Monthly Archives: April 2019

Pure Bliss / Chasing Bliss by Lexi Blake-a review

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PURE BLISS / CHASING BLISS (Nights in Bliss, Colorado #6 & 7) by Lexi Blake-a review

PURE BLISS
(Nights in Bliss, Colorado #6)
by Lexi Blake
Genre: contemporary, adult, erotic, MFM romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-release March 5, 2019

The town of Bliss, Colorado, offered Hope McLean a second chance at life, a gift she cherishes every day. Her past was dominated by dark secrets and regret, most of which centered on a man named Christian Grady. All of that was behind her now, years of horror distilled down into the occasional nightmare or a random feeling of being watched. Surrounded by new friends, she tried hard to leave the past where it belonged—in the rearview mirror.

Raised together, James Glen and Noah Bennett were the best of friends. They dreamed of growing up in Bliss, finding love, and settling down to share their lives on the Circle G ranch. James would manage the day-to-day operations of the ranch while Noah served the town as the resident veterinarian. Everything was perfectly planned out, until a woman came between them and their future shattered. Noah left Bliss for New York City and James was left to struggle to keep the Circle G alive on his own.

Noah returns to Bliss on a mission to rebuild his life. When he sees Hope, he knows his return home was meant to be. Hope’s kindness shines like a beacon calling him to her. Unfortunately, he isn’t the only man interested in Hope. James is also interested in the beautiful girl with a mysterious past. He can’t be forced to choose between the woman of his dreams and his best friend again.

As romance begins to bloom, a dark specter from Hope’s past returns to claim her. To save Hope, and themselves, James and Noah will have to rebuild the relationship they lost and fight for their future with Hope together.

••••••

REVIEW: PURE BLISS is the sixth instalment in Sophie Oak’s (aka Lexi Blake) contemporary, adult NIGHTS IN BLISS, COLORADO erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women of Bliss, Colorado. This is rancher James Glen, veterinarian Noah Bennett, and Hope McLean’s story line. PURE BLISS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information form the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: PURE BLISS was originally released in March 2012 but re-release with additional content.

WARNING: PURE BLISS and the Nights in Bliss, Colorado focuses on ménage relationships with lights scenes of discipline and bondage.

Told from several third person perspectives including James, Noah and Hope PURE BLISS follows the building relationship between estranged step-brothers Noah Bennett and James Glen, and the woman they love Hope McLean. Five years earlier Noah walked away from Bliss, Colorado against his brother’s warnings, to follow the woman he thought he loved. Fast forward to present day wherein Noah will return home, tail tucked between his legs, to discover that James has struggled to keep the family ranch afloat, as he as battled his attraction to the sheriff’s PA Hope McLean. With Noah’s return to Bliss, James has competition as it pertains his need and desire for Hope McLean, a need and desire matched by the ‘brother’ he is unable to forgive. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Hope, and James and Noah, and the potential fall-out as Hope’s past comes seeking revenge.

Hope McLean has been on the run, barely staying one step ahead of a man who is hoping to destroy her life. Witnessing the devastation of murder and fraud, Hope finds solace in Bliss, Colorado only to face rejection at the hands of the man with whom she will fall in love. Not until Noah Bennett, the prodigal son, returns home to the ranch and step-brother he so desperately loves does James face the truth about what was and what will be.

The relationship between Hope, and James and Noah is one of immediate attraction but James’ earlier rejection of Hope pushes our heroine into Noah’s arms. Hope battles her attraction to the warring ‘brothers’ , an attraction that pits brother against brother for her love and attention. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word I find unnecessary in a romance story line.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples.

NIGHTS IN BLISS, COLORADO is a series of plural relationships and marriages in the small town of Bliss, Colorado where multiple partners and ménages are accepted and preferred. PURE BLISS is a story of family, love, loss and betrayal. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is passionate and captivating; the characters are charismatic, sassy and strong.

Copy supplied for review

reviewed by Sandy

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CHASING BLISS
(Nights in Bliss, Colorado # 7)
by Lexi Blake
Genre: contemporary, adult, erotic, MFM romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-release April 23, 2019

Gemma Wells came to Bliss, Colorado, after a scandal cost her everything. Utterly lost, the disgraced attorney built walls so high that she thinks no one can get through them. She’s given up on love, friendship, and all matters of the heart.

Jesse McCann and Cade Sinclair have floated through life, enjoying the world around them, but never allowing themselves to become a part of it. One look at the pretty attorney and Jesse realizes he’s finally found a reason to stay put. Cade isn’t so sure. He’s crazy about her, but he also knows he doesn’t deserve her.

As they begin to find their way together, a dark secret from Gemma’s past threatens to wreck their futures. Her ex-fiancé is back, bringing danger with him, and their time is running out. Jesse and Cade have to melt this Ice Queen’s heart, or she might not leave Bliss alive.

•••••••••

REVIEW: CHASING BLISS is the seventh instalment in Lexi Blake’s (aka Sophie Oak) contemporary, adult NIGHTS IN BLISS, COLORADO erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women of Bliss, Colorado. This is mechanics and best friends thirty year old Jesse McCann and Cade Sinclair, and thirty year old attorney Gemma Wells’ story line. CHASING BLISS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: CHASING BLISS is a re-release of the author’s 2012 release originally written as Sophie Oak. CHASING BLISS is an M/F/M romance and contains graphic sexual ménage situations that may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from three third person perspectives (Jesse, Cade, Gemma) CHASING BLISS follows in the wake of attorney Gemma Wells discovering the to whom she was engaged in bed with someone else. Heading home to Bliss, Colorado following a mental breakdown wherein she lost her job and her self-respect, Gemma’s reputation as a hard-nosed, take no prisoners attitude precedes our heroine arrival to town. Meeting mechanics Jesse McCann and Cade Sinclair stirred something deep within our story line heroine, something she never expected but was hoping to uncover. Several threats against Gemma places our heroine in the direct line of fire, threats that will target the men with whom she is falling in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Gemma, Jesse and Cade, and the potential fall-out as Gemma’s past comes seeking revenge in an effort to destroy and hide any information she may have uncovered.

