Demon’s Mercy (Dark Protectors #9) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

DEMON’S MERCY (Dark Protector #9) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 22, 2019

Duty meets desire . . .

Mercy O’Malley hates killing people. So when she’s assigned to take out Vampire-Demon Logan Kyllwood, she lures him to a seedy bar in Scotland, then decides to kidnap him instead. How can she cold-bloodedly end all that heat, those green eyes, that ripped body?

Unfortunately for Mercy, attempted murder and kidnapping are just foreplay for the Kyllwood brothers. Logan may be the youngest of the bunch, but death and violence are already a way of life. Now he’s ready to complete a painful, terrifying ritual to become one of the Seven, dedicated to protecting this world from the most dangerous evil it’s ever known. But first he has to deal with a blackmailing Fey, a ransom demand and his own pounding need for the last female he ever should have fallen for . . .

•••••••••

REVIEW: DEMON’S MERCY is the ninth instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult DARK PROTECTOR paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is vampire/demon hybrid Logan Kyllwood, and fae Mercy O’Malley’s story line. DEMON’S MERCY can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

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

Told from several third person perspectives including Mercy and Logan DEMON’S MERCY focuses on Logan’s search for one of the Keys, a supernatural or enhanced female who, together with two other Keys, will open the lock to save the Realm but all does not go according to plan when Logan finds himself the prisoner of a female Fae, Mercy O’Malley, the woman who would one day be his fated mate. What ensues is the back and forth, escape and recapture between Mercy and Logan, and the potential fall-out as the Fae have sided with the Kurjans and the Cysts, against the Realm.

Mercy O’Malley has known all of her life that she is destined to help save her Fae world. As one of only a few remaining Fae of mating age, our heroine finds herself promised to someone else as she slowly falls in love with our leading man. Logan Kyllwood knows Mercy is his fated mate, the mating wrong is never wrong, but Logan struggles to convince Mercy that trust is earned, even though neither one is willing to accept the other at face value.

Meanwhile Sam Kyllwood is taken hostage and thrown into a hell dimension where the portals open for a revealing surprise.

The relationship between Mercy and Logan is acrimonious at best. Mercy and her fellow Fae females have been assigned to take down and destroy our leading hero in the belief the Seven are a threat to the world. The palpable sexual attraction between Mercy and Logan is immediate; the $ex scenes are passionate and seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar and colorful secondary and supporting characters including Logan’s brother Sam Kyllwood, Garrett Kayrs, and seven year old Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood, and her bestie Paxton; Zane and Janie Belle, Ronan and Faith Karys, Quade Kayrs, Benjamin Reese, demon-vampire and Viking Ivar Kjeidsen, and Scotsman Adare O’Cearbhaill. We are introduced to Mercy’s fellow Fae warriors Sandy and Trina, self- proclaimed King Niall, and president Alyssa Dawn.

The world building continues to focus of the search for the Keys: the fight against the Kurjans and the Cysts; the protection of the Realm; and Hope’s foray into the dreamworld. The seven members of the Shield prepare for war one battle at a time, knowing one or two of their own may be lost forever, encapsulated in an effort to keep Ulric behind proverbial bars.

DEMON’S MERCY is a story of family, friendship, survival and blood. The fast paced premise is engaging and intriguing; the characters are strong, sassy and inspiring; the romance is spirited and moving. DEMON’S MERCY is a sexy, spicy and startling story line sure to please the supernatural lover in all of us.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Fated
Claimed
Tempted
Hunted
Consumed
Provoked
Twisted
Shadowed
Tamed
Marked
Teased
Tricked
Tangled
Talen
Vampire’s Faith
Demon’s Mercy

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Amazon * Goodreads

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How to Blackmail a Highlander by Michelle McLean – a Review

How to Blackmail a Highlander by Michelle McLean – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM

 

Description:
Lady Alice Chivers is done being controlled by her family. On the run from an arranged marriage, she needs a strong Highlandery to escape. Only Philip MacGregor insists on sending her back to her pampered life, so she’ll just have to blackmail him instead. But now they find themselves in an accidental marriage, and soon they’re both playing a role that feels like it was meant to be real. Philip is cautious, in control, and in way over his head with his unexpected wife. She’s intense, spontaneous, and can’t follow an order to save her life. And he might be falling completely in love with her. However, her distractions endanger the lives of those he loves. Now he must somehow undo the damage that has been done, before his friends pay with their lives.

