Billionaire Biker (Billionaires #23) by Claire Adams-a review

BILLIONAIRE BIKER (Billionaires #23) by Claire Adams-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 15, 2018

I didn’t think much about the photo shoot. Big damn deal. So what, a few models come in, put on some skimpy outfits and plaster themselves over our bikes. If that’s what it takes to sell my motorcycles, I was happy to do it.

Since I’d taken over the company after my father’s death, I owed it to my old man to make sure Stroker Motorcycles continued to grow into a powerhouse. I’d even left the road and my biker lifestyle to honor my father’s last wishes.

Besides, it’s not like a pretty face is enough to turn my head. At least that’s what I thought.

When I saw Cat, everything changed. I’d spent years on the road on my bike. I’d had a lot of one-night stands. I thought I knew what it was to lust after a woman, but with that gray-eyed goddess, just seeing her made me addicted.

Cat was just supposed to be another model. Now I can’t go three seconds without thinking about her.

Oh, one big problem. The woman hates motorcycles. To her, the modeling gig’s just a way to save some money for her kid’s education.

Why do I want a woman who hates everything I am?

•••••••••

REVIEW: BILLIONAIRE BIKER is the twenty third instalment in Claire Adams’ contemporary, adult BILLIONAIRES stand-alone, erotic, romance series. This is thirty-five year old, billionaire businessman biker Drew Stroker, and twenty-seven year old, model/single mother Catherine ‘Cat’ Villiane’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Cat and Drew) BILLIONAIRE BIKER follows the forbidden relationship between thirty-five year old, billionaire businessman biker Drew Stroker, and twenty-seven year old, model/single mother Catherine ‘Cat’ Villiane. Drew’s sister and Director of Operations at Stroker Motorcycles, Daniella Stroker has a terrific idea for their new ad campaign but Drew never expected to meet his future in cover model and single mother Cat Villiane, a woman who calls to his very soul. Drew spent years on the road, riding all over North America, but the sudden death of his father and founder of the family owned billion dollar business found our hero working alongside his sister in an effort to push Stroker to the forefront of the motorcycle industry. Never having considered settling down, Drew is stunned when obstinate and seductive single mother Cat Villiane calls to his heart. What ensues is the building relationship between Cat and Drew, and the potential fall-out as Cat is unable to let go of the past, a past that destroyed her heart, and killed the man she once loved.

Cat Villiane is a single mother who models for a living but struggles in the face of adversity as she endeavors to pay the mounting bills quickly accruing following emergency surgery for her five year old son Jack. Hoping to alleviate some of Cat’s financial struggles, Drew offers up payment while Daniella offers Cat a permanent position at Stroker Motorcyles, a position that now threatens the building relationship between Cat and Drew.

The relationship between Cat and Drew is one of immediate attraction but Cat’s hatred of motorcycles threatens any type of peace and harmony between our leading couple. The continuous back and forth, yin and yang, yes, no, hate and love is an ongoing battle as Cat struggles with her attraction to a man who represents everything she hates about her former life. A double-standard will come into play as Cat battles her need for security, and everything she hates about motorcycles and more. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

We are introduced to Drew’s sister Daniella-a smart, sassy and business savvy woman whose is willing to sabotage her brother’s relationship for her own, and the company’s gain; Cat’s mother Helen, and Cat’s five year old son Jack Villiane.

The world building focuses on the Stroker Motorcycles ventures into the world of movie development, as well as the company’s upcoming ad campaign. The relationship between Drew and Cat struggles with the hardened beliefs and attitude of a woman who lost so much to an horrific accident that claimed the life of the man she once loved.

BILLIONAIRE BIKER is a well-written, fast-paced, energetic and sexy story line. The character driven premise is moving and emotional; the romance is captivating and provocative; the characters are spirited, charismatic and strong.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

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Stygian by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

Stygian by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

 

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Description:
MAJOR SPOILER WARNING-
While the books don’t have to be read in order, if you haven’t read Dragonsworn, this synopsis will contain massive spoilers for DS. We just wanted to warn you!

-MAJOR SPOILER WARNING
Born before man recorded time, I lived for thousands of years, believing myself to be something I’m not.

Someone I’m not.

Lied to and betrayed by gods, Daimons, and Dark-Hunters, I’ve struggled to find my way in a world where I’ve been cursed since the moment a vengeful goddess prematurely ripped me from my mother and planted me into the womb of an innocent woman who thought me her son.

Trained as a slayer and predator, I’ve learned to fit in and stay low. To become a tool for evil. Until I was sent to kill the one woman I couldn’t. My hesitation cost her, her life.

Or so I thought. In an act of betrayal that makes all the others pale in comparison, I’ve learned that things are not what they seem in this world and that my Phoebe still lives.

