Monthly Archives: April 2017

Love on Tap by Meg Benjamin – a Review

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Love on Tap by Meg Benjamin – a Review

 

Love on TapAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Wyatt Montgomery knows a barrel of legendary Zoria imperial stout will help his Denver gastropub stay on top. The only problem is the brewery that made it is no longer in business. When Wyatt hears the brewmaster has only one barrel left, he won’t stop until it’s his. He doesn’t consider what this mythical barrel might cost him. And he certainly doesn’t anticipate his reaction to the heart-stoppingly beautiful brewmaster he needs to convince to sell him the beer.

When Wyatt rushes into Bec Dempsey’s small-town cooperative offering to buy the last barrel of her precious Zoria, she’s thrown for a loop. She’s been burned by city-slickers before, and she’ll be damned if she’ll let it happen again. But when things start heating up between them, Bec decides to make Wyatt a counteroffer. One she hopes he won’t refuse.

 

Review:

Love on Tap is A Brewing Love Novel by Meg Benjamin.

Wyatt Montgomery owns a waning gastropub named Quaff in Denver, Colorado. His place combines high end food and craft beers and business has been pretty steady until recently. There is competition in town and he soon realizes that he must come up with some idea to get consumers heading back his way. While contemplating just what to do, someone mentions to him that  if he wants to renew his restaurants image and create a stir, he should try to get the legendary last barrel from the Antero Brewing Company of an imperial stout called Zoria. Except no one really knows if it truly does exist or if it is just folklore.  Antero Brewing shut down quite awhile ago, but as of late rumors have been flowing that there is one last barrel to be had.  If he could get his hands on this beer – he could throw the most amazing beer dinner ever.  Set out on a mission to find this last barrel of Zoria, Wyatt has no idea what he is getting himself into., but only hopes that if this barrel does exist he can purchase it and make a name for himself.   

Upon arriving in Antero, Wyatt inquires at a local pub on where he may find the owner of the now defunct Antero Brewing.  Pointed in the right direction he soon comes face to face with Bec Dempsey.  A blue eyed, red headed brew master.  Not at all what he was expecting when he set out to find this legendary brew master. And he now must convince her that he would do anything to be able to purchase her last barrel of Zoria.  And Bec realizes that selling this last barrel may be the only way to get her brewing company up and running again.  But she won’t just give it away to anyone, the person that gets the Zoria is going to have to work for it.  And that is exactly what Wyatt does.

Wyatt Montgomery is charming, headstrong and not afraid to work for what he wants.  His character was relatable and understanding.  I found myself wanting to know just exactly what he was going to do and how he was going to handle each situation.  His ability to handle Bec’s stubbornness and unworthiness was perfect.  You want him to succeed in getting this barrel of stout so he can do well and beat the competition.  But you also want him to break through Bec’s emotional walls and convince her that he isn’t the same as her ex.

Bec Dempsey is a  stubborn redhead fireball.  She has trust issues and even more issues standing up to her mistakes.  But, when Wyatt comes to town to purchase her last barrel of Zoria, she realizes that she can utilize this venture to help her get the brewery back up and running.  She was basically left to deal with the fallout from the financial partner that walked away from the brewery, along with the fact that the other co-owner – her brother, Liam – just simply walked away when the money was gone.  But Wyatt makes Bec see the error of her ways and helps her repair bridges that she thought she had burned quite awhile ago.  Heartwarming and loving – this story is simple and emotional.

I enjoyed all the sub-characters – Carol and Ruth –  all except for Liam.  I truly wished someone would have punched him.  Not only did he walk away from his sister when she needed him the most, it seemed he only wanted to be bothered with her when money came back around.  And yes he redeemed himself in the end but I still wasn’t a fan. 

The story was quirky and relatable while combining a love for craft beers and  romance.  Would definitely follow this story on to the next, if for nothing else than to hope for a glimpse into how Wyatt and Bec were doing.

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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Lost Rider (Coming Home#1) by Harper Sloan-Review & Excerpt

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LOST RIDER (Coming Home #1) by Harper Sloan-Review and Excerpt

Lost Rider

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /ibooks / google Play / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 25, 2017

In Lost Rider, the first Western romance in New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Harper Sloan’s Coming Home series, an injured rodeo star encounters an old flame but will she be just what he needs to get back in the saddle?

Maverick Austin Davis is forced to return home after a ten-year career as a rodeo star. After one too many head injuries, he’s off the circuit and in the horse farming business, something he’s never taken much of a shine to, but now that it’s his late father’s legacy, familial duty calls. How will Maverick find his way after the only dream he ever had for himself is over?

Enter Leighton Elizabeth James, an ugly duckling turned beauty from Maverick’s childhood—his younger sister’s best friend, to be exact, and someone whose heart he stomped all over when she confessed her crush to him ten years back. Now Leighton is back in Maverick’s life, no longer the insecure, love-stricken teen—and Maverick can’t help but take notice. Sparks fly between them, but will Leighton be able to open her heart to the one man who broke it all those years ago?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: LOST RIDER is the first installment in Harper Sloan’s contemporary, adult COMING HOME erotic, cowboy, romance series focusing on the Davis siblings. This is rodeo star Maverick Austin Davis, and bakery owner Leighton James’s story line.

