Monthly Archives: June 2019

Defending Harlow (Mountain Mercenaries 4) by Susan Stoker-Review tour

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Defending Harlow (Mountain Mercenaries #4) by Susan Stoker- Review, Excerpt & Giveaway tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 4, 2019.

Lowell “Black” Lockard, former Navy SEAL, has watched his fellow Mountain Mercenaries settle down with the women of their dreams, but he’s convinced he doesn’t need love. Then he gets a call from Harlow Reese—a chef at a local women’s shelter—and begins to reconsider his decision.

After being continually harassed by a local band of punks, Harlow asks Lowell to give the women of the shelter lessons in self-defense. She doesn’t expect him to take such a special interest in her safety, but he insists on escorting her to and from work, never taking no for an answer. Not that Harlow minds the personal touch…especially when it’s coming from her former teenage crush.

Despite her long history of bad dating luck, seeing Black again makes Harlow rethink her self-imposed celibacy. Easy on the eyes and hard to forget, the man has morphed into an alpha stud. And Harlow may be exactly the type of woman Black is looking for. Making her feel safe isn’t only a duty; it’s a pleasure. But the threats are escalating. The motives are a mystery. And as the danger burns almost as hot as their passion, there’s much more at risk than their hearts.

•••••••••

REVIEW: DEFENDING HARLOW is the fourth instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary,adult MOUNTAIN MERCENARIES S romantic, military, suspense series focusing on a group of six former soldiers and Navy SEALS who call themselves Mountain Mercenaries, headed by the mysterious ‘Rex’. This is thirty-five year old, former Navy SEAL Lowell ‘Black’ Lockhard, and thirty-four year old, chef Harlow Reese’s story line. DEFENDING HARLOW can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives including Harlow and Lowell, DEFENDING HARLOW follows the slow building relationship between former high school acquaintances, Navy SEAL Lowell Lockhard, and chef Harlow Reese. Having reconnected with Lowell a few weeks before, Harlow battled between head and heart as the threats against the women and children at the local woman’s shelter became increasingly threatening. Lowell had previously offered his services as well as the services of the Mountain Mercenaries to protect the people living at the shelter but our heroine was reluctant to abuse their friendship. Knowing is was necessary to protect the people she loved, Harlow made contact with Lowell Lockhard, contact that would bring her face to face with the man with whom she would fall in love. What ensues is the slow building relationship and romance between Lowell and Harlow, and the potential fall-out as the woman’s shelter is targeted by an unknown source.

Harlow Reese’s success in the world of dating can be summed up as disastrous and dark therefore our heroine has decided to remove herself from all future relationships including the possibility of dating our story line hero. Lowell Lockhard struggles with his attraction to a woman who wants nothing to do with ‘dating’ or love, so he begins a slow seduction of Harlow by planning ‘outings’ just for the two.

The relationship between Harlow and Lowell is an acquaintance to friends to lovers romance; an immediate, palpable sexual attraction is tempered by Harlow’s inability to move beyond the failed ‘dates’ and potential threats from the men with whom she had gone out. Lowell’s need to protect Harlow keeps our hero close, close enough to pull Harlow into something more. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include computer guru and Navy SEAL Hunter’Meat’ Snow, and former Coast Guard officer Ball; Grayson and Allye (Defending Allye #1), Ronan and Chloe (Defending Choe #2), Archer ‘Arrow’ and Morgan (Defending Morgan #3), as well as the mysterious ‘Rex’; woman’s shelter owner Loretta Royster, as well as several women and their children who live at the shelter. The requisite evil has many faces.

DEFENDING HARLOW is a story of power and greed; of danger and suspense; of friendship, protection, and falling in love. The premise is entertaining and inviting; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and dynamic. DEFENDING HARLOW is a passionate and fated look at romance and love. My only complaint is the length of time the ‘mercenaries’ took to uncover the reason behind the threats against the women and the shelter. For me, the motive was fairly obvious, or at the very least should have been a logical path to follow.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Defending Allye
Defending Chloe
Defending Morgan
Defending Harlow

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Neither said anything for a while as they drove toward downtown.

Finally, Harlow asked, “Where are we going?”

“The Pit.”

“Where?”

Lowell smiled. “Since this isn’t a date, and we’re talking about the shelter, I decided I should take you to the place where me and my team conduct business. The Pit.”

“It sounds scary. Please tell me there aren’t snakes on the floor and Indiana Jones isn’t going to pop up and run pell-mell through the place being chased by members of an ancient civilization because they want their artifact back.”

Harlow stared at Lowell when he threw his head back and laughed loud and long. She couldn’t help but chuckle herself. The man sitting next to her was so different from any man she’d dated in the past—no, wait … this wasn’t a date. Nope. Not even close.

“I can’t wait to tell the others that. No, Harl, The Pit is a combination bar and pool hall. It’s pretty much a hole-in-the-wall kind of place.”

“Why do you do business in a bar?” Harlow asked.

“To be honest, I’m not sure. The Pit is where we were interviewed when we were first asked to join the Mountain Mercenaries … I’m assuming you know about the team?”

She nodded. “A bit. Loretta told me. I’m sorry if she spoke out of turn, but she was trying to reassure me that you knew what you were doing and could help us.”

“I can help you,” Lowell confirmed. “And in a nutshell, me and my teammates are all former Special Forces soldiers, and we work for Rex, getting women and children out of untenable situations.”

“Why mercenaries? I mean, it doesn’t sound like that’s what you guys really are.”

Lowell shook his head, and a small smile formed on his face. “Why do women always concentrate on that word?” he asked, more to himself than her.

Harlow answered him even though he hadn’t really asked. “Because. It’s weird that you call yourselves something that you technically aren’t. I wouldn’t start a catering business and call it Harlow Photography.”