Now I will have to travel into the very pits of Hades to try and save her, even as everyone around me attempts to steal what little soul I have left. There’s only one person at my back and I’m not sure I can trust her either, for she was born of an enemy race. Yet sometimes the road to redemption is one that singes us to our very core. And if I fail to find the answers I need to save Phoebe, more than just my wife will die.

We will lose the world. Both human and Daimon. 

                           ~Urian of the House of Aricles

***Please note that this book was previously titled BATTLE BORN and retitled to STYGIAN

 

Review;

Ms. Kenyon has done it again, caused me to have more questions by books end then answers.  So much happened in this book that she had me scratching my head going, ‘oh so that’s the connection’, and then at other times going ‘pardon, come again, what did I just read?’  Yes folks this was a confusing book to read at times and by books end I had more sticky notes attached to my ipad then you could imagine. It was the only way I could keep all the info straight and semi co-herent in my brain, lol! Yes there was a good chunk of Stygian where I felt like I was re-reading either Kiss of the Night, Acheron, One Silent Night, Styxx, and Dragonsworn but the scenes were craftily re-worked to be seen from Urian’s POV.  Pieces of Urian’s story that I wasn’t quiet sure of, or felt like a mystery needing solving suddenly fell into place thanks to these re-worked scenes.  Through these scenes we got to see sides of Ash, Stryker, Apollymi, Styxx, Savitar, Davyn, Paris and other characters that we weren’t privy to before.  All of these characters played major roles in shaping Urian into the creature he is today. Yes I said creature because he is rather unique to their world.  Thanks to Ms. Kenyon finally writing Urian’s story we learn that he is part human, Atlantean, Apollite, and Egyptian, and has the blood of three pantheons running through him.  We learn he has special powers and when used one of his arms lights up with special symbols that come directly from the Source.  Urian’s uniqueness also allowed him to prey on the most corrupt souls and not go Trelos(insane in the Daimon/Apollite world).  This also allowed him to go longer in between feedings and also be able to sustain his Apollite wife Phoebe.  Since Urian has the blood of Apollymi, Bet, Set, and Ash running through him, the final fate of the world is now running through his veins and bloodline.  He’s just as important to the world as Ash is, if not more now.

On top of learning everything we needed to know about Urian, we also get a good look at the Apollite/Daimon world.  How they are forced to live, what they’ve endured all these years at the hands of not only the gods/goddesses but the human world as well.  It puts their existence into a whole new light and makes us look at them differently.  It really wasn’t their fault at all, but stupid Apollo because he’s a man whore, and accidentally through Bethany for falling in love with Styxx and giving her allegiance/protection to the wrong side unknowingly.  If she hadn’t done that, then the Apollite curse wouldn’t have happened, Acheron wouldn’t have been killed thus causing Apollymi to destroy Atlantis and sink it to the bottom of the ocean. One little mistake and it triggered a huge chain reaction that affected so many in the end. 

Throughout Stygian we not only learn about Urian and get his perspective on his life, the Apollites, Daimons, and the Dark Hunters, but we also had a lot of surprises regarding other characters and events that have happened throughout the series.  One being exactly how Artemis creates her Dark Hunters, and I’m not saying because it was a big surprise to me and it’s Urian who figures this out.  Two of the biggest surprises in regards to characters for me were Apolloymi and yes I dare say it Stryker.  Who knew Apollymi and Stryker both possess a heart and could actually care about someone other then themselves.  I wish I could say more about these two, but I’d be giving away even more spoilers in this review and you know how I hate spoilers.  😉  Let’s just say they aren’t as bad or awful as we were first led to believe. Everything they’ve done so far has always been in the best interest of those they love and hold dear.  I’m actually glad I have a whole new perspective regarding these two characters.  They’ve really grown on me and it’s all Urian’s fault, LoL!!  Darn you Urian and Ms. Kenyon!!

As I attempt to wrap this review up because I could seriously keep going here as we learn so much in Stygian you’re probably wondering why I haven’t mentioned anything about Urian’s love life/HEA.  All I’m going to say to that is read the book because it’s another part of his life that shapes him, and in the end I was very surprised regarding his HEA.  Am I happy about it, yes, is it one of that events that made me go; “pardon, come again, where’d this come from” yes it was but I loved every minute of it, along with the whole book.  I loved every moment of Stygian, her characters once again carried the story, the humour was there to lighten the mood when needed, and at other times the intensity was there punctuate a moment.  I’m glad we finally got to see what the life of an Apollite/Daimon means.  It’s a part of the Dark Hunter world that needed telling so thank you Ms. Kenyon and Urian.  For anyone whose a fan of this series it’s a must read. 

Until next time my fellow Menyons, happy reading!!

