Monthly Archives: December 2018

Not The Duke’s Darling (The Greycourt #1) by Elizabeth Hoyt-a review

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NOT THE DUKE’S DARLING (The Greycourt #1) by Elizabeth Hoyt

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 18, 2018

Freya de Moray is many things: a member of the secret order of Wise Women, the daughter of disgraced nobility, and a chaperone living under an assumed name. What she is not is forgiving. So when the Duke of Harlowe–the man who destroyed her brother and led to the downfall of her family–appears at the country house party she’s attending, she does what any Wise Woman would do: she starts planning her revenge.

Christopher Renshaw, the Duke of Harlowe, is being blackmailed. Intent on keeping his secrets safe, he agrees to attend a house party where he will put an end to this coercion once and for all. Until he recognizes Freya, masquerading amongst the party revelers, and realizes his troubles have just begun. Freya knows all about his sins. Sins he’d much rather forget. But she’s also fiery, bold, and sensuous-a temptation he can’t resist. When it becomes clear Freya is in grave danger, he’ll risk everything to keep her safe. But first, Harlowe will have to earn Freya’s trust-by whatever means necessary.

••••••••

REVIEW: NOT THE DUKE’S DARLING is the first instalment in Elizabeth Hoyt’s adult THE GREYCOURT historical, romance series. This is Freya de Moray, and Christopher Renshaw, the Duke of Harlowe’s story line.

Told from several third person perspectives including Freya and Christopher NOT THE DUKE’S DARLING follows the childhood friends /enemies to lovers/ brother’s best friend relationship between Freya de Moray, and Christopher Renshaw. Years earlier Freya’s brother was accused of a heinous crime, and in the ensuing melee was beaten and maimed without benefit of proof. Fast forward to present day wherein Freya will come face to face with her past,a man who stood by and watched as her brother nearly lost his life. Enter Christopher Renshaw, the Duke of Harlowe, and the man with whom Freya will fall in love. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Freya and Christopher, and the potential fall-out as Freya is targeted for her connection to a group known as the Wise Women.

Freya de Moray is a titled lady but our heroine prefers to remain in the background as she endeavors to help those who are unable to help themselves. A feminist before her time, Freya’s actions make her a target by the men who hope to destroy anyone who goes against the norm, or in Freya’s case, a strong-willed, stubborn woman who is willing to risk her life to save the life of someone else. Christopher Renshaw returned from exile the Duke of Harlowe but his inability to let go of the past found our hero struggling to make sense of mysterious stranger who despised his presence from the first time they met. Having no recollection of what he had done Christopher would soon come to realize that the woman with murder in her eyes, is someone from his past. Estranged from family and friends, Christopher is desperate to uncover the truth behind Freya’s appearance.

The relationship between Freya and Christopher is an enemies to lovers/ best friend’s little sister trope that finds our couple at odds over their future together. Christopher is hoping for his happily ever after but Freya refuses to be bound to any man as a servant or bed mate. Marriage is not out of the question but our heroine prefers her independence over servitude, an independence and strong-will that has placed a target on her back. Christopher considers Freya his equal, and in this, he too, is ahead of the times. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters as Elisabeth Hoyt introduces the players and key figures in her Greycourt series. We are introduced to Freya’s former best friend Messalina Greycourt, and her sister Lucretia. Many of the characters have several names, nicknames and titles, as well as the mention of innumerable others, such that there is much confusion throughout the story.

NOT THE DUKE’S DARLING is a story of family and betrayal; friendship and loss; second chances and love. The premise is entertaining; the romance is seductive; the characters are strong and sassy. There are a number of sub-plots including secret societies and witch hunting, murder and confinement, blackmail and estrangement, all wrapped up in an historical romance love story

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Elizabeth Hoyt is the New York Times bestselling author of over seventeen lush historical romances including the Maiden Lane series. Publishers Weekly has called her writing “mesmerizing.” She also pens deliciously fun contemporary romances under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with three untrained dogs, a garden in constant need of weeding, and the long-suffering Mr. Hoyt

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Pretty Little Player (Blackwell-Lyon #2) by J.Kenner-Review Tour

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PRETTY LITTLE PLAYER (Blackwell-Lyon #2) by J. Kenner-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 17, 2018

Bedroom games are fine … but I need a woman who won’t play with my heart.

