Monthly Archives: April 2018

Lexi Blake Multi-Authored Masters & Mercenaries Cross Over Series- Review Tour

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Lexi Blake Multi-Authored Masters and Mercenaries Cross Over Series-Review Tour

A note from Lexi Blake…

Who doesn’t love a crossover? I know that for me there’s always been something magical about two fictional words blending and meeting in a totally unexpected way. For years the only medium that has truly done it well and often is comic books. Superman vs. Batman in a fight to the finish. Marvel’s Infinite Universe. There’s something about two crazy worlds coming together that almost makes them feel more real. Like there’s this brilliant universe filled with fictional characters and they can meet and talk, and sometimes they can fall in love.

I’m a geek. I go a little crazy when Thor meets up with Iron Man or The Flash and Arrow team up.

So why wouldn’t we do it in Romanceland?

There are ways out there. A writer can write in another author’s world, giving you her take on it. There’s some brilliant fanfiction out there, but I wanted something different. I wanted to take my time and gradually introduce these characters from other worlds, bring you in slowly so you don’t even realize what I’m doing. So you think this is McKay-Taggart, nothing odd here. Except there is…

Welcome to the Lexi Blake Crossover Collection.

••••••••••

NOTE: My reviews cover CLOSE COVER, JUSTIFY ME, HIS TO PROTECT and RESCUING SADIE

CLOSE COVER
(Masters and Mercenaries #16)
by Lexi Blake

Amazon | iTunes | B&N | Kobo |GooglePlay

To read the first chapter, click here.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 10,2018

Remy Guidry doesn’t do relationships. He tried the marriage thing once, back in Louisiana, and learned the hard way that all he really needs in life is a cold beer, some good friends, and the occasional hookup. His job as a bodyguard with McKay-Taggart gives him purpose and lovely perks, like access to Sanctum. The last thing he needs in his life is a woman with stars in her eyes and babies in her future.

Lisa Daley’s life is finally going in the right direction. She has finally graduated from college after years of putting herself through school. She’s got a new job at an accounting firm and she’s finished her Sanctum training. Finally on her own and having fun, her life seems pretty perfect. Except she’s lonely and the one man she wants won’t give her a second look.

There is one other little glitch. Apparently, her new firm is really a front for the mob and now they want her dead. Assassins can really ruin a fun girls’ night out. Suddenly strapped to the very same six-foot-five-inch hunk of a bodyguard who makes her heart pound, Lisa can’t decide if this situation is a blessing or a curse.

As the mob closes in, Remy takes his tempting new charge back to the safest place he knows—his home in the bayou. Surrounded by his past, he can’t help wondering if Lisa is his future. To answer that question, he just has to keep her alive.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: CLOSE COVER is the sixteenth full-length instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult MASTERS AND MERCENARIES erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women who work for the McKay-Taggart and Knight Security Agency. This is security specialist Remy Guidry, and twenty-nine year old accountant Lisa Daley’s story line. CLOSE COVER is part of the Lexi Blake multi-authored cross-over series. CLOSE COVER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: CLOSE COVER is an erotic romance story line with sexually explicit, light BDSM scenarios that may not be suited for all readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Lisa and Remy) CLOSE COVER focuses on the building relationship, a second chance romance between accountant / submissive Lisa Daley, and security specialist /Dominant Remy Guidry. Months earlier Lisa offered herself as submissive to Remy Guidry but our hero wasn’t interested breaking Lisa’s heart in the process but desperate times call for desperate measures, and Lisa is the primary witness in a money laundering case, and Remy has drawn the short straw to protect the woman that calls to his heart. What ensues is the re-building relationship between Remy and Lisa, and the potential fall-out as their time together draws to a close.

Remy doesn’t do relationships: with a failed marriage, and a crazy family back in the Bayou of Louisiana, Remy was putting in time until he could return home and take over the family bar. Lisa has struggled since reporting her boss for laundering money for the mob, struggled in more ways than one, and with no money our heroine was desperate to make ends meet but what she never expected was to find the man that she loved offering her a second chance-with an end date and short term contract.

The relationship between Lisa and Remy is one of second chances. Lisa was humiliated and heartbroken when Remy refused her offer of submission but Remy knows his time in Texas is limited as he heads back to the Bayou, and the family he left behind. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense with some light BDSM scenarios including rope play.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including many of the couples from the earlier instalments as well as DS Maia Brighton, Dom and Top’s bar manager Lincm and bodyguard Shane Landon. CLOSE COVER brings together the characters we love as the author heads into her new spin –off focusing on the Lost Boys.

CLOSE COVER is an edgy and sexy story line with a sassy heroine, and a driven hero. The premise is intense and dramatic; the romance is emotional and provocative; the characters are familiar, sensual and inspiring. CLOSE COVER is a thrilling and exquisite ride.

Follow Lexi Blake: FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

____________

JUSTIFY ME
(Stark International / Masters and Mercenaries Crossover Collection)
by J. Kenner

Amazon | iTunes | B&N | Kobo |GooglePlay

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 10, 2018

McKay-Taggart operative Riley Blade has no intention of returning to Los Angeles after his brief stint as a consultant on mega-star Lyle Tarpin’s latest action flick. Not even for Natasha Black, Tarpin’s sexy personal assistant who’d gotten under his skin. Why would he, when Tasha made it absolutely clear that—attraction or not—she wasn’t interested in a fling, much less a relationship.