Reviewed by Marcie

 

 

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Hunting Danger (Redemption Harbor #5) by Katie Reus-Review & Giveaway Tour

HUNTING DANGER (Redemption Harbor #5) by Katie Reis-Review & Giveaway Tour

HUNTING DANGER
Redemption Harbor #5
by Katie Reus
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic, suspense
Release Date: September 25, 2018

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

The one woman he wants…

When a childhood friend needs help, Nova doesn’t hesitate. They endured the foster system together, forging a bond Nova can’t ignore. Relying on her friends from Redemption Harbor Consulting—including Gage, the computer genius she’s falling for—is out of the question. She used to work for the CIA and she’s trained—she can handle this. Besides, the whole team is working on their own important jobs. She’s not going to drag anyone away when she’s not sure it’s necessary.

Is the one he can’t have…

When Nova asks for time off out of the blue—and use of the company jet—former Marine Gage takes note. Of course, he notices everything about Nova. But as one of her bosses, his growing attraction to her is a line he won’t cross. However, that doesn’t mean he’ll let her run straight into danger—and a quick hack of her computer proves she’s gotten in over her head. Gage is coming along for the ride, whether the sassy assistant likes it or not. He’ll do whatever’s necessary to save her friend…and keep Nova out of the clutches of a lethal enemy who won’t hesitate to kill anyone who gets in their way.

••••••••••••

REVIEW:HUNTING DANGER is the fifth instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult REDEMPTION HARBOR romantic, suspense series focusing on the men and women who work security and Black Ops investigations for Redemption Harbor Consulting. This is Redemption Harbor’s computer hacker and US Marine Gage Yates, and former CIA analyst Nova Blaire’s story line. HUNTING DANGER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspective including Nova and Gage HUNTING DANGER follows the building relationship between computer hacker Gage Yates, and former CIA analyst Nova Blaire as they find themselves on a cross country trip to rescue Nova’s childhood friend whose life is spiralling out of control. A coded text from Nova’s friend Layla Ferrer found our heroine going rogue in an attempt to help her friend who had always had her back but going rogue also meant the member of her Redemption Harbor Team were willing to be of assistance at a moment’s notice. Enter computer hacker Gage Yates, and the man with whom Nova would fall in love. What ensues is a cross country adventure where Nova and Gage will be the victims of sabotage, and gunfire as they attempt to whisk Layla into protective custody.

Gage Yates suspected Nova was trying to keep secret her need to help a friend in trouble but Gage never expected to find himself on a cross-country tour but least of all falling in love with the former CIA operative that calls to his heart. Nova Blaire was desperate to reach her friend knowing that time was of the essence, time that was hindered by sabotage, injury and the possibility of a target on their backs.

The relationship between Gage and Nova is one of friends to forbidden lovers; co-workers at Redemption Harbor Consulting. Gage has been attracted to Nova since first hearing her voice months earlier; and Nova battles memories of the past where workplace harassment ultimately cost her a job. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Nova’s best friend Layla Ferrer who is desperate to get away from the man with whom she was once in love. All of the previous story line couples are present: Colt Stuart and Skye Arevalo (Resurrection #1), Zac Savage and Olivia Carter (Savage rising #2), Brooks Alexander and Darcy Cooper (Dangerous Witness #3 ), Axel and Hadley (Innocent Target #4) as well as Hadley’s father Douglas Alexander. The requisite evil is two fold including an attack aimed at anyone connected to Brooks Alexander and his father Richard.

HUNTING DANGER is a character driven and edgy story line. The premise is inviting; the characters are charismatic and inspiring; the romance is captivating and seductive. My only complaint is the quick resolution to the story line conflict-I was hoping for a little more romance and suspense.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Resurrection
Savage Rising
Dangerous Witness
Innocent Target

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.

Connect with Katie:

Facebook | Blog| Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Website

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The Boss/The Mate by Abigail Owen – Reviews

The Boss/The Mate by Abigail Owen – Reviews

 

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Description:
Finn Conleth leads his team of enforcer dragon shifters with an iron fist and a cold heart. Every dragon seeks his destined mate, but the process to turn the woman he once thought was his killed her and devastated him. He will never risk his heart again. His team is his family now. When his body eventually gives out, he’ll leave, living his last days alone.
Delaney Hamilton moved across the country to escape the freak fires that plague her. But when another suspicious fire erupts and rapidly escalates around her, her hopes for a new life go up in smoke. She has no choice but to turn to the mysterious men who come to her aid.
Finn knows the fire is dragon-caused, which puts Delaney’s problems directly in his jurisdiction. No matter how her wounded grey eyes call to every part of him, he refuses to risk her life in the mating process. Until another dragon threatens to claim Delaney for his own, and Finn has to sacrifice everything to keep her alive…

Review:
Dragon males need human women to mate with, the only female dragons are sterile.