Jesse and Cade have been best friends since their days in the foster care system but meeting Gemma Wells gave the men thoughts for a future, a future Cade believes he doesn’t deserve. Hoping to prove herself worthy of both men, Gemma struggles with her own attitude and history, and her ability to turn on a moments notice.

The relationship between Gemma, Jesse and Cade is one of immediate attraction but Gemma’s acerbic personality leaves something to be desired. Seeing Gemma as something more than the sum of her attitude and strong-willed emotional outbursts Jesse is determined to prove she is worthy of love but Cade is determined to prove he is unworthy of both. Heart breaking childhoods push Cade to walk away while Jesse struggles to keep everyone together. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense with M/F/M sexual situations.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in previous instalments. Bliss, Colorado is a town whose residents tend to find happiness in polygamous relationships, relationships wherein everyone gets his and her and his own happily ever after.

CHASING BLISS is an intriguing story of betrayal and vengeance. The character driven premise is inviting and imaginative; the romance is encouraging, spicy and raw; the characters are energetic, animated and flirty. CHASING BLISS is a spirited, sexy and sassy story of love, drama, and intrigue.

Copy supplied for review

reviewed by Sandy

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BIKER BABY (Kings of Mayhem MC #3) by Penny Dee-Review & Excerpt Tour

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BIKER BABY (Kings of Mayhem MC #3) by Penny Dee-Review & Excerpt Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /ibooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 19, 2019

I was about to make a huge mistake.
And when I say huge, I mean, approximately ten inches’ worth of mistake.
But after the week I’d had, this was just what I needed. A night of big bad mistakes with a big bad biker.

Honey Scott
Finding out your boyfriend is a cheating loser is a real buzz kill. Finding out you’re actually the other woman, is devastating. Call it temporary insanity, but I decide the best way to get over the loser I’d dated for two years is to get under a biker with tattoos, dimples and a hard body he knows how to use.

He’s going to make everything better with numerous mind-blowing orgasms. But just for one night.

Except one faulty condom means my one-night stand isn’t so one-night after all.

Caleb Calley
After a night of insane sex, the beautiful blue-eyed brunette gave me the slip. And even with all the women on offer afterwards, I can’t get her off my mind. So when she turns up at the Kings of Mayhem MC compound I’m quick to give her a second night of amazing sex and crazy orgasms. But this time, I’m not ready to let her go.

There’s just one problem— she’s not interested.

But if she thinks she’s going to give me the slip again, then she’s got another thing coming. I know she is keeping a secret from me but I don’t care what it is. I want her and I’m going to make her mine.

••••••••••

REVIEW:  BIKER BABY is the third 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 in Destiny, Mississippi. This is MC member and tattoo artist Caleb Calley, and cupcake shop owner Honey Scott’s story line. BIKER BABY 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 (Honey and Caleb) BIKER BABY follows the building relationship between MC member and tattoo artist Caleb Calley, and cupcake shop owner Honey Scott. Honey Scott thought she was in love but discovering her boyfriend of two years was in a relationship with someone else sent our heroine on an adventure of her own. A one-night stand in which our heroine ghosted the man in her bed, resulted in a pregnancy by someone she knew nothing about. Enter Caleb Calley, MC member, and the man with whom Honey would fall in love. What ensues is the building but back and forth, acrimonious relationship between Caleb and Honey, and the potential fall-out when a stalker turns their world upside down.

Honey battles between head and heart knowing the MC lifestyle may not be conducive to family and love. With issues of trust already riding her hard, Honey struggles with Caleb’s need to move in and protect the woman with whom he would fall in love. Honey’s ex demands a second chance; Mysterious break-ins, and unwanted gifts pose a potential threat to our story line couple when Caleb’s stalker gets up close and personal.

The relationship between Caleb and Honey struggles with issues of trust, and our heroine’s effort to remain guarded as it relates to Caleb and everything MC. Fearing Caleb’s inability to remain a one-woman man Honey is constantly pushing our hero out of her life. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The cast of colorful and dynamic secondary characters include Honey’s ex-boyfriend Charlie, and her best friend Autumn; Caleb’s brothers- Kings of Mayhem VP Cade Calley and his wife Indy, Chance Calley, and their mother Ronnie, and feisty grandmother Sybil; Sinister Ink employee Pandora; Caleb’s ex girlfriend Brandi; several members of the Kings of Mayhem MC-Maverick, Hawke, Tully and Club President Bull, and club wh*re Tiffani. There may be something developing between Autumn and Maverick. BIKER BABY sees the return of Chance Calley from overseas active duty, deployment that has left Chance a shell of his former self.

BIKER BABY is a story of family, trust, struggle and love. The premise is entertaining and intriguing; the characters are energetic and engaging; the romance is steamy and hot but struggles with the heroine’s need to push Caleb away. BIKER BABY focuses more on the relationship between Caleb and Honey, and less on the biker lifestyle.

