Monthly Archives: October 2017

Misadventures Series 1, 2 & 4 by Meredith Wild, Chelle Bliss, Helen Hardt, and Shayla Black

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Misadventures Series 1, 2 & 4 by Meredith Wild, Chelle Bliss, Helen Hardt and Shayla Black

Misadventures series

Misadventures is a multi-authored series of stand alone novellas. There are currently fourteen installments scheduled between September 2017 and June of next year. My review covers three of these story line.

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MISADVENTURES OF A CITY GIRL
(Misadventures #1)
by Meredith Wild and Chelle Bliss
Release Date: September 12, 2017

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 12, 2017

Fresh off a divorce from a Hollywood hotshot, Madison Atwood needs an escape. With the paparazzi fresh on her heels and her love life splashed on every tabloid, she runs away to a swanky retreat in Northern California. Avalon Springs is the mountainside haven she needs to find herself again.

Luke Dawson lives off the grid, preferring solitude to society. When he finds a beautiful woman soaking in the hot springs on his property, he can’t stop himself from watching her. She captures his attention, but she’s just a city girl—a beautiful distraction disturbing the peace he’s settled here to find.

When Madison discovers Luke’s secluded cabin, he can’t turn her away again. They make no promises. Madison needs to feel wanted again, and Luke misses the touch of a woman. But when mother nature has other plans, they’re forced to spend more than a night of passion together. Can Luke say goodbye to the only woman who’s made him feeling anything in years, and can Madison leave behind the man who brought her back to life?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: MISADVENTURES OF A CITY GIRL by Meredith Wild and Chelle Bliss is the first installment in the multi-authored MISADVENTURES erotic, romance novella series. This is Hollywood makeup artist Madison Atwood, and former Navy SEAL Luke Dawson’s story line. Each installment in the MISADVENTURES series is a stand alone, and can be read in any order.

Told from dual first person points of view (Madison and Luke) MISADVENTURES OF A CITY GIRL is an erotic story of romance; of insta lust between two people, far off the grid, struggling to move on with their lives. Madison Atwood is a newly divorced, single woman whose escape into the wilds at the Avalon Spa in Northern California will bring her face to face with a grizzly, mountain man Luke Dawson. Hoping to relax and recover following the revelation of her Hollywood hotshot husband’s infidelity, Madison embarks on a month long spa vacation but doesn’t intend to follow the retreat’s day to day itinerary. Enter Luke Dawson, a former Navy SEAL who struggles with PTSD, and the social anxiety of big city living. His reputation, whether earned or untrue, precedes his introduction to the people who live and work near the Avalon Spa. What ensues is the quick developing, sexual relationship between Luke and Madison, and the fall out as Luke struggles with his need for a woman whose entire life has been spent in the public eye.

MISADVENTURES OF A CITY GIRL is a quick read; an erotic romance based on sexual attraction, want and need. Opposites in every aspect of their lives, Madison and Luke’s physical relationship is all about the here and now. The character building is limited; the world building focuses on the woodlands of Northern California, and the back and forth relationship between our leading couple but saying that I struggled with some of the immaturity and actions of a man who has seen the worst and lived to tell about it, and of a woman who reacted without thinking about the consequences. There were also some discriminating reactions towards our leading couple that I felt needed some further explanation. While Madison begins living in the moment, Luke struggles with memories from the past. The premise and characters are interesting; the romance is erotic and intense.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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MISADVENTURES OF A GOOD WIFE
(Misadventures #2)
by Meredith Wild and Helen Hardt
Release Date October 3, 2017

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 3, 2017

Kate and Price Lewis had the perfect marriage—love, fulfilling careers, and a great apartment in the city. But when Price’s work takes him overseas and his plane goes down, their happily-ever-after goes down with it.

A year later, Kate is still trying to cope. She’s tied to her grief as tightly as she was bound to Price. When her sister-in-law coaxes her into an extended girls’ trip—three weeks on a remote island in the South Pacific—Kate agrees. At a villa as secluded as the island, they’re the only people in sight, until Kate sees a ghost walking toward them on the beach. Price is alive.

Their reunion is anything but picture perfect. Kate has been loyal to the husband she thought was dead, but she needs answers. What she gets instead is a cryptic proposal—go back home in three weeks, or disappear with Price…forever.

Emotions run high, passions burn bright, and Kate faces an impossible choice. Can Price win back his wife? Or will his secrets tear them apart?

••••••••

REVIEW:   MISADVENTURES OF A GOOD WIFE by Meredith Wild and Helen Hardt is the second installment in the multi-authored, erotic, romance novella series. This is Kate and Price Lewis’s story line. Each installment in the MISADVENTURES series is a stand alone, and can be read in any order.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kate and Price) MISADVENTURES OF A GOOD WIFE is second chance story line between married couple Kate and Price Lewis. One year earlier Kate’s life was destroyed with the news that her husband’s plane went done without any survivors. Fast forward to present day and our heroine discovers that not only is her husband alive but on the run for his life. What ensues is the rekindling relationship between Price and Kate, and the fall out when Price’s whereabouts have been discovered by the people trying to destroy his life.

MISADVENTURES OF A GOOD WIFE is a fast paced, erotically charged story of second chances. Kate lost the only man she would ever love but his ‘return from the dead’ comes with too man conditions and complications including the possibility of a life on the run. The rekindling relationship finds our couple in a constant state of arousal including the need to prove that their love have never wavered in spite of Price’s apparent betrayal. The $ex scenes are numerous, erotic and provocative. My only complaint is the use of a four-letter word that I hesitate to include in any romantic situation or story line. The premise is entertaining; the characters are colorful and determined; the romance is raw and edgy.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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MISADVENTURES OF A BACKUP BRIDE
(Misadventures #4)
by Shayla Black
Release Date: October 17, 2017

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 17, 2017

An Overnight Billionaire… When Carson Frost inherits a confectionary that rakes in billions but is too cash-strapped to last another sixty days, he agrees to take a loan from his late father’s rival. There are two catches: Carson has to sign over a permanent stake in the company, and marry the man’s daughter.

