Monthly Archives: November 2016

Last Ride (Wind Dragon MC 5.5) by Chantal Fernando-a review

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LAST RIDE (Wind Dragon MC #5.5) by Chantal Fernando-a review

Last Ride

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 7, 2016

The Wind Dragons MC couple who started it all is back! We met the stars of Chantal Fernando’s bestselling series in Dragon’s Lair, and now Sin and Faye are ready for more—and with these two, that means more passion, more action, and more of the best kind of trouble.

Sin, president of the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club, doesn’t mind that things have quieted down since he got married—with Faye at his side, he’ll never be bored. Plus, they’ve got their little girl Clover to keep them on their toes. But when new MC brother Talon needs help rooting out a traitor in his old club, Faye’s the first to volunteer. She’s more determined than ever to get involved and put her law degree to good use, but Sin soon finds himself riding to the rescue. Because he’ll kill anybody who touches a hair on Faye’s head—if she doesn’t get to them first. One way or another, tonight’s going to be someone’s last ride

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: LAST RIDE is novella 5.5 in Chantal Fernando’s contemporary, adult WIND DRAGON MC romance series focusing on the men and women of the Wind Dragon’s Motorcycle Club. This is Dex ‘Sin’ Black and his wife Faye’s continuing story, and can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Sin and Faye) Faye finds herself the victim of a kidnapping aimed to bring the Wind Dragon MC president to his knees. While Sin searches for the woman that owns his heart, Faye discovers the who and why of her recent abduction. Meanwhile Talon (Wild Ride 4.5), the president of the Wild Men MC, comes to a decision about his current place within the Club, as he continues his search for the betrayer in their midst.

LAST RIDE focuses on Faye Black-attorney and wife of the Wind Dragon’s MC president-a woman who is both strong in mind and body- and isn’t willing to accept her fate as a kidnapping victim. When trying to talk her way out of the situation fails, Faye uses every means to escape her captors. Faye’s popularity within the Club is tantamount to rock star status, and I question the amount of endearing love bathed upon our story line heroine.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples as well as a look at the growing families and potential new members for the MC. There are a few twists and turns; acts of betrayal; relationships that suffer; and family members who have a difficult time accepting what has happened. Faye and Sin’s relationship continues to be highly sexual, intimate and romantic.

There are some upcoming changes to the Wind Dragon MC. I am hoping for a full-length story line focusing on Talon and his new direction in life. The premise is subtle in its presentation of what is and what is going to be: the characters are entertaining-Faye’s night with the other women is full of laughs and surprises. The romance is a continuation of Faye and Sin’s happily ever after. LAST RIDE is a quick read; a story line that changes the direction of the series, and with it comes a few surprises, reveals, and the introduction of a few new members.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Dragon’s Lair
Arrow’s Hell
Tracker’s End
Dirty Ride
Rake’s Redemption
Wild Ride
Wolf’s Mate
Last Ride

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Dark Corners (True Heroes #3) by A.M.Madden-a review

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DARK CORNERS (True Heroes #3) by A.M. Madden-a review

Dark Corners

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 8, 2016

A real hero can protect and serve, but a true hero knows how to love.

Love is war when shadows play games with the heart. In this thrilling romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Stone Walls and Glass Ceilings, a decorated veteran facing the darkest battlefield finds a guiding light to trust and tenderness.

David Cavello is no longer in uniform, but the memories of combat still haunt his every waking moment. Driven to protect and serve, he accepts an undercover job he has to keep hidden from everyone. But David’s mission goes against orders the second he makes contact with gorgeous and spirited Maygen Whitney. The intense attraction he feels for Maygen drives him crazy—almost as crazy as he feels about hiding information from her.

After growing up with an overprotective father, Maygen feels like she’s finally claiming her independence. Sure, she’s been lonely, but David seems to make all her dreams come deliciously true—until the sting of betrayal sends her world spiraling. Now Maygen’s caught in a tragic web of lies, leaving her more vulnerable than ever to an enemy hidden in the shadows. But when Maygen most needs a hero, David leaps into action—intent on doing whatever it takes to save the woman he loves.

