Monthly Archives: July 2019

Beg For You (Rocktown Ink #1) by Sherilee Gray-Review & Excerpt Tour

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BEG FOR YOU (Rocktown Ink #1) by Sherilee Gray-Review & Excerpt Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 11, 2019

Ten years. Ten endless years I’ve waited to destroy the man who tore my family apart. But I never thought I’d get the chance… until his daughter walked into my tattoo parlour, looked me in the eye — and had no damned clue who I was.

I never planned on falling for Cassandra Deighton. She’s silk scarves and manicures. I’m scars and rage. Yet I can’t resist when she begs for more, my ice queen who burns with enough heat to sear the soul.

I need to end this. Before she finds out who I am. Before she gets hurt.

But I’m not the only one with secrets. We both have our scars, and if the truth comes out, we could lose everything.

••••••••••

REVIEW:  BEG FOR YOU is the first instalment in Sherilee Gray’s contemporary, adult ROCKTOWN INK erotic romance series focusing on the Calero family who own and operate the tattoo shop Rocktown Ink. This is twenty-nine year old, tattoo artist and owner Joel ‘Cal’ Calero, and art gallery owner Cassandra Deighton’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Cassandra and Cal) BEG FOR YOU follows the enemies to lovers / opposites attract relationship between twenty six-year old art gallery owner Cassandra Deighton, and twenty-nine year old, tattoo artist Joel ‘Cal’ Calero. Ten years earlier Cal’s life was destroyed when an accident left him scarred, and the finger of guilt was pointed in his direction. Losing his family gave Cal thoughts of revenge, revenge he was about to impart using any means necessary. Enter Cassandra Deighton, a beautiful but badly scarred young woman looking to take back control of her life. What ensues is the building relationship between Cal and Cassandra, and the potential fall-out when the truth is revealed.

Cassandra had no idea her father was about to lose the family ranch. In an effort to save face, Cassandra is offered as ‘payment’ in return for saving the business and the Deighton family legacy. Cassie wants nothing to do with her father’s plans, plans that threaten all semblance of freedom for our story line heroine. Hoping to push the envelope, our heroine goes in search of someone with the ability to tattoo over her scars, scars burned into her flesh ten years earlier.

Joel ‘Cal’ Calero knew the moment Cassandra stepped into his shop, revenge was close at hand but Cal never expected to fall in love with the platinum blonde beauty, a woman he once thought of as an ice-cold and frigid. The relationship between Cal and Cassandra is predicted upon a lie, a lie of omission as Cal struggles with his attraction to the woman whose father he is hoping to destroy. Cal believes Cassandra is a spoiled princess, but Cassandra sees beyond Cal’s own scars and tattoos, sees the man with whom she will fall in love. Desperate for an escape to forget about life for a while, our heroine returns to Rocktown Ink for much more than her scheduled tattoo. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Cal’s younger brother Dane, and their cousin Logan aka Bull; Cassandra’s grandmother, her father Lyall Deighton, their neighbour Spencer Livingston; as well as Cassanda’s friend Ted.

BEG FOR YOU is a story of betrayal, vengeance, secrets and lies; a story of grief and loss; of retribution and revelations. The premise is dramatic; the characters are broken and energetic; the romance is steamy, sexy and hot. BEG FOR YOU is a spicy, sensitive, and spirited introduction to Sherilee Gray’s ROCKTOWN INK world.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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