 

 

Review: 

How to Blackmail a Highlander by Michelle McLean is the 3rd book in her The MacGregor Lairds.  I’ve read a few by this author, and I’ve always enjoyed her work.

Philip doesn’t want a wife, and having a silly thing try to force him into marriage will only get you back to your pampered life really quick. And when said woman tries to blackmail him into marrying him, then he really isn’t a happy man !!

His “new wife” is a constant hassle !! She’s isn’t very obedient and is constantly giving poor Philip a headache !! But as time goes on, and he spends more time with his wayward wife, he begins to see her in a different light. And when an incident occurs, Philip will have to rectify it quick before it puts other people he cares about in harms way …… 

Alice is not going to end up in an arranged marriage! And certainly not to a man twice her age, and his three previous wives, they didn’t survive that long wedded to him, so she had no intention of being his fourth wife. Her salvation comes from a letter her best friend sends her, it comes at just the right time, and the man bringing the letter, could help her too, after asking for his help, Philip turns her down !! So she’s just going to have to resort to blackmail !! 

Alice has me laughing at a few of her antics, Philip is a man who likes his control, and Alice likes to throw it all up in the air and see where it lands. 

To find out if they remain married, you’ll have to read it yourself ?

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Publisher

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Raven’s Gift (All The King’s Men #10) by Donya Lynne-a review

RAVEN’S GIFT (All The King’s Men #10) by Donya Lynne-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 15, 2019

She’s a beauty. He’s a beast. Only her love can make him whole.

As a lycan, Barrett is physically superior, built like a god, with movie star good looks. But he’s hindered by one small defect. He was born mute, and for a lycan, being mute is the kiss of death. Terrified that he could pass on his inability to speak to his offspring, female lycans in search of a mate pass him over every mating season, leaving him desperately alone.

Orphaned as a baby, Raven has no idea she’s a lycan. Raised as a human, she ends up marrying her college sweetheart. But after years struggling to conceive, her marriage comes to a heartbreaking end. Hoping for a fresh start, she moves west. When she meets Barrett, there’s no denying her attraction to him, or the way the odd sensations she’s been battling for weeks intensify into an aroused, dizzying frenzy anytime he’s near.

In one passionate, turbulent night, Barrett finds what he’s waited a lifetime for, even as Raven’s life unravels into a frightening new reality. When the dust settles, will what they’ve found in each other be enough to keep them together? Or will the truth be too much to overcome?

Welcome to the next chapter of All the King’s Men. In Raven’s Gift, author Donya Lynne gives readers a more in-depth look at the lycans she introduced in the novel, BLACK. For a reference to the series timeline, Raven’s Gift takes place at the same time as Rise of the Fallen.

NOTE: Raven’s Gift was originally written as a novella for the Fangs Fur and Fa La La holiday anthology. This rerelease includes over 10,000 new words, making it a novel.

•••••••••

REVIEW: RAVEN’S GIFT is the tenth instalment (and novella) in Donya Lynne’s contemporary, adult ALL THE KING’S MEN paranormal, romance series. This is lycan shifter and home renovator Barrett Lowe, and twenty-five year old, occupational therapist Raven Di Marco’s story line. RAVEN’S GIFT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary. Raven’s Gift takes place at the same time as Rise of the Fallen (All the King’s Men #1).

