Never Have I Ever With a Duke (Spitfire Society) by Darcy Burke-review

Never Have I Ever with a Duke by Darcy Burke-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 27, 2019

Meet the smart, independent women who’ve decided they don’t need Society’s rules, their families’ expectations, or, most importantly, a husband. But just because they don’t need a man doesn’t mean they might not want one…

Graham Kinsley is shocked when he inherits a debt-ridden dukedom, and now he has just one month to repay a loan. He needs an heiress—or find a way to recoup the former duke’s losses. When he meets the alluring Arabella, he’s entranced. Unfortunately, she’s as bankrupt as he is, but if they work together they may be able to recover their fortunes. Though if they keep stealing kisses, they may lose their hearts instead.

Arabella Stoke can’t afford an attraction to the penniless duke who has vowed to help rescue her family from financial devastation. She needs to find a wealthy husband before her father succumbs to the stress of losing everything. However, as Graham brings them closer to finding the swindler who stole their money, the war between what they want and what they need may ruin them both.

•••••••••

REVIEW:This is the new series by author Darcy Burke. She has dubbed it The Spitfire Society. In the time period of this series, the women of English society were expected to marry well and not necessarily for love. A couple of women (Phoebe Lennox and Jane Pemberton) who have inherited a great deal of money and have not either chosen to marry or have not found anyone worthy of them, have formed the Spitfire Society. Spinsters who choose not to marry and enjoy a life of independence. They’re wonderful and supportive of their friends but enjoy their independence. They also support the choices of those who choose to marry.

This is the story of Arabella Stoke and Graham Kinsley, Duke of Halstead. It begins in London, March 1819.

Arabella’s father has been swindled and they are destitute. He’s become bedridden and she and her mother have done their best to keep society from finding out they’re bankrupt. It’s imperative that Arabella marry well and quickly. She’s resigned to this, but it is not what she wants. Marrying for wealth is not an easy thing to do in this society.

Graham has recently inherited his Dukedom. The past duke left him a mountain of debts and two huge properties, mortgaged to the hilt. Both families were swindled by the same villain. Each is hiding the fact they are without funds. Graham may survive the issues but marrying a wealthy woman would certainly end his financial problems and he now feels a need to provide an heir.

Many of the characters from “The Wicked Dukes” are featured as well. Graham was David, Earl of St. Ives secretary for years before inheriting his title and the debt he has chosen not to disclose to his friends. Arabella was betrothed to David as well, but the two did not know each other, the marriage was arranged by their fathers while they were children. David fell in love and married another after his father died (if you’ve read The Wicked Dukes series this will be familiar to you, but it’s explained in this book as well). So, Arabella and Graham are in the same circles, but have never met.

Darcy Burke has a real winner to begin this new series. I love the familiarity from the characters and the new situations she’s invented. The characters are totally relatable and endearing. Each character has his/her own unique personality and it’s a real joy to see them interact. The storyline is well written and interesting. The obstacles are realistic, for the times. The conversations are interesting and well done, the romance is sometimes provocative and when appropriate really hot.

Buckle-up Buttercup and grab a copy of this marvelous new series. It’s interesting, romantic, and a lot of fun!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

Share

The Dark Side by Danielle Steel – a Review

The Dark Side by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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

 

Description:
Zoe Morgan’s childhood was marked by her younger sister’s tragic illness, watching as her parents dedicated themselves completely to her final days and then divorced. As a young woman driven by these painful memories, Zoe sets the bar high for herself, studying hard and pursuing a career in the nonprofit world, where her deep compassion for disadvantaged children finds a focus.

When Zoe falls in love and has her own child, she is determined to be a perfect mother as well. But before long, old scars long dormant begin to pull Zoe to the edge of an abyss too terrifying to contemplate.

As Zoe is haunted by the ghosts of the past, her story will become a race against time and a tale of psychological suspense that no reader will soon forget.

 

 

Review:

The Dark Side by Danielle Steel is a different type of story that I have become used to by this author.   The Dark Side is exactly what the book is, a dark and somewhat depressing tale of an illness that threatens the life of a child.  I will say that The Dark Side was excellently written by Steel, as she starts off with a heroine we sympathized with and was likable, and totally turns it around in the last third of the book, taking us by surprise.  This was a suspense thriller all the way, but it was also a hard book to read.