Cal
She didn’t recognize me.
But then my name wouldn’t have tipped her off. Cal was a nickname, a shortened version of my surname Calero. Cassandra wouldn’t know that, Chris had called me by my first name, Joel.
Through a small gap, the only piece of glass door not covered in pictures, I watched Cassandra Deighton get into her car and shut the door.
Jesus. Even after ten years she still seemed as untouchable as she had then. That coating of frost she’d made sure I felt whenever I was around her hadn’t thawed. The only time I’d seen her soften was around her horses. Daddy’s perfect angel. She’d been an ice queen in the making back then. Is that who she was now?
What would her father say if he knew she was getting inked up? If he knew who was going to be decorating her rich-girl skin?
I gripped the handle. I needed to go out there before she left, put a stop to this, tell her that I’d made a mistake, that I couldn’t fit her in after all. But I couldn’t make my damn feet move. I fucking stood there and watched her drive away.
The last time I’d seen her she’d been walking up the stairs in her house, dressed to the nines, dolled up for one of her father’s fancy dinner parties. She hadn’t seen me, had missed the night’s entertainment when I’d been escorted from the property, whispers and looks of accusation following me as I was dragged out and told not to come back.
The poor Rocktown kid, the bad seed who had led Lyall Deighton’s perfect son astray then dared to show his ugly face at their doorstep and remind them of what had happened. All I’d wanted was to see if Cassandra was okay. I knew she’d been hurt, but I had no idea how badly.
That was the first time her father publicly blamed me for Chris’s death.
My fist collided with the doorframe, a rough growl erupting past my lips, rage a twisted knot in my gut. I should have followed her from my shop. I should have told her not to come back.
Would you be able to even form the damn words to tell her to take a hike?
I felt my skin heat and gritted my teeth. Yeah, I’d seen the horrified look on her face when she’d gotten a good look at me, the tilt of her head when my speech was slow, measured. It pissed me the fuck off. Frustration, the kind I hadn’t felt in a long time, settled in my gut. The TBI—traumatic brain injury—I’d suffered when I was thrown from the car had changed my whole life, and even after all this time I still had moments when I struggled with my speech. The words didn’t always come easy and I had to think hard, get them right in my head, before I spoke.
“Fuck.” Of all the tattoo shops Cassandra could have strutted her snooty ass into, she’d chosen mine. Why did I agree to work on her? I’d lost my motherfucking mind. Shit, if she knew who she’d asked to cover those scars…

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Sherilee Gray is a kiwi girl and lives in beautiful New Zealand with her husband and their two children. When she isn’t writing sexy, edgy contemporary and paranormal romance, searching for her next alpha hero on Pinterest, or fueling her voracious book addiction, she can be found dreaming of far off places with a mug of tea in one hand and a bar of Cadburys Rocky Road chocolate in the other.

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Bishop’s Knight (Endgame Trilogy 1) by Katie Reus-Review &Excerpt Tour

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Bishop’s Knight (Endgame Trilogy #1) by Katie Reus-Review & Excerpt Tour

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The Bishop siblings’ family is on the verge of collapse as all three find themselves embroiled in danger. Family bonds may keep them alive…but only love can give them something to live for. Read BISHOP’S KNIGHT, the first novel in this ALL NEW heart-pounding Endgame trilogy!

She needs his protection…

Thanks to years of government training, Evie Bishop knows how to get into places she doesn’t belong—and she’s very good at it. But years of doing black ops work burned her out so she returns home—to unexpected chaos. One of her brothers is in a coma and the other is in hiding, wanted for murder. Then a fellow operative from her past shows up shot and bleeding with news that an assassin is gunning for everyone involved with a past op. She’s forced to turn to the one man she knows she can trust—the man whose heart she broke.

But it will come with a price…

When Dylan Blackwood proposed a year ago, Evie turned him down flat and walked out of his life. He’s stunned when he finds her on his doorstep covered in someone else’s blood, needing his help. He always knew there was more to her than met the eye—that Evie was never simply the pampered society princess she wanted people to believe she was. But he never expected this. If she needs help, he’ll give it. Even if he can’t forget her betrayal. Even if he isn’t sure he can trust her. But his protection will come with a price—her heart. Before they can have a chance at a future, they’ll have to work together to take down a faceless enemy who has Evie firmly in his crosshairs.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: BISHOP’S KNIGHT is the first instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult ENDGAME erotic, romantic suspense trilogy focusing on the Bishop Siblings. This is twenty-eight year old, former CIA operative Evangeline ‘Evie’ Bishop, and thirty six year old, former US military soldier, billionaire businessman Dylan Blackwood’s story line. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s Red Stone Security series.

