Monthly Archives: January 2019

SNAP: Red Bear Rising (Kandesky Vampire Chronicles #10) by Michele Drier-a review

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SNAP: Red Bear Rising (Kandesky Vampire Chronicles #10) by Michele Drier-a review

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 17, 2018

Nik Kandesky and Jazz Fall are engaged, meaning Jazz agrees to be changed into a vampire, a dicey situation. Set against the continuing Russian incursions into Crimea and Ukraine, Jazz must dig deep into her core to find her courage and become a member of the high echelon Kandeskys, who have guided and led the family for half a millenium. Born and bred a SoCal woman, she has to swallow her fears as Nik takes on challenges that leave him injured and close to death.

•••••••

REVIEW: Red Bear Rising is the tenth book in the SNAP series. This series, if you aren’t fortunate enough to have discovered it, is a saga about the Kandesky vampires and their very civilized world of fashion, finance and munitions. It is also the story of strong women finding love and being changed to be loved forever by their men. As with the other nine books, each can be read as a stand-alone. However, as with any saga, it’s always best to begin at the beginning.

In this book, Jazz is planning her wedding to Nik Kandesky. Nik oversees the munitions division of the empire, and lives in Kiev. Jazz is a managing editor for SNAP, the celebrity gossip and news division and the main money maker for the family.

Jazz is understandably concerned about becoming a vampire and leaving her California lifestyle and the sunshine behind. She loves Nik so much she worries about him constantly. Coming to terms with all this and adjusting to the lifestyle expected of her is interesting. The issues with her and Maxie (her friend, boss, and wife of Jean-Louis Kandesky) are similar, but have many differences too. It’s interesting to watch her work through them with Maxie’s help.

Nik is a wise and stoic vampire who has seen the rise and fall of many political empires over the centuries. His area of expertise for the family is being able to make sure their munitions sales are to legitimate buyers. When some of their weapons are found on the black market, he and the family ensure their family name by removing those who shouldn’t have them. A dangerous job, but necessary.

The family becomes concerned when it appears that Russia is beginning to mount troops and make incursions into their country to begin a takeover. Danger and exciting intrigue add to the wedding and changing issues.

In all this book moves the Kandesky story ahead as the political and personal changes take place. I found it interesting and the love sense are quite sensual. Snipes at the current American president aside, I loved the story.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
SNAP: The World Unfolds
SNAP: New Talent
PLAGUE: A Love Story
DANUBE: A Tale of Murder
SNAP: Love For Blood
SNAP: Happily Ever After
SNAP: White Nights
SNAP: All That Jazz
SNAP: I Vampire

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S

FOLLOW: Website /Facebook /Twitter / Amazon

Michele DrierMichele Drier was born in Santa Cruz and is a fifth generation Californian. She’s lived and worked all over the state, calling both Southern and Northern California home. During her career in journalism—as a reporter and editor at daily newspapers—she won awards for producing investigative series.

She writes the Amy Hobbes Newspaper mysteries, Edited for Death, Labeled for Death and Delta for Death, published May 2015.

Her paranormal romance series, The Kandesky Vampire Chronicles, was named one of the best paranormal vampire series of 2014 by reviewers of the Paranormal Romance Guild. SNAP: All That Jazz, Book Eight of The Kandesky Vampire Chronicles, was awarded second place for best book of 2014.

Box Set ebooks Vol 1-4 of SNAP: Kandesky Vampire Chronicles : Amazon.com / Amazon.ca/ Barnes and Noble/ KOBO

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Washed Up Royal by Kim Karr-Review tour

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WASHED UP ROYAL by Kim Karr-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 4, 2019

A simple notification turns my world upside down…

The tabloids are reporting, I’ve taken the crown and run.
(Not entirely true)

As you might have guessed, I’m not an ordinary girl
and I don’t lead an ordinary life, but that doesn’t mean I always follow the rules.
This time, though, I feel compelled to obey.

Which means I have to find a king, to sit alongside my throne, or lose it all.

With only the clothes on my back, I head to the land of majestic playboys, where a royal rebel strides right into my life.

With his sultry eyes and sinful lips, he turns my world right-side up.

The press is calling him washed up.
(I think he’s anything but)

Gorgeous, sexy, irresistible, and utterly charming, he’s exactly what I’m looking for.
Everything is almost too perfect, too easy.