NOTE: RAVEN’S GIFT was originally released in the December 2018, multi-authored anthology Fangs, Fur and Fa La La but the author has added an additional 10,000 words for the new release.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Barrett and Raven) RAVEN’S GIFT follows the building relationship between lycan shifter and home renovator Barrett Lowe, and twenty-five year old, occupational therapist Raven Di Marco. Barrett Lowe and his brother Julian had no idea that their new tenant, Raven DiMarco, was a lycan shifter, an unmated, female, lycan shifter entering into her most fertile period, the infloria. Unaware of her lycan heritage, Raven is a prime target for all unmated male lycans. After one failed attacked, hoping to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, Barrett and his brother Julian are forced to take Raven to the lycan compound where our heroine will learn the true nature of the beast. What ensues is the building relationship between Raven and Barrett, and the potential fall-out as Raven struggles with the unreality of her new life.

Barrett Lowe is considered imperfect; damaged goods amongst the lycan population. Born mute, Barrett is an unacceptable mate for the female shifters, females who see Barrett as unworthy and unlikely to produce healthy offspring. Raven DiMarco’s first marriage was a failure, ending in divorce when she was unable to get pregnant, Raven moves to Tuscon Arizona in the hopes of starting anew, never dreaming that her life was about to dramatically change.

The relationship between Raven and Barrett is one of immediate attraction, an attraction not only predicated on lycan DNA but the sexual, palpable energy of want and need. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate, without the use of over the top,sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to a large number of the lycan population including mated couple Siron and Jupiter; Barrett’s brothers Julian and Chase Lowe; as well as Priest, Rameses and Wrex; Payne, Titus, Sinner, Klaw and Krul.

RAVEN’S GIFT introduces a number of the characters and Lycan’s in Donya Lynne’s world of All the King’s Men. For fans of the series, the lycans were first introduced in the BLACK (AKM #8) but you do not have to have read the previous instalment to follow or comprehend. The premise is spirited and imaginative; the characters are animated; the romance is fated and captivating.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Rise of the Fallen ebook is FREE at Amazon
Heart of the Warrior
Micah’s Calling
Rebel Obsession
Return of the Assassin
All the King’s Men-The Beginning
Bound Guardian Angel
Black
Micah’s Bride

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

About The Author beige

FOLLOW: Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Newsletter | BookbubInstagramPinterest |

donya lynneDonya Lynne is the bestselling author of the award-winning All the King’s Men Series and a member of Romance Writers of America. Making her home in a wooded suburb north of Indianapolis with her husband, Donya has lived in Indiana most of her life and knew at a young age that she was destined to be a writer. She started writing poetry in grade school and won her first short story contest in fourth grade. In junior high, she began writing romantic stories for her friends, and by her sophomore year, she’d been dubbed Most Likely to Become a Romance Novelist. In 2012, she made that dream come true by publishing her first two novels and a novella. Her work has earned her two IPPYs (one gold, one silver) and two ELit Awards (one gold, one silver) as well as numerous accolades. When she’s not writing, she can be found cheering on the Indianapolis Colts or doing her cats’ bidding.

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The Double by Helena Newbury-a review

THE DOUBLE by Helena Newbury-a review

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 11, 2019

He’s not a criminal, he’s the criminal. Ruthless and gorgeous, he rules half of New York. Everyone knows his name: Konstantin. I’m the exact opposite. As an FBI surveillance specialist, my job is to be invisible and that suits me just fine. I spend my life watching Konstantin, and he’s never once seen the shy girl taking photos from across the street.

But when Konstantin’s beautiful but evil “companion,” Christina, is injured in a car crash, we get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Plastic surgery can make me look just like her: I can take her place at Konstantin’s side and learn every secret he’s got. I must learn to mimic her exactly, from the way she walks to the sounds she makes in bed. Because if he suspects for one instant that I’m not her…he’ll kill me.