••••••••

REVIEW: DARK CORNERS is the third installment in A.M. Madden’s contemporary, adult TRUE HEROES erotic, romantic suspense series. This is former US army Private David Cavello, and fashion designer Maygen Whitney’s story line. DARK CORNERS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Maygen and David) DARK CORNERS follows the building relationship between former US Army Private David Cavello, and fashion designer Maygen Whitney. An accidental meeting wherein David and Maygen ran into one another on the street, finds our hero attempting to make up for sending Maygen on her a$$ in the middle of the sidewalk while spilling her coffee all over herself. What ensues is the developing friendship and love between two people whose lives are about to spiral out of control. David hides a secret that if Maygen finds out will destroy what little trust Maygen has in the man with whom she is falling in love.

David suffers with PTSD and is struggling to get his life back on track. Maygen feels as though she is suffocating with her father’s over-protective nature but when threats against our heroine take a personal turn her father’s protection may not be enough.

The relationship between David and Maygen begins as friendship as our hero stumbles with his attraction to Maygen Whitney. Unwilling to involve Maygen in his nightly PTSD struggles the sexual aspect of their relationship is slow to develop. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Nick Farley and Angelo Cavello (Glass Ceilings #2), Maygen’s over protective father Garrett Whitney, and his business partner Reed Conlon, as well as David and Maygen’s large extended families. Maygen’s boss Dax Storm is the exclusive designer with whom Maygen works, as well as her best friend Betha who is all about getting the details on Maygen’s love life.

The world building follows the preparations for Dax’s upcoming fashion show, as well as David’s struggles with personal demons and PTSD terrors.

DARK CORNERS is a story of emotional heartbreak and healing; betrayal and trust; lies and forgiveness. The premise is intriguing and encouraging; the characters are moving and engaging; the romance is emotional and challenging. DARK CORNERS is an intimate look at one man’s struggles with PTSD, and one woman’s need to save the man with whom she is falling in love.

Reading Order and Previous reviews

Stone Walls
Glass Ceilings
Dark Corners

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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In Bed With The Billionaire (Nine Circles #5) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

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IN BED WITH THE BILLIONAIRE ( Nine Circles #5) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

In Bed With The Billionaire

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 1, 2016

A man with everything on the line…
Known to the underworld only as Jericho, billionaire Theo Fitzgerald is one of the most powerful men in the world. But his plan is to tear down the criminal empire his father created from the inside out—unless someone else does it for him. He suspects a bold, seductive woman named Temple Cross might be trying to take him out with it—but for the chance to burn in the heat she gives off, he’s not sure if he minds…

A hired hit woman, Temple has been waiting to get close to Jericho her whole life. The man who destroyed her family is worth looking in the eye before she kills him—but when she’s finally alone with Jericho, he’s nothing like the ruthless barbarian she imagined. Her reaction to his touch is explosively sexual—and their emotional connection is too powerful for her to ignore. Is she his shot at redemption? Or will he have to risk losing her love to save her life?

••••••••

REVIEW: IN BED WITH THE BILLIONAIRE is the fifth and final? installment in Jackie Ashenden’s contemporary, adult NINE CIRLES erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on a group of friends ‘bound together by power, secrets, need, family and love’. This is billionaire Theo ‘Jericho’ Fitzgerald, and assassin Temple Cross’s story line. Jericho is the brother of Violet Fitzgerald whom we met in book four-Kidnapped by the Billionaire. IN BED WITH THE BILLIONAIRE can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and backstory I recommend reading the series in order as much of the premise of the current story line has been building throughout the series. If you have not read the previous story lines there may be some spoilers in my review.

NOTE: IN BED WITH THE BILLIONAIRE contains graphic sexual text and scenes of questionable consent.

Told from several third person perspectives IN BED WITH THE BILLIONAIRE follows hired assassin Temple Cross as she sets out to kill the man –Theo ‘Jericho’ Fitzgerald- she believes destroyed her sister’s life. Jericho is one of the world’s most powerful criminals with his hands in prostitution, nightclubs and human trafficking. Several years earlier Temple’s sister went missing and our heroine believes Jericho sold her sister into human sexual slavery. What ensues are Temple’s attempts to infiltrate Jericho’s personal life, and Jericho’s need to understand what makes our heroine ‘tick’.

As the story line builds we learn that Theo ‘Jericho’ Fitzgerald is a reluctant criminal who hides the truth behind a powerful façade. Temple Cross, like Theo Fitzgerald, has a dark and dangerous past, and her powers as an assassin hide the true intent of what it is she is hoping to uncover.