“Point taken. I don’t know why Rex chose that name. Probably because it was catchy and sounded better than Colorado Badasses, or Your Worst Nightmare.”

Harlow couldn’t stop the bark of laughter that escaped. “True.”

“The bottom line is that it doesn’t matter what we’re called. We’re six men who go where we’re needed and do what we have to do to rescue those who need a helping hand. I know women are empowered, and there are many who are just as talented at what they do as we are. But the fact remains, there are a lot of men out there who feel the need to subjugate and beat down the women and children in their lives. They take advantage of teenagers who are too young to know better or those who have had horrible lives. They hurt them and force them to do things against their will. It’s not right, or fair, and me and my friends are playing a small part in trying to right those wrongs.”

Harlow wasn’t sure how their light and playful conversation had turned so intense, but she turned slightly in her seat to better look at Lowell. His teeth were clenched, and the hand on the steering wheel was holding on so tightly, she could see his knuckles turning white. He obviously felt deeply about the topic and his job, and Harlow couldn’t be more proud of him.

“I’m proud to know you, Lowell Lockard.”

He looked at her in surprise. “What?”

“The world needs more men like you and your friends. I don’t know why men like the ones harassing the shelter are the way they are. Why they feel the need to exert their power over those they deem weaker than them. But I’m glad you’re there to help tip the scales. Other than the high-speed-chase guy, generally I haven’t been afraid of my bad dates, I’ve just been disgusted by or disappointed in them. But I know there are a lot of women out there who’re in bad marriages and relationships, and it helps knowing there are people who care. People who will put their own lives on the line to help get others out of those situations, if asked.”

Lowell pulled into a parking lot of a dark and seedy-looking building, and Harlow wasn’t surprised to see the neon sign above the door that said The Pit. This was exactly the kind of place where she imagined Lowell and his fellow badasses would meet.

He stopped the engine, brought the hand he was still holding up to his mouth, and kissed the back of it. “Stay put. I’ll come around.”

He went to let go of her, but Harlow held on to his hand. “This isn’t a date,” she said, not sure if she was reminding him or herself. “It’s a work meeting. I let you pick me up, but I should’ve driven myself. And I can open my own door and pay my own way.”

Lowell leaned into her, and Harlow forced herself not to pull back.

“I know this isn’t a date. You don’t date. I heard that loud and clear, Harl. But in my world—and make no mistake; when you’re with me, you’re in my world—a man opens a door for a lady. He walks on the outside of the sidewalk, he picks her up whenever possible, and he pays for drinks and meals. If it makes you feel better, you can think of this as a business expense I can write off on my taxes.”

Harlow stared at him for a beat, then nodded. What else could she do? She didn’t want to like Lowell’s world, but she had to admit it felt good being there. She’d had doors shut in her face when men had entered ahead of her and hadn’t held them open. She’d had to pay for her own meals on dates. And she’d even had an experience when she’d literally almost been run over by a bus in Seattle because she’d been forced to walk on the outside of the sidewalk near the curb.

“Okay,” she said.

“Okay,” Lowell said with a small smile. Then he squeezed her hand once more and climbed out.

“Not a date, not a date,” Harlow chanted to herself quietly as Lowell walked around his car to come to her side. He opened her door and held out a hand. Taking a deep breath, Harlow put her hand back in his and allowed him to help her up and out of the low seat.

He didn’t let go of her hand once she was standing next to him, though. He simply shut the car door with his free hand and led her toward the door of the bar.

Not a date, she told herself once more as Lowell smiled at her and pulled open the heavy wooden door.

Guest Post: A Mountain Mercenary’s Sneak Attack with Author Susan Stoker

Defending Harlow is book 4 in the Mountain Mercenaries series. Each book features one of the men who were recruited by the mysteries “Rex” to work on his team to help rescue kidnapped women and children. In this book we meet Lowell “Black” Lockard who was a Navy SEAL before he became a Mountain Mercenary. He joined the group because after his stint in the Navy, he realized that he was happiest when he was being useful, helping others. He’d been close to his fellow SEALs when he’d been on active duty, but somehow he was even closer with his fellow Mountain Mercenaries.

They worked together, they played together, and they simply enjoyed spending time with each other both during missions and when they were living their lives in Colorado Springs.

Black loves that his friends have found women that completed them. Gray met Allye when he rescued her from a boat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and they had to swim for hours to safety. Ro met Chloe when her brother was holding her hostage in his house and was about to pimp her out from his strip club. And Arrow met Morgan when they’d been down in the Dominican Republic to rescue a child who’d been kidnapped by her non custodial father. Turns out, Morgan was one of the most famous missing people the United States had ever had, and she’d been held for over a year before she’d accidentally been found by the Mountain Mercenaries.

He loves that his friends are happy, but realizes that he is…bored. He wants someone to laugh with. To talk to at the end of the day. To break the routine of his life. He envies his friends for having that.

Meeting Harlow is a turning part in Black’s life. She makes him laugh and he’s intrigued more than he’s ever been by a woman before. And realizing they went to the same high school once upon a time makes him even more curious. But there’s a problem…Harlow has had bad date after bad date and she’s sworn off dating forever.

But Black won’t give up. He decides to “trick” her by refusing to call what they’re doing as ‘dates.’ They’re just “hanging out.” And the more he spends time with her, the more he likes her…and vice versa. Harlow will have to decide whether or not to take a chance on Black, and he’ll have to figure out how to neutralize the threat looming over Harlow and the women’s shelter she works at or else the semantics of what they’re doing will be a moot point, because someone might end up dead.

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives, but this all-American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She’s married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.

