Monthly Archives: June 2018

Brothers United (Bratva Blood Brothers #6) by K.J. Dahlen-a review

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BROTHERS UNITED (Bratva Blood Brothers #6) by KJ Dahlen-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 30, 2018

Roman
I’ll burn in hell before I let her go. But can a man have it all? The first rule of the streets…protect what’s yours. I made her my own. She made me stronger. Freed me from a haunting past. It’s more than a love affair. It’s an irresistible infatuation. She’s lived a life of fear, abuse, and distrust. I promised her I’d change all of that. I promised I’d never hurt her. I was sure of it. Until I’m faced with my distant past. A shocking reunion could corrode everything. Men I’d lost a lifetime ago vs. the woman that’s my future. Again, I’m faced with my past. Again, she’s faced with impending danger. I can’t lose her, not now. But, with more than just herself to think about, will she trust me enough to stick around?

Stevie
My secret could make us or destroy us. He’s the man who touched my unreachable heart. But, life’s taught me you can’t fully trust anyone. I’ve never known the meaning of ‘family’. My head says I can’t rely on nobody. My heart knows he’s special. Finally, I feel safe. Loved. Now, every cell in my body tells me to run. My own problems are knocking at the front door. Dark, threatening forces are closing in. I’d rather flee than see him dead on the streets. An unknown killer wants my blood. I’ve a brother and an unborn child to protect. Yet, I stay. Much to his estranged father’s displeasure. Can I fight for love and survival and win both battles?

••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: BROTHERS UNITED is the sixth instalment in KJ Dahlen’s contemporary, adult BRATVA BLOOD BROTHERS Russian, mafia romance series. This is forty-year old warehouse owner Roman Salizar, and Stephanie ‘Stevie’ Angelica Grace’s continuing story. BROTHERS UNITED should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately upon the events of book five ROMAN.

SOME BACKGROUND : Five young boys and childhood friends (Yuri, Sazon, Barshan, Mikial and Roman) survived the mean-streets of Russia only to be rescued and reared by a local gym owner Ivan Russo, who would meet his death by a local gang. Seeking revenge against the gang, local Russian Bratva member and soon to be New York Russian mafia leader Nikoli Silvanic would mentor the five young men until they were ready to take on the world, with the approval of Russian Bratva leader Sergi Constantine. When the time came Nikoli Silvanic would take over the New York territory, while the five ‘blood brothers’ would take over New Orleans. These are their stories.

Told from several third person points of view including Stevie and Roman BROTHERS UNITED focuses on the search for a killer. Stevie Grace has stolen some important information to be used in the upcoming trial of the man who destroyed her life. As the date draws nearer several attempts against her life find Stevie considering her options including protecting the man with whom she has fallen in love by running at the first available opportunity. But life has changed, and Stevie’s future is about to take a dramatic turn, leaving our heroine under the protective custody of the Bratva Blood Brothers. As the Brothers call in favors from the Devils Advocate MC, another surprise from the past reveals itself to Roman Salizar. What ensues is the hunt for a killer, and the potential fall-out as Roman must face his past, a past he has no desire to revisit or remember.

BROTHERS UNITED follows several paths that interconnect with the threats against Stevie’s life. From hired assassins and killers, pedophiles and perverts, dirty lawyers, connected MCs, and the Russian and Romanian mobs, BROTHERS UNITED is an ensemble story line that focuses on the friendships and family of five young boys, now strong and powerful men, who had banded together in an effort to survive. A story of suspense, intrigue, power and love, BROTHERS UNITED proves that sometimes the bonds formed by love are stronger than those formed by blood.

But…once again, I did have a few issues with the numerous spelling and grammar errors that should have been caught before publication. There is no excuse for the lack of proof-reading or lack of professional editing -every book in the series is laced with errors (spelling, missing letters, possessive errors etc).

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Yuri
Mikial
Barshan
Sazon
Roman
Brothers United

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

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Vampire’s Faith (Dark Protectors #8) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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VAMPIRE’S FAITH (Dark Protectors #8) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 19, 2018

Vampire King Ronan Kayrs wasn’t supposed to survive the savage sacrifice he willingly endured to rid the world of the ultimate evil. He wasn’t supposed to emerge in this time and place, and he sure as hell wasn’t supposed to finally touch the woman who’s haunted his dreams for centuries. Yet here he is, in an era where vampires are hidden, the enemy has grown stronger, and his mate has no idea of the power she holds.