Told from dual first person points of view (Maverick and Leighton) including memories from the past, LOST RIDER is a story of second chances, family, betrayal and heartbreak. All of her life Leighton James’s was in love with Maverick Davis but ten years earlier Maverick walked out of her life, leaving family, friends, and his hometown behind. Raised by an abusive father, and a mother who abandoned her family years before, Maverick’s need to leave was fostered by his love of bull riding. Fast forward ten years, wherein the now injured Maverick, returns home to Pine Oak, Texas for the funeral of the man who almost destroyed his life. Enter Leighton James, the woman that calls to Maverick’s soul, but the woman whose heart he broke without looking back. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship and romance between Leighton and Maverick, and the revelation behind the many reasons Maverick left town so many years before.

Leighton has never forgiven Maverick for walking out of her life. A successful business owner, Leighton has a difficult time forgiving the man that destroyed her heart, abandoning his siblings to deal with the father from h*ll. Maverick’s younger years were filled with abuse and neglect, and Maverick believed the only option was to run when the opportunity presented. An all star rodeo rider whose career is cut short by too many injuries, Maverick returns home to reclaim the woman he loves, and move forward from a dark and destructive past.

We are introduced to Maverick’s older brother Clayton, and his younger sister Quinn. Quinn is Leighton’s best friend and champions her brother’s need for the woman that calls to his heart.

The world building looks at fractured family dynamics, abuse, betrayal, friendships and love. Pine Oak is a small town with a close-knit population where everyone knows everyone else’s business including Leighton’s broken heart, and Maverick’s abusive past. The slow building story line meanders as Maverick struggles with the truth, and the potential loss of his relationship with the siblings he left behind. There is plenty of self-loathing as it pertains to our story line hero.

LOST RIDER is an emotional and heartbreaking story about one man’s need to escape his past, and one woman’s struggle to heal her broken heart. The premise is engaging; the characters are broken, tragic, passionate and inspiring; the romance is captivating and fated.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Lost Rider teaser

 

Excerpt beige

 

I should tell Quinn and Clay that he’s here. But one look at him and it’s like the last ten years have never passed and I’m back at the bonfire, the awkward high schooler uncomfortable in her own skin. Marching away from him in the woods. It was the last time I saw him. How is it possible that he can affect me this much after all this time?
He hasn’t noticed me, not with his head bowed, so I quickly turn around and focus on Pastor John as he finishes up his prayer. Him being here means nothing. I should be happy that I remember the pain from that night so well, it will make keeping my walls up around him so much easier.
“On behalf of the Davis family, I want to thank everyone for coming today. At this time, the family has asked for some time alone as they say their good-byes. They wanted me to remind everyone that the PieHole will be opening up for a few hours tonight starting at five for anyone that wishes to join them.”
I keep my arm around Quinn, not looking back to where I saw Maverick. I can hear the church slowly emptying and I feel a frown pull at my lips. I had hoped that when everyone started to leave that he would have come up front to be with his family, but so far, the pew we’re in is still empty save for the three of us. We sit and wait for everyone to leave, something that Clay had asked Pastor John to make arrangements for in place of the customary recessional, knowing that no one in this town would really mean a word of it anyway. Plus, I know Quinn is having a hard time. Regardless of the fact that she wasn’t the closest with her father, she was really counting on this—Maverick home. She’s still shaking in my arms, but when I look over at Clay I realize his silence isn’t because of the heaviness of Buford’s death, but instead anger over his brother’s absence that has started to build to a boil. I fear that he’s seconds away from tipping over the edge.
I stand when Clay and Quinn do, but hang back at the edge of the row we had been sitting in as they meet Pastor John and gather their father’s ashes. I can’t wait to get out of these heels. If it would have been acceptable to wear my boots, I would have, but Quinn would have killed me. As it is, I feel like I can’t take a deep breath with how tight my dress is against my chest. I never wear tight shirts. I haven’t since my boobs became beasts of their own right. I’m too busy fiddling with the straps of my dress, trying desperately to get some of the pressure against my chest to ease up so I could take a deep breath, when I heard Quinn gasp.
“Mav!” Next thing I know she’s running past where I’m standing, her black hair streaming in the air behind her as she speeds forward right into her brother’s arms. Clay moves to stand next to me and I look up to meet his green eyes, the questions he isn’t vocalizing dancing in their emerald depths. He’s not stupid and I’m doing a crappy job at hiding the memories haunting me right now. He gives me a small smile, shifting his hold on the urn to wrap his free arm around me and pulls me into a strong hold.
“You’re shakin’,” he says against my temple and I just nod.
“I’m good, Clay. Go see your brother.”
“I’m fine right where I am, sugar.”
I keep my eyes to the ground, focusing on his worn boots instead of looking up, hating myself for making this moment about me when I should be focused on them. Like it or not, I can’t fight the feelings that being near him bring me. I’m that stupid, naive sixteen-year-old all over again. “Let’s get out of here,” he says after a few silent seconds. I look up and give him a smile, hoping that it looks a hell of a lot braver than I feel. Inside I feel like I might puke.
“You think I could have a second with my family?”
My head shoots up at the coldness I hadn’t anticipated in Maverick’s voice. He’s not focused on me, though, instead looking at his brother with a hard expression and one brow raised upward.
“Mav!” Quinn gasps and he moves his attention from his brother to her.
“Sorry, Quinn, but I’m thinkin’ that Clay’s lady friend would understand that this should be a moment for our family and give us time alone.”
“I’ll just—”
“Don’t you dare finish that sentence, sugar,” Clay all but spits through clenched teeth and drops his arm to take a step forward. “You’ve got something to say, Mav, then say it.”
“Nothing to say, Clayton, I just think it would be nice for your girlfriend to give us some space.”
“My girlfriend,” he parrots sarcastically, his deep voice vibrating in anger.
“Mav.” Quinn attempts to butt in, but stops when Maverick leaves her side and turns to stalk out of the church. I should find it comical that he obviously didn’t recognize me, or hell, maybe he did and he’s just picking up where he left off ten years ago in the middle of the dark woods. I take a deep breath. “It’s okay. He’s right. Y’all need some time as a family. I’ll head over to the PieHole and start settin’ up for tonight.”
Quinn brushes a tear from her cheek and just shakes her head. I look at Clay to see him staring in the direction that his brother just left.
“You’re family,” he finally says, not looking in my direction.
“Clay, really, it’s okay. It’s been a long time since y’all were back together and I don’t need to be there for that reunion. It sucks that it takes all of this to finally bring him home, but he’s here and y’all need to make up for a lot of time lost.”
“Shut up, Leighton.”
“Don’t, Clay.”
“Don’t what? You’ve got every right to be here. You’re just as much a part of our family as he is. Hell, maybe even more so than he is at this point. So just shut up, come with us, and ignore him.”
I shake my head, the fight instantly leaving my sails, knowing I would be arguing until the end of time if I
pressed this issue.
“I can’t believe he doesn’t even recognize you,” Quinn whispers.