But when Riley learns that someone is stalking her, he races to her side. Determined to not only protect her, but to convince her that—no matter what has hurt her in the past—he’s not only going to fight for her, he’s going to win her heart. Forever.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: JUSTIFY ME by J. Kenner is a contemporary, adult, erotic, romantic suspense novella in the author’s Stark International series that crosses over with Lexi Blake’s Masters and Mercenaries series. This is McKay-Taggart operative Riley Blade, and PA Natasha Black’s story line. For fans of Kenner’s Stark series, we were first introduced to Natasha and Riley in Wicked Dirty.

Told from first person point of view (Natasha), and third person perspective (Riley) JUSTIFY ME follows the rekindling romance between Hollywood PA Natasha Black, and McKay-Taggart operative Riley Blade. On a layover at LAX Riley will discover that the woman from his past, Natasha Black, has been targeted by an unknown stalker. Not leaving anything to chance, Riley volunteers his time and knowledge to protect the woman he has always loved. What ensues is the second chance relationship between our leading couple, and the potential fall-out as Natasha’s stalker makes good on their threats.

JUSTIFY ME is a quick, erotic read with some light BDSM sexual scenarios; another sexy and sassy story line about second chances, jealousy, betrayal and a happily ever after. J. Kenner adds another dimension to her Stark International series as Riley and Natasha discover the kink in their growing relationship. The premise is captivating; the romance is edgy; the characters are colorful and energetic.

Follow J. Kenner: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YouTube | Amazon Author Page

_________

HIS TO PROTECT
(Bodyguard Bad Boys 2.5/ Masters and Mercenaries Cross-over Series)
by Carly Phillips

Amazon | iTunes | B&N | Kobo |GooglePlay

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 10, 2018

Talia Shaw has spent her adult life working as a scientist for a big pharmaceutical company. She’s focused on saving lives, not living life. When her lab is broken into and it’s clear someone is after the top secret formula she’s working on, she turns to the one man she can trust. The same irresistible man she turned away years earlier because she was too young and naive to believe a sexy guy like Shane Landon could want her.

Shane Landon’s bodyguard work for McKay-Taggart is the one thing that brings him satisfaction in his life. Relationships come in second to the job. Always. Then little brainiac Talia Shaw shows up in his backyard, frightened and on the run, and his world is turned upside down. And not just because she’s found him naked in his outdoor shower, either.

With Talia’s life in danger, Shane has to get her out of town and to her eccentric, hermit mentor who has the final piece of the formula she’s been working on, while keeping her safe from the men who are after her. Guarding Talia’s body certainly isn’t any hardship, but he never expects to fall hard and fast for his best friend’s little sister and the only woman who’s ever really gotten under his skin.

•••••••••

REVIEW: HIS TO PROTECT in instalment 2.5 (and novella) in Carly Phillips’ contemporary, adult, BODYGUARD BAD BOYS romantic suspense series, and a part of the multi-authored cross-over series Masters and Mercenaries by Lexi Blake. This is McKay-Taggart bodyguard and security specialist Shane Landon, and scientist Talia Shaw’s storyline. HIS TO PROTECT 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 ( Talia and Shane) HIS TO PROTECT focuses on the protection of scientist Dr. Talia Shaw. With the development of a new heart drug on the horizon our heroine is targeted for the formula by an unknown source. Desperate for help, she calls her brother Tate, who calls in a favour from his childhood friend. Enter McKay-Taggart bodyguard Shane Landon, and the man with whom Talia will fall in love. What ensues is a cross-country road trip wherein our couple find themselves in the direct line of fire, as the struggle to stay one step ahead of the people intent on taking them down.

The relationship between Talia and Shane is one of second chances, of sorts. Talia has been in love with her brother’s best friend for most of her life but Shane has kept his distance in respect of his best friend’s younger sister. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

HIS TO PROTECT is a quick read; a suspense-filled, sexy and edgy story line. The premise is dramatic and energetic; the romance is intimate and provocative; the characters are inspiring and engaging.

Follow Carly Phillips: Website /  Mailing List  /  Newsletter /  Goodreads /  Amazon /  Facebook /  Twitter / Text Updates of New Releases /  Carly’s Corner!  / Instagram. / Blog & Website Updates  / Bookbub

Copies supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Say You Won’t Let Go: A Return to Me/Masters and Mercenaries Novella

by Corinne Michaels

I’ve had two goals my entire life:

1. Make it big in country music.

2. Get the hell out of Bell Buckle.

I was doing it. I was on my way, until Cooper Townsend landed backstage at my show in Dallas.

This gorgeous, rugged, man of few words was one cowboy I couldn’t afford to let distract me. But with his slow smile and rough hands, I just couldn’t keep away.

