Monthly Archives: March 2019

Ice Hot (New York Nighthawks #1) by Tracy Goodwin-a review

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ICE HOT (New York Nighthawks #1) by Tracy Goodwin-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date march 5, 2019

The Nighthawks are hockey’s new expansion team. They’re ice hot. And they’re all about the chase.

Christian: They call me a hockey god because I’m a beast on the ice . . . and off. Men want to be me and women just want me. But now that the New York Nighthawks expect me to lead their team to victory, it’s all work and no play. My eyes are on the prize. Until I meet Serena Ellis, a sexy, curvalicious blonde who doesn’t know me from jack. And just like that, I’m hooked.

Serena: I don’t do one-night stands—especially with celebrity jocks who date models. Lots of models. But the god of hockey is a temptation that’s hard for mere mortals to resist. And after the best kiss of my life, I’m ready to throw my one-night stand rule out the window. Except Christian Chase won’t let me. He doesn’t want a one-night stand. He wants it all.

•••••••••••

REVIEW:  ICE HOT is the first instalment in Tracy Goodwin’s contemporary, adult NEW YORK NIGHTHAWKS hockey, romance series focusing on the NHL’s newest expansion team the New York Nighthawks. This is New York Nighthawks team captain Christian ‘Cyclone’ Chase, and fashion designer Serena Ellis’ story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Christian and Serena) ICE HOT follows the building relationship and romance between New York Nighthawks team captain Christian Chase, and fashion designer Serena Ellis. Having met accidentally over a spilled ice-blue slushy, Christian Chase couldn’t get the curvy blonde out of his mind but a team get-together at a local bar found our hero face to face with the woman who rejected his teammate, the woman who has starred in all of his recent fantasies and dream. Enter fashion designer Serena Ellis, and the woman with whom Christian will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Christian and Serena, and the fall-out as jealousy, the media, and the social pariahs of the internet take turns destroying our leading couple.

Serena Ellis knows she isn’t a rail thin model, a fact pushed home on more than once occasion, but it is her curves that have made our heroine a fashion success. Struggling to get out from the controlling thumb of her well-to-do and judgmental parents, Serena finds solace in building her own brand, one curvy girl at a time. Christian Chase is a successful professional hockey player who finds comfort in the simple things like hockey, his friends and his dog. Making a name for himself places a target on his back, a target one of his fellow teammates is determined to hit every single time.

The relationship between Christian and Serena is one of immediate attraction but an attraction tempered by sins of the past: issues of trust, rejection and the possibility of failure. Trying to keep their relationship on the down low, Serena and Christian will become the leading story when jealousy, betrayal and vengeance for Christian to push Serena out of his life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several members of the New York Nighthawks. We are introduced to Serena’s brother Lucas and his husband Charlie; her best friend and business partner Becca, as well as Serena and Lucas’ parents Harrison and Kathryn, and feisty grandma Savannah Ellis.

The world building focuses on our heroine’s low self esteem. As a woman of size and curves Serena has struggled to fit into the mold her parents have always wanted her to fit. An teenaged rejection followed by humiliation and pain have caused emotional scars for our story line heroine, and social media body shaming continues to focus on her insecurities wherever she goes. Christian Chase never knew the pain of destroying a woman’s heart but trying to protect Serena from the fall-out of jealousy and betrayal meant Christian was forced to push Serena out of his life.

ICE HOT is a story of jealousy, betrayal, heart break and love. The premise is sensitive and spirited; the characters are real and animated; the romance is dramatic and moving. ICE HOT is an impassioned look at one woman’s struggle to fit society’s mold, and one man’s struggle to protect the woman he loves.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Infamous Duchess (Diamonds in the Rough #4) by Sophie Barnes-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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The Infamous Duchess (Diamonds in the Rough #4) by Sophie Barnes-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

THE INFAMOUS DUCHESS
Diamonds in the Rough
by Sophie Barnes
Release Date: March 25, 2019
Genre: adult, historical, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 25, 2019

A woman with a shocking past…

Branded a money-hungry con artist for marrying the elderly Duke of Tremaine days before his death, Viola Cartwright has found refuge in her work at St. Agatha’s Hospital. No one must know the painful reason behind her marriage. She steers clear of attachments—until Henry Lowell, heir to the Viscount Armswell, lands on her operating table after a duel. Charming and wickedly handsome, Lowell is one of London’s most inveterate scoundrels. Yet he may not be all that he appears.

And the man who can promise a future filled with love…

Posing as an unrepentant rake has helped Lowell avoid women pursuing him only for his title. But now that duty has finally called on him to marry, he finds himself entranced by the mysterious, independent-minded Viola. Then her late husband’s son returns from overseas, contesting Viola’s inheritance. Lowell longs to help her and sets out to convince Viola that a strategic union may be the best way to save all she holds dear. But can he also persuade her to take a chance on love…?

