Monthly Archives: March 2018

The Undercover Billionaire (The Tate Brothers #3) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

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THE UNDERCOVER BILLIONAIRE (The Tate Brothers #3) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 27,2018

The Tate Brothers were raised to protect what is theirs…

Navy SEAL Wolf Tate is on a mission of vengeance. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to infiltrate the lair of his arms-dealing enemy—and rescue the mother he never knew. To do this, he’ll need more than his father’s fortunes or his brothers-in-arms. He must find a way to kidnap his enemy’s daughter for leverage. There’s just one problem: She is also one of Wolf’s closest friends—and the only woman he’s ever loved…

For years, Olivia de Santis has been waiting for Wolf to take her in his arms and make her dreams come true. But she never imagined that he’d sneak into her bedroom one night…and take her as his hostage. Olivia knows she should resist him—and stay loyal to her own family. But how can she deny the burning justice of Wolf’s mission, and the blazing desire in his eyes—even if giving into the heat of the moment can put her in grave danger?

•••••••

REVIEW: THE UNDERCOVER BILLIONAIRE is the third ( and final) instalment in Jackie Ashenden’s contemporary, adult THE TATE BROTHERS romantic suspense series focusing on three foster brothers-Sullivan (Van), Wolf and Lucas Tate-as well as their foster sister Chloe Tate. This is thirty-year old Navy SEAL Wolf Tate, and twenty-eight year old heiress Olivia de Santis’s story line. THE UNDERCOVER BILLIONAIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary although I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory.

SOME BACKGROUND: In the aftermath of their adoptive father Noah Tate’s death, Van, Wolf and Lucas Tate are called home from active duty to find themselves the recipients of three letters outlining what the future has in store-letters from the grave asking each son for a final favor. There is a dark history between father and sons, marred by secrets and lies, and a father ill-equipped to look after the family he chose to raise.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Olivia and Wolf) THE UNDERCOVER BILLIONAIRE follows the acrimonious and heart breaking friendship between Navy SEAL Wolf Tate, and oil heiress Olivia de Santis. For close to thirteen years, Olivia believed Wolf Tate to be her only friend but her recent abduction by the man in question reveals the painful truth about their relationship and her father’s thirty-year war with Wolf Tate’s father. Wolf has been on a mission to ferret out the truth about the man who raised him as his own and his connection to Cesare de Santis only to realize that everything he believed to be true was closer to a lie. What ensues is the back and forth, caustic relationship between Olivia and Wolf, and the potential fall-out when Wolf refuses to back down from a mission that was going to h*ll.

The relationship between Olivia and Wolf is angry and antagonistic. For close to 13 years Wolf faked his friendship with Olivia de Santis, a friendship our heroine believed to be pure and true. Wolf’s revelation all but destroys our story line heroine, a woman who will give Wolf everything and more. The sex scenes are intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text but I struggled to feel any palpable sexual attraction due in part to Wolf’s cold reactions and continuous rejection of our story line heroine.

Throughout the story Wolf Tate slowly destroys our heroine’s heart. Olivia is an innocent, in more ways than one, but has become nothing more than a pawn in her father’s war against Noah Tate, a war that all but destroyed the boys Noah raised as his own. Wolf, desperate for the love of a family, will do almost anything to reveal the truth, a truth that will destroy his relationship with the woman with whom he will fall in love.

THE UNDERCOVER BILLIONAIRE is a story about vengeance and betrayal; deceit and family; power and control. The premise is a story of desolation and dejection; the romance suffers with one man’s lies and deception; the characters are broken, naïve and desperate. I did struggle with the believability and elaborate ruse of some of the story line and series premise including some important information that Olivia was able to find within ten minutes that our hero could not find for close to thirty years.

Reading Order and previous reviews
The Dangerous Billionaire
The Wicked Billionaire
The Undercover Billionaire

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Secret of Flirting (Sinful Suitors #5) by Sabrina Jeffries-Review & Giveaway

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THE SECRET OF FLIRTING (The Sinful Suitors #5) by Sabrina Jeffries-Review & Giveaway