But Finn lost the only woman he loved, she burned from the inside out in a mating ritual, (they have to breathe fire into their chosen female) so Finn swore never to fall in love again, mating was for more worthy dragon males, and when his time comes he will leave the family he cares about and he’ll die alone.

Finn is a cold leader to his enforcer team, he cares, but to watch him you wouldn’t know it. His team is the best and that’s due to Finn constantly training his dragons.
They fight wildland fires (caused by dragons) in dragon form, and only in human form if humans are in danger. But they need to do it in secret, humans can’t know there are dragons, so they fly in low, absorb the flames, then fly out, punish the dragons responsible …. simple ?

Finn is big brother to Fallon (hero in the prequel “The Mate”) and he cautioned Fallon not to fall for Maddie and mate her (needless to say, Fallon ignored his brother and now he has a dragon mate)

Delaney Hamilton starts fires (by accident) and she can’t explain them, so she is always on the move. She wakes up and is usually surrounded by fire.
She wonders if she’s going mad, but after losing her family in a horrible car crash, things have never been the same since.

And when Finn first meets Delaney, he’s worried by his thoughts, his concern and worry over the female, he can’t afford to get attached, he doesn’t want to know more about her, but his dragon has other ideas ….

Working together to find rogue dragons, Delaney and Finn fight their growing attraction to each other, Finn really can’t get involved, his heart can’t take it again. And Delaney wants to trust him, but she’s scared that she will hurt him.

Oh and did I mention there is a rogue contingency ??? Rogue dragons that are trying to take over the dragon rule !!!

I thoroughly enjoyed The Boss by Abilgail Owen, and hope there are more out soon.

 

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Description:
A prequel to the scorching paranormal romance, The Boss ….. 

Maddie Thompson’s life just fell down a rabbit hole. Finding out she’s a dragon shifter was one thing—she never quite fit into the human world, and this new reality feels…strangely right. However, discovering the next step is to choose a mate, and if she chooses wrong she’ll die, is the other side of crazy. Especially when she already left a piece of her heart with someone who didn’t want it.

To say dragon enforcer Fallon Conleth was shocked when the Mating Council summoned him as a potential mate for a newly found dragon doesn’t quite cover it. A mate is rare and precious and many dragons never find theirs. Fallon isn’t sure he’s worthy of the honor, not when so many deserve it more. He’ll just go through the motions and return home alone…until he sees Maddie. The human woman he reluctantly let walk away.

Fallon already broke Maddie’s heart once, but if he can’t convince her that they’re meant to be, she’ll die… and he won’t be far behind.

Review:

The Mate is the prequel of the book before THE BOSS by Abilgail Owen ….. 

I do like a back story, and we definitely get one here. 

The story is about dragons finding their mates, choose correct and your lifespan increases, but chose wrong …… 

Mates are rare, and males have been known to steal and murder to obtain a mate. 

Most dragons are male and the female dragons born are sterile  (each clan is a different colour) so they find mates in the human world, the women show small signs of dragon DNA, they are then shown how to mate and become a full dragon. 

But mate wrong, and the female will go up in flames !!!!    So ….. 

Maddie didn’t realise she had dragon DNA, and now she needs to find a dragon mate (otherwise she will die) and she needs to mate correctly, otherwise both her mate and herself will go up in flames (literally) 

So Maddie has someone to help with her transition and she’s really grateful to him, but when she’s placed in a room full of potential mates, her plan hits a problem, and when one of those potential suitors is a blast from her past, Maddie knows it’s really not going to be that simple !! 

She had thought her and Fallon were together forever material, but that wasn’t the case, so she doesn’t see why Fallon should get a second chance, but fate usually has something up its sleeve !! 

Fallon is a low level enforcer for the Huracans (the name of his group of enforcers) hand picked by his clan king, he loves his job and his team members. He is also quite young to be chosen (his team mates are all older and without mates) He has no real interest in mating, he found a human once and hasn’t been involved with anyone since. 

So we now arrive at the mating and Fallon is surprised to say the least even he sees Maddie, he didn’t get a feeling that she had dragon DNA, and now he feels he has a chance at finally being with her, but he has a rival and his dragon side isn’t happy at all. 

Will Maddie chose him ? 

Will the other Dragon fight for his right to mate with Maddie ?

Will they both survive the mating ritual ? 

The prequel doesn’t need to be read, but I think background is always a good thing. 

Reviews by Julie B.

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Going Down on One Knee by Christina Hovland – a Review

Going Down on One Knee by Christina Hovland – a Review

 

Amazon

Description:
Number-crunching Velma Johnson’s perfectly planned life is right on course.