•••••••••

REVIEW: This marvelous story by Sophie Barnes is set in London, 1820.

Viola Cartwright, Duchess of Tremaine is a young woman and the widow of the much older George Cartwright, Duke of Tremaine. She owns and runs St. Agatha’s Hospital. The hospital treats more patients every year. They treat patients for free, providing a needed and valuable service to the people of London. She doesn’t believe she will ever remarry and intends to avoid love and its complications.

Henry Lowell, the half-brother of Dr. Florian Lowell. He’s described as incredibly handsome with a magnificent masculine body. He had black hair and coffee brown eyes. Yes, he’s the hero of the story. But more than that he’s not perfect. Except perhaps in his honest attraction and even love of Viola. He’s been shot a few times and lived and even gets beat up and stabbed. But his courage and honor are unquestionable. For that alone I fell madly in love with him!

That’s all the spoilers I’ll give out, just let me tell you what I loved about this marvelous book. Author Sophie Barnes is noted for great plots and twists just when you don’t expect them. This book is true to her reputation. The building romance is wonderfully hot and complicated. The villain is a completely evil man. The heroine is lovely, at least to her man. She is humble and yet very accomplished but has legitimate trust issues.

I found it to be intriguing and couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen! I thoroughly recommend it for a great read. I can’t wait for more from this fine author.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna

 

When Henry Atticus Lowell awoke, the first thing he became aware of was the gentle tread of someone moving carefully about. He flexed his fingers and felt the soft cotton of a sheet draped over his body. Well, it would seem he was still alive, thanks to his brother’s miraculous efforts. And the pain . . . it was more of an ache now, which was a definite improvement.
Hesitantly, he opened his eyes just enough to let a bit of light in. It was blinding, the sunshine spilling in from a nearby window with unforgiving brightness. He winced and immediately closed his eyes again.
“Mr. Lowell?” The voice that spoke was feminine, soft and soothing, a mere whisper almost. Henry grunted his response and sensed the woman come nearer. “I hope I did not disturb you.” A soft hand settled upon his brow for no more than a fleeting second. “You do not seem to have a fever, which is excellent news.”
He drew a deep breath, focused on the tightening effect it had on his chest, and gradually expelled it. “No.” Again he tried to open his eyes, to see the nurse who’d come to attend him. She sounded lovely and . . . The light was no longer as bright as it had been. It shone at the woman’s back, surrounding her in a halo of gold. She was fair, with dark blond tresses catching the sun and tossing it back. Her face, however, was perfection itself, a pair of pale blue eyes and full lips portraying the deepest shade of rose he’d ever seen.
Perhaps he had died after all.
Henry closed his eyes on that thought and allowed himself to drift off again, certain he’d just caught a glimpse of heaven and one of its prettiest angels. But the matter of leaving his earthly state was quickly dismissed when he woke again later to find his brother sitting nearby. The room was now cast in shadows, alerting Henry to the late time of day.
He tried to speak but wheezed instead and was grateful for the glass of water Florian swiftly pressed to his lips. “Thank you,” he managed after savoring the cool liquid flowing down his parched throat.
Florian eyed him with stalwart gravity. “I was worried about you for a moment.”
Henry grinned and immediately regretted doing so when his wound stretched uncomfortably in response. He winced and grew serious, making every effort to relax. “Is that really all I deserve? A mere moment of concern?”
“Humph! I’ve enough faith in my own skills to know when more is unnecessary. That’s the moment I’m talking about. The second it took to assure myself that I wouldn’t have to convey the news of your death to our parents.” He paused for a second, and then, “What the devil were you thinking, antagonizing a cocky lad who’s barely quit his leading strings? You know someone like that is going to fight before he thinks.”
“You’re lucky he isn’t here to witness your insult or I daresay he’d call you out next. All I did was tell him his orange jacket looked ghastly and that his tailor ought to give better advice.”
“Christ, Henry.”
“What? Would you not prefer for someone to tell you that you look ridiculous instead of continuing to parade about as if you’re presenting high fashion?”
“Of course I would, but that’s hardly . . .” Florian let the words fade and placed his hand on Henry’s arm instead. “I’m glad you’re all right and that you’re still here. The alternative would be unthinkable.”
Henry allowed a faint smile. “I made you miss your ship.” He felt terrible about upsetting his brother’s plans, but he’d also been more afraid than he’d let on and had wanted his brother’s medical expertise to be available.
“Yes. You did.”
“Can you forgive me?”
“After everything you’ve done for me? How could I not?”
Grateful, Henry sank further back against his pillow. And yet . . . “I haven’t done so much.”
Florian held his gaze. “No. Of course you haven’t. You only helped me fight Bartholomew after discovering I’d lied to you about him for fourteen years.”
“Telling me he was your father was not a simple thing.”
“No. It was not. But that doesn’t change the fact that perhaps it is I who should ask for your forgiveness?”
Henry sighed. “You’re my brother, no matter what. Forgiving you was easy.”
“Thank you.”
Florian shifted as if discomforted by the intimacy of their conversation, so Henry decided to change the subject. “There was a nurse here earlier, or at least I believe she must have been a nurse. She placed a compress on my forehead.”
The edge of Florian’s mouth lifted. “And?”
“Well, I was merely thinking that if she’s been assigned to my care, it would be nice to know her name.”
“Hmm . . .” Florian didn’t look convinced by this explanation, as evidenced when he said, “I don’t want you flirting with the staff, Henry. You need to recuperate and they need to do their jobs without you ta—”
“For God’s sake. I only want her name. You needn’t make it sound as though I have questionable intentions.”
Florian sighed. “Fine. If you can describe her to me, I might be able to help.”
Pleased, Henry couldn’t stop from smiling. Especially not when he thought of the woman he’d seen. “She’s fair with golden hair and eyes the loveliest shade of blue I have ever seen.”
“Ah. I believe you must be referring to Emily.”