The relationship between our leading couple is highly sexual. Many of the $ex scenes are graphic, intense and not without some ambiguous consent; arguments and physical fights lead to rough and angry $ex but initial consent is debatable and unclear.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including all of the previous story line couples. The final several chapters in the story reveal some of the back story for each of our couples, as well as their connections to one another and the current story line players coming full circle from beginning to the end.

IN BED WITH THE BILLIONAIRE is an emotional story line with controversial and complex characters. The premise is thrilling and intense; the characters are tragic and broken; the romance is melodramatic and powerful. IN BED WITH THE BILLIONAIRE is a suspense filled, erotic romance with memorable characters and a happily ever after.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Flying Through Fire (Dark Desires #6) by Nina Croft-a review

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FLYING THROUGH FIRE (Dark Desires #6) by Nina Croft-a review

Flying Through Fire

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 7, 2016

Winged monsters have been seen in the skies, and a pestilence follows in their wake, threatening the very survival of mankind. Only the crew of the Blood Hunter knows where they come from, and only one man has the power to send them back—Thorne, a human/dragon hybrid in possession of mental powers beyond comprehension.

Candace Decker doesn’t need anyone to look after her—she’s a badass werewolf more than capable of protecting herself and those she loves. All the same, she’s always been drawn to Thorne’s strength. In an uncertain world, he’s the one man who makes her feel safe. And what Candy wants, she usually gets.

But while Candy is tenacious, Thorne’s willpower has been honed over ten thousand years. He might want her, but the last thing he needs is an infatuation with a young, impetuous werewolf. Candy makes him lose control, and that could have disastrous consequences.

As the threat escalates and they become separated by time and space, Candy must find a way back to him, because while Thorne alone has the power to defeat the dragons, only together can they finally bring peace to the universe.

•••••••

REVIEW: FLYING THROUGH FIRE is the sixth installment in Nina Croft’s adult DARK DESIRES multi-genre paranormal, fantasy, sci-fi romance series focusing on the crew of the space ship Blood Hunter. This is werewolf shifter Candace Decker, and human/dragon hybrid Thorne’s story line. FLYING THROUGH FIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion. FLYING THROUGH FIRE advances the series several years. Candace is the daughter of Jonathon and Alexia (Deadly Pursuit #2).

Some background: 1000 years after Earth’s demise, the ruling Collective, and the self-proclaimed Church of Everlasting Life played a major role in the control of space. The Collective controlled the rights to the rare radioactive element known as Meridian-that will bestow immortality on those who can afford the price but with its discovery also comes death and destruction. The Church had been in the business of exterminating the genetically modified beings-considering them abominations and a sin against God- but an illness linked to the radioactive element has all but wiped out the population on a number of the planets including many members of the CoEL.

Told from several third person points of view FLYING THROUGH FIRE follows Candace Decker as she hunts for the man responsible for destroying her parent’s life. Never far behind, the winged human/dragon hybrid, and Candace’s protector Thorne, follows hoping to bring Candace under his control. But an attack of a different kind finds the intrepid crew of the Blood Hunter protecting one of their own when the original dragons known as the ‘old ones’ want something the crew is not willing to give up. What ensues is the building relationship between Thorne and Candace, and the fight to save thousands of lives.

The relationship between Thorne and Candace is a protector to friends to lovers relationship that began when Thorne was tasked with protecting a much younger Candace from the world around her. When her parents were taken into custody and her mother forced to return to the Church of Everlasting Life, Candace and her twin brother Angel set out on their own. Years later Thorne would bring Candace and Angel under his wing, and find himself falling for the werewolf shifter that called to his heart. The $ex scenes are intimate without the over the top graphic, erotic element.

Thorne is the eldest of his kind, and with it comes great power-power of which he is often unaware. Candace is an independent, young woman who has fallen in love with the hybrid dragon-a dragon she believes would never fall in love with her.

All of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting roles including Devlin and Saffira (Temporal Shift 4) as Saffira becomes the target of the marauding dragons. Planets are destroyed; lives are wiped out of existence as the dragons search for Saffira and the crew of the Blood Hunter.