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 27, 2018

The moment spymaster Baron Fulkham meets the stunning Princess Aurore of Chanay, he’s positive her royal persona is a ruse and that she’s actually Monique Servais, the mysterious actress he met three years before in Dieppe. But as he pursues his suspicions, he uncovers a plot of attempted assassination and betrayal that could very well destroy his career, expose his own secrets…and ruin the woman he’s rapidly coming to love.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: THE SECRET OF FLIRTING is the fifth instalment in Sabrina Jeffries’ THE SINFUL SUITORS adult,  historical romance series. This is spymaster Baron Gregory Fulkham, and actress Monique Sevais’ story line. THE SECRET OF FLIRTING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Monique and Gregory) THE SECRET OF FLIRTING follows Baron Gregory Fulkham as he is tasked with naming the royal head to the new kingdom of Belgium. As Belgium fought and won their independence in1830, the London Conference and the House of Lords was tasked with naming their new ruler. As Princess Aurore of Chanay on her deathbed due to an unknown illness, her look-alike doppleganger, French stage actress Monique Servais was called into service to ‘portray’ the princess at future gatherings. Enter Baron Gregory Fulkham, the man in charge of determining the rightful heir, and the man who would discover the truth to the identity of the reigning princess. What ensues is the building relationship between Monique and Gregory, and the potential fall-out as Monique aka the princess is targeted by an unknown assassin, in the hopes of destroying her chances at the crown.

Our heroine, actress Monique Servais is the sole custodian of her ailing grandmother so when an offer for aid comes with the opportunity to play her grandest role to date. Baron Gregory Fulkham recognized Monique immediately although her resemblance to the ailing princess was unmistakable and not without merit but proving our heroine’s secret meant revealing his own failings as it pertained to revealing the truth.

THE SECRET OF FLIRTING is a detailed, complex and intriguing story line; an entertaining, historical look at passion, betrayal, revenge and espionage; at one family’s hidden secrets, and another family’s secret past. The premise is engrossing; the romance is passionate; the characters are spirited, damaged and energetic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Art of Sinning
The Study of Seduction
The Danger of Desire
The Pleasure of Passion
The Secret of Flirting

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

The Reading Cafe and Sabrina Jeffries’ publisher are offering a finished copy of THE SECRET OF FLIRTING to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from March 26-30, 2018

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Caught Up by Rya Stone – a Review

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Caught Up by Rya Stone – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N/ Kobo / BAM

 

Description:
Cassie Mitchum is interested in one thing and one thing only—closing a deal on the Lucas property. Until she sets eyes on Jason “Jase” Lucas. He’s bad news, but he looks damn good doing it. She’s never been one for tattooed roughnecks, but she’s willing to make an exception, especially since he won’t look at her lease offer unless she agrees to a date with him.

Jason Lucas needs Cassie Mitchum to stay the hell off his land. There’s more happening than she needs to be aware of—or mixed up in. With that feisty attitude and those tight jeans…he can’t get her out of his head. Too bad being close to her would put her on the radar of the most dangerous person Jase has ever known.

 

 

Review:

Caught Up begins with Jase Lucas driving down the road and seeing a car pull right up to the entrance to the place he was raised.  And, a place where his brother, Clint, still lived.  When the driver stepped out of the car, Jase tried to ignore it, but a lady with a blown tire wasn’t something he could ignore.  When he approaches the lady, he finds out that she is looking for Clint and that she is trying to arrange oil and gas leases on their tract of land.  Jase tells her that they aren’t interested in a lease and that she should be on her way, once they get her tire changed.  Cassie has a lot riding on this deal, and is bound and determined to land the lease, no matter what.

However, once she meets the brother, Clint, she’s not quite so sure.  He’s scary and one of the most abrasive people she’s ever met.  Add to that the strange behavior of some in the small town, and she wonders if it’s all worth it.  Even though Jase is not her usual type, she can’t help but be a little attracted.  Jase tries to stay away from her as well, but the chemistry between them isn’t so easily forgotten.

What follows is a story wrought with “ex” drama, old family feuds and a steamy romance between Jase and Cassie.

The premise of Caught Up was a promising one.  But, if I’m being honest, it was a little too dark for me.  As I was reading, it almost played out in my mind as a film noir.  At one point, I thought that maybe it was a screenplay originally.  I liked Cassie.  I liked her stubborn streak, and I loved her determination.  Jase’s character seemed a little off to me.  He would say the weirdest things sometimes, and for some reason, Cassie liked it.  The scenes with Clint and all of the “family secret” drama felt forced and disjointed.  There were parts of the book that I really enjoyed.  When it was just the two main characters, I thought it flowed nicely.  But, it seemed to veer off when others joined the fray.  Like I said, the premise is promising, and I would be willing to give the next book a look. 

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Fast Burn (Body Armor #4) by Lori Foster-Review & Excerpt Tour

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FAST BURN (Body Armor #4) by Lori Foster-Review & Excerpt Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play / BAM / IndieBound / iBooks

ADD to your GOODREADS shelf

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 20, 2018

For the woman who’s his perfect match, he’s willing to break the rules…

The moment Brand Berry meets beautiful, driven Sahara Silver, the connection between them is electric. It’s also something he can’t pursue. Sahara wants him, sure—to join Body Armor, where his MMA skills, size and cocky attitude make him perfect for her elite crew of bodyguards. For Sahara, the agency always comes first, and Brand needs more. Yet when she’s kidnapped by men searching for her missing brother, he doesn’t hesitate.

