Monthly Archives: December 2017

A Scottish Lord For Christmas by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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A Scottish Lord For Christmas by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

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DESCRIPTION

The best gifts come wrapped in a kilt…

Beautiful Lady Rowena Pepperwirth can have any man her heart desires. Unfortunately no gentleman has elicited even the slightest flutter—until she meets the brooding Lord Forres at a holiday house party. With just one look at the dashing Scottish lord, Rowena suddenly knows what she wants for Christmas.

Quinn MacCauley, Lord Forres, is in need of a wife. When he meets the lovely Lady Rowena, he knows she’ll be a good mother to his daughter and a capable household manager. But Quinn doesn’t count on Rowena being the most tempting woman he’s ever met. He’s determined not to risk his heart, but Rowena’s just as determined to give him the greatest holiday gift of all—a chance at true love.

 

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

LAUREN SMITH .. the QUEEN of the historical romance novella.  My goodness can this amazing author cram a whole lot of incredible story and characters in a short amount of pages.  Best I have ever come across actually.

A Scottish Lord For Christmas is the third historical romance (this one specified to Christmas) novella in her “Sins and Scandals” series.  This is definitely the kind of read that one can curl up with a cup of eggnog, a warm blanket in front of the roaring fire by the Christmas tree.  Now that I have the perfect setting placed out for you let’s get on with the review.

Lady Rowena Pepperwith is ripe for the picking when it comes to the marriage mart.  Nevertheless nothing has stirred her interest so far.  She is a true catch, kind hearted, beautiful, innocent an all around lovely lady.  She’s romantic by nature and when she comes across a brooding widow, it’s more than his appearance that ignites her insides.

Lord Forress, Quinn MacCauley is a lonely brooding widow who has lost his first love and the mother of his beautiful daughter.  Knowing he must marry again so his daughter will have a mother, Quinn detests the thought, but is resigned to doing what he has to do.  He will never find another to love the way he loved his wife, so he will give his future wife some passion but never give her love.  At a houseparty, Quinn locks eyes with Rowena and it’s game on from there.  He tried his best not to fall in love with this beautiful woman who has embraced his daughter and soon his own heart, but sometimes fate has it’s own course, and this course is for the better despite the means it takes to get there.

This was a LOVELY story.  So well matched, it was a treat to read about how these two came to be.  I loved the surrender they both experienced in different ways, and the little girl scenes really pulled my heartstrings. Having it set against the backdrop of Christmas in Scotland was the perfect addition to make this perfect read complete.

MERRY CHRISTMAS Lauren Smith and thank you delivering another bang on novella!  Keep them coming!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

 

 

giveaway

Lauren is graciously offering a  signed paper copy of a book of your choice from Lauren’s backlist to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Lauren Smith on Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Giveaway open USA/Canada only

8. Giveaway runs from December 4 – 8, 2017

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Spartan Heart by Jennifer Estep – Review & Giveaway

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Spartan Heart by Jennifer Estep – Review & Giveaway

 

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Spartan HeartAmazon / B&N / Kobo

Description:
New school year, same old problems . . .

At Mythos Academy, everyone knows exactly who I am: Rory Forseti, Spartan girl and the daughter of Reapers.

Even though I fought alongside my cousin Gwen Frost to save the mythological world from Loki and his evil Reapers of Chaos, I’m still the most hated girl at the academy because of all the horrible things my parents did. I had hoped that this school year would be different, but the other kids just won’t let me forget about my parents.

But something strange is going on at the Colorado academy. First, I run into a Viking guy who dislikes me more than most. Then I notice some odd artifacts in the Library of Antiquities. And worst of all, I start hearing rumors about a new group of Reapers who can summon mythological monsters.

I might be the most hated girl at Mythos Academy, but I’m also the only one who can save it . .

 

Review:

Spartan Heart by Jennifer Estep is the 1st book in her new Mythos Academy: Colorado series, which is a spinoff of her original Mythos Academy series.   I really did enjoy the Mythos Academy series and Gwen Frost.   I looked forward to reading Spartan Heart, and I am happy to say I enjoyed the start of this series.