Zoe Morgan is our heroine, and we meet her as a child, when she grieves over the loss of her younger sister to leukemia and watches her family fall apart after her death.  Years later, Zoe becomes successful in her career of taking care of abused children.  She meets and falls in love with Austin, our hero, and they get married.  A short time later, Zoe gives birth to Jaime and is determined to be a great mom.  Over time, Jaime is a very rambunctious child, and Zoe and Austin are happy.  The only problem, is poor Jaime tends to have accidents, or sickness, making many visits to the hospital.  It is Austin’s mom, who shows her concern that Jaimie’s constant ailments might be something different; she feels that perhaps Zoe is suffering from Munchausen.  Austin will begin to research this, even if he does not want to face this possibility.  He will confide in Jaime’s doctor, who happens to be a good friend to Zoe.

Just for those who may not know what Munchausen is: Munchausen relatively rare behavioral disorder that is a psychological, marked by attention-seeking behavior by a caregiver through those who are in their care. The deliberate actions of the mother or caretaker can often make the symptoms worse putting the child’s life in danger.

What follows is an intense, dark and tragic adventure to save Jaime, and prove that Zoe does indeed have this horrific illness.  At this point, when investigators, Austin and the doctor delve deeper the suspicion is confirmed and the story becomes more twisted and chilling. To tell too much more would be spoilers, as this is a book that needs to be read in the fullest. The Dark Side was a shocking and different read for me, but also though depressing, it was very well written and informative.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

THE BLACKSMITH QUEEN by G.A. Aiken-Dual Review

THE BLACKSMITH QUEEN (The Scarred Earth Saga #1) by G.A. Aiken-dual review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 27, 2019

When a prophesy brings war to the Land of the Black Hills, Keeley Smythe must join forces with a clan of mountain warriors who are really centaurs in a thrilling new fantasy romance series from New York Times bestselling author G.A. Aiken.

The Old King Is Dead

With the demise of the Old King, there’s a prophesy that a queen will ascend to the throne of the Black Hills. Bad news for the king’s sons, who are prepared to defend their birthright against all comers. But for blacksmith Keeley Smythe, war is great for business. Until it looks like the chosen queen will be Beatrix, her younger sister. Now it’s all Keeley can do to protect her family from the enraged royals.

Luckily, Keeley doesn’t have to fight alone. Because thundering to her aid comes a clan of kilt-wearing mountain warriors called the Amichai. Not the most socially adept group, but soldiers have never bothered Keeley, and rough, gruff Caid, actually seems to respect her. A good thing because the fierce warrior will be by her side for a much longer ride than any prophesy ever envisioned

••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review

THE BLACKSMITH QUEEN is the first instalment in G.A. Aiken’s THE SCARRED EARTH fantasy saga set in the world of Dragon King series. This is blacksmith Keeley Smythe, and Amichai warrior of the Scarred Earth Clan, Caid’s story line

Told from several third person perspectives including Caid and Keeley THE BLACKSMITH QUEEN follows Keeley Smythe as she is tasked with protecting her sister Beatrix, the prophesized queen but a task that sees Keeley fighting for her life. In an effort to take down the newly crowned king, Keeley must side with a group of mountain warriors that are so much more than they appear to be. Enter Caid, an Amichai warrior, and the man with whom Keeley will fall in love. What ensues is a cross country journey as Keeley and her ‘army’ must fight off marauding armies, dragons, elves, witches and dwarves, in an attempt to stop the destruction of villages, and annihilation of thousands of people.

Keeley Smythe comes from a long line of female blacksmiths-powerful, strong and talented females who know a thing or two about killing and fighting but not all of Keeley’s sisters are wanna-be blacksmiths, in fact one or two have ‘chosen’ to venture down a differing path, setting their sights on something more. With the recent death of the Old King, anarchy has ensued and Keeley must fight to protect the people she loves. Meeting Caid, one of the Amichai warriors finds our heroine siding with a people she had only heard about through mythology and tales. Caid and his family are a magical people but it is their ability to ‘shift’ that makes them powerful and fierce in the eyes of the enemy.

If you are a fan of the author’s Dragonkin series you will recognize many similarities and plot structures including the squabbling and battle-raged siblings, War monk, centaurs, mythological gods and powerful demon dogs, as well as he appearance of a dragon who spews lava to destroy those trying to take him down. There are a couple of references to the aforementioned series including the barbarians, the Dragon Queen, and of course the Mad Queen, herself.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and crazy secondary and supporting characters including Keeley’s twelve siblings and numerous cousins, uncles and extended family; the Amichai warriors of varying species, as well as the rather barbaric and power hungry royal family. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE BLACKSMITH QUEEN is a complex and detailed story that introduces a vast array of characters. Aiken’s trademark humor, sarcasm and snark is liberally sprinkled throughout the story but to a lesser degree than her other series. The relationship between Keeley and Caid is slow to develop, and the romance is limited but such is the nature of many fantasy story lines. The back and forth banter between siblings if oft-times crazy and disturbing but in the end, they will always protect the people they love.