Somewhere along the way, flirting with Brand for the sake of business turned very personal. Despite his refusal to join Body Armor, it’s Brand who steps up when Sahara needs him most. Now there’s no more time for games, and no point denying the hunger they both feel. They’ll escape together or not at all. But if they survive, can Sahara finally surrender control to claim this blazing passion?

••••••••

REVIEW:  FAST BURN is the fourth (and final?) instalment in Lori Foster’s contemporary, adult BODY ARMOR romantic, suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Body Armor Security. This is MMA fighter Brand Berry, and Body Armor manager Sahara Silver’s story line. FAST BURN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives including Brand and Sahara FAST BURN follows the building relationship between MMA fighter Brand Berry, and Body Armor owner and boss Sahara Silver. Since the disappearance and presumed death of her brother Scott, Sahara Silver has taken over the hiring and management of Body Armor Security. Hoping to lure Brand Berry as a potential member of her security team Sahara battles between her head and her heart as her attraction to the MMA fighter begins to interfere in their professional relationship. When several threats against our heroine’s life implicate more problems for her missing brother Brand Berry steps in as Sahara’s personal bodyguard-both in and out of the office. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Brand and Sahara, and the potential fall-out as her brother’s past is seeking revenge, using Sahara as a pawn in a twisted game of vengeance and power.

Brand Berry’s attraction to Sahara is tempered by her take-charge attitude, an attitude our hero knows very well. An alpha to the core Brand struggles with Sahara’s power and authority fearing falling in love with a woman who has the potential to emasculate our hero both in and out of the bedroom. Sahara is a strong-willed heroine who is not afraid to tell it like it is. Falling for Brand Berry meant occasionally stepping back and letting the man with whom she is falling in love, take charge in order to protect her life. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar secondary and supporting characters including all of the previous story line couples: Leese and Catalina (Under Pressure #1), Justice and Fallon (Hard Justice #2), Miles and Maxi (Close Contact #3), and Sahara’s PA Enoch. We are introduced to Brand’s parents John and Ann, as well as Brand’s birth mother Becky. The requisite evil has several faces, many connected to Sahara’s brother’s past.

The world building continues to focus on protection, suspense, romance and love. The MMA aspect is negligible with only a couple of mentions about potential fights, in the future.

FAST BURN is a fast paced, energetic and suspense filled story of revenge, power, secrets and lies. The premise is spirited, powerful and driving; the characters are rugged, determined and colorful; the romance is seductive and passionate. FAST BURN is an electrifying and dramatic story about two people pulled together by circumstance, attraction and love.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Under Pressure
Hard Justice
Close Contact
Fast Burn

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Brand shook his head. “Truth is, Sahara, I can’t see myself working for you.”
Wow. Now that hurt. Peeved, she moved away from him to sit in the chair behind her desk. A power position.
She met his gaze without flinching. “I see.” No, she didn’t.
“You’re too pushy.” He smiled as he said it, taking away some of the sting of that nasty observation. “And too used to getting your way. You love being in charge, but then, so do I.”
Never in her life had she been so offended. “Those insults are your way of telling me you don’t like me?”
She rose from the chair again without realizing it, hands flat on the surface of the desk as she leaned toward him in challenge. “I got a very different impression.”
“I like you,” he confirmed, but then added, “because you’re not my boss.” He surprised her by mimicking her position until their noses almost touched over the middle of her desk.
She didn’t know where to look. His eyes drew her, so dark they were almost black, and always filled with wickedness.
Then there was his firm mouth set in that small, teas¬ing smile that did crazy things to her. High cheekbones, a strong jaw, a masculine nose…
And oh, what that straight-armed pose did for his biceps.
She inhaled…and breathed in the scent of warm, musky male.
It seemed imperative to put some space between them so she slowly straightened.
Brand’s smile widened and he, too, straightened. “Coward.”
“Oh no,” she corrected. “But I have priorities that take precedence over…other things.”
He went back to crossing his arms. “Over me, you mean.”
“Nonsense. You are a top priority right now. I want you on the team.”
“The agency isn’t a team, Sahara. It’s you dictating and others following orders.”
She said through her teeth, “I’m the coach. I direct, encourage and—” Bossed. “—cheer. Rah-rah and all that.”
He laughed.
Not with her, no. He laughed at her.
“Where did you work before you took over here?”
Was he genuinely interested or just trying to move past her obvious irritation? Not that she’d stay irate long. It was a waste of time. She was more about positive for¬ward strides.
Or getting even.
For now she’d work on moving forward by answering his question. “Before Scott disappeared, he often had me involved with the business. I learned everything here from the ground up.”
“Describe ‘ground.’”