Rory Forseti, whom we met in the original Mythos Academy series, is Gwen’s cousin and our heroine in this series.   Rory, who helped Gwen and her gang defeat Loki, and now is attending school at Mythos Academy, Colorado.  Rory dreads going back to school, especially since her deceased mother and father were discovered to be Reapers.  As we know, Reapers are bad and evil, bent on destroying humans, and the Protectorate (who protect humans and dangerous artifacts).  Rory is uncomfortable at school, as everyone looks down on her because of the sins of her parents.

Rory is a Spartan (warrior extraordinaire), and in a short time, she is using her skills to kill over creatures that the Reapers created using a stolen scepter artifact.  Rory is than asked to join the Midgard team (part of the Protectorate) and help find whoever is in charge of the Reapers now, and get back the artifact.  Some of her new teammates do not trust her, but once she helps save them, Rory will earn their respect and trust.  I really like her teammates, Ian, Zoe, Mateo, Takeda & Rachel. Most of all I absolutely loved the Gryphons (especially Brono the baby gryphon), whom Rory bonded with when she helped Gwen; and Babs, the talking sword.

What follows is an exciting, action filled adventure that also has some surprises for Rory.  There is also a slow built romance between Rory and Ian that I expect we will see more of in future books.  Besides some of the great characters in this book, there are also some good villains; such as Lance, Drake and the Reaper leader.  I loved being able to see Gwen Frost again, nearer to the end.  Nice touch by Estep.

If you like Urban Fantasy, with mythology, action, excitement, a number of twists and surprises, and a wonderful young heroine; look no further then Mythos Academy, Colorado.  Spartan Heart was a wonderful enjoyable read, and Jennifer Estep continues to write these books so well, keeping us thoroughly entertained. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

Giveaway

Jennifer is graciously offering an e-copy of SPARTAN HEART 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 December 3 to 7, 2017

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The Wicked Vampire (Last True Vampire #6) by Kate Baxter-a review

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THE WICKED VAMPIRE ( Last True Vampire #6) by Kate Baxter- review

The Wicked Vampire

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

About the book: Release Date December 5, 2017

He was one of the most feared creatures in the supernatural world, and yet, she was drawn to him unlike any other. His scent ignited her thirst. The sight of him drove her mad with want…

Lovers forever–or enemies to the death?

Sasha Ivanov was born to be wild. A vampire party girl, she stalks the L.A. clubs at night. Dancing. Drinking. Indulging her darkest appetites. Never sated, she’s always looking for more: more danger, more excitement, more blood. But when she enters a supernatural fight club–and is tethered to her mortal enemy–Sasha realizes she’s playing the most dangerous game of all…

Ewan Brun was born to kill vampires. A powerful berserker and unbeaten champion, he doesn’t need a weapon to be deadly. He is the weapon. But when his soul becomes captive to the most beautiful vampire he’s ever seen, he is all but powerless. He cannot resist Sasha–and cannot fight his desires. Is their love strong enough to defeat the gathering forces of darkness that threatens to destroy them both?

••••••

REVIEW: THE WICKED VAMPIRE is the sixth instalment in Kate Baxter’s contemporary, adult LAST TRUE VAMPIRE erotic, paranormal romance series. This is vampire Sasha Ivanov, and berserker Ewan Brun’s story line. THE WICKED VAMPIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout the series.

SOME BACKGROUND: Six hundred years earlier the Sortiari and the Beserkers had all but wiped out the vampire race from existence as retribution for the vampires killing most of the Beserkers female population. The Beserkers became the mindless killers, enslaved by the Sortiari, and are now seeking retribution for sins of the past.

Told from several third person perspectives including Sasha and Ewan THE WICKED VAMPIRE follows the building but forbidden relationship between newly turned vampire Sasha Ivanov, and berserker/underground fighter Ewan Brun. For hundreds of years the berserkers have been at war with the vampires-mortal enemies who have all but wiped one another off the face of the earth-only to come face to face with the unlikeliest of matings between a vampire and a berserker.

Sasha Ivanov knows that Ewan Brun is her mate when the male ‘tethered’ our heroine, returning her soul but the berserker species has been without females for hundreds of years, and the likelihood of Ewan recognizing his mate is a very low probability. As the relationship between our couple begins to build, threats against our heroine find Ewan willing to give up his life to save the woman with whom he is falling in love.

