Monthly Archives: July 2019

Blood Cure (New Breed #3) by Melody Raven-a review

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BLOOD CURE (New Breed #3) by Melody Raven-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 10, 2019

He was like nothing she’d ever seen before. Impossibly strong. Impossibly dangerous. Just plain impossible. And also dying.

Mia Bleeker has lived a sheltered life surrounded by her studies and under her father’s watchful eye. But when her father brings home a sick man who seems to defy the laws of physics, everything she thought she knew about the natural world will be tested.

Talon is just another casualty in the war between the Vampires and the Vopura. His pride and impatience got the better of him and because of that not only did he almost die, but he brought death straight to Mia’s doorstep.

He knows Mia will never forgive him for what she’s lost. He knows Mia will never forgive him for what she’s become. But she’s going to have to get over it. Because when all hope is lost, the knowledge inside her mind will be his species’ only chance at survival.

••••••••••

REVIEW: BLOOD CURE is the third instalment in Melody Raven’s contemporary, adult NEW BREED paranormal, post-apocalyptic romance series focusing on a new breed of vampire/alien known as the Vopura. This is twenty-six year old, microbiologist Mia Bleeker, and vampire Talon’s story line. BLOOD CURE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Mia and Talon) BLOOD CURE follows in the wake of an injured man brought to Mia’s father’s lab, a man who was so much more than he appeared to be. Having no idea about her father’s research, our heroine will quickly learn that her father had been experimenting for a very long time. With the Volpura demanding her father’s research information, Mia finds herself on the run with a vampire who wants nothing to do with our story line heroine, a vampire who volunteered to be part of her father’s research. What ensues is the back and forth, building relationship between Mia and Talon, and the potential fall out as more than one faction of the paranormal world is desperate to find the research information.

Mia Bleeker always thought she knew about her father’s research but having her eyes opened by a vampire meant her world was about to change. Having lived most of her life sheltered from the realities of the world, Mia is quickly thrust into a lifestyle she knows nothing about. Talon claims he wants nothing to do with Mia but his attraction to Mia is immediate and intense. Protecting our heroine gets harder as she continues to place herself in precarious situations but Mia is desperate for revenge for everything she lost. Mia is a little bit manic-she is constantly chirping at the people around her including our story line hero.

The relationship between Mia and Talon begins acrimoniously but Mia has no idea what is about to happen or why. Talon struggles with his attraction to Mia but the heart wants something the mind cannot comprehend. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Mia’s father Walter, and her friend Amanda, Vopura Dante, vampires, Nicholas, and Stefan; as well as an assortment of witches, demons and more Vopura.

BLOOD CURE is a story of betrayal and vengeance; secrets and lies; family, friendship and hope. The action packed premise is energetic and revealing; the romance is steamy and hot; the characters are colorful, sassy and strong.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Blood Price
Blood Bond
Blood Cure

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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DEADLY DECEPTION by J. C. Valentine-Review & Excerpt Tour

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DEADLY DECEPTION by J. C. Valentine-Review & Excerpt Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2019

A dissatisfied housewife. A gun for hire. He’s not looking to fall for his client…then again, he never had much choice.

Wife. Daughter. Murderer?

Faith

He was supposed to be my knight in shining armor. He was supposed to be my deliverance. But looks can be deceiving, and now he’s just in my way. After all of the lies, all of the deceptions, I need him gone, but despite my best efforts, he’s still here and I’m out of ideas. It’s time to call in a professional. I just wasn’t expecting it to be him.

Declan

I’ve been in the business of killing for as long as I can remember. And business is booming. But I’m ready to leave this life behind, get a fresh start. After one last job. It should be easy, quick, in and out. But nothing is ever that simple, and I wasn’t banking on her. One look in those doe-like eyes, and I know I have to save her from her own personal hell. But how am I supposed to pull this off when it means breaking my number one rule: never fall in love?

•••••••••••

REVIEW:

DEADLY DECEPTION by J. C. Valentine is a stand alone, thriller focusing on frustrated housewife Faith Overmeyer, her long suffering husband Glenn, and assassin for hire Declan.

Faith is tired of her husband’s late night excursions and the couple’s seemingly lacklustre married life at home. In an effort to end their marriage by ending her husband’s life, Faith hires a hit man. Enter Declan, assassin for hire, and the man Faith seduces after the job is done. Feeling sorry for his target’s wife, Declan sympathizes with Faith and breaks all of his rules in an effort for something more.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Faith and Declan) DEADLY DECEPTION is a story of secrets, lies, betrayal and revenge. A twisted tale of murder and greed where not one but two people will lose their lives.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