Reading order and Previous Reviews
Kings of Mayhem
Brothers in Arms
Biker Baby

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

As he waited for his breathing to calm, I took a moment to marvel in the bulk of the man lying on top of me. My fingers slid across golden skin colored with a collage of intricate pictures, symbols and words. My palm curved around strong deltoid muscles that were well-rounded and powerful. He was big. Strong. Lethal. And probably not interested in being the father of my baby.
The thought made me shift uneasily beneath him. I had to get out of there. I needed to be alone to collect my thoughts and find my senses. I wiggled and Caleb rolled off me. I thought he would let me go but he didn’t. Instead he turned my face towards him and kissed me hard on the mouth.
But I was leaving. I sat up and began looking for my panties on the floor. Finding them wedged under the corner of the bed, I slipped them on and began hunting for my skirt.
“Where are you going?” He asked.
“I have to go.”
“Why are you always running away from me?” He said, an amused sparkle in his eyes. “Will I see you again?”
I paused and looked at him over my shoulder. “Do you want to?”
He grinned and I was momentarily taken back by how beautiful it was.
How beautiful he was.
“Hell darlin’, I don’t want you to leave.”
I resumed looking for my skirt. “I have to leave. I have things to do.”
I found my skirt in a tangle with my shirt at the foot of the bed.
“At least let me give you a ride home.” He sat up.
“Its fine. I can call a cab.” I stood up and slipped my shirt on.
“I’m not letting you take a cab.”
“Really its fine.”
He climbed off the bed, unfazed by his nakedness, and began looking for his boxer shorts. I paused to drink in the fine display of his muscular body and his still swollen manhood swinging between his powerful thighs. It was obvious he took very good care of his body.
He slipped on his jeans and by the time I had buttoned my blouse and found my phone and shoes, he was fully dressed and securing his wallet chain to his jeans.
“Ready?” He asked.
There was no point arguing.
As he opened the bedroom door, I mentally braced myself. I wasn’t looking forward to the walk of shame through the clubhouse. But the hallway was quiet and the clubhouse was still. Sometime in the night the music had stopped and the party had wound down.
As soon as I entered the bar, the stench of last nights partying hit me like a bat to the face and I had to hold my breath. The bar was littered with snoring bikers and the odd club girl asleep where they had passed out. Bottles lay scattered and spilled everywhere. Stale booze and body odor were ripe in the air. Caleb took my hand and led me through the mess, stepping over discarded bottles and sleeping bodies. Musty smoke glittered in the dusty rays of sunlight bursting into the room from a window above the jukebox.
Across the room, an older biker was quietly having sex with a large, partially dressed woman up against the pool table. His jeans were down around his ankles and his eyes were closed as he lazily rocked into her. The slap, slap of her large wobbly boobs against the pool table broke the stillness of the morning.
Further away, a naked woman lay slumped at the base of a stripper pole with everything open and on display. She hugged a half-spilled bourbon bottle and snored loudly. As we passed by her, Caleb shook his head and grabbed a discarded shirt from a nearby chair to cover her.
“Is she alright?” I whispered.
“Yeah, that’s Candy. It’s not the first time she’s passed out there and it won’t be the last.”
I glanced around me. This place. These people. This was Caleb’s world. And it reeked of bad choices. Nausea roiled in the pit of my stomach and I barely made it outside in time before losing the contents of my stomach.
“Jesus, are you okay?” Caleb asked, coming up behind me.
I gestured for him to give me a moment as another wave of nausea washed over me and I vomited again.
“You drink too much?” he asked when I finally straightened and walked over to him. “I don’t remember you being drunk.”
I shook my head. “I didn’t drink a thing.”
He handed me a helmet. “Are you okay to ride? Or do you need a minute?”
“I’ll be okay.”
He led me over to a row of motorcycles parked alongside the clubhouse. His was a big black beast with lots of chrome gleaming in the early morning light.
Before he climbed on, he touched my hand. “Are you sure you’re ok?”
I smiled brightly but it was fake because I felt weird. Out of place. I didn’t belong there.
“Yes. I’m fine.” I said, very aware that I needed to get out of there. I did up my helmet and climbed onto the back of his bike. “Lets ride.”

Penny Dee writes contemporary romance about rockstars, bikers, hockey players and everyone in-between. She believes true love never runs smoothly, and her characters realize this too, with a boatload of drama and a whole lot of steam.

She found her happily ever after in Australia where she lives with her husband, daughter and a dog named Bindi.

You can connect with Penny Dee : Goodreads / Facebook / Amazon Author Page / Website / Instagram

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Promise Me by Robin Bielman & Samanthe Beck – a review

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Promise Me by Robin Bielman & Samanthe Beck-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 15, 2019

Instead of soaking up the SoCal sunshine while housesitting for my aunt, I’m dealing with a Pomeranian who thinks she’s a Pitbull, two half-sisters who would happily prune me off the family tree, and him. Vaughn Shaughnessy. Hot model about to go nuclear, dangerously sexy flirt whose perceptive green eyes promise he’s more than just a pretty face. He’s the kind of walking, talking temptation I should avoid, but that’s impossible because he also happens to be my extremely lickable—I mean likeable—neighbor.

He’s turning me into a hot mess.

Thing is, I can’t handle more messes in my life. I’m still trying to come to terms with the monumental ones in my past, and getting involved with Vaughn—even for temporary summer fun—is guaranteed to get messy. I don’t dare risk it, but I’m not sure I can resist

•••••••••

REVIEW: PROMISE ME is a contemporary, romance stand-alone co-authored by Robin Bielman and Samanthe Beck. This is twenty-four year old, model Vaughn Shaughnessy, and twenty-two year old, grad student Kendall Hewitt’s story line.