 

Barb’s Review 

The Blacksmith Queen by G.A. Aiken is the first book in her new fantasy The Scarred Earth Saga series.  I am a huge fan of G.A. Aiken (Shelly Laurenston) and I will always read anything she writes. As I have said before, no one makes me laugh and enjoy her stories better than Laurenston/Aiken.   G.A. Aiken gives us the best dragons, that we love and laugh all the way.  So I anxiously awaited to read this new series that are not dragons, and happy to say that once again, Aiken has another winner.  I loved The Blacksmith Queen.

We meet our heroine, Keely Smythe immediately as she is fighting bad guys trying to hurt innocent people and or animals.  Keely is a blacksmith and is a very strong woman, who has a trusty huge hammer that she uses to fight with.  While in the midst of a fight, a group of mountain warriors come to help her; to her surprise, these warriors are Centaurs.   We meet three of the Centaurs that will play an important part of this series, Laila (the leader), Caid (the brother and future love interest for Keely, and Quinn (the other wild brother).  During the fight, the centaurs are thrown by a group of wolves who come out to help Keely, as they have red eyes and are demon wolves, and they seem totally loyal to Keely.

With the Old King of the land of the Black Hills having died, his sons are trying to kill each other to become the king. When the Centaurs follow Keely home, they will meet her family, including one of her sisters, Beatrix.  Prophecy reveals that a queen will ascent to the throne of Black Hills, the Centaurs explain they are there not only here to protect them, but to take Beatrix to the witches confirming that she is the new Queen.  Keely, her cousin Keran, and her just returned older sister, Gemma (who is a war monk) will take the trip to the witches with the Centaurs and Beatrix.  There are some shocking twists and betrayals very early on, pitting Beatrix and Keely as opposing Queens (the witches claim there are two queens).

Keely spending most of her life protecting her family, is shocked at Beatrix betrayal, but the centaurs, Gemma, the animals (who love Keely) will convince her to accept her calling and be ready to fight to save them all.  To tell too much more would be spoilers, as most of what I described is early on. 

The Blacksmith Queen is another one of Aiken’s wild crazy exciting and fun adventures.  Caid slowly finds himself attracted to Keely, and a slow build romance will start, but mostly in the background.  I suspect in future books, we will see the romance escalate.

As is tradition in any book by Aiken, we have some wild characters that we come to love. I loved Keely and her family and friends; Gemma was tough, but in time she makes a great addition to Keely’s team, and I adored the Centaurs, including Caid, Laila, Quinn, their mother and father.  Of course, I loved the wolves always by her side.

The Blacksmith Queen was a fun filled amazing ride, with a number of strong (not to mention crazy) characters.  I look forward to the next book of this series to see where Aiken will take us in this wonderful world building.  If you have loved Aiken/Laurenston previous books, do not hesitate to read The Blacksmith Queen.

 

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Share

THE BEAR’S CHOSEN MATE (Borealis Bears #1) by Vivian Arend-a review

THE BEAR’S CHOSEN MATE (Borealis Bears #1) by Vivian Arend-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 20, 2019

He’s going to accept his fate—but only with the woman he chooses!

Youngest brother James Borealis figures if he has to get mated, it should be with someone he already knows and cares about—his best friend Kaylee. But when the mating fever hits, she’s still stuck in friendshipland while he’s ready to move all the way to true love and forever.

Kaylee has heard about polar bear mating fever, but while James has held the starring role in her fantasies for a long time, she’s not about to leap into a permanent relationship that’s all wrong for him. He’s the PR powerhouse for Borealis Gems while she’s a quiet bobcat shifter with massive family baggage. He loves the spotlight; she wants to hide in quiet corners.

But mating fever knows best, and when the storm settles, there’s no use in arguing with a polar bear’s choice.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE BEAR’S CHOSEN MATE is the first instalment and novella in Vivian Arend’s contemporary, adult BOREALIS BEARS paranormal, romance series focusing on the polar bear shifters of the Borealis Bears. This is youngest brother businessman James Borealis, and feline shifter / photographer Kaylee Banks’ story line.