If this is the hitman, I’m in trouble. My God, he’s gorgeous. Tall, around six feet, dark-brown hair that’s just long enough to curl around his ears and is full of soft waves that immediately spark my envy, and a body that, although hidden beneath well-fitting black jeans and a navy cashmere sweater with the sleeves pushed up to his elbows, projects strength and vitality.
I’m momentarily struck stupid, standing with one foot inside the car and one out, staring at him. Until he clears his throat and I lift my gaze, falling into a pair of piercing black eyes that are filled with disapproval.
“Right on time, Mrs.…”
The reason I’m here hits me suddenly, and I feel the nervous energy that I’ve been attempting to repress all day return. Stepping fully out of the car, I close the door softly and stand there beside it, twisting my hands. “I, um, would rather not give my name.”
He nods. “That’s wise. However, we’ll need to call each other something. An alias. You can call me…Cal.”
Cal. This gets me wondering what his real name is. He looks like a Cal, I guess. I bite my lip, turning over different names in my mind and finding them all too common. “Brenda,” I finally settle on because we can’t stand here all night debating over names when we have real business to discuss.
Standing under a bridge is conspicuous as hell, and I’d die a thousand deaths if we got caught. It might be a brazen move, hiring someone to commit murder, but I’m hardly a seasoned pro. This is all new territory for me. I don’t know the first thing about any of this. Only that I don’t want to get caught.
Yeah, I should have given that more consideration before contacting this guy, but desperate times call for desperate measures. And I am, by the very definition, a desperate housewife.
“Okay, Brenda,” Cal starts, his feet carrying him closer. “Did you bring the coffee?”
“Yes,” I say eagerly, reaching for the driver’s door handle. “I’ll get it.”
“No. Let’s get in the car first. If anyone happens to come knocking, it’ll be easier to explain why we’re here if we’re together.”
I pause, wondering at his meaning before a picture of the two of us tangled in each other’s arms, his hand up my shirt and mine caught up in all of that luxurious hair enters my mind. I shiver with desire but quickly shake it off. I can’t think of him that way when what we’re here for is far from any kind of romance. 


 

J.C. Valentine is the USA Today and International bestselling author of the Night Calls and Wayward Fighters Series and the Forbidden Trilogy. Her vivid imagination and love of words and romance had her penning her own romance stories from an early age, which, despite being poorly edited and written longhand, she forced friends and family members to read. No, she isn’t sorry.

Living in the Northwest, she has three amazing children and far too many pets. Among the many hats she wears, J.C. is an entrepreneur. Having graduated with honors, she holds a Bachelor’s in English and when she isn’t writing, you can find her editing for fellow authors.

Sign up for J.C.’s newsletter and never miss a thing! http://bit.ly/1KxXWWB

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Pinterest • Google+ • Amazon Author Page • Goodreads

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CARPOOL (Milford College #1) by Noelle Adams-Review Tour

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CARPOOL (Milford College #1) by Noelle Adams-review tour

ebook ONLY 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Apple /Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 17, 2019

The last thing I want is to share a forty-five minute commute with the most obnoxious (and attractive) man I know. But I can’t afford a new transmission right now, so I’m stuck with Marcus for at least a month.

He promises to be good, but Marcus Greene is never good. And I’m not sure how long I can resist him.

Carpool is the first book in the Milford College series about the faculty and staff of a small liberal arts college

••••••••••

REVIEW: CARPOOL is the first instalment in Noelle Adams’ contemporary, adult MILFORD COLLEGE erotic, romance series of novellas focusing on the men and women who work at Milford College, a small liberal arts college in Virginia. This is thirty-two year old, Director of Facilities Marcus Greene, and twenty-eight year old, financial assistant personnel Jennifer Raleigh’s story line.

NOTE: CARPOOL was originally released as a newsletter serial in the author’s email newsletter.

Told from first person point of view (Jennifer) CARPOOL follows the building relationship between thirty-two year old, former bad boy and current Director of Facilities Marcus Greene, and twenty-eight year old, financial assistant personnel Jennifer Raleigh. Growing up in Sterling, Virginia Marcus Greene’s reputation as a trouble maker preceded his introduction to our story line heroine. With her car in for repairs, and with no other option for commuting the forty-five minute drive to Milford College, Jennifer Raleigh reluctantly approaches the only person she knows who may be able to help her out with transportation between work and home. Enter Marcus Greene, a man Jennifer believes despises the ground upon which she walks, but the man with whom she will fall in love. What ensues is the back and forth, acrimonious relationship and building romance between Jennifer and Marcus, and the potential fall-out as miscommunication and misunderstanding, and a pattern of failed relationships threatens to destroy Jennifer and Marcus’ fragile hold of one another.

Throughout the story our couple struggle with their one on one time enclosed in a car together for forty-five minutes. Marcus and Jennifer make ‘small talk’ about everything and nothing getting to ‘know’ one another yet revealing very little about their lives and themselves.

The relationship between Jennifer and Marcus is one of immediate attraction but Marcus’ teenaged reputation as a troublemaker has followed our hero into adulthood, affecting friendships, and the possible relationship with the woman with whom he will fall in love. Hoping one day Jennifer will ‘see’ the real Marcus Greene, Marcus offers up a friends-with-benefits relationship as they get to know one another over the upcoming weeks. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text but I struggled to feel any real palpable, sexual attraction or energy. Perhaps if we had Marcus’ perspective we would be more aware of his emotions and mind set as it pertains to relationships and his struggle to ‘close the deal’.