Concocts a Fake Bride… Two weeks before the wedding, he gets cold feet and claims he’s in love with someone else. The investor says he’ll still hand over the cash if Carson takes a stroll down the aisle–with the woman who owns his heart. Since he isn’t even dating anyone, Carson panics. Where is he going to find a bride willing to jilt him at the altar on such short notice?

And Whips Up a Little Love. Ella Hope is an actress happy for any paying gig, but jilting a hottie in public isn’t what she had in mind. Still, she needs rent, and he’s in a bind. How hard can it be? While playing at matrimony, suddenly their intimacy isn’t so fake. Ella can’t help but fantasize that Carson is her groom and they will live happily ever after. But once his company is safe, will he want her anymore?

••••••••••••

REVIEW :MISADVENTURES OF A BACKUP BRIDE is the fourth installment in the multi-authored MISADVENTURES anthology series of novellas. This is billionaire, candy company owner and CEO Carson Frost, and actress Ella Hope’s story line. Each installment in the MISADVENTURES series is a stand alone, and can be read in any order.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ella and Carson) MISADVENTURES OF A BACKUP BRIDE follows the fake relationship between billionaire owner of Sweet Darlin’ Candy Company Carson Frost, and struggling Hollywood actress Ella Hope. With the recent death of his biological father Carson Frost became the sole owner and proprietor of the Sweet Darlin’ Candy Company-a company over extended on funds, and struggling to survive. When Gregory Shaw, his competition and rival at Dulce Lama makes an offer Carson cannot refuse, our hero finds himself engaged to a woman (Kendra Shaw) he does not love. Enter Ella Hope, Hollywood actress, and the woman Carson hires to be the woman he truly loves. What ensues is the insta-lust/love relationship between Ella and Carson, and the potential fall out when Gregory Shaw get wind of the ruse, and forces our hero to go through with a different set of wedding plans.

MISADVENTURES OF A BACKUP BRIDE is a story of one man’s desperation to save his father’s business, and one woman who struggles with a future originally designed for someone else.

The relationship between Carson and Ella is one of instant attraction. Our couple previously met six month earlier but since haven’t spoken to one another. The author quickly reveals some of the individual backstory and history of our leading couple, as well as Ella’s struggle between her head and her heart. The $ex scenes are numerous, erotic and provocative.

MISADVENTURES OF A BACKUP BRIDE is a fast paced, spirited and energetic novella. The premise is engaging but predictable; the romance is passionate; the characters are charming and inspiring.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviews by Sandy

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Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber – a Review

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Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber – a Review

 

Merry and BrightAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
Merry Knight is pretty busy these days. She’s taking care of her family, baking cookies, decorating for the holidays, and hoping to stay out of the crosshairs of her stressed and by-the-book boss at the consulting firm where she temps. Her own social life is the last thing she has in mind, much less a man. Without her knowledge, Merry’s well-meaning mom and brother create an online dating profile for her–minus her photo–and the matches start rolling in. Initially, Merry is incredulous, but she reluctantly decides to give it a whirl.

Soon Merry finds herself chatting with a charming stranger, a man with similar interests and an unmistakably kind soul. Their online exchanges become the brightest part of her day. But meeting face-to-face is altogether different, and her special friend is the last person Merry expects–or desires. Still, sometimes hearts can see what our eyes cannot. In this satisfying seasonal tale, unanticipated love is only a click away.

 


Review:

Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber was a sweet lighthearted Christmas romance.

Mary Knight is our heroine, who lives with her mom, dad and brother. Mary works as a temp, until just before Christmas, which will complete her one year contract, as she wants to go back to school. She works hard and is willing to work overtime.  At work she is known as Merry, because of an uncorrected spelling error by HR.

Jayson Bright is the boss of the company and he is a workaholic, especially since he is trying to win a bid. Jayson comes across to his staff, as cold, and unfriendly. His cousin tries to tell him to go out and have some fun, find himself a date, even using one of those computer dating sites.

Mary’s mother and her brother, Patrick, who is challenged,  also try to tell Mary to find a boyfriend. One day without her approval they set up a profile for her on a dating site. The picture used was that of her dog, Bogie. She figures no harm done, as who will look at her with a picture of a dog. Mary meet Jay…..
Jay sees the dog picture, which brings memories of when he was a kid. Soon Mary and Jay begin a friendship on the internet

Jayson is working overtime to try to meet his deadline, and when he needs help, it is Merry who will stay late to finished to project. Neither Jay nor Mary know each other’s identity, until they agree to meet. Only Mary doesn’t show up. When Jay asks why she didn’t come she tells him that she knows him, and there can be nothing further between them. However, as she works more with Jayson (who still doesn’t know who she is), she realizes that he really is a nice guy.

What follows is a heartwarming and sweet story of two people who are lonely and by finding each other, they begin to change the way they look at things. Christmas was a perfect setting for this romance.  Will Mary be able to tell Jayson who she is? Will Jay accept that Merry and Mary are one and the same. You will have to read the book to find out.