Until I discover, this hot-blooded royal has a reason for being here.
And it’s more than just me.
That thing I said about easy, turns out… Nothing ever is.

My royal rebel has a name, it’s Prince Adrien Laurent.
My name is Princess Victoria Blanchette.
And this is our story.

••••••••

REVIEW: WASHED UP ROYAL by Kim Karr is a contemporary, adult, stand alone, erotic, romance story line focusing on Princess Victoria ‘Tori’ Blanchette of Alexandria, and world champion yachtsman, Prince Adrien Laurent of Eastwood.

Told from dual first person points of view (Tori and Adrien) as well as several third party ‘media’ observations WASHED UP ROYAL follows Princess Victoria ‘Tori’ Blanchette in the aftermath of the breakdown of her relationship to Prince Maximus of Casanovia. Upon the recent death of her father, King Stephen of Alexandria, in order to sit upon the throne as Queen, Tori and her best friend/assistant set up a series of one on one meetings to procure a potential candidate as spouse and King. A one-night stand finds our heroine face to face with her future, a man she has no idea as to his true identity, but the man with whom Tori will fall in love. Enter Prince Adrien Laurent, the ‘washed-up royal yachtsman’. What ensues is the quick building romance between Tori and Adrien, and the potential fall-out as our couple are targeted by an unknown source.

The Royal Marriages Acts mandates the princess wed a suitable mate before she is able to ascend to the throne. The number of less than worthy candidates continues to grow until Tori meets her one-night stand, the man she hasn’t stopped thinking about, and the man she knew nothing about. After the most recent boating accident Prince Adrien Laurent found himself without a direction in life but meeting the woman he would grow to love found our hero looking forward to his own happily ever after.

The relationship between Tori and Adrien begins as a one-night stand where neither one knowing the other’s true identity. As the days pass, Tori and Adrien can’t stop thinking about one another, but it is only the invitation to meet the Princess Victoria Blanchette will Adrien realize the truth about 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.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Tori’s best friend Rachel Smart; Prince Maximus; Adrien’s siblings Truman and Elizabeth, Prince Julius Churchill Monaco of Wimberly, and Prince of Catalina Spencer Lexington, as well as a number of elder royals, politicians, and advisors.

The world building looks at the royal families, representing the five Vespa Isles; their interactions, political structure, and the round the world yachting event pitting the royals families against one another. The patriarchal and misogynistic line of ascension forces our heroine to search for a suitable mate, a mate who is worthy of the title of king.

WASHED UP ROYAL is a fun, sexy and sassy romantic comedy with a little bit of drama and life-threatening conflict. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is spirited and spicy; the characters are colorful and playful. WASHED UP ROYAL is a delightful and animated story of royals, lovers and happily ever after.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Reader * Chocolate Lover * Writer * Coffee Lover * Romantic * Beach Lover * Yoga Beginner

Kim Karr is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of eighteen novels. Best known for writing sexy contemporary love stories, she enjoys bringing flawed characters to life and creating romances that are page worthy. Her stories are raw, real, and explosive. Her characters will make you laugh, make you cry, make you feel. And her happily-ever-afters are always swoon worthy. From the brooding rock star to the arrogant millionaire to the Football Player. From the witty damsel-in-distress to the sassy high-powered businesswoman to the boutique owner. No two storylines are ever alike. If Kim’s not writing, you can find her wandering through antique stores with her husband, trying out new fitness classes with her sons, venturing out to new coffee shops with her daughter, or with her nose stuck in a book.

Link with Kim!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Page | Instagram

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/kimkarr_newsletter

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Highland Defender (Renegade Scots #2) by Julie Johnstone-Review & Giveaway

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Highland Defender (Renegade Scots #2) by Julie Johnstone-Review & Giveaway

HIGHLAND DEFENDER
Renegade Scots #2
by Julie Johnstone
Release Date: December 26, 2018
Genre: adult, historical, Highlander, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 26, 2018

To protect herself, she’ll deny her powers. To save her, he’ll break every rule he’s vowed to live by.