 

Follow Sophie: Goodreads /Website / Facebook / Twitter /Instagram /Pinterest / Bookbub

Born in Denmark, Sophie has spent her youth traveling with her parents to wonderful places all around the world. She has studied design in Paris and New York and has a bachelor’s degree from Parson’s School of design, but most impressive of all – she’s been married to the same man three times, in three different countries and in three different dresses.

While living in Africa, Sophie turned to her lifelong passion – writing.She currently lives on the East Coast.

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

To celebrate the release of THE INFAMOUS DUCHESS by Sophie Barnes, we’re giving away a paperback set of the first three books in the series━A Most Unlikely Duke, The Duke of Her Desire, and The Illegitimate Duke!

Link:   http://bit.ly/2SXHs2Y

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback set of the first three books in the series━A Most Unlikely Duke, The Duke of Her Desire, and The Illegitimate Duke.  This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Books. Giveaway ends 4/5/2019 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address.  Duplicates will be deleted.

 

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Misadventures with My Ex (Misadventures) by Shayla Black-Review Tour

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MISADVENTURES WITH MY EX (Misadventures #21) by Shayla Black

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 26, 2019

Once, Eryn Hope fell fast and incurably for Weston Quaid. And he seemed to adore her too—until she learned their love was built on lies when he walked out on their wedding day.

Three years later, West has finally won control of his family empire and fortune, but it cost him Eryn—something he regrets every day. When business forces him to return to her life and temporarily shut down her livelihood, of course she’s furious. But their chemistry is still beyond combustible. So he makes her a proposition: he’ll take care of her until her bistro reopens…if she becomes his mistress. Her mind screams no, but her body whimpers yes, yes, yes.

As soon as West has her back in his bed, their passion burns hotter than ever. So do his feelings. But can he and Eryn really recapture the love they shared? And when their bargain ends, will he be the one shattered this time or will they finally come together forever?

••••••••

REVIEW: MISADVENTURES WITH MY EX is Shayla Black’s second contribution to the multi-author Misadventures series. This is café owner Eryn Hope, and twenty-four year old, businessman Weston Quaid’s story line. All of the Misadventures story lines are stand alone story lines. MISADVENTURES WITH MY EX continues to focus on the Hope sisters. We were first introduced to Eryn and her sisters in Ella’s book – Misadventures of a BackUp Bride.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Eryn and West) MISADVENTURES WITH MY EX follows the second chance relationship between café owner Eryn Hope, and twenty-four year old, businessman Weston Quaid. Three years earlier Weston Quaid destroyed Eryn Hope’s heart just hours before walking down the aisle. Fast forward to present day wherein Weston makes Eryn an offer she cannot refuse in light of the devastation and pain caused years before. Eryn’s business is about to be shut down for renovations and repairs, and with no source of income for herself or her employees, Weston offers Eryn a six week contract for which Eryn’s financial obligations will be covered and cared. What ensues is the rebuilding but acrimonious relationship between Eryn and West, and the potential fall-out as Eryn’s struggles with issues of trust are made more difficult by someone determined to destroy Eryn’s heart-once again.

Eryn Hope has never stopped loving Weston Quaid but the path of devastation left behind with his disappearance and no explanation years before finds our heroine battling between head and heart knowing Weston still has the power to crush her heart. Weston Quaid never knew loss like that of losing Eryn Hope but behind the scenes battle for company control, and threats against the woman he loved forced West to walk away with his own broken heart.

The relationship between Eryn and Weston is a rekindling romance; a second chance between two people destroyed by power, greed, threats and control. But herein lies the difficult or challenging part (for me) of the story line premise: West’s approach to getting Eryn back is all kinds of wrong including a legal contract that all but screams paid wh*re and mistress for as long as he wants. I am not a fan of ‘forced’ servitude or ‘forced’ $ex when a woman is desperate to keep food on the table or a roof above her head…and in this, the story line premise and contractual demands too closely reflects money and stability in exchange for service and $ex. The ‘contractual demands’ would be more in line with a dark romance. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and spicy, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Eryn’s sisters Ella and Echo, as well as Ella’s husband Carson Frost; Echo’s best friend Hayes Elliott; Weston’s mother Miriam Quaid, and his uncle Edward.