The secondary and supporting characters are few. We are introduced to Jennifer’s grandmother; assistant professor of history at Milford College and Jennifer’s best friend Beck, as well as her best friend from high school Giselle.

CARPOOL is a story of preconceived notions and discrimination based upon youthful exuberance and childhood mistakes. The premise is engaging; the romance is flirty; the characters are energetic but struggle with the little things that shouldn’t matter.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

I nod and open the passenger door, reaching down to grab the strap of my purse.
I blink when he gets out too.
“What are you doing?” I ask, my voice sharp because I’m confused.
“I’m walking you to the door. Do you have a problem with that?”
“But why?”
“Why not?”
I don’t have an answer to the question. And since he didn’t give me an answer, I feel like I don’t have to give one to him either.
But I’m shuddering with something like excitement as we reach the front stoop of my grandmother’s house. I stop and stare up at him.
He’s gazing down at me with that same deep, warm expression I saw in him earlier.
Right before he kissed me.
“Why are you doing this, Marcus?” My voice breaks slightly because I’m pulsing with everything I’m feeling.
“I’m just standing at your door.”
“You know what I’m talking about.”
He nods, his mouth relaxing slightly. “I’m doing it because I want to kiss you again, and I think you want that too.”
I lick my lips. He sees it. His expression heats up.
It thrills me so much I quickly get my tongue back into my mouth and swallow hard. “I don’t know, Marcus. I don’t usually do things… just for fun.”
“I know you don’t. But I keep telling you that you’re allowed. Kissing me would be fun for you. And for me. It doesn’t have to mean anything more. It doesn’t have to change anything important about your world. So why shouldn’t we do it again?”
“Because… because I think it would… If we do it again, we’re going to do more than kiss.”
He chuckles softly and reaches up to brush some hair back from my face. “Yes. We probably will.”
“And you think that can be just for fun? No… no… pressure or complications?” I can’t believe I’m even considering no-strings-attached sex, but that’s exactly what I’m doing.
That’s what Marcus is offering.
And I want it so much.
“Yes. I think so. If that’s what you want.”
“That’s all it could be between us. For obvious reasons.”
He gives a slight nod. “Yes.”
This confirms a tiny, lingering question I’d never even acknowledged. And it makes things so much safer.
Safe enough for me to let myself be tempted for real.
After all, sex with Marcus is going to be good. I know it for sure. And if I can enjoy it—have some fun—in a way that both of us agree will lead to nothing disruptive to my life, why the hell shouldn’t I?
Why can’t I be like everyone else and just let go now and then?
It doesn’t have to threaten the security of my world.
I really think I could let go with Marcus and still be safe.
He confirms this by saying in a more serious tone, “I’m here for anything you want, Jennifer. Anything. Just name it. But if it’s not what you want, all you have to do is tell me, and I’ll never make a move on you again.”
I gulp. “I… do want it.”
“Yeah?” He tilts his head down.
“Yeah.”
“So you want to try to have a little fun and see what happens?”
Somehow I’ve made up my mind. I’ve decided. Everything inside me wants to do this, so I’m going to do it after all. “Yeah. That’s what I want.”
His eyes smolder in a way that makes my heart clench.
And other parts of me clench as well.
“So I can kiss you again?”
I nod. “Please do.” 


 

Noelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn’t stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.

She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.

Connect with Noelle:

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon  |  BookBub

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BREAKDOWN (Perversion Records #1) by Aly Zigada-Review & Giveaway

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BREAKDOWN (Perversion Records #1) by Aly Zigada-Review & Giveaway

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

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2xKYaub

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2019

Atticus Creed saved my life. His voice talked me down. His lyrics stripped me bare. His tattoos against my hidden scars made me feel beautiful. In turn, I wrecked him with a love that exposed his soul and lies that called to his vilest demons.

We were innocent then.

I’m not a broken girl anymore. Now I’m the woman who reigns over the corrupt record label he abandoned, and he’s a tortured musician who wants retribution as viciously as I want another taste of his lips. Inevitably, he will crash in my arms, and I will burn in his.

Depravity is all we know. It’s in the air we breathe, it’s in our sweat, it’s the music we make.

An unforgettably searing and unapologetically honest romance about enemies, lovers, and the music that binds them.

Warning: This book contains adult language and subject matter including graphic violence and explict sex that may be disturbing for some readers. This book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: BREAKDOWN is the first instalment in Aly Zigada’s contemporary, adult, PERVERSION RECORDS dark, erotic romance focusing on the men and women who own, work for and work at Perversion Records.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there are numerous sexual and violence triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several first person perspectives BREAKDOWN reveals some of the history, background and infighting that led to the Creed family loss of the family owned Perversion Records, whose recording studios and offices have been established in the reclaimed Moss plantation, an Atlanta estate once known for its’ connections to slavery. As the home of Perversion Records, a studio focusing on the rap music genre, the Moss plantation is the background to secrets and lies, power and control, murder, abuse, infidelity and so much more.