THE WICKED VAMPIRE follows several paths including the ongoing struggle of the berserker warlord Ian Gregor and his need for retribution and revenge, and his imprisonment of Rin, the mage. The Demon nation intends to control the berserker population by destroying our hero, one slice at a time.

The relationship between Ewan and Sasha is fated by DNA and blood but Ewan is unaware of the reasons why he is sexually and emotionally attracted to our story line heroine. Alpha and over-protective Ewan intends to keeps Sasha away from other males or outside threats to their growing relationship. The $ex scenes are numerous, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Sasha’s cover leader Saeed Almasi and his mate Cerys Bain; fellow vampires Diego and Bria; werewolf Lucas; Ewan’s cousin Drew self-proclaimed kind of the berserker clan Ian Gregor, as well as his cousin and second in command Gavin.

THE WICKED VAMPIRE is a fast paced, spirited story line; an imaginative tale about mortal enemies pushed together by fate and love; about the tragedy of betrayal and hundreds of years of retribution and revenge. The premise is energetic; the romance is emotional; the characters are passionate and hurting.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Stripped Bear
The Last True Vampire
The Warrior Vampire
The Dark Vampire
The Untamed Vampire
The Lost Vampire
The Wicked Vampire

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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No Other Duke Will Do (Windham Brides #3) by Grace Burrowes-a review

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No Other Duke Will Do (Windham Brides #3) by Grace Burrowes-A Review

No Other Duke Will Do

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Julian St. David, Duke of Haverford, is barely keeping his head above water in a sea of inherited debts. Though he has a long-term plan to restore the family finances, his sister has a much faster solution: host a house party for London’s single young ladies and find Julian a wealthy bride.

Elizabeth Windham has no interest in marriage, but a recent scandal has forced her hand. As much as she’d rather be reading Shakespeare than husband-hunting, she has to admit she’s impressed by Julian’s protective instincts, broad shoulders, and, of course, his vast library.

As the two spend more time together, their attraction is overwhelming, unexpected… and absolutely impossible. With meddling siblings, the threat of financial ruin, and gossips lurking behind every potted palm, will they find true love or true disaster?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: 5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

WOOT WOOT! Grace Burrowes has a new release! My all time fave historical romance author once again delivered in the best way she knows how! She is like curling up with friends you have had for a long time and once again you are reacquainting with them .. catching up with them. BLISSFUL! 🙂

No Other Duke Will Do by Grace Burrowes is the third book of her “Windham Brides” series. A historical regency romance, you will be taken back to a time when ladies were proper and men were manly, living by codes of honor. Except, sometimes all of that is just fluff and a deeper story takes place.

Elizabeth Windham is the oldest sister and the one not yet married. Having just completed another season, Elizabeth is close to what is considered spinsterhood although that doesn’t really to bother her either. She is a dreamer of sorts having often escaped to her books for some passion and adventure but not to the point where she is ignorant of reality. Quite the opposite really. She has no interest in marrying and truthfully she doesn’t need to. Now that she has gotten her sister’s married off, it’s natural for her family to turn their attention towards getting her married off, and it’s the one last house party she must attend, that just may the mind changer.

Julian St David is the Duke of Haverford, and while he has the title he also has the responsibility that comes with it. It’s not an easy task seeing as he was left a mountain of debt, hardly any means to pay it off and many people dependant on him. The last thing he needs is a wife at this moment. But with the title of Duke comes the responsibility of producing an heir, so Julian’s sister invites many ladies to a house party in the hopes that Julian will find the one.

Seeing as both Elizabeth and Julian are book lovers and the library that Julian’s family owns is quite extensive (and a reason for some of the debt), it’s natural that this provides a platform for the two of them to commence a relationship. While both make it clear that the other is not interested in any romance, the friendship builds and the attraction connects them. Before they know it, they are ready to break the rules for some companionship, and perhaps once and for all decide that marriage may not be the worst thing either of them have ever faced. Of course there is a villain in the wings making it very hard for all!