 

About The Author beige

Harper SloanHarper is a NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL and USA TODAY bestselling author residing in Georgia with her husband and three daughters. She has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books, hibachi, tattoos and Game of Thrones. When she isn’t writing you can almost always find her with a book in hand.

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Ride Rough (Raven Riders #2) by Laura Kaye-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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RIDE ROUGH (Raven Riders #2) by Laura Kaye-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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RIDE ROUGH
Raven Riders #2
by Laura Kaye
Release Date: Aporil 25, 2017
Genre: adult ,contemporary, erotic, MC, romance

Ride Rough

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 25, 2017

Brotherhood. Club. Family.
They live and ride by their own rules.
These are the Raven Riders…

Maverick Rylan won’t apologize for who he is—the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club Vice-President, a sought-after custom bike builder, and a man dedicated to protecting those he loves. So when he learns that the only woman who has ever held his heart is in trouble, he’ll move heaven and earth to save her.

Alexa Harmon thought she had it all—the security of a good job, a beautiful home, and a powerful, charming fiancé who offered the life she never had growing up. But when her dream quickly turns into a nightmare, Alexa realizes she’s fallen for a façade she can’t escape—until sexy, dangerous Maverick offers her a way out.

Forced together to keep Alexa safe, their powerful attraction reignites and Maverick determines to do whatever it takes to earn a second chance—one Alexa is tempted to give. But her ex-fiancé isn’t going to let her go without a fight, one that will threaten everything they both hold dear.

•••••••••

REVIEW: RIDE ROUGH is the second full length installment in Laura Kaye’s contemporary adult RAVEN RIDERS erotic, MC, romance series focusing on the men and women of the Raven Riders MC. This is club vice-president Maverick Rylan, and interior designer Alexa Harmon’ story line. RIDE ROUGH 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 points of view (Alexa and Maverick) RIDE ROUGH is a second chance story line between the vice-president of the Raven Riders MC, and interior designer Alexa Harmon. Five years earlier, upon the death of her brother and fellow member of the Raven Riders MC, Alexa Harmon walked out of Maverick’s life without looking back. Fast forward to present day wherein Alexa is preparing for her upcoming nuptials with wealthy businessman and real estate investor Grant Slater- a man Alexa once thought she loved but a man who has become too controlling and too possessive with the approach of their wedding date. Enter Maverick Rylan, the man to who Alexa once gave her heart, and the man who will sacrifice everything to protect the woman he loves. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Maverick and Alexa, and Maverick’s desperate attempts to save Alexa from a man willing to destroy everyone Maverick loves.

The relationship between Maverick and Alexa is one of second chances ;a rekindling romance between two people destroyed by the death of Alexa’s brother Tyler- a member of the Raven Riders MC. Alexa and her mother had a difficult time coping with their grief and loss so much so that our heroine pushed away the only man she would ever love. Throughout the years Maverick has stood watch, protecting Alexa from afar, and he is the man she runs to when life with Grant becomes difficult and troubling. Alexa and Maverick’s love for one another has never waivered in the face of Alexa’s decision to walk away from everyone that reminded her of the past. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense.

There are a large number of secondary and supporting characters including all of the Raven Riders MC membership, as well as Club President Dare Kenyon and his significant other Haven Randall, as well as Haven’s best friend Cora who may or may not have an attraction to Club member Sam ‘Slider’ Evans. We are introduced to Alexa’s long-suffering mother Cynthia who struggles with more than the grief of a mother who has lost her son.

The world building looks behind the scenes of the Raven Riders MC: their struggles to maintain power and authority in the face of a legal system with dirty hands in the back pockets of one too many politicians and businessmen; and the brotherhood, family and life long friendships in the Raven Riders MC.

RIDE ROUGH is a story of friendship, rekindling romance, second chances, betrayal and loss. The premise is dramatic and impassioned; the characters are dynamic and lively; the romance is seductive and hot. RIDE ROUGH is a thrilling and intoxicating story that will leave you breathless and wanting more.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Hard as Steel (Novella)
Ride Hard
Ride Rough

Copy supplied through Edelweiss

Reviewed by Sandy

Ride Rough Bonus

Order RIDE ROUGH by May 1st, fill out this form, and receive an email with a bonus short story of more of Hard Ink’s Beckett after Release Week! Don’t miss this amazing opportunity!