Merry and Bright is a sweet pure romance with a couple we could not help but root for. Another wonderful fast paced romance, with a Christmas theme by Debbie Macomber that you need to read

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Duke of Danger (The Untouchables #6) by Darcy Burke-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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The Duke of Danger (The Untouchables #6) by Darcy Burke-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

The Duke of Danger Banner

THE DUKE OF DANGER
The Untouchables #6
by Darcy Burke
Release Date: September 26, 2017
Genre: adult, historical, romance

The Duke of Danger

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 26, 2017

After killing his opponent in a duel, Lionel Maitland, Marquess of Axbridge, is known as the Duke of Danger. Tortured by guilt, he shields himself with a devil-may-care attitude. However, when he kills another man in another duel, he’s beyond redemption, even though it wasn’t his fault. He refuses to smear a dead man’s name, especially when he’s left behind a blameless widow who doesn’t deserve an even bigger scandal.

Widowed and destitute, Lady Emmaline Townsend must marry the man of her parents’ choosing or beg unsympathetic relatives for support. The only way out is to ask for help from the one man she’s sworn to hate, the man who owes her anything she asks, the man who killed her husband. They strike a devil’s bargain in which passion simmers just beneath the surface. But her dead husband’s transgressions come back to haunt them and threaten their chance at love.

••••••••••

REVIEW:

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

WOW! This is heavy read warning. An angst filled, good lord can anything else go wrong for these characters, dark, spine chilling, sob filled with some very amazing sexy time thrown in kind of heavy read. IT WAS INCREDIBLE and totally made this book.

The Duke of Danger (yup best title there) by Darcy Burke is the 6th novel in her “The Untouchables” series, a historical romance and I would recommend you read the previous books as this series is multi layered in characters and story and at this point there is just so much you would miss out on if you skipped the previous 5. It can be read alone I suppose, but seriously, don’t deprive yourself of the full series experience .. you won’t be disappointed!

Our leading guy is Lionel Maitland, Marquess of Axbridge. Lionel is a stand up guy and is pretty much quite amazing, but this thing called honour is the cause of a string of bad outcomes on his life and the duels he has participated in. He carries the weight of dark emotions due to his dueling and despite having believed they were just caused, the result doesn’t sit well. The latest duel ends in death (not Lionel’s and not with intent to kill), and this makes him feel he can no longer be happy and/or redeemed. He will take care of his opponents now widow and be the best stand up man he can be.

Lady Emmaline Townsend is the opponents widow. Geesh, if it wasn’t for bad luck, she’d have no luck. This poor woman has been through the ringer with endless life altering catastrophes after another. Horrible past, this latest stroke of bad luck hits her the hardest as her husbands death leaves much debt, shame and her having to return to her parents (shudders .. not good). She decides to take matters in her own hands and plays the widow guilt card and take Lionel’s offers of help.

These two set off on a journey of self discovery, healing in each others arms and faith that trust and love can exist. Passion, of my, Darcy Burke writes some serious amazing passion and these two lit up the pages. I have to admit, Emmaline was very hard to like and I almost knocked a star off as she was not my favourite, but, then I thought, if Darcy can write a character I kinda really don’t like and have me sympathize, empathize and maybe understand a little bit .. and to the point where I liked her by the end, well that right there is an applause to fantastic character development and writing.

Like I said above, a heavier historical romance read but I was engaged the entire time and found myself wanting to rush through the story to get to the hard reached HEA. We get there, it’s just quite the path taken! LOL

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T

The Duke of Danger teaser

 

excerpt

“Good afternoon, Lady Townsend. May I offer my deepest condolences?”

She turned on the chair, barely curious as to who might be visiting and eager to send him on his way. But as soon as she pivoted, it was as if a dam inside her split in two and a cascade of emotion tumbled forth.

Bolting from the chair, she took two long steps toward him. “You.”

“Yes, me.” The Marquess of Axbridge didn’t flinch. Indeed, he stared into her, his blue eyes clear and piercing.

“You’ve a singular audacity to come here.”

The marquess bowed deeply. “I beg your pardon.” He looked at her once more. “And your forgiveness.”

Rage spiraled through her, and it was glorious to feel. “You’ll never have either.”

“That is completely understandable.” His tone was tight, measured. His cool reserve antagonized her.

She narrowed her eyes at him. “I’m so glad I have your approval.”

“I wouldn’t ever ask for, nor expect that.”

“And yet you ask for my forgiveness. It hardly seems to matter—I’ll give you nothing save my undying hatred.”

“Which I deserve. Nevertheless, I would apologize for what happened.”

“Apologize? You didn’t step on my foot during a dance. Nor did you spill a glass of ratafia on my gown. You killed my husband.”

Now he flinched. His eye twitched, and his lips pressed together so hard, they turned white. And yet he was still incredibly handsome. That hardly seemed fair.

He took a step toward her. She didn’t retreat, but her body tensed. She clenched her hands into tight fists. Her spine was so straight and stiff that she could have flown a flag from her shoulder.

“I didn’t come to make excuses, but please know I had good reason to demand satisfaction. I’d hoped he would settle the matter before moving to weapons, but he refused.”

She gaped at him. “Are you somehow trying to blame my husband for your actions?”

His jaw tightened, and he blew out a breath. “No. I came to offer my condolences, beg your forgiveness, apologize, and offer any assistance you may need—ever.”

He wanted to help her? She stared at him, the anger inside her curdling. “I would never want anything from you, nor would I ask.”

“I certainly understand you not wanting anything from me; however, if a need should ever arise, I would very much like to help you.”

“I think you’ve done quite enough.” Fury churned through every part of her, and she wanted to lash out. Needed to. “Actually, I can think of one thing I would like from you.” She took a step toward him, her lip curling. “I should appreciate it if you would be miserable for the rest of your life. I would take great joy in knowing that you will wallow in guilt and anguish for all your days.” She glared at him, long and hard.

