Monthly Archives: January 2019

Shattered Vows (Crimson Point #3) by Kaylea Cross-Review & Excerpt Tour

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SHATTERED VOWS (Crimson Point #3) by Kaylea Cross-Review and Excerpt Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 22, 2019

She belonged to his best friend.

Molly Boyd’s entire world unraveled when tragedy turned the man she loved into her greatest threat, and now her confusing feelings for his best friend aren’t helping matters. For years Jase has been a solid, steady source of comfort and friendship. Now she can’t stop seeing him as something more. And just as she’s wrestling with her shifting feelings, a new danger from her ex’s past threatens everything.

But she’s always been the one.

Jase Weaver is an expert at unrequited love. Years ago he stood by and watched his best friend marry the woman of his dreams, and he’s endured his suffering in silence ever since. But when Carter’s self-destructive tailspin threatened Molly, Jase stepped in to make her safe. Now he can’t stay silent any longer. He’s wanted Molly forever and it’s time she knows it. So when a new threat against her emerges, Jase will put his own life on the line to protect her, no matter the cost.

••••••••••

REVIEW:  SHATTERED VOWS is the third 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 ER nurse Molly Boyd, and thirty-four year old, former Special Forces soldier Sergeant Jase Weaver’s story line. SHATTERED VOWS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an on-going premise throughout.

NOTE: SHATTERED VOWS contains scenes of graphic violence that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

If you have not read the previous instalments, there may be some spoilers in my reviews.

Told from several third person perspectives including Molly and Jase SHATTERED VOWS follows the friends to lovers relationship between ER nurse Molly Boyd, and thirty -four year old, former Special Forces soldier Sergeant Jase Weaver. Molly’s husband Carter Boyd’s life spiralled out of control following an IED attack that left him with a traumatic brain injury. Weeks after Carter’s death Molly discovers her late husband’s past has come seeking retribution, retribution Molly is unable to pay. For years Jase Weaver has stayed on the sidelines watching the woman he loves marry his best friend, a friend whose injury destroyed them all. With a second chance to make things right, Jase starts a slow seduction of the woman he loves but a seduction that is stopped before it begins. What ensues is the building romance between Molly and Jase, and the fall-out as Molly is targeted by her late-husband’s past.

Jase Weaver has been in love with his best friend’s wife from the first time they met but Molly fell in love with someone else. Molly’s life was never the same following the IED attack that damaged her husband beyond repair, damages that would destroy Carter’s life.

The relationship between Molly and Jase is a best friend’s wife to lovers romance that focuses on heart break, grief, and the fall-out of war. Molly and Jase struggled with the guilt of moving on while the man they once loved was no longer alive. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Sierra and Beckett (Fractured Honor #1), Noah and Poppy (Buried Lies #2), as well as the return of Royal Marine Aidan MacIntyre; and Tiana Fitzgerald. Tiana and Aidan’s story line is next in Rocky Ground.

The world building continues to focus on the friendships and relationships of the former Special Forces soldiers: their struggle to move forward as the ghosts from the past continue to haunt their days and nights.

SHATTERED VOWS is a story of grief and loss, friendships and love, struggle and battling demons from the past. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the characters are colourful, charismatic and spirited; the romance is captivating and seductive. SHATTERED VOWS is a sexy, sensitive and edgy story of second chances and HEA.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Fractured Honor
Buried Lies
Shattered Vows