After years in the military, I’ve faced down a lot of things, and there’s not much I shy away from. Except relationships. Because when you catch your wife in bed with another man, that tends to sour even the most hardened man against women.

When I was hired to keep surveillance on a woman with a checkered past, I went into the job anticipating the worst. But what I found was a woman who turned my head. Who made my blood heat and my body burn. A woman who made me feel alive again.

A woman who was nothing like what I expected, but everything I wanted. A woman who, it turned out, needed my protection. And wanted my touch.

And as the world fell out from under us, and everything I thought I knew shifted, there was only one reality I could hold onto—that the more I got to know her, the more I wanted her.

But if I’m going to make her mine, I’ll have to not only keep her safe, I’ll have to prove to her that I’ve conquered my own fears and doubts. That I’m done looking into the past, and that all I want is a future—with her.

•••••••••

REVIEW: PRETTY LITTLE PLAYER is the second instalment in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult BLACKWELL-LYON erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women who work for Blackwell-Lyon Security. This is security specialist and retired US military veteran Cayden Lyon , and fashion model Gracie Harmon. PRETTY LITTLE LIAR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. We were first introduced to Cayden in Lovely Little Liar (aka Bitch Slap). Once again, there is a slight cross-over with the author’s Stark Series, and Man of the Month series.

Told from first person perspective (Cayden) PRETTY LITTLE PLAYER follows Cayden Lyon as he is hired by attorney Thomas Peterman to investigate and follow Gracie Harmon, a women he claims to be his unfaithful fiancée. Gracie is a plus-size fashion model, and is all too aware of a potential ‘stalker’ following her every move but meeting Cayden Lyon, our heroine throws caution to the wind until she discovers that Cayden is not the man he claims to be. As Cayden and Gracie begin to develop a relationship, our hero is torn between head and heart believing Gracie is engaged to another man. What ensues is the building relationship between Cayden and Gracie, and the potential fall-out as Gracie is targeted by an unknown assailant.

The relationship between Cayden and Gracie is one of immediate attraction but Gracie is Cayden’s surveillance target, and our hero believes Gracie is an unfaithful woman. Unable to stay away Cayden will come face to face with the woman that calls to his heart but a woman who reminds him of a darkened past. The $ex scenes are intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text

We are reintroduced to Cayden’s business partners: Pierce Blackwell and his girlfriend Jezebel (Lovely Little Liar), Pierce’s sister Kerrie, and Cayden’s identical twin Connor Lyon. Connor’s story line is next in Sexy Little Sinner.

PRETTY LITTLE PLAYER is a story of secrets and lies; betrayal and heart break. The premise is captivating; the romance is passionate; the characters are flirty, sassy and spirited. A quick read, PRETTY LITTLE PLAYER is an animated, seductive and inviting tale, great for a late night quickie before going to bed.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

____________

LOVELY LITTLE LIAR
Blackwell – Lyon #1
by J. Kenner
Re-release Date: November 12, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-release Date November 2018

The first time I met her I wanted to slap her.

The second time, I knew I had to have her.

As for the third time, a gentleman doesn’t tell.

So I guess it’s a good thing I’m no gentleman … right?

Let’s get this out of the way, right off the bat: I love women.
I love the way they look. The way they smell. The way they feel. Especially the way they feel. And I’ve pretty much made it my mission to give each and every woman who shares my bed the ride of her life.

Then I met her. Bitchy as hell and completely uninterested in me. And damned if I didn’t want her. Crave her. I told myself I only wanted to tame her. That it was all about the challenge.

I never expected to break through that ice queen exterior and find the softness underneath. Never expected how wild she’d be between the sheets or the way she’d cry my name with such sincere intensity when I totally rocked her world.

Most of all, I never expected to fall for her.

But I did.

And the question is, now that I know I want her, how the hell do I go about keeping her?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: LOVELY LITTLE LIAR is the first instalment and novella in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult, Blackwell-Lyon erotic romance series. This is security specialist Pierce Blackwell, and PA Jezebel Stuart’s story line. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s best selling Stark, and Man of the Month series.

NOTE: LOVELY LITLE LIAR was first published as Bitch Slap in June 2017. Lovely Little Liar contains expanded content not found in the original release.