The world building continues to pull the reader through wormholes, black holes and onto poisonous planets; time travel; supernatural and mystical beings, telepathic communication, and artificial intelligence; cyborgs and the mind of the collective- Star Trek meets Star Wars in an epic battle for space, time and everything in between. We are introduced to new species, and hybrid humans, as well as the existence of werewolves, vampires, and supernatural beings whose DNA has been crossed with various flora and fauna.

For readers who are not fans of the sci-fi genre the DARK DESIRES series does not read like the usual sci-fi story lines but more along the lines of paranormal /fantasy romance.

FLYING THROUGH FIRE is a story of adventure; action, romance, betrayal and trust. The premise is exciting and entertaining; the characters are colorful, memorable, spirited and enchanting; the romance is emotional and passionate. Nina Croft’s DARK DESIRES series is addicting, cleverly written, and impossible to put down.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews and ebook deals
Break Out FREE at Amazon
Deadly Pursuit 99¢ at Amazon
Death Defying $1.99 at Amazon
Temporal Shift $1.99 at Amazon
Blood and Metal $1.99 at Amazon
Flying Through Fire

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Explosive Forces by D.D. Ayres – a Review

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Explosive Forces by D.D. Ayres – a Review

 

Explosive ForcesAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Danger is heating up…

When Carly Reese’s beloved fashion boutique catches fire, she sees her dreams go up in smoke. The good news is that Carly was saved from the flames by a barking dog nearby. She soon discovers the heroic pooch is a trained K-9 who’s guarding his unconscious partner …a gorgeous firefighter who ends up in Carly’s arms.

Noah Glover and his K-9 are a fearless duo, and Noah has clearly met his match with the brave, beautiful Carly. Soon they team up to track down the arsonist behind the blast – a psychotic criminal who’s intent on framing Noah. Meanwhile, the sparks between Noah and and Carly could ignite a five-alarm fire. Should they smother their feelings in the name of justice…or fan the flames of passion?

 

 

Review:

Explosive Forces by D.D. Ayres is the 5th book in her fun and exciting K-9 Rescue series.  This reads very well as a standalone, as each book focuses on different characters using K-9 dogs. In Explosive Forces, we meet our heroine, Carly Reese immediately as she is putting up the final touches on the grand opening of her new boutigue, when she closes the shop late at night.  Carly hears a dog nearby, and when she brushes it off and walks to her car, she hears the dog whimpering again.  Carly investigates the sound next door to her shop, and sees the dog in the empty store.  When she goes in, she sees a man unconscious, and at that moment a fire begins   Carly puts her own life in danger, trying to rescue the dog, and the man.  With the dogs help, Carly fights the smoke and drags the man out.

Noah Glover wakes up in the hospital, and vaguely remembers the young lady who rescued him, and cannot find his dog, Harley. Noah is now also under suspicion of starting the fire, and suspected of attempting a suicide.  Noah is a former firefighter, who is now an investigator; he knows that everyone believes he is responsible, and now must find a way to prove his innocence, as well as find the real arsonist who is framing him.

Before he is released from the hospital, he meets his rescuer, and they get off on the wrong foot, with both walking away angry.  In his investigation, Noah knows he must apologize to Carly, and to get his dog back.  What follows is an exciting, tense story that will find Noah and Carly working together to find out who is framing him, and slowly the chemistry between them becomes volatile and their new found friendship escalates to a sexy romance. 

While Noah is trying to ward off those who want to arrest him, and to investigate what really happened, Carly decides to rebuild her boutique.  There was a nice side story, with Carly’s new shop, called Flawless.  Having met woman who make different kind of hand crafted accessories, Carly wants to sell these unique beautiful items, helping her business as well as the women who created them.  It was fun and interesting.  I loved Harley, the German Shepard, who played a major part in this story.

As we raced to the intense pulse pounding finish, Carly’s life is danger, and Noah is desperate to find her in time.  There were moments that had us on the edge of our seats.  D.D Ayres has once again given us a wonderful exciting fast-paced story line;  great couple, sweet lovable dog and a sexy romance.  I recommend you start this series from the start, as you don’t want to miss any of these wonderful  stories. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Maverick by Lisa Bingham – Review & Giveaway

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Maverick by Lisa Bingham – Review & Giveaway

 

Maverick Banner

 

MaverickAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Rough riding Bodey Taggart may be rock hard and tough as nails, but even he has a soft side when the right woman comes along…

Bodey has always followed his own rules: live hard, play hard, and win big. But when his wild ways give him two concussions within a month of each other, his brothers lay down some new rules: no bronco busting, sky diving, or ATVs for the rest of summer. It seems the only pastimes not restricted are shooting competitions…and women. 