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Molly Boyd clamped her teeth together to keep them from chattering and hunched into a tighter ball in an effort to keep warm, but it didn’t help. She was cold all the way to her bones, her sodden clothes sticking to her skin. A summer rainstorm pounded down outside the shelter of the culvert she huddled in—hiding from her ex-husband.
Shock kept advancing and retreating, trapping her in an emotional fog. She’d never imagined she would end up like this. Not even after everything she and Carter had been through.
The left side of her face throbbed. Her cheek was bruised, her eye swelling slightly, and her lip burned where Carter had backhanded her. Her bare feet stung from the scratches she’d sustained in her flight to this lonely culvert at the side of the road.
All of it was eclipsed by the pain in her heart.
She closed her eyes, fought to hold off the memory of him breaking into the house and coming at her with that terrifying, predatory expression on his face. The memory of escaping the house, slamming that branch over his back and running for her life through the darkened woods.
Tears threatened. She shook them off, refusing to give in. If she started crying now, she might never stop, and she had to stay alert because she was still in danger with Carter looking for her.
What am I going to do?
She shivered harder, tucked her knees up tight to her chest and leaned her forehead on them as she fought to keep from spiraling into the black pit of despair yawning at the edge of her consciousness. Jase was coming. She’d called him and he was coming. He would find her, help her, and he’d alerted the cops. He would make sure she was safe—even if it was from his former best friend.
At the faint sound of an approaching vehicle, her insides tightened in fear. She lifted her head, her gaze darting toward the road, dreading the moment the familiar black pickup came into view again. Carter had driven up and down this road earlier, shouting her name through his open window for endless minutes. He would never stop looking for her.
Headlights cut through the gloom. She turned her face away and squeezed her eyes shut, willing Carter away. The divorce papers had set him off, even though he must have known they were coming.
She sat perfectly still, heart hammering against her ribs as she waited, hardly daring to breathe lest the slightest motion give her hiding spot away.
“Moll?”
She flinched at the male voice all but drowned out by the thundering rain, her heart rocketing into her throat. Shit, she was trapped here. Carter was former Special Forces and the waterlogged ditch was too steep. She’d never be able to climb out and escape him if he found her this time.
“Moll. It’s Jase.”
Jase. The fear receded instantly, the cold inside her thawing under a tide of relief as she turned her head toward him. She trusted him. Trusted that he would protect her and keep her safe, no matter what.
He was wading toward her through the flooded ditch, a tall, strong silhouette, his jeans soaked to the knees. She couldn’t move, couldn’t call out. Her muscles were too weak and shaky to obey her.
Gathering her courage as he came nearer, she forced her gaze up to meet Jase’s. The instant their eyes connected, she almost lost the battle to keep the tears at bay.
Frowning in concern, he quickly climbed into the culvert and knelt down beside her. Before she could find her voice, he reached out and gently grasped her chin in his warm fingers. His jaw was tight, his aqua eyes burning with outrage. “Did he do this? Did he hit you?” he demanded, voice vibrating with horror and anger.
Molly’s fading composure crumbled. All the emotions she’d been holding back crashed over her like a dark wave, taking her under. She leaned toward him just as the dam broke.
Jase made a low sound and reached for her, wrapping his strong, warm arms around her as she laid her head on his shoulder. He ran a comforting hand up and down her back gently. “Are you hurt anywhere else?”
Just her heart, now shattered into a thousand jagged pieces.
She shook her head, her entire body trembling while she choked back the sobs trying to claw their way free of her throat, the humiliation all but strangling her. This was a nightmare. Only she wasn’t dreaming.
“All right, let’s get you out of here.” Jase slid one arm beneath her knees and lifted her, keeping her close to him as he carried her out of the culvert and through the water-filled ditch.
Molly ducked her head against the pelting rain and curled into him. She didn’t know what to say. Was ashamed to tell him what had happened.
“I’m gonna boost you up, then come right behind you.” He lifted her toward the steeply sloping side and helped her scramble over the edge before climbing up the side. Before she could even get to her feet, he scooped her up again, ignoring her mumbled protest as he strode for his truck, parked close by at the edge of the road.
Molly curled against him, still trying to come to terms with everything that had happened. As well as something…something that was still happening inside her right now.
Jase opened the front passenger door and carefully placed her on the leather seat. The interior was warm. Almost hot compared to outside.
“Hang tight.” He disappeared for a moment, opened the rear door to grab something and came back with a jacket. He tucked it around her, did up her seatbelt because her hands were still shaking and shut the door. Once he had climbed into the driver’s seat, he cranked the heat to high and reached over to aim the vents at her.
Molly sighed in relief as the warm air flowed over her. The numbness was retreating, leaving a sapping exhaustion in its wake.
Still leaning toward her, Jase reached up to stroke her wet hair away from her face, his eyes worried. “Moll, do you need to go to the hospital?”
“N-no. I’m okay.” You’re not. And you’ll never be okay again.
“What happened?” he asked, turning the truck in a tight circle and starting back up the road.
She huddled beneath his jacket and told him about Carter breaking into the house and attacking her in as few words as possible, her voice hitching due to the little gasps still jarring her lungs.
Jase was silent as she finished, his stubbled jaw clenched tight. He shook his golden-brown head, and a deep, terrible shame engulfed her, almost worse than the pain of Carter hitting her.
But there was more to her story. So much more. She didn’t want to hide the rest from him and had intended to tell everyone anyway. Just not like this.
“And it gets worse,” she added, her voice barely above a whisper.
He looked over at her sharply.
She didn’t speak for a long moment, staring out the windshield into the gloom. “I’m pregnant,” she finally said, her voice breaking.

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.

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Playing for Keeps by Jill Shalvis – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Playing for Keeps by Jill Shalvis – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

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Description:
If you’re planning on falling in love…

When it comes to the confident, charismatic Caleb Parker, Sadie Lane feels the spark—the kind that comes from rubbing each other the wrong way. She’s a tattoo artist, he’s a straight-laced mogul. But after they accidentally co-rescue an abandoned dog from a storm, Sadie sees a vulnerable side to the seemingly invincible hottie.

you’d better be sure…

Caleb doesn’t do emotions. Growing up the underdog, he’s learned the hard way to build up an impenetrable wall. Perfect for business. Disastrous for relationships. He’s never worried about it before—not until he finally gets behind Sadie’s armor and begins to fall.

… someone is there to catch you.

Both guarded and vulnerable, Sadie and Caleb are complete opposites. Or are they? Shocked at their undeniable connection, can they ever admit to wanting more? That all depends on what they’re each willing to risk.