Told from first person point of view (Pierce Blackwell) LOVELY LITTLE LIAR follows the building relationship between security specialist Pierce Blackwell, and Jezebel Stuart. Thinking he was meeting his one-night stand, Pierce Blackwell, comes face to face with a woman who believes he is someone else. Enter Jezebel Stuart, the sister and manager of up and coming young but vilified actress Delilah Stuart, and the woman with whom Pierce will fall in love.

We are introduced to Jezebel’s sister, Delilah Stuart; Pierce’s sister Kerrie Blackwell, as well as Pierce’s business partners Cayden and Connor. There may be something developing between Kerrie and Connor. Cayden and Connor’s stories are next in Pretty Little Player, and Sexy Little Sinner.

BITCH SLAP is a predictable and familiar story line; an erotic, quick building romance between two people who have been hurt by previous relationships. Pierce doesn’t do relationships or love, and the introductory chapters reveal exactly what and who Pierce is looking for. Jezebel Stuart is a woman betrayed by a former lover but a woman who is determined to protect her younger sister from the rabid fans who are currently vilifying the up and coming star. The plotline is a little more fleshed out than the original release. The premise is entertaining; the romance is passionate; the characters are colorful and energetic.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A five time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development with AwesomenessTV/Awestruck.

Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.

In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YouTube | Amazon Author Page

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The Last Wicked Rogue by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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The Last Wicked Rogue by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
He’s the last Rogue standing, and the wickedest …

Charles Humphrey, the Earl of Lonsdale is infamous for his seductions. With laughing gray eyes and a halo of blond hair, he’s every woman’s wicked dream. Beneath that devil-may-care grin he has a painful past that has made him sure love was not for him, even as the rest of his friends, the members of the League of Rogues, settle down in wedded bliss. When he accidentally rescues a mysterious beauty with eyes as haunted as his own and shares one life-changing kiss with her, she vanishes in the night. Charles vows to find this angel who might yet save his soul but he knows anyone he cares about is in grave danger when an old enemy resurfaces a final time for revenge…

She’s the only woman who can save him…

Lily has secrets, too many secrets. When she’s abducted and taken into the London underworld by a gang of nefarious brutes, she’s rescued by Charles, the one man who can never know her past. She can’t let him discover her feelings or her secrets, but she can’t resist sharing one kiss with him before escaping his passionate embrace. That taste of the last bachelor of the League of Rogues leaves her desiring a future she cannot have – especially when her master demands she prove her loyalty in a most deadly way…

Warning: This book contains a scandalous rogue with a heart of gold, a lady who risks it all to save him, and a league of rogues who value friendship and love above all else.

 

Review:

The Last Wicked Rogue is the ninth book in her The League of Rogues and is the story of Charles Humphrey, the seventh Earl of Lonsdale and the last of the League to find his true love. It’s also the story of Lily Linley, a lovely young woman who was orphaned and went into household service, only to be cruelly abused and incredibly used before finding real love.

I never spoil books to those who have yet to read them, that would be just mean. So, let me briefly gloss over some of the most interesting points…then I’ll tell you why I found this story so intriguing and entertaining that I will now go buy and read the other eight books, as well as any future books author Lauren Smith cares to write.

This story delves into the youthful past of the League members and especially that of Charles Humphrey. It’s wonderfully and artfully written and reveals bits and pieces of the intricate puzzle slowly. It gives an expressive picture of the honor and friendship these men held to as they grew into adulthood.

The villain is Hugo…also a schoolmate, but with some real issues with Charles (sorry anything further would spoil it). The sins of the fathers are smoldering in their children and the devastation it causes is epic.

There is, of course, so much more to this marvelous story. However, to describe or tell you parts would spoil the fun of the discovery for you. Here’s some of the reasons I found it impossible to put down.

The conversations are very well written and sprinkled with appropriate amounts of humor and seriousness. The personalities are well depicted, not just explained. I especially loved that the wives of the League members are independent and quite intelligent with missions and means of their own.

The dangers are dramatic and well pictured. The intimate love scenes are sizzling and tender. Lauren Smith paints a story with her words that lets you see and feel the times, the places, the beating hearts and bruising fists.

As you can tell, unless I’m way off my own game, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this marvelously intricate tale. Give it a read. If you haven’t already read the other in this series, like me, you’ll probably be delving into all the others as well. I look forward to reading the previous and next additions to the League of Rogues.