“I can do that,” he said softly, without a shred of irony. “You may be pleased to know that I am already well on my way. And I shan’t trouble you with my presence. I’m leaving England today.”

“Good.”

“My offer will always stand, whether you choose to take advantage of it or not. Should you require anything at all, please contact my man of affairs.” He held out a card.

She didn’t want to take anything from him. “Choke on it,” she spat.

He withdrew his hand to his side. “Again, my deepest apologies, Lady Townsend.” He turned and strode from the room, his broad shoulders straight, his gait sure.

Damn him.

Damn him.

About The Author

Darcy BurkeDarcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.

Connect:

 

Site: www.darcyburke.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans
Twitter: twitter.com/darcyburke
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/5823441.Darcy_Burke

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The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli – a Review

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The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli – a Review

 

The Last NamsaraAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
In the beginning, there was the Namsara: the child of sky and spirit, who carried love and laughter wherever he went. But where there is light, there must be dark—and so there was also the Iskari. The child of blood and moonlight. The destroyer. The death bringer.

These are the legends that Asha, daughter of the king of Firgaard, has grown up hearing in hushed whispers, drawn to the forbidden figures of the past. But it isn’t until she becomes the fiercest, most feared dragon slayer in the land that she takes on the role of the next Iskari—a lonely destiny that leaves her feeling more like a weapon than a girl. 

Asha conquers each dragon and brings its head to the king, but no kill can free her from the shackles that await at home: her betrothal to the cruel commandant, a man who holds the truth about her nature in his palm. When she’s offered the chance to gain her freedom in exchange for the life of the most powerful dragon in Firgaard, she finds that there may be more truth to the ancient stories than she ever could have expected. With the help of a secret friend—a slave boy from her betrothed’s household—Asha must shed the layers of her Iskari bondage and open her heart to love, light, and a truth that has been kept from her.

 

 

Review:

The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli is the 1st book in her new YA fantasy Iskari series.  Ciccarelli has created a complex and interesting fantasy world of Dragons, Royalty and a heroine, who is considered a princess, but is hated by many.  Asha, our heroine, is considered an Iskari, bringer of death.  When she was a young child, she suffered a disfigurement when she accidently hurt Kozu, the first and most powerful Dragon. The town had serious deaths & damage by the fire of an angry Dragon, which the town blamed her for that disaster. From that moment, Asha became the Iskari, and her job was to kill all dragons and bring their heads to her father, the King. Though this is noted above, it is worth reprinting to explain the difference between an Iskari and Namsara.

                “In the beginning, there was the Namsara: the child of sky and spirit, who carried love and laughter wherever he went. But where there is light, there must be dark—and so there was also the Iskari. The child of blood and moonlight. The destroyer. The death bringer.”

In current time, Asha is determined to find Kozu and kill him, which would free her from having to marry the commandant, Jarek, who truly was evil.  While killing another dragon, she returns home to Figaard with a burned hand that can be poisonous.  Jarek’s slave is nearby and attempt to help her, but he is not allowed to touch her; he does anyway in order to help her, but she will keep his secret.  The slave, Torwin, is besotted with Asha, but knows this is forbidden.  Asha herself, wants nothing to do with the slave boy.  Things during the course of this story will slowly change, as will Asha’s life. 

Because of the burn, or due to her desire to find, Kozu, Asha has dreams during the night about the old one, and is given things she needs to do to be able to find Kozu.  First she is given blades to fight; then is given a young dragon that she must protect; lastly she is given fireskin, which allows her to go through fire and not get burned.  The key to the story is that Asha would always kill dragons, thinking that is her destiny.  But when she must protect the young dragon, Shadow, who follows her everywhere, she begins to have feelings for the dragon.  Torwin, who is now on the run from Jarek and death, does everything he can to help Asha and Shadow; and a friendship is born, but one of secrecy.

What follows is an addictive adventure that will have Asha and Torwin running for their lives, especially when she realizes that she has been betrayed from the beginning, when she was burned as a child.  Her half cousin, Safire and her brother, Dax try to help her and together they will find the truth that will also save Dax’s life.  What was amazing was the Dragons, especially Kozu, who would become a very big part of Asha ‘s life, as we raced to climax, which was an exciting last half of the book.

I can’t tell too much more, as it would ruin the story for you. The Last Namsara was an exciting, captivating story, in a fantastic intriguing new world, which includes villains, dragons, forbidden romance and a great heroine. Kristen Ciccarelli has done a fabulous job writing this story, and I cannot wait for the next book. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Drop Dead Gorgeous by Juliet Lyons – Review, Spotlight Tour & Giveaway

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Drop Dead Gorgeous by Juliet Lyons – Review, Spotlight Tour & Giveaway

 

Swipe Right for Mr. Bite. Don’t miss Juliet Lyons’s snarky and sexy new release, Drop Dead Gorgeous!

Drop Dead Gorgeous spotlight graphic

 

Drop Dead GorgeousAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
SWIPE RIGHT FOR MR. BITE

Mila Hart’s first experience with the hot new vampire dating site is a complete disaster. Turns out, her date is wanted for murder! But things turn around when she’s rescued by dashing vampire cop Vincent Ferrer. Dangerous and drop dead gorgeous, he’s just the vampire hottie Mila was hoping for.