MISADVENTURES WITH MY EX is a story of family, forgiveness, secrets and lies. The premise is emotional and engaging; the romance is desperate and impassioned; the characters are energetic, determined and wounded. MISADVENTURES WITH MY EX is a strong, sensitive and intoxicating tale.

Click HERE for Ella’s story -MISADVENTURES WITH A BACKUP BRIDE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

The Misadventures Series of Books: http://www.misadventures.com

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels. For over fifteen years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold well over a million copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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THE HATE VOW (Quicksilver #1) by Nicole French-Review Tour

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THE HATE VOW (Quicksilver #1) by Nicole French-Review Tour

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

Add The Hate Vow to your Goodreads TBR

ABOUT THE BOOK : Release Date March 29 ,2019

Eric de Vries.
Looks like millions.
Worth billions.
A body like the David with a mind to match.

Unfortunately for this wayward heir, to keep his money, he needs a wife.
And of all the women in the world, he chooses me.
Too bad I’ve hated him for five years, since he took all my tears and tossed me away.
The guy slept his way through half of New England and discarded women like hotel toiletries.
Been there. Done that.

Still…what would you do for twenty million dollars?
Would you wear the dress?
Fake a smile for the man who broke your heart?
Or would you run far, far away?

Yeah, that’s what I thought.
I’ll see you at the church.

••••••••

REVIEW: THE HATE VOW is the first instalment in Nicole French’s contemporary, adult QUICKSILVER erotic, romantic suspense trilogy focusing on attorney and billionaire heir to the De Vries Dynasty Eric de Vries, and attorney Jane Lee Lefferts.

Told from first person perspective (Jane) and third person (Eric) THE HATE VOW
follows the acrimonious relationship, and rekindling romance and love between attorney and billionaire heir to the De Vries Dynasty Eric de Vries, and attorney Jane Lee Lefferts. Eric de Vries is caught between the proverbial ‘rock and a hard place’. With the family matriarch months from death, Celeste de Vries forces Eric to make a decision that will affect his life and the lives of the entire de Vries family. Marry within six months; produce an heir within five years or the entire family forfeits the seventeen billion dollar empire. A manwh*re by reputation, Eric only knows of one woman who would be crazy enough to take on his family but a woman who despises Eric for sins of the past. Enter half Korean/half American Jane Lee Lefferts, and the woman Eric has never stopped loving for most of his adult life. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship and rekindling romance between Eric and Jane, and the fall-out as Eric’s past comes seeking something Eric is unable to refuse.

THE HATE VOW is a story of money, power, wealth and control; a tale of secrets, betrayal, sins and lies; of darkened whispers and dangerous men. Jane is the ‘Megan Markle’ of American royalty: treated with disdain, prejudice, hatred and contempt due to her heritage, lineage, and ultimately her lack of social standing. Eric de Vries, as the heir to the de Vries dynasty refused his place until circumstance and blackmail forced our hero to take his position as head of de Vries Shipping. From the malevolence and directed animosity and alienation towards our story line heroine, to the power, control and secret society of the rich and famous THE HATE VOW is a heart breaking, and agonizing look at an authoritative community of powerful men and controlling elite; of vindictive women and cruel recrimination.

THE HATE VOW ends on a cliff-hanger, you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Nicole French is a East Coast/West Coast hybrid creature, Springsteen fanatic, hopeless romantic, and total bookworm. When not writing fiction or teaching writing classes, she is hanging out with her family, playing soccer with the rest of the thirty-plus crowd in Seattle, or going on dates with her husband. In her spare time, she likes to go running with her dog, Greta, or practice the piano, but never seems to do either one of these things as much as she should.

Sign up for Nicole’s monthly newsletter for giveaways and exclusive excerpts from upcoming works!   www.nicolefrenchromance.com

 

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DANGEROUS BEAUTY (Dangerous Beauty #1) by J.T. Geissinger-Review & Excerpt Tour

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DANGEROUS BEAUTY (Dangerous Beauty #1) by J.T. Geissinger-Review & Excerpt Tour

 Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Chapters Indigo /

Add to GoodReads:http://bit.ly/2N6XWV3

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 26, 2019

A beautiful fugitive. A hot bodyguard. A high-stakes game of temptation.

For Nasir, former Special Ops military man and bodyguard, his new job seems like an easy-money gig: trail a Russian mobster’s runaway wife in Mexico, enjoy the sun, observe, and report. Just one rule: don’t get too close. But it’s all Naz can do not to watch the alluring dancer’s every move. A closer look is irresistible—especially when she’s in trouble.