 

LORI FOSTER is a New York Times, USA TODAY and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than 55 titles, beloved for her contemporary romance novels revolving around alpha males and the women they fall for. Lori has been a recipient of the prestigious RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Series Romantic Fantasy, and for Contemporary Romance. For more about Lori, visit her website at LoriFoster.com, or check out these online locations where she interacts with readers: Facebook.com/LoriFoster, Twitter.com/LoriLFoster, Goodreads and Pinterest.com/lorilfoster.

You can also sign up for her monthly newsletter at LoriFoster.com/Newsletter.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | PINTEREST | YOUTUBE

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Looking for Dei by David A. Willson – a Review

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Looking for Dei by David A. Willson – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N /Kobo / BAM

 

Description:
Fifteen-year-old Nara Dall has never liked secrets. Yet it seems that her life has been filled with them, from the ugly scar on her back to the strange powers she possesses. Her mysterious father refuses to say anything about her origins, and soon, she and her best friend must attend the announcement ceremony, in which youths are tested for a magical gift.

 

A gifted youth has not been announced in the poor village of Dimmitt for decades. When Nara uncovers the reason, she uses her own powers to make things right. The decision sets her on a path of danger, discovery, and a search for the divine. In the process, she learns the truth about herself and uncovers the biggest secret of all: the power of broken people.

 

Review:

Looking for Dei is the debut novel by David A. Willson.  The story takes place in the Great Land.  Fifteen year old Nara Dall lives in the small town of Dimmit, on the Southeastern corner of the Great Land.  She was raised by Bylo, the only man she has known as a father.   Nara knows she is different from other girls; the scars on her back prove that.  And she has special powers, magic.   She can do things others can not.  And because of that,  Bylo has instructed her to keep her gifts hidden from everyone -that includes her best friend Mykel.  The Great Land consists of the gifted people (those with magical powers), regular people and the cursed.  The gifted consists of a bear – which has magical strength, a knitter – which is a magical healer, a watcher – a great hunter that with vision would detect animals far away and help feed others, and a harvester – a collector of magic for others to use. You are considered blessed if you held two or more of the gifted powers.   Then there was the cursed – the cursed would be put to death right away as they were an affront to the church.  Every few years an announcement ceremony is performed.  Children who recently entered adolescence would partake in the ceremony.  During this ceremony they would find out their destiny.  This year’s ceremony would turn out quite different than expected and have traumatic and life changing results.  The results would mean that Bylo, Nara and Mykell would need to leave Dimmit in a hurry.   Once on the run Mykel finds out about Nara’s magical powers – of which he has always known her to be special.  And Mykel has come into some magical powers all of his own.  But neither of them knows if they are the good or bad kind of power.  From here they encounter an old woman named Anne, who claims to want to help them on their journey and Gwyn, a watcher who has tracked and found the scarred girl she has been looking for.  Gwyn was hired to find Nara and bring her to Minister Vorick, a blessed and powerful man.  But he has his own reasons for seeking her out.  He knows she is not like any other.  And he must have her for his own selfish reasons.  But will Nara willing help him?  Or will she use all of her powers to defeat the minister? 

Nara isn’t a typical teenager.  She knows she is different.  She has a horrific scar on her back to prove it.  And her bright red hair makes her stand out in a crowd.  She knows she harbors magic powers and has always had to keep them hidden from everyone.  But she is strong.  And all she wants is  to help others and to take care of those in need.  I truly enjoyed her character.  She is stubborn, but with such a goodness in her heart that her intentions are always for the good.  She embraces her magic and as we watch her grow and come into her own it is truly brilliant.

Mykel is also scarred with a birth defect, which I believe is why he is such a good friend to Nara. He truly loves her and would do anything for her.  But when Nara saves his life it has earth shattering results.  The consequences is that it will change both of their lives dramatically.  I loved how he cared about his little brother, took care of him, and watched out for him even though his brother could take care of himself for the most part.  He stood beside Nara and care for her with true love and kindness. They both make is very easy to fall for them and want only the best for them.

The story is written in magic.  Magic, runes, ancient manuscripts, and hereos are just a few of the wonders awaiting.  The author immerses you within the Great Land and he paints a portrait of the world around you.  I have sometimes struggled with books that portray other lands as I sometimes can not grasp the world being painted.  But this was not the case. This story is beautifully written and the landscape painted before you like a portrait that you want to step into. As the story unfolds you realize that we have only started on this journey.  I look forward to continuing with this series and with this author.