Haunted by his past, Vincent can’t risk falling in love again, even if Mila charms him more than anyone he’s ever met. But when the killer from Mila’s first date seeks her out, Vincent is the only one who can protect her. Protecting his heart is a different story…

 

Review:

Drop Dead Gorgeous by Juliet Lyons is the 2nd book in her Bite Nights series.  This series is a paranormal story line revolving around a dating service for vampires and humans.  I enjoyed the first book in this series, but I thought this one was even better.  Mila Hart is our heroine, and she was a blast from the start.  When she decides to date a vampire from the V-Date internet service, it turns out to be a disaster that almost costs her life.  The handsome vampire is a serial killer, and just when she thinks her life is over, Mila is saved by a vampire cop.

Vincent Ferrer, our hero, is the detective who saves Mila, and from that moment on he is totally mesmerized by her.  Vincent is deep in finding this serial killer, but he also finds himself disturbed by his attraction to Mila, as he has not had these feelings since hundreds of years ago, when his then betrothed was killed.  Mila is also attracted to this hunk that she names “Chris Hemsworth”.  Since Vincent is not only a good detective, but he is a vampire, which enables him to kill another vampire.

What follows is Vincent’s determination to protect Mila, and do all he can to find the killer before he kills again.  Though this is somewhat exciting, the best part of this story is the relationship between Vincent and Mila.  It was not only sizzling hot, very sexy, with a wonderful couple, it was also such a fun humorous story. As I said earlier, Mila was a blast with her humor and use of TV shows that Vincent had no idea of.  I also thought Vincent was a terrific hero, and despite him being a vampire, a perfect gentleman.

I really enjoyed Drop Dead Gorgeous mainly because the main characters were lots of fun, likeable and their chemistry was off the wall.   The storyline with Mila in danger was also exciting and very well done.  Most of all Lyons humor throughout made this a fun and sexy story. If you enjoy a sweet, fun, sexy romance with an element of danger and humor, I suggest you read this series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

excerpt

 

Inside the flat, I kick off my heels and turn the cold tap on full blast, grabbing a glass from the cupboard. “Do you have any aspirin?” I ask, breaking the silence.
Vincent shakes his head, face glum. “I’m sorry I listened to your conversation,” he says, picking at the edge of the kitchen island with a finger.
“It doesn’t matter,” I say quietly. “Thanks for sorting out O’Geary for me.”
He nods, frowning. “Mila—”
“Look,” I say, interrupting him. “I know what you must think of me.”
His frown deepens, eyes dark. “What do I think of you?”
“That I’m totally flaky and pathetic. What with dead rats in my bed and going on dates with serial killers and getting felt up my first week at work. If you think I don’t know how ridiculous my life is, Vincent, you’re wrong, because I do, and the truth is, I don’t know why I told my work friend you like to be tied up with silky scarves. Maybe I’ve watched too many dodgy French movies. But my point is, I know I’m not like you, with the fancy view and the starch spray in the cupboard and all this.” I circle a finger wildly in the air. “So I’m sorry that you’re stuck with me, and I’m sorry you had to show your fangs and lose your chance at a hookup with Leggy Layla from Marketing. I am sorry.”
I suck in a deep breath and take a gulp of my water. I must be drunker than I thought.
When I finally summon the courage to meet his eye, I jolt in surprise. His eyes are dark, tortured. He leans against the counter, hands gripping the edges so tightly his knuckles are whiter than bone.
“That’s the second time you mentioned those girls.” His voice is husky, throaty, as if the words are coming from some dark, forbidden place deep inside him.
“Yeah, well. They irritate me. Add that to my list of faults. I’m jealous of a group of women who wear double the recommended amount of mascara.”
“Jealous,” he repeats.
Jesus. What is up with him? He looks like a four-year-old trying to figure out an algebraic equation. “Yes. Jealous. Not usually. Just tonight. Because you were speaking to them.”
Inside, I’m well aware I’ve more or less just announced I have an enormous crush on him. But on the outside, the half-drunk, cocky Mila is still running the show.
He continues to stand, frozen. I snatch up my glass of water and slip past him into the lounge.
“Mila,” he says loudly.
I turn around at the same time he does.
“I don’t enjoy Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.”
“Yes, you do.”
“No. I don’t.” He runs a nervous hand through his dirty-blond hair. “It’s the only show where I can sit and not have to pay attention to the plotline to know what’s happening.”
I sigh. “Fine. I give up. We’ll hire a harpist for our evening entertainment.” I continue stomping toward the bedrooms—as much as it’s possible to stomp in bare feet.
A gust of air lifts the hair from the nape of my neck and, in an instant, Vincent is filling the doorway with his luscious frame. “I can’t pay attention to the plot,” he says, “because I’m too distracted.”
“Why? Because I’m here messing up your apartment and getting in the way? It won’t be forever, and I’ll tidy up before I go—”
Before I can finish the sentence, he cuts the short distance between us in a single bound, placing hands on my hips. The heat from his fingers burns through the material like red-hot flames. My heart thuds beneath my ribs. Without my heels, my head is level with his chest—his perfectly sculpted, chiseled-from-rock chest—rising and falling as if something is fighting to get out. I lift my gaze, and as our eyes lock, he bunches my dress in his fists. The relaxed look he wore when he lied to the marketing girls and threatened Leery is gone, naked anxiety assuming its place.
“Ask me to stop,” he says, his voice breaking.
I gulp. The only sound is my heart pounding against my ribcage. Is this really happening?
“I can’t,” I say at last. “Because I don’t want you to.”
He releases my dress, looping strong arms around my waist, and lifts me onto my tiptoes until our bodies press together, torso to torso. I drop the glass of water onto the rug at our feet, hearing the loud slosh of liquid as it soaks into the carpet. The water is swiftly forgotten as he leans closer, brushing warm lips over my jawline. He tightens his grip, anchoring me to him as a tremor of pleasure rips through my body.
When his mouth finally fastens onto mine, I mold myself into him like clay, my breasts pushed up against the steely ridges of his chest, my hands twisting into his hair like vines around the branches of a tree. I part his lips, and he responds intensely. He tastes like champagne—warm and fruity—and I devour him like a woman who’s been living carb free would a loaf of bread. My tongue slides over his, a low animal groan erupting from my throat.
He cups my face in his warm hands as he begins feverishly whispering my name between kisses. “Mila, oh God, Mila.”
He wants me, I realize in surprise, knowing from the way my name sounds in his mouth—hard and spiky as barbwire—that this is no whim, no spur-of-the-moment fancy. All the times he’s blushed suddenly make sense, those intense stares I mistook as him thinking I’m an idiot.
I stop kissing him, leaning back to gaze into his drowsy, silver-dappled eyes. His face is slack, his mouth half-open, lips moist.
“It’s true, isn’t it?” I murmur, dragging hands down his muscled back. “You haven’t really been enjoying Dr. Quinn at all.”


