Monthly Archives: September 2019

A Treason of Thorns by Laura E. Weymouth – a Review

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A Treason of Thorns by Laura E. Weymouth – a Review

 

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Description:
Violet Sterling has spent the last seven years in exile, longing to return to Burleigh House. One of the six great houses of England, Burleigh’s magic always kept the countryside well. And as a child, this magic kept Violet happy, draping her in flowers while she slept, fashioning secret hiding places for her, and lighting fires on the coldest nights to keep her warm.

Everything shattered, though, when her father committed high treason trying to free Burleigh from the king’s oppressive control. He was killed, and Vi was forced into hiding.

When she’s given a chance to go back, she discovers Burleigh has run wild with grief. Vines and briars are crumbling the walls. Magic that once enriched the surrounding countryside has turned dark and deadly, twisting lush blooms into thorns, poisoning livestock and destroying crops. Burleigh’s very soul is crying out in pain.

Vi would do anything to help, and soon she finds herself walking the same deadly path as her father all those years before. Vi must decide how far she’s willing to go to save her house—before her house destroys everything she’s ever known.

 

 

Review:

A Treason of Thorns by Laura E. Weymouth is a fantasy YA standalone novel.  We meet our heroine, Violet Sterling, who is living in a small fishing town, when she sees someone from her past.  Violet was banished 7 years ago by the King, as her father, who was the caretaker of their home,  was punished for high treason and forced to live in their home unable to leave until he died.  When Violet sees the King, she knows her father is dead, and it is time for her to return to Burleigh House, a sentient home filled with magic.  When Violet returns, she finds Burleigh in deep disrepair, including the lands surrounding the house, and is given a few months to bring Burleigh back to its former glory, or the King will burn it down.  Violet also finds her friend Wyn, who was forced to stay with her father during those 7 years, and was shocked at his haggard appearance. 

Violet as a child was brought up by her father to love the house and its magic, to devote her life to Burleigh, especially when she is older and becomes the caretaker.  She loved everything about Burleigh to the point of obsession, as well as loving the house.  With 7 years having passed, with no contact, Violet finds everything changed, and is determined to help the house regain its freedom, but fears for Wyn’s safety, as well as her own, as Burleigh has also changed for the worse.

Violet is determined to find a way to free the house from its binding that is destroying Burleigh, and possibly both her and Wyn’s life.   What follows is an exciting and emotional story, where we go back into Burleigh’s memories of the good days when Violet was a child, and the sad changes during those 7 years, and when her father dies; looking for clues that will reveal the true hidden secrets.  Violet and some friends will desperately try to find the hidden secret that is needed to save them all.

This is a difficult review to write, as you really need to read this book to understand.  A Treason of Thorns was a different type of story about a sentient house with magic, the family that lived there in a somewhat gothic theme, with a great heroine and very good secondary characters. I suggest you read A Treason of Thorns.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Tiger Queen by Annie Sullivan – a Review

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Tiger Queen by Annie Sullivan – a Review

 

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Description:
In the mythical desert kingdom of Achra, an ancient law forces sixteen-year-old Princess Kateri to fight in the arena to prove her right to rule. For Kateri, winning also means fulfilling a promise to her late mother that she would protect her people, who are struggling through windstorms and drought. The situation is worsened by the gang of Desert Boys that frequently raids the city wells, forcing the king to ration what little water is left. The punishment for stealing water is a choice between two doors: behind one lies freedom, and behind the other is a tiger.

But when Kateri’s final opponent is announced, she knows she cannot win. In desperation, she turns to the desert and the one person she never thought she’d side with. What Kateri discovers twists her world—and her heart—upside down. Her future is now behind two doors—only she’s not sure which holds the key to keeping her kingdom and which releases the tiger.