I soon discover that there’s more to Konstantin than anyone knows. That cold exterior hides a lifetime of pain and a deep, scorching need that takes my breath away. As our feelings spin out of control and my loyalties are tested, I need to know: is he falling for me…or the woman I’m impersonating? I was sent to destroy him but I might be the only one who can save him. And the love I was told to fake might just be real.

••••••••••

REVIEW: THE DOUBLE by Helena Newbury is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, Russian Mafia romance story line focusing on Russian mobster Konstantin Gulyev and FBI photographer Hailey Akers. Konstantin first appeared as a minor character in the author’s Kissing My Killer. THE DOUBLE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line(s) is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: THE DOUBLE contains scenes of light bondage and discipline, that may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Konstantin and Hailey) THE DOUBLE follows FBI photographer Hailey Akers as she willingly goes under cover, and under the knife to take down Russian mobster Konstantin Gulyev. With the mobster’s girlfriend Christina Rogan currently in custody, following a motor vehicle accident overseas, Hailey, having previously met our hero while on a stake out at a Boston hotel, agrees to plastic surgery in an effort to resemble the mobster’s live in love. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Konstantin and Hailey aka Christina, as Hailey searches for information and proof of Konstantin’s crimes, and the potential fall-out as Konstantin is double crossed by more than the woman with whom he is falling in love.

Hailey Akers has lusted after Konstantin Gulyev since she first spotted our hero through the lens of her camera. Believing herself capable, our heroine offers herself up as Christina’s double in an effort take down a man the FBI believes is evil and bad. Konstantin Gulyev doesn’t do serious relationships but something about ‘Christina’ has changed since the recent accident, a change wherein Konstantin reconsiders his future with the woman with whom he is falling in love. When a Bratva rival is determined to destroy Konstantin Gulyev, Hailey, in the guise of Christina, becomes fodder in a war with the Russian mob.

The relationship between Hailey and Konstantin begins as a ruse. Hailey is undercover as the mobster’s high-society girlfriend, a role Hailey discovers may be harder than first revealed. Konstantin likes a little kink in his sex life including a ‘dungeon’ that the original Christina loved more than our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to FBI head Carrie Blake, and Hailey’s agency partner Sam Calahan, as well as Christina Rogan, Konstantin’s right hand man Grigory, and rival mobster Dmitri Ralavich.

THE DOUBLE is a story of secrets and lies; betrayal and trust; love and loss. The premise is entertaining and captivating; the romance is sexy and seductive; the characters are colourful and animated.

On the flip side, the reader will have to suspend belief and reality with regards to our heroine’s transformation. Five days out of surgery, for a complete facial reconstruction, and laser eye surgery to change not only her sight but her eye colour as well,Hailey is completely healed and ready to go undercover and start a new life with her Russian mobster, a man who barely notices the physical differences between Christina and the imposter. There are also a few issues of grammar that should have been caught by a decent editor.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

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Kings of Mayhem (Kings of Mayhem #1) by Penny Dee-a review

KINGS OF MAYHEM (Kings of Mayhem #1) by Penny Dee-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 28, 2019

When a King loves
He loves hard

CADE
I’ve loved her since we were five years old.
We grew up side by side.
Two kids tied together by the Kings of Mayhem Motorcycle Club.
But I broke us.
I broke her.
So, she fled.
Now she’s back after twelve long years.
And I’m going to show her all the reasons why we should be together and make her forget all the reasons why we shouldn’t.

INDY
I’m back in town but only because I have to be.
I’m here to help my mom bury my father.
And the sooner we get it done, the better.
Because I want to see Cade as much as I want a hole in the head.
He broke me once—no, he broke my everything— and I’ll be damned if I’ll let him do it again.
Get in and get out. That is the plan.
But you know what they say about best-laid plans.

••••••••••

REVIEW:  KINGS OF MAYHEM is the first instalment in Penny Dee’s contemporary, adult KINGS OF MAYHEM erotic, MC romance focusing on the Kings of Mayhem MC. This is thirty year olds, King of Mayhem member Cade Calley, and ER physician Indigo (Indy) Parrish’s story line.