Imogen Creed is determined to take back her family legacy- Perversion Records- by any means necessary including using her song-writing brother Atticus in the process but Atticus, still in a love/hate relationship with Sophie Drew, the current Chief Operating Officer at Perversion Records, is determined to win back the woman who destroyed his heart.

BREAKDOWN is a story of greed, power, envy and control; a story of lust, love, betrayal and vengeance; of murderous deeds, and spiteful retaliation. Not all is as it seems at Perversion Records. From lawsuits to threats of death, no one is safe in an industry known for the destruction of its own. There is much disquietude and uneasiness under the surface, a surface that masks a company slowly spiralling out of control. From suicide to murder, rampant drug abuse, sex and addictions BREAKDOWN reveals the ugly side of the rap music industry, an industry where murder, retaliation and blood shed are but a small part of a bigger problem.

We are introduced to Imogen Creed, and her brother Atticus; Perversion Records COO Sophie Drew; CFO Ezra Del Toro and his wife CEO Merritt Monaghan; as well as up and coming twenty year old, rap star Jocasta Jones, a young hearing impaired woman who may be the catalyst to destroy them all.

Aly Zigada’s BREAKDOWN is a dark, gritty, raw and visceral look at retribution; a slow build up of reprisal and vindictiveness using anything and anyone as a means to an end. Fidelity is rare; trust must be earned but is seldom realized; betrayal and revenge are all part of the game; friendships are destroyed in the blink of an eye. All of the main characters have questionable reputations: likability like beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Everyone has an agenda; is emotionally impaired; and struggles to maintain a sense of stability as madness slowly engulfs them all.

One again, heed my warning. If questionable consent, abuse, graphic violence and explicit sexual situations including infidelity, rough and violent sex acts, make you uneasy, this is not the story or series for you.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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

ENTER Aly’s release day giveaway, including Beats by Dr. Dre executive headphones and a Kate Spade pocketbook: http://bit.ly/BreakdownGiveaway 

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Making Up (Shacking Up #4) by Helena Hunting-Review & Excerpt Tour

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Making Up (Shacking Up #4) by Helena Hunting-Review & Excerpt Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 16, 2019

Cosy Felton is great at her job—she knows just how to handle the awkwardness that comes with working at an adult toy store. So when the hottest guy she’s ever seen walks into the shop looking completely overwhelmed, she’s more than happy to turn on the charm and help him purchase all of the items on his list.

Griffin Mills is using his business trip in Las Vegas as a chance to escape the broken pieces of his life in New York City. The last thing he wants is to be put in charge of buying gag gifts for his friend’s bachelor party. Despite being totally out of his element, and mortified by the whole experience, Griffin is pleasantly surprised when he finds himself attracted to the sales girl that helped him.

As skeptical as Cosy may be of Griffin’s motivations, there’s something about him that intrigues her. But sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas and when real life gets in the way, all bets are off. Filled with hilariously awkward situations and enough sexual chemistry to power Sin City, Making Up is the next standalone in the Shacking Up world.

••••••••••

REVIEW: MAKING UP is the fourth instalment in Helena Hunting’s contemporary, adult SHACKING UP erotic, romance series focusing on the Mills siblings and extended family. This is twenty-two year old, college student Cosy Felton, and thirty-three year old, billionaire hotelier Griffin Mills’ story line. MAKING UP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Cosy and Griffin) MAKING UP follows the building relationship between is twenty-two year old, college student Cosy Felton, and thirty-three year old, billionaire hotelier Griffin Mills. To put herself through college, our heroine Cosy Felton, works as a retail clerk in a local Vegas ‘adult’ shop, where she will come face to face with her future in guise of Griffin Mills, a man who has been relegated to buying ‘trinkets’ for a friend’s bachelor party. From the outset their attraction to one another is immediate and palpable but Cosy struggles with their age difference, a struggle that persists through most of the story. What ensues is the building relationship between Griffin and Cosy, and the potential fall-out as not once but twice issues of trust push Cosy out of Griffin’s life.

At thirty-three years old Griffin Mills has a past, a past that he is reluctant to speak of, including his families billion dollar hotel business but Griffin’s need keep secrets is about to implode when the woman with whom he is falling in love feels betrayed when the truths are finally revealed. Cosy Felton is a bit of a free spirit who refuses to remain in one place very long. Meeting Griffin Mills finds our heroine instantly intrigued but her obsession with their differences in age forces Griffin to work that much harder to seduce the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The relationship between Griffin and Cosy is an older man, younger woman that struggles in the face of past sins, and lies of omission. Cosy has spent most of her life free of commitment but meeting Griffin is something Cosy is willing to explore. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and seductive without the use of over the top,sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Griffin’s brothers: Bancroft and Lexington, and their father Mr. Mills as well as their cousins Lincoln and Armstrong Moorehead; Griffin’s ex-fiancee Imogen; Cosy’s wild-child sister Nevah; and co-worker Helun Alix.