Very simplistic in my description of the story here, but I believe Grace’s books are to be absorbed and experienced without anything spoiling them for the reader. You will find a mature story that has a slow burn. The passion is there but I found I sat back and sighed at the pleasure of two people really getting to know the other. They are so very well suited. What can I say, I am a sucker for a friendship to lovers kind of story! I also adore the bluntness that comes with these characters and as always, Grace offers secondary characters to fall in love with and hope for a future story.

Just so you know this is also a series branched off another of her series BUT it can be read as a stand alone. If you appreciate revisiting old friends in your books then by all means please pick up Grace’s previous books. The Windham family is like no other and you will find just about every character type possible in her books at one time or another.

Thank you for returning to me old friends Grace Burrowes, you never disappoint!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Trouble with Dukes
Too Scot to Handle
No Other Duke Will Do

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T.

About The Author Black and Red

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes’ bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish and Lady Eve’s Indiscretion. Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland.

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Raw Rhythm (Found in Oblivion #6) by Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott

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RAW RHYTHM (Found in Oblivion #6) by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott-a review

Raw Rhythm

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 29, 2017

Saving her was his addiction.

When Warning Sign drummer Malachi Shawcross first saved Elle Crandall, he put her in a box in his head—do not touch. Not that she remembered him anyway. Then he joined her band, and he got to spend every night behind the kit watching her shred on her guitar.

Hating himself for wanting her.

But that was before the night the band he’d never wanted to join became his family. The night he had to make a choice to save someone, and someone else was lost.

Of course he saved Elle. He’d do it every damn time.

Though she’s filled with guilt, Elle survived—with scars. With her reason to stay clean gone, even temporarily, she’s tempted to be bad.

Oh so bad.

Until Mal’s unexpected help as she recovers turns into something else entirely. She never expected him to offer her another kind of addiction, one just as dark and dangerous as the chemicals she craves.

Him.

But with the band under siege from a threat from the past, Mal is no longer fighting to keep from falling for the one woman he shouldn’t.

He’s fighting to keep her alive.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: RAW RHYTHM is the sixth instalment in Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott’s contemporary, adult FOUND IN OBLIVION erotic, rock star romance series focusing on the rock band WARNING SIGN. This is Warning Sign’s drummer Malachi ‘Mal’ Shawcross, and guitarist Richelle ‘Elle’ aka Ricki Crandall’s story line. The FOUND IN OBLIVION series is a spin off from Quinn and Elliott’s LOST IN OBLIVION series. Several characters from LIO cross over including Nick Crandall, band manager Lila Shawcross and Ripper Records owner Donovan Lewis. You do not have to have read the original series to follow or understand the events of RAW RHYTHM although some of the events in the current time line are as of a direct result of earlier events in the original series. RAW RHYTHM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion. Mal is the brother of Michael Shawcross (Bedded Bliss / Found In Oblivion #1), and step-son to band manager Lila Shawcross; Elle is the twin sister of Nick Crandall (Owned / Lost in Oblivion #5).

NOTE: If you have not read book five –PERFECT PITCH-there may be some spoilers in my review.

Told from several third person perspectives including Mal and Elle, RAW RHYTHM picks up immediately after the events of book five PERFECT PITCH in which an accident tore apart the rock band Warning Sign leaving our heroine struggling for her life, and grieving the loss of a close-member of their music family and crew. For three years, Malachi Shawcross has been both protector and foil to Warning Sign guitarist Richelle ‘Elle’ Crandall, a former drug addict whose rock and roll lifestyle was spiralling out of control. A deadly on-stage accident finds our heroine struggling to move forward as grief and survivor’s guilt weigh heavily on her fragile shoulders. Enter Mal Shawcross, adversary and enemy, and the man with whom Elle would fall in love. What ensues is the building romance between Mal and Elle as Mal helps our heroine through acceptance and recovery, and the potential fall out as the past comes seeking revenge against the people he believes have done him harm.

Throughout the series Mal and Elle have battled their apparent attraction and hatred towards one another as Mal continues to watch from the sidelines as the woman with whom he had fallen in love slowly destroyed what was left of her life. Elle struggled to remain clean but the rock and roll lifestyle fed the addiction that was to become the devil inside. But the accident brought everything into perspective including our couple’s sexual attraction and desire for one another. The $ex scenes are erotic, passionate, seductive and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including all of the members and their spouses of the rock bands Oblivion and Warning Sign; employees of Ripper Records; and Lila’s parents aka Grandma and Grandpa Ronson; and Elle’s friend Teagan.