 

 

Review:

Playing for Keeps by Jill Shalvis is the 7th book in her wonderful Heartbreaker Bay series.  Being a huge fan of Shalvis’ Heartbreaker Bay series, I looked forward to reading Playing for Keeps.  As always with this series and Shalvis, I loved this fun sweet wonderful story, which reads very well as a standalone.

Caleb Parker, our hero, is a wealthy successful entrepreneur, who is also very close to his family, especially his sisters, whom also work with him.  Caleb and his sisters made a wonderful  loyal family that protects each other. 

Sadie Lane, our heroine, is working two jobs to make ends meet ( tattoo artist & spa).  Sadie is as tough as they come, always has the last and at times sarcastic response; as years before her heart was broken by a failed relationship, and refuses to allow herself to get hurt again. She has a history, which she keeps private and a family she is not close to.

One stormy rainy night, Caleb comes across a three legged puppy, and tries to catch.  Sadie, who knows Caleb as a local businessman, tries to help him catch the dog.  Together they rescue Lollipop, and both decide they want to keep the dog. It was so cute how Lollipop, knew she was safe in their hands, and gave them both affection.  The two come to an agreement to co own the dog, which opens the way for them to get to know each other better; it was fun to watch them take turns with Lollipop, with each helping each other.

Caleb was a fantastic hero, smart, sweet, caring, loyal and a hottie all the way.  Sadie was completely different, as she was independent, stubborn, sarcastic, unwilling to allow herself to get close to anyone.  They were different like night and day, especially with him having lots of money and Sadie just making ends meet.  But they both loved Lollipop (so did I), and slowly their attraction for each other became very steamy.  I loved Caleb from the start, but as much as I did like Sadie, her behavior was constant, and at times annoying how she treated Caleb; even if I did understand the wall she built from her sad childhood, and her inability to trust her true feelings. 

What follows is a heartwarming and emotional romance, with both Caleb and Sadie having difficult, but different childhood.  Just when you think that Caleb will prove to Sadie how much he loves her, things will blow up to threaten their relationship.  Caleb’s sisters always protect him, especially in trying to investigate new people in his life, which will become a major misunderstanding.  Will Caleb convince Sadie to trust him, and open her heart?

As I have said before, Heartbreaker Bay is a great series to enjoy, and I suggest you start with the first book.  Playing for Keeps was a fun, heartwarming,  sexy, enjoyable read,  with an outstanding cast of characters. If you love pure romance, friendships, a sexy couple, and are not reading Jill Shalvis, it is time for you to do so. Don’t start just with this book, as why miss out on the earlier wonderful fun heroes/heroines that make this series so much fun; you need to start at the beginning.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

“Sadie.”
She shook her head.
“Look at me. Please?”
It was the damn please that had her opening her eyes. He’d closed the gap so that if she so much as took a breath, they’d be touching.
So she did just that. She took a deep breath, and then their bodies were up against each other, his warm and hard. Everywhere. “What’s happening?” she whispered.
“I believe you’re deciding between kicking me in the nuts and kissing me.” One side of his mouth curved very slightly as he lifted their still joined hands above her head, against the wall.
“But that last part might just be in my dreams.”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Yes, it’s just in my dreams?”
She meant to say yes again, she really did.
She even opened her mouth to say it, because this was insane, this incredible . . . craving she had for him. It made no sense. Less than no sense, and yet . . .
She went up on tiptoe and touched her mouth to his.

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis writes warm, funny, sexy contemporary romances and women’s fiction. An Amazon, BN & iBooks bestseller, she’s also a two-time RITA winner and has more than 10 million copies of her books sold worldwide.

 

 

Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS
Website: http://jillshalvis.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JillShalvis/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillShalvis/
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22370.Jill_Shalvis
Newsletter: http://jillshalvis.com/faq/newsletter/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jill-shalvis

 

Jill’s publisher is offering an paper copy of PLAYING FOR KEEPS to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

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

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

3. Please follow Jill Shalvis on Facebook.

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Giveaway open to USA/Canada only

8. Giveaway runs from January 24  to 28, 2019

 

There is a second chance to win a Giveaway

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Illegally Yours (Laws of Attraction #2) by Kate Meader-a review

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ILLEGALLY YOURS (Laws of Attraction #2) by Kate Meader-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 22, 2019

Rule #1: Never fall for your client.
Rule #2: Never fall for your client’s fiercely protective, smoking hot sister-in-law.

I’m the kind of guy who believes that everyone deserves the best legal representation money can buy—which just so happens to be me, Lucas Wright. Give me your henpecked, your cuckolded, your irreconcilable differences yearning to break free! And if you’re the bad guy in your marriage, that’s cool too. Your green is as good as anyone’s.

Tell that to Trinity Jones. It’s my job to destroy her sister—the soon-to-be ex-wife of my a-hole of a client—and Trinity’s “big sis” instincts are dialed up to the max. I admire that. I admire her. But she won’t stop me from representing my client to the best of my ability.

Not even if my chemistry with Trinity is undeniable. Not even if we can’t keep our hands off each other. Not even if she injects life into a heart assumed to be long dead.