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy supplied for review

 

Lauren is graciously offering an  e-copy  of one book of the winners choice from Lauren’s backlist to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Lauren Smith on Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Giveaway open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from December 17 – 20, 2018

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Buried Lies (Crimson Point #2) by Kaylea Cross- a review

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BURIED LIES (Crimson Point #2) by Kaylea Cross-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 27, 2018

She left her painful past behind.

Poppy Larsen is finally free. She moved to Crimson Point to make a new life for herself, full of bright possibilities. A whole new world awaits her, if she can find the courage to trust again—even her gorgeous neighbor, the town sheriff. But darkness lurks in the picturesque Oregon Coast town, concealing a deadly threat that’s closer than she ever imagined.

Now a killer is watching her from the shadows.

Sheriff Noah Buchanan can’t help but be intrigued by his new neighbor. She’s hard working, sexy as hell, and unlike most of the women in town, she hasn’t thrown herself at him. After it becomes clear that she plans to put down roots here, he finds himself falling more and more for Poppy and her big heart. When someone from her past tries to hurt her, it triggers all his protective instincts. But the real danger is hiding in plain sight. When the unthinkable happens, Noah is thrust into a race against time to save her before it’s too late.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: BURIED LIES is the second instalment in Kaylea Cross’ contemporary, adult CRIMSON POINT romantic suspense series focusing on the people of Crimson Point, Oregon, and a group of former Special Forces soldiers. This is thirty-eight year old Crimson Point Sheriff Noah Buchanan, and twenty-six year old café/book store owner Poppy Larsen’s story line. BURIED LIES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person points of view including Poppy and Noah BURIED LIES follows the building relationship between is thirty-eight year old Crimson Point Sheriff Noah Buchanan, and twenty-six year old café/book store owner Poppy Larsen. Crimson Point newcomer Poppy Larsen has caught the eye of Sheriff Noah Buchanan, her next door neighbour and the man who stirs something deep inside but Poppy left behind a heart breaking and emotional past, and was hoping to move forward without bringing unwanted attention in the small town of Crimson Point. But things don’t always go according to plans, when Sheriff Noah Buchanan insists on giving them a chance, a chance that may threaten Poppy’s hard fought independence. What ensues is the building relationship between Poppy and Noah, and the potential fall-out as Poppy is targeted by a serial killer determined to make Poppy his final target.

Poppy Larsen doesn’t like to be reminded of what she left behind but the past has a way of catching up and destroying any semblance of happiness and peace. As her café continues to thrive, small-town bullies continue to stalk our heroine ensuring everyone knows what happened and why. Noah Buchanan is desperate to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love but Poppy’s need for independence threatens all good sense including her own safety. When Poppy goes missing, Noah struggles to remain professional in spite of his job, a job that brings him up close and personal with a serial killer.

The relationship between Noah and Poppy is one of immediate attraction but Poppy believes she is in no place to start a relationship in the face of the potential fall-out when the truth is revealed. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Sierra and Beckett (Fractured Honor #1), as well as Carter Boyd and his wife Molly, Jase Weaver, and the introduction of Her Majesty’s Royal Marine Aidan MacIntyre. The requisite evil has many faces, some more familiar than others.

The world building continues to focus on the crumbling relationship between Carter and Molly as the lingering affect of head injuries suffered during the war in Syria push Carter beyond any semblance of reason or control.

BURIED LIES is a story of discrimination, heartbreak, friendship and love. The premise is suspenseful and dramatic ; the characters are animated, courageous and spirited; the romance is spicy and sassy. BURIED LIES will capture your attention from the very start.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one FRACTURE HONOR.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Upside Down (One Fond Embrace #2) by Crista McHugh-a review

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Upside Down (One Fond Embrace #2) by Crista McHugh-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 11, 2018

Caz Miller. Surfing god. Arrogant Asshole.

Or at least, that’s what Kayla’s assessment of him has always been. But in a cruel twist of fate, she finds herself at his mercy. Dropped by her sponsors, homeless, and pregnant, how could she not accept his offer to crash in the apartment above his garage? It’s just until she can get back on her feet. That doesn’t mean she’ll fall for him all over again…or does it?