Told from dual first person points of view (Vaughn and Kendall) PROMISE ME follows the building relationship between twenty-four year old, model Vaughn Shaughnessy, and twenty-two year old, grad student Kendall Hewitt. Kendall, along with her two step-sisters are spending the summer in Hollywood, California house sitting for their Aunt Sally. When a near accident finds Kendall rescuing an intoxicated Vaughn, our heroine discovers that life as she knows it is about to change when Vaughn Shaughnessy pursues his ‘guardian angel’. What ensues is the building relationship and love between Vaughn and Kendall, and the potential fall-out as Kendall is unable to let go of the past, and Vaughn’s career hopes spiral out of control.

Kendall Hewitt has been estranged from her older step-siblings, step-siblings who grew up without their dad. When Aunt Sally secretly requested each sister look after her house and babysit the dog, Kendall had no idea how close the sisters were about to become but sins of the past continue to haunt our story line heroine, sins for which she is unable to forgive or let go. Vaughn Shaughnessy’s star is on the rise but not everything goes according to plans when a video goes viral destroying his chances at something new.

The relationship between Vaughn and Kendall is one of immediate attraction but Kendall struggles with sins of the past, and Vaughn battles demons of his own. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Kendall’s half-sisters: Dixie and Amber, as well as Kendall’s parents, her best friend Brit; Vaughn’s friends and room mates Dylan and Matt, model Rebecca Bismark, as well as Vaughn’s father and manager , and producer Nigel Cowie. Here’s hoping the authors are developing future story lines for Kendall’s sisters, and Vaughn’s room mates.

PROMISE ME is a story of family, friendship, betrayal and love. The premise is engaging, energetic and emotional; the characters are colorful, dynamic and flirty; the romance is spirited and moving. PROMISE ME is a story about secrets and forgiveness in a world that covets gossip and lies.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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One Night For Seduction by Erica Ridley-Review & Excerpt Tour

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One Night For Seduction (Wicked Dukes Club #1) by Erica Ridley-Review & Excerpt Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 16, 2019

When the Wicked Duke dares the Duke of Colehaven to find a suitor for an unmanageable ward, Cole immediately accepts. He’s on a winning streak, and besides, how unmarriageable can a pretty young lady be? He appoints himself bodyguard and duenna, only to discover his own desires may be the greatest danger of all.

Supposed wallflower Diana Middleton lives a double life, bringing dishonest businessmen to justice. Shaking off a meddling duke should be child’s play. Yet the more they lock horns, the more she wants to lock lips. Her scandalous secrets would derail his political career. But surely there’s no harm in one little seduction…

•••••••••••

REVIEW: One Night for Seduction begins with the Duke of Colehaven, Cole, and his friends having drinks in their local drinking establishment, the Wicked Duke. One of Cole’s friends was belaboring the fact that his ward, Diana Middleton, was ‘unmarrigeable’. Never one to back down from a challenge, or wager, Cole takes it upon himself to find a suitable suitor for Diana. After all, he’s on a ten year winning streak.

Cole makes a visit to Diana’s home, where things do not go well. She assures him that she will never marry and basically throws him out. Unknown to Cole, Diana has a bit of a secret life that she is not willing to give up.

Diana has taken it upon herself to champion local businesses due to London’s complicated weights and measures laws. Whether it is naïve shop owners or unscrupulous vendors, she has made it her mission to set things right to ensure vendors are not taken advantage of. However, when she finds out that Cole is actually one of the ones making the laws for her cause, she can’t help but wonder….

As Cole continues to pursue Diana in his quest to find a suitor for her, he finds himself enamored with her. And, soon, she finds herself enamored with him. When Cole withdraws from the wager to pursue Diana himself, he is stunned by her refusal. Even though the two of them are in love with each other, Diana is steadfast in being who she is and never giving that up for anyone. If only Cole could accept the real her……….

One Night for Seduction is a nicely written story with great leads. Diana is way ahead of her time, in that the women of the ton are not supposed to be independent in what they want to do with their lives. I did find her ‘cause’ a little perplexing though, if I’m being honest. But, each to his (or her) own. Cole is a wonderful character. He was never supposed to be Duke, but through a series of events, he finds himself in a world where he’s had to work hard to be accepted by his peers. He knows certain things are expected of him, but stays true to himself to get what he truly wants: Diana Middleton. The secondary characters are charming and nicely written, which leaves you wanting more. If you’re a fan of Historicals, this one is worth the time. I look forward to the next installment. Well done, Erica Ridley!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie K

 