Told from several third person perspectives including Evie and Dylan, using present day and memories from the past, BISHOP’S KNIGHT follows the second chance romance between twenty-eight year old, former CIA operative Evangeline ‘Evie’ Bishop, and thirty-six year old, former military and billionaire businessman Dylan Blackwood. Approximately one year earlier, while on assignment CIA operative Evie Bishop fell in love with her mark, Dylan Blackwood but upon Dylan’s proposal Evie ran without looking back. Fast forward to present day wherein Evie is desperate for Dylan’s help, a desperation that brings her face to face with the man whose heart she destroyed. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship and romance between Evie and Dylan, and the potential fall-out as Evie and a group of CIA agents have been targeted by someone from their past.

Evie Bishop’s life hasn’t been easy for the past several weeks. Six months earlier she walked away from the man that she loves; her oldest brother Evan was in the hospital in a medically induced coma, and her brother Ellis was on the run, accused of killing one of his partners in the DEA. When another CIA operative comes looking for help, Evie knows of only one man who may be capable of getting the job done, the man whose heart she broke six months earlier. Dylan Blackwood could never understand why Evie ran the day he proposed but her reappearance in his life brings with it more danger and secrets than he could have ever imagined.

The relationship between Evie and Dylan is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people destroyed by secrets, lies and a government operation wherein meeting Dylan Blackwood, was a means to an end. Their reconnection is not without more secrets and lies but Evie knows to that forgiveness comes with grovelling and the truth. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Evie’s brothers: Evan and his fiancée Isla, and DEA agent Ellis Bishop; Dr. Finn Kelly, and Evie’s fellow CIA operatives-analyst Benjamin Miller and Samara, Detective Carlito Duarte, security specialist and former FBI agent Leo Webster, and several other FBI, CIA and government agents.

BISHOP’S KNIGHT introduces some of the background in relationship to the lives and struggles of Bishops siblings. The premise is engaging, intriguing and inviting; the romance is seductive and steamy; the character are colorful, energetic and strong. BISHOP’S KNIGHT is a wonderful start to a new series.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

“We’ve got a tail,” Dylan said before she could say the same, his tone clipped.“Yeah, three cars back. Gray Nissan.”

“That’s the one.”

It was a neutral, boring car that wouldn’t stand out anywhere. But she was trained to see stuff like that. And so was he. He’d been in the Marines and in war zones. He knew when someone was following him. “They could just be heading in the same direction as us.” Of course if they were, they’d been behind them since they’d pulled out of the hospital parking lot.

“They could.” Dylan took a sharp left turn onto a residential street.

A few seconds later, the gray car followed, revving its engine as it sped after them, giving up any pretense of not following them.

Her heart rate increased as she turned around. This could be whoever had shot Samara. And if they thought they could hurt her—or Dylan—she was about to show them the error of their ways. “Are you armed?” Evie asked even as a shot of adrenaline punched through her.

Jaw tense, a short nod.

Why was she not surprised? “Where?”

“One in the center console and one under my seat.”

She paused. “Two weapons?”

“I take my security seriously.” His gaze flicked to the rearview mirror again.

All right, then. She’d never seen him in action, not in real life anyway. But she’d seen an old satellite video of the man taking enemy fire and holding his own—and saving four men’s lives. He could more than take care of himself. She opened his center console. Sure enough, a pistol was tucked inside. Normally she was armed but her weapon was back at his place. Without asking for permission, she plucked his pistol out of its holster.

He frowned at her but didn’t tell her to stop. “I’m not getting in a high-speed chase with this guy.”

Evie didn’t like the idea of that either. Not surrounded by all these residential streets. Too big of a chance of a civilian getting hurt. “You could drive straight to the police station.” She hated the idea of losing this guy, but she also wasn’t going to let any civilians get hurt. Hell no.