••••••••••••

DIRECT LINK to RIDE ROUGH book trailer: 

https://video214.com/play/r1VEuIF50oumtHVUulO2vg/s/dark

Ride Rough teaser

excerpt

 

>

“What am I going to do? My entire life is wrapped up in him. My job. Where I live. My car. Where Mom lives. Everything. Oh, God. This is going to be a nightmare, isn’t it?”
Maverick grasped Alexa’s hands. “One thing at a time. You’re out. You can stay here as long as you need to. I have plenty of room. I’ll help you through it. That’ll give you time to figure out what it is you want. There’s no rush.”

“Okay,” she said. “Okay. God, thank you.” A shiver raced over her skin.

“You don’t have to thank me. I’m so relieved for you that I might fall the fuck over,” he said, his thumb rubbing over her knuckles. She almost managed a little smile. “Your hands are like ice, Al. I shouldn’t have made you stand her all this time when you’re soaking wet.”

Alexa shook her head. “It felt good to get it out, Maverick.”

“Glad to hear it. Would a hot shower make you feel better? I can find you a T-shirt and a pair of boxers to change into while your clothes dry.”

All the TLC and understanding he was giving her reached right inside her chest. When was the last time someone had taken care of her this way?

The last time you were with Maverick. The truth of that thought made her breath catch. “Yeah. I’d like that,” she managed.

He gave a tight nod and stepped back, and she missed his heat immediately. “Uh, good. That’s good. You remember your way around?”

“Of course,” she said. How much time had she spent here over the years? Even before they dated? At one point, Maverick’s place had practically been a second home.

“You okay?” he asked, watching her.

She pushed off the door. “I don’t know yet,” she said, coming to him. “But what I do know is how grateful I am to you. For everything. For being there when I told you not to. For listening. For just . . . being you.”

“Always.” He crossed his big arms and ducked his chin, like something about the exchange made him uncomfortable.

“I mean it,” she said, and then she pressed onto tiptoes and kissed his cheek, his stubble tickling her lips. “You saved me tonight.”

“No,” he said, eyes flashing, one brow arched. “You saved yourself, Al. I was just your getaway driver.”

Staring into one another’s eyes, the tender moment stretched out, morphed, suddenly flashed hot. Being so close to him set her body on fire, and finally she could actually consider acting on it. Need roared through her, a living, breathing thing. “Maverick,” she whispered.

“Fuck, Alexa, I think you better go take that shower,” he said, his jaw ticking. “Now.”

She released a shaky breath and nodded. He was right. Of course, he was.

So, showering. She could handle that. Afterward, God only knew what she was going to do.

 

About the author

Laura Kaye-21Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in contemporary romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and monster puppy, Schuyler, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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Snared by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Snared by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

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Snared
Elemental Assassin series – Book #16
by Jennifer Estep
Release Date: April 25, 2017

SnaredAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
If you don’t know Gin “the Spider” Blanco, you don’t know dangerous female heroines.

Irony 101—The Spider herself snared in someone else’s web…

Another week, another few clues trickling in about the Circle, the mysterious group that supposedly runs the city’s underworld. Gathering intel on my hidden enemies is a painstaking process, but a more immediate mystery has popped up on my radar: a missing girl.

My search for the girl begins on the mean streets of Ashland, but with all the killers and crooks in this city, I’m not holding out much hope that she’s still alive.

A series of clues leads me down an increasingly dark, dangerous path, and I realize that the missing girl is really just the first thread in this web of evil. As an assassin, I’m used to facing down the worst of the worst, but nothing prepares me for this new, terrifying enemy—one who strikes from the shadows and is determined to make me the next victim.

Barb’s Review

Snared by Jennifer Estep is the 16th book in her fantastic Urban Fantasy Elemental Assassin series.  I always look forward to reading the next book in this series, as Jennifer Estep never fails to give us another fantastic exciting action packed story, which has one of the best kick-ass heroines in Gin Blanco (Spider). 

In Snared, Gin continues to research about the secret powerful group called the Circle, who was part of killing her mother years before.  When on a mission to find more information on one of the Circle leaders, she overhears something about her mother and her evil enemy Tucker, which upsets Gin, and pushes her to find out more.  But when Jade, one of Ashland’s gangland leaders, asks for help, Gin will step forward.  It seems that Jade’s younger sister is missing, and when Gin pulls her team (what an awesome group; Bria, Finn, Owen, Silvio, Sophia, Jo Jo, Xavier, etc), together they discover that a serial killer has been killing young blond haired girls. 

What follows is an exciting, mind blowing, pulse pounding mystery that will bring Gin right into the lion’s den, where clues will point to the serial killer somewhere within the circle.  As always with Gin Blanco, she is right in the middle of this wild adventure.  No one messes with Gin, and yet so many times they all try to kill her, and somehow our heroine always manages to suffer horrific injuries, and yet escape death.  Will she find Jade’s sister in time?  Will she learn the truth about her mother and her enemy, Tucker?