Movement caught the corner of the Duke of Colehaven’s eye and he turned to see a maid slip into the receiving salon. Possibly sent to offer him some sort of refreshment as he waited but, given how the mission was unfolding thus far, more likely the girl was simply going about her normal routine. Shaw would return at any moment to inform Cole his mistress had no wish to make his acquaintance.
He gave a subtle nod to acknowledge the maid’s presence and moved out of her way to sit upon the edge of a sofa.
The maid tilted her head as if considering him, but the brim of her mobcap flopped too low for Cole to discern the direction of her gaze. Of course a servant wouldn’t be so ill-trained as to stare rudely at her masters’ guests. Likely she was deciding between carrying on with her duties or returning later once the unexpected guest had gone.
“You’re one of Diana’s friends?” came the soft query.
Cole wasn’t certain what startled him more: confirmation that Diana Middleton did indeed have friends, or surprise that a maid would dare to address him directly.
Perhaps that was why his mouth answered automatically, “I’m here to see Miss Middleton, yes.”
Even that small evasion caused a ripple of discomfort beneath his skin. It was none of the maid’s business what the Duke of Colehaven was or was not up to, but Cole prided himself on being scrupulously honest in all his dealings, regardless of situation or class. Yet he could not bring himself to say No, I am not her friend aloud. Honesty was paramount, but so was honor, and he was not here to besmirch Miss Middleton’s.
“Is she expecting you?” the maid asked.
“She is not,” he replied tightly, and made a show of arranging his long limbs in the opposite direction as though he had become struck with sudden fascination at the wallpaper on the other side of the parlor.
There. That should put paid to further inquiries.
“Then why are you here?” the maid insisted. “Have you come to press a suit?”
“Nothing like that,” Cole blurted out more forcefully than he intended. He gave up on the far wallpaper and turned to glare at the impertinent maid in the doorway.
She was no longer in the doorway. The maid now stood an arm’s width from the other side of the sofa. Her enormous mobcap still flopped too low for her eyes to be visible, but her slender fingers worried at each other against the starched panel of her apron.
The chit ought to be worried. If one of the Middletons caught her interrogating a guest… Or if the head housekeeper should spy her underling shirking her duty…
“Haven’t you anything to do?” Cole said at last. He was not rude by nature, but then again, he normally did not find himself in conversation with other peoples’ chambermaids. Reminding her of her duty was doing her a favor, he told himself. If she lost her post due to such antics, Cole would not be to blame.
“I have more to do than time to do it,” the maid said.
Cole did not doubt this. He gestured toward the opposite side of the parlor. “Don’t let me stop you from what you came to do.”
To his surprise, her lithe hands retrieved a small journal from the pocket of her apron, jotted a quick note with the nub of a pencil, and tucked both objects back inside as though they’d never existed.
“Where’s your chaperone?”
“I don’t require a chaperone. It’s Miss Middleton who—” He broke off as a sudden thought occurred to him, unlikely as it might seem. “Are you the young lady’s chaperone? Have you come to assess my character?”
“Did you hope for a stolen moment alone with her?” the maid countered.
“Heaven forbid.” He could not repress a shiver of horror. “I would never be caught alone with a marriageable young lady.”
“You’ve no wish to marry?”
“None,” he replied firmly. And definitely no wish to be compromised against his will.
“Then what makes you think Miss Middleton has any intention to marry?”
“Of course she intends to marry,” Cole said in exasperation. “All proper young ladies hope to find a worthy husband and become an equally worthy wife. What else is she going to do?”
“Mathematics,” the maid replied without hesitation.
He blinked at this non sequitur. “What sort of woman prefers mathematics to marriage?”
“A wise one,” the maid snapped. She ripped off her mobcap and glared at him, revealing a beautiful pair of angry blue eyes. “I’d rather devote the rest of my life to applied sums and long division than spend a single second in the presence of yet another man who thinks he knows what a woman wants without bothering to perform the most perfunctory of information gathering interviews to determine—”
“Miss Middleton?” stammered from his mouth, but Cole need not await verbal confirmation to recognize the truth. “Why are you dressed like a maid?”
“Why are you alone with me in this parlor?” she countered, hands on her hips.
At this unfortunate moment, Cole noticed that when the “maid” entered the salon, she’d shut the door behind her. His stomach bottomed in abject fear. If she hadn’t known he was coming, why on earth was she wearing a disguise? Had she known he was coming?
“Please tell me this was not an elaborate trick to compromise me into marriage,” he managed, every muscle tensing in anticipation of the worst.
“No,” Miss Middleton said, blue eyes flashing, “it is leverage which I intend to use to force you to leave me alone.”
“You mean to extort a duke?” He paused as full realization set in. “Into not marrying you?”
“Is it working?” she demanded.
He rose to his feet with alacrity. “I harbor no wish to marry you. None. At all.”
“Splendid,” she said. “Now hear this. I don’t need you or any man. Understood? If you’ve any sense of self-preservation, you’ll find your way out of this town house before someone catches us alone together and both our lives are ruined.”
God help them both.
He dashed to the door and flung it open wide, to prove no nefarious seduction was underway in the guest parlor. But Miss Middleton was right. Lack of misdeed would not be enough. He needed to make haste before the distinct lack of chaperonage in the parlor forced them into an unwanted marriage.
Sensing any act of politeness would only serve to irritate her further, Cole tipped his hat as he swept past her. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Middleton. Have a lovely day.”
“I’m already delighted never to have to see you again,” she called after him, her plump lips pursed in victory.
He smiled to himself as he slipped on his gloves.
That was where the fiery Miss Middleton went wrong. They would definitely be seeing each other again. After all, he had a ten-year winning streak to protect.
And the Duke of Colehaven never backed down from a dare.

 


 

Erica Ridley learned to read when she was three, which was about the same time she decided to be a writer when she grew up.

Now, Erica is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels.

The Dukes of War features roguish peers and dashing war heroes who return from battle only to be thrust into the splendor and madness of Regency England.

In Rogues to Riches, Cinderella stories aren’t just for princesses… Lovable rogues sweep strong-willed young ladies into whirlwind adventure.

The 12 Dukes of Christmas is a laugh-out-loud historical romance series of heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village.

When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found riding camels in Africa, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.

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Her Midnight Sin by Sofie Darling-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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HER MIDNIGHT SIN (Shadows and Silk) by Sofie Darling -Review, Excerpt & Giveaway  Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 17 , 2019

Like a vengeful Norse God, Captain John Nylander has come from the sea to steal the only home that Callie has ever known. And that might not be all he’s after.