Dr. Faith Cooper is flummoxed by irrefutable proof that not only do vampires exist . . . they’re hot blooded, able to walk in sunlight, and shockingly sexy. Faith has always depended on science, but the restlessness she feels around this predatory male defies reason. Especially when it grows into a hunger only he can satisfy—that is if they can survive the evil hunting them both.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: VAMPIRE’S FAITH is the eighth instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult DARK PROTECTORS paranormal/fantasy romance series. This is Vampire King Ronan Kayrs aka The Butcher, and Dr. Faith Cooper’s story line. VAMPIRE’S FAITH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. VAMPIRE’S FAITH is the introductory story line to the author’s new arc in the Dark Protectors series.

SOME BACKGROUND: A thousand years earlier, a number of immortal warriors went through a ritual that, if they survived, hardened their bodies against attack, a ritual meant to create a group of Seven known as The Shield. The Shield was created to protect the world from an evil race of vampires known as the Kurjans, their sect group known as the Cysts, and ultimately a rogue warrior once considered a friend- Ulric-a male of immense power. To protect the human race, Ulric was captured, and along with two of the Seven, was encapsulated in one of three spheres for all eternity.

Told from several third person perspectives including Ronan and Faith VAMPIRE’S FAITH follows Ronan Kayrs, half-vampire, half-demon, as he struggles to make sense of the new world order. Four hundred years earlier, Ronan Kayrs volunteered to guard one of the spheres but Ronan’s sphere shattered seven years ago, and ever since, has remained in a coma until the arrival of the woman with whom he would fall in love. With one sphere shattered, and no apparent way to connect with the other, Ronan wakes in a present day hospital only to be tended by the woman he believes to be his mate. Enter Dr. Faith Cooper, a strong-willed, independent feisty physician who specializes in comas and head injuries, and a woman determined to protect her younger sister Grace, whose own comatose status is quickly deteriorating. What ensues is the slow building and acrimonious relationship and romance between Faith and Ronan, as Ronan and the surviving members of the Seven come face to face with an enemy from the past. A search for the legendary Lock (the first female vampire in existence), and the three Keys (marked human females with enhanced blood) is a search that has some interesting results.

VAMPIRE’S FAITH is a complex, detailed and energetic story line with an alpha hero, and stubborn heroine whose choices and actions threaten everyone involved. At times, Dr. Faith Cooper is a little TSTL (too stupid to live) in that she refuses to accept that their safety is threatened, yet constantly going against orders continues to prove otherwise. Faith is determined to save the life, at all costs, of the sister she loves but in doing so continues brings the enemy to the front door. Ronan Kayrs knows that he and his fellow surviving Seven have been targeted by the Kurjans and Cysts; protecting his mate is paramount but his ability to protect goes only as far as his mate’s obedience as it pertains to her own life.

There is a very large ensemble cast of colorful and dynamic secondary and supporting characters including the cross-over from the previous series arc of Logan Kyllwood, Garrett Kayrs, and seven year old Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood. We are introduced to Ronan’s fellow Shield brothers: Benjamin Reese, Ivar Kjeidsen, and Scotsman Adare who, himself has been MIA for close to four hundred years. The requisite evil has many faces.

VAMPIRE’S FAITH brings together some of the familiar faces we have learned to love throughout the author’s Dark Protector series. The premise is edgy, intricate and descriptive; the characters are sassy, passionate and inspiring; the romance is seductive and fated. Rebecca Zanetti pens a thrilling and dramatic tale for the paranormal lover in all of us.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy 

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes contemporary romances, dark paranormal romances, and romantic suspense novels.
Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day—or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Amazon * Goodreads

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SWAT Standoff/Stranded With the Detective by Lena Diaz – Reviews

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SWAT Standoff/Stranded With the Detective by Lena Diaz – Reviews

Welcome back to Destiny, Tennessee, and the SWAT team we love so much. Author, Lena Diaz, has been hard at work and is stunning her fans with the last two installments of the series. I’ve had the good fortune to receive ARCs and I will give you brief glimpses into what can only be described as proud, fitting tributes to a police group of men and women who make reading so worthwhile! 