Lillianna de Burgh knows all about the legend surrounding the women in her family—that true love awakens the gift of sight within them. But given the horrific betrayals the power has brought her ancestors, she wants no part in true love or the supposed gift. Avoiding her fate seems simple enough since men have proven time and again that they wish to use her, not cherish her, even her own kin. Thankfully, when she flees England to escape her evil uncle, she finds herself in the company of a seemingly hard-hearted Highlander who thinks the legend nothing more than a myth. As they travel together, she comes to discover that behind his cold facade lies a fierce and honorable protector, whose mere touch ignites the passion within her. Yet, the more she tries to resist it, the more she seems to fall.

Renowned Highland warrior Angus MacLorh lives by three principles: put country above self, protect family at all cost, and never become entangled with a lass—not again. So when his future king needs him to accompany the far-too-lovely Lillianna to safety, Angus agrees, confident he can keep her at a distance, as he does all women. Yet the gentle, fiercely determined lady intrigues and tempts him at every turn, and when his greatest enemy captures her, he finds himself breaking all his rules to save her.

As the fight for the Scottish throne embroils Lillianna and Angus deep in danger, enemies near and far hunt them threatening their very lives. When the truth of the legend finally comes to light, can a lady determined to escape her destiny and a Highlander bent on facing his future alone overcome the barriers they’ve created and trust in their hearts to lay claim to the most glorious of love?

••••••••

REVIEW: Highland Defender is the second book in this new series by author Julie Johnstone, and what a series it’s becoming. Well written, imaginative, and twisty! I loved the first book Outlaw King and this one is a wonderful continuation of it.

This is the story of Lilliana de Burgh and Angus MacLorh. Lilliana is the cousin of Elizabeth de Burgh, wife to Robert the Bruce. Angus is Laird to his own clan and friend and follower of Robert. Robert and Angus are pretending to be loyal to Edward, King of England, while organizing the Scots to rebellion.

Angus has sworn never to fall in love again. He doesn’t mind a roll in the hay, but only with a woman who expects nothing else. He was distracted by a scheming woman once, and his father died as a result. His mother followed her husband in death soon after. The woman betrayed him, and her father attacked his castle and killed his father while he rode to protect her. He swore never to let his focus fade from his duty ever again and for years has kept that oath.

Lilliana is the legendary daughter of the seer of the MacLeod clan. She’s the focus of a legend that has men trying to use her powers or win her heart to get those powers. She has sworn never to fall in love or marry for that matter. Her father and uncle have tried to use her to get her powers and are still trying. To do so, they must find the amulet of legend that will awaken those powers or make her fall in love to awaken them.

Robert has asked Angus to take a message to his men in Ettrick Forest, that the King’s men are coming. He also tasked Angus with escorting Lilliana to Scotland and the Macleod clan. They must travel together for a long time to do this. The wonderful experience of learning about each other along with the denied, but mutual attraction makes this trip intriguing and fun. It is, however, also dangerous.

That’s the basic setup. Author Julie Johnstone has written another thrilling tale of the highlands that will entice you into this world. It’s a wonderful and exciting read that I loved! It’s full of danger, sensual and growing love, and even a bit of magic. I urge you to begin and continue this series…quite a ride!

Click HERE to read Georgie / Julie’s dual review of book on OUTLAW KING.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S

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Author Julie Johnstone first fell in love with romance fifteen years ago when she picked up her first romance novel in an airport gift shop on the way to Conroe, Texas for a family reunion and spent her whole weekend reading rather than water skiing, which up until then was one of her favorite things to do.

Julie is staying up way too late and typing furiously on her keyboard to finish her next book or blog with her fellow authors at Ladyscribes. Julie is married to an amazing lawyer and when she is not running her two precocious children to one activity or another she is trying to seek out some time to stay in shape and see her dearest friends.

Julie Johstone is graciously offering an ebook copy of HIGHLAND DEFENDER 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. Follow Julie Johnstone 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. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway is open internationally

9. Giveaway runs from January 4-8, 2019

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Packaged Husband (Trophy Husbands #3) by Noelle Adams-a review

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PACKAGED HUSBAND (Trophy Husbands #3) by Noelle Adams-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 15, 2019

On a Wednesday afternoon, Owen Masterson asks me to marry him.

I’ve never met the man before.

All I wanted was a job repackaging his image. He needs to ramp up his cool-factor to attract partnerships with better designers for his family’s department store. But he wants me to be his temporary trophy wife instead.