 

 

Review:

Tiger Queen by Annie Sullivan was a wonderful standalone fantasy that I thoroughly enjoyed. This was my first book by this author, and it will not be my last. We meet our heroine, Princess Kateri, immediately, as she has to fight her opponent every month in the arena of their kingdom, Achra.  If Kateri wins the battle, she moves that much closer to prove her right to inherit the throne, whenever her father steps down.   Kateri is a tough opponent for any person she has faced, and when she learns that her final opponent is her vicious trainer, Rodric, she knows she cannot beat him.  She later overhears Rodric telling his guards that when he beats Kateri, he will take over the throne, and eventually kill her after she gives him a son.  She realizes that her father was never planning to allow her to rule, and knows she has to find someone to help her before the next battle. If you are wondering where the title Tiger comes from, Kateri’s father would have a tiger attack the loser in many of those battles.

Achra suffers a water drought, and sandstorms, as they are close to the desert.  The king (Kateri’s father) has always blamed the young boys (Desert Boys) for stealing water, and the rationing continues to get lower, causing desperation among the kingdom.  Kateri grew up hating the Desert Boys, as they killed her mother and brother. But now she is desperate and makes plans to leave and find help by the one person who can beat Rodric.  

Kateri goes on a journey in the dangerous desert, and eventually will come across Cion, the leader of the Desert Boys.  At first Cion doesn’t believe her, but when she claims that she will help the boys, as well as the kingdom, since Rodric will attempt to kill them all, he will agree to help train her. 

Kateri will meet the young Desert Boys, and begin to change her perception of what she thought she knew.  She will learn of the lies told by her father, both about her and who really killed her mother, as well as the so-called drought destroying the people of Achra. Kateri begins to realize that her whole life was a lie, especially after her mother was dead.  It was fun to watch the change in Kateri from her hatred to caring about all the boys, especially Cion.  I also loved the hard training that Cion put her through in the desert, with all the dangerous and poisonous creatures. 

The last third of the book was very intense and exciting.  Kateri was a wonderful and strong heroine, gaining more empathy and compassion along the way, as well as slowly falling in love with Cion.  It was such a joy to see the changes in her.  But we had to hold our breaths, as we sat on the edge of our seat, while slowly everything began going wrong, and the people she began to care for were in danger.  I will not tell too much more, as you really need to read this book.

Annie Sullivan did an amazing job giving us this wonderful worldbuilding, and a fantasy that had a good ending, not being a cliffhanger, as this was a standalone.  Tiger Queen was a great read, as I could not put the book down.  It had a bit of everything; great heroine, wonderful secondary characters, intensive dangerous fighting and battles, bad villains and a slow built romance.   I suggest you read Tiger Queen, as I loved this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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CODE NAME: SENTINEL by Sawyer Bennett-Review & Giveaway tour

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CODE NAME: SENTINEL (Jameson Force Security #2) by Sawyer Bennett-Review  & Giveaway Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 10, 2019

As a former member of the United States Secret Service, I’m no stranger to putting my life on the line in the name of duty. Having left the nation’s capital to re-settle in Pittsburgh, the skills I acquired during my tenure in Washington have made me a valued member of the team at Jameson Force Security. But when the President comes seeking a favor to protect his niece, I find myself on the fast track back to the Oval Office.

Simply put… she’s beyond brilliant. A nationally renowned energy scientist, Barrett Alexander is on the verge of a breakthrough that will change the world. Unfortunately, that has also made her the target of a suspected terrorist cell. And while Barrett doesn’t believe she’s in any real danger, the President isn’t willing to take chances with her life.

As the threats against Barrett become more calculated, I decide taking her on the run is her best chance of survival. Danger, isolation, and attraction ensure we grow closer than I’d ever thought possible. When I realize I want to keep her safe for reasons that have nothing to do with my job and everything to do with the woman I’ve fallen in love with, no one is safe from the hell I’ll rain down on those that threaten her.