Because when faced with a choice between love and duty, the job will always win—or at least that’s what I thought before I met Trinity . . . and suddenly conflict of interest never felt so right.

•••••••••

REVIEW: ILLEGALLY YOURS is the second instalment in Kate Meader’s contemporary, adult LAWS OF ATTRACTION erotic, romance series focusing on three friend and law partners: Max Henderson, Lucas Wright, and Grant Lincoln. This is twenty-eight year old, divorce attorney Lucas Wright, and thirty-four year old, sommelier Trinity Jones’ story line. ILLEGALLY YOURS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lucas and Trinity) ILLEGALLY YOURS follows the building relationship between twenty-eight year old, divorce attorney Lucas Wright, and thirty-four year old, sommelier Trinity Jones. Lucas Wright doesn’t do relationships but meeting sommelier Trinity Jones’ at Max Henderson’s bachelor party made our hero sit up and take notice but trouble is about to follow Max and Trinity when Max discovers that Trinity is the sister in law of the man he represents in an upcoming divorce battle. Ethically and morally Lucas knows he should either step aside, or ask permission to date his clients soon to be ex sister-in –law. With permission granted, Lucas and Trinity embark on a romantic relationship one that is doomed when Lucas is unable to remain impartial when Trinity reveals the truth. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Lucas and Trinity, and the potential fall-out when secrets are revealed, and Trinity, by her need to take care of everyone she loves, becomes the enabler as her sister struggles to move on with her life.

The relationship between Lucas and Trinity is one of immediate attraction although Lucas’ smart British mouth gets him into a bit of trouble with out story line heroine. Discovering that Lucas is her sister’s soon to be ex-husband’s attorney knows that to cross ethical lines could place Lucas on the road to disbarment but the heart wants something more than a passing fling. Both having suffered painful childhood drama, Lucas and Trinity become kindred spirits as they recall heart break from the past.The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

We are reintroduced to Max and Charlie (Down With Love #1), as well as fellow divorce attorneys and business partners Grant Lincoln, and Aubrey Gates: Trinity’s sister Emily Carso , and her soon to be ex-husband Brian, and their children Chase and Arianna ; and fellow co-workers and Trinity’s friends Gideon and Pete.

ILLEGALLY YOURS is a story of secrets, family, heart break and love. The premise is inviting and spicy; the romance is spirited and moving; the characters are sassy and sexy. ILLEGALLY YOURS is an energetic and passionate look at two people willing to cross the line for something more.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one DOWN WITH LOVE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Reader’s Group | Bookbub | Goodreads | Newsletter | Amazon Author Profile

Kate Meader

Originally from Ireland, USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron or a fire hose, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemprary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines who can match their men quip for quip.

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One Cruel Night / Cruel Money (Cruel .5 & #1) by K.A.Linde-Review Tour

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One Cruel Night / Cruel Money (Cruel 5 &  #1) by K.A.Linde-Review Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 22, 2019

She was supposed to be a one night stand.

A way to sate my sexual appetite.

I let her glimpse the man I am. The face that I hide behind my carefully cultivated life. But she ripped open that divide—and there’s no going back.

Now, she’s here. In my city.

I don’t care that I’m Manhattan royalty and she’s the help.

Only that she’s living in my summer home. With me.

And I want more.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: CRUEL MONEY is the first full length instalment in K.A. Linde’s contemporary, adult CRUEL erotic, romance series focusing on twenty-nine year old, philosophy professor Penn Kensington, and twenty-four year old, writer / house-sitter Natalie Bishop.

NOTE: For history and background, I recommend reading the prequel novella ONE CRUEL NIGHT where Natalie Bishop first meets Penn Kensington.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Penn and Natalie) CRUEL MONEY picks up six years after Penn and Natalie’s one-night stand in Paris France. As a struggling writer Natalie works full-time as a house sitter for the rich and famous but never expected to come face to face with her past, a man she hates for his ‘hit it and quit it’ one-night affair. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Natalie and Penn, and the fall-out as betrayal, heart break, secrets and lies push our heroine out of Penn Kensington’s life

CRUEL MONEY is an emotional story of heartache, pain and deception. We are witness to the manipulation and gullibility of a young woman as she is unprepared for the cruelty and vindictiveness of the privileged and uber-rich. An unsuspecting and oblivious pawn, Natalie is the ultimate loser of both her head and her heart.

The secondary and supporting characters are numerous, colorful, manipulative, insensitive and calculating. We are introduced to the ‘Crew’, a group of well-to-do, privileged, and spoiled twenty-something adults who play games with other people’s lives and hearts.

K.A. Linde pulls the reader into an intoxicating train wreck and the emotional fall-out as one woman loses everything and more. The premise is gritty; the romance is fraught with secrets and lies; the characters are animated but broken. CRUEL MONEY ends on a cliff-hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

––––––––

ONE CRUEL NIGHT
(Cruel .5) by
K.A. Linde
Genre: contemporary, adult, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 7, 2019

I spot the mysterious stranger across the party.