 

SWAT Standoff
Tennessee SWAT series
by Lena Diaz
Release Date: July 1, 2018

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

 

Description:
A SWAT team vanishes.

Can two partners put aside their differences to save them?

Playing hero backfires on sexy SWAT team member Blake Sullivan. He infuriates his partner, Donna Waters, as much as he attracts her. But before they can resolve their differences, they discover that the rest of their team have been kidnapped by an unknown assailant. Now as they race to rescue the small Tennessee town’s real heroes, they share a growing mutual trust…and a hot, life-changing connection.

Review:

Blake, the newbie of the team, and his already-earned -her-respect partner, Donna, are coming to terms with their working relationship. Blake hasn’t yet fit in, but it’s not for lack of trying; Blake’s gut is the only logic he trusts. That mentality doesn’t sit well with their leader.

    “He’d really never accepted the blame for how things were going, always thinking it was everyone else’s fault that they refused to accept an outsider. The truth, as with most things, was probably somewhere in the middle.”

When ALL of our heroes are fiendishly ensnared, it seems Donna and Blake are in charge of rescuing their teammates/friends/family. I never saw this coming, but I am here for it! While the Destiny police and SWAT force are a formidable unit, when the core members vanish without a trace, it’s up to Donna and Blake to save their group AND uncover who’s behind the diabolical plan. If this type of investigation doesn’t solidify their bond, they might as well seek employment elsewhere.

The research and effort of such a case requires the “big guns” of the FBI, who is accustomed to ransom negotiations, but things quickly turn south. Before long, Donna and Blake are the only ones who remain stalwart to the goal of recovering their unit intact. The combined dedication allows Donna and Blake to reveal themselves in a bolder light and shed those insecurities that kept them at arm’s length. It was gratifying to see them so at ease with one another; to finally share more intimate feelings. Lena Diaz thrives in love story telling. You will undoubtedly be swept up in the romance.

SWAT Standoff is a joyful finale to a thrilling series full of memorable characters. Lena Diaz is a solid choice for action-packed, gritty, crime solving stories, lovingly entwined in all things sexy and swoon-worthy. It’s no easy feat, but she’s made her mark.

 

 

Stranded with the Detective
Tennessee SWAT series
by Lena Diaz
Release Date: June 1, 2018

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

Description:
A routine investigation turns deadly

Now they’re running for survival

SWAT officer Colby Vale and horse rancher Piper Caraway are left to die in the remote wilderness of the Blue Ridge Mountains. But for Colby, death is not an option. He vows to protect Piper as they navigate the treacherous way home. Surviving against nature is difficult. Fighting their attraction is harder. But when their tormentor makes his move…living to tell their tale may be impossible.

 

Review:

    “He’s not your horse. You tricked Billy. He knows how important Gladiator is to the future of my business. He’s the last horse I’d sell, no matter how hard times get.”

     “Are times hard right now?” Colby watched her closely. A light flush colored her cheeks.

     “We’ve had a few…problems lately. Nothing we can’t weather. But they’ve taken their toll. That’s why I was out of town when Gladiator was stolen.”

Piper insists she was wronged, and her horse swindled. Colby happened upon the fracas, but his immediate liking to Piper convinced him to be extra vigilant. He’ll help Piper reclaim her animal in every way legally possible.

When Piper and Colby are kidnapped and left for dead, it’s got to be something serious to be discarded deep in the grueling conditions of the Appalachian mountains, Colby’s detective brain goes into action. Despite the frostbite threatening his wellbeing, he starts building a case; certain that he’ll see the perpetrator in prison.

Is it a grudge against Piper, a disgruntled employee or neighbor, a jealous stalker? Lena Diaz writes a terrific whodunit, within a love story, that keeps you guessing and rooting for Colby and Piper. You’ll revisit with former characters who serve to enhance the investigation and deliver the camaraderie that keeps them so loyal. You’ll wish YOU could be Stranded with the Detective, too!