•••••••••

REVIEW: CODE NAME: SENTINEL is the second instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult JAMESON FORCE SECURITY erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Jameson Force Security. This is former US Secret Service agent Cruce Britton, and scientist Barrett Alexander’s storyline. CODE NAME: SENTINEL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary. The Jameson Force security series is a spin-off from the author’s WICKED HORSE VEGAS series, which in turn is a spin-off from her Wicked Horse Series. There is also a slight cross-over with the mention of the author’s Carolina Cold Fury Hockey Series, and a new agent for Jameson Force Security -Malik Fournier. You do not have to have read any of the previous series to follow or understand the current series.

WARNING: There are some scenes of violence and torture that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Barrett and Cruce) CODE NAME: SENTINEL follows the protection of scientist Barrett Alexander, the American President’s niece, and a renowned scientist whose discovery and formula for the world’s most efficient and cleanest energy, has caught the eye of international and home-grown terrorists. A call from the President finds former Secret Service agent Cruce Britton, once again, going above and beyond for the American people. With Barrett’s discovery US intelligence has intercepted ‘chatter’ and communication regarding threats to our story line heroine. What ensues is the protection and safeguard of Barrett Alexander, and the potential fall-out when Barrett finds herself at the mercy of terrorists; Cruce and Barrett’s tome together comes to a close; and the Jameson Security Force uncover the people behind the threat to our story line heroine.

Barrett Alexander is a bit of a nerd whose sole purpose is to discover the formula for clean and efficient energy. On the run with Cruce Britton, Barrett will discover there is more to life than science and work. Cruce Britton knows to get involved with a client could mean the end of his career but the heart wants something more with Barrett Alexander.

The relationship between Cruce and Barrett is one of immediate attraction but Barrett wants nothing to do with protection or security until the threats to her life and Cruce’s become all too real. Cruce has already save the life of the American President but saving the life of Barrett Alexander means so much more. 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 energetic characters: the head of Jameson Force Security, security specialist and former British Special Forces Kynan McGrath and Joslyn Meyers (Code Name Genesis #1), former inmate and IT specialist Bebe Grimshaw; Cage Murdock: US Marine Malik Fournier; US Marine Saint Bellinger; psychiatrist Dr. Corinne Ellery, President Jonathan Alexander, and head of strategy Dozer. The requisite evil has many faces.

CODE NAME: SENTINEL is a character driven story of betrayal and vengeance; power and control; love, romance and happily ever after. The premise is intriguing and suspense filled; the romance is spicy and hot; the characters are dynamic and charismatic. CODE NAME: SENTINEL is an imaginative, clever and edgy addition to Sawyer Bennett’s JAMESON FORCE SECURITY.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Wicked Force
CODE NAME: GENESIS

Copy supplied for review

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

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the giveaways. If you have any questions, please contact the author.

Enter to win one of these HUGE new release giveaways!

► $100 Amazon gift card & a signed paperback of CODE NAME: SENTINEL (closes 9/15): http://bit.ly/GA1_Sentinel

► Signed paperback of CODE NAME: SENTINEL (closes 9/11): http://bit.ly/GA2_Sentinel

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The Deception by Kat Martin – a Review

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The Deception by Kat Martin – a Review

 

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Description:
When missing turns to murdered, one woman’s search for answers will take her to a place she never wanted to go…

After searching for her sister for two long years, Kate Gallagher is devastated when she’s called to the morgue to identify Chrissy’s body, the runaway teen the victim of a brutal attack. Guilt and grief send Kate into a tailspin. She failed Chrissy once…she won’t do it again. Even if finding her sister’s killer means following a lethal bounty hunter into the heart of darkness, placing both their lives in danger.

Working at Maximum Security has taken Jason Maddox down some dangerous paths, but never for a client he’s so drawn to, or for a case so monstrous. As clues lead them deeper into the city’s underbelly, connections to human trafficking draw them closer and closer to peril, but even Jase’s warnings can’t convince Kate to walk away. As the deadly operation puts a target on their backs, they’ll have to decide what matters most: the truth…or their lives.