“I have a better idea.” He revved the engine, speeding up as he took another sharp turn onto another residential street. Cars lined both sides of the street, some parked in driveways, some on the road.

“What are you doing?” She clutched the grab handle as he tore into an empty driveway and quickly reversed. “Oh shit!”

He gunned the engine, arrowing straight at the gray car.

“Dylan!”

“He’ll swerve.” The man looked absolutely convinced as he pressed on the gas.

Yeah, well, she wasn’t so sure. She pressed the sunroof button, opening it as he sped down the asphalt.

The other car zoomed right at them. Her heart jumped in her chest. The guy wasn’t swerving. Neither was Dylan. Fuuuuccck.

They were only a few car lengths apart now. Oh, God. Her throat seized— The gray car swerved at the last minute.

Heart still pounding, she unstrapped and jumped up, pistol out, and aimed at the rear window. Glass shattered everywhere. She took another shot, this time at one of the tires.

Ping.

Adrenaline pumping, she ducked as a bullet glanced off the top of Dylan’s car. Hell, the guy was firing back.

“Evie, get down!”


 

 

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.

Connect with Katie:

Facebook | Blog| Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Website

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His Rebellious Lass by Callie Hutton – a Review

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His Rebellious Lass by Callie Hutton – a Review

 

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Description:
He wants to marry her off quickly. She says absolutely not.

When the Marquess of Campbell inherits a fiery, red-headed Scottish beauty as his ward, it’s his job to marry her off. No problem. She comes with a fortune. Lady Bridget MacDuff will have suitors falling all over themselves to wed her.

Not so fast. Lady Bridget has plans for that fortune and they involve helping unfortunate women. And she has no intention of helping her devastatingly handsome guardian in his quest to get her off his hands. He doesn’t plan to marry, either. Why should she?

Bridget and Cam are now on opposite sides of a war that neither one plans to lose. Even if Cam’s rakish presence throws Bridget’s heart into turmoil and the marquess can’t deny that his ward sets his heart afire. And then Cam makes a bold proposal…

 

Review:

“Ok, so you don’t like me, or this situation, any more than I do…let’s resolve the matter expeditiously”…is what Lord Campbell SHOULD be saying to his unexpected ward, Lady Bridget, but her impertinence and quick wit have intrigued him beyond measure. All of a sudden, Cam is extolling the virtues of “guardianship” and thoroughly securing her place in society. Yeah right! :D. If only Cam had considered Bridget for himself from the onset, all of the folly surrounding Bridget’s would-be-suitors would have been unnecessary. Then again, Cam yields to no one on the notion of marriage, and it was rather scandalous to fall for your ward. Callie Hutton spins yet another spicy Regency for us to love with her new Scottish Hearts series introduction, His Rebellious Lass. Charming to no end!

Cam is inherently accustomed to respect and deference as a peer, and member of Parliament, but this notorious rake is saddled by a ward that challenges and upends his life of aristocracy. Although in complete synchronicity with Cam regarding marriage, a means of lawfully subjugating a woman’s autonomy if she were to tell it, Bridget is ambitiously working on a project for battered women. While noble as all get out, Cam’s plans to simply marry off Bridget have taken a serious turn. The more Cam exposes her to society soirees, as is his obligation, the more Bridget digs her heels in to reveal an even more fascinating layer of character. Her beauty and bountiful dowry are worthy of a few bachelors, though Cam’s standards are getting more and more stringent, who is going to indulge Bridget’s idealism and foster that spirit he finds so attractive?! Complicated indeed.

The banter between Bridget and Cam was gregarious and sharp. I howled with laughter at Bridget’s unwavering opinion towards marriage — the same one Cam purported to share! 🙂 Their sparring stemmed from genuine discourse, never petty or contrary, and it was rewarding as it engendered compromises to mutual satisfaction. The passion built as their relationship developed and it was described exquisitely. The situation was a delicate one, can they resist crossing that boundary, and Ms. Hutton strategically inserted plot twists to express varying POVs. Don’t underestimate misunderstanding and angst to complete the gamut of emotions.