Kayla Gilmore. Queen of the Waves. The one he can’t forget.

By the time Caz realized how much Kayla meant to him, it was too late. He knows better than to ask for a second chance. She deserves someone better than him. The best he can hope for is to get the asshole title dropped from his name. But what starts out as an offer to earn some karmic points rekindles the fiery passion between them, and he finds himself in same precarious position as before. This time, though, he’s determined not to break her heart.

••••••••

REVIEW: Upside Down begins with Kayla Gilmore discovering that she is pregnant. She tries to tell the father but he blows her off to go surfing. She follows, and when tragedy hits, the one person she doesn’t want anything to do with is the one there to console her……..Caz Miller. He had broken her heart years ago and she had done her best to stay away from him. She finds herself not only dropped by her sponsors, but without a place to live. She accepts Caz’s offer to let her live in the empty apartment above his garage, but is still wary.

Kayla and Caz grow closer, but both are spooked by the past. Both are sending mixed signals, and both end up distrusting the other. A series of events, and some advice from trusted friends (and one not so trusted), lead the two of them to wonder if they can indeed right their world which has been turned upside down…..

Upside Down is a nice addition to the One Fond Embrace series. Kayla seemed a bit naïve at first, but I warmed up to her. Her emotions were all over the place, but understandably so. Caz, on the other hand, had me ‘at hello’. I loved his inner turmoil as he tried to figure out his life and Kayla’s place in it. Once he figures out what he has to do, and decides to stop running away when things get a little complicated, I fell for him even farther. Your heart will break for both of them and have you cheering by the end. Upside Down does deal with some heavy issues, so be prepared. If you’re a fan of second chance romance, you’ll not go wrong with this one. Well done, Crista McHugh!

Click HERE for Vickie’s review of book one BETTER TOGETHER

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie K

Crista McHugh is an award-winning author of fantasy and romance who writes heroines who are smart, sexy and anything but ordinary. She currently lives in the Audi-filled suburbs of Seattle with her husband and two children, maintaining her alter ego of mild-mannered physician by day while she continues to pursue writing on nights and weekends.

She is an active member of the Romance Writers of America (including the Greater Seattle Chapter and the Seattle Eastside Chapters), and Romance Divas.

Just for laughs, here are some of the jobs she’s had in the past to pay the bills: barista, bartender, sommelier, stagehand, actress, morgue attendant, and autopsy assistant.

And she’s also a recovering LARPer. (She blames it on her crazy college days)

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

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Into The Riot (Riot MC #3) by Karen Renee-a review

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INTO THE RIOT (Riot MC #3) by Karen Renee-a review

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About the book: Release Date December 4, 2018

Tennille “Neil” Lyons has her hands full with Cecilia, her drug addicted sister who recently turned to prostitution to maintain her addiction. Having her sister commit to going to rehab feels like a stroke of luck, until the dealer/handler shows up making threats. While drowning her worries at a hole-in-the-wall bar, she meets a handsome biker. As much as she wants to dismiss him, she finds out he is rougher and tougher than any other man Neil has met before. Which may come in handy, because if Cecilia doesn’t pay her substantial debt, the dealer intends to collect from Neil instead.

Augustus “Razor” Richardson is prospecting with the Riot MC after being renounced from his old MC. He has a past and a reputation as a ladies’ man, but rarely does a woman so blithely give him the brush-off. He knows something is wrong, but she slips away before he can figure out how to help. When an unexpected phone call puts her back in touch, Razor will stop at nothing to protect Neil from harm. However, Razor’s past isn’t done with him yet. Can he prove to Neil that she can trust him before it’s too late?

••••••••••

REVIEW:  INTO THE RIOT is the third instalment in Karen Renee’s contemporary, adult RIOT erotic, romance MC series focusing on the men and women of the Riot MC. This is ‘prospect’ Augustus ‘Razor’ Richardson, and thirty-year old, car salesperson Tennille ‘Neil’ Lyons’ story line. INTO THE RIOT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order for back story and history as some of the events are as of a direct result of the events in the previous story line. The reader was first introduced to Razor as a member of the Leatherneck MC.