NOTE : KINGS OF MAYHEM contains scenes of violence and abuse that may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Cade and Indy) using present day and memories from the past KINGS OF MAYHEM follows the rekindling relationship and romance between childhood best friends and sweethearts thirty year olds, King of Mayhem member Cade Calley, and ER physician Indigo (Indy) Parrish. Twelve years earlier Indigo Parrish’s life imploded when the man that she loved destroyed her heart leaving a hardened and unforgiving woman in its’ wake. Struggling to move beyond Cade’s betrayal, Indy headed for the West Coast as she embarked on her dreams of becoming a physician. Fast forward to present day wherein thirty-year old Indy must return to her hometown of Destiny to bury her father, a member of the Kings of Mayhem MC, and not the first man to betray our story line heroine. Enter Cade Calley, sexy, handsome MC member, and the man who continues to control Indy’s heart. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship and romance between Cade and Indy, and the potential fall-out as Indy’s time in Destiny comes to a close.

Indigo Parrish wanted out of the MC life having seen her mother suffer abuse at the hands of her controlling father. Indy and Cade were about to set out on their future, with plans for college and beyond, when betrayal and heart break drove Indy away. Cade Calley has never stopped loving his Indigo Blue knowing he destroyed the only woman he would ever love. With Indy’s return to Destiny, Cade was hoping to start over with the woman that left a permanent stain on his heart and his soul.

The relationship between Indy and Cade is one of second chances; an acrimonious and tempestuous rekindling in which Indy is determined to hurt the man she has always loved. Cade is desperate for Indy to forgive sins of the past but forgiveness is difficult when memories stand in the way. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

We are introduced to the large and colorful ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters whose presence directs a good portion of the story line premise.

The world building focuses on the present and the past; the events that shaped our story line couple including childhood trauma, spousal abuse, school shooting, death, violence, alcoholism and cheating.

KINGS OF MAYHEM is a gritty storyline ala Sons of Anarchy™ although some of the violence and ‘mayhem’ is behind the scenes or often implied. The premise is lively and dramatic; the romance is provocative and intense; the characters are broken, sassy and tragic. KINGS OF MAYHEM is a wonderful and intriguing introduction to Penny Dee’s KINGS OF MAYHEM MC series; a predictable but entertaining story line that ends on a cliffhanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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When Ashes Fall by Marni Mann-Review & Excerpt Tour

When Ashes Fall by Marni Mann-Review and Excerpt Tour

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 15, 2019.

It’s been said that you can’t love two men at the same time.
You can’t split your heart, soul, and body in half.
But I’m here to tell you, you can.
Dylan Cole is like ice, sharp and unpredictable, the thunder inside a tumultuous storm.
Smith Reid is warmth, soft and gentle, perfect like a sunny day.

Both are mine.
But I can have only one.
There are two sides to this tale.
I’m here to tell you mine.
If you think this story is about a cheater, you couldn’t be more wrong.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: Marni Mann has written one of the most phenomenal books I’ve ever read! When Ashes Fall is a hauntingly beautiful story that cracks open your heart and leaves you raw! Such a truly beautiful love story of one woman and the two men that she loves.

When Alix mets Dylan Cole, owner of a airline their’s a instant attraction. Dylan is used to getting what he wants and when he meets Alix he knows that she is meant to be his and what he wants he gets, and Alix will be his!

Dylan is like the thunder before a storm. Powerful and earth shattering and Alix’s life will never be the same. When she meets Smith Reid, he is so different: he’s gentle and kind and Alix can see that he’s in pain too, but Smith just wants to make Alix smile again and start living again.Little by little Smith is bringing Alix into the light again, and together, the fire is building into a awesome passion, but Alix is hiding a deep secret that is tearing her apart day in and day out. The only way Alix can finally find happiness is to let one man in and to let one go so she can finally heal,it’s her only option.

