business but a business that brings the brothers closer together.

TAKE ME DEEPER is a story of suspense, romance and family. The premise is dramatic and suspenseful; the characters are strong, passionate and heartbreaking or perhaps it is their circumstance that will tug at your heart; the romance is seductive and provocative.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

reviewed by Sandy

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