Reading this series, and spending time with Gin is always fun and enjoyable.  I love how tough and loyal Gin is, and no matter how much she suffers in each book, she still rises up for more.  We are always on the edge of our seats through each and every book.  Jennifer Estep is a master at creating a seamless flow into each story, and watching Gin evolve into such a great heroine.  As I noted earlier, the secondary characters that make up Gin’s team are great, and always fun to be with.  Her romance with Owen is just perfect and sweet, which always manages to release the tension in the story at the moment.

Snared was a wonderful  action filled addition to this series, which also gives us answers to some questions, as well as surprises that will have us waiting impatiently for the next book;  I cannot wait for more adventures of Gin Blanco. If you have not read the Elemental Assassin series, it is time for you to start now.

 

Sandy’s Review

SNARED is the sixteenth full-length installment in Jennifer Estep’s contemporary, adult ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN paranormal, urban fantasy series focusing on Gin Blanco aka The Spider –the reigning Queen of the paranormal Underworld of Ashland. SNARED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory.

Told from first person point of view (Gin Blanco) using present day and memories (flashbacks) from the past SNARED follows Gin as she searches for the mysterious, underground group known as the Circle-a secret organization connected to the death of her parents and her beloved sister. A serial killer is on the loose in Ashland, and Gin and her family of supernatural investigators find themselves on the hunt for the person responsible leading Gin back to the Circle and their connections to the past. New details continue to emerge about Gin’s younger years, and her mother’s possible association with the Circle assassins.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of characters including Gin’s lover Owen, her sister Bria, and foster brother Finn, as well as Gin’s assistant /vampire Silvio Sanchez, Jo Jo and her sister Sophia, and an assortment of giants, dwarves, more elementals and vampires. Vampire Hugh Tucker returns and sets into motion a series events that are both deadly and revealing.

SNARED has moments of intrigue, mystery, action and suspense as Gin and her family of elementals search for answers from the present and the past. The action is limited; the violence not as graphic as in previous story line but that is not to say that the violence is non-existent. Gin Blanco, is after all an assassin, and as Queen of the Underworld there is always someone waiting to take down the woman in charge. The premise is engaging, revealing and spirited; the characters are colorful and energetic. Jennifer Estep’s ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN series is a magical and impassioned look at the world of the supernatural, and all of the evil brought together in a battle for power and control.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Giveaway

Jennifer is graciously offering a paper copy of SNARED (Elemental Assassin #16) to TWO  (2) lucky commenters 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 Jennifer Estep on Facebook

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

5. FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Giveaway open to USA only.

8. Giveaway runs from April 25 to 29, 2017

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A Coldwater Warm Hearts Wedding by Lexi Eddings – a Review

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A Coldwater Warm Hearts Wedding by Lexi Eddings – a Review

 

A Coldwater Warm Hearts WeddingAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
“Everyone longs for a place to be loved and accepted, warts and all. And Coldwater Cove has its share of warts! But while this cozy corner of the world is home to just about anyone who wants to put down roots, the way has been barred to Michael Evans.”

Mike’s dad saw to that some ten years ago when he ordered him to leave town and never come back. But when Michael learns his mother is battling breast cancer, not even the animosity between him and his father can keep him away. Of course he didn’t figure on getting roped into being best man at his sister’s upcoming wedding, but as long as Michael’s back in town, he figures he s got a second chance with the girl who got away Heather Walker.

Long-legged Heather has had a love/hate relationship with the town bad boy ever since he christened her Stilts in middle school. She was voted most likely to succeed. Michael seemed destined for the state pen. Even so, she hopes there’s more to him than leathers and a Harley, for his family’s sake if nothing else. But while her fascination with him grows, a decade-old secret involving a member of “her” family threatens to tear them apart…

 

 

Review:

A Coldwater Warm Hearts Wedding by Lexi Eddings is the 2nd book in her Coldwater series.  Heather Walker, our heroine, is Lacy Evans’s (previous book heroine) best friend. Heather, who is a nurse, is helping take care of Lacy’s mother who has just had an operation for breast cancer.   Michael Evans, our hero, is Lacey’s brother, who left home 10 years ago after fallout with his father, but finally returns home to see his mother. 

Lacy’s convinces Michael to stay awhile and be Jake’s best man at the wedding. Heather remembers Michael as the boy who called her “Stilts”, and he was always one of the bad boys in town.  Now that Michael is grown up, the attraction between them also heats up.  Michael has built himself a successful business, which no one really knows about.  Michael decides to move some of his crew to Coldwater Cover temporarily, so that he can watch over his mother’s recovery; attend the wedding as best man and explore the feelings he begins to have for Heather. To Heather’s surprise, she too is falling in love with Michael, and she knows he will not be there long. 

There is also a mystery revolving Heather’s deceased sister, who died 10 years before.  Because of that, Heather  avoids her family as much as she can, thinking they wished it was her who died in the accident.  But there will be some surprises that will not only change things, but threaten the growing relationship between Michael and Heather.   This will also open the door for Michael and his father to mend, as the truth is revealed.

I liked Michael and Heather together, as well as many of the secondary characters.  This was a sweet romance, with a bit of mystery that will have us worried if our couple will not be able to stay together.  The ending also had a surprise twist.  The Coldwater Warm Hearts Wedding  was another nice sweet romance by Lexi Eddings, with a small town background and a great couple.  I suggest you start with the first book in this series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Midnight Target (Killer Instincts #8) by Elle Kennedy-Review and Giveaway

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MIDNIGHT TARGET (Killer Instincts #8) by Elle Kennedy-Review and Giveaway

 

MIDNIGHT TARGET
Killer Instincts #8
by Elle Kennedy
Release Date: April 25, 2017
Genre: adult ,contemporary, erotic, romantic, suspense

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 25, 2017

Four years ago, Cate’s entire life changed when she discovered she was the daughter of a super soldier. But Jim Morgan’s overprotectiveness has pushed her away. These days, she’s working as a freelance photographer and living the dangerous life Jim never wanted for her.