Reviews by Carmen

Copies supplied for review

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Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Six months after Lanie Jacobs’ husband’s death, it’s hard to imagine anything could deepen her sense of pain and loss. But then Lanie discovers she isn’t the only one grieving his sudden passing. A serial adulterer, he left behind several other women who, like Lanie, each believe she was his legally wedded wife. 

Rocked by the infidelity, Lanie is left to grapple with searing questions. How could she be so wrong about a man she thought she knew better than anyone? Will she ever be able to trust another person?  Can she even trust herself?

Desperate to make a fresh start, Lanie impulsively takes a job at the family-run Capriotti Winery. At first, she feels like an outsider among the boisterous Capriottis. With no real family of her own, she’s bewildered by how quickly they all take her under their wing and make her feel like she belongs. Especially Mark Capriotti, a gruffly handsome Air Force veteran turned deputy sheriff who manages to wind his way into Lanie’s cold, broken heart—along with the rest of the clan.

Everything is finally going well for her, but the arrival of River Brown changes all that. The fresh-faced twenty-one-year old seems as sweet as they come…until her dark secrets come to light—secrets that could destroy the new life Lanie’s only just begun to build.

Review:

Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis is the second book in her wonderful Wildstone series.    I know when I read a book by Jill Shalvis, I will enjoy every moment of it.  Rainy Days Friends was so good, I have to say perhaps this is my favorite book by Shalvis.

Lanie Jacobs, our heroine, arrives in Wildstone to take a temporary job as a graphic designer at Capriotti Winery.   Lanie is trying to recover first from her husband’s death 6 months ago, and then upon learning that he also had multiple wives (though she is the legitimate heir).   When Lanie arrives at the winery, she automatically meets all the members of the Capriotti family, who are gathered for their daily lunch break.  She is shocked to see how they all welcome her, and how boisterous they all are, which is different than the life she has led, especially having built walls around herself to protect her from being hurt again.  But Lanie quickly begins to enjoy her job, and being around this wonderful family. 

Mark Capriotti, is the town deputy sheriff, and a former marine, who came home to take care of his two young girls, who were abandoned by his then wife.  Mark loves his girls, and wants only to devote his life to them and his family, not planning on allowing another woman into his life.  Mark finds himself attracted to Lanie, but she is very cold and distant to him, which makes him even more curious as to why she shuts herself off.  

Slowly Lanie will begin to settle in, becoming comfortable with the entire Capriotti clan, including helping Mark with the two girls. Though she feels unlovable, she begins to feel her attraction to Mark growing, and soon an affair will start.  They were a sizzling couple that had us rooting hard for them, though Lanie still had her walls and Mark did not plan on falling in love.  Best laid plans do not always work out.  J

Enter River Brown, a young pregnant girl, who secretly was trying to find Lanie.  River was one of the wives, and was in desperate shape financially.  She keeps the secret when she meets Lanie, and likes her, and takes a job at the winery, since the Capriotti family is simply awesome.  Lanie will help River and in a short time they become friends, until River ends up telling her the truth.  Then all hell breaks loose as the secret is exposed, and the Capriotti’s (and Mark) learn the truth about Lanie’s husband.  Though everyone sympathizes with her, Lanie is ashamed and distances herself, pushing to leave her job sooner than planned, even though she knows she is falling in love with Mark.

What follows is a heartwarming story that pulls on your emotions throughout.   Though she still plans to leave the winery, it is River’s birth and sickness that will bring Lanie and River trying to mend bad feelings.   I loved Lanie, especially how she was with the two little girls, but at times I wanted to smack her, when she tried to say she wasn’t worthy of Mark.  Mark was a great father, as well as being a hot hunk, and he fell hard for Lanie.  Will he be able to convince Lanie to stay?

The best thing about Rainy Day Friends was all and I mean all the characters in this book were simply fantastic.   I loved all of them, as the Capriotti family was so was so much fun and loving.   I could not get enough of this family, and hope Shalvis continues her Wildstone family with more about the Capriottis. 