Will Cam succumb to a natural call of love or will he be forced to surrender Bridget, as is his duty? Praise to Ms. Hutton for not downplaying the superficiality of the ton and the innovation, despite the time, to protect and empower women. So well done. I just loved this book!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Highland Avenger (Renegade Scots #3) by Julie Johnstone-a review

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Highland Avenger (Renegade Scots Book 3) by Julie Johnstone -a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 9, 2019

Duty drove him to possess her, but love will drive him to his knees.

Eight years ago, savage Scots invaded Eve Decres’s home, murdering her family and plunging her into a nightmare. As sole heir to a strategically located castle on the border between Scotland and England, Eve became a prize to be wedded and bedded, and she fled into hiding. She survived by clinging to two dreams: one day reclaiming her inheritance, and finding love to build a new family from the ashes of her loss. But on the verge of beginning her journey to make her dreams reality, she makes a fatal error that alerts her enemies to her whereabouts.

Now, Eve is catapulted into a world of feuding clans and warring kingdoms where she’s forced to make a choice that threatens to destroy her chance at freedom and shatter her heart. Amid treachery and violence, she soon discovers her only hope dwells in tying herself to Grant Fraser, a noble, fierce Highland warrior. Though passion smolders between them, Grant is bent on vengeance and sworn to a duty that would thwart her own plans.

Bound by desperation but separated by conflicting desires, the spitfire lass and the determined laird must relinquish what they’ve long held sacred in order to overcome their foes and claim a glorious, unconquerable love.

••••••••••••

REVIEW:  I’ve read one of the previous books in this series. (Outlaw King book 1) I don’t think you need to read the other books, but it gives a little background.

Grant is newly appointed Laird if his clan, he wasn’t suppose to be the Laird, that was his brothers place, but he was murdered, so Grant has to step up. He has captured the man responsible for his brother’s death, but had been told his nephew is being held captive, so a swap is needed to save his brothers son.

Eve has been in hiding ever since her parents were killed (in front of her) she is the heir to a castle (it’s position is strategic to both the Scots and the English.) And now she’s eighteen, she can legally claim it, but being a woman if she marries then the husband has rights over the castle, so that makes Eve a target.

Together they need to trust one another, Eve doesn’t trust Grant, she thinks he is a brutish Scot, only after her castle, and he doesn’t trust the English.

I really enjoyed the book, it was full of action. Grant and Eve were a really great couple. We have a lot of action. We have prisoner exchanges, we have traitors and mistrust. In all it makes for a really good read.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Outlaw King
Highland Defender
Highland Avenger

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

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Author Julie Johnstone first fell in love with romance fifteen years ago when she picked up her first romance novel in an airport gift shop on the way to Conroe, Texas for a family reunion and spent her whole weekend reading rather than water skiing, which up until then was one of her favorite things to do.

Julie is staying up way too late and typing furiously on her keyboard to finish her next book or blog with her fellow authors at Ladyscribes. Julie is married to an amazing lawyer and when she is not running her two precocious children to one activity or another she is trying to seek out some time to stay in shape and see her dearest friends.

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ALL GROWN UP by Vi Keeland-Review Tour

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ALL GROWN UP by Vi Keeland- Review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 8, 2019

A new, sexy standalone from #1 New York Times Bestseller, Vi Keeland.

When I first encountered Ford Donovan, I had no idea who he was…well, other than the obvious. Young, gorgeous, successful, smart. Did I mention young? If I did, it bears repeating. Ford Donovan was too young for me.

Let’s back up to how it all started. My best friend decided I needed to start dating again. So, without my knowledge, she set up a profile for me on a popular dating site—one that invited men ages twenty-one to twenty-seven to apply for a date. Those nicknamed Cunnilingus King were told they’d go straight to the top for consideration. The profile wasn’t supposed to go live. Another point that bears repeating—it wasn’t supposed to.