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The Beyond by Chloe Neill – Review & Giveaway

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The Beyond by Chloe Neill – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
It’s been a year since the Veil between the human world and the world Beyond was torn apart, and war began again. Sensitive Claire Connolly and bounty hunter Liam Quinn have been helping their human and paranormal allies fight back against the ravaging invaders and save what’s left of New Orleans.

But a new enemy has arisen, more powerful than any they’ve seen before, and even Devil’s Isle cannot hold her. . .

When Claire learns of a new magical weapon–one built by paranormals themselves -she knows it could turn the tide of war. But to reach it, she and Liam will have to cross into the Beyond itself. In a world full of hostile magic and dangerous foes, she’ll have to channel the powers she once kept hidden in order to survive. New Orleans hangs in the balance, and the storm is growing closer . . .

 

 

Review:

The Beyond by Chloe Neill is the 4th book in her Devil’s Isle series. For a brief refresher:  The story takes place in a war ravished New Orleans, where paranormals or those with magic and humans are still plagued by war, though it’s been a year since the Veil between the human world and the world Beyond was torn apart. Our heroine, Claire Connolly (a sensitive) and our hero, Liam Quinn have been helping their human and paranormal allies fight back against the invaders and save New Orleans.

Liam returns to Claire and New Orleans, all though he is still coming to terms with trying to control the magic that is now part of him. When a powerful vengeful Seelie (Fae) escapes after an attack on Devil’s Isle, all hell will break loose, as the Seelies are determined to destroy New Orleans, including all paranormals and humans.  Claire, Liam, Gavin, Malachi, Rachel and friends are unable to stop the destruction by the Seelies, but a clue about a possible magical weapon, which strips magic, sends the group to the Beyond where part of the weapon is hidden. 

The Beyond (Elysium) is forbidden land on the other side of the Veil (separating Earth and Elysium), run by the Consularis, who have always refused to help the other side in the war.  When they see for themselves how peaceful, perfect and beautiful things are at the Elysium, they begin to learn about how the Consularis forces those who are possible dissenters and compel them to be totally subservient. 

Malachi a former member of the Consularis is not impressed how they are living, sees why many of those dissenters left Elysium to enter the Veil years before.  Malachi tries to reason with them to loan the piece of weapon they need to no avail. Will they find a way to get the part before leaving the Beyond and get back in time to New Orleans? 

What follows is an exciting fast-paced adventure, both in New Orleans trying to fight against the powerful Seelies, as well as being able to enter and escape the Beyond.  I loved that Claire and Liam have become the couple we have been rooting for. I loved Claire, who was a great heroine; strong, loyal, fearless, caring and how more powerful she became. I also love the secondary characters in this series, such as Tadji, Gunnar, Malachi, Moses and Rachel. 

The Beyond was a wonderful story, with a great romance, fabulous characters, and filled with magic and excitement.   I understand that with things tying up nicely at the end, this is the end of this series.  If you enjoy fantasy in an apocalyptic world, you should read this series and start with the first book, The Veil.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Chloe Neill’s publisher is offering a paper copy  THE BEYOND to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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SLAY: Rivalry (Slay Quartet 1) by Laurelin Paige-Review & Excerpt Tour

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SLAY: Rivalry (Slay Quartet #1) by Laurelin Paige-Review & Excerpt Tour


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About the book: Release Date June 4, 2019

Edward Fasbender is a devil.

He’s my father’s business rival, a powerful, vicious man who takes what he wants and bows to no one. I only took the meeting because I was curious. I thought he was going to offer me a job.

But that’s not what he’s after at all. His proposal is much more intriguing, and I see an opportunity. An opportunity to turn the tables and bring down the devil.

I’ve gotten in trouble playing these games before. I know when the risk is too great, when the stakes are too high. I know how to be cold and strong-willed and destructive. I know how to withstand dominant men with arrogant charm and rugged features.

Yet I can’t resist taking on Edward.

And I can’t resist the pull he has on me.

Soon I’m not so sure which side of the battle I’m standing on–if I’m the warrior meant to slay,

Or the one who will be slain.

•••••••••

REVIEW: SLAY: Rivalry is the first instalment in Laurelin Paige’s contemporary, adult SLAY dark, romance quartet focusing on billionaire media mogul Edward Fasbender, and Celia Werner. The SLAY Quartet is a spin-off from the author’s FIXED series, and falls in the timeline before Fixed Forever and a few years after Forever with You. SLAY: Rivalry can be read as a stand aloe without any difficulty. Any important information erom the previous instalemtns is revealed where necessary

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line content, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person point of view (Celia) SLAY: Rivalry follows Celia Werner as she is propositioned by her father’s enemy Edward Fasbender. As the heir to the Werner Media Company, Celia finds herself targeted by a man whose predilection towards domination and control may be beyond anything she could have imagined. As one who knows how to play the ‘game’ Celia accepts Edward’s offer of marriage, a marriage in name only that leaves our heroine struggling with a direction in life, but a life that is no longer under her control. Celia entered into the ‘marriage’ wholly aware that her life was about to change but wasn’t prepared for the dark and dangerous consequences of her actions.
Celia Werner is a manipulator who plays ‘games’ with people’s lives. Having previous met Celia in the author’s Fixed Series, we will learn to understand the mind of a woman who battles her own personal demons, demons that lead to her need for control.

SLAY: Rivalry is a story of power and control; of domination and submission; of hatred, anger, vengeance and betrayal; an intense and emotional tale. Celia believes she is in control but she lost that control the moment she agreed to become Edward’s wife. The premise is dark and raw; Edward is a dangerous, angry and frightening b*astard; Celia has come up against someone much stronger at playing the ‘game’. SLAY: Rivalry ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Sitting like this, on the arm of the chair, his back straight, we were practically the same height. It occurred to me that this was the closest we’d ever been to having equal footing, and somehow that made me both heady and encouraged.

