Monthly Archives: March 2019

Brothers in Arms (Kings of Mayhem #2) by Penny Dee-a review

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BROTHERS IN ARMS (Kings of Mayhem MC #2) by Penny Dee-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 26, 2019

Someone is going to pay.
But who?

CADE
They took someone from me.
And I’m going to make them pay.
In blood.
But before I can do that, I have to make sure my girl is safe.
And I will do whatever I have to, even break my own heart, to make sure she survives.
Because she is my queen.
My everything.

INDY
He’s changed.
His grief is overwhelming and I can feel the gap widening between us.
Someone is coming after the Kings of Mayhem MC.
And we are trapped as they play out their evil scheme.
Because under the cover of darkness, they are coming for each of us, one by one, to play out their own twisted vendetta.
And no one is safe.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: BROTHERS IN ARMS is the second instalment in Penny Dee’s contemporary, adult KINGS OF MAYHEM MC erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women of the Kings of Mayhem MC. This is Cade Calley, and Dr. Indigo ‘Indy’ Parrish’s continuing story line.BROTHERS IN ARMS should be not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book one -Kings of Mayhem.

NOTE: BROTHERS IN ARMS contains scenes of graphic violence, death and sexual assault that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

If you have not read book one, there may be some spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Cade and Indy) BROTHERS IN ARMS follows in the wake of the death of one of their own. The Kings of Mayhem MC are being targeted by an unknown enemy who is slowly destroying the club one member at a time. No one is safe; protection is futile as the members fail to protect the people they love. Hoping to shelter the woman he loves Cade battles between head and heart attempting to destroy Indy’s heart in the process. What ensues is the ongoing relationship between Indy and Cade, as the Kings of Mayhem MC continue to fight an unknown foe.

BROTHERS IN ARMS is a story of betrayal, revenge, murder and love. A quick read replete with drama, conflict, heart break and passion. The premise is brutal and raw; the romance is impassioned and intense; the characters are energetic, broken and real. BROTHERS IN ARMS is a shocking and thrilling instalment in the Kings of Mayhem MC.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one KINGS OF MAYHEM

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Tumble (Dogwood Lane #1) by Adriana Locke-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Tumble (Dogwood Lane #1) by Adriana Locke-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

TUMBLE
Dogwood Lane #1
by Adriana Locke
Release Date: February 26, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 26, 2019

After being burned by her dream job in New York City, sports journalist Neely Kimber suddenly finds herself jobless and paying a long-overdue visit to her hometown in Tennessee. Her plan? Relax, reset, and head back up the corporate ladder. There’s just one unexpected step. Neely’s back in Dogwood Lane for barely a day when she sees the man she ran from nine years ago: the bad boy next door who was her first kiss, her first love, and her first heartbreak.

Devoted single dad Dane Madden knows he hurt Neely in the worst way. He’s got a lot to make up for. And as passionate as their reconnection is, it’s a lot to hope for. Having her back in his arms feels so right. But falling in love all over again with a woman who wants to live a world away is bound to go so wrong.

What’s it going to take for Neely to give him—and Dogwood Lane—just one more chance?

••••••••••

REVIEW:Tumble is book one of the Dogwood Lane series by Adriana Lock.

Neely Kimber left small town Dogwood Lane years ago for the big city of New York. While working at a big sports magazine and getting swindled out of a job promotion she decidesto up and quit. And in a moment of haste decides to head home to see her mama! In the rash snap judgement of booking a plane ticket she quickly remembers why it is she left town, and why she simply won’t allow her mama to speak of anyone or anything having to do with Dogwood Lane.

Dane Madden has made quite a few mistakes in his life. Breaking up with his high school sweetheart so that she wouldn’t be conflicted on what choice she needed to make. He thought he was doing the right thing by breaking up with her and not making her choose between him or college. This was one of the toughest things he has ever done. That and facing the fact that after the breakup he slept with his ex-girlfriends best friend which resulted in a pregnancy! All of this was the exact reason Neely hasn’t returned – until now!