Now, there are outside forces conspiring against us. Maybe we should’ve known better? Maybe not. All I know is that I want to hold on, but I know the right thing to do is to let go…

 Amazon | iTunes | B&N | Kobo |GooglePlay

__________

Her Guardian Angel: A Demonica Underworld/Masters and Mercenaries Novella

by Larissa Ione

After a difficult childhood and a turbulent stint in the military, Declan Burke finally got his act together. Now he’s a battle-hardened professional bodyguard who takes his job at McKay-Taggart seriously and his playtime – and his playmates – just as seriously. One thing he never does, however, is mix business with pleasure. But when the mysterious, gorgeous Suzanne D’Angelo needs his protection from a stalker, his desire for her burns out of control, tempting him to break all the rules…even as he’s drawn into a dark, dangerous world he didn’t know existed.

Suzanne is an earthbound angel on her critical first mission: protecting Declan from an emerging supernatural threat at all costs. To keep him close, she hires him as her bodyguard. It doesn’t take long for her to realize that she’s in over her head, defenseless against this devastatingly sexy human who makes her crave his forbidden touch.

Together they’ll have to draw on every ounce of their collective training to resist each other as the enemy closes in, but soon it becomes apparent that nothing could have prepared them for the menace to their lives…or their hearts.

Amazon | iTunes | B&N | Kobo |GooglePlay

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Epoch (The Transcend Duet #2) by Jewel E Ann-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway tour

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EPOCH (The Transcend Duet #2) by Jewel E Ann-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

EPOCH
The Transcend Duet #2
by Jewel E Ann
Release Date: April 9, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary

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

Add to GoodReads:http://bit.ly/2CAfzWA

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 9, 2018

Some lives end unfinished, and some transcend time.

After a horrific incident, Swayze finds herself trapped between two lives. Patchy memories and fear for her own safety thrust her into a gut-wrenching journey to uncover the truth.

Will she let her dreams slip away to seek retribution and find the missing pieces to a puzzle that existed a lifetime ago?

“I’m not going to watch you self-destruct. I’m not going to watch you fall in love with another man.”

Or will she discover the only truth that matters?

Epoch pushes the boundaries of what we believe and what we know. It redefines fate and proves that the only thing separating the heart and the soul is an infinite timeline.

“I think a part of you will be mine to love in every life.”

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: EPOCH is the second and final instalment in Jewel E Ann’s contemporary, adult THE TRANSCEND DUET slightly paranormal, romance storyline focusing on thirty-six year old widower and single father Professor Nathaniel Hunt, twenty-one year old nanny Swayze Samuels, and twenty-three year old mechanic Griffin Calloway. EPOCH should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book one TRANSCEND.

Told from three first person perspectives (Swayze, Griffin and Nate) EPOCH is the heart breaking, emotional and gripping conclusion to a story about one woman’s struggle with memories from the past. Swayze Samuels is a woman caught between the present and the past: the love of a man who offers her the future, and the acceptance of a man who goes looking for the past. As Swayze’s mind transcends time, fate follows a different path as our heroine battles the pull of what was, and what is going to be.

EPOCH is the story of soul-mates; of a a soul that is restless, caught between worlds, hoping to uncover the truth about the how and why. Swayze is a young woman in love with the man of her dreams, but another man keeps possession of her heart, a heart she no longer is able to control. Griffin pushes Swayze to make a decision, a decision that will destroy her in the end, as Nate needs something more than a ghost from the past.

Jewel E Ann writes an enchanting, inspiring and astonishing tale about love, life, moving forward, and letting go of the past. A complex and intoxicating story about reincarnation, acceptance, forgiveness and the catastrophic affects of life-altering decisions that are unable to destroy a pure and lasting love. EPOCH is the breath-taking, climactic and powerful conclusion –a roller coaster ride of numbing emotions- as one woman transcends between the present and the past.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one-TRANSCEND

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

He removes his helmet and his bandana while I slide off the Harley. I could watch him all day. The meticulous way he puts our helmets on the shelf and wipes the bugs off his bike mesmerizes me. Griffin takes care of everything he owns—the new shiny things as well as the old, weathered things like his house and garage.
“I think you’re an old soul, Griffin Calloway.”
He hangs the rag on the hook and shoots me his sexiest grocery-store-guy smile. “Why is that?”
“My parents used to tell people I was wise beyond my years because I knew stuff most kids my age didn’t know. That was just knowledge, random facts, not wisdom. But you … you have an appreciation for things and you take care of them like someone twice your age might do.”
“My parents always took care of things. They still do. It’s just how I was raised.” He shrugs.
“No. Hayley and Sophie are complete disasters. I’ve seen their rooms. Chloe is a little tidier but still not you. I don’t think you were conditioned to be this way, I think it’s nature more than nurture.”
“An old soul, huh? From another time?” He pulls me into his chest and nuzzles my neck while lifting me off my feet.
I hug him with my arms, legs, and entire being. It took twenty-one years, but I finally found where I fit in life, and it’s every inch of my body pressed to his.
“You make me feel safe,” I murmur but it sounds more like a moan warring between physical pleasure and emotional pain. It’s an unsettling feeling that I have such a strong need to feel safe. I don’t understand it.
“You are safe,” he says between kisses beneath my ear.
“You make me feel like I belong.” My breaths race to catch up to my pulse.
“You belong with me.” He walks us to the garage door, shuts off the light, and closes the door behind us.
He’s my mind’s favorite place to go. When I think of him—of us—I don’t feel crazy. And maybe I should feel crazy because we’re both young and inexperienced in life and love. But I don’t want to think about the numbers that make up our ages or the months we’ve been together.
We crash through the front door like the first big gust of wind at the front of a storm.
“You make me feel needed,” I whisper just before his mouth claims mine.
His house is bigger than my apartment, but only by one bedroom. We don’t make it to either bedroom. He deposits me on the sofa and shrugs off his shirt.
“I need you.” He unties his boots and kicks them off while unfastening his pants as I shimmy out of my clothes. “In fact, I am pretty fucking sure you’re all I truly need.”
Twenty-three-year-old guys don’t say that. His soul is not simply old, it’s ancient like that of a great poet … who may have said fuck a few times.
I tug at his partially unfastened jeans.
He grabs my hand. “Close your eyes.”
“Why?” My head cocks to the side.
“Because I know you don’t want to see the tattoo on my ass.”
“Shut. Up.” I bat his hand away and tug down his jeans with both hands. A few moments of silence settle between us as I stare at his form before me. “I still blush when I look at you.” My gaze trails up to meet his eyes.
Griffin steps out of his jeans and briefs and kneels on the sofa between my legs as I lie back. “I know what else makes you blush.” He slowly dips his head between my legs, and my fingers curl into the sofa cushion. 