Rainy Day Friends was a fantastic story surrounding two broken women brought together by betrayal, but most of all it is a wonderful heartwarming story of love, forgiveness, moving on and family.  Jill Shalvis once again gives us a fabulous story, with a sensational cast of characters.  The Capriotti family was so awesome, I look forward to seeing more of them in future books. If you love pure romance, family oriented, than look no further than the master, Jill Shalvis and Rainy Day Friends.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

Anxiety Girl, able to jump to the worst conclusion in a single bound!

Most of the time Karma was a bitch, but every once in awhile she could be surprisingly nice, even kind. Lanie Jacobs, way past overdue for both of those things, told herself this was her time. Seize the day and all that, and drawing a deep breath, she exited the highway at Wildstone.
The old wild-west California town was nestled in the rolling hills between the Pacific Coast and wine/ranching country. She’d actually grown up not too far from here, though it felt like a lifetime ago. The road was narrow and curvy, and since it’d rained earlier, she added tricky and slick to her growing list of issues. She was already white-knuckling a sharp turn when a kamikaze squirrel darted into her lane, causing her to nearly swerve into oncoming traffic before remembering the rules of country driving.
Never leave your lane; not for weather, animals, or even God himself.
Luckily the squirrel reversed direction, but before she could relax a trio of deer bounded across the road. “Run, Bambi,” she cried, hitting her brakes, and by the skin of their collective teeth, they all missed each other.
Sweating, nerves sizzling like live wires, she finally turned onto Capriotti Lane and parked as she’d been instructed.
It took a moment for her pulse to come down from stroke level. She’d been taught anti-anxiety techniques, but she’d never quite figured out how to make any of them work while in the actual throes of an anxiety attack.
It’s all good she told herself but because she wasn’t buying what she was selling, she had to force herself out of the car like she was a five year old starting kindergarten instead of being thirty and simply facing a brand new job. Given all she’d been through, this should be easy, even fun. But sometimes adulthood felt like the vet’s office and she was the dog excited for the car ride — only to find out the real destination.
Shaking her head, she strode across the parking lot. It was April, which meant the rolling hills to the east were green and lush and the Pacific Ocean to the west looked like a surfer’s dream, all of it so gorgeous it could’ve been a postcard. A beautiful smoke screen over her not-so-beautiful past. The air was scented like a really expensive sea-and-earth candle, though all Lanie could smell was her forgotten hopes and dreams. With wood chips crunching under her shoes, she headed through the entrance beneath which was a huge wooden sign that read:

Capriotti Winery, from our fields to your table…

Her heart sped up. Nerves, of course, the bane of her existence. But after a very crappy few years, she was changing her path. For once in her godforsaken life, something was going to work out for her. This was going to work out for her.

She was grimly determined.


 

 


New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website, www.jillshalvis.com, for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

Connect with Jill

Website: http://jillshalvis.com/

Facebook: @JillShalvis

Twitter: @JillShalvis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillshalvis/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jillshalvis/

Tumblr: http://jillshalvis.tumblr.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22370.Jill_Shalvis?from_search=true

 

Jill’s publisher is offering an paper copy of RAINY DAY FRIENDS to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

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

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

3. Please follow Jill Shalvis on Facebook.

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Giveaway open to USA/Canada only

8. Giveaway runs from June 18 to 22, 2018

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Damage Control (Laws of Attraction #1) by Kate McMurray-a review

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DAMAGE CONTROL (Laws of Attraction #1) by Kate McMurray-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 18, 2018

Senate candidate Parker Livingston chose his political dreams over a future with the man he loved. He lives with constant regret about not having Jackson Kane in his life. Or his bed. And when a strange woman is found murdered in Parker’s apartment, Jackson is the only person Parker trusts to help clear his name.

Jackson never forgave Parker for the way their relationship ended. He moved on, built a name for himself as a criminal defense attorney and swore he’d never let heartbreak back in. But when Parker shows up on his doorstep, wild-eyed and handsome and desperate for his help, Jackson can’t say no. Parker is a lot of things, but he’s no murderer.

Forced back together, searching for answers, their attraction returns with a vengeance. Any distraction—personal or professional—could be deadly. The murderer is still at large, and he’s made it clear one of them is his next victim.