 

Review:

The Deception by Kat Martin is the 2nd book in her Maximum Security series. We meet our heroine, Kate Gallagher, when she must identify her sister’s body in the morgue. Kate has not seen her sister for over two years, when she left home at the age of 16, and after viewing the body, she goes to a bar to bury her pain, grieving that she wasn’t there for her sister.  Though she owns her own successful business, Kate is determined to find out who did this to her sister; when the police do not have any clues, she will take matters in her own hands, and hire a private investigator.

Jason Maddox (Hawk), is a bounty hunter, who works for Maximum Security, and when Kate comes to the office trying to hire someone, Jason recognizes her as the hot girl in the bar the night before. He immediately offers his service to help Kate find out the truth, and warns her that from what he sees, this could be drug and sex trafficking related.  Kate wants to find the culprits who murdered her sister, and doesn’t care how dangerous it is.  She also tells Jason that she wants to work with him on the case; something he isn’t too happy about, since it is very dangerous.

The chemistry between Jason and Kate was off the wall steaming hot; though they both try to fight off their attraction to each other and concentrate on the case.  But best plans do not always work out.  They were such a great and sexy couple together.

What follows is an exciting, suspenseful adventure where Jason and Kate find themselves in intense and dangerous situations as they get closer to finding the people behind the murder.  Each discovery may have brought them closer, but they were also stymied as to who killed Chrissy (Kate’s sister).  Some of the Maximum Security team, would come to help Jason, when they expected violence. 

The last half of the book was not only exciting, but had us on the edge of our seats, worried that our heroes would not survive.  When the evidence begins to point out that there was another group more deeply involved in the sex trafficking and drugging of young girls, Jason is determined to keep Kate away, for fear of her getting hurt.  Kate was a smart and strong heroine, but she was also stubborn, and determined to kill those responsible.  I did loved Kate and Jason together, and they were an awesome team.   

The Deception was an intriguing, suspenseful, exciting story line that was also very intense throughout. The wonderful romance between Jason and Kate was perfect, as we rooted hard for them to stay together, despite Jason belief that his life is too dangerous to be with Kate.   I also liked the secondary characters who make up Maximum Security and look forward to future books showcasing them.  Once again, Kat Martin gives us another exciting thriller. If you enjoy action, suspense, romance and intense crime thrillers, you should read anything by Kat Martin. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Overlord (Outcasts #6) by Cyndi Friberg-a review

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OVERLORD (Outcasts #6) by Cyndi Friberg-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 6, 2019.

Determined to bring meaningful change to her people, Lady Eza of the Sarronti seeks out the leader of the Outcasts and proposes a daring alliance. She expects to negotiate with a barbarian. Instead, Overlord Kage Razel awakens longings that have nothing to do with the rebellion. He intrigues and attracts her, making her ache for the consuming passion she has only experienced in his arms. Yet Kage also frightens Eza. She senses secrets in him, portions of his being he will not share with anyone. There is no doubt Eza wants him, but can she trust this mysterious stranger, or will he use his unique abilities to gain control over her world?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: OVERLORD is the sixth instalment in Cyndi Friberg’s adult, sci-fi OUTCAST fantasy, romance series. This is the leader of the Outcasts Overlord Kage Razel, and Lady Eza of the Sarronti. OVERLORD can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing plot throughout.

SOME BACKGROUND: The humanoid aliens known as Rodytes needed a home and settled on two planets they believed were uninhabited. Without any available mates, the male only Rodytes sent teams of Outcasts to kidnap any and all human females in an attempt to repopulate and find mates for their struggling males but procreation came at a price including the need for genetically matched DNA, a mutual metamorphosis, and magical intervention. A test for compatibility is filed and there may be as many as five males matched to a single female DNA. Outcasts were battle born; their mothers were Bilarrian prisoners forced to breed, with their Rodyte captors, in the hopes of restoring magic to the Rodyte people. To complicate matters, the planet they now inhabit hides a secret deep beneath the planet’s surface, a secret that is determined to take back what once belonged.