When Dane and Neely run into each other again after years apart. There is no denying that sparks flew. No matter how hurt or betrayed she feels – her body betrays her everytime he is near.

Will Dane ever be able to trust that another woman won’t walk away from him and his daughter, Mia? Is it even worth a shot, knowing that Neely will be leaving again soon to return to New York!

Will Neely be able to let her guard down and admit that she has never truly stopped loving Dane?

In a wonderful small town feel, love and second chances can always find a way! As long as you believe that what you have and feel is real!

I loved the main characters of Dane and Neely. Their past is chaos and heartache, but can the two of them find their ways back to rach other!

The sub-characters we fun, crazy and definitely added a sweet and subtle kick.

I love a good single dad story with a happy and made you work for it ending!

Looking forward to the next book and finding out who will be the main characters of this one!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin

New York City Versus Dogwood Lane with Heroine Neely Kimber from TUMBLE

You know that line in The Wizard of Oz where Dorothy says they aren’t in Kansas anymore? Well, I’m Neely Kimber and I’m definitely not in New York City anymore.

I’ve been home, in Dogwood Lane, Tennessee, for a couple of days now. You would think after almost ten years, things would’ve changed a lot. Heck, in New York City, things change every day. Faces, vendors, the shadows from the buildings looming overhead, they’re different almost second-to-second. Nothing’s really changed here—even the things that I hoped had.

Dane Madden. I can’t say his name without some physical reaction. Sometimes it’s a smile. Other times, it’s a scowl or a groan of disgust. Either way, there’s some kind of immediate response to him every time I see him at the Dogwood Café.

His smile is as sexy as it ever was. His body even more so. Broad shoulders, calloused hands from the carpentry work he’s taken on at some point over the last decade, even the way his hair is a little too long in the back makes him more delicious than I even remembered. My attraction to him hasn’t changed. And I hate it.

I have choices. I know that. It’s one of the only good things about being unemployed. Even as a sports writer, I don’t have to be anywhere I don’t want to be. Not really. But sometimes choices are overwhelming.

Do I go back to the place I’ve called home almost my entire adult life? Grace, the best friend a girl could ever want is there. So are all the coffee shops and you can find a live band every night of the week. And if someone is job hunting, as I am, New York City is the Promised Land.

Easy choice right?

I’ve told myself it was for a long time. But now that I’m in my mom’s kitchen, making a glass of tea and waiting on her to come home from work so we can grab Mexican food, I’m not so sure. Walking into a restaurant and not just knowing the waitress’s name, but also where her parents live, what she got on her Algebra exam in ninth grade, and who her kids are—there’s something to be said for that. I never thought I’d appreciate having to drive around Blue, the old hound dog that’s napped in the middle of Canton Street my entire life, but I do.

My brain is telling me to go home. To New York. Get back to the life I’ve so carefully constructed. My heart is telling me maybe I don’t understand the definition of ‘home’.

I’ll ignore the fact that my heart attaches Dane to the word ‘home’. Pretending like I don’t feel it tighten when he’s around, that I don’t feel a stillness deep in my bones when he’s around, might be hard, but I can do it. I’ve accomplished harder tasks on bigger stages than this.

I think.

What will I do? Time will tell. I just have to keep Dane Madden out of it.

~~Adriana ~~

USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys dreamed up by other authors, she decided to create her own. She is the author of Tumble, the first novel in her Dogwood Lane series; the Exception series; the Gibson Brothers series; and the Landry Family series.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, her sons, two dogs, two cats, and a bird. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice, and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket. Besides cinnamon gummy bears, boxing, and random quotes, her next favorite thing is chatting with readers. She’d love to hear from you! Look for her at www.adrianalocke.com.

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Sweet Liar (Dirty Sweet #1) by Laurelin Paige-Review & Excerpt Tour

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SWEET LIAR (DIRTY SWEET #1) by Laurelin Paige-Review and Excerpt Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK : Release Date February 26, 2019

British ad exec Dylan Locke isn’t looking for love. He isn’t looking for fate. He’s definitely not looking for Audrey Lind. She’s pretty, far too young, and overly romantic–in short, exhausting.