This book is a beautiful masterpiece of contemporary romance. The characters are interesting and their is more then one dealing with life’s twists and losses! It’s told with honesty and lots of heart and soul! Even though I knew what was coming, it still hit me hard and I cried like a baby! I’m so glad I read this book it wasn’t your typical love triangle it was more,so much more and I loved it!

‘And then I saw something drifting from the sky. It hit my forehead. My cheeks. It dusted my eyelashes. And I knew what it meant. When ashes fall That was the end.’

I hope you like it! Kat V.?

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Kat V.

 

Alix and I were standing outside Quincy Market, holding our to-go boxes of chocolate cake, opened, with several forkfuls missing from each piece. I’d asked about her shift, which had started at midnight, and she was telling me about one of the calls she had been on. It involved an elderly couple, married for sixty-seven years. The husband had fallen down a short flight of stairs. Alix believed he had fractured his hip.
She stared at the cake as she spoke. And I gazed at her, checking out the way she speared off another bite. How she stuck the fork between her lips.
How the utensil came out of her mouth clean.
It was incredibly sexy.
So was she.
She didn’t even have to try. It came natural to her.
As natural as her looks.
A beauty that went so deep, she didn’t need makeup to enhance it.
She didn’t wear much of it anyway. There wasn’t anything on her lips, no color on her lids, just thick lashes and some pink on her cheeks.
She had no idea how gorgeous she was.
If I told her, I was sure she wouldn’t believe me.
Alix’s confidence came when she talked about her job.
I could tell how much she loved it by the passion in her voice, by the way she described how she’d helped the old man.
What she did was something I hadn’t been able to visualize at first. Now that I’d spent more time with her, it was all I could see.
Damn it, I wanted to touch her.
I’d kept my hands off of her while she was eating the gyro and fries.
But I didn’t want to wait any longer.
Once she swallowed the mouthful, I said, “Alix …”
I needed her eyes on me to see the way she would look at me, how she would respond to the sound of my voice.
That would determine if I could reach for her right now or if I’d have to wait.
Her stare slowly lifted and landed on mine.
Shyness was peeking through her expression.
Still, every sign was there—the desire in her glare, the increased breathing, the way her tongue was swiping across her lips. It wasn’t frosting she was licking off because there wasn’t any there.
I dropped the small box of cake on the ground. She didn’t watch it fall, but when she heard the sound, I saw the hunger in her grow.
I took a step.
He did, too, in the opposite direction at the same time she dropped her cake.
She said nothing as I continued to move toward her, backing her up to the side of the building until her body was pressed against it.
As I stood inches away, I lifted my hands to the top of her head where they pushed into the brick. “You can stop me.”
Her voice was soft, not weak, as she looked up at me and said, “I’m not sure I can.” 

 

Best-selling Author Marni Mann knew she was going to be a writer since middle school. While other girls her age were daydreaming about teenage pop stars, Mann was fantasizing about penning her first novel. She crafts sexy, titillating stories that weave together her love of darkness, mystery, passion, and human emotion. A New Englander at heart, she now lives in Sarasota, Florida with her husband and their two dogs who subsequently have been characters in her books. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop working on her next novel, she’s scouring for chocolate, sipping wine, traveli

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Birthday Suit by Lauren Blakely-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

BIRTHDAY SUIT by Lauren Blakely-Review, Excerpt and Giveaway  tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 17, 2019

There is no rule in the Man Code as unbreakable as this: no matter how beautiful, smart, clever, and witty she is, do not—under any circumstances—fall in love with your best friend’s woman.

Yeah. So there’s that. Look, it’s not like I didn’t know I screwed up by falling for her.
Also, for the record, unrequited love sucks big time.

And, I might have cut myself some slack by now, given everything that went down in the last few years, but Lulu just walked back into my life in a big way.