 

About The Author

Juliet LyonsJULIET LYONS is a paranormal romance author from the UK. She holds a degree in Spanish and Latin American studies and works part-time in a local primary school where she spends far too much time discussing Harry Potter. Since joining global storytelling site Wattpad in 2014, her work has received millions of hits online and gained a legion of fans from all over the world. When she is not writing, Juliet enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

 Find Juliet Online:

Website: https://www.julietlyons.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriterJLyons/
Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/julietlyons
Twitter: @WriterJLyons
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15118466.Juliet_Lyons

 

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An Unsuitable Heir (Sins of the Cities #3) by KJ Charles-a review

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AN UNSUITABLE HEIR (Sins of the Cities #3) by KJ Charles-a review

An Unsuitable Heir

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 3, 2017

A private detective finds passion, danger, and the love of a lifetime when he hunts down a lost earl in Victorian London.

On the trail of an aristocrat’s secret son, enquiry agent Mark Braglewicz finds his quarry in a music hall, performing as a trapeze artist with his twin sister. Graceful, beautiful, elusive, and strong, Pen Starling is like nobody Mark’s ever met—and everything he’s ever wanted. But the long-haired acrobat has an earldom and a fortune to claim.

Pen doesn’t want to live as any sort of man, least of all a nobleman. The thought of being wealthy, titled, and always in the public eye is horrifying. He likes his life now—his days on the trapeze, his nights with Mark. And he won’t be pushed into taking a title that would destroy his soul.

But there’s a killer stalking London’s foggy streets, and more lives than just Pen’s are at risk. Mark decides he must force the reluctant heir from music hall to manor house, to save Pen’s neck. Betrayed by the one man he thought he could trust, Pen never wants to see his lover again. But when the killer comes after him, Pen must find a way to forgive—or he might not live long enough for Mark to make amends

••••••••••

REVIEW: AN UNSUITABLE HEIR is the third and final installment in KJ Charles’ Victorian England, adult SIN OF THE CITIES M/M romance, mystery trilogy. This is private investigator Mark Braglewicz, and trapeze artist and reluctant earl Repentance ‘Pen’ Starling’s story line. AN UNSUITABLE HEIR can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and backstory I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise and plot throughout the series focusing on the search for the heir to the Earl of Moreton’s estate.

NOTE: AN UNSUITABLE HEIR and the SINS OF THE CITIES series contain scenes of M/M sexual situations and may not be suitable for all readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: Twenty three years earlier, sixteen year old and pregnant Emmeline Godfrey Taillefer’s life fell apart when the man that she married walked away without a backwards glance. Fast forward and the son to whom she gave birth is said to be the legitimate heir to the Earl of Moreton-a position coveted by more than one surviving relation.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Pen and Mark) AN UNSUITABLE HEIR focuses on the search for the truth as a group of friends endeavors to find the missing heir to the Taillefer fortune and title holder to the Earl of Moreton. Mark Braglewicz has been commissioned to locate a young man known a Pen Starling-one half of the Flying Starling trapeze artists, and the man who is quite possibly the missing heir to the Moreton estates. Enter Repentance Taillefer aka Pen Starling, a man whose lifestyle will never be conducive as the Earl of Moreton, and the man with whom Mark Braglewicz will fall in love. With a killer on the loose, searching for the missing Taillefer twins, Mark struggles to convince Pen and his sister Greta (Regret) that Pen’s life hangs in the balance as a killer sets his sights on the Moreton heir.

Pen Starling is an anomaly – a bi-gendered man living in Victoria England; a flamboyant trapeze artist whose ‘professional persona’ crosses over into his daily life including an attraction to men that must be hidden in light of the times. Pen’s ‘gender fluidity’ is expressed by the way he presents himself as a girl or a boy (woman or man) depending upon his current state of mind or emotions. Mark Braglewicz, a private investigator is a bisexual man (with a missing left arm) whose captivation with Pen is palpable and intense.

The relationship between Pen and Mark is one of mutual fascination; a forbidden romance between two men who must remain closeted at a time when homosexuality is criminal and a sin. Mark’s ongoing need to convince Pen to acknowledge his rightful title builds a wall between our leading couple, a wall that will harden the heart of Pen Starling as betrayal and lies force Pen to face the truth about the man with whom he is falling in love. Pen is a reluctant heir knowing his personal lifestyle will become fodder for the people in charge-his fears are legitimate and painful. The $ex scenes are intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The world building continues to focus on the hunt for a killer; the search for the missing Moreton heirs; and the developing friendships and relationships between a group of gay men in Victorian England. All of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles. Once again, the tone of the story is not conducive to the era or the time-I was expecting a tighter interpretation of the language e.g. euphemisms, slang, sentence structure, and because of this, the story line reads more modern than historic (see my review of books one and two). The premise is entertaining and enlightening; the characters are colorful but flawed; the romance is seductive and intense.