Nevertheless, that’s how I met Ford, and we started messaging. He made me laugh; yet I was adamant that because of his age, we could only be friends. But after weeks of wearing me down, I finally agreed to one date only—my first after twenty years of being with my high school sweetheart. I knew it couldn’t last, but I was curious about him.

Though, you know what they say…curiosity kills the cat.

My legs wobbled walking into the restaurant.
Ford was seated at the bar. When he turned around, he took my breath away.
His sexy smile nearly melted my panties.
But…he looked so familiar.
As I got closer I realized why.
He was the son of the neighbor at our family’s summer home.
The boy next door.
Only now…he was all man.
I hadn’t seen him in years.
I left the restaurant and planned to put the entire crazy thing behind me.
Which I did. Until summer came.
And guess who decided to use his family’s summer home this year?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: ALL GROWN UP by Vi Keeland is a stand alone, contemporary adult erotic romance story focusing on thirty-seven year old, divorcee and teacher Valentina Davis, and twenty-five year old businessman Ford Donovan.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ford and Valentina) ALL GROWN UP follows the older woman/younger man romance between thirty-seven year old, divorcee and teacher Valentina Davis, and twenty-five year old businessman Ford Donovan. Struggling to move forward after her divorce Valentina discovers that her best friends have signed her up for an online dating service, a service from which she would have never participated. Several incoming texts from an unknown number finds our heroine in an online texting relationship with a younger man she knows only as Donovan. Reluctantly agreeing to meet with Donovan, Valentina will come face to face with the boy-now man who was once their neighbour in Montauk, New York, a man twelve years her junior. Enter Ford Donovan, and the man with whom Valentina would fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Val and Ford, and the potential fall-out as Ford struggles with newly revealed personal demons of his own.

Valentina Davis believes a relationship with Ford would be wholly inappropriate considering their age differences and their prior relationship as summer time neighbors years before, and his prior friendship with her son but Ford Donovan’s attraction to Valentina is immediate and intense, and our hero continues to pursue Valentina throughout the season at their summer vacation homes. Ford Donovan is an old soul in a young man’s body having had to raise his younger sister upon the death of their parents. Mature beyond his years, Ford is the perfect match for our confused and cautious story line heroine.

The relationship between Val and Ford is one of immediate attraction but Valentina struggles with their age differences, and the possibility of people finding out. With her teenaged son in college, and Ford’s younger sister about to enter her first year, Valentine feels more like the mother than the lover Ford is hoping for her to be. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Valentina’s ex husband Ryan, as well as her son Ryan Jr; her best friend Eve and husband Tom; and Ford’s younger sister Annabella.

ALL GROWN UP is a story of what-ifs and why nots; a story of family, friendships, falling in love and moving forward. The premise is entertaining; the romance is steamy and hot; the characters are real, colorful and energetic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is an attorney and a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today Best Selling author. Over the last three years, ten of her titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestseller lists and three on the New York Times Bestseller lists.

Sign up for Vi’s mailing list now and be the first one notified when books go live! ➜https://www.subscribepage.com/i6h3o5

Do you like texts better than email? Receive text notices of Vi’s new releases by texting the word BOOKS to 77948 You will ONLY receive a text when a new book goes live – no other messages at all!

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PROJECT DUCHESS (Duke Dynasty #1) by Sabrina Jeffries-a review

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PROJECT DUCHESS (Duke Dynasty #1) by Sabrina Jeffries-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release June 25, 2019

From New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries comes a sparkling new series about an oft-widowed mother’s grown children, who blaze through society in their quest for the truth about their fathers . . . and in the process find that love just might conquer all . . .