Beautifully written and magic abounds.  If you are a fan of fantasy and magic this book, this series will pull you in and take you on a magical ride.  Highly recommend.

Reviewed by Erin

Copy supplied for review

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Scoring Off The Field ( WAGS #2) by Naima Simone-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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? SCORING OFF THE FIELD (WAGS #2) ? by Naima Simone-Review, Excerpt and Giveaway Tour

SCORING OFF THE FIELD
WAGS #2
by Naima Simone
Release Date: March 12, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic,football, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / / Amazon.au / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 12, 2018

Tennyson Clark is getting a life. First step: quitting her job as assistant to Dominic Anderson, star quarterback for the Washington Warriors, her best friend … and the man she’s been secretly in love with for years. But since the gorgeous, if overprotective playboy has only ever seen her as his BFF, she’s finally ready to relinquish her tattered fantasy and move on. Enter steps two and three: new job and new man.

Football is Dominic’s life, and with his contract soon up for renewal, all his focus needs to be on the game. But Tennyson—dependable, logical Tennyson— is making that next to impossible with her mysterious new job and her sudden interest in online dating. He doesn’t do relationships. But the thought of another man touching her sexier-than-hell curves has him suddenly wanting more from his best friend.

Indulging in hot, dirty, what’s-my-name sex with no strings and lots of benefits is simple, uncomplicated…until it’s not.

•••••••••

REVIEW: SCORING OFF THE FIELD is the second instalment in Naima Simone’s contemporary, adult WAGS erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women of the professional football league’s the Washington Warriors. This is quarterback Dominic Anderson, and twenty –five year old PA / social worker Tennyson Clark’s story line. SCORING OFF THE FIELD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Tennyson and Dominic) SCORING OFF THE FIELD is a best friends to lovers storyline that follows the break down of the friendship between All-Star, four-time Pro-Bowl quarterback for the Washington Warriors Dominic Anderson, and his best friend/ PA Tennyson Clark. Having entered the foster care system as a teen, following the death of his parents, Dominic Anderson found a kindred spirit in Tennyson Clark, a young girl whose past was mired in abuse by a mentally disturbed parent. Now fourteen years later, Dom and Tennyson are best friends and soul-mates but Tennyson Clark has been in love with Dom for most of her adult life. Years before, Tennyson proclaimed her love, only to be rejected by the man that she loved, and with his ongoing stream of one-night stands, it was time for Tennyson to move on in the hopes of finding her own happily ever after. What ensues is the lust to love relationship build-up between Dom and Tennyson, and the fall-out as Dom is unable to commit to forever, and Tennyson’s happily ever after.

Dominic Anderson doesn’t do relationships. Burned in the past, and fearful of losing everyone that he loves, Dom is unable to give Tennyson everything that she wants forcing our heroine to battle between head and heart, in her attempts to move forward without the man that she loves. Dominic is so completely dependant upon his best friend and PA he is unable to comprehend that Tennyson wants more than to be her best friend’s buddy and PA.

The relationship between Tennyson and Dom is a best friends to lovers; a heartbreaking and emotional one-sided relationship in that Dom’s manwh*ring ways directly affect his relationship with the woman with whom he will fall in love. Dom’s oblivious to his best friend’s attraction, a love and attraction that is noticed by everyone else. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate with the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Ronin and Jason,Renee, Zephirin Black and Sophia Cruz (Scoring with the Wrong Twin #1); a couple of dating matches for our story line heroine; and Dom’s agent Brian Yates who works behind the scenes to ensure Tennyson is pushed out of our hero’s life.

The world building continues to focus on the players, the game, the struggles both on and off of the field.

SCORING OFF THE FIELD is an emotional story line; a tear-inducing tale between two friends who want different things going forward in life. The premise is passionate and painful; the romance is heart breaking and fated; the characters are broken, colorful and energetic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Scoring With the Wrong Twin
Scoring Off the Field

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

NOTE: Excerpt intended for mature readers due to language and content

 