I need to get out from under my grandfather’s control and don’t really care how I do it. Honestly, I’ll rock the hell out of being a temporary trophy wife.

So maybe I’ll marry him for a year, even though he has no social skills and he’s a lot older than me. But I’m not going to fall for him.

I hope.

•••••••••

REVIEW: PACKAGED HUSBAND is the third instalment in Noelle Adams’ contemporary, adult TROPHY HUSBANDS erotic, romance series. This is forty-one year old, businessman Owen Masterson, and twenty-four year old Chelsea Greyson’s story line. PACKAGED HUSBAND can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from first person point of view (Chelsea) PACKAGED HUSBAND follows the marriage of convenience between forty-one year old, businessman Owen Masterson, and twenty-four year old Chelsea Greyson. Owen Masterson needs a total make-over: from fashion to hair-cut, attitude and emotion, Owen’s outward appearance is a direct representation of the family owned business Masterson’s Department Stores, a business caught in a time-loop, barely able to survive. Enter twenty-four year old Chelsea Greyson, the youngest granddaughter of Pop’s Greyson, and a woman struggling to find her place in the world. Knowing Owen is desperate, Chelsea offers to become Owen’s wife, an offer with an expiry date after one year. What ensues is the slow building and awkward relationship between Owen and Chelsea, and the potential fall-out as Owen panics when his feelings become real.

The relationship between Chelsea and Owen begins as a business arrangement. Chelsea has no experience in the working world, and offers herself up to be the store’s latest intern. As the weeks turn into months, feelings develop between our leading couple, feelings that may not be reciprocated –in one way or another. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are re-introduced to Chelsea’s sisters and their significant others: Trevor and Melissa (Part-Time Husband #1) Hunter and Samantha (Practice Husband #2), as well as their grandfather Pops Greyson, and Chelsea’s best friend Eva.

PACKAGED HUSBAND is a story of family, friendship, desperation and love. Owen’s cold demeanor, and lack of any personality is less than engaging-even our heroine calls him ‘grandpa’ and ‘old fuddy-duddy’, and in this Owen is a difficult character to like or get to know. The premise is entertaining; the romance struggles in the face of misperception, misunderstandings, and the lack of knowledge about one another; the characters battle issues of self-esteem, issues that are continuously reinforced throughout the story. PACKAGED HUSBAND is some-what heart-breaking in that Chelsea Greyson is hoping for love while Owen Masterson, out of touch with the real world, is oblivious to his wife’s fracturing heart.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Gentleman’s Seduction by Lauren Smith – a Review

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The Gentleman’s Seduction by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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

 

Description:
‘Tis the season…for revenge.

Eleven years ago during Christmas, Martin Banks’ family was thrown into the streets by wealthy landlord, Edwin Hartwell. Now this holiday season, Fate has handed Martin an unexpected gift. Vengeance. Defeating Hartwell at cards gives Martin the chance to financially ruin the man—but damn, instead of money, Hartwell offers his daughter as payment. And double damn, Martin stupidly accepts. How did retribution turn into seduction? Martin refuses to let himself fall in love, so there must be rules to this game.

And perhaps a bit of romance.

Desperate to save her father from ruin, Livvy Hartwell agrees to accompany Martin as his paramour. She long ago accepted that a penniless bluestocking like herself had no chance for a well-suited marriage. If a few passionate months with a man like Martin is all she’ll ever have as far as romance, it’s an opportunity she will take. But she must guard her heart. He might be handsome as the devil and tempting as sin, but she can’t be a typical mistress and doesn’t want Martin to call her such. In fact, she has a list of rules.

Livvy’s Rules:

~ Adventures outdoors such as horseback riding would be appreciated.

~ Evening meals should be eaten together to converse about the day’s events.

~ Allotted time alone to read gothic novels.

~ Kissing should be kept at a minimum.

Martin’s Rules:

~ Adventures are required—particularly indoors—and will be greatly appreciated.

~ Evening meals will sometimes be eaten in the bedroom, naked.

~ Allotted time together to act out the sensual gothic novels.

~ Kissing—a lot of it and in some very pleasurable spots — is required.

 

 

Review:

The Gentleman’s Seduction by Lauren Smith is a marvelously romantic story with a lovely Christmas theme. It’s a story of healing and forgiveness as well as finding true love.