That’s a lie. Sure, she’s got the lucrative job. She’s got the posh apartment. But her sister nabbed Velma’s Mr. Right. There has to be a man out there for Velma. Hopefully, one who’s hunky, wears pressed suits, and has a diversified financial portfolio. He’ll be exactly like, well… her sister’s new fiancé.

Badass biker Brek Montgomery blazes a trail across the country, managing Dimefront, one of the biggest rock bands of his generation. With the band on hiatus, Brek rolls into Denver to pay a quick visit to his family and friends. But when Brek’s sister suddenly gets put on bed rest, she convinces Brek to take over her wedding planning business for the duration of her pregnancy.

Staying in Denver and dealing with bridezillas was not what Brek had in mind when he passed through town, but there is one particular maid-of-honor who might make his stay worthwhile.

Velma finds herself strangely attracted to the man planning her sister’s wedding. Problem is, he ticks none of the boxes on her well-crafted list. Brek is rough around the edges, he cusses, and doesn’t even have a 401(k). But trying something crazy might get her out of the rut of her dating life—so long as she lays down boundaries up front and sticks to her plan…

 

 

Review:

Velma Johnson has a plan for her future.  She works for a financial planning firm and has been attracted to a co-worker for a long time.  He’s her dream man………..professional, dresses immaculately and is a planner as well.  Problem is that her sister snatched him up first. Neither her sister, nor her co-worker knew about Velma’s crush, which makes it even harder for Velma when they announce that they’re engaged.  Stunned is an understatement, but Velma would never try and come between the two of them. 

Her future brother-in-law’s friend, Brek Montgomery, just happened to be there when Velma got the news.  He’s everything Velma is NOT looking for.  He is a tattooed, motorcycle riding hottie who just happens to manage a rock band and is in town for a few days.  Velma admits to herself that he’s attractive, but he doesn’t exactly fit in to what she expects her life to be.  When Brek’s sister, who is a wedding planner, has pregnancy complications, can’t help with Velma’s sister’s wedding, she recruits her brother.  He agrees to stay in town long enough to handle the three weddings that she needs help with.  After all, he’s good at managing people, and things, so what could go wrong?  He’s only in town for a few weeks…..

Brek ends up recruiting Velma to help him with the weddings and as they spend more time together, there is a simmering attraction between the two of them.  An attraction that Velma vows she’ll never act on.  However, once she realizes that maybe she needs to ‘branch out’ and do something totally out of her comfort zone, and hook up with Mr. Hottie, she knows things will never be the same.  Problem is, will he stay, or will he go?

Going Down on One Knee is a fun and quick read.  Velma is very buttoned up and it is really fun to see her loosen up.  Brek is your typical bada$$, which isn’t a bad thing.  He’s got a heart of gold and when he shows his vulnerability, he pulls you right in.  When the two of them are together, the chemistry leaps off of the page.  The secondary characters are well written, and I hope maybe one or two of them get a book as well.  This is my second read of Christina Hovland’s work, and it won’t be my last.  She has a way of writing quirky characters that leaves you wanting more.  They’re funny, warm, charming and a little different.  If you are a fan of opposites attract stories that make you laugh one minute, and swoon the next, you’ll not go wrong with one of her books.  Well done, Christina Hovland!  Very, very well done.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publicist

 

 

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Strong (Stage Dive 4.5 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Kylie Scott-Review & Excerpt Tour

Strong (Stage Dive 4.5 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Kylie Scott-Review & Excerpt  Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.au / Amazon. uk /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 25, 2018

When the girl of your dreams is kind of a nightmare.

As head of security to Stage Dive, one of the biggest rock bands in the world, Sam Knowles has plenty of experience dealing with trouble. But spoilt brat Martha Nicholson just might be the worst thing he’s ever encountered. The beautiful troublemaker claims to have reformed, but Sam knows better than to think with what’s in his pants. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to make his heart fall into line.

Martha’s had her sights on the seriously built bodyguard for years. Quiet and conservative, he’s not even remotely her type. So why the hell can’t she get him out of her mind? There’s more to her than the Louboutin wearing party-girl of previous years, however. Maybe it’s time to let him in on that fact and deal with this thing between them.

•••••••••

REVIEW: STRONG is a contemporary, adult, erotic, romance in Kylie Scott’s rock band series STAGE DIVE, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights. This is security expert Sam Knowles, and PA Martha Nicholson’s story line. Martha is Ben Nicholson’s sister (Deep #4), and Dave Ferris (Lick #1) former love interest. You do not have to have read the previous instalments but I recommend reading book one LICK for backstory and history between Martha and the band.