What the hell is this?” Dom leaned closer to the computer, scowling.
Tennyson glanced at the screen. And silently groaned. Fuck a duck, where was a mudslide, earthquake, or the Rapture when you needed them?
“Tennyson,” he growled, and she shifted her attention from the smiling profile picture of Adam Rutheridge, the guy she’d been communicating with online for the past several days, to Dom.
“What?” she asked, opting to go with innocence. Not that she had to explain her decision to give online dating a try. This whole thing fell under the heading of “Not Dom’s Business.” Heaving a heavy, much aggrieved sigh, she shook her head. “You act like millions of people don’t frequent dating sites every day.”
“You’re not millions of people,” he pointed out. “And what do you need this,” he waved a hand at the screen, “for?”
“Well, unlike you, I don’t have the opposite sex throwing themselves at me in droves,” she pointed out.
“That’s bullshit,” he countered. “You’re beautiful. Any man would want to date you.”
Except him. To him she was beautiful like the little sister who would be pretty even with braces, pigtails, and bad acne. The platitude was nice but empty. “Right,” she scoffed. “I don’t know why you’re so upset. It’s not like this is a new thing.”
“These sites are filled with nuts and perverts who like to make lampshades out of women’s skin.”
She blinked, her lips falling open. “Um, wow. You might want to cut back on Homicide Hunter.”
“This isn’t a joke.” He jabbed a finger at Adam’s cute blue bowtie dotted with miniature gold poodles. “His user ID is HappilyEverAdam for fuck’s sake,” he snarled.
She lifted a shoulder in a half shrug. “I thought it was clever and sweet.” When his growl rolled through the room like a foreboding clap of thunder, she held her hands out, palms up. “Give me some credit. It’s not like I’m going to meet him at midnight in an abandoned warehouse. I know the rules. Public place which I’m driving to and from. He can’t exactly skin me alive in a crowded restaurant, can he?” she drawled.
But her sarcasm bounced against him like a medicine ball…filled with lead.
“Tell me you don’t actually plan on meeting this guy,” he said, his voice even, calm. Ominous.
“Not that it’s any of your business, but yes.”
“Forget it. Not happening,” he ordered in the same tone he used to snap out plays on the football field. Hard. Quick. With a full expectation of being obeyed.
Oh hell no. A matching fury surged within her, hot, swift, and with thorns.
“As much as you like to believe you’re my brother, you’re not. I don’t need to ask your permission to date or consult you on how to go about it. When you start letting me veto or approve your hit-it-and-quit-its, then we can talk. But until then? Back. Off,” she snapped.
Those storm-filled eyes narrowed on her, his full lips flattening into a grim line. Silence, thick and alive with tension, thrummed between them. Intensity seemed to emanate from his powerful body, and he studied her with that same penetrating, concentrated focus. The weight of it touched her face with a pressure that was almost tactile. As if his gaze had transformed into a hand that gripped her face between large, calloused fingers, holding her in a firm, implacable grasp.
His scrutiny dropped to her breasts, and the air in her throat sizzled and evaporated. The black, V-neck top she wore seemed too skimpy and too stifling at once. She couldn’t force a word past her suddenly too-tight esophagus as he frowned and returned his gaze to her face.
Too afraid of herself, of her body’s reaction to him, to remain seated on the couch, she launched to her feet. The heels of her ankle boots clicked against the hardwood floors as she crossed the room toward the desk.
And safety.


 

?ABOUT NAIMA SIMONE️?

USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone’s love of romance was first stirred by Johanna Lindsey, Sandra Brown and Linda Howard many years ago. Well not that many. She is only eighteen…ish. Though her first attempt at a romance novel starring Ralph Tresvant from New Edition never saw the light of day, her love of romance, reading and writing has endured. Published since 2009, she spends her days—and nights— writing sizzling romances with a touch of humor and snark.

She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.

?CONNECT WITH NAIMA️?

Website: http://naimasimone.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naimasimoneauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Naima_Simone

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Street Team: http://naimasimone.com/newsletterstreet-team/

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1MXCpHd

Newsletter: http://naimasimone.com/newsletterstreet-team/

Amazon Author Profile: http://amzn.to/2EIQZZC

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? #GIVEAWAY️  ?

Enter for a chance to win a $10 #Amazon #GiftCard + #Paperback copy of Scoring off the Field!

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Wanderlust by Lauren Blakely-a review

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WANDERLUST by Lauren Blakely-a review 


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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 20, 2018

The first time I met him, his sexy British accent almost talked me into giving him my number on the spot. The second time, he nearly charmed the panties off me with his wit. Then I learned he’s the key to success in my new job in Paris. The man who tempts me into fling-worthy dirty daydreams has turned out to be my personal translator, and his accent is the hottest thing I’ve ever heard.
My mantra is simple — Don’t mix business with pleasure. I do my best to resist him as he teaches me how to converse with my co-workers, navigate the metro and order the perfect bottle of wine at dinner. But I also figure out how to tell the charming and clever man what I most want to say — that I want him to take me back to his flat — tonight.
Except there’s a catch…

***
One more assignment before I take off on my big adventure…

And it involves the toughest work ever — resisting the fetching American woman I spend all my days with. But you know what they say about best intentions. Soon, we’re spending our nights tangled together, and I don’t want to let her go. The trouble is, my wanderlust is calling to me, and before we know it I’ll be traveling the globe to fulfill a promise I made long ago.