Can a Viking …..

Orphaned as a child, Nylander has never known a real home. Now he is ready to leave the dangers of his past behind and put down the roots he has always longed for. The only thing standing in his way is a lanky aristocratic lady who is more at home on the farm than in the ballroom. And she has secrets . . .

And a Viscountess . . .

Callie, the Dowager Viscountess St. Alban, has poured all her energy into making Wyldcombe Grange her home. Managing an estate is not what she dreamed of, but her late husband’s rejection made it clear that love and a family would never be hers. Now she may lose even that to the sinfully handsome Captain. But Nylander is making her dream again . . .

Turn passion into love?

Nylander inspires a recklessness in Callie that she can’t control. Soon she finds herself conspiring with pirates and contemplating midnight trysts with the very Viking who has turned her life upside down. For Nylander, being with Callie embodies everything he’s always wanted–home. As midnight strikes, will all their secret, sinful dreams come true?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: I’ve read and liked a couple of this author’s previous books, so I happily dived in ….

This is the third book in the “silk and stockings” series. I hadn’t read the two previous books, and didn’t really think you needed to (although there is a connection between Nylander and the Viscount St.Alban)

Callie has never really known love and affection, her late husband made it clear that he found her repulsive and didn’t want children with her, so she had channeled all her love and energy into the grange (the home she has lived in for the past few years)
She has slowly turned it into a profitable asset.
But Callie doesn’t expect to be thrown out of her home, and it to be “given” to a friend and to a man that calls the sea his “home” it’s not fair, and in a moment of madness Callie announces she has money and she wants the time to buy her home from the Viscount.

Nylander only wants a home, and he’s jealous of any man that is given an opportunity to buy land. He hates London and all it stands for, but a man would be lucky to have land in the country. But being and orphan and of uncertain parentage Nylander knows that landowning won’t really be on the cards for him.

Callie and Nylander meet for the first time at the Viscount’s home ….. and it’s not a pleasant meeting (but Callie is hostile towards him as he will be taking her home, Nylander is bemused at her hostility, but not shocked, no one in society has ever had anything good to say to him.

Then things take a turn as Lysander collapses, he has malaria!! The Viscount asks Callie to take his friend back to the Grange to recuperate!!! The nerve of the man!!! But reluctantly she agrees…..

The story bounces along nicely, a few funny moments, lots of misunderstandings and a little intrigue.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B. ?

Nylander fixed his gaze on the curious woman beyond Jake’s shoulder. She stood quietly, a straight vertical line of a woman, tall and not a curve on her. Her hair shone the fiery red of an East Indian sunset.

Jake cleared his throat. “Shall we toast to your safe arrival?”

Nylander jutted his chin toward the woman. “If you’ve still some business to conduct, I can wait.”

Jake’s brow darkened, as if unhappy to be reminded of her. “Just finishing up some business with the Dowager Viscountess St. Alban.”

A Dowager Viscountess. Right.

She stepped into the light of a gas wall sconce. She was all long limbs, gangly like a colt who had yet to grow into her legs. High cheekbones. Strong nose. Eyes, not conventionally blue and round, rather dark and almond shaped. A mouth too wide and full to be called pretty, but appealing. Her individual features were none of them fashionable, but they synthesized to form a face attractive and compelling. She was a difficult woman to look away from. He couldn’t if he wanted, so strong was the magnetic pull of her.

Yet she stood glaring at him with the hostility of a woman who had a serious bone to pick. He’d never encountered her in his life; he would’ve remembered. So why was she looking at him like she would strap lead weights to his ankles and toss him into the sea rather than lay eyes on him ever again?

Jake glanced back and forth between them, a deep furrow in his brow. “Shall I introduce you?”

“There shan’t be any need for that,” she said tightly.

Shame, bitter, hot, and familiar, sliced through Nylander, a shame he’d never been able to shed. Its stigma wrapped tentacles around him and squeezed. Though he was dressed in the finery of a nob, this woman wasn’t fooled. People of quality always saw straight through to who he was, who he really was. Jake didn’t see it, because he loved him like a brother, but this woman did with those coal dark eyes of hers that pierced and burned. She knew him for what he was: an orphan, a cast-off, a man to be used and discarded when the whim suited her.

Perhaps not that last part for her. Unlike many a lady before her, she clearly wanted nothing to do with him, not even the pleasure his body could offer hers . . .

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Sofie Darling is an award-winning author of historical romance. Her debut novel, THREE LESSONS IN SEDUCTION, won the Writers’ League of Texas’ Manuscript Contest in the Romance Category in 2016.

She spent much of her twenties raising two boys and reading every book she could get her hands on. Once she realized she simply had to write the books she loved, she finished her English degree and embarked on her writing career.

When she’s not writing heroes who make her swoon, she runs a marathon in a different state every year, visits crumbling medieval castles whenever she gets a chance, and enjoys a slightly codependent relationship with her beagle, Bosco.

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SECRETS UNSEALED (Triggerman Inc #2) by Marie Harte-Review Tour

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SECRETS UNSEALED (Triggerman Inc #2) by Marie Harte-Review Tour

Today we are celebrating the release of SECRETS UNSEALED by Marie Harte. SECRETS UNSEALED is a romantic suspense title, and it is the second book in the Triggerman, Inc. series! Be sure to follow Marie for exclusive news and giveaways!

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 16, 2019

An assassin with a baby? Inconceivable…

The second stand-alone romantic suspense in the Triggerman Inc. series featuring sexy assassins, a baby, and a devious bad guy from New York Times bestseller Marie Harte.