***
There are three things I’ve never been able to resist—my friends, my family, and chocolate.

Leo Hennessy? He was nowhere on that list. He’s been a true friend—a friend who walked through hell and back with me.

Now, I’m stepping into my new future. I didn’t expect it to include a riddle-filled, race-against-the-clock scavenger hunt across New York City.

With Leo.

Suddenly, I’m looking at this man with new eyes…

But my life spun out because of a man once before, and I can’t risk my fresh start, no matter what the temptation. And Leo is most definitely a temptation of the sexiest, sweetest, and most dangerous variety.

More irresistibly delicious than chocolate.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: BIRTHDAY SUIT by Lauren Blakely is a stand alone, contemporary, adult romance story line focusing on thirty two year old, Heavenly Chocolate executive Leo Hennessy, and chocolatier Lulu Diamond’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Leo and Lulu) BIRTHDAY SUIT follows the friends to lovers romance between thirty two year old, Heavenly Chocolate executive Leo Hennessy, and chocolatier Lulu Diamond. Ten years earlier Leo Hennessy fell in love with his best friend’s girlfriend Lulu Diamond, and watched from the sidelines as Tripp Hudson’s life slowly imploded leaving Leo and Lulu to pick up the pieces of their broken hearts. A recent ‘chocolate’ convention finds Leo facing the woman he has always loved, a woman who is unprepared for the truth. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship and romance between Leo and Lulu, and the potential fall-out as Leo must come to terms with his guilt, what was, and what will never be.

Leo Hennessy and Tripp Hudson met Lulu Diamond on the same day but Leo stepped aside and watched from the sidelines as his best friends fell in love. A tumultuous decade would pass as Leo watch Tripp destroy his life leaving behind heart break, guilt and pain in the process. Rekindling with Lulu Diamond meant a second chance at the woman who owned his heart, a second chance hindered by anguish and grief.

The relationship between Leo and Lulu is a friends to lovers; a second chance, of sorts, between two best friends whose lost their ‘third’ to his own demons and sins. Lulu is oblivious to Leo’s love as our hero struggles between head and heart. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Leo’s best friend and Lulu’s future husband Tripp Hudson; friend Dean, Leo’s co-workers at Heavenly Chocolate- Ginny Perretti and Noah Rivera, and Lulu’s friend and business partner Cameron.

BIRTHDAY SUIT is a story of friendship, betrayal, and unrequited love. The premise is heart breaking and emotional; the romance is seductive and compassionate; the characters are fun, sassy and sexy. There is plenty of fantastic back and forth banter between all of the characters.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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

 

I take a moment to add up the facts, only the facts.Lulu is here.

She’s living in New York.

I’m living in New York.

I’m about to add in one more fact, but I can’t in good conscience go there.

Besides, my heart is pounding too fast.

It’s from the incident, I tell myself.

It’s from the adrenaline rush.

It’s not from feelings.

I don’t feel a thing.

I leave the men’s room, take a drink from the water fountain, and wipe my hand across my mouth.

When I look up, she’s there.

With outstretched arms, she spins in a circle, waiting for an appraisal of her new outfit.

Her new, jaw-dropping, sexy-as-sin, might-as-well-throw-in-the-towel-and-raise-the-white-flag-of-surrender outfit.

What the hell was I thinking?

I clearly wasn’t using my brain at all. Because she’s even more alluring in this garb.

She’s only wearing the chef jacket and heels.

“Are you…?” I gesture to the outfit, the end of my words making my meaning clear? Are you naked under that?

She rolls her eyes. “Please. I have on my alpaca panties.”

“Alpaca panties?”

Her eyes twinkle. “I couldn’t resist. There was a sale on cute animal print undies with faces, you know, right here.” She gestures to her pelvis. “A six pack of giraffes, zebras, dolphins, and llamas too.” She casts her eyes down. “Wait. I have on the llama ones. I always get them confused.”