RAW RHYTHM is the second to last instalment in the authors’ FOUND IN OBLIVION series. The romances are provocative and emotional; the characters are heartbreaking and real; the story lines are powerful and inspiring. RAW RHYTHM is a story of two people fated by circumstance pulled together by mutual grief and loss; battling the demons that all but destroyed their lives. The premise is riveting; the characters are animated; the romance is edgy and hot.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Bedded Bliss
Triple Trouble
Dirty Duet
Lost Lyric
Perfect Pitch
Raw Rhythm

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Possess Me Under the Mistletoe by T.F. Walsh – a Review

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Possess Me Under the Mistletoe by T.F. Walsh – a Review

 

Possess Me Under the Mistletoe

Amazon

Description:
She’s innocent, wicked with magic, and off limits… Just his type.

It’s Christmas Eve and Cyra Mane’s landed her first solo mission to cleanse a haunted house. Easy. After all, she’s keen to make a good impression with the demon hunting company that hired her. But when Gunn, a seasoned hunter she’s desired for months, shows up, the seemingly simple cleansing task turns dangerous. And why’s he there when he’s ignored her for months?

Gunn’s kept his distance for a dark reason that’s followed him for years. And he sure as hell doesn’t intend to drag sweet Cyra into his mess, even if he can’t stop fantasizing about her. Besides, he’s there as a favor to her brother.

But when Cyra’s spell goes horribly wrong, not only are they imprisoned in the house, but they discover a portal to Hell in the attic. Can Cyra keep her mind off the brooding hunter and on protecting the elderly home owners before the demon hunting them turns them into Christmas dinner?

 

 

Review:

Possess Me Under the Mistletoe by T.F. Walsh is a special holiday addition to her Hell Unleashed series.  Cyra Mane isn’t technically a demon hunter, but she can cast spells to get rid of ghosts.  She was assigned the job of cleansing a haunted house and wants to impress her employer with her skills.  She’s determined to show her independence to her brother by completing this job on her own.  But what does her brother do?  He sends Gunn to check up on her like she’s a baby that needs help.  Gunn literally comes crashing onto the scene, wrecking his motorcycle and almost taking Cyra out.  Ah ha, let the fun begin!!!! 

Gunn wants to keeps his distance from Cyra, due to his past, but he can’t fight the connection and chemistry once they start working together.  And this haunted house is anything but a simple haunted house.  There is one seriously bad demon and a portal to Hell in the attic.  Gunn and Cyra team up to help save themselves and the poor elderly couple that owns the house.  Cyra’s spell goes wrong and the house gets completely covered in mistletoe.  The mistletoe is so thick, it’s even blocked out the sun.  When Gunn tried to open the door and cut his way through the mistletoe, it instantly grew back. Cyra doesn’t know what she did to mess up the spell and she can’t figure out what to do to save them all.  And this demon is FREAKY!  He’s a big bad dude with all kinds of creepy skills that he uses to hurt Gunn and Cyra.  Poor Cyra, she goes on this solo job and gets dropped into a portal to Hell.  That would make me rethink my career choices very quickly.  This little stick of dynamite of a story is 199 pages of awesome. 

T.F. Walsh packs everything into her writing and storytelling.  There’s romance, chemistry, suspense, danger, and lots of humor.  Where can you read about possessed mistletoe, a crazy demon and a zombie goose in one book?  Yes folks, you read that right.  A zombie goose with a very mean beak!  It’s scary and funny all at the same time.  Gunn and Cyra make a great pair, their humor and chemistry makes for great reading.  All of her stories are page turners, I cannot stop reading until I’ve finished the book.  I was reading Possess Me Under the Mistletoe while on my lunch break at work.  I was so wrapped up in the story, I lost track of time and returned back to work late.  Not too many writers can hold my attention like she does.  T.F. Walsh is a fantastic, imaginative writer.  Absolutely one of my favorites!