 

Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor.

With 10 years of flossing lectures under her belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business.

After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the Contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing.

When she’s not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree at a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course…heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Pinterest

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the author.

Enter the Giveaway:

https://www.jeweleann.com/transcend-duet-giveaway

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Callback (Silhouette Studios #1) by Katana Collins-a review

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CALLBACK (Silhouette Studios #1) by Katana Collins-a review

 

ebook ONLY 99¢ ––Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon. uk /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 3, 2018

With lessons this hot, limits aren’t the only thing that’s hard…

Marlena

Everyone has their limits. Mine? It’s one that should have never been crossed. Now thanks to my ex-boyfriend, all of Hollywood thinks I trade sex for roles. You can imagine how my auditions go these days. This town has enough real scandals without him adding fake ones to the mix. But I have a plan. And it was going so well… until Jude Fisher came along.

Jude

When my ex-wife sold the footage of herself cheating on me with another man, I was done. With scandal, with her, with all the fakeness this industry thrives on. Finding her as the only actress up for co-lead in my new BDSM movie was the last thing I needed. Then Marlena Taylor auditioned, and I found everything I need. A gifted actress, a natural submissive… and a woman I can’t resist.

All she’s missing is knowledge about the lifestyle–my lifestyle.

I’m more than happy to tutor her–to show her the ropes, if you will. I’ll teach her everything about the games. The toys. The dynamic.

I’ll teach her everything but the sex. That’s my hard limit.
But we’re quickly finding out that there’s no limit to what’s between us.

•••••••••

REVIEW: CALLBACK is the first instalment in Katana Collins’ contemporary, adult SILHOUETTE STUDIOS erotic, BDSM romance series. This is Hollywood star Jude Fisher, and actress Marlena ‘Marly’ Taylor’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jude and Marly) CALLBACK follows the building relationship between movie picture star Jude Fisher, and actress Marly Taylor. Marly’s reputation in Hollywood tanked when her ex-boyfriend launched a smear campaign aiming to destroy our heroine’s career. An audition to star alongside one of Hollywood’s leading men in a new movie focusing on BDSM meant a resurgence in self-esteem but an education into a different side of the Hollywood life. Enter Jude Fisher, Dominant, Hollywood star and the man with whom Marly would fall in love. What ensues is the ‘education’ of Marly Taylor, and the potential fall-out as Marly’s issues of trust, begin to affect her relationship with Jude Fisher.

Marly Fisher’s last relationship destroyed our heroine’s ability to trust, and with it, her ability to accept praise and commendations. With Jude Fisher, our heroine will begin to blossom in her role as a submissive, and leading Hollywood star, a role she questions when fear begins to bloom anew. Jude Fisher is no stranger to scandal: his ex-wife’s betrayal devastated his faith in love and romance but meeting Marly Taylor meant a second chance at a happily ever after, a second chance that will be destroyed by Marly’s inability to trust and let go of the past.

The relationship between Marly and Jude begins as a professional arrangement. Marly must be educated in the ways of a submissive, and a temporary membership at a high-end BDSM club means Marly will be exposed to a lifestyle that has her questioning her desires, actions and emotional fall-out. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and intense; the BDSM scenes include some bondage, discipline and spanking.

We are introduced to fellow Dominant and Hollywood director Ash Livingston, Dominant and club member Chloe, Jude’s ex-wife and actress Layla Hutson, CEO of Silhouette Studios Richard Blair, and Marly’s best friend, roommate and actor Omar Blake. Ash Livingston’s story line is next Role Play.

CALLBACK is a sexy, spirited and decadent story with familiar scenarios ala 50 Shades of Grey. The premise is imaginative; the characters are realistic and energetic; the romance is emotional and captivating. CALLBACK examines the BDSM lifestyle; the emotional relationship between Dom and sub; and the ramifications of falling in love against the odds.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

I love coffee.