Told from several third person perspectives including Kage and Eza OVERLORD follows the building relationship between Rodyte Overlord Kage Razel, and Lady Eza of the Sarronti. The Sarronti is a race of elf-like people who live underground, a people who are preparing to go to war with the Outcasts but not before going to war with their own. In exchange for her nephew’s freedom from the Outcast people, Lady Eza offers herself as a prisoner but a prisoner who will find herself falling for the Outcast’s leader. Enter Overlord Kage Razel, and the man with whom Eza will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Kage and Eza, and the potential fall-out as Lady Isolaund of the Sarronti is determined to take control, at all costs.

The relationship between Kage and Eza is one of immediate attraction. Kage knows Eza is his mate and convincing Eza was straightforward and painless but Eza struggles with placing Kage in danger should the Sarroniti declare war with the people on the surface.As Eza moves between the surface and underground, she will discover that not all is well with the world below. 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. The author has chosen to focus much of the story on the Sarronti people, who are about to integrate into the society above ground.

OVERLORD is an infinitely detailed and intricate story that breaks down the social order and hierarchy of the Sarronti people. At times overwhelming, the amount of information disclosed adds to the ongoing world building including the logic and reasoning of a people whose groupings alienate their own people into castes and status. The premise is revealing and engaging; the romance is captivating and seductive.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Heretic
Marauder:Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /
Tracker:Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N
Assassin
Warlord
Overlord

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Mason (Trinity Academy #2) by Michelle Heard-Review & Excerpt tour

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Mason (Trinity Academy #2) by Michelle Heard-Review & Excerpt tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 9, 2019

“You’re my assistant.”

The magic words every girl at Trinity Academy is dying to hear.

But I’m the one who gets stuck with Mason Chargill, the star of most women’s fantasies but my nightmare. One of the heirs to CRC Holdings, he might be dangerously gorgeous, but his cold and callous demeanor makes him an ice prince.

He expects me to abide by the Academy’s hierarchy, to be at his constant beck and call.
Yeah, right… hell will freeze over before that ever happens.

Unfortunately for him, I’m no pushover.
Unfortunately for me, he’s determined to break me.

If only there were a way to melt the shard of ice he calls a heart.

••••••••

REVIEW Mason is book two in the Trinity Academy series by Michelle Heard. Mason Chargill, Falcon Reyes and Lake Cutler have been best friends since childhood. They are the heir apparents to CRC Holdings and the gods of Trinity Academy. Trinity Academy is an elite school for only the extremely wealthy. Mason and his friends have everyone’s utmost respect. They should – their grandfathers started Trinity Academy.

Mason Chargill is the next President of CRC Holdings and he knows his place in the world. But at Trinity Academy he is one of the most sought after bachelors. Mason is a no nonsense, tends to be a sarcastic ass, but yet gorgeous as all get out. That’s why he is fawned over by every girl at Trinity Academy. His gruff and abrupt personality leaves many to think his heart is a block of ice, but deep down he truly is the kindest of souls, with a lot of baggage.

Mason has chosen his assistant, a one Kingsley Hunt. And for the first time ever he has met his match. While Kingsley is somewhat scared of Mason and his constant antagonizing, she squares up and lets him know that she will not be at his beckon call or answer to his every whim. This completely intrigues Mason. He has never had a woman stand up to him the way Kingsley does. And the back and forth between them will leave you laughing out loud.

Mason has a ton of baggage, he lost his sister in an auto accident, he harbors guilt that he could of saved his sister but didn’t. Even though there is no reason for Mason to feel the way he does, it was an accident. He still harbors these feelings and they keep him locked behind a mask that he portrays to the world. While he enjoys giving Kingsley a hard time, he slowly begins to enjoy having her around and having someone put him in his place when need be But, it takes almost losing Kingsley to make him realize that he has feelings for her.

Mason Chargill is the complete ass that you want to love. You want to break through his tough exterior and get to the gooey center. And this book does just that. In book one he is cocky and arrogant but you know there is a reason behind the way he acts. His friends are loyal and would die for Mason, so you know there is something good in there – somewhere.