I reached out to rub the collar of his shirt between my thumb and forefinger, my breath stuttering under the thick weight of apprehension, my mouth watering from how close I was to touching his skin. This close, I could smell the liquor on his breath and the musky scent of his cologne and the fainter scent underneath of pure man.
“Tell me your requests.” Was it my imagination or did his voice suddenly seem darker? Less steady?
“There’s only one.” I leaned in until my lips were near his ear. “I want to add sex to the deal.”
He made a sound low in his throat, half like a laugh, half like a moan. “What, now?”
He turned his face toward mine, and now our mouths were only inches away from touching. I could feel the warmth of his exhale on my skin, sending a trail of goosebumps down my arms.
“Now, sure.” Fuck, I was wet already. “But I meant in the marriage, too.”
His lips danced around mine. “You don’t know what you’re asking for. You want to be humiliated, degraded, and hurt?”
Yes.
Because that was the goal of The Game.
But, also, YES!
Because, in that moment, there was nothing more I could imagine wanting than to be all those things, to be humiliated and degraded and hurt, by him. I wanted it so much I ached. Ached in places I hadn’t known could feel.
I reached my neck forward, pushing my mouth toward his.
Just when I thought the kiss was inevitable, he leaned back. “You couldn’t handle it.”

 

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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A Touch of Forever by Jo Goodman – Review & Giveaway

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A Touch of Forever by Jo Goodman – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Lily Salt has sworn off men. After finally gaining her independence, the last thing she needs is another man telling her what to do. But the handsome railroad engineer from New York isn’t at all what she expected. He’s kind, gentle…and tempting enough to make her wonder what a second chance at love might be worth.

A self-acknowledged black sheep, Roen Shepard knows what it means to feel alone. Recognizing a kindred spirit in the reserved widow whose fascinating blue-green eyes have seen too much, and charmed by the warmth of her ready-made family, the two begin an unlikely friendship.

When a complication from his past follows him to Frost Falls, Roen proposes a mad scheme to protect the new life he’s built and keep close the stubborn woman he’s accidentally fallen for–a marriage of convenience. But Lily has secrets of her own, and the closer he gets to uncovering them, the more he comes to realize that the only truth that matters is the secret to unlocking her heart.

 

 

Review:

A Touch of Forever by Jo Goodman is the 3rd book in her Cowboys of Colorado series.  This is a western historical romance, that though this is the third book, it does read very well as a standalone.

We meet our hero, Roen Shepard, who is in Frost Falls to survey the land and assign routes for the railroad company that he works for.  He soon meets Lily Salt, our heroine, when her young son, Clay takes a liking to Roen, and wants to learn about calculations and routes. Roen finds himself attracted to the widowed Lily, but she is very cold and unfriendly.  Both Roen and Lily have their own issues, with Roen being in this small town, to avoid contact with his ex-girlfriend, Victorine, who wants to marry him. Lily has come off an abusive marriage that ended with her husband dying, and is determined to not become involved in any relationship, not to mention she has three young children to take care of.

When Roen discovers that the woman (Victorine) he is trying to avoid (she also shot him), is coming to Frost Falls, he goes to Lily to make a proposition. He asks if she will marry him in name only, and whenever she wants they can get a divorce.  He does explain his situation, and Lily realizing that Roen is a decent man, who would never hurt her, gets along well with her children and he could help them financially; she then accepts his proposal as a marriage of convenience.

To lead into the Lily and Roen relationship, and her children, the story was a bit slow early on, but it certainly picked up later to be a wonderful story.  I loved Roen, especially how caring and gentle he was with Lily; especially when he learns the truth about her abusive marriage.  I liked Lily, and as the story moved on, she became even better and stronger. It was nice to see her trust and fall in love with Roen.  The children were a great added element that made this story enjoyable and fun.   The side story about Victorine and her private investigator, Mr. Cabot was more intense, and leading into an exciting climax.  To say too much more would be spoilers.

Jo Goodman did another excellent job in creating a wonderful couple in Roen & Lily, and a story which had a lot of banter, an enjoyable romance, as well as a mystery.  A Touch of Forever was a wonderful story of family, tragedy, and a sweet marriage of convenience that turns into a beautiful romance. If you enjoy romance, a western and historical background, with a fun sexy couple, then you should read A Touch of Forever.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Jo Goodman’s Publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of A TOUCH OF FOREVER  to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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8. Giveaway runs from June 5- 8, 2019

 

 

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IN THE CROSSFIRE by L.P. Dover-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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IN THE CROSSFIRE (Circle of Justice #4) by L.P. Dover-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 4, 2019

Secrets.
Lies.
Betrayal.
Murder.

I’ve gotten away with it all, but that won’t last forever.

I’m Bryce Chandler, FBI agent and member of the Circle of Justice, a covert organization that metes out retribution to those who’ve escaped the system without punishment. For the last year I’ve been deep undercover, doing unspeakable things to secure my place in the mafia world. These days I barely recognize the man in the mirror, but Anthony Corsino is finally in my crosshairs.

He’s entrusted me with the one thing he loves most—his daughter, Layla. She was just another detail of the mission, until she was suddenly so much more. I never meant to fall for the enemy, but I couldn’t resist. I’m in too deep. My brothers are determined to get me out, but I can’t let them interfere. It’s my job to put down the target. However, when I do, I’ll lose the only woman I’ve ever loved and the only good thing left in my life. If I don’t, I’ll lose myself.