Told from first person point of view (Martha) STRONG follows the building relationship between security expert Sam Knowles, and Martha Nicholson. Years earlier, following the fall-out of her personal and professional relationship with Stage Dive’s lead singer and guitarist David Ferris, Martha Nicholson headed to New York in an effort to find herself and forget about the man with whom she was once in love. With a reputation as a b*tch with a little crazy on the side, Martha tried to establish herself with little success. Fast forward to present day wherein Martha is tasked with ‘babysitting’ her brother Ben’s (Stage Dive’s bassist) rambunctious two–year old son Gibson, a task that brings her face to face with the man that has starred in her fantasies and dreams for close to ten years. Enter Stage Dive’s head of security Sam Knowles, and the man with whom Martha will fall in love. What ensues is the friends to lovers relationship between Martha and Sam, a relationship in the making for close to a decade, and the potential fall-out as Martha struggles to accept everything Sam has to offer, including his heart.

Martha Nicholson was David Ferris’ high school sweetheart, and lost everything when David married Evelyn Thomas. Desperate to recapture what was, Martha attempted to come between David and Evelyn but found herself on the outside looking in. Sam Knowles watched from afar as Martha’s life imploded when she interfered in the lives of the band. For ten years Sam waited for Martha to realize there was someone else hoping to capture her heart.

The romance between Martha and Sam has been developing for close to ten years but Martha struggled with demons from the past, including a reputation that had once sought out to destroy the members of the band. Desperate to prove he was worthy of Martha’s love, the wives of the band, set into motion a plan for Sam to seduce our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate.

All of the previous story line couples and members of the band play secondary and supporting characters. Mal is his usual, hyper-manic self as he pushes our heroine’s buttons on more than one occasion- the back and forth banter is priceless; and Gibson Nicholson aka Gibby, as he runs amok repeating all of the ‘forbidden’ words in a two-year old’s vocabulary.

STRONG is a quick read; a revisit with our favorite rock band and their families, as well as the introduction of an up and coming star Adam, whom Martha is about to take under her wing. Here’s hoping for another spin-off focusing on Adam and his rise to the top. The character driven premise is spicy, engaging and spirited; the romance is moving and provocative; the characters are sexy, sassy and sweet. STRONG is a welcome addition and energetic instalment in Kylie Scott’s STAGE DIVE series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Lick
Play
Lead
Deep
Strong

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

“Ooh, busted,” said Lizzy. “The bodyguard caught you looking.”
“Shut it.” I inched my chin up a bit, trying not to frown because frowning gave you lines. “Sam and I have known each other for years and nothing has ever happened. You’re completely wrong about this.”
“Am I?”
“Yes, there’s nothing between us.”
“So that’s why you were staring at him?”
I chose not to answer that. “And you know he prefers to be called executive protection officer instead of bodyguard.”
At this, Lizzy burst out giggling, a malicious glee in her eyes. No wonder I liked my sister-in-law these days.
Ben shot us both an irritated glance. We both ignored it.
Of course, I’d known Sam would probably be here. Rock stars going out in public could be a delicate thing. People had a tendency to get overexcited. And while one person wanting an autograph wasn’t a problem, twenty or thirty of them suddenly swarming definitely could be. Having once been part of the entourage, I’d seen it happen to Ben and his fellow Stage Dive band members enough times to be wary. And you couldn’t get by with ordinary security. Rock stars needed protection from their over-zealous fans, but on the other hand they didn’t want the fans roughed up or hurt in any way. It required a delicate balance: control, experience, and a whole gamut of scary physical skills. Hence Sam.
Still, Portland seemed generally less crazy than the good old days back in LA. All of the guys seemed calmer and more settled away from the constant craziness of the party scene. Not to mention the effect of all of the wives/partners and various offspring. The biggest rock band in the world had officially been domesticated.
It was kind of cute. Or sad. I don’t know.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to stir you,” she lied. “What do you think of your brother’s new musical bromance?”
On the small stage set up in the corner of the room, a young man wailed his heart out while playing an acoustic guitar. Much angst about a girl who only called him after midnight. Trust a rockster to turn a simple booty call into a heartbreaking ballad. The song was damn good though. He had talent. If only I hadn’t had my fill of the type when I was younger. The kid looked to be in his early to mid-twenties. Lanky with lots of tattoos. Your typical rock ’n roll Prince Charming. Gag. These days my type ran more toward…actually, what I needed or wanted in a male was a total mystery.
And my gaze did not stray back to Sam. That did not happen.

Kylie is a long time fan of erotic love stories and B-grade horror films. She demands a happy ending and if blood and carnage occur along the way then all the better. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and one delightful husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet

Stalk Kylie Scott: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Dirty Rich Betrayal (Dirty Rich #4) by Lisa Renee Jones-Review Tour

DIRTY RICH BETRAYAL (Dirty Rich #4) by Lisa Renee Jones-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 26, 2018

Grayson Bennett.