This book dives you right into what makes Mason tick and in the end you fall completely head over heels in love with him. The trauma of his past and what makes him Mason is gut wrenching and at times heartbreaking to read. Not even going to lie, I cried. I cried a lot at the pain Mason was feeling and what it took for him to face his trauma. He is such a complex character that you just can’t wait for him to open his heart and let Kingsley in.

Kingsley Hunt doesn’t come from old money. In fact, trying to find her place at Trinity hasn’t been easy. She knows she doesn’t fit into their world. But she is going to make the most of what she has. Kingsley has become best friends with Layla. Falcon’s girlfriend, which puts her right in the firing line for Mason. But, Kingsley just doesn’t take Mason’s crap from the get go. She dishes everything he gives right back to him. She also makes you want to become her best friend and hang out and eat snacks all day. I love that all of the main characters are completely loyal to each other. That no matter what they are there for each other.

This series has been a whirlwind of emotions. You know those cocky rich guys that you want to hate. But once you crack their inner circle you start to realize that they have their own issues and problems. And they deal with them on a daily basis just like everyone else. I have completely fallen for the men of Trinity Academy!

I just want to add that Michelle Heard has now become the reigning queen of cliffhangers. Book ones cliffhanger was like UGH…. Ok… Can’t wait for book two. But this books cliffhanger left me shocked and bewildered and cursing Queen Heard. Because seriously – who does that to someone! I mean I should have expected. It but absolutely did not see it coming – flying out of left field to smack me right in the face. Well played… Well played….

click HERE for Erin’s review of book one FALCON

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin K.

 

“We need to talk.”

“Oh-kaaay,” she points to where her suite is. “You want to come in?”

I gesture for her to walk ahead.

When we walk into her suite, she goes to place the bag on the coffee table, while I shut the door. I take a couple of steps deeper into the room.

“I’ve been looking for you.”

She digs through the bag and pulls out a lollipop. “I went to the store. Needed to restock my candy stash. I was supposed to go last night, but yeah, you know what happened.”

Unwrapping the candy, she pops it in her mouth. “Want one,” she mumbles around it.

“You seriously don’t care what people think about you, do you?”

She shrugs and sitting down on the couch, she points to the other couch. Taking the candy from her mouth, she says, “Sit.”

Yeah, let’s get this over and done with. I walk to the couch and sitting down, I rest my forearms on my knees and lock eyes with her.

“Are you going to tell the entire Academy we slept together?”


 

Michelle Heard is a Bestselling Romance Author who loves creating stories her readers can get lost in. She might have a slight obsession with alpha heroes who are not afraid to fight for their women.

Want to be up to date with what’s happening in my world? Sign up to receive the latest news on her alpha hero releases, sales, and great giveaways →http://eepurl.com/cUXM_P

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Claiming Sarah (Ace Security 5) by Susan Stoker-Review & Giveaway Tour

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Claiming Sarah (Ace Security #5) by Susan Stoker-Review & Giveaway Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 10, 2019

Sarah Butler isn’t flattered. She’s angry and unnerved. She’s been getting intimate gifts from a man she barely knows. Nothing threatening yet, but there’s just a weird vibe she can’t ignore. Her recourse is Ace Security. Their solution: self-defense lessons at Rock Hard Gym with a personal, hands-on instructor. One look at the bearded, tattooed, green-eyed alpha is enough to take Sarah’s breath away.

Cole Johnson is definitely the man for the job. He’s eager to train her. Eager to get closer. And when it comes to Sarah’s instincts, Cole knows she’s not imagining things. He’s also not imagining the intense attraction between them—and his desire to protect her is growing. But so are Sarah’s fears, the worst of which come true when she disappears.