When Cate snaps a photo linking a corrupt South American politician with the leader of a notorious drug cartel, her mercenary father leads a team to rescue her—only to get shot and critically wounded in the process.

As Morgan’s operatives rally together on a revenge mission, they’re faced with new alliances and old heartaches. Cate is forced to work with David “Ash” Ashton, the man who broke her heart two years ago, while Liam Macgregor and Sullivan Port resurface after years apart to finally try to deal with everything they’d left unsaid.

Soon it’s all-out war between the cartel and the mercenaries—with two couples caught in the middle of the blood feud. Love and redemption are within their reach…but first they have to make it home alive.

•••••••••

REVIEW: MIDNIGHT TARGET is the eighth (and final?) instalment in Elle Kennedy’s contemporary, adult KILLER INSTINCTS romantic, suspense series focusing on an elite group of highly trained men and women-mercenaries for hire. The focus is on the search for a notorious drug lord, once thought to be dead, who has threatened Cate’s life, and on two on-going relationships: Cate Morgan and David ‘Ash’ Ashton, and Liam Macgregor and Sullivan Port-both relationships struggling with unrequited feelings and emotions. MIDNIGHT TARGET can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

WARNING: If you have never read Elle Kennedy’s Killer Instinct series be forewarned, MIDNIGHT TARGET contains graphic scenes of violence, death and blood shed, and may not be suitable for all readers. The mercenaries and assassins are hired to do a job and cannot let emotions and personal feelings get in the way. These men and women do NOT kill the innocent –they are hired to take down the evil within our societies and sometimes the evil may be family, friend or someone caught up in a bad situation.

NOTE: MIDNIGHT TARGET contains graphic scenes of M/M sexual situations, language and text.

Told from several third person points of view including memories from the past, MIDNIGHT TARGET follows Jim Morgan’s elite team of mercenaries as they set out to rescue his daughter Cate, a woman caught in a South American country on the verge of civil war. As a photographer Cate follows the stories including the very real possibility that the notorious leader of a vicious drug cartel is alive and well in Guatana City, Guatana. Capturing the evidence that she needs, Cate finds herself targeted by the very man she was hoping to find, and is in desperate need of a rescue on the run. Enter David ‘Ash’ Ashton, the man that Cate has always loved but the man that broke her heart one too many time. What ensues is the search for the man in question, and the rebuilding of a friendship and romance between Cate and Ash.

Most of Jim Morgan’s mercenaries play secondary and supporting roles including several soldiers who are battling with personal issues of pain and loss. Liam and Sully’s bromance struggles with misperceptions, and the possibility of preconceived notions. Sully and Liam’s return to the team is a welcome reception but the couple in question continue to struggle with the rift in their one-time friendship.

MIDNIGHT TARGET is a story of second-chances, of sorts, for two couples pulled apart by unrequited love. Ash tries to keep his distance from the woman he loves-a woman who happens to be the boss’s daughter and off limits in the eyes of her father. Cate is a strong, independent young woman whose over protective father has pushed our heroine too fast, and too far but her need to be included yet independent is the catalyst to much of the story line premise. Sully and Liam’s relationship struggles with their bi-sexuality, past indiscretions, Sully’s months in captivity and abuse at the hands of his captors, and the fear of rejection and judgment by family and friends. Jim Morgan’s mercenaries are willing to risk everything for the people they love but sometimes risking it all means not succeeding to survive.

Elle Kennedy is never afraid to step over the line as it pertains to the violence and blood shed that surround the former Special Ops, Marines and warriors. Some readers may have difficulty with the gruesome ‘images’ including a perceived lack of conscious in some ‘do or die’ situations. The requisite evil has many faces.

MIDNIGHT TARGET is a detailed and complex story line that follows several paths to fruition-two struggling relationships, the loss of family and friends, a hero’s battle for his life, and the take down of evil incarnate. The premise is intriguing, engaging and fascinating; the characters are colorful, animated, passionate and tormented; the romances are seductive and fated.

Killer Instincts

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Midnight Rescue
Midnight Alias
Midnight Games
Midnight Pursuits
4.5 After Midnight
Midnight Action
Midnight Captive
Midnight Revenge
Midnight Target

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Young sexual couple of handsome serious man with bare muscular chest standing undressing pretty blonde woman standing and touching breast in studio, square picture

Giveaway

The Reading Cafe and Elle Kennedy’s publisher are offering a finished copy of MIDNIGHT TARGET 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 onto 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. Follow Elle Kennedy 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. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from April 24-28, 2017

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The Bewitching Hour Series 1-3 by Mallory Crowe-series review

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The Bewitching Hours Series 1-3 by Mallory Crowe-series review

The Bewitching Hour series 1-3

THE BEWITCHING HOUR
(The Bewitching Hour #1)
by Mallory Crowe
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romantic, suspense

ebook only 99¢ at : Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 18, 2017

She walked away years ago,
But magic has a way of creeping back in.