••••••••••

REVIEW:  IN THE CROSSFIRE is the fourth instalment in L. P. Dover’s contemporary, adult CIRCLE OF JUSTICE romantic, suspense series focusing on an elite group of assassins who work for a secret government agency within the FBI known as the Circle of Justice. This is thirty-year old, FBI agent / assassin Bryce Chandler, and twenty-eight year old, attorney/mafia princess Layla Corsino’s story line. IN THE CROSSFIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary. IN THE CROSSFIRE runs parallel to, and crosses over with some of the events in book three-AIM. CIRCLE OF JUSTICE is a spin off from the author’s ARMED AND DANGEROUS romantic, suspense series. Some of the characters (Logan and Kassidy, Micah Perry) cross-over for cohesion and familiarity.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Circle of Justice is an elite group of assassins, started by the infamous Glenn Chandler, owner of the multi-billion dollar Chandler Enterprises and former FBI agent, who target those who have escaped the system.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Bryce and Layla) IN THE CROSSFIRE follows Bryce Chandler as he must go undercover in an attempt to take down mafia boss Anthony Corsino but what Bryce never expected was to come face to face with his future in the guise of Anthony’s daughter Layla Corsino. When Layla’s uncle Michael is killed, and her own life is threated by a competing crime family, Anthony Corsino calls in a man he believes if connected to one of the most ruthless crime syndicates he could have imagined. Enter Bryce ‘Collman’ Chandler, the man with whom Layla will fall in love. What ensues is Bryce and Layla’s cross-country journey to protect our story line heroine, and the potential fall-out as Bryce’s true identity and assignment are about to be revealed.

Layla is a bit of a pampered princess who knows very little about her father’s life in the mob. Following the death of her mother, Layla has felt lonely and lost, even though she is surrounded by security twenty-four hours a day. Meeting Bryce ‘Collman’ found our heroine struggling between head and heart when Bryce waffles between hot and cold. Bryce Chandler knows better than to get involved with a potential mark but something about Layla Corsino draws Bryce lie a moth to a flame. Desperate to protect the woman with whom he will fall in love, Bryce pulls Layla into the protection of his family, and the protection of the Circle of Justice.

The relationship between Layla and Bryce is one of immediate attraction but an attraction tempered by Bryce’s assignment to take down our heroine’s father. When Bryce is offered a position within the Corsino family, he will find himself surrounded by the woman that calls to his heart. 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 Bryce’s siblings: his twin Ian (Grace), Wade (Brina) and Reed Chandler, as well as their father Glenn; cousin Logan and Kassidy Chandler; and Micah Perry. We are introduced to Layla’s father Anthony Corsino, and her brother Dominic; uncle Michael Corsino; and several armed mafia security. The requisite evil has many faces including competing mobsters Cadoc and his son Julia Cartwright.

IN THE CROSSFIRE is a story of family, blood, betrayal and passion; secrets and lies, danger and sin. The character driven premise is fast paced, dramatic and intriguing; the characters are colorful, spirited and strong; the romance is sensual and intense. IN THE CROSSFIRE is a sexy and suspense filled story, sure to catch everyone’s attention.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Trigger
Target
AIM
In The Crossfire

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Rushing out of the media room, I ran through the foyer and up the stairs to Layla’s room. I knocked hard on the door and listened. There was no sound or movement that I could hear. “Layla, open the door.” Still, there was nothing. When I opened the door, her closet was open, and it’d been cleaned out, along with her dresser. “Motherfucker,” I huffed. “Layla!”
The sound of a door slammed downstairs, so I took off out of her room. How the hell could I not see her on the cameras? I ran down the stairs and out the patio door. There were a line of trees blocking my sight of the driveway, but I could see the top edge of one of the open garage doors. As I drew closer, I could see her tossing her luggage in the back of a silver SUV. She’d changed out of her green sundress from earlier into a pair of jeans and a black T-shirt.
“Where do you think you’re going?” I called out as I stepped away from the trees. Layla jerked around, eyes blazing like fire as she grabbed the gun at her waistband and pointed it straight at me. I stopped and held up my hands. “Whoa. What the hell are you doing?”
“I’m leaving. And if you try to stop me, I’ll blow off your balls.”
Glancing down at her gun, I couldn’t help but notice how perfect her stance was. She looked like she knew what she was doing. “I don’t doubt it,” I replied cautiously. “Where’d you get the gun?”
Her eyes narrowed, but she kept the gun pointed at me. “My uncle.”
Still holding my hands in the air, I slowly took a step forward. “Did he teach you how to shoot as well?”
The muscles in her jaw tightened. “Yes. Believe it or not, I’m not the helpless princess everyone thinks I am.”
“I never said you were, Layla.” I nodded at the video camera just above the garage door. “How did you get out here without me seeing you?”
She lifted her chin, her lips tilting up in an evil grin. “You’re not the only one who knows how to manipulate a camera. How else was I supposed to sneak out as a teenager?”
Now I was impressed. “Guess we all have our secrets. Can anyone see us right now?”
She shook her head. “No.” I took another step closer, and her body tensed. “Dammit, Bryce, don’t test me. I already know my father told you to stop me. No matter what he says or what you do, I am going to get out of here.”
“And go where?” I asked. “To the city to find out the answers?”
“If that’s what it takes. I’m not returning until he tells me the truth.”
There was nothing but sheer determination in her eyes. The woman was so goddamned stubborn she’d get herself killed in the process. We were only about six feet apart, with the gun still pointed at my chest. There was only one thing left to do. I wasn’t about to underestimate her.
“What if I told you what you want to know?” I said, hoping she could see the truth in my eyes.
Her lips pursed. “Why should I believe you?”
“Because you said it yourself—you’re not going to stop until you find out the answers. This is the only way to keep you safe.” It was also the way to test her. I had to know how far her loyalty went with her father. It might be what I had to do to finish my mission. Anthony would surely try to come after me, but he’d have a hell of a time trying to find me.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she began her literary journey she worked in periodontics, enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.