Told from several third person perspectives including James and Kaylee THE BEAR’S CHOSEN MATE follows the friends to lovers relationship between polar bear shifter James Borealis, and feline shifter Kaylee Banks. Patriarch Giles Borealis is hoping to hand over the reigns of Borealis Gems to his three grandsons but in an effort to help things along, Giles blackmails his heirs into finding mates, or lose control of Borealis Gems. James, Cooper and Alex have no intention of tying themselves down with one woman but the mating fever is about to take control. When the mating fever hits, James only wants one woman, his best friend, Kaylee Banks. What ensues is the mating dance between Kaylee and James, and the potential fall out as Kaylee doesn’t feel the urge to mate the same way James feels about his life-long friend.

THE BEAR’S CHOSEN MATE is a quick, erotic, paranormal read; an introductory tale that hints at a possible threat to Borealis Gems. A character driven story line, THE BEAR’S CHOSEN MATE is a fun, sassy and sexy look at shifters in love.

A couple of issues: I was hoping for a little more background history with regards to Kaylee and James; and the confusing addition of a shipment of ‘product ‘ from Kaylee’s parents, an addition that appears to come out of left field, without explanation or purpose-perhaps there is something in future instalments that explains this particular story line inclusion.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Society Girl by Alys Murray – a Review

Society Girl by Alys Murray – a Review

 

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

 

Description:
Sam Dubarry is a cynic. Growing up in the foster system in NYC does that to you. And falling in love is by far the stupidest thing you could do in her opinion.

But there’s one thing she craves more than anything—family. The illegitimate American daughter of an English Lord, Sam is desperate to make her father take notice of her. Which is where the Animos Society comes in.

The exclusive Oxford University club is her family’s legacy—and full of the worst kind of rich men. But becoming the first female member will take everything she has. Maybe more.

Daniel Best is the one man who truly sees Sam. The real her. The new mechanic for her father, Daniel is everything the Animos’ aren’t. Kind, honorable, good. But then the worst thing she can imagine happens…

The Society will let her in, if she destroys the one person she might be falling in love with first.

 

 

Review:

Society Girl by Alsy Murray is a contemporary new adult romance.

Sam Dubarry is a young American woman, she wanted what she never had; a family. Growing up in foster care was brutal and all she wanted was a family to call her own.  Finding her father, a man of English nobility then knowing that he doesn’t care for her, it hurt. Now she has a new goal. To be accepted by her father Sam is determined to try out for the Secret Animos Society at Oxford. This is a male run group, making Sam the first woman to have anything to do with the Society.

After accomplishing ever task they gave her, the Society then gives her another. Make someone fall in love with her and take that person to the Animos Society Ball.

Enter Daniel Best; the one man who she would never want to hurt. Daniel is charged with taking care of her father’s car collection and spends his free time at his Grandma’s shop, determined to make his dream of becoming a singer come true.  Daniel is one of the most fantastic characters I have had the pleasure of reading in some time, he is sweet, gentle, kind and an all-around good person. Sam goes to the extreme with this group, and there were some parts of this book that really made me not want to finish it.

Sam’s journey shows her parts of herself I don’t think she was ready to see, but also teaches her a few lessons that were necessary. A very good story and one I would recommend to other readers. 

Reviewed by Sarah

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

The Quarterback’s Secret by Kylie King-Review Tour

The Quarterback’s Secret by Kylie King-Review Tour

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

Goodreads Link: http://bit.ly/2OmNjSc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 2019

Zach Taylor is in his prime. He’s star quarterback for his college and, of course, all the girls clamor over him. Life is going great for the campus star…that is, until his best friend’s little sister transfers to the school.

Zach remembers little Janie Fuller all too well. She’s the same girl who snuck around with him at night behind her brother’s back, and the same girl who asked Zach to be her first.
Zach doesn’t remember many girls’ names, but he will never forget what he did with little Janie. Now she’s all grown up, and she knows exactly what she wants: her brother’s best friend.

Zach & Janie’s past soon catches up with them, and the secret crush they harbored years ago returns full force. Neither of them will be able to resist one another, and their struggle to keep their forbidden affair under wraps will be much harder than they expected.