I would like to add that political correctness did not exist in Victorian England, and to apply modern standards to an historical romance novel would alter the perceptive believability of the era. Some readers may take offense to the ‘presentation’ of Pen’s sexuality or Mark’s physical disability but for readers to apply contemporary criteria, standards, measurements or guidelines to this series and story line would be a grievous error that should be avoided.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
An Unseen Attraction
An Unnatural Vice
The Unsuitable Heir

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Damned (Magnus Blackwell #1) by Alexandrea Weis: Review, Excerpt Tour & Giveaway

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DAMNED (Magnus Blackwell #1) by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor-Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

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DAMNED
Magnus Blackwell #1
by Alexandrea Weis with Lucas Astor
Release Date: October 3, 2017
Genre: adult, paranormal,

Damned

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 3, 2017

Over a hundred years after the death of Magnus Blackwell, Altmover Manor sits abandoned.

Lexie Arden and her fiancé, Will Bennett, are determined to rescue the neglected Mount Desert Island landmark. They want to make Altmover Manor their home. But Magnus has other plans.

A spirit bound to his former residence, Magnus finds himself inexplicably drawn to the young woman. She has a supernatural gift; a gift Magnus wants to exploit.

As Lexie and Will settle in, secrets from Magnus’s past begin to surface. Compelled to learn all she can about the former owner, Lexie becomes immersed in a world of voodoo, curses, and the whereabouts of a mysterious dragon cane.

Magnus’s crimes won’t be so easily forgotten, and what Lexie unearths is going to change the future … for everyone.

••••••••••

REVIEW: DAMNED by Alexandrea Weis with Lucas Astor is the continuing story of Magnus Blackwell, a Victorian era gentleman whose spirit has been cursed to his beloved Altmover Manor in Maine. The new owners, Lexie Arden and her fiancé Will Bennett are determined to renovate Altmover Manor to its’ original glory but the building’s fabled history of hauntings and ghosts becomes the focus of our heroine when two spirits from the past battle for Lexie’s attention and help. Enter Magnus Blackwell, the former owner of Altmover Manor, and the ghost who will mentor our heroine through a world of the supernatural, voodoo priestesses and curses, magic, murder, power and revenge.

NOTE: Although listed as book one in the series, DAMNED is technically book two. For background and history about Magnus Blackwell pick up a copy of BLACKWELL (Magnus Blackwell .5) before venturing into the territory of the DAMNED.

DAMNED is a story of the paranormal; an intriguing thriller where the ghost of Magnus Blackwell is caught between the past and present; cursed to serve time for the sins of the past. Lexie Arden has the ability to see and speak with the spirits but there is more to our heroine than a reluctant medium-she’s a woman whose growing powers are seen as a threat to those in charge. From Boston to New Orleans Lexie, along with her ghostly companion, will go in search of a mysterious dragon cane that will change our heroine’s life forever.

Fans of Alexandrea Weis will recognize the author’s love of New Orleans, ghosts and the power of voodoo from many of her previous story lines including the Corde Noire Series, The Ghosts of Rue Domaine, and The Satyr’s Curse Series. DAMNED will explore the cult religion of voodoo-the power, the magic, the belief system and the rituals-all meant to pull the reader into a fantasy tale of ghosts caught in the ether between the ’then and now’, and the one woman whose gift of talking to the spirits is only the beginning of a magical journey. The world building is phenomenal; the sights and sounds of New Orleans are palpable; the mystery of the restless spirits continues to unfold.

Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor’s DAMNED is a fantastic journey; a well –written, dark and spirited story that will captivate the imagination with its’ passionate characters and vivid imagery.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of BLACKWELL

BLACKWELL purchase links: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM /

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Damned Teaser

 

Excerpt beige

A thin layer of mist covered the foyer floor as the lotus sconces glowed with an eerie light. Lexie wore a formal white gown, woven with lace and gold ribbons. The dress harkened back to a long-ago era. She didn’t recall putting on the outfit or where she had gotten it.
She ran her hands ran over the smooth silk and played with the lace on her sleeves.
“This is weird.”
The grand chandelier came to life, filling the foyer with its bright light. Ethereal music wafted through the house. Lexie swore she recognized the piece—a waltz. The music got louder; embedded in the notes was the distant murmur of conversation and glasses tinkling.
Lexie moved toward the sounds, stopping along the way to admire the home. The dull and drab foyer, once ravaged by time, blossomed before her as if magically restored. The golden wallpaper glistened in the candlelight, and the tears in the material came together as the dusty hardwood floors took on a dazzling shine. The chandelier appeared new, its chain covered with red velvet rope.
She made her way to the staircase where the red dragon’s eyes at the base of the banister glowed. Her fingers caressed the colored glass, and she raised her head to the massive chandelier. The light fixture swayed.
Terrified, Lexie took off running down the hallway. Her flight halted as long, flowing, multi-colored gowns, intermingled with black tuxedos with long tails, sprung up around her. Couples caught up in the frenzy of the waltz kept time with the music, but these dancers had no hands and no heads. They were nothing more than costumes inhabited by ghosts.
“They’ve outdone themselves. Quite an event,” a haughty man’s voice came from the flurry of twirling clothes.
“Have you seen Katherine’s dress?” a woman twittered. “He imported it from Paris for their anniversary.”
Lexie carefully maneuvered through the swirling apparel, anxious not to disturb them.
“I never thought they’d last the year,” another man said. “They’re so ill-suited.”
“Well, I’ve discovered the most scandalous things about Magnus Blackwell and the lurid things he likes to do with women,” a woman remarked. “Do you think they’re true?”
Eager to get away from the creepy dancing garments, Lexie ducked into the closest room. She slid inside a set of shiny double oak doors and closed them behind her. Resting her pounding head against the wood, she relaxed.
“This is a bad dream. Nothing more.”
When she turned from the doors, Lexie had somehow arrived in the living room. But unlike before, the room had rich furniture, the polished paneling gleamed, and an oriental carpet with a green dragon graced the center of the parquet floor.
By the entrance, she toed the same spot where she’d found the deep gouge, but it wasn’t there.
The bloom of a roaring fire in the hearth commanded her attention, drawing her gaze to Magnus Blackwell’s portrait. Lexie stared at the painting. Something changed with the colors. They morphed and moved as if taking on a shape.
A voice emanated from inside the painting; a man’s voice.
“I’ve been waiting for you, dear girl.”