“Alpacas have shorter ears. Llama ears are banana length.”

She snaps her fingers. “Yes. Exactly. I’m wearing the big-eared animal undies, so it’s totally fine.”

Great. Now I’m thinking of her in underwear. In fucking llama underwear. Precisely the visual I’ve assembled way too many times without help, thank you very much. Minus the llamas, of course.

She tugs at the hem of the jacket, revealing the bare flesh of her thigh.

“Lulu.” It comes out like a warning.

She laughs at me. “Relax. I’m tiny; this jacket is huge. It’s like a short dress on me.”

“A very short dress.”

“I can handle a short dress. I’ve worn shorter.”

“Shorter as in ass-cheek length, Lulu?”

Her eyebrows wiggle. Her eyes—green and not so green—sparkle. “Yes. I’ve worn ass-cheek length, Leo. But I’m still decent. And you’re still my hero.”

She leans closer, rises on tippy toes, and moves her lips close, closer, closest. She dusts those lips across my cheek, and it’s like she’s an arsonist.

In one swift move, I’m on fire.

 


 

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

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Let’s celebrate the release of BIRTHDAY SUIT
with the cupcake of the month club from Wicked Good Cupcakes and a Subscription to Audible all wrapped up in a Michael Kors Handbag ($500 value)!

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One Night With a Millionaire by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

One Night With a Millionaire by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo 

 

Description:
Over-forty, single mom Tess Howland’s life is all about caring for other people. Indulging in a one night stand is just what she needs. She doesn’t expect to meet anyone she would introduce to her kids, especially not some rich playboy who acts like a big kid himself. Even if he keeps giving her the best sex of her life.

Millionaire Miles Prescott can’t get the sexy nurse he met at a fundraising gala out of his head. For the first time ever, he doesn’t want a woman with no-strings-attached. He wants everything—even it comes with a ready-made family with a woman in her forties. Suddenly, helping with homework doesn’t sound like the worst thing in the world, especially if it means being near Tess.

But what happens when he’s ready to step up and she says no?

 

 

Review:

One Night With the Millionaire by Shannyn Schroder is the first book in her new Daring Divorcees series. Tess Howland is our heroine, and we meet her from the start; she is a nurse, as well as a divorcee with three kids. She is attending the Saint Marks Gala, an annual fund raiser for her hospital, and makes her rounds to convince people to donate to Saint Marks. 

Miles Prescott, is a millionaire playboy, who attends this gala to please his mother and sister, who run their company, and expect Miles to step up and have a more active role; especially with their father having passed away a year ago.  He notices a woman who immediately gets his attention, and makes sure to introduce himself to Tess.  Miles knows how to attract woman, and Tess enjoys the attention he gives her.  Tess is a workaholic, and has little time for herself caring for her three kids.  But she decides since she is free, to have a one night stand with the handsome Miles.  One night only.  Best laid plans do not always work out.

Miles is not willing to let Tess go, as he enjoys her company, not to mention the sex.  He sees in Tess, a woman different then his other woman, and perhaps a future, but can he convince her to allow him to be part of her life?  In a short time, their relationship will heat up, and Tess cannot resist the hot sex with Miles.  Tess tries to keep their relationship private, but Miles wants more.  In time she will relent and have him meet her kids, who end up liking Miles.

What follows is a sweet, fun story with both slowly falling in love, but Miles will begin to become frustrated in his attempt to convince Tess that he wants a more permanent relationship with her and with her children.  Tess after her nasty divorce pushed herself to be independent, self sufficient, and refuses to allow Miles, who is rich, to help.  Will Miles be able to change Tess’s mind?

One Night with the Millionaire was a fun read, and wonderful characters, including Tess’s friends, children and Miles’s mother and sister.  Shannyn Schroeder once again gives us a sweet romance that keeps us unable to put the book down.  I look forward to reading more from this new series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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