•••••••

REVIEW: The Quarterback’s Secret begins with Janie Fuller beginning college where her big brother attends and plays football. Her dad also fixed it to where she will be the water girl for the team. That normally wouldn’t be a problem, but her brother’s best friend, Zach, who broke her heart in high school, just so happens to be the quarterback. Janie hasn’t heard from him since he left for college. She tells herself that she can handle seeing Zach, that she’s over him and she will be fine.

When Janie arrives at college and gets settled in, she heads over to the football field, where her brother is glad to see her. However, when Zach sees her, she can tell immediately that he’s surprised. Seems he didn’t know she was coming there, let alone be the water girl for the team.
It only takes a little bit for Zach to approach Janie. She rebuffs him, but very soon finds herself falling for him all over again. Zach explains why he did what he did, and her brother played a big part in that decision, seeing as how said brother had no idea that his best friend was hooking up with his little sister in high school.

Janie and Zach start to enjoy each other’s company, albeit a secret affair. Neither of them wants to hurt her brother, but it doesn’t take long for Janie’s insecurities to kick in when it comes to Zach old womanizing ways. When Janie stands Zach up after a game, he knows there’s only one way to keep her: reveal their secret to her brother and his best friend.

The Quarterback’s Secret is a short, fast-paced story of second chance love. With it being so short, there really wasn’t a lot of character development. With that said, both main characters were nicely written, as were the secondary characters. If you’re a fan of the new adult genre with a lot of steam, you’ll enjoy this one. Well done, Kylie King.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie K

Share

The Body Painter by Pepper Winters-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

The Body Painter (Master of Trickery 1) by Pepper Winters-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 17, 2019

“Must be slim, able to stand for long periods of time, and be impervious to the cold.”

The headline caught my attention.

“Hours are negotiable, pay is minimal, clothing absolutely forbidden.”

The second line piqued my curiosity.

“Able to hold your bladder and tongue, refrain from opinions or suggestions, and be the perfect living canvas.”

The third made me scowl.

“Other attributes required: non-ticklish, contortionist, and obedient. Must also enjoy being studied while naked in a crowd.”

The fourth made me shudder.

“Call or email ‘YOUR SKIN, HIS CANVAS’ if interested in applying.”

The final made my heart race.

I should’ve kept scrolling past the advertisement.

I should’ve applied for the boring receptionist job at minimum wage.

I should’ve clicked on any other job where I got to keep my clothes on.

But I didn’t.

I applied.

My interview is tomorrow

•••••••••••

REVIEW: THE BODY PAINTER is the first instalment in Pepper Winters’ contemporary, adult MASTER OF TRICKERY erotic, dark, romantic thriller focusing on body painter Gilbert ‘Gil’ Clark, and Olin Moss.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Gil and Olin), using present day and memories from the past, THE BODY PAINTER follows the rekindling relationship between high school friends Gilbert ‘Gil’ Clark, and Olin Moss. Gil Clark was a loner; a young man whose life was spiralling out of control and the only bright light in his otherwise dark work was classmate Olin Moss. Olin knew something wasn’t right at home where is concerned Gil Clark but her heart wanted more for the young man whose aura screamed heart break and pain. But one night would change everything pushing Olin Moss out of Gil Clark’s life, a night that would control Gil’s future, and all that he touched.

Gil Clark’s life has never been easy, and discovering his new ‘canvas’ was the girl he had always loved found Gil caught between head and heart in order to protect the people he loved. As Gil’s life continues to circle the proverbial drain, Olin will be pulled into a nightmare not of her making.

THE BODY PAINTER is an emotional, dark, raw and heart breaking story of one man’s battle to survive in a world that is continuously threatening to take him down. A history tormented by betrayal and abuse, Gil is unable to let go of the chains that bind him to the sins of the past. A bit of a Pollyanna, Olin is desperate to save the boy/man that she never stopped loving but saving herself should be her first priority. Pepper Winter’s writes a gritty, abrasive and tragic tale about an ill-fated friendship with disturbing consequences. THE BODY PAINTER ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