The Prologue is a very unhappy scene on December 5, 1814 when Martin Banks, then 17, and his family faced eviction from their home for debts their father owed to one Edwin Hartwell. The seemingly heartless Mr. Hartwell evicted them, and the stress made Martin’s mother collapse and eventually die. His father, shamed and heartbroken followed his wife before long, leaving the two children to take care of themselves. He vowed someday to avenge the cruel treatment of his family.

The story then changes to London, December 10, 1825. Martin Banks, now a successful investor with a great deal of wealth, sits in his club and thinks about how much he dislikes Christmas. He’s a confirmed bachelor, but sometimes has mistresses that live in his townhouse. Later, while drinking and talking with friends at the Argyll Rooms, he sees the man he’s dreamed of ruining all his life…Edwin Hartwell. Mr. Hartwell is gambling and not doing well, he loses a great sum to Martin and others (he didn’t recognize Martin). Martin acts quickly to buy up all his notes and tells him he will visit him tomorrow to discuss payment.

When Martin goes to the Hartwell house to demand payment and get his revenge, he’s gob smacked by Lavina Hartwell (Livvy). She’s exquisite and full of fire. She offers herself willingly to save her father and mother, and he takes her up on the offer.

That’s the basic setup for this wonderful story. There is of course much more to this than what I’ve mentioned, but you need to grab a copy and enjoy how this marvelous story works its way to love.

It’s full of fun conversations, action, steamy stuff and just plain fun! A great Christmas gift for yourself or a friend!

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy supplied for review

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Wicked Knight (Wicked Horse, Vegas #5) by Sawyer Bennett-Review Tour

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WICKED KNIGHT (Wicked Horse Vegas #5) by Sawyer Bennett-Review Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 1, 2019

He never wanted to be anyone’s hero…

Asher Knight is tall, dark, and wickedly handsome. He’s also irrevocably broken. Submerging himself in long hours at work by day and debauchery at The Wicked Horse by night, Asher uses work and play to numb the pain and guilt he feels over the death of his wife. What isn’t satisfied with one will surely be resolved by the other. At least that’s how he’s survived the last few years.

Hannah Madigan works three jobs just to make ends meet. Beat down by life, not to mention a cheating husband who was unfairly awarded custody of their daughter, Hannah is determined to make a better life for herself and get her kid back. But with pressures mounting and one costly mistake that leaves her owing Asher a huge debt, Hannah is as close as she’s ever come to throwing in the towel.

She’s given a golden opportunity…

Determined to stay the course by any means necessary, Hannah accepts an unusual proposal from Asher. He’ll give her a job. She’ll give him her body. Sounds easy, right? Until she realizes she needs his help more than she’s willing to admit. And he finds her adding to his life in ways he never wanted to accept.

This wicked knight may just learn that sometimes saving someone else means allowing yourself to be saved in return.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: WICKED KNIGHT is the fifth instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult WICKED HORSE VEGAS erotic, romance series focusing on the members of an exclusive $ex club in Las Vegas. This is thirty-two year old, widower and billionaire investor Asher Knight, and twenty-seven year old single mother Hannah Madigan’s story line. WICKED KNIGHT 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 (Asher and Hannah) WICKED KNIGHT follows the building relationship between thirty-two year old, widower and billionaire investor Asher Knight, and twenty-seven year old single mother Hannah Madigan. Feisty and independent Hannah Madigan works three jobs to keep a roof over her head in an effort to gain custody of her five year old daughter but breaking a priceless vase at her new employer’s penthouse finds our heroine ‘owing’ said employer for the rest of her life. Enter billionaire investor Asher Knight, and the man with whom Hannah will fall in love. What ensues is the ‘employee with benefits’ sexual relationship between Hannah and Asher, and the potential fall-out as Asher refuses to accept anything beyond the sex, and struggles with what was and what might never be.

Hannah Madigan has no idea how she is going to pay off the debt she now owes her billionaire boss Asher Knight but Asher is willing to forgo the debt in exchange for $ex at the Wicked Horse Las Vegas, and a full-time employee as Asher’s house manager. Feeling more like a whore than a sexual partner Hannah struggles between head and heart as she battles her need for money, and the continuing fall-out of her previous marriage. Asher knows personal loss, and refuses to fall in love ever again but meeting Hannah Madigan stirs something in our story line hero, something once broken that continues to heal.