But when the girl, young enough to be his daughter, literally lands in his lap and asks for his expertise, he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t interested. In her body, in her innocence, in her philosophy.

In the kind of kismet that starts with kisses.

But Audrey isn’t looking for love either–she’s looking for lessons, and she’s certain Dylan knows everything she needs to learn.

If he agrees to play the teacher can he keep his heart?

Of course he can.

Then again, he might be lying.

••••••••

REVIEW: SWEET LIAR is the first instalment in Laurelin Paige’s contemporary adult DIRTY SWEET erotic, romance series focusing on forty-two year old, businessman Dylan Locke, and twenty-three year old, college student Audrey Lind. The DIRTY SWEET series is a spin-off from the author’s Dirty Games Duet, and some of the events in Sweet Liar run parallel to, and cross over with some of the events in the Dirty Games Duet. Audrey is Sabrina Lind’s younger sister.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Audrey and Dylan) SWEET LIAR follows the May-December, relationship between forty-two year old, businessman Dylan Locke, and twenty-three year old, college student Audrey Lind. Dylan’s time in the USA comes with an expiry date but time spent with Audrey Lind gives him pause for the future. Audrey’s attraction to Dylan Locke is immediate and intense but what our heroine lacks in experience she makes up for with seduction and fun. Hoping to gain the sexual experience she so desperately wants, Audrey makes Dylan an offer he cannot refuse. What ensues is the building sexual relationship between Audrey and Dylan as Dylan shows Audrey the art of ‘sex’, and the fall-out as their time together comes to a close.

SWEET LIAR is a quick read; an erotic story between an older, experienced man and a younger woman whose enthusiasm is matched by her need to learn. Several of the Dirty Games Duet characters cross over for cohesion and familiarity including Audrey’s sister Sabrina Lindt, as well as Donovan Kincaid and Weston King. The premise is inviting; the characters are fun and flirty; the romance is erotic, seductive and intense but saying that I didn’t feel the palpable sexual attraction between our leading couple-there was limited time to build a romantic relationship and therefore it felt more carnal and businesslike than anything else.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

NOTE: The Excerpt is intended for mature readers 18+ due to language.

Too bad she was that kind of girl. The kind of girl who wanted a man to love her before she lifted her skirt.

God, she was young. Younger than whatever ridiculous young age she actually was.

I’d sworn off love years ago, but not sex. Never sex. And Audrey Lind was all sorts of temptation, the kind I knew better to stay away from. She was too romantic. She was too American. She was too young. Much too young. I was definitely old enough to be her father. Probably.
Definitely.
I didn’t want to think about that.

“I’m pretty sure I can convince you kismet exists too, if you’ll just do one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Kiss me.”

I was alone. I would always be alone.

I was a girl who felt things.

Dylan was polite, but he wasn’t nice.

I thought she’d be less dangerous in the sunlight.
I was wrong.

She was sex on heels, and I was a goner.

Audrey Lind: Part wildling, part devil, part innocent, all contradiction.

I wanted to kiss her again. Because she had perfect plump lips. Because she tasted like honey. Because she was warm and the night was cold, and I’d been in the dark for so long.

Colliding into her had been like crashing into sunshine. She made me feel warm in places that had been cold for oh, so long.

“I can’t decide if I need to shelter you, or if I should show you off.”

I stretched her and filled her and punished her pussy for being so perfect, so tight, so inexperienced

I fucked her like I’d paid for the hour.
“I’ve never watched anyone watch me like you’re watching me now.”


 

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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The Duke of Distraction (The Untouchables #12) by Darcy Burke-Review & Excerpt Tour

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The Duke of Distraction (The Untouchables #12) by Darcy Burke-Review and Excerpt Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 26, 2019.

After witnessing how love embittered his uncle and broke his father, Felix Havers, Earl of Ware vows never to love. He conceals his emotions behind a wall of wit and charm, and is celebrated as the master of entertainments—parties, picnics, races. When his best friend’s wallflower sister needs to find a husband, he promises to make her the toast of London… without losing his heart.