“Um, hi? I’m…eh, here for the interview?” I stepped warily toward the noise.
Another curse followed by a loud thump.
“I heard you the first time.” A man appeared from the darkness.
A man with shaggy dark hair, five o’clock shadow, and eyes so maliciously green they masqueraded as body parts but were really well-honed weapons.
A man who was bleeding from his temple, limping, and holding his elbow as if it needed reattaching.
“Sorry, I didn’t know if—” I gulped as something long ago tugged in remembrance.
No.
It can’t be…
Recognition slammed into me as forcibly as it slammed into him.
I stumbled under the weight.
Punched by the unbelievable.
“Gil? Oh, my God. Gil!”
Older.
Darker.
More gorgeous than he’d ever been.
I fought every instinct to go to him.
Did my best not to grab him, kiss him, shake him, slap him.
A gust of air blasted through the warehouse as if the winds of fate woke up, felt a tug on whatever linked us together, and clapped its hands in glee, saying, ‘Yes, this will be fun. Let’s put these two back together again.’
“Olin? Fuck…it’s you.” His gaze tore over me as hungrily as mine tore over him.
Time stood still. It reversed. It plopped us right back in the past where this boy had held my heart, and I’d captured his, and together we knew it would always be about us.
Us.
There is no more us.
I stumbled toward him, desperate to be nearer despite so much pain. “I can’t believe this. What are you doing here?”
“What am I? What are you?” He tripped in my direction, his face etched with lines I hadn’t seen in his youth, his body all angles and threats. As fast as he’d headed toward me, he halted as if yanked back by a rope. His face fell. His shock at seeing me morphed into hardness.
I didn’t understand how he could change so much in a few short seconds.
Goosebumps decorated me as coldness settled like a cloak around his shoulders.
“I’ve been back in Birmingham two years. I—” I stopped talking, unable to share the secrets that followed such a statement. “I…”
He closed his eyes, shutting me out as if battling something deep within him. Deliberately, he took a step back, his chin coming up, his coldness settling into ice.
The silence that’d chased us in our fledgling romance returned, thick and heavy.
My back prickled. My mouth turned dry.
Too much distance existed between us, swelling with memory of how things had ended, why we were strangers now, and just how much heartbreak had been left behind.
Along with silence came shadows, creeping over Gil’s expression, shutting down any remaining signs of his shock and gratefulness at seeing me. Heartbeat by heartbeat, he hid any sign that my visit was a welcome one.
I struggled, not knowing what to say.
His gaze no longer held happiness, just aching emptiness and suspicion. “How did you find me?” He didn’t give me chance to reply. “You can’t be here, Olin. You need to leave. I don’t want you anywhere near me.”


 

Pepper Winters is a multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today International Bestseller.

After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 19 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-six times in three years.

Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.

Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian and Turkish. Audio Books for her entire back-list will be available in 2017.

STALK Pepper: Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share

Big Shot by Katy Evans-a review

Big Shot by Katy Evans-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 6, 2019

He always gets his way…until he meets his match.

“I need you back. Now.”
—William Walker

I can’t believe I’m letting my ex-boss talk me into working for him again. He’s arrogant. Domineering. He gets under my skin in ways I don’t want to admit. When I quit, it felt great! But now, seeing the big, bad billionaire rendered helpless by a baby, I give in to his demand. And I’m worried it won’t be the last time…
—India Crowle

•••••••••••

REVIEW: BIG SHOT is the second instalment in Katy Evan’s contemporary, adult, erotic, romance series. This is billionaire businessman William Walker, and his PA India Crowley’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (William and India) BIG SHOT follows the acrimonious professional relationship between billionaire businessman William Walker, and his PA India Crowley. India is tired of William’s attitude in the office, and decides it’s time to hand in her resignation. As William’s personal assistant India finds herself on the receiving end of William’s bad attitude and emotional outbursts more times than she can handle. But days into her self-imposed unemployment William offers India a deal she cannot refuse as he struggles with looking after his four month old niece. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between William and India, and the potential fall-out as their time together comes to an end.

William Walker doesn’t do office romances but he struggles with his attraction to his PA India Crowley, an attraction that manifests as cold, emotional distant and mean. When his brother and sister in law need time to themselves, William finds himself looking after his four month old niece, and is desperate enough to beg India for her return. India Crowley has dreamed about becoming a writer, and with her lack of employment India begins freelance working for online blogs. A call from William pulls India back into the orbit of the man that pushes all of her buttons, buttons that are about to be pushed  again.

The relationship between William and India is a forbidden office romance; an enemies to lovers partnership that comes with an expiry date unless someone steps up and reveals their true feelings. The sex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to William’s brother Kit and Alex ( Boss #1), their daughter Rosie, as well as their father Alistair, and India’s roommate and best friend Montana.

BIG SHOT is a story of family, relationships, and workaholic. The premise is entertaining; the romance is hot and steamy; the characters are energetic and charismatic but I had hoped for a little more back ground information about both of the characters.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one BOSS.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Share