A series of stepfathers and a difficult childhood have left Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt, with a guarded heart, enviable wealth, and the undeserved reputation of a rogue. Grey’s focus on expanding his dukedom allows him little time to find a wife. But when his mother is widowed yet again and he meets the charmingly unconventional woman managing his stepfather’s funeral, he’s shocked to discover how much they have in common. Still, Grey isn’t interested in love, no matter how pretty, or delightfully outspoken, the lady . . .

Beatrice Wolfe gave up on romance long ago, and the arrogant Duke of Greycourt with his rakish reputation isn’t exactly changing her mind. Then Grey agrees to assist his grief-stricken mother with her latest “project”: schooling spirited, unfashionable Beatrice for her debut. Now that Beatrice is seeing through Grey’s charms to his wounded heart, she’s having trouble keeping him at arm’s length. But once Grey starts digging into her family’s secrets, she must decide whether her loyalties lie with her family . . . or with the man whose lessons capture her heart . . .

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: PROJECT DUCHESS is the first instalment in Sabrina Jeffries’ adult, DUKE DYNASTY historical romance series focusing on the children of a multi-widowed dowager Duchess. This is Fletcher ‘Grey’ Pryde, Duke of Greycourt, and Beatrice Wolfe’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Grey and Beatrice) PROJECT DUCHESS follows the search for the truth. The mysterious death of his step-father Maurice finds Fletcher Pryde, the fifth Duke of Greycourt and his half-brother Sheridan Wolfe, the fourth Duke of Armitage struggling with what happened and why but duty called and Grey found himself preparing his mother’s latest project, Beatrice Wolfe, for her social debut. When information about the last person to have possibly seen his step father alive comes to fruition, Grey begins an investigation of his own. What ensues is the building relationship between Grey and Beatrice, and the potential fall-out as family secrets reveal a more sinister and heart breaking possibility at work.

The relationship between Grey and Beatrice begins acrimoniously as Grey’s reputation as a womanizer precedes his introduction to our story line heroine. From the outset, Beatrice doesn’t trust Grey’s attention or ministrations, and the not so veiled accusations against Beatrice and her brother, of potential involvement in his step-father’s death. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Grey’s half-siblings: Sheridan Wolfe, Heywood Wolfe, Marlow ‘Thorn’ Drake and his twin Lady Gwyn; Grey’s cousin Vanessa; their mother Dowager Duchess Lydia Fletcher, and Beatrice’s brother Joshua.

PROJECT DUCHESS is a story of family, betrayal, secrets and lies. The premise is engaging; the characters are colorful and energetic; the slow building romance struggles with issues of trust and presumptive guilt.

Copy supplied for Netgalley

Reviewed By Sandy

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INDULGE ME (Stark Ever After 6.3) by J. Kenner-Review Tour

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INDULGE ME (Stark Ever After 6.3 / 1001 Dark Nights) by J. Kenner-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 9, 2019

Despite everything I have suffered, I never truly understood darkness until my family was in danger. Those desperate hours came close to breaking both Damien and me, but together we found the strength to survive and hold our family together.

Even so, my wounds are deep, and wispy shadows still linger. But Damien is my rock. My hero against the dark and violence.

And when dark memories threaten to consume me, he whisks me away, knowing that in order to conquer my fears he must take control. Demand my submission. Claim me completely. Because if I am going to find my center again, I must hold tight to Damien and draw deep from the wellspring of our shared passion.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

•••••••••

REVIEW: INDULGE ME by J. Kenner is novella 6.3 in the author’s STARK EVER AFTER erotic, romance series, and the latest addition to the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. INDULGE ME is the continuing story of billionaire businessman Damien Stark, and his wife Nikki Fairchild-Stark. INDULGE ME can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as it picks up after the events of an horrific time in the couple’s life.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there are some BDSM and Dom/sub sexual situations and scenarios.

Told from first person point of view (Nikki) and third person Damien INDULGE ME finds Nikki Stark struggling to regain control of her life. Seeing his wife is spiralling Damien takes the family on vacation but soon realizes his wife needs something more. What ensues is a couple’s trip to Paris where Damien teaches Nikki to learn to trust, a trust that will be tested, once again.