Reviewed by Tricia

Copy supplied for review

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Villain (Hero 1.5) by Samantha Young-Review & Excerpt Tour

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VILLAIN (Hero #1.5) by Samantha Young-Review and Excerpt Tour

Villain Banner

VILLAIN
Hero 1.5
by Samantha Young
Release Date: December 5, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Villain

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

About the book: Release Date December 5, 2017

Nadia Ray is not just a broadcast meteorologist. She’s Boston’s morning television It Girl. Successful and independent, she’s put a past she’s ashamed of behind her and is forging a future she can be proud of. However, when her new boss discovers her secret he blackmails her, intent on using Nadia’s popularity to make them the number one morning show in Massachusetts. He wants her to be part of uncovering the city’s biggest scandal – a secret billionaire Caine Carraway is hiding.

Soon Nadia is thrown into the path of Caine’s best friend: sexy, wealthy bachelor Henry Lexington. But she doesn’t encounter the dashing high society gentleman Henry is purported to be. Instead she’s faced with an insulting and defensive villain who misjudges her at every turn.

When Henry finally realizes the truth, and decides to make amends, Nadia wants nothing to do with him. But she underestimates his determination and charm and soon they find themselves embroiled in an intense, passionate affair.

An affair Nadia knows must come to an end before their feelings grow any deeper and he discovers her secrets.

After all, Henry Lexington isn’t the only one who played the part of a villain once…

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: VILLAIN is the second instalment and companion novella in Samantha Young’s contemporary, adult HERO erotic, romance series. This is broadcast meteorologist Nadia Ray, and successful businessman and managing director of his father’s bank Henry Lexington’s story line. VILLAIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order as VILLAIN is the companion to book one, and many of the events run parallel to, and cross over with book one HERO.

Told from first person perspective (Nadia Ray) VILLAIN follows the building relationship between weather meteorologist Nadia Ray, and billionaire Henry Lexington. Nadia Ray is hiding in plain sight. The latest ‘It Girl’ on the local morning show, Nadia’s ‘buxom’ body has caught the attention of too many admirers including her boss who has discovered that our heroine has a secret in her past-a secret that will be used against her in a blackmail scheme aimed at uncovering the latest scandal of the rich and famous Caine Carraway. Enter Henry Lexington, Caine’s best friend, and the man with whom Nadia will fall in love. What ensues are Henry’s attempts to stop Nadia from discovering the truth about his best friend Caine, and Henry’s seduction of a reluctant Nadia who is desperate to keep her secrets buried in the past.

Nadia has had to endure too many advances from over zealous admirers who believe the beautiful and voluptuous meteorologist is nothing more than b**bs with hair. Now that her boss know the secret in her past, our heroine struggles between keeping her secrets, or burying the secrets of the infamous billionaire. Henry Lexington doesn’t do relationships; his reputation as a player, and manwhore precedes his introduction to our story line heroine-an introduction that pushes all of Nadia’s boundaries and buttons when Henry threatens to destroy Nadia if she continues on the path of certain discovery.

The relationship between Nadia and Henry is one of immediate attraction that is tempered by Henry’s attitude with regard to his over protective nature towards fellow billionaire and best friend Caine Carraway. Henry knows that he screwed up when he verbally attacked our story line heroine-a screw up Henry intends to right before too long. The $ex scenes are intimate, intense and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a small ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Caine Carraway and Alexa Holland; Henry’s parents Penelope and Randall Lexington; as well as Nadia’s boss Dick Peters, and the morning show host Barbara.

VILLAIN is an enjoyable and encouraging story line about two people pulled together by circumstance and fate. The premise is spirited and inspiring; the characters are spicy and energetic; the romance is sexy and passionate.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
HERO
VILLAIN