The relationship between Hannah and Asher begins as a business arrangement in which Hannah is expected to pay of her debt as a sexual partner. As Asher’s full-time house manager, Hannah is able to save some money in the hopes of gaining custody of her only daughter but at times, our heroine feels more like whore than a respected partner. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense but I take issue with the use of a certain four-letter word I think is unnecessary in a romance story line, erotic or not.

We are introduced to Hannah’s five year old daughter Hope, Hannah’s mother Carol; her brothers Frank and Toby, and ex husband Nelson Madigan as well as Asher’s father Carlton Knight.

WICKED KNIGHT is an energetic, sassy and sexy look at one couple who struggle with demons from the past. The premise is engaging and spicy; the romance is seductive and hot; the characters are spirited and strong. WICKED KNIGHT is a provocative and impassioned story line where a second chance at love and a happily ever after are but a proclamation away.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews of the Wicked Horse Vegas Series
Wicked Favor
Wicked Wish
Wicked Envy
Wicked Wedding (3.5)
Wicked Choice
Wicked Knight

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | INSTAGRAM

 

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Nightchaser by Amanda Bouchet – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Nightchaser by Amanda Bouchet – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

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

 

Description:
Captain Tess Bailey and her crew of Robin Hood-like thieves are desperate and on the run. Pursued by a vicious military general who wants them dead or alive, Tess has to decide if she can trust Shade Ganavan, a tall, dark and arrogant stranger with ambiguous motivations.

Shade Ganavan had oodles of arrogance, oodles of charm, and oodles of something that made me want to kick him in the nuts.

What Tess and Shade don’t know about each other might get them killed…unless they can set aside their differences and learn to trust each other—while ignoring their off-the-charts chemistry.

 

 

Review:

Nightchaser by Amanda Bouchet is the first book in her new Endeavor series.  Having read and loved Bouchet debut series, I looked forward to reading this one.  The premise of this series is more sci-fi/paranormal, but OMG I loved every moment of this story.    Amanda Bouchet keeps on rising up as one of my favorite authors, and in Nightchaser she proves once again what a wonderful author she is. 

We meet our heroine, Tess Bailey, who is a Robin Hood space pirate, always stealing goods from the government  (such as food or medicines) to help the poor/children.  She is the captain of her ship, Endeavor, with crew (friends) that have been together for awhile and loyal to each other.  Tess has a secret that very few know, she is the daughter of the overseer (evil leader) of the government, and she is supposedly dead.

From the start, they are in deep trouble, as they narrowly escape from a death defying situation with the evil Dark Watch; an exciting beginning.  Tess is desperate to find a place to land and fix their damaged ship. When they finally find a place to land the ship, Tess will set out to find whatever is needed to repair the ship.  Enter Shade Ganavan, our hero, who does a bit of everything, including repairs.  Shade, who is a hunk, finds Tess interesting, and wants to know more.  He offers to help fix her ship, and also is determined to find out more about her.   When he discovers she has a major bounty on her head, he finds himself in a quarry, as he becoming attracted to her , but knows he needs the money desperately.  Will Shade turn Tess in for the money?

What follows is an edge of your seat suspenseful adventure, pulling on all of our emotions.  The last half of the book so exciting, I was unable to put the book down.  Tess and crew find themselves in so many dangerous situations, we held our breaths if they would survive.  Shade by then becomes part of the crew to help them survive, with the Dark Watch breathing down their necks.  Bouchet catches us with some surprises that was unexpected, and it was very emotional.  This turned into a fantastic read.

Tess was an awesome kick-ass heroine; so strong, independent, loyal to her friends and I loved her from the start.  Her goal was always to help others, not caring about her own life.  Shade was also great, a sexy, handsome, strong hero, who also had his own secrets; but he turned out to be so good for Tess, especially when he realized that he was falling hard for her. They made a great couple, which in future books will become even better, as I recognize this from the previous series’ awesome couple (Cat & Griffin).  I also totally fell in love with Bonk, a little kitty Tess adopts. I loved most the of the secondary characters, such as Jax, Fiona, Miko, Surreal, and even the evil characters like Overseer Novalight and Bridgebane were very well written.