MAKING UP is a story of family, friendships, betrayal and love; a story of past indiscretions, new beginnings, secrets and revelations. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is sexy and hot; the characters are colorful and energetic but Cosy’s obsession about their age difference became repetitive and long. MAKING UP is a fun, heart breaking and emotional roller coaster of romance and love.

Copy supplied for review

Review by Sandy

We’re a couple of minutes away from my apartment, which also means we’re almost at the end of our date. End-of-date protocol often means a goodnight kiss.
And I’ve eaten onions. Lots of them. What the hell was I thinking? I feel around in my shorts pocket, hoping I have a random stick of gum. I find a tiny square packet and pull it out, along with an old tissue. I shove that back in my pocket and sigh with relief as I carefully open the Listerine Pocketpak. There’s one strip left. I pop it in my mouth, wishing I had water since my mouth is dry and I’m suddenly super nervous.
Griffin pulls up in front of my apartment building. I swallow a bunch of times, trying to get the strip to dissolve on my tongue and glance out the tinted window, seeing it from his perspective. I don’t live in a bad part of town, but I sure as hell wouldn’t leave this car sitting out here for any length of time unless I wanted it keyed or stripped down.
Griffin shifts into park and turns to me, one hand resting on the back of my seat near the headrest. “I had a great time, Cosy.”
“Me too, thanks for dinner.” I tried to fork over my share, but he was quick on the credit card draw.
“It was my pleasure.” He leans in the tiniest bit, a nonverbal cue that he’s going in for a kiss.
I mirror the movement, giving him the go ahead. My stomach flutters in anticipation. I exhale slowly through my nose. Even though the Listerine strip should be doing its job to mask the onions, I don’t want to ruin the moment by breathing that in his face.
His fingertips skim my jaw, and I close my eyes. And then his lips brush my cheek. I wait for them to move a couple of inches to the right, but after what feels like a lot of seconds—and is probably only a few—I crack a lid.
Griffin is still close, a wry smile on his lips and a smolder in his eyes.
“Seriously, that’s it? A kiss on the cheek?”
His smile widens, making his eyes crinkle at the corners. He’s nothing like the guys I usually end up on dates with. College boys don’t take things slow. If I were out with one of the guys from school, I’d be sitting in a beat-up Civic with some stupid music playing, and he’d be all over me with his tongue halfway down my throat, copping a feel.
“I thought all the onions you ate were the equivalent to garlic for vampires.” Griffin fingers my hair near my shoulder. I’d really like him to finger something else. Wait. I mean I’d like to feel his hands on me. Not in my pants. Okay, maybe I’d like them in my pants, but not after date number one.
“I wasn’t thinking, and I really like onions. A lot. In hindsight, it’s not a great date food. I feel kinda dumb. And I guess at first I wasn’t so sure about you. How was I supposed to know you’d actually be kind of normalish?”
“Normalish?”
“Well, you drink club soda on purpose, so you can’t be all there.” I tap his temple.
Griffin circles my wrist with his fingers and drops his head, lips brushing over my knuckle. “We can’t all be perfect, now, can we?”
“I suppose not, and perfect is boring.”
“That it is.” He hums against my skin, and I feel it through my entire body. “I would like to try that kiss again, if you’re still interested.”

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

FOLLOW: NTY and USA Today Bestselling author of The PUCKED Series, Helena Hunting lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. Helena writes everything from contemporary romance to romance comedy, sports romance and angsty new adult romance.

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Once Upon A Time in Bliss by Lexi Blake-Review & Excerpt tour

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ONCE UPON A TIME IN BLISS (Nights in Bliss, Colorado #8) by Lexi Blake-Review  & Excerpt Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-release July 16, 2019

Re-released in a second edition with new content.

Go back in time to Bliss’s first happily ever after…

CIA operative John Bishop arrived in Bliss, Colorado, seeking a respite from the high-stakes game of blood and lies that sent him to the worst corners of the world. A week playing the role of vacationing professor Henry Flanders would recharge his batteries, especially if he found a gorgeous woman to occupy his time.

Nell Finn has spent her life focused on helping others, but when she meets the tall and mysterious Henry Flanders, she can’t stop imagining what he might do for her. When Nell and her mother are threatened, Henry comes to her, offering his protection and comfort.

But as the threats escalate out of control, Henry discovers that the beautiful and innocent Nell is much more than a plaything. Can he save the woman he loves without exposing the secrets that would drive her away?

•••••••

REVIEW: ONCE UPON A TIME IN BLISS is the eight instalment in Lexi Blake (aka Sophia Oak) contemporary, adult NIGHTS IN BLISS, COLORADO erotic, BDSM, romance series focusing on the town of Bliss, Colorado. This is former US Army soldier/ CIA operative John Bishop aka Henry Flanders, and activist Nell Finn’s story line. ONCE UPON A TIME IN BLISS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. The story line takes place six years earlier.