Enlisting the help of Ace Security, Cole will stop at nothing to find the love of his life…before she vanishes forever.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: CLAIMING SARAH is the fifth (and final?) instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult ACE SECURITY romantic suspense series. This is gym owner Cole Johnson, and nurse’s aide Sarah Butler’s storyline. CLAIMING SARAH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Cole and Sarah) CLAIMING SARAH follows the quick building relationship between thirty year old, nurse’s aide Sarah Butler, and thirty-one year old, gym owner Cole Johnson. Sarah Butler has a stalker; a mentally handicapped man who believes Sarah is his to own but Sarah struggles with the increase in letters and gifts that are beginning to take on a threatening tone. Desperate to protect herself Sarah enrols in a self-defence class, a class that brings her up close and personal with her future. Enter Cole Johnson, the man with whom Sarah will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Cole and Sarah, and the potential fall-out as Sarah’s stalker demands more from our story line heroine.

Cole Johnson’s attraction to Sarah is immediate and intense, and like all of Susan Stoker’s heroes Cole knows Sarah is his happily ever after. But Cole, along with the Ace Security Team believe Sarah’s stalker is a potential danger, and they begin a search to determine the extent of the threats against our heroine’s life. Sarah Butler is a bit of a Pollyanna who sees the good in everyone she meets but battles between head and heart as it pertains to the man who is currently making her life miserable. Hoping to protect the woman he loves, Cole and Sarah make plans for the future including moving our heroine closer to Cole.

The relationship between Cole and Sarah is one of immediate attraction; an instantaneous match that rapidly turns into something more. Cole wants a future with Sarah Butler, a future that is threatened by a man whose disability doesn’t allow for right and wrong. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary characters including Logan and Grace (Claiming Grace #1), Blake and Alexis (Claiming Alexis), Bailey and Nathan (Claiming Bailey #3) Bailey’s ten year old brother Joel, Ryder and Felicity (Claiming Felicity #4), as well as Sarah’s stalker Owen Montrone.

CLAIMING SARAH is a fast paced story of insta-love; a sensitive tale of obsession and misunderstanding; romance and love. The premise is inviting and realistic; the romance is tender and intense; the characters are sassy, sexy and sensual. CLAIMING SARAH is a heart warming and revealing addition to Susan Stoker’s ACE SECURITY series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Claiming Grace
Claiming Alexis
Claiming Bailey
Claiming Felicity
Claiming Sarah

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

“Do you ask out every woman you train at your gym? It just seems . . . fast.”

Cole stared at her for a long moment, and when he frowned, Sarah felt as if she’d somehow disappointed him.

“No, I don’t ask out every woman I train. Not even close. It’s been a long time since I’ve asked anyone out. And believe me, Sarah, I’m looking at you—and I like what I see. A lot. You’ve got an air of innocence about you that I find fascinating. You’ve had a tough life, but haven’t let it harden you. I respect you, and I . . . I’d like to get to know you better.”

She bit her lip and took a deep breath, but didn’t immediately protest, so he went on. “I have a feeling simply being around you will make me a better person.”

Sarah shook her head. “Don’t do that. Don’t put me on a pedestal. I’m not some paragon walking around sprinkling glitter throughout the world.”

Cole laughed. Threw his head back and laughed as if she’d said the funniest thing he’d ever heard.

Sarah tugged on her hand again, somewhat offended, but he still refused to let go.

When he got himself under control, he said, “I know you’re not perfect. You’re too trusting. You see the good in everyone, even when there isn’t any there. You probably neglect your own health in order to do something good for someone else.”

“You make me sound like an idiot,” Sarah grumbled, despite being secretly kind of flattered.

“You’re not an idiot. You’re refreshing. And I’m not. I’ve got more than my share of flaws that I’m sure you’ll discover sooner rather than later. But as I said, if you let me get to know you, go out on a few dates with me, I’m hoping you’ll find that you like me back . . . just a little.”

Sarah frowned. “I already like you, Cole, but I don’t understand you. You don’t know anything about me. I could totally be lying to you right now, and you just bought my lies hook, line, and sinker.”

He smiled again. “You’re not lying.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I’m an expert at reading body language. I’ve been around some bad people in my life, angel. You are who you say you are. What you see is what you get.”

Sarah licked her lips nervously, and his gaze immediately followed the movement.