INDULGE ME is an erotic and sexy look at one couple as they traverse a world in which they have been targeted for who they are, and what they represent. The premise is sexy and intoxicating; the romance is passionate and intense, but once again, I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word, although the author only uses it once. INDULGE ME is a decadent and spirited story of trust and love.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Anchor Me
Play My Game
Seduce Me
Unwrap Me
Hold Me
Please Me
Lost With Me
Damien
Indulge Me

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A five time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development with AwesomenessTV/Awestruck.

Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.

In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YouTube | Amazon Author Page

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DAX (Arizona Vengeance #4) by Sawyer Bennett-Review Tour

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DAX (Arizona Vengeance #4) by Sawyer Bennett-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 9, 2019

The Arizona Vengeance is killing it on the ice. But one player can’t seem to keep his eye on the puck—all thanks to the woman he just married to save her life.

My name is Dax Monahan and hockey is my passion. And if you want to succeed in this sport you have to bust your ass 24/7. I’ve never had a hard time focusing on my career, but when my past comes knocking, no amount of training can prepare me for what lies on the other side of the door.

Regan Miles was always like a sister to me. When a shared tragedy brings us face to face after several years, I’m shocked to see just how much she’s changed. Gone is the shy, awkward little girl that always used to chase me and her brother around. Instead, I’m faced with a gorgeous woman who makes it damn hard to concentrate on anything but her.

Turns out, she’s in trouble, and the only way out is to get married.

I surprise myself when I tell her to marry me. Order her, actually. And most shocking of all, she doesn’t even hesitate before saying yes.

So it’s settled. We’re getting hitched and she’s moving to Arizona with me. All platonic, of course.

The catch?
I never knew I’d fall so hard for my best friend’s little sister.

•••••••••

REVIEW: DAX is the fourth instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult ARIZONA VENGEANCE erotic, hockey romance series focusing on the NHL’s Arizona Vengeance Hockey team. This is twenty-seven year old, left-winger Calvin ‘Dax’ Monahan, and twenty-two year old, nurse Regan Miles’ story line. DAX can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for the history between and about the characters. Some of the events of DAX cross over and run parallel with the events of book three LEGEND.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dax and Regan) DAX follows the best friend’s little sister/marriage of convenience relationship between twenty-seven year old, Arizona Vengeance left-winger Calvin ‘Dax’ Monahan, and twenty-two year old, nurse Regan Miles. Months earlier Regan’s brother and Dax’s best friend Lance Miles was killed in a mugging, leaving Regan alone without family or support. Hoping to help Regan move forward Dax offers to help clean up and clear out but something isn’t right with his best friend’s little sister. Desperate for help, Regan accepts Dax’s offer of marriage knowing the marriage would be in name only. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Dax and Regan, and the potential fallout as a misunderstanding may push Regan out of Dax’s life.

Meanwhile, Tacker Hall continues to spiral out of control. At the end of LEGEND Tacker found himself on the verge of losing it all. Suspended and facing legal troubles, Tacker is given an ultimatum by management, an ultimatum Tacker struggles to accept.

The relationship between Dax and Regan is a friends to lovers; a marriage of convenience that grows into something more. The attraction is immediate; their mutual grief buried by the possibility of future loss. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Arizona Vengeance: Bishop and Brooke, Erik and Blue, Legend, Tacker, Coach Claude, and team owner Dominik Carlson, as well as Dax’s sisters Willow and Meredith, and their parents Linda and Calvin Monahan. There is something developing between Dominik and Willow.

DAX is a story of grief , loss and sorrow; revelations, acceptance, romance and love. The premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is seductive and hot; the characters are energetic, strong and dynamic. DAX is a heart breaking and emotional story of one couple’s journey towards a happily ever after –for now.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Bishop
Erik
Legend

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | INSTAGRAM

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