When she tries to give the lead detective a quick hint to send him in the right direction, Sam gets sucked further into the investigation than she ever thought possible. Now Detective Derek Pierce has to put together the half truths Sam is giving him and the facts of the case that get stranger by the second.

The killer is closer to Sam than she could’ve imagined and Derek is the only one who can stop him from tearing her family apart, but only if he knows the whole truth. And the whole truth is exactly what could kill him.

**WARNING** This is not a standalone book. Sam and Derek have more stories to tell.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE BEWITCHING HOUR is the first installment in Mallory Crowe’s contemporary, adult THE BEWITCHING HOUR paranormal, suspense series focusing on reluctant witch Samantha Harris, and Detective Derek Pierce.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Samantha and Derek) THE BEWITCHING HOUR focuses on the hunt for a serial killer that leads our story line hero, Detective Derek Pierce, to his sexy but closed off neighbor Samantha Harris. Samantha is a reluctant witch who has had little control over her emerging powers but when a series of murders looks more like ritualistic killings, Samantha offers her help in locating the person responsible. What ensues is the building relationship between Derek and Samantha; Derek’s spiral into the world of witches and magic; and the revelation that all is not well within the ‘family’ of witches and warlocks. Someone is gathering power, and everyone is at risk.

Samantha Harris is a witch; descended from a powerful lineage of witches, revered and reviled by the local community. But Samantha struggles with the darkness that continues to encroach upon her life. Derek Pierce doesn’t believe in the occult or the supernatural forces purported to be behind the recent serial killings but finding himself targeted by the ‘family’ forces Derek to push Samantha out of his life.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Samantha’s sister Heather, their mother Abigail Harris, and the matriarch of the ‘family’ Claudia Harris, as well as a powerful warlock Jackson Benedict whom Samantha uses to increase her once-dormant powers, and a young witch Claire Smith who survived an attack by the serial killer.

The world building looks at the hunt for a serial killer, and the connection to the ‘family’ Samantha has battled for most of her life. The relationship between our leading couple struggles in the face of the truth, and the family’s need to destroy anyone who interferes in the supernatural order.

THE BEWITCHING HOUR is a fast paced, intriguing and thrilling story line about the power of the occult, and the internal struggle for a family whose secrets are about to be exposed. The premise is imaginative; the characters are intense and powerful; the romance is challenging and fated. THE BEWITCHING HOUR is an enchanting look at witches, warlocks and the battle for control. The story ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

________________

BURNING GOLD
(The Bewitching Hour #2)
by Mallory Crowe
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romantic, suspense

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 18, 2017

Trying to keep her mind off the mess of her personal life, Sam Harris throws herself into the training she could never get a handle on as a teen. Maybe if she works hard enough, she can even become a witch who, you know, can actually use her powers. But nothing is free, and if she wants to train, she has to become a full fledged member of the Families.

But when she’s assigned one of her first tasks for the Families, to find out who is burning the homes of local witches, she’s once again confronted with the man she’d hoped to never see again: Detective Derek Pierce.

Derek is determined to figure out what the witch community has to do with the fires before anyone gets hurt. Anyone human at least. His investigation hits a brick wall when Sam and her family get in his way. Now the only way to find the answers is to work with the one woman he never wanted in the middle of this mess.

Except the person behind the fires is closer than any of them realize. And the closer they get, the closer they become to being the next targets.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: BURNING GOLD is the second installment in Mallory Crowe’s contemporary, adult THE BEWITCHING HOUR paranormal, romantic suspense series focusing on reluctant witch Samantha Harris, and police Detective Derek Pierce. BURNING GOLD should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up upon the events of book one-The Bewitching Hour.

Told from several third person points of view BURNING GOLD continues to follow the search for the truth. In the previous installment Derek and Samantha uncovered the who behind a series of killings but the why and the person in charge has never been revealed. BURNING GOLD focuses on the hunt for an arsonist who is targeting members of the witch community, and possible connections to the people in charge. What ensues is the rekindling romance and relationship between Samantha and Derek as they work together in search of the person responsible for so much destruction, and the growing darkness within.

BURNING GOLD is a story of mystery and suspense; family and control; magic and power. Derek is a human caught up in the world of the supernatural but sometimes even he is out of his element when it comes to the darkness that is slowly seeping into his life. His affection and need for Samantha Harris is compounded or obstructed by the ‘family’, and Samantha’s inability to gain control over her own magic and power. The premise is suspenseful and revealing (I had already suspected who was the guilty party ); the romance begins to take hold; the characters are animated and lively. BURNING GOLD ends on a cliffhanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

___________

LONG AND LOST
(The Bewitching Hour #3)
by Mallory Crowe
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romantic, suspense

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

About the book: Release Date April 18,2017

Samantha Harris is on the fast track. She’s one of the Families’ best employees and her magic is getting stronger by the day. Nothing is distracting her from being the perfect witch, not even Detective Derek Pierce, who claims they used to be a couple.

Derek knows that Sam’s grandmother messed with her memories, but nothing he says can convince her that they had something. Something stronger than magic. But with the darkness closing in more than ever before, he needs Sam to be on her A Game to protect the city from the growing threat.

The person calling the darkness is moving the final pieces into place. The only way Sam and Derek can stop this is if they work together and this time they can lose more than their memories.

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: LONG AND LOST is the third installment in Mallory Crowe’s serialized contemporary, adult THE BEWITCHING HOUR paranormal, romantic suspense series focusing on reluctant witch Samantha Harris, and detective Derek Pierce. Their continuing story picks up immediately upon the events of book two –Burning Gold-and therefore should NOT be read as a stand alone.