Evalina escaped to the island getaway to live an untraceable life—as far away from the past as she can get. But Eva can’t ignore the dark, muscled stud who rescues her from a drug gang. He says he’s an ex-cop on vacation. When providence throws them together time and again, Eva thinks it’s all a beautiful coincidence. Now she’s giving in to a strange new sensation: trust.

But Naz has a mission to accomplish and a secret to keep. Eva has her share of secrets, too. And as the heat flares between them, Naz knows that trust could become the most dangerous impulse of all.

••••••••••

REVIEW:  DANGEROUS BEAUTY is the first instalment in J.T. Geissinger’s contemporary, adult DANGEROUS BEAUTY erotic, romantic suspense trilogy-a spin off from the author’s BAD HABIT series. This is former Special Ops military man and security specialist Nasir ‘Naz’ Mansouri, and Evalina ‘Eva’ Ivanova’s story line. DANGEROUS BEAUTY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. You do not have to have read the previous series to follow the current time line but I recommend reading HOT AS SIN for some background and cohesion to Nasir’s story.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Nasir and Eva) DANGEROUS BEAUTY follows the building relationship between former Special Ops military man and security specialist Nasir ‘Naz’ Mansouri, and Evalina ‘Eva’ Ivanova. Nasir Mansouri’s first assignment as a member of Connor Hugh’s New York Metrix Security Services is to follow Russian runaway Evalina Ivanova, a woman whose ‘husband’ is tired of her need to run. Contrary to everyone’s information Evalina is woman on the run from her abuser, a man with connections to the Russian Mafia. Living and hiding in Cozumel, Mexico, Eva will be rescued from a local gang by our story line hero. Unaware that Nasir has been hired to report on her whereabouts to the man in charge, Eva will begin to develop feelings for the mysterious man who seems to appear wherever she goes. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Nasir and Eva, and the potential fall-out when the truth is revealed, and Nasir’s life hangs in the balance.

Nasir Mansouri doesn’t do relationships but meeting Eva Ivanova stirs something deep within our story line hero. Having previously loved and lost, Nasir knows to get involved with a mark could end his career before it gets started. Eva Ivanova knows someone is watching her every move but struggles with her attraction to a man who may or may not be the enemy from home.

The relationship between Eva and Naz begins as a lie. Nasir is on assignment but Eva’s back story forces Nasir to go from stalker to protector within a matter of days. Having lived a life on the run, Eva’s attraction to, and want of Naz is questionable under the circumstances but loneliness is a b*tch, and our heroine is tired of always being alone. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Nasir’s boss Connor Hughes and his wife Tabby West, who battle between personal friendships and business dealings as it pertains to Naz’s first assignment. Connor and Tabitha’s story can be found in WICKED SEXY (Wicked Games #2)

DANGEROUS BEAUTY is a story of secrets, lies, betrayal and abuse. The premise is fast paced and engaging; the romance is impassioned and seductive; the characters are colorful, energetic and driven. DANGEROUS BEAUTY ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

NOTE: Excerpt intended for mature readers 18+ due to strong language and content.

I turn to look at her. She’s framed in the doorway with the light bright behind her and her face in shadow, her hair a golden corona around her head. A band of tightness settles around my chest.
I take a step toward her. She takes a step back. I don’t know what she sees on my face, but her eyes are huge and her pulse is throbbing in the side of her neck.
When I take another step and she retreats again, I stop. “Are you afraid of me?”
She laughs shakily. “No.”
“Then why are you backing up?”
“I was hoping I’d be at the wall by now. I need it to hold me up. I’m so excited I think I might faint.”
The band around my chest grows tighter.
“Stay where you are,” I say, holding her gaze. The eye contact feels like a touch, like an electrical current running on a loop between us. It’s probably close to ninety degrees, but the skin on my arms raises in gooseflesh. As I take another step toward her, she flexes her hands open and draws a breath.
She says with quiet wonder, “I can feel my heartbeat in my fingertips.”
“I know. Me too.”
I advance another step. She’s an arm’s length away. I see it when she begins to tremble.
“This must be what a stroke feels like,” she whispers as I reach out and touch her face.
“Probably not this good.” I slide my hand into her hair, and she bites her lip.
When I move closer, she raises her hands and flattens them on my chest. I know she can feel how hard my heart is pounding. Her breathing is as erratic as mine.
“Oh God,” she says faintly. “I really hope this kiss you’re about to give me is as amazing as the pre-kiss. I think my panties just went up in flames.”
“Not a good idea to talk to me about your panties right now, sweetheart,” I murmur, brushing my lips over her jaw. “I’m barely in control as it is.”
I nuzzle my nose into the soft, sweet spot under her earlobe and drag in a breath scented of her skin. She shudders. I cradle her head in my hands as her fingers dig into my chest. I open my mouth over the pulse in her throat and she moans, low and soft, arching into me.
That little moan sets my entire body on fire.
With one hand cupped around the back of her head and the other around her jaw, I tilt her head back and fit my mouth to hers.
Her lips part. Our tongues touching is an electrical shock. She makes a soft, feminine noise in the back of her throat that makes me feel savage, like an animal.
We stand in the gloom and kiss, deep and slow, until the urge to push her against the wall, lift her skirt, and thrust deep inside her is a hot, heady pulse in my veins. She slides her arms up around my shoulders so her breasts press against my chest. I feel her nipples, two hard points in a lush expanse of skin, and groan into her mouth.
My dick is so hard it’s throbbing.
“I want you to kiss me everywhere,” she whispers, breaking away from my mouth but staying in my arms. She’s panting. Her eyes look glazed. “I want you to take off my clothes and kiss me everywhere like that. Promise me you will.”
I huff out a breath that’s part laugh and part groan. “So it measured up to the pre-kiss, huh?”