As an author and a story-teller, it is the lifeblood to which my ideas take flight. And I believe in giving credit where credit is due. Occasionally someone (ie – my husband) will try to secretly switch out my beloved regular coffee for decaf. I always know the difference. ALWAYS (I’m looking at you, SEAN).

I am incapable of achieving the perfect ponytail. I’m dyslexic. I can never wear white without spilling on myself. And I’ve never read Pride and Prejudice (gasp!).

When I was younger and stole my mother’s Harlequins to read beneath the covers with a flashlight, I wanted to read about the tough as nails heroine. The perfectly imperfect girl with quirks and attitude and sass. And the anti-heroes who were anything but “Prince Charming.” Forget the knight on a white horse… give me the bad boy on a motorcycle.

So, now, I write those romance novels I craved to see on the shelves all those years ago—the sassy heroines. The badass heroes.

Since penning my first novel back in 2012, I’m now an international author with 15 published books, in a wide range of contemporary romance genres–(Paranormal, New Adult, Small town, Erotic Suspense… you name it!).

After living for a decade in Brooklyn, NY, I took the plunge and moved to beautiful (although kinda chilly) Portland, Maine. I now live full time in ‘Vacationland’ with a kind of mean cat, a doofy lab-pittie mix, a mellow chihuahua, and a very NOT mellow cairn terrier puppy. Oh, yeah… there’s a husband who draws comics somewhere in that mix, too. ? I can usually be found in a coffee shop with my nose in my laptop wearing fabulous (albeit sometimes impractical) shoes.

I love connecting with readers and fellow sassy storytellers, so feel free to drop me an email at katana.collins@gmail.com or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@katanacollins). You can find a list of my available books over on my Bookshelf or if you’ve already read a book, it would make my day if you wrote a review!

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Rescuing Sadie (Delta Force Heroes 7.5/ Masters and Mercenaries Cross Over) by Susan Stoker-Review & Excerpt Tour

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RESCUING SADIE (Delta Force Heroes 7.5 / Masters and Mercenaries Cross Over) by Susan Stoker-Review and Excerpt Tour

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

About the book: Release Date April 10, 2018

Sadie Jennings was used to being protected. As the niece of Sean Taggart, and the receptionist at McKay-Taggart Group, she was constantly surrounded by Alpha men more than capable, and willing, to lay down their life for her. But when she learns about a friend in trouble, she doesn’t hesitate to leave town without a word to her uncle to help. After several harrowing weeks, her friend is now safe, but the repercussions of her rash act linger on.

Chase Jackson, no stranger to dangerous situations as a captain in the US Army, has volunteered himself as Sadie’s bodyguard. He fell head over heels for the beautiful woman the first time he laid eyes on her. With a Delta Force team at his back, he reassures the Taggart’s that Sadie will be safe. But when her past catches up with her, Chase has to use everything he’s learned over his career to keep his promise…and to keep Sadie alive long enough to officially make her his.

••••••••

REVIEW: RESCUING SADIE is instalment 7.5 in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult DELTA FORCE HEROES romantic, suspense series, and crosses over with Lexi Blake’s Master and Mercenaries series. RESCUING SADIE is also part of the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights anthology series. This is twenty-seven year old US Army captain Chase Jackson, and twenty-five year old McKay-Taggart receptionist Sadie Jenning’s story line. We were first introduced to Sadie and Chase in Justice for Milena (Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes by Susan Stoker). Sadie is Sean Taggart’s niece-Ian and Sean Taggart can be found in Lexi Blake’s Masters and Mercenaries series.

SOME BACKGROUND: Working at the Bexar County School and Orphanage for Girls, Milena Reinhardt (Justice for Milena) and Sadie Jennings found themselves captive and imprisoned by proprietors Jeremiah and Jonathan Jones- a father and son duo, pedophiles h*ll bent on spawning their own harem of useful children. Milena and Sadie were rescued but Jeremiah and Jonathan escaped into the unknown.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Sadie and Chase) RESCUING SADIE focuses on the continuing protection of Sadie Jennings-a young woman who is being stalked by a sexual deviant. Sadie, the niece of security specialist Sean Taggart, is taken into protective custody where her safety and security is overseen by former members of the US military. Enter US Army Captain Chase Jackson, and the man with whom Sadie will fall in love. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Chase and Sadie, and struggle to stay one step ahead of a psychopath determined to make Sadie his own.

RESCUING SADIE is an action-packed, edgy, suspenseful and energetic story as Sadie’s safety and lives of the men and women of the Delta Force heroes are threatened by a sadistic mind. Jonathan Jones is desperate to reacquire Sadie for his twisted plans, and will stop at nothing to reclaim Sadie as his own.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including a number of previous story line couples introduced in the authors Delta Force Heroes including Fletcher, Emily and their precocious daughter Annie. Chase Jackson will soon discover that he is no longer the lone survivor of a mission that went all to h*ll; and Fletcher’s compound is not as secure as he had hoped it to be.

The relationship between Chase and Sadie is one of immediate attraction. Chase knows Sadie is his happily ever after, and claims ‘ownership’ of the woman within days of her rescue but Sadie refuses to become of the McKay-Taggart’s overprotected clients. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

RESCUING SADIE is a quick read; a novella length story line that sees another Delta Force Hero rescuing the woman that he loves. The premise is thrilling and engaging; the romance is intimate; the characters are spirited, sassy and animated.