NOTE: INTO THE RIOT contains scenes of graphic violence that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Neil) and several third person points of view including Razor INTO THE RIOT follows the building relationship between Riot MC ‘prospect’ Augustus ‘Razor’ Richardson, and thirty-year old, car salesperson Tennille ‘Neil’ Lyons. Neil Lyons doesn’t do relationships and meeting ‘pretty boy’ Razor Richardson screamed all kinds of trouble for our story line heroine. Trouble was about to come to Neil’s front door when in desperation, in order to save and protect her younger sister Cecilia, Neil Lyons walks head-first into the lion’s den, placing herself in harm’s way, and a target on her back. Enter Razor Richardson, prospect for the Riot MC, and the man with whom Neil will fall in love. What ensues is the acrimonious but building relationship between Neil and Razor, and the potential fall-out as Neil’s continues to fight to save her sister, a sister who doesn’t want to be saved.

Razor Richardson is starting over as a prospect with the Riot MC. When sh*t hit the fan, and all h*ll rained down with the Leatherneck MC, Razor found himself spiralling towards a possible end. Meeting Neil Lyons at a local bar, our hero had no idea how close his past was connected to Neil ‘s sister, a woman who battles addiction, and the fight to pay down her amounting debt. Falling for Neil gave Razor a second chance for a happily ever after but a second chance that brought trouble to the Riot MC. Neil Lyons was desperate to save her sister but not everyone wants to be saved. Hoping to ‘arrange’ a payment of debt, Neil paints a target on her back that forces the Riot MC to assign Razor, and the other members as shadows and guardians.

The relationship between Razor and Neil is one of immediate attraction. Razor is a beautiful, sexy ‘pretty boy’ and our heroine struggles with her attraction to a man rumoured to be a ‘manwhore’ and ‘player’. Razor’s seduction of our story line heroine finds Neil caught between head and heart knowing that their relationship may only be a product of their now-mutual problem. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Cary ‘Vamp’ Sullivan and Frankie Ingram (Inciting a Riot #2) and Vamp’s brother Brock, Cal and Mallory (Unforeseen Riot #1), Club President Henry ‘Volt’ Adler and his old lady Jackie; Blood and Abby; Roll and Trixie, and prospect Jim. We are introduced to Neil’s parents Dave and Debbie, her grandparents MeMaw and PaPaw, and her younger but struggling sister Cecilia. The requisite evil has many faces.

INTO THE RIOT is a story of betrayal, vengeance, family and blood. The premise is raw and gritty; the romance is provocative and seductive; the characters are charismatic, energetic and rebellious but saying that our heroine is naïve as it pertains to the world of the MC, and a little TSTL (too stupid to live) in that she is constantly placing herself in the line of fire requiring the Riot MC to interfere. Intimidation, threats and the knowledge that she was in over her head didn’t prevent Neil from pushing forward, eventually facing danger on more than one occasion. INTO THE RIOT is a spicy, impassioned and sexy read.

Reading Order and Previous Review
Unforeseen Riot
Inciting a Riot
Into the Riot

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

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The SEAL’s Contract Baby by Katie Knight -a review

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The SEAL’s Contract Baby by Katie Knight -a review

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 29, 2018

After an “incident” on his last SEAL mission, Zachary “Z” Raybourn has been relegated to babysitting duty. He’s spent the last six months guarding the daughter of a small foreign nation, a girl so valuable to the US that she apparently can’t buy milk without him trailing along like a lost puppy. He’d joined the military to make a difference and stayed enlisted because of the SEAL team he considers family. Now all he wants is to get back to them ASAP.

Esme Hollycombe is her country’s last hope. Her father the King controls a very important port that serves as a naval base for the US. But with her father’s rapidly declining health, and her US-hating cousin next in line for the throne, Esme has been frantically searching for a loophole in her country’s law that says only a man can rule. The only thing she finds is that she can rule in the stead of any male heir she gives birth to. Unmarried and certainly not pregnant, the loophole isn’t of much use to her. Until her attention turns to the hot SEAL protector who has been pacing the palace for the last six months like a caged animal. He’d do anything to get back to his squad; and she’d do anything to keep her cousin off the throne, leaving him unable to evict the US and all their military protection from her country.