About The Author beigealexandrea-weis1

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Website/ Facebook/ Twitter

From New Orleans, Alexandrea Weis was raised in the motion picture industry and began writing stories at the age of eight. In college she studied nursing and went on to teach at a local university. After several years in the medical field, she decided to pick up the pen once again and began her first novel, To My Senses. Since that time she has published many novels. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her award-winning books, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story memorable. Her work has been critically acclaimed and has been continually growing in popularity.

Alexandrea Weis is also a certified/permitted wildlife rehabber with the La. Wildlife and Fisheries. When she is not writing, she rescues orphaned and injured wildlife. She is married; they live in New Orleans .

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Bad Reputation (Bad Boys of Sports #1) by Nicole Edwards-a review

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BAD REPUTATION (Bad Boys of Sports #1) by Nicole Edwards-a review

Bad Reputation

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 3, 2017

Meet the most wanted players in sports . . . one ridiculously hot alpha male at a time.

Chase: With a nickname like “Sin,” it’s no wonder they call me the bad boy of hockey. Opponents curse me. Fans scream my name—in the arena and in other, much more private places. Penalties or not, I’m not afraid to dish out a little pain. But pleasure? That’s my weakness. And no one knows it better than my best friend, Cassie Desrosiers. I’d have to be blind not to notice her rocking body and teasing grin. So when she invites me along on a trip to Vegas, my curiosity isn’t the only thing that’s aroused.

Cassie: Chase Barrett is a world-class A-hole. As his best friend, I’m allowed to call him on his BS. Who else is going to do it? Certainly not the puck bunnies swooning at every flex of his biceps. Everyone knows that Chase is the love-’em-and-leave-’em type. There’s no such thing as commitment for the king of casual hookups. So why should I care? Maybe because all work and no play makes me a sexually frustrated girl. It’s time to put the hockey stud at my beck and call to good use . . . but after a week in Vegas with Chase, I might never want to go back to the real world.

•••••••••

REVIEW: BAD REPUTATION is the first installment in Nicole Edwards’ contemporary, adult BAD BOYS OF SPORTS erotic, romance series. This is twenty seven year old, professional hockey player Chase Barrett, and twenty eight year old, IT Vice President Cassie Desrosiers’ story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Chase and Cassie) BAD REPUTATION follows the friends to lover’s relationship between the Texas Tornadoes bad boy Chase Barrett, and the vice president of app development for a well-known corporation that specializes in mobile devices and computers Cassie Desrosier. College best friends Cassie and Chase have been in denial about their mutual attraction to one another but an IT convention in Vegas, for Cassie’s company, finds our couple facing the fall out of what happened, and the repercussions to Cassie’s professional life. Cassie is scheduled to be the keynote speaker, and our heroine isn’t prepared for the fight of her life. What ensues is the friends to lovers relationship between Cassie and Chase, and the ramifications when their weekend in Vegas comes to light.

Cassie and Chase refuse to admit their attraction to one another; their growing need and desire that is equally matched by the fear of losing their best friend if stepping over the line means an awkward relationship back home. Workaholic Cassie believes her best friend to be a bit of a manwhore but his reputation is more of a side-affect of the life of a professional hockey player. Cassie is one of the youngest and fastest moving vice president’s within the company, and with it comes the responsibility and qualifications of the position but our heroine’s reputation will be tarnished by a weekend in Vegas that she clearly does not remember.

The relationship, as previously mentioned, is friends to lover’s that struggles with too many denials from both of our leading characters. Apparently Cassie and Chase are the only people not aware of the palpable sexual energy that draws one to the other but acting on their attraction could me the end to a life-long friendship. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and intense-Chase likes to talk dirty in the bedroom, up against the wall, on the coach….

We are introduced to Cassie’s best friend and her administrative assistant Natalie Waters, and their boss Tom Bradburn; several of Chase’s teammates including his friend Mark ‘Marky Mark’ Marcom, as well as Chase’s two fathers Robert aka Chief, and Frank.

The story line is a little slow to build as the author’s character building shows the obliviousness of our couple’s attraction to one another. I also struggled with the believability of some of the events in Vegas-someone, anyone should have been able to contact our story line heroine including hotel maintenance with access to a key. Cassie is a little uptight when it comes to…well… everything in her life including Chase Barrett; and Chase is actually a stand-up kinda guy who has fallen for his best friend.

BAD REPUTATION is a predictable story line but a story line of friendship, love and a happily ever after. The premise is entertaining and enjoyable (although the couple’s ongoing inability to admit their growing love and attraction to one another was a bit annoying); the romance is fated and seductive. BAD REPUTATION is a fun and sexy read if you can get past the obliviousness and unawareness of the entire situation.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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