I’d seen him in the park, writing furiously in his worn leather notebook.

He’s pure confidence, born and bred in high society with eyes like a hawk—observant, cunning, and wicked. With sensual lips and a body made to worship, he’s exquisite. A work of art.

While I’m young, innocent, and completely out of my depth.

But I’m drawn to him. Captivated by his approach. When he asks for one night, I have only one word for him.

Yes.

One summer in Paris. One night with him. One cruel night.

••••••••

REVIEW:ONE CRUEL NIGHT is the introductory novella in K.A. Linde’s contemporary, adult CRUEL erotic, romance series focusing on Penn Kensington, and Natalie Bishop.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Penn and Natalie) ONE CRUEL NIGHT reveals some of the history and background wherein our heroine Natalie Bishop will meet Penn Kensington, on her last night in Paris, France. Following a whirlwind night of romance and $ex, our heroine wakes up to an empty bed, and an empty apartment, having lost her virginity to the ‘perfect’ stranger. Fast forward six years at which point, wanna-be author Natalie struggles to find a place in the world.

ONE CRUEL NIGHT sets the tone for K.A.Linde’s contemporary, adult CRUEL romance series that follows the rekindling relationship between our leading couple. The premise is inviting; the characters are colorful and magnetic; the romance is a one-night seduction of our heroine’s heart.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Facebook /Twitter /Website /Google Plus / Instagram / Goodreads / BOOKBUB

K.A. Linde is the USA Today bestselling author of the Avoiding Series, Wrights, and more than thirty other novels. She has a Masters degree in political science from the University of Georgia, was the head campaign worker for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and served as the head coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, binge-watching Supernatural, traveling, and dancing in her spare time.

She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband and two super-adorable puppies.

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Crash by Kelly Gendron-Review & Giveaway Tour

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CRASH (Daring the Kane Brothers #1) by Kelly Gendron-Review and Giveaway tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Apple

About the book: Release Date January 22, 2019

Three years ago, I “married” my best friend’s sister on a dare and the next day, my best friend died. Maggie Mae is back in town and she wants a divorce. The thing is, we’re not really married
At least, I didn’t think we were…

Remember that guy in high school every girl wanted
Well, that sexy bastard was my brother’s best friend
With a mouth that always knew exactly what to say and a body that wouldn’t quit
Crash Kane was pure perfection
Perfect until he was almost mine

Remember that girl in high school every guy wanted
Maggie Mae was NOT that girl
While she wasn’t every guy’s dream
She was mine
She was also my best friend’s sister
And, like most guys,I knew the rules

Abandoned love, lost dreams and broken hearts. Sometimes, you’re going so fast, you don’t feel the CRASH!

••••••••••••

REVIEW: CRASH is the third instalment in Kelly Gendron’s contemporary, adult DARING THE KANE BROTHERS erotic, romance series focusing on the Kane brothers –Token, Nix, Steele and Crash Kane-a spin off from the author’s BREAKING THE DECLAN BROTHERS series. This is twenty-six year old, former NASCAR driver and mechanic Crash Kane, and twenty-four year old Maggie Mae’s story line. CRASH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Crash and Maggie) CRASH is a multi-troped story line following the second chance, secret marriage, best friend’s little sister, rekindling romance between is twenty-six year old, former NASCAR driver and mechanic Crash Kane, and twenty-four year old Maggie Mae. Three years earlier the world as they knew it was torn apart and shredded when Maggie’s brother, Crash’s best friend Josh was killed on the track but not before Crash and Maggie participated in a drunken, quickie Vegas wedding, a wedding Crash thought had been annulled on the spot. Fast forward to present day wherein the woman with whom Crash hasn’t seen or spoken returns to their home town, keeping secrets that threaten the people he loves. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship and romance between Crash and Maggie, and the potential fall-out as Maggie’s past demands retribution, and Crash discovers the secrets Maggie was hoping to keep hidden.

Maggie has loved Crash for most of her life but death of her brother Josh brought with it the death of her relationship with Crash Kane. Returning home meant facing the man she hadn’t stopped loving, a return meant to move on with her life to protect the people she loved. Crash Kane had no idea the secrets Maggie kept but learning they were still married gave Crash a second chance at a happily ever after, a second chance that came with more secrets and surprises. Having taken the blame for Josh’s demise, Crash remained silent until his own secrets were revealed.

The relationship between Crash and Maggie is one of second chances; a best friend’s little sister, secret marriage that Crash thought was over, and Maggie wanted done. The palpable sexual attraction and desire did not go unnoticed by family and friends. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Crash’s parents, and Maggie’s mother Bridget Knight.We are reintroduced to Crash’s brothers Token (see review below), Nix and Steele, as well as Jax and Emmie Declan, and Zeke Declan and Lurlene Kane (The Declan Brothers Series) and Crash’s roommate Jaggs. The requisite evil has many faces.