Copy supplied for review

Revewied by Sandy

Sadie faced the man in front of her without trepidation.
Sean Taggart might know twenty ways to kill without making a sound thanks to his time as a Green Beret, but to her, he was just Uncle Sean. She’d only known him for six years, ever since Aunt Grace got married, but he’d always supported her no matter what she wanted to do and treated her and her aunt Grace like princesses.
Not this time.
“Uncle Sean, this is ridiculous.”
Sean crossed his arms, giving her what she knew was his “displeased” face. Brows drawn, lips pressed together, eyes narrowed. “It’s not and you know it.”
“Why can’t I just go back up to Dallas with you?”
Her uncle sighed. They’d been over this before, but Sadie couldn’t let it go.
“Because Jonathan is still missing. Captain Jackson said he’d continue to look after you until he’s caught.”
Sadie shook her head. “But if I came home, you could keep me safe.”
Sean looked down at her with love in his eyes. His voice gentled. “I could, you’re right. But I think we both know that you wouldn’t like my kind of protection. Or Ian’s. Or anyone else we could find.”
She knew what he meant without him coming right out and saying it. Sean was overprotective. As was Ian, and probably most of the other men who worked for McKay-Taggart. She could handle their overprotectiveness and bossiness…but only to a point. If she had to endure it twenty-four seven, it could damage their relationship. And that was the last thing she wanted.
“I can go stay with Milena’s parents again,” Sadie volunteered almost desperately. Maybe she’d even make it in time for Milena’s surprise engagement party. She might not want to become one of McKay-Taggart’s overprotected clients, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to be in close quarters with Chase Jackson anymore either.
From the second she’d laid eyes on the man, she’d wanted him. It was as if her body had said, This is it. This is the man I want.
Unfortunately, he’d been in the middle of rescuing her from a crazed, perverted pedophile at the time, and now she was afraid he felt responsible for her, rather than wanting her back.

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives, but this all-American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She’s married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.

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Until There Was Us by Samantha Chase: Pre -Order Promotion, Excerpt and Giveaway

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UNTIL THERE WAS US by Samantha Chase: Pre-Order Promotion Excerpt  and Giveaway

For a limited time Pre-Order UNTIL THERE WAS US (The Montgomery Brothers #7) by Samantha Chase for only $5.99

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

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

KOBO links to come

Release Date: May 1, 2018

Megan Montgomery has always been the careful type. Except…one time at her cousin’s wedding when she threw caution to the wind and had the steamiest hook-up of her life. But that was two years ago— why can’t she stop thinking about it? So when Megan accepts a job at her cousin’s company, she does everything she can to avoid Alex—knowing he’ll shake up her carefully crafted world.

Alex Rebat’s been living a good life. He loves his career and friends, but like Megan, hasn’t been able to stop thinking about their passionate encounter. And once Megan moves to town, Alex makes it his personal goal to show her that maybe it’s time to start taking a few more risks…

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Fifteen minutes later, Megan felt like a wet noodle as she slid into Gabriella’s car. They’d already called in the massive dinner order, and really, all Megan needed to do was hold the box in her lap until they got to Summer’s. There were worse ways to spend her time.
Once they arrived, Megan was surprised to see that the guys were there already. Zach came out to greet Gabriella, and Alex came out to take the food. When Megan didn’t immediately move to get out of the car, Alex looked at her curiously.
“You okay?” he asked. “Shopping wear you out?”
She laughed softly. “You have no idea. Those two are lethal.”
Zach and Gabriella had already walked into the house when Ethan came out. “Everything okay?”
Alex handed him the box of food with a laugh of his own. “It seems like shopping took a little more out of her than she expected.”
For a minute Megan considered arguing that he didn’t need to talk about her like she wasn’t there, but she was too tired to.
“I can believe it,” Ethan said. “Next time, pace yourself. Summer and Gabriella are like Olympic medalists where shopping and girls’ days are concerned.” With a smile and a quick wave, he was gone.
Alex crouched next to the open car door. “You gonna make it?” he teased.
With her eyes closed, Megan couldn’t help but smile. “Go. Eat Chinese food. Save yourself. Just leave me here to sleep for a day or two.”
“No can do,” he said softly. “If you don’t join everyone inside for dinner, I’ll have to carry you in.”
Turning her head to the side, she opened her eyes and looked at him.
And almost forgot how to breathe.
Damn, why did he have to be so attractive? Here he was after moving furniture and painting all day, and he looked too good for words. She struggled to keep from leaning forward and tasting him. Her mind had to be playing tricks on her because Megan was fairly certain her memory of how Alex tasted and kissed was being overexaggerated.
He leaned in closer—or maybe she was the one who moved. Either way, they were a heck of a lot closer than they had been a minute ago.
Maybe it was the fact that she was feeling extremely mellow or maybe it was the fact that he was too damn tempting to resist. All Megan wanted was to know whether her mind had been playing tricks on her.
Alex whispered her name as he gently pressed his lips to hers.
Oh…
One of Alex’s hands came up and cupped her cheek, and his touch was both arousing and familiar. Megan mimicked his move and marveled in the scratchiness of his jaw, the warmth of his skin. She sighed and moved a little closer, and the kiss went from chaste to inquisitive to a full onslaught in the blink of an eye. She wanted to pull him into the car or have him pull her out onto the driveway so she could feel more of him, but for now, this would have to do—the taste of him and being consumed by him.
No, her mind hadn’t been playing games with her.
There had been no exaggeration.
Alex Rebat was sexy and sensual and completely lethal.
She pulled back because she couldn’t breathe, but Alex’s hand stayed where it was, gently caressing her skin. Megan leaned into it as she tried to catch her breath.
“It’s still there,” he whispered.
Her eyes drifted closed even as she nodded in agreement because she knew exactly what he was talking about.
“I know now isn’t the time, but—”
“Did she fall asleep out there?” Gabriella called out from the doorway with a small laugh. “Come on, Megan! The food’s getting cold!”
Alex stood and held out a hand to Megan. She accepted it and had to bite her tongue to keep from groaning at how good it felt to touch him. He gently tugged her to her feet, and for a brief moment, she was pressed up against him. Slowly she looked up at him and saw the same emotion on his face she knew was on hers.
Desire.
Plain and simple.
It would be so easy right now to reach up, wrap her arms around him, and pull him in for another kiss. As if reading her mind, Alex released her hand and said, “C’mon. Let’s go have some dinner.”
Mutely, she nodded, and they walked side by side into the house.