Nightchaser was a fantastic ride, filled with suspense, excitement, pulse pounding action, romance, in a wonderfully imaginative world building.  Once again Amanda Bouchet brings us into another world, very different than the Kingmaker Chronicles series, but oh so good.  I cannot wait for the next book.  I seriously suggest, if you have not read anything by Amanda Bouchet, it time for you do so.  Bravo Amanda for totally pulling me into another fantastic series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

WATCH TRAILER ON NIGHTCHASTER

 


Two people on the avenue at the bottom of the Squirrel Tree both directed me to the same place: Ganavan’s Products and Parts. It wasn’t too far—still in the docking district and within easy walking distance—so I figured it was a good place to start.
I found the shop at the base of a towering, warehouse-type structure. It was recessed into the ground a few feet, requiring me to take a short flight of stairs down to access it from street level. A bell tinkled over the door when I swung it open, surprising me with the light, merry chiming. I couldn’t help appreciating the quaint touch in the otherwise industrial setting of the city’s sprawling, somewhat dingy docks.
Inside, the shop was bigger than I’d expected and crowded with metallic shelving packed with more stuff than any space rat could ever possibly want. It was almost overwhelming—and half of it was covered in dust. Motes twirled in the air, floating in the sunbeams streaming in through the high-up windows that let in most of the shop’s light.
I didn’t see anyone behind the register to query about repairs, so I walked the aisles, looking for anything that might be of use. I picked up forty rounds of LW-9 bullets in a sleek metal case for our Grayhawk handguns, but I didn’t really need things like the rest of this—gadgets and doodads and crap. I needed reinforced metal panels and someone who could weld them onto my ship.
I scanned the shelves for fuses and wiring, too, but didn’t see anything. The Endeavor’s electrical components weren’t in great shape, even with Big Guy’s brief help, and my console was currently dead. I’d have to see, but I hoped Jaxon would end up being enough of an electrician to fix it. When it came to a ship’s central power grid, I had some skills myself.
“Can I help you?” a man asked.
I turned and watched the speaker walk toward me from what looked like a back office, his steps silent and almost prowling. Despite his height and imposing physique, I might not have heard him coming if he hadn’t made his presence known.
Was this Ganavan? He was tall, with at least a few inches on me. He was wide, too, but mainly in the shoulders. His body looked healthy and trim. Like me, I thought his origins could probably be traced back to pre-exodus Caucasian. Unlike me, he had a healthy tan.
The fact that he was tall, dark, and hot didn’t stop my usual default mode from kicking in—to assess any stranger I met and determine how I would try to bring that person down in a fight.
I came up with a defensive scenario before he got too close. A ducking spin as he came at me, his own weight hopefully throwing him off-balance as I slid out of the way. A quick, hard kick to the back of a knee to get him lower than me. A sleeper hold from behind with my arm in a tight V around his neck, cutting off the blood flow through his arteries. With any luck, I could knock him out without ever touching his windpipe.
Unfortunately, looking at him, I estimated my chances of success with any of that at about eight percent, which made me glad there was no reason to think he was unfriendly.
He watched me, too, his brown eyes like lasers. I’d rarely been subjected to such a steady stare, especially from a gaze that held definite hints of interest and appreciation. My body started to heat from more than just the sunlight filtering down from the high windows. The light hit him at an angle, turning his eyes a tawny amber, like those of a jungle predator.
No. A jungle animal would scare me, and this man didn’t, despite his obvious physical advantage. His eyes were more the color of dark honey, appealing, all warm and tempting in the sun.
My taste buds seemed to burst to life with the memory of sweetness on my tongue. Starway 8 was one of the few places left in the galaxy with an actual apiary, and the liquid gold the director sold to the wealthy elite in Sector 12 was the main source of revenue for the orphanage. This man’s eyes looked just like honey number seven—my favorite. Almost the darkest. The darker honeys had more flavor.
He stopped a few feet from me, and those honey-brown eyes dipped, taking me in from my head to my toes. My clothing was skintight, and I felt a blush flare under his slow inspection.
Finally, he looked up. “Just checking for weapons.”
I snorted. “Really? Weapons? I haven’t heard that one before.”
He winked at me like the scoundrel I highly suspected he was. “We’re inventive out here in 2. Where’re you from?”
“What makes you think I’m not from here?”
“You’re a 12-er. I can hear it in your posh voice.”
Time seemed to slow down as my mind processed his words one by one, even though it only took a second. I hardly spoke to anyone besides my crew, and they didn’t care what I sounded like. Blurring my trail outside of the Endeavor meant it was time to work on a new accent, though. It was too bad. The precise, cut-glass diction was one of the only things I liked about Sector 12.