She loves to write, but she also loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes and white water rafting, and has a passion for singing. Her two youngest fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime, usually Christmas carols.

Dover has written countless novels, including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, the Gloves Off series, the Armed & Dangerous series, the Royal Shifters series, the Society X series, the Circle of Justice series, and her standalone novel Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense, but if she got to choose a setting in which to live, it would be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.

L.P. Dover is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency and Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management for dramatic rights.

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Wolf Rain by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

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Wolf Rain by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
The end of Silence was supposed to create a better world for future generations. But trust is broken, and the alliance between Psy, Changeling, and human is thin. The problems that led to Silence are back in full force. Because Silence fixed nothing, just hid the problems.

This time, the Psy have to find a real answer to their problems–if one exists. Or their race will soon go extinct in a cascade of violence. The answer begins with an empath who is attuned to monsters–and who is going to charm a wolf into loving her despite his own demons.

 

 

Review:

Wolf Rain by Nalini Singh is the 18th book in her Psy-Changeling series, and the 3rd book in her Trinity arc.  As I have said numerous times, Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, as I love the Psy-Changeling series, her spinoff Trinity series, and of course, her Guild Hunter series.  No one does world building so smoothly and flawlessly better than Nalini Singh.   Once again, in Wolf Rain she has created a masterpiece that grabs hold of me and never ever let’s go until the very end.  Unfortunately, as I get closer to the end of this exciting pulse pounding and enjoyable story, I tend to read too fast, but it is always great to go back and reread it as I can savor it slowly. 

I was thrilled to see this story brings us back to our wonderful Snow Dancer wolf pack, as we met our hero, Alexei Harte, who is a Lieutenant for Snow Dancer,  at the start.  Alexei is still grieving the death of his brother a year ago, and running as his wolf to release the tension.  Along the way, he senses someone also grieving, and finds his way into a cave.

Memory, our heroine, has been confined since she was 8 years old, and has been a prisoner of darkness to a powerful Psy teleporter for 15 years.  Memory is unconsciously sending out her grief to losing her cat, who was her only consolation all those years.   Enter Alexei to the rescue.

Alexei was so sweet to Memory, slowly teaching her about his pack, and her making friends, as she never had before.  I enjoyed how much she enjoyed seeing Alexei change to a wolf, as well as her watching other pack pups.  Memory will learn how strong she is an Empath, and those from Snow Dancer, Dark River, and other psy/changelings will help her along the way.  Memory, though still being hunted by the man who kidnapped her, was an amazing heroine, whose ability will be recognized to help the major players of the Psy Net find a way to save it.  

Though Memory slowly began to fit in, and begin to enjoy her life; Alexei also had his own past issues.  Both his brother and father turned rogue, and Alexei was stubborn in not wanting to mate with Memory, as he feared he too would turn and hurt her.

Wolf Rain was very suspenseful and intriguing, as we learn more about the slow unraveling of the Psy Net and the Empaths, who in the past were cast aside.  We also learn more about Memory, and her ability to work with the council.

What follows is a beautiful romance between two unlikely people, with so much chemistry between them that sizzles the pages.  I loved Memory and Alexei together, as they made such a wonderful loving couple.  Memory was a fantastic heroine, who despite her years imprisoned, was strong, independent, savvy and determined to rise up to her destiny.  She is very much in love with Alexei, though knowing he is holding back from mating with her due to his worry of going rogue.  Alexei was a great hero, who was very protective of Memory.  This was a wonderful romance, with so many sweet, fun, emotional and tense moments; especially when Alexei realizes how strong his love is for Memory.  Once again, an awesome romance and awesome couple.

I loved seeing many of our favorites, including Sasha, who had a big part, as well as Hawke, Mercy, Amara, Jaya, Judd, Kaleb, Aden, Lucas just to name a few.   I loved every moment of this book.

I can’t say enough about Nalini Singh, as she is my go-to author, who never fails to captivate me with her engaging creative stories, fantastic plots, and seamless world building; wonderful couples in each and every story; super secondary characters and fantastic world-building.   I have said this so many times, if you have not read Nalini Singh, you are missing such a gem of an author.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 


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Death in Kew Gardens by Jennifer Ashley – Review & Giveaway

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Death in Kew Gardens by Jennifer Ashley – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
In return for a random act of kindness, scholar Li Bai Chang presents young cook Kat Holloway with a rare and precious gift—a box of tea. Kat thinks no more of her unusual visitor until two days later when the kitchen erupts with the news that Lady Cynthia’s next-door neighbor has been murdered.

Known about London as an “Old China Hand,” the victim claimed to be an expert in the language and customs of China, acting as intermediary for merchants and government officials. But Sir Jacob’s dealings were not what they seemed, and when the authorities accuse Mr. Li of the crime, Kat and Daniel find themselves embroiled in a world of deadly secrets that reach from the gilded homes of Mayfair to the beautiful wonder of Kew Gardens

 

 

 

Review:

Death in Kew Gardens by Jennifer Ashley is the 3rd book in her Below Stairs Mystery series.  This series takes place in Victorian England, and Kat is our heroine and cook extraordinaire.  She is a smart, confident, independent, and very loyal and protective to the household staff, where Kat reigns.  Kat makes a great detective, as she is always helping solve crimes.  What I enjoyed the most about this series is the wonderful feel of ‘Downton Abbey’, with the normal household staffing with housekeeper, cooks, house steward, maids, footman, valet, butlers, etc.

Once again, Kat becomes involved in a murder mystery.  When she finds out there was a murder next door, Kat becomes fully involved to find the murderer.  It is always great to see Kat’s friends work with her to solve the crime; such as Daniel, Tess, Cynthia, Thanos, and James just to name a few.