Beth Tivoli is new to Bodey’s circle of friends, and unlike any woman Bodey has ever met—she isn’t about to follow him into bed. She’s not looking to hook up with anyone, especially when she’s trying to escape her past. Bodey quickly realizes that courting Beth is no game, and despite her resolve, they both begin to discover that maybe romance can be different this time around…

 


Review:

Maverick by Lisa Bingham is the 3rd book in her wonderful Taggart Brothers series.  This book belongs to Bodey Taggart, our hero, who is very competitive in everything he does.  Bodey has suffered some concussions in his previous competitions, and despite warnings from his brothers, he continues to push himself to win.

At one event, Bodey finds himself almost near collapse, with a major headache.  Enter Beth Tivoli, who is helping out with sales in a tent run by some friends of Bodey.  She comes to his rescue, helping him out of the sun, and giving him drinks to hydrate him.  Beth is only staying in town a short time, to make some money, as she is on the run, taking care of her two younger siblings, who are staying at a cheap motel.  At the death of her mother, Beth was able to get custody of her brother and sister, but the cult that her mother belonged to wants the kids. Hence, Beth is constantly moving.

Bodey finds himself interested in Beth, even if she is not the usual women he likes.  Beth shows no interest in Bodey, though she is attracted to him; after all, Bodey is one hot hunk. Beth does fight her attraction,  since she doesn’t plan to stay long, but Bodey constantly gives her a ride to her motel, or invites her to lunch.  She accepts, so that to be able to bring home food to her siblings. This starts off as an unlikely romance, but along the way, we really want them to find a way to stay together

What follows is a nice sweet romance, with a couple that truly had nothing in common, but life has a way of changing things.  Bodey begins to suspect Beth is hiding something, and is determined to help her.  The story becomes exciting, as the villains that are chasing Beth and the kids, finds them.  It will be Bodey, his brothers, and their friends who will step up and help Beth.  Just when you begin to relax, the danger is still not over, making it even more exciting.  I not only grew to love Bodey and Beth, but it was great to see many of the characters of the previous books again.  

Lisa Bingham once again gives us a wonderful story that had us worried, and anxious a few times for Beth.  I did think the previous story was a bit better, but I enjoyed this book very much, and have become a big fan of Lisa Bingham and this series.   I suggest you start with the 1st book, and read this series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Giveaway beige

Lisa’s publisher is offering a paper copy of MAVERICK 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.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on GOODREADS  for an additional entry.

6. Please LIKE  Lisa Bingham on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from November 4 to November 8, 2016

 

 

 

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Kept (The Enforcers #3) by Maya Banks-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Kept (The Enforcers #3) by Maya Banks-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Kept Banner

KEPT
The Enforcers #3
by Maya Banks
Release Date: October 25, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense

Kept

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

About the book: Release Date October 25, 2016

He can’t change who he is…

A horrific childhood has made Silas the man he is today: dangerous, distrustful, and demanding. He’s lived in self-imposed solitude, convinced that no woman could ever accept his need for absolute control—in business and pleasure. That is, until a young violinist walks into one of his buildings and into his life.

She can’t change what she wants…

Haley has been struggling to fulfill her father’s dying wish: to attend a prestigious music school in New York City. But even working two jobs, she can’t afford the tiniest of apartments. Seeing her hopeless and near tears, Silas vows to help and protect her, no matter the cost to himself. But when Haley meets his every demand with unwavering acceptance and love, he is overwhelmed by her goodness and gentle spirit. He knows that the dark stain on his soul can never be erased—and rather than risk destroying the most beautiful thing he’s ever experienced, he knows he’ll have to do the hardest thing he’s ever had to face. Let her go. But he’s totally unprepared for the lengths Haley will go to fight for his love and a future brighter than the sun…

••••••••••

Kept begins with Haley down on her luck and needing to find a new place to live. She happens into a building that had a vacancy, but it was too expensive. To her complete and utter shock, the manager contacts her to let her know they had a vacancy open up in her price range. Haley moves in almost immediately and continues working all hours and practicing the other hours. She squeezes in some sleep when she can but has vowed to make it, not only for herself, but to make her dad proud and fulfill his dream for her.