 


 

Amanda Bouchet grew up in New England where she spent much of her time tromping around in the woods and making up grand adventures in her head. It was inevitable that one day she would start writing them down. Drawing on her Greek heritage for the setting and on her love of all things daring and romantic for the rest, her debut trilogy, The Kingmaker Chronicles, took form. She writes what she loves to read: epic exploits, steamy romance, and characters that make you laugh and cry.

Her first novel, A Promise of Fire, won several Romance Writers of America chapter contests, including the Orange Rose Contest and the paranormal category of the prestigious Golden Pen.

A French master’s graduate and former English teacher, Amanda lives in Paris, France. She met her husband while studying abroad, and the family now includes two bilingual children who will soon be correcting her French.

You can follow Amanda at the following links:
Website:  Facebook:    Twitter:   Goodreads

 

 

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King’s Rule (Kings of Sydney #2) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

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KING’S RULE (Kings of Sydney #2) by Jackie Ashenden-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 1, 2019

I don’t know what’s worse: hating my stepsister or lusting after her. I knew that hiring Poppy could be a mistake, but what choice did I have? Nobody else wants to work with a King—my crime lord father made sure of that before my brothers and I sent him to prison.

It’s not all bad, though; Poppy is a little more open-minded than I remember. It turns out my attraction to her isn’t completely one-sided—apparently, she finds my authority as exciting as I find her body. The animosity between us only makes it more exhilarating…

But a dark secret from my past could ruin everything. Poppy’s father used to work with mine, and I know more about his death than she guesses. I’ve been living with the guilt for years, and now that I’m so close to Poppy every day, I don’t know how much longer I can hide it.

I could tell her everything and risk our thrillingly wild fling—but am I willing to give up something that feels so good?

••••••••••

REVIEW: KING’S RULE is the second instalment in Jackie Ashenden’s contemporary, adult KINGS OF SYDNEY erotic, romance series focusing on the King siblings of Sydney, Australia. This is thirty-year old investment whiz Xander King, and twenty-five year old architect graduate Poppy Valentine’s story line. KING’S RULE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: KING’S RULE contains scenes of discipline and spanking, Domination and submission, that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Xander and Poppy) KING’S RULE follows the acrimonious relationship between step-siblings, thirty year old investment whiz Xander King, and twenty-five year old architect graduate Poppy Valentine. Months earlier, the King brothers took over their father’s real-estate business, a business with ties to the local mob. With their father now in jail for money laundering and fraud, Xander, Leon and Ajax King struggle to clean up a reputation inherited based upon sins of the past but what Xander never expected was to come face to face with his father’s step-daughter, a woman who, for years, has pushed all of Xander’s buttons-both good and bad. Enter Poppy Valentine, architect graduate, and a woman desperate in more ways than one. What ensues is the enemies to lovers relationship between Poppy and Xander, and the potential fall-out as Xander wants nothing more than a friends with benefits affair, leaving Poppy struggling to make sense of it all.

Xander has a secret that if revealed would likely destroy the tentative hold he has on our story line heroine. Broken and hurt, blaming herself for her father’s death, Poppy battles between head and heart feeling as though she has surrendered her soul to the Devil, himself.

The relationship between Xander and Poppy is tempestuous, at best, ever since a ten-year old Poppy found herself the step-sister to Leon, Xander and Ajax King. From the outset Poppy struggled to fit into the family, a family she refused to accept or love. Hurt, humiliated and grieving, Poppy would make Xander’s life miserable right from the start, misery disguised to hide a growing attraction to her new elder step-brother. A distinct lack of maturity, and the ever-present sibling squabbles was exhausting; the back and forth aggression, and onslaught of emotional tirades left something to be desired. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters are colorful and energetic. We are reintroduced to Xander’s brothers Leon and Ajax, as well as the introduction of Poppy’s mother Lily Valentine.

KING’S RULE is a story of family, heart break, blackmail and love. The premise is dramatic and energetic; the romance is erotic; the characters are immature, broken and struggling to fit.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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