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Samantha ChaseNew York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

 

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in NorthCarolina.

Samantha Chase is graciously offering a SIGNED paper copy of I’LL BE THERE (Montgomery Brothers #6) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

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

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

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4. Please follow Samantha Chase on TWITTER

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

6. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway is open to  USA and CANADA only

8. Giveaway runs from April 9 – April 14, 2018

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Welcome to Sugarville by J. J. Haas-a review

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WELCOME TO SUGARVILLE by J. J. Haas-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 9, 2018

Welcome to Sugarville, a town where fantasy meets reality and visitors take journeys of the imagination into the unknown. J.J. Haas stuns and delights with this engaging collection of linked stories.

•••••••••

REVIEW: WELCOME TO SUGARVILLE by . J. J. Haas (aka Jeff Haas) is a collection of short stories focusing on the town and inhabitants of Sugarville, a city located in the Gwinett County in the northeast suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia.

Approximately one hundred and eighty years earlier the US Army massacred six hundred Creek Indians in the area now known as Sugarville, Georgia. Fast forward to present day wherein a series of supernatural phenomenon, and strange occurrences befall the residents of the sleepy town, occurrences that place the people in a ‘twilight zone’ not of their making.

J. J . Haas blends the past with the present, the supernatural with the mundane, Christianity and spirituality with the non-believers, all of whom struggle in their every day lives. A series of interconnected short stories, focusing on the citizens of a town cursed by the past, a past that refuses to forgive or forget.

WELCOME TO SUGARVILLE is an intriguing fusion of mystery, thriller, vengeance and the supernatural .

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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J. J. Haas has published fiction and poetry in a wide variety of magazines such as Shenandoah, Rattle, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Asimov’s Science Fiction, Baen’s Universe, and Writer’s Digest. He is a Senior Content Developer at ADP and a Fellow of the Society for Technical Communication, and he has been an Instructor in the Creative Writing Certificate Program at Emory Continuing Education. Haas is a graduate of the College of the University of Chicago in English Language and Literature and is the current President of the Alumni Club of Atlanta. He lives in a suburb of Atlanta with his wife Melissa and two Westies, Roro and Coco.

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Rebel Heir (Rush #1) by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward-Review Tour

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REBEL HEIR (The Rush Series #1) by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 9, 2018

How to kick off a great summer in the Hamptons:

Snag a gorgeous rental on the beach. Check.

Get a job at a trendy summer haunt. Check.

How to screw up a great summer in the Hamptons:

Fall for the one guy with a dark leather jacket, scruff on his face, and intense eyes that doesn’t fit in with the rest of the tony looking crowd. A guy you can’t have when you’ll be leaving at the end of the season.

Check. Check. Check.

I should add—especially when the guy is your sexy, tattooed God of a boss.

Especially when he not only owns your place of employment but inherited half of the town.

Especially when he’s mean to you.

Or so I thought.

Until one night when he demanded I get in his car so he could drive me home because he didn’t want me walking in the dark.

That was sort of how it all started with Rush.

And then little by little, some of the walls of this hardass man started to come down.

I never expected that the two of us, seemingly opposites from the outside, would grow so close.

I wasn’t supposed to fall for the rebel heir, especially when he made it clear he didn’t want to cross the line with me.

As the temperature turned cooler, the nights became hotter. My summer became a lot more interesting—and complicated.

All good things must come to an end, right?

Except our ending was one I didn’t see coming.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: REBEL HEIR is the first instalment in the contemporary adult THE RUSH SERIES erotic, romance duology co-authored by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. This is bar owner and businessman Heathcliff ‘Rush’ Rushmore, and romance author/bar hostess Gia Mirabelli’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Rush and Gia) REBEL HEIR follows the forbidden relationship between twenty-nine year old heir and business owner Heathcliff ‘Rush’ Rushmore, and wanna-be romance author / bar hostess Gia Mirabelli. Trying to help out a friend Gia finds herself hopelessly out of her element behind the bar at The Heights, a busy and popular hot spot. But all does not go according to plans when the hot, tattooed and sexy owner discovers Gia is working under false pretenses. Enter bar owner Rush, and the man with whom Gia will fall in love. What ensues is the slow building, relationship between Gia and Rush, and the potential fall-out as Rush refuses to get involved with one of his employees, and Gia’s recent past makes an unexpected and shocking appearance.