Silas knows the moment he sees Haley that things are about to change. Once he hears the soothing sounds of her violin in the wee hours of the morning, he quickly starts to look forward to it…night after night. However, when Haley decides to bake some goodies as a thank you for her elusive neighbor, who just happens to own the building, neither are prepared for the life changing series of events that follows.

Kept is a nice addition to the Enforcer series, but I was a little disappointed. Haley’s character was well written. I loved that she was in the city attending school, working and owning her life. Yes, she was a little naïve about some things, but she was on her own and making it work. I’ve loved Silas since book one of this series. Even though he technically works for Drake, he really answers to no one. He was an enigma and chose to throw in with Drake and his team, all of whom are his chosen family. He had a horrible childhood with horrible parents, but somehow survived to become a force to be reckoned with. His relationship with Haley was “instant” attraction, but it wasn’t “instant” sex, thank God! They really did navigate their relationship in an almost normal fashion….almost. This is a Banks romance novel, by the way. Where it fell a little short for me was, believe it or not, was the way he treated Haley. Yes, he was accommodating, protective and loving, but the fact that he called her princess really grated on my nerves. It was like he was talking to a three year old. Of course, this is just my opinion, but I love Maya Banks, and just expected a bit more from him and his story. He also made some of the same mistakes that Drake had made, which grated a little more. I was expecting, and wanting, more from him. With all of that said, I really did like the book. The problem for me was that I didn’t love it. If you’re a Maya Banks fan, you’ll like it as well. I do look forward to the next in the series. The secondary characters were well written and I think they’ll have a lot to say. Well done, Maya Banks!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Mastered
Dominated
Kept

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M

excerpt

Hayley sank further into the heated seat of the luxurious car as they sailed through traffic, and she smiled, unable to believe her good fortune. How fast things changed and how quickly she’d gone from desperation and resignation to excitement and optimism about her future.
Tears glittered and clung to her eyelashes.
I’m going to make it, Dad. Just like I promised. I’ve found a place I can afford to rent. I can continue school like you and Mom wanted. One day you’ll see me playing with a prestigious symphony. This is all for you, Dad. For all you sacrificed for me. I only wish you were here to see me the first time I play with a symphony.
A fierce ache besieged her chest and she rubbed, blinking furiously to rid herself of the tears that burned her eyes. It was hard to accept that her biggest—only—supporter was gone. First her mom, whom she’d lost when she was but a child, but Hayley still clung to the fleeting memories she had of her mother. Every time she looked in the mirror she saw her mother’s face. As her father often fondly remarked, she was the picture of her mother.
It was bad enough to lose one parent. Why did she have to lose both? The only two people she had in the world?
She leaned forward in the seat when she saw that they were approaching the street where her current residence was located.
“You can let me off at the corner,” she said to the driver, who hadn’t uttered a single word during the ride. “I’ll walk from there. It’s not far and the rain has stopped.”
The man glanced in the rearview mirror, obviously staring intently at her, though she couldn’t see his eyes behind the shades he wore despite the overcast day.
“I would feel better if I dropped you in front of your building,” the man said, surprising her with the firmness of his statement.
Hayley smiled. “No, it’s okay, truly. I’d like to walk so I can clear my head. It’s been an eventful morning.”
His lips tightened but he didn’t argue further as he pulled to the corner and glided to a halt. When she would have opened her door to duck out, he sent her a look of reprimand that froze her in her tracks. He got out and unhurriedly stepped around the car to open the passenger door not facing the street.
She smiled at him again, ruefully this time, and offered her thanks, squeezing the hand he’d offered to help her out. To her shock, the staid, somber man’s lips turned into a semblance of a smile, only the corners slightly tipping up.
“It was my pleasure,” he offered formally before once more returning to the driver’s seat.
Seconds later the car melted away into traffic and Hayley turned to walk the half block to her apartment, shaking her head at the most unexpected turn of events the day had offered.