He’s a billionaire, a lawyer, the king of the world to some. A professed lifelong bachelor. A man who took his father’s business and fortune and turned marginal success into an empire. Now someone is threatening that empire and he’s going to burn them to the ground. But he’ll need the help of one person. He’ll need her.

That woman is Mia Cavanaugh, criminal attorney, ex-lover, a woman who believes he betrayed her, a woman who could burn him to the ground, but she won’t. Because she loves him. Because he loves her, and it’s time that she sees the truth of the past.

Now, he’s handing her the key to his future. He’s giving her the chance to burn him to the ground. He’s letting her see the real man beneath the surface that not even she’s seen in the past. She has to decide what to do with that man. Love him or destroy him.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: DIRTY RICH BETRAYAL is the fourth instalment in Lisa Renee Jones’ contemporary, adult DIRTY RICH romantic, suspense series. This is thirty-eight year old, billionaire businessman and attorney Grayson Bennett, and thirty-year old, criminal lawyer Mia Cavanaugh’s story line. DIRTY RICH BETRAYAL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. As per most of Lisa’s series, there is a slight cross-over with inclusion of some of the characters from the author’s Walker Security series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Mia and Grayson) using present day and memories from the past DIRTY RICH BETRAYAL follows the rekindling romance between thirty-eight year old, billionaire attorney Grayson Bennett, and thirty-year old, lawyer Mia Cavanaugh. Three years earlier Mia Cavanaugh went to work for the Bennett Firm, an international conglomerate both inside and outside of the legal profession, a firm that the man with whom she would fall in love, currently owned and operated. Attorney Grayson Bennett knew immediately that Mia Cavanaugh would be the woman to tame is bachelor ways but betrayal, vengeance and mistaken beliefs pushed Mia out of his life, and into the arms of his most hated enemy. Fast forward to present day wherein Mia discovers a plan to destroy Grayson Bennett, a plan predicated on hatred and revenge. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Mia and Grayson, and the potential fall-out as Mia is caught between the present and past, as memories threaten to destroy their fragile hold on love.

Grayson Bennett has never stopped loving Mia Cavanaugh but someone from his past has set into motion a plan to destroy our story line hero. Mia Cavanaugh doesn’t know who or what to believe as the pieces of her heart continue to rupture but protecting the man she hasn’t stopped loving is Mia’s number one priority.

The relationship between Mia and Grayson is a second chance romance; a rekindling love affair that was destroyed by mistaken beliefs, revenge and retribution. Mia continues to be a little skittish as it pertains to the man that she loves, and she isn’t above running when things begin to overwhelm. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Blake and Kara Walker, along with IT specialist Asher cross-over from the author’s Walker Security series. We are introduced to Mia’s boss Riley Montgomery, and supervisor Kevin Murphy Grayson’s best friends and business partners: Eric Mitchell, and Davis. Eric’s storyline will be told in the spin-off Filthy Duet.

DIRTY RICH BETRAYAL is a story of heartbreak and pain; betrayal and vengeance; second chances and falling in love. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the characters are charismatic, strong and dynamic; the romance is provocative and passionate. Lisa Renee Jones’ pulls the reader into an energetic and edgy story line about two people torn apart by retribution and hate.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Dirty Rich One Night Stand
Dirty Rich Cinderella
Dirty Rich Betrayal
Dirty Rich Betrayal

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

He kisses me, a quick brush of lips over lips. “I need you naked. I need to feel you next to me.” He rolls me to my back and with that “for now” in the air, he moves and resettles with his lips to my stomach and this is not an accidental connection. My heart squeezes with the certainty that he’s reminding me of how many times he told me he wanted a little girl just like me. It affects me. We had so many plans. We were best friends. We were so many things that happened so very quickly and easily, and then it was gone.

He pulls down my pants, and all too quickly my sneakers and everything else are gone. I’m naked and not just my body. I am so very naked with this man and always have been. But as for my body, I’m not alone for long. He strips away his clothes, and I lift to my elbows to admire all that sinewy, perfect muscle before he reaches down, grabs my legs and pulls me to him. The minute my backside is on the edge of the bed, he goes down on a knee. I sit up and cup his face. “Not now. Now I need—I need—”

He cups my head and pulls my mouth to his, kissing me with a long stroke of his tongue before he says, “And I need to taste you.”

“Not now. I’m not leaving. We have time. I need—you. Here with me.”

His eyes soften but he still leans in and licks my clit, and then suckles. I’m all but undone by the sensation because one thing I know and know well is how good this man is with his tongue. But he doesn’t ignore my request. He pushes off the floor, and in a heartbeat, he’s kissing me and I don’t even know how we end up in the center of the bed, our naked bodies entwined. We just are and it’s wonderful and right in ways nothing has been in so very long.