Deacon’s life could be better. Deacon—the Shadow—kills people for a living. He’s a choosy assassin, and he makes no bones about his life choices. But a baby… That’s something he knows he’d never conceive of—pun intended.

While he’s looking into this baby situation, snarky ex-supermodel Solene Hansen is in trouble. Deacon’s sticking to her 24/7. Before long, he’s learning that there’s a lot more to Solene than sharp words and a gorgeous face. But his enemies are close, and they’ve taken note of his interest..

It’ll take all his talent to keep Solene safe, learn who wants him dead and what the baby has to do with any of it, and figure out how to get Solene to realize that while he might not be a safe bet, he’ll be a sure one.

••••••••

REVIEW: SECRETS UNSEALED is the second instalment in Marie Harte’s contemporary, adult TRIGGERMAN INC romantic suspense series focusing on a group of assassins and contractors who form a secret organization known as the Business. This is contractor Deacon ‘Shadow’ Shaw, and day-care worker/ ex-supermodel Solene Hansen’s story line. SECRETS UNSEALED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

Told from several third person perspectives including Deacon and Solene SECRETS UNSEALED continues to focus on the search for the truth. Someone is targeting the group of contractors who recently took down the head of a Mexican cartel. An abandoned baby wearing a locket, and several attempts against their lives finds contractors/assassins Deacon, Noel and Hammer battling an unknown enemy. When the most recent attacks focus on day care worker Solene Hansen, Deacon makes it his mission to become guardian and protector of the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Solene and Deacon, and the potential fall-out when one of their own appears to have fallen to the dark side.

Solene Hansen is Addy Rose’s (Contract Signed #1) best friend, and with that, her connection to the Business places our heroine in the direct line of fire. Everyone is suspect; no one is safe including the man who would die to keep Solene alive.

The relationship between Solene and Deacon is one of immediate attraction but Solene’s safety is at risk with her continued friendship and involvement with Addy, and her new found mate. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Noel ‘Ice’ Cavanaugh, and elementary school teacher Adeline ‘Addy’ Rose (Contract Signed #1), contractors Hamilton ‘Hammer’ aka ‘the Destroyer’ Aston Montgomery III, Violet Leon, and their handler, a man known only to the reader as Big Joe but a man who remains in the background giving out assignments and cleaning up when a job is done. The requisite evil has many faces.

The world building continues to focus on the fall-out of an assignment that has followed Deacon, Noel and Hammer back home. Secrets and lies, hidden agendas, and the possibility of a double agent or mole keep the trio on the look-out for any potential threats and danger.

SECRETS UNSEALED is a story of betrayal, double cross and revenge; friendship and love; grit and determination. The premise is spirited and inviting; the romance is sassy and seductive; the characters are energetic and real. SECRETS UNSEALED is an imaginative and edgy story.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one CONTRACT SIGNED

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Marie HarteCaffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.

Join Marie’s Reader Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MarieHarteFanClub/

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Smokies Special Agent by Lena Diaz – a Review

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Smokies Special Agent by Lena Diaz – a Review

 

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

 

Description:
She was on a mission to fix the past

And he was determined to help her…

For ten years, Remi Jordan has been hunting her twin sister’s kidnapper. When baiting a killer backfires, the FBI agent’s career and freedom are suddenly on the line. Joining forces with Smoky Mountains investigator Duncan McKenzie ups the ante, unleashing treacherous desire. Now, with another woman missing, Remi’s fighting a lot more than the ghosts of the past. Is she also ready to fight for her future?

 

Review:

Do you lock up an FBI agent for committing a crime or is it intragency courtesy to look away, even if it flies against the face of everything you believe in? Special Agent Duncan McKenzie (Adam’s brother from Smoky Mountains Ranger, remember?!) is stuck between a rock and a hard place after arresting Special Agent Remi Jordan. She shot an unarmed man, what exactly was he supposed to do?! Having her in custody at least allows him to follow her train of thought: Someone was stalking her and she was super close to catching him! Now what? Work together, naturally.

Welcome to book 2 of Lena Diaz‘s Mighty McKenzies series, Smokies Special Agent. Duncan was a secondary character in the introductory novel, but he’s center stage now and thrust into a deadly case plaguing FBI Agent Remi for ten years.

At first, the profile Remi’s presented seems rather arbitrary: her working theory is based off a constellation that may plot the serial killer’s next victim. Feasible, but trust Lena Diaz at the helm, the storyline develops and takes root. Remi is nigh obsessed with tracking this particular monster after her twin sister mysteriously disappeared on their high school senior trip in the Smokies. She’s researched and tracked the victims, all but made herself bait to entice the killer! Recall her arrest, ;D — this was how they met! With Duncan as a fast ally, he’s got great instincts, Remi shares all her knowledge and they quickly collaborate; expand and hone their ideas, until a new pattern emerges.

“They had less than twenty-four hours to fit all the pieces together, to try to stop a killer from taking another victim.”

And just like that, you hit the ground running; fascinated and desperate to bring the criminal to justice.