••••••••••

REVIEW: DAMAGE CONTROL is the first instalment in Kate McMurray’s contemporary, adult LAWS OF ATTRACTIONS erotic, M/M romance series. This is attorneys Jackson Kane, and senate candidate Parker Livingston’s story line.

NOTE: DAMAGE CONTROL is a M/M romance story line and contains sexual situations that may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jackson and Parker) DAMAGE CONTROL follows the rekindling romance between college sweethearts and attorneys Jackson Kane, and senate candidate Parker Livingston. A young woman was found murdered in Parker Livington’s apartment, and our hero is the prime suspect for all of the apparent reasons. Believing himself targeted for his run for the state Senate, Parker knows of only one attorney he can trust with his life, and his heart. Enter former lover and ex-boyfriend Jackson Kane. What ensues is the focus on the investigation into the woman’s murder, as Jackson and Parker struggle with their on-going attraction and unwavering love for one another.

Five years earlier Parker destroyed Jackson’s life when an opportunity to enter politics meant keeping secret their love and their affair. Eight years together as partner and lovers meant nothing when politics beckoned, and the potential fall-out of their relationship could have damaged Parker’s hopes of a seat in the Senate. Destroyed by the man he loved, Jackson walked away only to be pulled back into the life he had pushed out of his mind.

The relationship between Jackson and Parker is one of broken hearts, and desperate attempts to avoid the elephant in the room. Jackson isn’t willing to place his heart back into the line of fire knowing their attraction to one another continues to burn with the fiercest of needs. Well-to-do, Republican and gay, Parker’s desperate attempts to beg forgiveness is clouded by his race for the state Senate, a race that, once again, threatens the relationship with the man that he loves. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Jackson’s law partner Michael Reed, as well as police detective Gavin Shaw. There may be an understated attraction between Reed and Shaw, an attraction that is hampered by Reed’s marital status to his wife Julie.

DAMAGE CONTROL is a story of regret, broken hearts, friendship, forgiveness and love. The premise is spicy, edgy and riveting but the main focus of the story line remained on the couple in question pushing the murder investigation into the background. The romance is one of second chances; provocative and dramatic; the characters are spirited, realistic and brilliant. Kate McMurray addresses the current wave of political divisiveness including the battle lines drawn for same sex relationships, health care and the faltering economy. DAMAGE CONTROL is an intelligent, passionate and reflective story line.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy 

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Wagering for Miss Blake by Callie Hutton – a Review

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Wagering for Miss Blake by Callie Hutton – a Review

 

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

 

Description:
Mr. Giles Templeton, third son of the Earl of Wexford, is a rake of the highest order and a confirmed bachelor. Yet, marriage-minded-mamas continue to drag their daughters to his attention. He’s everything a young lady of the ton could want—handsome, wealthy, charming, and kind. For Miss Suzanna Blake, though, Giles is missing the one thing her parents require in a potential son-in-law—a title.

Giles has a golden touch—investments, horses, connections but when he falls…hard for Suzanna, she turns him away, despite the passion sparking between them. At wit’s end, Giles wagers her that not only will she marry him but he’ll make her fall in love with him. If Suzanna wins, she gains a sizable fortune for her favorite charity but she faces a loveless marriage to a titled man. Though her heart yearns for a true love-match with Giles, she has never gone against her parent’s wishes. All bets are off when happiness lies in losing a wager.

 

Review:

Book 4 of the Lords and Ladies in Love series, Wagering for Miss Blake, will accelerate your heart rate with a sensual game of cat and mouse, but most importantly, earn high praise for defending the importance of love. Callie Hutton takes the ton to task with the collectiveive, indomitable spirit of Giles and Suzanna.

Giles Templeton’s lack of a title has never been a deterrent; his rakish ways even charming. But it’s the single most vexing, nay, tormenting impediment to winning over Suzanna Blake.

“However, she’d been quite disappointed when he’d been introduced as Mr. Templeton. She sighed inwardly. Mother would never approve, and Father would go along with whatever Mother wanted. And her mother wanted a title for her only daughter. A title.”

So it’s her mother, more accurately.