Esme offers a contract to Z: get her pregnant, marry her so the heir will be legitimate, and he can have his life back. Z eventually agrees. But being the partner of a princess comes with far more action and intrigue than he’d ever dreamed. He also finds that making a baby is an easy way to fall in love. Now, Z will have to choose: the military family he misses, or the nuclear family he’s creating.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: The SEAL’S Contract Baby is an adult, contemporary, stand alone, erotic romantic suspense story line co-authored by Katie Knight and Leslie North. This is US Navy SEAL Zachary ‘Z’ Raybourn, and Princess Esme Hollycombe’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Z and Esme) The SEAL’s Contract Baby follows the building relationship between US Navy SEAL Zachary ‘Z’ Raybourn, and Princess Esme Hollycombe. Following a mission that went all to h*ll, Zachary Raybourn accepted a position as security to the Princess Esme Hollycombe in the tiny southern European country of Prylea. As her father slowly succumbs to pancreatic cancer, our heroine is determined to keep her cousin from ascending the throne. With an antiquated patriarchal system of heritage, Esme, as the only child of the current King, is unable to take over leadership of Prylea. Hoping to give birth to a male heir, Esme makes Zachary an offer he cannot refuse. What ensues is the building relationship between Esme and Zachary, and the potential fall-out as Esme’s cousin is determined to ascend to the throne, with or without Esme’s support.

Esme struggles with her cousin’s hatred for the USA, and his dismantling of the current regime. Now that her father faces the end of his life without ever having passing a new law regarding lines of succession, Esme battles between head and heart in an effort to keeps her cousin away from the throne. If Esme were to get pregnant with a male heir, her son (and hopefully Zachary’s son) would become the legitimate heir to the throne. Zachary Raybourn doesn’t do relationships-his job is to protect the Princess Esme but falling in love was never in the plans, plans that quickly come to fruition with the announcement of their impending birth.

The relationship between Esme and Zachary begins as a profession arrangement. Z is Esme’s personal bodyguard, but once plans are put into motion, Z will become the father to the next King, and husband to the Queen –mother. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The world building focuses on the building relationship between Zachary and Esme. A contract between our couple does little to stop the growing affection and love between Z and his princess, affection that is threatened by Esme’s cousin’s plans to ascend to the throne.

We are introduced to Esme’s ailing father King Renault, and Zachary’s SEAL buddy Deacon, as well as Esme’s cousin Silvester.

The SEAL’S Contract Baby is a story of family and blood; betrayal and hatred; marriage of convenience and ascension to the throne. The premise is captivating and inviting; the romance is seductive and charming; the characters are likable and charismatic. The SEAL’S Contract Baby is a captivating stand alone, sure to enjoy.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Unzipped by Lauren Blakely- Review & Excerpt tour

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Unzipped by Lauren Blakely- Review and Excerpt tour

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

–> 100% of proceeds from the first 5 days of UNZIPPED sales go to California Fire Relief Charities! <–

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 14, 2018.

Wanted: Dating coach to help hot nerd win back the woman of his dreams…

Picture this – I’m ready to win back the love of my life, and I’m going big this time. We’re talking boom box, sing her name in the rain, let the whole damn neighborhood know I’m good and ready this time around. After all, if you’re going to grand gesture the ever-loving hell out of a second chance, you need to pull out all the stops.

There’s only one little problem.

My college girlfriend isn’t the one who shows up when I play my “I’ll do anything to win you back” tune.

The woman who flings open the second-floor window tells me my ex doesn’t live here anymore. But she’ll help me win her back. Anything for romance, anything for a guy so willing to go big for love. And that’s what I want at first. Until I get to know my new “romance coach” and discover she’s funny, clever, and keeps me on my toes. And boy, do I ever need that.

Now I don’t want to win anyone else’s heart. I want the woman who’s been helping me all along.

Trouble is – she thinks I’m in love with someone else, and when we take off on a road trip, everything I think I know about women is about to be unzipped and turned inside out.

***
He’s the last person I ever expected to pop into my life, but he might be exactly what I need to save the thing that matters most to me. All I have to do is not fall for him.