Harlequin Intrigue delivers full stories in less than 300 pages. It is author Lena Diaz‘s deft hand that excels at driving the passion and intensity of great characters and this series is another feather in her cap. Remi was endowed with courage to pursue her sister’s killer and blessed with Duncan’s willingness to see it through. A Mighty McKenzie indeed.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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BEST LAID PLANS / NOBODY DOES IT BETTER by Lauren Blakely-Reviews

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BEST LAID PLANS / NOBODY DOES IT BETTER (Lucky in Love Series) by Lauren Blakely-Reviews

BEST LAID PLANS
Lucky in Love #1
by Lauren Blakely
Release Date:February 22, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 22, 2019

That time I had the brilliant idea to ask my good friend for lessons in sex-ploration…

Awkward? Maybe. But how else is a good girl going to find out if she likes being naughty? I might be sweet as cherry pie, but I’m also bold and damn curious. And Gabe is charming, trustworthy, aces at seduction (or so I hear) and—bonus!— willing to give me lessons. But to guarantee it won’t ruin our friendship, I have some specific requirements for his instruction. I want these classes to be hypothetical more than hands-on. So what if he’s hella sexy? I can handle that, no problem.
***
I have it bad for Arden. She’s bright, brilliant, insanely fun, and I want to take her home and spend all night together—and then spend the day with her, too. When she asks for my help, I see my chance to win her sweet heart by showing her how much fun we can have getting spicy. Trouble is, she has a different idea of what “sex-ploration” should mean. Now I’m going to have to get really clever to win her over.

Good thing I know exactly how to upend her best laid plans.

••••••••••

REVIEW: BEST LAID PLANS by Lauren Blakely is a contemporary, adult, stand alone erotic, romance story line focusing on fire fighter Gabe Harrison, and book store owner Arden East.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Gabe and Arden) BEST LAID PLANS follows the friends to lovers relationship between fire fighter Gabe Harrison, and book store owner Arden East. One year earlier Arden East was in love with a man who thought our heroine was too nice and too vanilla. Angry and heart broken, our heroine begins to toss the picnic she made only to come face to face with fire fighter Gabe Harrison who welcomes the ‘nice’ woman into his last. Fast forward to present day wherein Arden is desperate to step out of her ‘nice lady’ comfort zone, and makes Gabe an offer he cannot refuse- teach our heroine to be sexy and more outgoing. What ensues is the friends to lovers romance and relationship, and the potential fall-out when the emotional magnitude of their growing love threatens the friendship zone Arden squarely placed the man that she loves.

Gabe Harrison has lusted after his best-friend from afar but having been placed in the ‘friend zone’ one too many times, Gabe takes full advantage of Arden’s need to learn to be seductive both in and out of the bedroom. Arden East knows she is the vanilla woman her ex tried to make her believe but having had no experience in the world of kink or sexy fun, our heroine is desperate to put Gabe’s knowledge to use.

The relationship between Gabe and Arden is one of best friends; a relationship where the palpable sexual attraction is evident to everyone but our leading couple. Wanting to ‘experience’ everything and more, Arden makes a bucket list of sexual activities for her and Gabe to practice and learn. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Arden’s best friends: bowling centre owner Vanessa, and police officer Perri Keating; as well as fire fighter Shaw Keating, paramedic newcomer Derek McBride, and Gabe’s pops and parents. Derek and Perri’s story line is next in THE FEEL GOOD FACTOR.

BEST LAID PLANS is a story of friendship, romance, heart break and love. The premise is engaging and endearing; the romance is steamy and fun; the characters are energetic, feisty and lively. BEST LAID PLANS is a sexy and sensual story of romance.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Best Laid Plans
The Feel Good Factor
Nobody Does it Better

Own a copy

_________________________

NOBODY DOES IT BETTER
Lucky in Love #3
by Lauren Blakely
Release Date: April 8, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance,

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 8 ,2019

A red-hot forbidden romance! Indulge in this ultra sexy best friend’s brother delight!

Some women are just forbidden.

Like—off the top of my head—MY SISTER’S LIFE-LONG BEST FRIEND.

Sis has made it patently clear that Vanessa is hands-off, as in keep my ladies’ man paws far away from her clever, go-getter best friend who’s ready for the real deal. That should be an easy guideline to follow, except Vanessa is deliciously flirty, easy to talk to, and laughs at my jokes. Translation – my libido has been craving her many, many years. So many that we might have stolen a kiss or two.

Can you say pent-up, crazy, raw desire?

That’s exactly what we’re both feeling when the storm of the century hits and it’s 10 inches of snow with Vanessa and me trapped in a cabin all night long…

The trouble is—Vanessa isn’t interested in my playboy ways, and I have one night to convince her that I’m the real deal.

••••••••••

REVIEW: NOBODY DOES IT BETTER is the third instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult LUCKY IN LOVE erotic, romance series. This is firefighter Shaw Keating, and bowling centre operator Vanessa Marquez’s story line. NOBODY DOES IT BETTER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from three first person points of view (Vanessa, Shaw and Derek) NOBODY DOES IT BETTER follows the friends to lovers relationship between firefighter Shaw Keating, and bowling centre operator Vanessa Marquez. Shaw Keating has been in love with his sister’s best friend for most of his life. Shaw’s sister Perri has warned our hero away from Vanessa on more than one occasion but Shaw is determined to make Vanessa his own. A winter snow storm finds our couple alone in the cabin, a cabin they had been preparing for Perri and Derek’s honeymoon. What ensues is the friendship to lovers night of romance between Shaw and Vanessa, and the potential fall-out when their would-be rescuers include Shaw’s sister Perri who is determined to keep them apart.

NOBODY DOES IT BETTER is a novella length, fast paced story of friendship, family, romance and love; of hidden feelings, and a secret set-up where the Book Club Ladies consider themselves cupid and matchmakers for the young and young at heart. The premise is entertaining; the romance is sexy and sassy; the characters are colorful, energetic and fun.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

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