Miss Sarah Colton has given up on the pursuit of marriage. When her parents learn she intends to open a millinery shop, they give her an ultimatum: choose a husband or they’ll do it for her. She accepts Felix’s help, never imagining their scheme will ignite a mutual attraction neither of them dare indulge. But when tragedy strikes, can they heal each other or will the demons of Felix’s past consume them both?

•••••••••

REVIEW:

The Duke of Distraction is the next episode of the Untouchables. It’s the story of Felix Havers, Earl of Ware and Sarah Colton.
Author Darcy Burke has done it again! Another thrilling and heart-rending tale of wounded lives being healed by love. And what a tale it is!

Felix is the master of entertainments and organization He’s the epitome of confirmed bachelorhood. Sarah is his best friend’s sister and has always been like family.

When he promises to help her find a husband, which she doesn’t necessarily want, he becomes more aware of the woman she’s become and entangled in her independent and lovely personality. He fights the attraction, all the way.

Sarah is resigned to becoming a spinster and is planning on secretly opening a millinery shop of her own to allow her independence from marriage. However, her parents are putting serious pressure on her.

That’s the set up! I would never do anything to spoil this marvelous read for anyone. Let me tell you why I loved it so much!

It’s well written. The dialog is natural for the times and witty. The characters are so well developed that you know and love them. You can tell who is speaking, just by the way they say things. The storyline is well paced and just the right amount of information is given exactly when needed. The wit and fun is paused to reveal the heart-rending reasons for all their decisions, followed by a marvelous and romantic solution. This is a talented author, folks!

Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this for a magnificent read. In fact, if you’re new to this series, I recommend grabbing all the books in this one! Enjoy.

Copy supplied for review

reviewed by Georgianna

“It’s time for you to marry,” Father said, surprising no one. Or so Sarah assumed. Anthony knew how desperately they wanted her to marry, and she had to think Felix did too. Of course he did. Sarah was the first person to complain about the pressure they applied.
“Past time, one might say,” Sarah murmured and tried not to send an exasperated look toward her mother.
“There’s no need to be saucy,” Mother said tartly.
“Why must Felix and I be privy to Sarah’s humiliation?” Anthony asked.
Humiliation? Sarah had been annoyed, mildly embarrassed even, but not humiliated. At least not until now. She tossed a withering stare at her brother. He had the grace to wince and look away.
“There is a reason,” Mother said before inclining her head toward Sarah’s father.
Father coughed. “Er, yes. We wondered if it might make sense for you, Felix, to wed Sarah.”
Humiliation didn’t begin to describe the emotion swirling inside Sarah and erupting in her cheeks. Surely they were about to catch fire.
She would have snapped at her father or mother or both, but words simply wouldn’t come.
Anthony stood. “You can’t ambush Felix like that!” At Sarah’s intake of breath, he added, “Or Sarah.”
Sarah didn’t bother sending him another acid glare.
Their mother pursed her lips at Anthony. “We’re not ambushing him. Felix is like family. He’s well aware of Sarah’s sad state.”
Oh, this was just getting better and better. Now she was in a sad state?
“Furthermore, Felix is in need of a wife. Your father and I discussed it, and we think this is an excellent match.”
Sarah couldn’t bear to meet Felix’s gaze, so she stared at the floor. Had the patterned carpet always had that odd mushroom shape next to the leg of the settee?
“I’m glad you discussed it,” Anthony said with a great deal of sarcasm. “You might have discussed it with Felix, however.” He looked toward Felix. “Did they?”
Now Sarah chanced a look at him. Felix shook his head. To his credit, he didn’t look surprised or annoyed or pale or anything other than what he’d appeared since she’d arrived: uncomfortable.

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page,www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.

Connect:

Site: www.darcyburke.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans
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Sunkissed Days (Magnolia Sound .5) by Samantha Chase-Review & Excerpt Tour

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SUNKISSED DAYS (Magnolia Sound .5) by Samantha Chase-Review and Excerpt Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: RELEASE DATE February 26, 2019

Mallory Westbrook is ready to make her move on Jake Summerford, the boy—now man—she’s been crushing on for years. Coming back to Magnolia Sound to celebrate her great-grandfather’s birthday provides the perfect opportunity to show Jake that she’s no longer a child.