••••••••••

REVIEW: UNZIPPED by Lauren Blakely is a contemporary, adult, stand alone, romance story line focusing on roller coaster developer Kyler ‘Tom’ Sutcliffe, and television comedy writer Finley Barker.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Tom and Finley) UNZIPPED follows the accidental meeting and slow building relationship between twenty-eight year old, roller coaster developer Kyler ‘Tom’ Sutcliffe, and twenty-nine year old, television comedy writer Finley Barker. Kyler Sutcliffe aka Tom, wants to rekindle a romance with his college sweetheart Cassie, the woman who broke his heart but also the woman he hasn’t seen for close to eight years. Arriving at Cassie’s last known residence, and in an effort to win her over ala Lloyd Dobler style from the movie ‘Say Anything’, Tom will come face to face with television writer Finley Barker, who sees Tom’s challenge in the seduction department. Finley agrees to ‘teach’ a bewildered and baffled Tom the subtle art of wooing and romance, as she struggles to keep from falling in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Finley and Tom, and the potential fall-out as Finley’s life begins to spiral out of control, and Tom continues to move towards the woman he thought he once loved.

UNZIPPED is a story of friendship and fun with great back and forth banter between our leading couple. Finley battles between head and heart knowing Tom has only one goal in mind, and that goal will ultimately not include our story line heroine. Tom has always wondered what happened and why to make Cassie walk away without looking back. Little does our hero realize that there is more to the story than he could have ever imagined.

The relationship between Finley and Tom begins accidentally when Tom arrives to woo his former love. Finley is a film buff who is the perfect foil to Tom’s witticisms and movie quotes; their cross country journey finds there is more in common than they had previously expected. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Tom’s brothers Ransom, Nash and Gannon who are a constant source of teasing and taunts; their cousin Gabe; Finley’s friend and book store owner Arden, as well as Bruce Fargo, the man ultimately in charge of Finley’s future. There is something developing between Gabe and Arden.

UNZIPPED is a fast paced, energetic and humorous story line. The premise is fun and spirited; the characters are quirky, clueless and charismatic; the romance is passionate and entertaining. UNZIPPED is an enjoyable and entertaining story of one man’s attempts to woo, failing miserably, but in the end falling for his perfect match.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

As I peruse the scenes, the opening notes of a song filter from the front of my townhome. What the hell? Did I leave the streaming app open on my phone? I step away from the counter and head to the front door, looking for my phone, even though I swear I had it with me in the kitchen.The song grows louder, and it’s not coming from my cell at all. It’s coming from outside. I peer through the peephole.

I jerk back.

Rub my eyes.

What the hell?

Am I really seeing what I’m seeing? I don’t think I had that much wine. I had one sip.

Fine, fine. One large sip. One very large, very hearty sip. All right, it was a gulp.

But I can’t possibly be hallucinating, can I?

I peek again, and holy smokes.

There’s a guy on my front lawn going full Lloyd Dobler.

The hair on the back of my neck stands on end, and my paranoid brain leaps three thousand steps ahead. Did he escape from Alcatraz? Is he going to bang down my door? Attack me?

I pivot and grab the baseball bat I keep handy. As the youngest sister of two older brothers, I’ve learned a few valuable lessons: boys are trouble, pizza is good cold, and always keep a baseball bat near the door and/or bed.

With my bat in hand, I scurry to the kitchen to grab my phone, then fly upstairs to the bedroom, taking the steps two by two.

I race into the bedroom, set the bat at my feet, and keep my phone clutched in my hand, ready to call 911 if need be. I pull back the white curtain a smidge.

And I nearly die laughing.

The song has stopped, and the Dobler wannabe is now kneeling on the ground, furiously hitting buttons on the boom box.

I peer around the curtain’s edge, and it’s like watching a sideshow act auditioning for my circus.

He hoists the boom box up above him again. A new tune plays. I cock my head, listening, and I cringe when I recognize the tune.

For real? Is he truly playing “Unzipped”? I could never stand that song when it was popular eight years ago. The music sounds like a can opener mating with a trombone. I wish he were playing Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes,” like Dobler did in the film.

But as I study the bizarre suburban male mating ritual, I decide to award him points for sheer balls. He also deserves bonus points because he chose to go without the super cheesy trench coat that Dobler wore. It worked for Cusack, but on anyone else that attire screams serial killer.

This guy seems harmless.

And admittedly, from my vantage point two stories above, he’s kind of handsome with the glasses, the thick, floppy hair, and the jeans that fit nicely. Strong jaw too.

Fine, fine. He’s more than kind of handsome. He’s 100 percent good-looking, in that hot nerd kind of way.


 

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

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