CRASH is a story of family, friendship, loss and love. The premise is heart breaking, emotional and entertaining; the romance is seductive and hot; the characters are dynamic, lively and charismatic. CRASH is a sexy, sensitive and moving story of second chances and happily ever after.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

______________

TOKEN
(Daring the Kane Brothers #1)
by Kelly Gendron
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic,romance

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

About the book: Release Date March 21, 2017

I DARE YOU TO SAVE ME…

Little did I know
The next Harley I’d pick up
Would give me the ride of my life
Harley Redbourne is beautiful
Self-destructive, unpredictable, sassy, temptress
And my mission to take her just got complicated ~ Token Kane

One week out of the year
On the anniversary of the death of my family
I put away my good-girl, free the darkness, and completely let go
This year, my plans were cut short by TokenKane
The ex-boxer hired to bring me back to California
And, while I was thrown-off by the sexy, Irish rogue
I’m still not going anywhere with him ~ Harley Redbourne

Will Harley continue downa self-destructive path, or will she change gears and give intothe undeniable attraction she has for the alpha brute and seewhere he might take her?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: TOKEN is the first instalment in Kelly Gendron’s contemporary, adult DARING THE KANE BROTHER erotic romance series focusing on the Kane sibling. This is former boxer Token Kane, and twenty-five year old, Harley Redbourne’s story line. DARING THE KANE BROTHERS is a spin-off from the author’s BREAKING THE DECLAN BROTHERS series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Harley and Token) TOKEN follows the building relationship between former boxer Token Kane, and twenty-five year old, Harley Redbourne. Token Kane works for boxing promoter and gym owner Bronx Mosely doing specialty jobs no one else wants to handle including the retrieval and babysitting of a woman who pushes all of Token’s buttons. Enter Harley Redbourne, the woman with whom Token will fall in love. On the run, staying one step ahead of her past, Harley Redbourne battles the guilt and memories of a time long ago, memories that she tries to drown at the bottom of a bottle. What ensues is the slow building romance, but tempestuous and acrimonious relationship between Harley and Token, and the potential fall-out as Token’s past is too close for comfort.

Token Kane is sent to retrieve Harley Redbourne but is unaware of the reasons surrounding his latest assignment. Battling his own demons, Token sees a kindred spirit behind the spitfire and fury of the woman that will call to his heart. Harley Redbourne is unwilling to go quietly; to be complacent for a man she believes is only doing his job. Struggling with the memories of heart break and loss, Harley continue to rebel and push at the man that calls to her heart.

The relationship between Harley and Token begins as an assignment. Harley refuses to cooperate with Token’s demands, as Token battles with the woman with whom he will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced Token’s parents and his siblings: Crash, Nix, Steele and Lurlene, as well as boxing promoter Bronx Mosely. The requisite evil is familiar to our story line hero

TOKEN is a story of family, loss, guilt and grief. The premise is fast paced and spirited ; the characters are feisty, stubborn and determined; the romance is provocative and energetic. TOKEN is an engaging look at two broken people trying to hide from ghosts of the past.

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Reviewed by Sandy

Kelly’s motto ~ “Bad boys, give ’em a little time and experience, and they will evolve into misbehaving men!” And what hot-blooded woman doesn’t want a naughty, all grown up bad boy?

Kelly Gendron is the author of the TroubleMaker series, the up and coming series ~ Breaking the Declan Brothers, and a few other romantic suspense novels.

When she’s not writing steamy, blush producing romances, she’s out meeting new people while representing a group of reputable nursing facilities. You can find Kelly in a quiet suburb, somewhere between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. If you Google her, she’ll pop up there too. And, please do find her. Kelly loves to hear from her readers, and meeting new people.

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The Princess (The Filthy Trilogy #2) by Lisa Renee Jones-Review & Excerpt Tour

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The Princess (The Filthy Trilogy #2) by Lisa Renee Jones-Review & Excerpt Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 23, 2019

He’s the bastard of the empire, a savant, a genius, and a self-made success. He left it all behind, but he came back for her.

Their passion is a flame that ignites more than their bond. It ignites secrets, lies, and a puzzle that once solved, will shake them to the core.

You know one deep, dark secret, but you do not yet know anywhere near everything.

NOTE: The Filthy Trilogy was originally intended to be a DUET but the author has added a third book for reader enjoyment and satisfaction.

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE PRINCESS is the second instalment in Lisa Renee Jones’ contemporary, adult FILTHY TRILOGY erotic, romance series focusing on billionaire/Navy SEAL and second in command to Grayson Bennett, Eric Mitchell, and heiress Harper Evans. Eric was first introduced in the author’s DIRTY RICH BETRAYAL (Dirty Rich #4) but you do not have to have read the previous series to understand or follow the story. 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 including Blake Walker, Savage and Adam. THE PRINCESS should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately following the events of book one THE BASTARD.

SOME BACKGROUND: Six years earlier, Eric Mitchell, the bastard son of Kingston Motors CEO Jeff Kingston met his father’s new step-daughter Harper Evans, a woman Eric dubbed The Princess, but a woman that stirred something deep within our story line hero. A one-night stand followed by the realization of who and what Harper Evans represented further pushed Eric away from his birth right, as the spare to the heir of Kingston Motors. Fast forward to present day wherein Harper Evans is in desperate need of Eric’s help, help Eric isn’t willing to give without a price.