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

About The Author Black and Blue

Follow Maya: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Maya BanksMy name is Maya Banks and I live in Texas with my husband and three children and our assortment of pets.

When I’m not writing, I love to hunt and fish with my family. We all love the outdoors and go on family hunting trips every year. We also love to travel. One of our more recent trips was to Scotland, which was every bit as comical as National Lampoon’s European Vacation. You know the part about “Look kids, Big Ben, Parliament” as they went round and round the roundabouts? Yeah, that was us, only we couldn’t even get out of the airport in Glasgow without hitting three of those suckers.

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of a writing career is getting to meet so many wonderful readers. There’s nothing better than dishing books with someone who loves the romance genre as much as I do. Romance readers are passionate and vocal. We love our books, love our happily ever afters, and we love to spend time talking to others about our favorites. THIS is why I love my job so much, and I’m so grateful to readers who gave ME a chance when I began my career. So thank you.

Giveaway-Black and Deep Blue

Maya’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of  KEPT 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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7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from November 3-7, 2016

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Looking Inside by Beth Kery-Review and Giveaway

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LOOKING INSIDE by Beth Kery-Review and Giveaway

Looking Inside Banner

LOOKING INSIDE
by Beth Kery
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: November 1, 2016

Looking Inside

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 1, 2016

Are you just going to stand there and watch?

Eleanor Briggs just can’t help herself. Every night, the sight of the man in the high-rise across the street is driving her wild. She longs to feel his touch up close and personal. To win him over, she’ll need to shake off her wallflower sensibilities and become the seductress she never imagined she could be. The only trouble will be finding the perfect way to meet him…

Or are you going to join in?

Sex is easy for millionaire entrepreneur Trey Riordan. Finding something of substance, however, seems impossible. That is until a simple night of reading at a local coffee shop becomes something far steamier when a beautiful brunette comes by and leaves a note telling him to look out his bedroom window at midnight. But when the time comes, neither of them will be truly ready for what follows…

•••••••••••

REVIEW:  LOOKING INSIDE by Beth Kery is a stand alone erotic, romance storyline focusing on library historian Eleanor Briggs, and millionaire entrepreneur Trey Riordan.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Eleanor and Trey) LOOKING INSIDE follows Eleanor Briggs in the first few months following the death of her older sister Caddy. For close to one year, Eleanor has watched Trey Riordan from her sister’s guest room window, and has put a plan into motion to meet the man who has been the focus of our heroine’s fantasies and late night voyeuristic tendencies. When Eleanor discovers that Trey is one of the guest speakers at the local coffee shop reading night, Eleanor steps out of her comfort zone and sets out to seduce the man in question. What ensues is the highly sexualized relationship between a man who is unwilling to commit to the future, and a woman who fears she is losing her identity to that of the sister who has died. Eleanor took to heart her sister’s final words, and the seduction of Trey Riordan pushes all of our heroine’s boundaries and comfort levels.

LOOKING INSIDE focuses on the acts of voyeurism and exhibitionism. Eleanor Briggs is both a voyeur and exhibitionist, as well as a natural submissive, and Trey Riordan plays the leading role as the target of being watched, and a receptive audience to Eleanor’s acts of late night seduction. There are a few vanilla acts of bondage and light discipline; the $ex scenes are erotic, intimate, seductive and intense. The chemistry is hot and palpable.

The story line conflict comes from within-our heroine is evolving as both a person and a sexual woman, and with it comes a lack of self-assuredness that is hindered when Trey reveals a connection to her past. Eleanor’s over the top reaction was a bit melodramatic and immature, and made for some questionable actions on behalf of the story line heroine.

LOOKING INSIDE is a slow building story line of fetish-voyeurism and exhibitionism-wherein Eleanor seductively dances her way into Trey Riordan’s heart. The premise is energetic and encouraging; the characters are colorful and passionate; the romance is provocative and alive.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

About The Author beige

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Beth Kery (Bethany Kane) is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of over thirty novels, novellas and serials. She writes contemporary romances as well as erotic contemporary romances, her hallmarks being emotional intensity, leap-off-the-page realistic characters and steamy sexual tension.

Giveaway beige

The Reading Cafe and Beth Kery’s publisher are offering a paper copy of LOOKING INSIDE 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.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging into the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Beth Kery on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from November 3-7, 2016

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