The top suspect in the murder is a Chinese gentleman (Li Chang) that Kat met earlier in the day, as she accidently bumped into him.  Later that day, he stops by to give Kat a gift for helping him.  Kat recognizes that there is prejudice against the Chinese man, and does everything in her power to find clues to help clear him. 

In a side story, there is a new housekeeper where Kat lives and works, and everyone hates her.  I loved how strong Kat is standing up to this arrogant and mean person; this was a nice added element to the story, especially with everyone below the stairs join hands against the housekeeper.     

The mystery heats up, as another person related to the victim is murdered.  Kat discovers that Li Chang was looking for special tea plants from his homeland, and this was the reason for the deaths, as these plants were very valuable. What follows is an interesting and intriguing mystery, which had a number of suspects, and quite a few twists along the way.  It was a lot of fun to watch Kat and her friends (I loved Tess taking a more active part) play a big part in helping her solve the murders.  The slow built romance between Daniel and Kat took a back seat, but we will be seeing more of this in future books.

If you enjoy Victorian stories, with a mystery theme, a Downton Abbey background, two very good leading characters and very well written by Jennifer Ashley, I suggest you start this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Shadow Warrior by Christine Feehan – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Shadow Warrior by Christine Feehan – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Vittorio Ferraro is a man whose family loyalty knows no bounds. He would die for his siblings and the people they love, but what he really wants is to start a family of his own. Deep down, Vittorio has always known finding a woman who could ride shadows would be nearly impossible—let alone one who could accept his particular needs—and he never expected to find her in the middle of a kidnapping.…

Grace Murphy has always been drawn to Vittorio Ferraro—or at least to the billionaire’s public bad-boy persona. Now that she’s under his protection and the sole focus of his intense caring, she can’t help wanting to get as close to him as possible. But Grace knows her presence is putting the entire Ferraro family in danger. Her monster of a brother will never let her go, but Vittorio has no intention of losing the woman whose shadow matches his own. 

 

Barb’s Review:

Shadow Warrior by Christine Feehan is the 4th book in her wonderful Shadow Riders series. As I have mentioned before, I love this series, as the premise though paranormal, it is different and fantastic.  Refresher:   Shadow riders have the ability to blend themselves to the shadows wherever they are, making themselves invisible to anyone.  They have been in existence for centuries, with all members of their families trained to use those abilities.  The family runs a legitimate business; they use their ability to help others in need to solve various problems and dispense justice.  They are an extremely powerful and close-knit family that is totally loyal to one another, also protecting the people that in live in their community.

Vittorio Ferraro is our hero in Shadow Warrior.  We meet Vittorio when he is privately thinking that his brothers have all found their mates, but accepts the fact that this will never happen to him.  Vittorio is tough, dominant and knows no woman would ever meet his standards.  When he feels vibes that something is wrong and pulling him to go to their club, he comes across some gang members in the club, who are not allowed there.  He then tries to come the rescue of a young guy, pushed by the gangsters,  into giving them his girl as collection for a big debt; and all hell breaks loose.  The girl is seriously hurt, and Vittorio manages to bring in help, and get the girl to the hospital.

Grace Murphy, our heroine, wakes up in the hospital after having major surgeries, and sees Vittorio, whom she only knew from afar.  As she goes in and out of consciousness, she over hears him tell the doctor and nurses that he is her fiancée, and with each passing day, still unable to communicate well, Grace sees that Vittorio stays with her constantly.  He tells her he will take care of her, and to use the guise of being his fiancée to keep her safe.  But Vittorio knows that Grace, unbeknownst to her, is a shadow rider, and his mate; he has no intention of letting her go, but has to convince Grace that she is meant for him.

When he gets to take her home, with all the Ferraro’s working together to keep her safe from the boy (who grew up with her in foster homes, and is like a brother; but a very dangerous and mentally ill person).  The entire Ferraros are pulled into trying not only to keep Grace safe, but also to keep all members of their family safe from this crazy violent ‘brother’.   They also have to deal with the Saldi crime family, who started this all by having some of their men at the club and involved in the shooting.   There is a lot of violence, and the Ferraros are determined to not become involved in a war.

While this is going on, Grace slowly recuperates, and over a short period of time, she finds herself falling in love with Vittorio, as well as getting used to his dominance.  Grace was a great heroine, and even though she put up with her bad evil ‘brother’, she also helped co run a successful business.    Vittorio is beside himself that this beautiful woman is made for him and though he is dominant, he is determined to marry her.  Their romance heats up fast, with steamy sex scenes.  More into this shortly. I did like Grace and Vittorio together, as they made a great couple.  I love the whole Ferraro family, and the premise of this series is awesome.  I look forward to Emme’s story, and frankly can’t stand the mother. 

This was also a very sensual romance, as Feehan had a lot of sex scenes between our couple.  The intense pulse pounding story was exciting, but as I stated earlier, I did feel that the sex scenes a bit too many. If you enjoy the many steamy sexual scenes that possibly takes forefront to the story, then this is perfect for you.  But if you prefer more story, and a bit less sex, be warned. 

What follows is an exciting adventure, where both Grace is in constant danger, and Vittorio is desperate to find the man who threatens her life; with the entire Ferraro family working hard to help find him.    

What I love the most about this series is all the wonderful characters that Feehan has created.  I love all of the Ferrero’s, and those they fall in love with that join the family.  They are an awesome family, with amazing abilities that make this so much fun.

Shadow Warrior is a captivating, exciting, suspenseful, action packed story, with a wonderful couple that steams the pages. The storyline involving the Saldi’s remains open, and I suspect will play a large part in the next book. This is a fantastic paranormal series that you should be reading, and very well written by Christine Feehan.