What could possibly go wrong with falling in love in Paris? Nothing…unless one of you is leaving.

•••••••••

REVIEW: WANDERLUST by Lauren Blakely is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, erotic, romance story line focusing on American perfumer/ chemist Joy Danvers-Lively, and British marine biologist/language expert Griffin Thomas.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Joy and Griffin) WANDERLUST follows the building relationship between American chemist Joy Danvers-Lively, and British chemist and translator Griffin Thomas. Joy is a woman on a mission when the perfume company for whom she works offers her a position in their Parisian labs –a position that comes with a sexy interpreter. Enter Griffin Thomas, a British marine biologist who specializes in several languages and the man with whom Joy will fall in love. What ensues is the slow burn of sexual attraction, and the potential fall out when their time together draws to a close.

Griffin has a bucket list of things to do; a list to honor his brother’s final wishes but with it comes the responsibility of completing the list against all odds. Falling in love was never on the agenda but falling for a spunky American woman meant a change in direction Griffin never saw coming.

The relationship between Griffin and Joy is one of immediate attraction. An accidental meeting between strangers that turned into something more. Griffin knew to fall in love with a client could only result in disaster at the very end but falling in love meant spending what little time left in Paris with the woman that called to his heart. Joy would never keep Griffin from completing his list so when the time came to say good-bye her heart knew she was losing the one. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and seductive. The sexual banter is fun and flirty.

We are introduced to Joy’s friend back home Allison; Elise –an American living in Paris, as well as Griffin’s pal and fellow translator Christian; and Joy’s Parisian boss Marisol. Christian and Elise’s story line is next in Part Time Lover (June 2018).

The world building follows Joy and Griffin as they take the reader to the sights and sounds of Paris-the usual tourist attractions as well as the local bakery, shops, cafes and more. Paris comes alive on every page and description narration- The perfumes, the scents and the building aromas are tangible and real-you can almost detect the subtle hints of floral and citrus bouquets.

WANDERLUST is a sweet and sexy story line with two sassy characters. The premise is spirited and tender; the romance is heartwarming and provocative; the characters are colorful, energetic and inspiring. WANDERLUST is a story of romance, butterflies and happily ever afters.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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On Hart’s Boardwalk (On Dublin Street 6.7 Hart’s Boardwalk 2.5) by Samantha Young-Review and Excerpt

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ON HART’S BOARDWALK (On Dublin Street 6.7 / Hart’s Boardwalk 2.5) by Samantha Young-Review and Excerpt

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: RELEASE DATE March 20, 2018

One of New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young’s most beloved couples returns for the first time in a brand new novella set ten years after her blockbuster bestseller Before Jamaica Lane…

Nate and Liv have a great life together but they miss the spontaneity and freedom they enjoyed early on in their romance. Careers and their children have inevitably kept them busy, so when Nate discovers Liv is feeling disconnected from him, he plans an anniversary trip to the idyllic seaside town of Hartwell, Delaware. There he hopes they will have the opportunity they’ve been craving—a chance to reinvent themselves and fall in love all over again.

With each new day comes a new adventure, from wedding crashing at the five-star boardwalk hotel to pretending they are two strangers having a chance encounter at the boardwalk bar. In the midst of this daring, sexually charged game of romantic rediscovery, Nate and Liv discover the only constant they need is each other.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: ON HART’S BOARDWALK is instalment 2.5 of Samantha Young’s contemporary, adult HART’S BOARDWALK romance series that in turn is a spin-off from the author’s ON DUBLIN STREET series. ON HART’S BOARDWALK is a continuing look at Nate and Olivia Sawyer (Before Jamaica Lane) as they approach Olivia’s fortieth birthday, and the celebration of ten years of marriage. ON HART’S BOARDWALK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines (in either series) is revealed where necessary.

Told from first person point of view (Olivia Sawyer) ON HART’S BOARDWALK is a heartbreaking story that fast forwards ten years in the life of Nate and Olivia, as our heroine struggles with the approach of her fortieth birthday, and the apparent loss of affection from the man that she loves. Nate and Olivia’s love life has lost the spontaneity and romance with the birth of two children, busy lifestyles and busier jobs but Olivia has always battled issues of low self-esteem that are currently exacerbated by her husband’s apparent disinterest, and the approach of her fortieth birthday. Nate will overhear Olivia talking to her friends, and in this Nate struggles to accept Olivia’s concerns. What ensues is the couple’s battle to move forward, and bring the romance and spontaneity back into their lives as they head to America and Hartwell Delaware to celebrate their ten year anniversary.