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

Maybe he really did feel bad for the way he’d treated me.
Yeah, maybe he did.
But did that change anything?
He’d still treated me poorly and who was to say he wouldn’t again?
Just because people felt awful for doing something didn’t mean they wouldn’t repeat the crime.
The real problem was my attraction to him.
I could admit it.
I was attracted to the son of a bitch.
There was something deeply wrong with me that I could be attracted to a man I didn’t even like.
Turned out that lunch with my colleagues was a terrible distraction idea. Because Henry was dining at The Bristol Lounge with none other than Caine Carraway.
“Maybe we should go somewhere else,” I said as we stood in the lobby outside the restaurant. Henry hadn’t spotted us yet.
Barbara frowned. “This is your favorite place. You love the Bristol Burger.”
I did love the Bristol Burger.
And for the first time in weeks, I was hungry.
Dammit.
No man was chasing me away from my goddamn burger.
“You’re right.” I nodded, sounding more assured than I actually felt. “But I’ll walk on your left side.”
My friend eyed me in confusion as I huddled at her side, trying to hide behind her as the host led us up the few stairs onto the main floor of the restaurant and right past Henry and Carraway’s table near the bar area, to a larger table at the back of the restaurant. As far as I could tell, he hadn’t spotted me and there were now pillars between us that I could hide behind.
Relieved, I slid into my chair beside Barbara.
“Drinks?” the waiter asked.
We’d finished giving him our orders when the sight of Henry Lexington walking into view around one of those aforementioned pillars and toward our table made my pulse skitter.
He gave me a soft smile as if we hadn’t been enemies up until twenty-four hours ago. “Miss Ray, what a pleasant surprise.” That soft smile grew into a roguish grin. “Are you stalking me?”
I arched an eyebrow, wondering what the hell kind of game he was playing now. “A burger. I’m stalking a burger.”
“The burgers are very good here.”
“Mr. Lexington,” Barbara said beside me, sounding delighted to see him, and awfully familiar. “What a pleasure to see you.”
“You too, Barbara. And please, I’ve told you before—smart, beautiful women should call me Henry.”
I didn’t know what to do first: be surprised they knew each other or gag at his flirting with her.
“You know each other?”
“I know everyone worth knowing.” He winked at Barbara and she tittered like a schoolgirl.
Dear God.
And then I was the focus of his attention. He leaned against Andrew’s chair who was, as always, oblivious to anything but himself. “So this burger … will it put you in a good mood?”
“Excuse me?”
Those blue eyes were too intense, much too intense. “A good enough mood to agree to have lunch with me tomorrow?”
I was going to kill him.
How dare he put me on the spot in front of my colleagues, in front of Barbara! What? Did he think I’d be civil to him because we had an audience? I scowled. “No.”
“Are you seeing someone?” he persisted.
“No, she’s not,” Barbara interjected, giving me an “Are you crazy?” look. “And yes, she’s free for lunch tomorrow. You can pick her up from the station at one.”
“Fantastic.” Henry gave her a grateful, gorgeous smile before turning it on me. “See you tomorrow.”
He was gone before I could even get past the shock that had sealed my lips.


 

About the Author Black and Green

Samantha YoungSamantha Young is the New York Times,  USA Today  and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of adult contemporary romances, including the On Dublin Street series and Hero, as well as the New Adult duology Into the Deep and Out of the Shallows.  Every Little Thing, the second book in her new Hart’s Boardwalk series, will be published by Berkley in March 2017. Before turning to contemporary fiction, she wrote several young adult paranormal and fantasy series, including the amazon bestselling Tale of Lunarmorte trilogy. Samantha’s debut YA contemporary novel The Impossible Vastness of Us was published by Harlequin TEEN in ebook & hardback June 2017. Play On is an adult contemporary romance and the first in a brand new series set in Scotland. Villain is a companion novella to the New York Times bestselling romance HERO.

 

Samantha has been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award 2012 for Best Author and Best Romance for On Dublin Street, Best Romance 2014 for Before Jamaica Lane, and Best Romance 2015 for Hero. On Dublin Street, a #1 bestseller in Germany, was the Bronze Award Winner in the LeserPreis German Readers Choice Awards for Best Romance 2013, Before Jamaica Lane the Gold Medal Winner for the LeserPreis German Readers Choice Awards for Best Romance 2014 and Echoes of Scotland Street the Bronze Medal Winner for the LeserPreis German Readers Choice Awards for Best Romance 2015.

Samantha is currently published in 30 countries and is a #1 international bestselling author.

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Undercover Attraction (The O’Malleys #5) by Katee Robert-a review

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UNDERCOVER ATTRACTION (The O’Malleys #5) by Katee Robert-a review

Undercover Attraction

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 28, 2017

Scandal. Wealth. Power. Seduction. Welcome to the world of the O’Malleys.