NOTE: The Filthy Trilogy was intended to be a duet but the author has decided that Eric and Harper’s story line requires further attention.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Harper and Eric) THE PRINCESS continues to focus on the building relationship between Eric Mitchell and Harper Evans, a relationship that is threatened from an outside source. An attack against Harper finds Eric upping the security around the woman with whom he is falling in love but in doing so finds himself in a vulnerable position for attack, as well. Not knowing who to trust, Eric and Harper must venture forth to New York, with the suspicion that everyone is suspect including family and friends. What ensues are Eric and Harper’s fight for their safety, as Eric struggles to stay one step-ahead of the person(s) trying to destroy their lives.

The relationship between Eric and Harper continues to evolve; an erotic romance wherein Erin battles demons from the past, ongoing rejection, and a fight to prove he is worthy of love. Harper struggles with her mother’s choices, choices that have affected our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The world building remains focused on the bitter relationship between Eric Mitchell, and the family that has rejected him most of his life. As the bastard son of billionaire businessman Jeff Kingston, Eric has battled father and son in an attempt to avenge the treatment of his mother, a woman who died too young, and alone.

THE PRINCESS is a story of fractured family dynamics, family dynamics that continue to spiral out of control. No one is safe; everyone is suspect as one by one, members of the Mitchell/Kingston family are targeted in a powerful game with an unknown opponent. Secrets are slowly revealed, secrets that will affect our story line couple. The character driven premise is intriguing, exciting and realistic; the characters are strong, colorful and dynamic; the romance is passionate, moving and provocative. THE PRINCESS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE BASTARD

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

NOTE: The excerpt is intended for mature readers 18+ due to strong language and content.

I forget everything but him. How can I not? He owns me. That was my fear, but I don’t feel fear now. No fear at all. But there are other emotions, a swell of unnamed emotions overwhelming me. We’re in his territory, his home, the danger and darkness of this night, driving confessions and intimacy to a whole new level. “I’m not just going to fuck you, Harper,” Eric promises. “I’m going to make love to you.”

Love.

I spoke that word to him, so hearing it on his lips shouldn’t send shockwaves through me, but somehow it does. It shouldn’t make my chest expand with fear that I didn’t feel moments before, but it does. I both want him to love me and fear the moment he does. With love comes real pain when he tells me to walk away and gives me a shove when he doesn’t really follow, because he decides the bastard and the princess can’t survive.

My walls erect. I need to protect myself. “What happened to fucking the princess and leaving her behind?”

“We just had this conversation. I’m not leaving you again.”

“And yet you told me to leave.”

“I did,” he says. “But I’m a bastard, remember? And not just any bastard. I’m the one who wants you too damn much now to do what’s right. You run. I’ll run faster. I’ll come for you.”

Heat rushes up my neck. “Fucking me is safe,” I whisper. “Fucking me is—”

“Fucking you is perfect,” he says. “And I will fuck you, Harper. Every way I can think of and every day, but right now, I’m going to show you more than the bastard. I’m going to make love to you.” His lips part mine, his tongue stroking deep, stroking long, exploring, and the demand I’d felt in him when he’d snapped is nowhere to be found. There is just this sultry, sexy, caress of his tongue that seduces me and tears down my walls.

I am his to do with as he pleases. I am his to please or otherwise. I think he really will break my heart. I think he knows it, too, but it’s too late to turn back. We’re on a path together that must be traveled, no matter where it leads.


 

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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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We Shouldn’t by Vi Keeland-Review Tour

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We Shouldn’t by Vi Keeland-Review Tour

Amazon Paper / Amazon Kindle / Amazon .ca / Chapters Indigo/ B&N / KOBO / Google / iBooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 21, 2019.

Bennett Fox walked into my life on one hell of a crappy Monday morning.

I was late for the first day at my new job—a job I’d now have to compete for even though I’d already worked eight years to earn it, because of an unexpected merger.

While I lugged my belongings up to my new office, a meter maid wrote me a parking summons.

She’d ticketed a long line of cars—except for the Audi parked in front of me, which happened to be the same make and model as mine.

Annoyed, I decided to regift my ticket to the car that had evaded a fine. Chances were, the owner would pay it and be none the wiser.

Except, I accidentally broke the windshield wiper while slipping the ticket onto the car’s window.

Seriously, my day couldn’t get any worse.

Things started to perk up when I ran into a gorgeous man in the elevator. We had one of those brief moments that only happened in movies.

You know the deal…your body lights up, fireworks go off, and the air around you crackles with electricity.

His heated stare left me flush when I stepped off the elevator.

Maybe things here wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Or so I thought.

Until I walked into my new boss’s office and met my competition.

The gorgeous man from the elevator was now my nemesis. His heated stare wasn’t because of any mutual attraction. It was because he’d seen me vandalize his car. And now he couldn’t wait to annihilate his rival.

There’s a fine line between love and hate—and we shouldn’t cross it.