ON HART’S BOARDWALK is both a heartbreaking and heart warming story; an emotional roller coaster ride as one man struggles with the loss of a friend, and one woman battles issues of the past that continue to affect her self-esteem and ability to let go. The secondary and supporting characters are familiar, colorful and fun; the romance is sexy, provocative and inspiring. ON HART’S BOARDWALK is an uplifting and spirited look at a rekindling romance that had yet to completely fall apart.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Although Nate had agreed to wait to have sex until we played out our little strangers in a bar fantasy, I could tell he was disgruntled. For some reason his irritation made me want to torment him even more. After we showered (separately) and dressed, I grabbed his hand when we walked down to breakfast, trailing the fingertips of my free hand over the skin on his forearm exposed by his T-shirt.
Walking down the stairs he frowned at me. “You’re doing that deliberately.”
“Are you saying I don’t get to touch you at all until tomorrow night?”
“No.” He suddenly stopped and pressed me up against the wall of the stairwell, his mouth inches from mine. His hand, the one not holding mine, slipped under my sundress, his fingertips caressing their way up my inner thigh.
“Nate,” I gasped, looking down the stairs to make sure the entrance was empty.
“You tease me, babe…” His hot breath whispered against my lips. “I tease you tenfold in return.”
I fought with the desire flooding me and the concern over disrespecting our very nice inn owner. My concern won out and I reached for his wrist under my dress and forcefully removed his hand with a flash of ire in my eyes that made him smirk in triumph. “Not here.”
“Just playing your game.” He stood back and then began leading me down the stairs like nothing had happened.
There was only one other couple in the dining hall that early in the morning, an older couple who smiled warmly at us and greeted us ‘hello’ as we grabbed some coffee from the buffet area.
We’d just taken a seat at a table when Aydan came out of the kitchen and beamed at us. “You two are up early. Jetlag?”
“Yeah,” I said, fighting off a yawn. “I’m still kind of feeling it actually. But this will help.” I raised my coffee cup.
“So will some food.” She handed us each a menu. “I’ll be back in a minute to take your order.”
We were looking over the small menu and I was trying to decide between scrambled eggs, potatoes, and bacon; pancakes, maple syrup and bacon; or waffles. “I forgot how good breakfast is here.” I glanced over at my husband, who seemed less excited than me about breakfast. “You’re getting the egg white frittata, aren’t you?”
Nate used to indulge more food-wise but he’d found, as we all found, that he couldn’t metabolize crappy food as well as he used to. So, he only indulged every now and then.
“Aye.” He nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He knew it bugged me that he had more willpower than I did.
“I’m getting the waffles,” I immediately decided.
Nate laughed and leaned over to caress the top of my ass, which thankfully was hidden by the back of my chair from anyone else’s few. “You eat whatever you want, babe. We’ll both enjoy the fruits of that labor.”
I should have glared at him for feeling me up in the breakfast room of this quaint inn, but I couldn’t, because it felt like I had my old Nate back. The guy who made me feel sexy and wanted no matter what. So instead I gave him a soft smile.
For some reason my reaction made his gaze turn liquid with heat and he impulsively leaned over, cupped my face in his hand and kissed me. Hard. Deep. Quick.
When he let me go I couldn’t even think long enough to be embarrassed that he’d just Frenched me in front of an elderly couple who were trying to eat their breakfast. I could only blink, dazed, my lips wet and waiting for more. “What was that for?”
“Because I love you.” He shrugged, like it was most obvious answer in the world.
Before I could say anything else the sound of Bailey Hartwell’s raised voice met our ears from somewhere near reception. “It’s ridiculous that’s why!”
Nate and I shot each other amused looks, and pretended to peruse the menu even though I knew were both listening in. Nosy buggers.
Her voice was lower now, and the fact that we hadn’t heard another voice reply suggested
she was on the phone. “Vaughn, we have a house,” she hissed. “We don’t need another… why would you sell it? It’s beautiful… we don’t need to buy a house together to be together… it’s a waste of money…” there was a longer stretch of silence. “Okay, if you’re that intent on wasting money why don’t we just strip the house out and make it the way we both want it… it sits right on the water…. Stop being romantic when I’m trying to be practical, you know it confuses me… Stop it, I’m at the inn.” Her voice dropped even lower. Her breath seemed to catch. “You’re going to pay for that, Tremaine… no… no… Vaughn… okay, fine…. I love you too, you, handsome bastard.”
That seemed to be the end of the conversation, and I turned to Nate, laughter bubbling in my throat. “That sounded familiar.”
He grinned. “Didn’t it.”
“I don’t think our inn owner is going to Scotland anytime soon.”
“No?”
“No. If she’s got what I’ve got, she’s staying put.” 


 

Samantha 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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