NOTE: ONCE UPON A TIME IN BLISS is the re-release of the 2013 novel written as Sophia Oak with additional content.

Told from dual third person perspectives ( Nell and Henry) ONCE UPON A TIME IN BLISS is the prequel story line focusing on former US Army soldier/ CIA operative John Bishop aka Henry Flanders, and activist Nell Finn, a couple who have regularly played secondary and supporting characters throughout the series. John Bishop needs some down time from his latest CIA assignment so when his friend and former CO Bill Hartman offered a few days of R&R at his Bliss, Colorado nudist resort Bishop arrived under the name Henry Flanders, in an effort to remain anonymous and out of the line of fire of the US Government but things don’t go according to plans when a local resident and her mother become the victim of a stalker intent on destroying their lives. Enter activist Nell Finn, and the woman with whom Henry would fall in love. What ensues is the building romance between Henry and Nell, and the potential fall-out as Nell’s stalker makes good on his threats.

Henry Flanders aka John Bishop is a Dominant by nature, and meeting the naïve and innocent Nell Flanders stirs something deep without our hero’s heart but John doesn’t do relationships, and his time in Bliss, Colorado comes with an expiry date.

Nell Flanders is an idealist; a dreamer; a optimist who is hoping to change the world one protest at a time but it is Nell’s continuing protests that have stirred the ire of someone who doesn’t want to be disturbed.

The relationship between Nell and Henry is one of immediate attraction but once again, John doesn’t do relationships but Henry is considering all available options including his own happily ever after with our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate with some light spanking and discipline scenarios.

We catch a glimpse of several familiar faces including a younger version of Seth Stark and Logan Green, and Jamie and Noah, and of course Ian Taggart.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN BLISS reveals some of the background and introduction between Nell and Henry, as well as the possibility of John Bishop’s past catching up with our story line hero. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is seductive and steamy; the characters are sexy, sassy and energetic.

Previous Reviews
Pure Bliss
Changing Bliss

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

“Is there any way you could drop me off in town?”
He felt his eyes narrow because she had plans. That was obvious. He was fairly sure that he wouldn’t like her plans. “Why?”
“Because I need to start scheduling the repairs.”
That wasn’t all she was planning on doing. She was hiding something. It was right there in the way she wouldn’t look him in the eyes. And why had she talked about her mom staying with Pam Sheppard and not herself? It was time to start herding Nell in the proper direction. He crowded her. It wasn’t hard in the small bedroom.
The minute she realized how close he was, she backed up, ceding the space until her back hit the door. “Henry?”
“How do you intend to pay for those repairs?” This cabin would require extensive repairs. Everything would have to be replaced. The door alone would cost hundreds of dollars, not to mention fixing the windows. He would bet a lot that Nell didn’t have that money.
Her face flushed the closer he got. Yes, she was aware of him, finally. That was what he wanted. “I don’t know that’s your business.”
“So it’s my business to take care of this for you, but not to know how you’ll take care of yourself? Is that how you work when you help someone out? You do one piece of the job and send them on their way?” He was playing on her sympathetic soul. And her body. He leaned in. She smelled sweet, like milk and honey. Damn, but he could eat her up. And there was no way to miss the way her nipples peaked under her sweater because she wasn’t wearing a bra.
Her voice was slightly breathless. “I think it’s nice that you want to help, but I don’t need it. I can fix everything.”
He loomed over her, well aware that he was using his height to intimidate her. “How, Nell? Do you have a job you haven’t told me about?”
“I have a computer I can pawn,” she said quietly.
He’d wondered what she’d intended to do, and still his freaking cold-as-fuck heart softened a fraction. All she’d talked about on the way over here was her writing. “I thought you wrote books.”
Her back was against the wall. She had nowhere to go, and that was just what he wanted. Her eyes had dilated. They roamed from his face to his neck to his chest, taking him in even as she spoke. “I do, but I have to admit, I don’t think I’m very good at it. I keep getting rejected, so I might as well get rid of the computer. Do you have to stand so close?”
There wasn’t a trace of irritation in that question. It had been asked with a delicious breathiness that let him know she was interested.
“If you didn’t want me to stand so close, you should have gotten a bigger bedroom,” he said, well aware his voice had gone low. He stared down at her, unwilling to let her off the hook for a second. Now that he was close to her, he was damn sure he couldn’t let her go. Oh, eventually he would. He would go back to his life and she would move on with hers, but for a week or so, he was going to be in her bed. He was going to be in her body. And he was going to solve a few of her problems. “You can’t pawn your computer. How will you keep up with your protests? How will you know what to protest in the first place?”
It didn’t make any sense, but he couldn’t stand the thought of her walking into some crummy shop and giving up her computer for half of what it was worth.
“I’ll figure it out,” she replied, her eyes round.
And selling the thing wouldn’t do any good. It would be a drop in the bucket of what she would need. “It won’t work, Nell.” He backed her against the wall. “Let someone help you. I can loan you the money.”
It wouldn’t be a loan, but she didn’t have to know that until he was long gone and she couldn’t find him.
“That’s not a good idea.” Her head tilted up. “None of this is a good idea.”
But her lips, those fuck-me, take-me lips, were trembling. Her hands were moving to his waist like she couldn’t help herself, and he didn’t even want to try to help himself. Everything about his life was plotted and planned and decided on for the best of whatever fucking mission he happened to be on.
He didn’t want to think. He wanted her. That was all that mattered.
“It’s the best idea I’ve had in a long time.”