We shouldn’t—but straddling that line could be so much fun.

•••••••••

REVIEW: WE SHOULDN’T by Vi Keeland is a contemporary, adult, stand alone erotic, romance story line focusing on advertising account executives thirty-one year old, Bennett Fox and twenty-eight year old, Annalise O’Neil.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Annalise and Bennett) WE SHOULDN’T follows the workplace relationship and romance between advertising account executives thirty-one year old, Bennett Fox and twenty-eight year old, Annalise O’Neil. A business merger between Wren Media and Foster Burnett meant Annalise O’Neil had to prepare to do battle for the position of Creative Director of West Coast Marketing, a position currently held by Bennett Fox. Bennett Fox was unprepared for his visceral reaction to Annalise O’Neil but when the head of operations proposes a three-deal competition all bets are off as Bennett battles between head and heart for his job and the woman with whom he is falling in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Annalise and Bennett, and the potential fall-out as miscommunication, misunderstanding and misspoken words push Annalise out of Bennett’s world.

The relationship between Annalise and Bennett is one of mutual attraction but Annalise sees Bennett as nothing but a manwh*re and in direct competition for the position she once held so dear. Bennett’s slow seduction of our story line heroine is filled with snark and sass. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are colorful and energetic including Annalise’s ex-boyfriend Andrew; her best friend and food critic Madison, Annalise’s parents Matteo and Margo Bianchi, and Bennett’s godson Lucas.

WE SHOULDN’T is a story of family, friendship, regrets and love. The premise is spicy and spirited; the characters are animated, flirty, sassy and sexy; the romance is provocative and energetic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Read this short sneak peek from the first two chapters here:
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qi0wfckd79

 

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

Sign up for Vi’s mailing list now and be the first one notified when books go live! ➜ https://www.subscribepage.com/i6h3o5

Do you like texts better than email? Receive text notices of Vi’s new releases by texting the word BOOKS to 77948 You will ONLY receive a text when a new book goes live – no other messages at all!

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The Conspiracy by Kat Martin – a Review

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The Conspiracy by Kat Martin – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iTunes / Google Play / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
Harper Winston’s brother has disappeared. Pursuing his dream of sailing the Caribbean, Michael hasn’t responded to texts or emails in days. When even the Coast Guard can’t find him, Harper is forced to take desperate measures. Which means going to Chase Garrett, once her brother’s best friend, now the only man she can trust…or so she hopes.

As the successful owner of Maximum Security, Chase has learned to trust his gut. He knows Harper’s father is mixed up in a deadly business, and suspects there’s more to Michael’s disappearance than meets the eye. Getting involved again with the Winstons goes against everything he stands for, yet old loyalties die hard. As the case draws him closer to Harper and deeper into the Winstons’ snarled crime family, he is forced to put everything on the line to keep Harper safe…and both of them alive.

 

 

Review:

The Conspiracy by Kat Martin is the first book in her new Maximum Security series. We meet our heroine, Harper Winston, at the start, as she is taking matters in her own hands to search for her missing brother.  She knows he went on a dream vacation sailing in the Caribbean, and after a few days of texting back and forth, he suddenly stopped responding. Harper will then ask someone she hasn’t seen in years, to help her find her brother.

Chase Garrett, our hero,  used to be Harper’s brother Michael’s best friend, until he became frustrated at Michael’s use of drugs and behavior.  Chase also hates the father of Harper and Michael, knowing he is a bad man with shady dealings with drug lords.  Chase owns Maximum Security, and when Harper comes to visit him, he tries to avoid becoming involved, but she convinces him that Michael has changed for the better, and his disappearance is not like him.  Chase agrees to take the case, and despite his misgivings, he gives in to Harper’s insistence to come along.

What follows is an exciting, suspenseful adventure where Chase and Harper find themselves in dangerous situations as they try to find and save Michael.  As evidence begins to point out that Winston’s dealings with the drug cartel has created enemies who are behind Michaels kidnapping, and Chase will need to bring in his cronies and some team members to try and rescue Michael.

The last half of the book returns back to the states, and Harper becomes the one who is in danger, with a lot of tense exciting action.  This will bring Chase and Harper closer together that evolves into a romance.  The danger does escalate, and Maximum Security comes into play to find the people trying to kidnap Harper, as well as bring in help from Winston’s men. 

I did like both Chase and Harper together.  Harper was a savvy, tough beautiful heroine, who was determined to be part of case, and her despair at learning the truths about her father’s crime syndicate.  Chase was a great hero, hot, smart, loyal and protective of Harper.   It was cute to see Chase’s initial reaction to seeing his friend’s baby sister, and how she was now a grown and very attractive woman.

The Conspiracy was an intriguing, suspenseful, exciting story line that had me on the edge of my seat throughout the book.   I loved Chase and his brothers, who make up Maximum Security and look forward to future books showcasing them.  Once again, Kat Martin gives us another exciting thriller. If you enjoy action, suspense, romance and intense crime thrillers, you should read anything by Kat Martin.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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