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads /Pinterest / Instagram /

A former headhunter, J.T. Geissinger is the author of more than a dozen novels in contemporary romance, paranormal romance, and romantic suspense.

She is the recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and is a two-time finalist for the RITA® Award from the Romance Writers of America®. Her work has also finaled in the Booksellers’ Best, National Readers’ Choice, and Daphne du Maurier Awards.

Join her Facebook reader’s group, Geissinger’s Gang, to take part in weekly Wine Wednesday live chats and giveaways, find out more information about works in progress, have access to exclusive excerpts and contests, and get advance reader copies of her upcoming releases.

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The Trouble With Cowboys by Victoria James – a Review

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The Trouble With Cowboys by Victoria James – a Review

 

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Description:
Eight years ago, Tyler Donnelly left Wishing River, Montana, after a terrible fight with his father and swore he’d never return. But when his father has a stroke, guilt and duty drive him home, and nothing is as he remembers––from the run-down ranch to Lainey Sullivan, who is all grown up now. And darn if he can’t seem to stay away.

Lainey’s late grandma left her two things: the family diner and a deep-seated mistrust of cowboys. So when Tyler quietly rides back into town looking better than hot apple pie, she knows she’s in trouble. But she owes his dad everything, and she’s determined to show Ty what it means to be part of a small town…and part of a family.

Lainey’s courage pushes Ty to want to make Wishing River into a home again—together. But one of them is harboring a secret that could change everything.

 

 

Review;

The Trouble with Cowboys by Victoria James is a heart warming story that wraps you up from beginning to end making you wish you can just make everything right between Tyler Donnelly and Lainey Sullivan.  Both are characters who are still dealing with a tremendous loss in both of their lives and are afraid to truly let someone else in for fear of the other thinking they are broken and can’t be fixed.  Tyler and Lainey’s back story made my heart hurt for both of them, but as their journey continued I just knew that in the end they would overcome what they needed to find their HEA together. 

Miss James writes this one so beautifully and makes you root for the underdog, in this case both Lainey and Tyler.  They are a couple that had the chemistry needed between a couple to hold your interest, but it was the slow build of their romance, trials and tribulations of life that really pull you in, keeping you reading from beginning to end, hating to put the book down.  They are a couple that can be addicting because you want to find out more about them both individually and as a growing couple.  You want to see Tyler and his father repair their relationship, Tyler and his friends Cade and Dean make up and become friends again all the while restoring his family’s ranch.  For Lainey you can’t help but want to see her dream of studying art in Italy and becoming an artist come true, while at the same time continuing to run her late grandma’s family diner.  Oh and of course for Tyler and Lainey to get their HEA together. 

I really liked the pace of this romance/story.  Miss James knew it was one not to be rushed and brings you the reader along this adventure on a comfortable pace filled with loss, pain, frustration, but also fun, flirty, charming and even comical events throughout Lainey and Tyler’s journey.  I found she balanced the fun with the serious just right.  Everything about The Trouble With Cowboys just falls into place creating a beautiful and heart-felt read.  For anyone who loves small town cowboy filled stories then this one’s for you and you won’t be disappointed one bit.  You’ll fall in love with this story just like I did.

Until next time, happy reading everyone!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Sweet Fate (Dirty Sweet #2) by Laurelin Paige-Review & Excerpt Tour

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SWEET FATE (Dirty Sweet #2) by Laurelin Paige-Review Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK; Release Date March 26, 2019

The conclusion to Dylan and Audrey’s story begun in Sweet Liar.

Dylan Locke knows that pining over the young ingenue Audrey Lind is pointless. He can’t offer her what she wants. He definitely can’t give her what she needs. Thank goodness she’s half a world away, and he doesn’t have to deal with his attraction head on.

But fate has other plans for him, and when Audrey once again lands in his path, it’s only too easy to fall back into their easy rhythm. And then their easy banter. And of course, each other’s arms.