Ex-cop Charlotte Finch used to think there was a clear line between right and wrong. Then her fellow officers betrayed her, and the world is no longer so black and white. Especially when it’s Aiden O’Malley, one of the most dangerous men in Boston, who offers her a chance for justice. The only catch: she’ll have to pretend to be his fiancée for his plan to work.

Aiden can’t afford to let anyone see the man behind the mask. To run the O’Malley empire, he has to be cool and controlled at all times. But the moment he meets Charlie, they’re playing with fire. Her slightest touch is enough to send him over the edge. At first their “engagement” was a way to eliminate his enemies. Now he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe– even if he has to destroy his own family to do it.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: UNDERCOVER ATTRACTION by Katee Robert is the fifth instalment in the author’s contemporary, adult THE O’MALLEYS erotic, mafia, romantic suspense series focusing on three warring underground families of the Boston’s Irish mob (O’Malleys, Hallorans & Sheridans), the Russian mafia run by the Romanov family, and new contenders for the Boston territory Alethea and Mae Eldridge. This is the head of the O’Malley clan Aiden O’Malley, and former police officer Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Finch’s story line. UNDERCOVER ATTRACTION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion as there is a continuing theme running throughout.

Told from several third person perspectives including Aiden and Charlie UNDERCOVER ATTRACTION follows the fake engagement /fiancée trope between former police officer Charlotte Finch, and the acting head of the O’Malley family Aiden O’Malley. Charlotte Finch knows pain, and the fall out of coming clean to the people in charge but vengeance against Dimitri Romanov of the Boston Russian mob has our heroine agreeing to play ‘fiancee’ to the alpha leader of the O’Malley clan. While Aiden appears to disregard his family’s advice, our hero struggles to set into motion a plan to take down everyone threatening the people he loves and management of the territory the family controls. What ensues is the building love and relationship between Aiden and Charlie, and the potential fall out when Charlie is taken hostage by the new players in town.

UNERCOVER ATTRACTION follows several paths including the fractured dynamics of a once proud and controlling Boston mafia family. The inter-family pairings finds allegiances changing but love for one another causes rifts in an already crumbling foundation. Aiden’s announcement of a quick engagement threatens the ever-changing O’Malley control but our hero keeps secret the truth behind his hasty involvement with the woman that will soon call to his heart.

There are a large number of secondary and supporting characters including most of the O’Malley clan: Teague and Callista O’Malley (The Marriage Contract #1): James Halloran and Carrigan O’Malley (The Wedding Pact #2); Olivia and Cillian O’Malley (An Indecent Proposal #3) and their long, suffering sister Keira O’Malley who struggles with demons of her own; Russian mobster Dimitri Romanov whose need to seek vengeance against the O’Malley and Halloran clans quickly shifts as the Edridges seek to destroy them all; hired men Mark and Liam Neale; Charlotte’s father FBI agent John Finch; and the return of the O’Malley patriarch Seamus O’Malley and his wife. Keira and Dimitri’s story is next in The Bastard’s Bargain.

UNDERCOVER ATTRACTION is a story of suspense, family, revenge and love. The premise is intriguing, captivating and engaging; the romance is seductive, erotic and intense; the characters are expressive, charismatic and compelling. UNDERCOVER ATTRACTION looks at the tight knit families of the Boston mob, and the power they exert over the people they love.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Marriage Contract
The Wedding Pact
An Indecent Proposal
Forbidden Promises
Undercover Attraction

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

About the author

Katee RobertsNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Katee Robert, learned to tell stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her favorites then were the rather epic adventures of The Three Bears, but at age twelve she discovered romance novels and never looked back.

Though she dabbled in writing, life got in the way—as it often does—and she spent a few years traveling, living in both Philadelphia and Germany. In between traveling and raising her two wee ones, she had the crazy idea that she’d like to write a book and try to get published.

Her first novel was an epic fantasy that, God willing, will never see the light of day. From there, she dabbled in YA and horror, before finally finding speculative romance. Because, really, who wouldn’t want to write entire books about the smoking-hot relationships between two people?

She now spends her time—when not lost in Far Reach worlds—playing imaginary games with her wee ones, writing, ogling men, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

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