NOTE: If you have not read the previous installment there may be a spoiler in my review.

Told from several third person perspectives LONG AND LOST follows Detective Derek Pierce as he struggles to tweak the memories of the woman that he loves. Thanks to her powerful grandmother, Claudia Harris, Samantha Harris’s memories have been wiped clean of all references to Derek Pierce but the ongoing search for the person responsible for the encroaching darkness finds our leading couple working together towards a common goal. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Derek and Samantha, and the Harris family fallout when the truth is revealed.

LONG AND LOST brings together all of the characters, the players, and the requisite evil in a battle for power and control of the ‘family’. Mallory Crowe gives the reader a happily ever after –for now-for our leading couple, but the story line, once again, ends on a bit of a cliff hanger such that the darkness continues to control those looking for power or retribution.

Mallory Crowe’s world of witches and magic is imaginative, enchanting and intense. No one is safe; everyone is suspect; trust is measured a little bit at a time. The premise is energetic; the characters are animated and passionate; the romance intimate and emotional. LONG AND LOST and The Bewitching Hour series is an electrifying and tragic tale of greed, power and the struggle for control.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

about the author

Mallory CroweABOUT THE AUTHOR — Mallory Crowe is the award winning author of the Fractured Farrells series, the Bad Boys of the Underworld series and many other novels. She grew up surrounded by rescue dogs and escaping into romance books whenever possible. After trying to do the “adult” thing by getting an accounting degree and CPA license, she decided to try her hand at writing and never looked back.
An avid traveler, reader, and Netflix addict, Mallory currently lives in Michigan, with her husband and three laid-back dogs.

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/croweink
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2iiy4cF
Website: http://mallorycrowe.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mallorymcrowe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMalloryCrowe
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13623321.Mallory_Crowe

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A Dangerous Seduction by Jillian Eaton – a Review

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A Dangerous Seduction by Jillian Eaton – a Review

 

A Dangerous SeductionAmazon

Description:
A MURDER….

When Lady Scarlett Sherwood’s husband is killed in a riding accident that turns out to be no accident at all, she becomes the number one suspect in a murder investigation that takes the ton by storm. Her accuser? None other than the dark, ruthless Sir Owen Steel, Captain of the Bow Street Runners… and the only man Scarlett has ever loved.

A BETRAYAL…

Owen was just the poor son of a baker when Scarlett spurned him for a highborn lord. Now he is one of the most powerful men in England, but he never forgot the woman who left him humiliated and heartbroken. He always vowed he would make Scarlett pay for her treacherous betrayal, and what better way to seek revenge than to see her imprisoned for murder?

A DANGEROUS SEDUCTION…

But old passions are hard to ignore, and one kiss is all it takes for Owen and Scarlett’s sizzling chemistry to be reignited. Soon they find themselves swept up in an affair that could have dangerous consequences for them both. Because there is still a murderer on the loose, and he’s just found his next victim…

Scarlett.

 

Review:

The introduction was forward and flirtatious, unbecoming of such a well-bred lady, but was it ever so charming and tantalizing! Good for Lady Scarlett to engage, and commit, to securing the attention of Owen. Where was that spine, though, when she had to make a choice between her head and her heart? Seven years later, Owen returns to London to face Scarlett, to declare that…her husband is dead. As captain of the Bow Street Runners, Owen is charged with the heavy task, but damn if he’s not a tiny bit satisfied, even suspicious, about Scarlett’s role in the murder. Second chance romances get me every time and Jillian Eaton‘s A Dangerous Seduction, the first of her Bow Street Brides series, delivers well.

As the investigation unfolds, details reveal Scarlett’s loveless farce of a marriage. Given their failed past, perhaps Owen should have recused himself from the investigation if not based on the sheer amusement derived from Scarlett’s misery! I suppose it’s only natural to experience a degree of satisfaction to learn that the one who spurned you has suffered in your absence. I suppose that’s reasonable. Owen, however, arrived with a derisive chip on his shoulder; so determined to make Scarlett admit that she regretted her choice (and, oh yeah, committed murder). Again, this may fall within the realm of “How you like me now?”, but when Owen drops his barriers, and faces Scarlett’s truths, we discover Scarlett isn’t the only one holding back feelings this whole time. It was total denial, of course, but it allowed us to forgive Owen’s cruel exterior and hope for reconciliation.

It’s not a quick fix, if that’s what you’re expecting — where’s the fun in that? While technically “free” of her acrimonious marriage, an immense relief to be sure, Scarlett must don the pretense of grieving widow. How can she get close to Owen, explain that her rash decision, made as a child, was one of inexperience, not lack of love? Ms. Eaton uses opportune flashbacks to explain the fundamental inequity of wealth and opportunity between Owen and Scarlett. Choices break hearts, but fate finds a way to intervene.

What a fun read! I enjoyed the feisty banter between Owen and Scarlett. It was insolent and combative, but their fierce love for each other prevented irrevocable harm. *sighs* Something that nagged at me, an issue I hate to criticize since it’s not content, but I feel compelled to recommend an additional review of the manuscript. There were so many typos, it was distracting.  I’d love to catch those for you by way of an ARC ;). I’m shameless.  I just want your work to shine!

The prologue prepared us for the saucy sequel starring two secondary characters who experienced quite a moment. Sign me up now, please!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for review

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