Gia Mirabelli is a no-nonsense kinda girl who speaks her mind and goes for what she wants, and Gia wants her new employer Rush, but Rush has a no-dating policy where it concerns…everyone. A one-night stand kinda guy, Rush’s attraction to Gia is palpable but he refuses to give in to his heart’s demands. As Rush struggles with his desire for Gia, the ongoing battles with his extended family begin to encroach on his beliefs and ideals.

The relationship between Gia and Rush is one of immediate attraction but Rush refuses to act on his attraction believing he is incapable of love or any kind of permanent commitment. Gia has been burned by her most recent one-night stand, a memory that continues to haunt our heroine to this very day. The $ex scenes are limited but sexual play is abundant and intense. I will add that the use of a certain four-letter word, I find vulgar, is quite pervasive- the heroine also comments on her dislike of the word.

The secondary and supporting characters are colorful and energetic. We are introduced to Gia’s roommate and best friend Riley; her father NYPD police officer tony Mirabelli ; Rush’s half-brother Elliot, and his father Gerald Horvath; and his mother Melody Rushmore.

REBEL HEIR is a heart breaking and animated story line with strong characters. The premise is powerful and engrossing; the characters are spirited and realistic; the romance is sassy, sexy and captivating. There are moments of revelation and inspiration; family and pain; romance and love. REBEL HEIR ends on a cliffhanger-you have been warned!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family-friendly career. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 11-year-old girl with autism and a 9-year-old boy. Penelope and her family reside in Rhode Island.

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••••••••

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is an attorney and a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today Best Selling author. Over the last three years, ten of her titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestseller lists and three on the New York Times Bestseller lists.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Pinterest

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The Dandelion by Michelle Leighton-a review

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THE DANDELION by Michelle Leighton-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 8, 2018

At thirty-five, Abigail Simmons has mastered only one thing—running. When tragedy strikes, she runs. This time her urge to flee brings Abi back to her hometown, where she hopes she can find the peace she’s always searched for. That hope is dashed when Abi’s ex, Sam Forrester, bumps his way back into her life.

Sam has flourished in ways Abi hasn’t. From the outside, he has it all—a successful medical practice, a beautiful daughter, and a charming wife.

Who is dying.

Sara Forrester is dying and her final wish is for Sam to find love again so she can meet the woman who will finish raising her daughter and grow old with her husband. Abi seems like the perfect fit, but what Sara doesn’t know is that Abi has a secret, a secret no one could guess.

And it’s a deal breaker.

••••••••

REVIEW: THE DANDELION by Michelle Leighton is a contemporary, adult, stand alone, second chance romance story line focusing on thirty-five year Abigail Simmons, and Dr. Sam Forrester, Abi’s childhood sweetheart, and the man with whom she is still in love.

Told form dual first person perspectives (Abi and Sam) using present day and memories from the past THE DANDELION is a heart breaking, tear jerker focusing on former childhood and high school sweethearts Abigail Simmons and Sam Forrester. Close to twenty years earlier Abi and her mother abruptly left the quiet, seaside town of Molly’s Knob, South Carolina for places unknown, a move that broke Abigail’s heart and the young man with whom she had fallen in love. Fast forward to present day wherein Abi returns to Molly’s Knob searching for the peace she longs to remember. Enter Sam Forrester, physician, father and husband, and the man who needs something from Abi she painfully offers. What ensues is the rekindling friendship between Abi and Sam, and the fall-out as the time draws closer to bury the present, and move on from the past.

THE DANDELION is a story of two women, one man, and one small child whose lives are about to change in the blink of an eye. Sam’s wife Sara is dying, and her only hope is for her husband to find someone to love-enter Abigail Simmons, Sam’s former love, and the woman Sara knows to be the one. As Abi slowly falls in love with Sara and her daughter Noelle, Abi keeps secret the reason she has returned to Molly’s Knob, a secret that is about to destroy Sam, a second time around.

Michelle Leighton writes an emotional, passionate and profound tale focusing on the painful truth surrounding death and dying, family and friendship, pain and suffering, enduring love, selflessness and second chances. The premise is wondrous and moving; the characters are impassioned and inspiring; the romance is gentle and tender-there is NO cheating or infidelity-Sam is faithful until the end.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, M. Leighton, is a native of Ohio. She relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: literary fiction. Having written over a dozen novels, these days Michelle enjoys letting her mind wander to more romantic settings with sexy Southern guys, much like the one she married and the ones you’ll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren’t roaming in that direction, she’ll be riding wild horses, skiing the slopes of Aspen or scuba diving with a hot rock star, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.

About Michelle: I love coffee and chocolate, even more so when they are combined. I’m convinced that one day they could be the basis for world peace. I also love the color red and am seriously considering dying my hair.

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