Giles is the son of an earl, but not the first…with the coveted title. Second place is first loser, if Ricky Bobby were to tell it. Bugger that. Suzanna has been conditioned to attain the elusive title via marriage, but life’s purpose changed upon meeting Giles. If only choices were hers to make!

Suzanna and Giles were enamored from the onset; their conversations captivating and engaging. It really was a harsher, critical time to thrive among the nobility. Any mother would want happiness and true love for her daughter, but the stigma attached, the expectations imposed, are confining and sheltered.

I was impressed by Suzanna’s strength and spine. She thought little of the ton’s amenities and falling in love with Giles steeled her resolve to fight for her future. Giles…swoon-worthy to be sure! A genuine charmer, with a healthy amount of arrogance and confidence, but never a hypocrite nor disingenuous.

“When I want something, I do everything in my power to succeed. Except deceit. I will win you fairly and honorably.”

Will Suzanna sacrifice Giles’s devotion, and her happiness, to appease her mother? Gretna Green sounds far more tantalizing, don’t you agree? I really enjoyed Wagering Miss Blake! Giles was relentless in his pursuit and I loved the progress he made to allay Susanna’s fears, however incrementally. Strides were life-affirming. I found Giles’s bachelor blue blood besties to be just as devil-may-care and I’m certain Ms. Hutton can maintain this high with their HEAs.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Arrogant Thief (Stolen Hearts #8) by Mallory Crowe-a review

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THE ARROGANT THIEF (Stolen Hearts #8) by Mallory Crowe-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 12, 2018

Gage has been expressly forbidden from touching his boss’s sister, Melissa Slade. But when has Gage ever done as he was told?

The arrogant thief always gets what he wants…

•••••

REVIEW: THE ARROGANT THIEF is the eighth (and final) instalment in Mallory Crowe’s contemporary, adult STOLEN HEARTS romantic, suspense series. This is Gage Triton, and Melissa Slade’s story line. THE ARROGANT THIEF can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Melissa is Peter Slade’s sister (The Vengeful Thief #4).

Told from dual third person perspectives (Gage and Melissa) THE ARROGANT THIEF follows the building relationship between professional thief Gage Triton, and Melissa Slade. One of the original ‘bad boys’ from earlier in the series, Gage Triton now works undercover for Hart Securities, and his latest assignment goes all to hell when the woman with whom he is working is abducted and her life is threatened if Gage doesn’t follow along. Enter Melissa Slade, Peter Slade’s sister, and the woman with whom Gage will fall in love. What ensues is the building but tempestuous romance between Gage and Melissa, and the potential fall-out as Gage and Melissa are tasked with destroying a man’s life in order to save the life of our heroine.

THE ARROGANT THIEF focuses on family betrayal, jealousy and revenge. Gage and Melissa are pulled into one woman’s plans to ruin the reputation of someone close. Gage’s personal and professional history straddles a fine line between right and wrong; Melissa is caught in a spider’s web, where her life hangs in the balance if things don’t go according to plans.

The relationship between Gage and Melissa begins as a working relationship but Melissa finds herself attracted to a man whose personal life is a little bit out of control. Having danced around one another for a long period of time, our heroine is embarrassed and ashamed of her feelings for Gage, feelings she believes are not reciprocated. The $ex scenes are limited, intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text but saying that I didn’t feel the connection between our leading couple. Although on the job, Gage’s back and forth, up and down attitude leaves something to be desired.

THE ARROGANT THIEF is an energetic and suspenseful story line with spirited characters and an encouraging romance. Mallory Crowe’s STOLEN HEARTS series is a must read for fans of romance suspense.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Cocky Thief
The Beautiful Thief
The Dangerous Thief
The Reluctant Thief
The Vengeful Thief
The Cunning Thief
The Deadly Thief
The Arrogant Thief

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Don’t Call Me Cupcake (The Holloway Girls #1) by Tara Sheets-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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Don’t Call Me Cupcake (The Holloway Girls #1) by Tara Sheets- Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

DON’T CALL ME CUPCAKE
The Holloway Girls #1
by Tara Sheets
Release Date: April 24, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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Amazon /Amazon.ca / Apple / B&N / Google /Chapters/Indigo / Kobo

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 24, 2018

There’s a very special kind of sweetness to life on Pine Cove Island . . .