 

Sandy’s Review

SHADOW WARRIOR is the fourth instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult SHADOW paranormal, erotic romance series focusing on The Ferraro family- a group of ‘Shadow Riders’-who are able to ‘use and ride’ shadows, to move about in secret. This is Vittorio Ferraro, and events planner and business owner Grace Murphy’s story line. SHADOW WARRIOR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Shadow rider male must find his mate –a woman who is capable of riding the shadows-or at the very least with the ability to bear children with the shadow-riding gene. Within the family, the Ferraro siblings are tasked with finding a mate, fated by DNA, who is capable of continuing the family line. The Ferraro’s are also part of the Chicago Underworld-a crime family linked to both legal and criminal activity.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Vittorio and Grace) SHADOW WARRIOR follows in the wake of Grace Murphy’s abduction and her desperate attempts to protect the man with whom she would fall in love. Used as a bargaining chip for payment of a debt, Grace Murphy would find herself in a hostage situation but a gun fight at a local club owned by the Ferraro family finds our heroine placing herself in danger in order to prevent another death. Enter Vittorio Ferraro, a shadow rider and a member of the Ferraro Crime family, and the man with whom Grace would fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Vittorio and Grace, and the potential fall-out as Grace’s past targets everyone she loves including our story line heroine.

Vittorio Ferraro knows Grace Murphy is his fated mate the instant their ‘shadows’ merge and entwine but Grace is unaware of her own family history having spent most of her life in an abusive foster care situation. Hoping to prove to Grace he is not the playboy of reputation and media stories, Vittorio plans a slow seduction of our story line heroine, a seduction that is hindered by family secrets, his mother’s attitude, and Grace’s need to recover and heal. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. Unlike many of the author’s other series, this story line does not focus primarily on the $ex-in fact, our couple do not make love or engage in $ex until the 61% mark of the story.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including all of Vittorio’s siblings-Emmanuelle, Taviano, Stafano (Francesa), Giovanni (Sasha), Ricco (Marika) and their mother Eoisa Ferraro, as well as a number of cousins, all of whom are shadow riders, working as security, assassins, and business specialists. The requisite evil has many faces including Grace’s foster brother Haydon Phillips, and the Saldis crime family, who may or may not declare war against the Ferraro family.

SHADOW WARRIOR is a story of family, loyalty, secrets, power and control. The premise is intriguing, imaginative and entertaining; the characters are intelligent, energetic and colorful; the romance is spicy and hot. There were some issues of repetition but such is the style of Christine Feehan, repetition that she uses to reiterate some facts and information.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Shadow Rider
Shadow Reaper
Shadow Keeper
Shadow Warrior

Copies provided by Publisher

 

It was just her luck to be in the worst possible circumstances when she met the hottest man in the entire world. Grace Murphy wished the earth would just open up and swallow her, hospital bed and all. The Ferraro family certainly had a strong sense of responsibility when it came to someone getting shot in their parking lot. Even that was embarrassing, having her own foster brother try to sell her into prostitution to pay his gambling debts.
She was like everyone else, following the life of the Ferraros in magazines bought at the grocery store or flipped through at the beauty parlor. She’d always been drawn to Vittorio, finding herself reading every single thing about him. Now, here he was in person, sprawled out in a chair, more beautiful than the photographs could capture, as big as life. Bigger even, the reality of him taking up an enormous amount of space, his wide shoulders and long legs keeping her attention riveted on him.
She groaned aloud and covered her red face with one hand. He’d been there every single day. Right there. In that chair. Pacing around the room. Talking on his cell. It didn’t matter what he was doing, he saw to her every need. He noticed before she did that her pain level was rising, and he took care of it. He didn’t like the food they were serving her, and she was given catered, very nutritious meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. She hadn’t been able to feed herself those first few days and he had been the one to sit on the edge of her bed and feed her.
The first week after she’d been shot and operated on, there’d been so much pain she could barely breathe, and she hadn’t been able to fully comprehend who he was. Mostly, she’d slept and thought she was dreaming. One of the nurses had referred to him as her fiancée and she had been confused. She’d started to correct her, but then looked beyond her to see Vittorio Ferraro hovering behind the woman.
Their eyes had locked. Had she known that eyes like his existed in real life? She’d been captivated. Spellbound. Unable to think. Those eyes had turned her brain to mush. Her heart had leapt to her throat. Grace had felt as if he was willing her not to speak, not to contradict what the nurse was saying—and she hadn’t. Then the morphine had kicked in and the pain had gone enough for her to drift off.
“Grace?”
His voice. It was beautiful. Low. Soothing, yet at the same time, there was absolute command, as if he ruled the world and knew it. She’d heard that voice in the parking lot, stopping everyone, giving him the chance to act, to save her from the two men Haydon was selling her to for his debts.
Vittorio remained silent after just saying her name. She couldn’t help but look at him, that tone compelled her to raise her gaze to his no matter how reluctant she was. It took her a few moments to gather the courage to meet those eyes. Deep blue, like the deepest, clearest sea. She felt as if she were drowning when she looked into his eyes.
She touched her tongue to her lips—the lips he’d personally applied lip balm to—and lifted her lashes. At once she had the strange sensation of falling, of tumbling into those dark depths, and there was no saving herself. Her heart beat wildly and, in her veins, there was a rush of heat that spread through her body like a wildfire.
“Tell me what’s wrong.”
She had no idea how he could make her want to tell him the truth, no matter that she wanted to hide it from him. She didn’t want to admit that he was the problem, that he was that fantasy she went to bed with every night, and now he was there, larger than life, and way more than she could ever handle. She’d watched him at every charity event, sometimes nearly forgetting her job, which was to stay behind the scenes and make certain everything ran smoothly.
“Grace.”
Again with the name. It sounded so different when he said it. She’d always thought her name plain. Old-fashioned. When Vittorio said it in that enthralling tone, she liked the way it sounded.


 

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