He tells himself nothing has changed. She still wants forever, and he still thinks tomorrow is long enough. But watching her search isn’t as easy as he thought it would be, and now Dylan must figure out if he’s really the love Scrooge he professes to be or if he’s been Fate’s willing victim all along.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: SWEET FATE is the second instalment and conclusion to Laurelin Paige’s contemporary, adult DIRTY SWEET erotic, romance duology focusing on forty-four year old, billionaire businessman Dylan Locke, and twenty-four year old, art graduate Audrey Lind. The DIRTY SWEET series is a spin-off from the author’s Dirty Games Duet. Audrey is Sabrina Lind’s younger sister, and Dylan is partners in Reach Inc.

NOTE: SWEET FATE should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up one year after the events of book one Sweet Liar.

Told from first person point of view (Dylan Locke) with an epilogue from Audrey, SWEET FATE picks up one year after the events of book one in which forty-three year old, billionaire businessman Dylan Locke, and twenty-three year old, art graduate Audrey Lind had a torrid one week affair that ended with Dylan Locke returning to his home and business in England, and Audrey returning to college to finisher her degree. Fast forward one year wherein Dylan will come face to face with the woman he loves when she accepts an intern position at the National Gallery of London. Continuing to struggle with their age difference, and his attraction and need for Audrey Lind, Dylan refuses to acknowledge the elephant in the room, as he stands by the side lines when Audrey attempts to locate the ‘one’. Agreeing to a friends with benefits relationship, Dylan continues to fall for the woman he will eventually push out of his life. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Dylan and Audrey, and the potential fall-out as Dylan is unable to admit his love for our story line heroine.

Dylan Locke doesn’t do relationships, in fact, he hasn’t been with anyone else since he walked away for Audrey Lind. Audrey Lind has a bubbly and vivacious personality but has never stopped loving our story line hero-she slowly breaking down the barriers around his frozen heart.

The relationship between Audrey and Dylan is one of instant chemistry but a highly sexual relationship wherein their mutual attraction is tempered by Dylan’s inability to trust or move on. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense but I struggle with the use of a certain four-letter word in a romance story line.

The secondary and supporting characters include several of the Dirty Games Duet characters :Audrey’s sister Sabrina Lindt and Donovan Kincaid; Weston and Elizabeth King; Nate and Trish; sales division manager Amy; Dylan’s son Aaron, and his ex-wife Ellen Wallace; and Audrey’s boss Jana Spruce.

SWEET FATE is a story of family, friendship, perseverance and love. The premise is playful, emotional and engaging; the romance is hot and heavy; the characters are sassy, colorful and captivating.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one SWEET LIAR.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

It was a completely different experience kissing Audrey, after I’d accepted the gravity of the feelings I had for her.
I knew the kiss meant nothing, that it would lead nowhere, but it felt like being bathed in radiant light.
Like I was an imprisoned man in a dark prison cell who, for one brief moment, was allowed to step outside into the sunlight. I was completely present for it. Each brush of her lips, each touch of her tongue—I memorized it all, imprinted every second into my brain so that I’d have it forever. I might still have worn shackles with no hope of freedom, but this moment mattered. It was real and divine, and I would cherish every last second of the stolen sunshine until my dying day.
I would’ve been content with only kissing, with just the shallow lifts and falls of her chest and frantic hands trying to caress and cling.
But Audrey had other ideas in mind, demonstrated by the quick work of her hands at my waist, unbuckling my belt, undoing my trousers, the slip of her hand inside the opening to stroke the outline of my very prominent erection.
“This,” she said between kisses. She pulled at the elastic waistband of my boxers and dipped her hand in to touch me directly.
I hissed at the feel of her soft hand against my hot skin.
“I want this,” she begged. “Can I have this?”

<


 

In 2013, Laurelin Paige self-published her first novel. Her husband was just laid off, she had three kids, one with special needs, and they had just filed for bankruptcy so she needed this novel to work. Less than 1 year later, her debut novel, Fixed on You, was at the top of the bestseller lists and was named one of the top ten selling books of 2014 by Publishers Weekly (the only self-published book to do so) and a Top Ten Favorite Read of 2014 by People Magazine. Her successive self-published novels have been smash hits with readers.

Laurelin Paige is the NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Fixed Trilogy. She’s a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters.

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Cruel Sanctuary (Wages of Sin #1) by Tara Leigh-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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Cruel Sanctuary (Wages of Sin #1) by Tara Leigh-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

CRUEL SANCTUARY
Wages of Sin #1
by Tara Leigh
Release Date: March 25, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

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

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 25, 2019

They say New York City is the Devil’s Playground.
They’re wrong.
This city belongs to me.
And so does Aislinn Granville.

She is a pampered politician’s daughter.
A decorative ornament,
raised to smile and nod and do what she’s told.

Except… she doesn’t. Not with me. Ever.