The last thing Jake expected to do at his mentor’s birthday party was to find himself kissing Mallory under the moonlight. Though he’s known her for years, the thought of kissing her never crossed his mind. But the shy tomboy he once knew is gone, and in her place is a woman he can’t resist.

They have one summer before they go their separate ways. Insecurity wars with the possibility of a future together, but it could all come to an end before it even has a chance to start.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: SUNKISSED DAYS is the prequel novella in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult MAGNOLIA SOUND romance series. This is twenty-four year old construction worker Jake Summerford, and twenty year old college student Mallory Westbrook’s story line.

NOTE: SUNKISSED DAYS was originally released as a newsletter serial

Told from dual third person perspectives (Mallory and Jake) SUNKISSED DAYS takes the reader back in time, six years earlier, where we are privy to the summer time relationship between twenty-four year old construction worker Jake Summerford, and twenty year old college student Mallory Westbrook. Home for the summer in Magnolia Grove, to celebrate her great-grandfather’s ninetieth birthday, Mallory comes face to face with Jake Summerford, four years her senior, and the young man on whom she has crushed for most of her life. Taking the first steps towards getting the man that she wants, Mallory makes the first move in what would prove to be a summer fling that will end in misunderstanding and broken hearts. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Jake and Mallory, and the fall-out as their time together comes to an end as each heads in a different direction towards personal and professional goals.

SUNKISSED DAYS is a story of family, friendship, romance and love; struggle and acceptance, pride and heart. Samantha Chase pulls the reader into a passionate and emotional story of first love, broken hearts and painful good byes. The premise is engaging; the romance is sweet and sensitive; the characters are animated. SUNKISSED DAYS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

His first thought was finally.
But his second thought was this is so wrong.
Nudging that second thought aside, Jake Summerford put all of his focus into the responsive girl in his arms and dove in for another taste. For years he had denied that there was any attraction between himself and Mallory Westbrook.
She’d always been cute, always been sweet. But because of their age difference he’d never allowed himself to think of her as any more than a kid.
Well…she certainly wasn’t a kid anymore and he was fairly sure he was allowed to think a lot of different things about her.
Like how soft her skin was.
How full and wet her lips were.
How her family trusted him and treated him like one of their own.
Yeah, this was so wrong.
And still he couldn’t find the strength to care – not as Mallory pressed even closer and made the neediest little sound. He found his own arms banding tighter around her as he tried to think of the best place to move them for a little more privacy. Not too far away there was a party in full-swing for Ezekiel’s ninetieth birthday. There was a houseful of people, music was playing and really, it was where he and Mallory should be right now. How the hell had they gotten out here?
Oh, right. Mallory had given him a shy-yet-flirty smile and asked if he could help her move a painting from the boathouse, and like an idiot, he’d said yes.
And now look where they were.
Then a thought hit him – the boathouse! They hadn’t even made it all the way down to the pier before she had shocked him with this kiss. If he could maneuver them the rest of the way across the yard, they’d be completely out of view once they were inside the boathouse!
Carefully, slowly, Jake began to walk them further down the lawn toward the pier without breaking the kiss. The urge to swing Mallory up into his arms was strong, but right now he couldn’t think straight.
What the hell was happening to him?
He wasn’t a kid, for crying out loud! He was a man! A man who’d kissed more than his share of women. Women who…
And that’s when it hit him.
The enormity of what was happening here finally broke through and as much as he wanted to keep on kissing Mallory, he couldn’t.
Jake broke the kiss and took a step back. His breath was ragged and once his eyes focused on her and he saw how sexy she looked in the moonlight, he almost dove back in to start all over again.
“Why did you stop?” she asked breathlessly.
He swallowed hard as he tried to remember exactly why he stopped. In the moment, he knew it was the right thing to do. But now? Not so much.
How could he possibly explain to her how this wasn’t right when all he wanted to do was pull her back into his arms?

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Samantha ChaseNew York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

 

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in NorthCarolina.

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