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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Love, Loyalty & Mayhem: Motorcycle Club Romance Anthology tour

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LOVE, LOYALTY & MAYHEM: Motorcycle Club Romance Anthology Tour with Giveaway

 

 

ebook ONLY 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play / iBooks /

JOIN THE FACEBOOK EVENT HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/862015704147345

VISIT THE BOOK FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/LoveLoyaltyMayhem

•••••••••••

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 16, 2019

Bad Boy Alpha Alert!

Twenty of your favorite MC authors come together to bring you brand new, never released stories from some of your favorite motorcycle clubs.

Love-
Life with a biker is an adventure full of twists and turns. When love is involved, MC men never back down from what they want—they fight for it.

Loyalty-
Loyalty is the foundation in any motorcycle club. Break it, they break you. There isn’t a line they won’t cross to protect who or what they claim as their own.

Mayhem-
These men live a life made by their own set of rules. Chaos tends to always find them. You cross them, the consequences are swift.

Hold on for the ride as this talented group of authors come together to bring you an anthology like no other.

Your favorite clubs, new clubs, and everything in between can be found in this collection filled with suspense, action, adventure, romance and so much more!

•••••••••••

NOTE: I have read and reviewed the following short stories and novellas

RIDE DEEP by Laura Kaye

RIDE DEEP by Laura Kaye is a novella length story line in the author’s Raven Riders MC series, found in the multi-authored Love, Loyalty and Mayhem: Motorcycle Club Romance anthology. This is MC member Jagger Locke, and teacher Miranda Everly’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jagger and Miranda) RIDE DEEP is a quick read that follows MC member Jagger Locke, and teacher Miranda Everly, and their introduction to the Raven Riders series. Jagger Locke spent seven months in prison for a crime he did not commit. On his way to the clubhouse, Jagger will come across an accident involving his prison English teacher, a woman who stirs something deep within our story line hero. What ensues is the quick building/lust filled relationship between Jagger and Miranda, as the MC discover that Miranda has been targeted by an unknown source.

RIDE DEEP is a fast paced, erotic short story that establishes some of the background, and sets up the outline for Jagger and Miranda’s continuing tale. The premise will captivate your attention as the couple traverses a minefield of what if and why. The character development is absent; the world building is limited due to the five chapter reveal which I liken to a serial instalment. Jagger and Miranda’s story will continue in a future instalment.

••••••••••••••

SICKO by Amo Jones

WARNING: Due to the story line content, there may be multiple triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jade and Sicko) SICKO by Amo Jones is a five chapter introduction to first year college student Jade Kane, a young woman, who at the age of six was fostered into the Kane family. Fast forward to present day wherein Jade’s life is a living h*ll. Not only was she abandoned by her foster brother Travis, six years earlier when he left without saying a word, but our heroine has suffered more than anyone could have imagined. A dark, gritty and emotionally alarming opening segue into the author’s 2020 SICKO.

•••••••••••••••

SWAGGER AND SASS by Autumn Jones Lake

Told from dual first person perspectives (Shelby and Rooster) SWAGGER AND SASS is a short story in Autumn Jones Lake’s LOST KINGS MC focusing on twenty-two year old waitress and singer Shelby Morgan, and MC member Logan ‘Rooster’ Randall.

The Lost Kings MC of Los Angeles had just arrived in San Antonio, Texas when Rooster and a few of his fellow MC brothers witnessed a young woman falling into the water while her ‘boyfriend’ watched without offering help. Rooster immediately sets out to rescue the woman, and in doing so has sealed his fate towards a potential happily ever after. The quick building relationship is steamy and fun; the characters are colorful and energetic. SWAGGER AND SASS gives the reader a quick peak into a day in the life of the Lost Kings MC

••••••••••••••••

BREATH FOR IT by Chelsea Camaron

BREATH FOR IT by Chelsea Camaron is an excerpt from the author’s next instalment in her HELLIONS RIDE ON series focusing on the members of the Haywood’s Hellion MC.

Told from dual first person perspective (Crunch and Jenni) BREATH FOR IT introduces some of the background in the relationship between eighteen year old, high school students Rhett ‘Crunch’Oleander and Jennissey ‘Jenni’ Rivera. With the approach of graduation Jenni is desperate to move out of Haywood, and enlisting in the Navy seems to be her only opportunity but Jenni kept secret her future plans, destroying Crunch with her eventual reveal. A quick peak into the fall-out of Jenni and Crunch’s relationship; more of a tease to push the reader into wanting more.