He lifts my leg to his thigh and presses his thick erection inside me, filling me in ways that go beyond our bodies; driving deep, his hand on my backside, pulling me into him, pushing into me, but then we don’t move. Then we just lay there, intimately connected, lost in the moment and each other. “Is this what you wanted?”

“Yes,” I say. “This is what I wanted.”

“I didn’t think I’d ever have you here, like this, with me again.”

“Me either,” I whisper, my fingers curling on his jaw. “Grayson,” I say for no reason other than I need his name on my lips. I need everything with this man.

He kisses me, a fast, deep, passionate kiss. “I missed the hell out of you, Mia. So fucking much. I don’t think you really understand how much.”

This moment, right here, right now, is one of our raw, honest, perfect moments that has always made his betrayal hard to accept. I need that honesty in my life and with him and I don’t even think about denying him my truth. “I missed you, too. More than you know, Grayson.”

He squeezes my backside and drives into me again. I pant with the sensations that rip through my body, my hand going to his shoulder. “Nothing was right without you,” he says. “Nothing, Mia.” He kisses me, and I sink into the connection, pressing into him, into his thrust, into the hard warmth of his entire body. Needing to be close. Needing the things that separated us not to exist.

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Lisa Renee JonesNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series.

In addition to the success of Lisa’s INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is also the author of the bestselling the bestselling DIRTY MONEY and WHITE LIES series. And will be publishing the first book in her Lilah Love suspense series with Amazon Publishing in March 2018.

Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women’s Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.

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A Coldwater Warm Hearts Christmas by Lexi Eddings – a Review

A Coldwater Warm Hearts Christmas by Lexi Eddings – a Review

 

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Description:
It’s hard to be the new girl in town, especially around the holidays. But when the town is Coldwater Cove, Oklahoma, there are plenty of folks willing to welcome you–and lovingly meddle in your
life . . .

High school English teacher Angie Holloway has been in this little Ozark hamlet for a few years, but she still feels like an outsider. And with no family of her own and single to boot, she’s rusty when it comes to opening her heart. Nevertheless, she’s been drafted to direct the annual Christmas pageant–whether she likes it or not. As for her assistant, that job’s been handed to Seth Parker. He may be smoking hot, but the brawny construction engineer is definitely not her type. After all, she loves literature, he “reads” blueprints . . .

While Angie tries to put a new spin on the show, and Seth tries to tolerate her correcting his grammar, they both resist the locals who insist on pushing them together. But when Seth finds her copy of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility–marked up with her revealing comments–he can’t resist trying to romance her using his newfound knowledge. And Angie is surprised to find that this big, handsome lug can read her like a storybook hero . .

 

 

Review:

A Coldwater Warm Hearts Christmas by Lexi Eddings is the 3rd book in her Coldwater series.  This is a sweet series that takes place in the small town of Coldwater Cove in Oklahoma.  I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, and though this was a good book and well written, I didn’t think it was quite as good as the first two. 

Angie Holloway, our heroine, is a high school teacher, who has only been in Coldwater Cove for a few years.  Angie is pushed by her friend Heather to produce the town’s annual Christmas pageant, since the person who has done it for many years is going away on a trip around the world. 

Seth Parker, our hero, is also roped into helping Angie direct the pageant, since he owns his own successful construction business, and Angie will need him to build the sets.  Angie has had a lot of hardships before she came to Coldwater, having been dumped by her ex-boyfriend years ago, and having lost both of her parents in a tragic accident, which left her under foster care.  Needless to say, Angie will not let anyone into her heart, as she never wants to feel the pain of losing someone you love. Because of this, Angie treats Seth very coldly and at times sarcastically, making him puzzled as to why she is so nasty and unreachable.  I understood Angie, but thought at times, especially with Seth, she was too cold.

Angie and Seth work together to change and bring the pageant into a more update and modern event.  They begin to work well together, and in a short time, they will both begin to have feelings for each other.  Just when Angie is ready to open her heart to Seth, a visit from the past threatens to destroy their new relationship.  Her ex comes to town, and despite working on a project, he is determined to win her back, much to Seth’s displeasure.  Angie also finds herself trying to help a few people in town, who are having personal problems.

What follows is a sweet romance, with the background of all the townspeople and friends working together to make this pageant successful.  There are a few twists that could create havoc to the pageant, as well as to some of the people.  This will cause Angie to close her heart again.  Will Seth find a way to get Angie to open up to him again?

A Coldwater Warm Hearts Christmas was a good romantic story, a very nice couple, wonderful secondary characters, and with a wonderful small town atmosphere.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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