Most families have a favorite recipe or two, handed down through generations. The Holloway women are a little different. Emma Holloway, like her grandmother before her, bakes wishes into her delicious cupcakes, granting the recipient comfort, sweet dreams, or any number of good things. It’s a strange gift, but it brings only happiness. Until gorgeous, smooth-talking newcomer Hunter Kane strolls into her shop, Fairy Cakes–and Emma makes the mistake of selling him not one, but three Sweet Success cupcakes.

Hunter, it turns out, is opening a fancy new restaurant and bakery right on the waterfront–Emma’s competition. To make matters worse, the town committee has decided to split the upcoming summer festival contract between the two, forcing Emma to work with her nemesis. But she can’t afford to split her profits. The solution: create a recipe that will make Hunter leave town permanently.

The Holloway charms are powerful. But there are other kinds of magic in the world–like red-hot first kisses, secret glances, and the feeling that comes with falling truly, madly, inconveniently in love .

••••••••••

REVIEW: Emma is struggling to make ends meet. She bakes just a little magic into every cupcake. But she needs just a little magic in her own life…..

Emma has magical powers, she bakes cupcakes that give the person eating it benefits ….. feeling well, successful and sweet dreams, all effects are a positive to the person eating the cupcakes.

But, Emma gives three of her success cupcakes to a man, who she later discovers that he’s going to open a restaurant in competition to her, and that could mean the end of her business…..
After that disastrous meeting, she then finds out that she has to work with him in the preparations for the local summer festival, and she can’t say no as she’s now almost broke!!

Hunter comes to this sleepy little town with nothing more in his mind that setting up a restaurant, and then leaving, but the cute owner of a cupcake business makes him hesitate, he could do with a little distraction and the chemistry is good between them, and she makes amazing cupcakes. What’s the rush ? And after tasting Emma’s cupcakes his interest turns into more ……

With this hanging over her, Emma resorts to magic again !! Emma and her cousin decide to make a cupcake that will hopefully make her competitor leave the area and stay away.

But with bad luck on her side, another charm gets spilt and the attraction between Hunter and Emma grows!!

The author then adds an ex from Emma’s past and a few funny moments with a puppy, who knows where this will lead ?
Will their attachment to each other grow ? Or is it just the “magic” in the cupcake ?

It’s a fun read for an afternoon in the sun, add a cupcake and coffee ?

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B

 

“We should probably get back,” she said quietly.
“Probably.” Hunter didn’t move. He still held the wild rose in one hand, his other hanging loose at his side, fingers
itching to touch her.
She took a shaky breath.
Their eyes locked.
With infinite slowness, he closed the gap between them and reached his arm around her waist, settling his hand on
her lower back. He felt as though he were in a trance, like everything else faded around them and the only thing he
could see clearly was her. She was warm and soft, and touching her felt right. A thrill shot through him when she didn’t resist. He pulled her body flush against his and she exhaled on a tiny sigh.
Emma tilted her head back, her eyes half closed, her breathing shallow. The scent of chocolate and honeysuckle
surrounded him and the urge to taste her was so strong, he almost groaned out loud. The rose fell to the ground, forgotten, as he wrapped both arms around her and lowered his head.
Her eyes fluttered shut.
When he lowered his lips to hers, she grabbed fistfuls of his shirt, pulling him closer. For the briefest, most blissful of
moments she brushed her lips against his. The whisper-soft touch of her mouth on his was intoxicating. He was drowning and he never wanted to come up for air. This was heaven. 


 

Tara Sheets is an award-winning author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. Her debut novel, Don’t Call Me Cupcake, won the 2016 Golden Heart® award sponsored by Romance Writers of America. Tara began her career as an author in the Pacific Northwest, inspired by the rain and the misty mountains and the rivers of Starbucks coffee. She now lives in the warm, wonderful South where she can stand outside with no coat on, and she finds that pretty inspiring too. When not writing, Tara enjoys life with her book-loving family and a book-eating dog named Merlin. 

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Pinterest * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

 

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