••••••••••••

SNOW WHITE AND THE BIKER (Original Seven MC) by Glenna Maynard

Told from several first person perspectives including Diego Diaz and Sybil White SNOW WHITE AND THE BIKER follows Original Seven MC prospect as he is tasked with killing our story line heroine. Sybil White is about to turn twenty -one and will inherit her late father’s fashion business but Sybil’s step-mother Consuela has hired the Original Seven MC to take out our heroine before she turns twenty one.

SNOW WHITE AND THE BIKER is another quick erotic read; a few chapters introducing some of the background and build up of a killer for hire in which our unsuspecting heroine is ripe for the picking.

••••••••••••••••••

Prelude to SALVATION (Angels Halo Next Gen MC) by Terri Anne Browning

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ben and Lexa) introduces thirty year old, former Marine and Sheriff Ben Davis, and college student Lexa Reid. Lexa is the daughter of Angels Halo MC President Bash Reid, and as such she is considered off limits to anyone and everyone. Hurt in the past, Lexa struggles with her immediate attraction to new county Sheriff Ben Davis, an attraction that will surely anger her father with the potential of inflicting more danger and wrath.

The prelude to SALVATION is another quick read; a few chapters introducing Ben and Lexa, and the potential for problems if Ben pursues our story line heroine.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

 Amo Jones: https://www.amojonesbooks.com

Autumn Jones Lake: http://www.autumnjoneslake.com

Avelyn Paige: http://www.authoravelynpaige.com

Bink Cummings: http://www.authorbinkcummings.com

Chelsea Camaron: http://www.authorchelseacamaron.com

Glenna Maynard: https://www.glennamaynard.com

Kristen Hope Mazzola: http://www.kristenhopemazzola.com

Wilder: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLeslieWilder

Laramie Briscoe    :https://www.laramiebriscoe.net

Laura Kaye: http://laurakayeauthor.com

M. Robinson: https://www.authormrobinson.com

MariaLisa deMora: https://www.mldemora.com

Mary Martel: https://www.facebook.com/Mary-Martel-Author-1541741189392060

Nicole Jacquelyn: https://www.facebook.com/authornicolejacquelyn

Nicole James: http://www.nicolejames.net

Nina Levine: https://ninalevinebooks.com

Ryan Michele: https://authorryanmichele.com

Sapphire Knight: https://www.authorsapphireknight.com

Terri Anne Browning: http://www.terriannebrowningauthor.com

Winter Travers: http://www.wintertravers.com

 

 

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Cruel Legacy (Cruel #3) by K. A. Linda-Review tour

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CRUEL LEGACY (Cruel #3) by K.A. Linde-Review Tour

 

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 16, 2019

Darkness swept in.

Smothering everything in its inky black.

I have turned into their worst nightmares.

And I will not rest until they pay.

For everything.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: CRUEL LEGACY is the third and final instalment in K. A. Linde’s contemporary, adult CRUEL erotic, romance series focusing on thirty year old, philosophy professor Penn Kensington, and twenty-five year old writer Natalie Bishop. CRUEL LEGACY should not be read as a stand alone as is picks up immediately after the events of book two CRUEL FORTUNE.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Penn and Natalie) and one chapter by Katherine CRUEL LEGACY is the culmination of 8 years of secrets, lies, and deception; and a game where revenge is ugly, and the fall-out even more so. Eight years earlier Natalie Bishop was a pawn in a game between the spoiled, uber rich kids of the Upper East Side. Fast forward seven years wherein Natalie would come face to face with the people that destroyed her life, intent on destroying their lives in return. But all did not go according to plan when our heroine was once again the victim of betrayal and vengeance by the same people who had broken her years before. One more year would pass and our heroine would come to terms with what happened, falling in love with one of the game players but a love that balanced precariously on the edge when vengeance set in to destroy them all. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Penn and Natalie, and the fall out as Natalie sets a plan into motion determined to seek vengeance against those who did her wrong.

CRUEL LEGACY is a story of discrimination, deception, and retribution; of secrets, lies, antagonism and retaliation; ;of heart break, mistrust, misrepresentation and love. K. A. Linde pulls the reader into one woman’s battle to stay one step ahead, as the world continues to pull her down-one step forward, two steps back until the final fall-out wherein everyone will suffer when karma’s aim hits its’ mark. The premise is dramatic and intense ; the characters are tragic but energetic; the romance is passionate but built upon a foundation of mistrust, secrets and lies.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
One Cruel Night
Cruel Money
Cruel Fortune
Cruel Legacy

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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K.A. Linde is the USA Today bestselling author of the Avoiding Series, Wrights, and more than thirty other novels. She has a Masters degree in political science from the University of Georgia, was the head campaign worker for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and served as the head coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, binge-watching Supernatural, traveling, and dancing in her spare time.

She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband and two super-adorable puppies.

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