In this city full of thugs and thieves, I’ve kept Aislinn safe.
From my enemies.
From me.

Until now.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: Aislinn Granville is a politicians daughter in New York City. She left her lucrative job at a political consulting firm to help her father (James Granville), a Manhattan district attorney running in the next election for mayor. Her and her father do not have the most amicable relationship but since it is her father she agrees. Knee deep in the campaign and it is brought to her attention that her father and his chief of staff (and her sometimes casual lover), Chat Lytton are not necessarily the men of moral that she had previously thought.

And now with a private conversation recorded and about to be leaked to the public, it’s a PR nightmare that even she can’t fix. That’s when they call in Damon King…

Damon King is always a last resort. Most who know of him, consider him the boogeyman of Manhattan. “Rumor has it, he’s a fixer in the same way the devil is.” When James Granville and his chief of staff get too greedy with their ambitions and start crossing the wrong people, specifically the Los Muertos cartel, things begin to go down hill – quickly. But Damon King has a price.

Will the price be something that James Granville will freely give? And will Aislinn ever fully understand what it means to be protected by Damon King.

Aislinn is a strong willed, strong minded, all business woman. She left her cushy job to join her fathers campaign – despite the fact that they have a strained relationship. Her whole world collapses when she finds out her father isn’t the moral man she believed him to be.

In fact he is on the take, just like every other crooked politician in New York. At first, Aislinn doesn’t believe that her life is in danger but as that quickly changes and is brought to light she finds sanctuary in the one man everyone else fears. She turns to the devil himself to protect her. And protect her – he will.

Damon King is the thing nightmares are made of. He is mysterious, lethal and completely under the radar, a boogeyman as they say. He was once a Wall Street broker but a deal gone wrong ended him up in prison. While there he swore to a cellmate to look after and protect Aislinn Granville. He has always been watching over her from a far. But now he can protect her the way she should be. But having her in his home proves to be quite a distraction. He soon comes to realize that she is not the pampered princess he thought her to be. He thinks he knows everything about her, but he doesn’t. She has secrets and darkness in her past. And she trusts him.

I absolutely loved this book, read it in two sittings. I loved everything about Damon. He was dark, and at times evil, but you knew there was good in him. I really enjoyed Aislinn’s character from the beginning of the book. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. She walks the walk. She is a powerhouse in and of herself, but what she truly needs is a powerhouse of her own. One that will allow her to let down her guard and take the reins for once.

The relationship between Aislinn and Damon is erotically wonderful. It pulls you in, you want more for them, you want them to open themselves to one another. And when you turn to the last page – you know you truly dared to dance with the devil.

I can not wait for book two in the series, and I highly recommend.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin

 

 

“Put me down.” I keep my cool, making the demand as stiffly as if I’m asking him to pass the salt.But my show of composure crumbles as he angles his head to look at me. Barely an inch separates the tips of our noses. I stare, entranced by the fine scar that marks his left eyebrow. I want to kiss it.

“Or what?”

“Hmmm?”

One corner of his mouth tics up, his eyes flicking away from mine. “You look damn good in my arms.”

I follow his stare and am met by our reflection in the bathroom mirror. I blink, taking in the sight of my naked body held against King’s broad chest, the tanned, inked forearms I’d practically drooled over earlier now wrapped around my back and behind my knees.

I am naked. King is dressed.

There is something indecently erotic about our image. I look like the heroine of an old Harlequin novel—a down on her luck maid or secretary about to be ravished by her big, bad boss. A powerless woman soon to be stripped of her virtue.

I know what it’s like when a man overpowers a woman. When he uses force to take what’s not his. To hurt and abuse and terrorize.

And I know that this isn’t that.

It may not look like it, but I have the power in this situation. Damon King came to me. First at my apartment and now in his. He broke down two doors tonight.
I may be naked, but the only reason he’s touching me is because he knows I want him to.

Emboldened, I look away from our reflection and directly into King’s eyes again. Leaning in, I brush the tip of my nose against his. “Kiss me.”

I’ve barely pushed the words out when his lips are on mine. The taste of him is an explosion inside my mouth. Smooth and potent, but with a hint of mint. As if he swilled some of that Balvenie from his bar and then sucked on a peppermint candy.
He kisses like a conqueror. Stealing my breath along with the last of my reservations.

He kisses like a king. Staking his claim, demanding his due.

 


 

Tara Leigh is a multi-published author of steamy contemporary romance. A former banker on Wall Street, she graduated from Washington University and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, but she much prefers spending her days with fictional boyfriends than analyzing financial spreadsheets. Tara currently lives in Fairfield County, Connecticut with her husband, children, and fur-baby, Pixie.

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

Make sure you enter Tara’s giveaway!!

 http://smarturl.it/CruelSGiveaway

Make sure you enter Tara’s giveaway!! 

http://smarturl.it/CruelSGiveaway

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