Cole persisted. “Say you’ll go out with me, Sarah.”

“I thought I was here to figure out how to defend myself.”

“You are. And we’ll get to that. Agreeing to go out with me in no way affects whether or not I’ll teach you some basic moves that will allow you to get away from someone and get to safety.”

“But if I say no, things could get weird.”

“Then say yes,” Cole cajoled. “I swear you’ve got nothing to fear from me. I’ll even get references if that will make you feel safer.”

“It’s not that. I think I feel safer with you than anyone I’ve ever been around . . .” She
hesitated.

“But?”

“I’m afraid once you get to know me, you’ll decide I’m annoying. Too much work or something. I work odd hours, weird shifts. And I looked you up online. I know about your friend and what happened to her. And about the Andersons. The last thing I want is my stalker getting upset when he sees us together—because he will—and taking out any anger on you and your friends.”

“Breathe, angel. Take a breath. Nothing is going to happen to them.”

“You can’t control people, Cole,” Sarah pressed. “They’re unpredictable.”

“Fine. Then we’ll meet with Logan, Blake, Nathan, and Ryder, and make sure they know everything about this Owen guy. We’ll let them investigate and figure out what will make him back off. In the meantime, we’ll hang out at my place. Or here. Or your house. We won’t shove our relationship down Owen’s throat. We’ll be discreet. How’s that sound?”

Sarah could only gape at him. “How’d we go from me wanting some tips on protecting myself to having Ace Security investigating Owen and you and me hanging out at each other’s houses?”

He smiled at her again, but didn’t answer her question.

She took a deep breath and gave him the only answer she could. “Okay.”

He beamed. “Okay,” he said quietly. Then he finally let go of her hand and stood, before immediately reaching the same hand down to her again. “Time for your first lesson.”

Automatically, she reached up and let him help her off the floor. She wasn’t sure what she was expecting. A kiss to seal the deal. A hug. A discussion about when and where their first date would be. But so far, Cole hadn’t done anything the way she expected him to.

“First lesson for today will be how to get a guy to let go of your hand if he’s been holding on too long and you’re uncomfortable.”

Sarah knew he was referring to her feeble attempts to pull her hand out of his, and blushed. But he was right, this was something she should know. It would come in handy at the hospital too, just in case one of the patients or family members got a little too familiar, as they’d done in the past.

Concentrating on his instruction, she did her best to put her nerves about dating Cole behind her.

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

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

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Handle with Care (Veteran Movers #3) by Marie Harte-a review

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Handle with Care (Veteran Movers #3) by Marie Harte-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 27, 2019

Evan Griffith has had a hell of a day…
And that was before he met the stunning, sexy woman having a meltdown.

Evan Griffith has had many careers in his life. But who knew working for his family’s moving company would hold just as much action as his stint in the Marine Corps? On an unforgettable job, Evan finds himself taken by a teenage conman and confronted by a woman wielding a knife—and promptly falls head over heels for her.

Kenzie Sykes is doing her best to raise her little brother and keep him out of jail—all while dealing with her own broken heart that just hasn’t healed. She doesn’t have time for romance. He’s not asking… Until he is, and she finds herself saying yes.

••••••••••

REVIEW: HANDLE WITH CARE is the third instalment in Marie Harte’s contemporary, adult VETERAN MOVERS erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women who work for Vets on the Go!-a moving company established to help former servicemen. This is thirty-one years olds former Marine and CPA Evan Griffith, and graphic designer Kenzie Sykes’ storyline. HANDLE WITH CARE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order as there is an on-going plot line throughout.

Told from several third person perspectives including Evan, Kenzie and Daniel HANDLE WITH CARE follows the building relationship and romance between thirty-one years olds former Marine and CPA Evan Griffith, and graphic designer Kenzie Sykes. Vets on the Go’s latest job found Evan Griffith walking into a ‘fight’ between friends that caught Evan unaware. Meeting thirty-one year old Kenzie Syke’s stirred something deep within our story line hero, something Evan long thought buried and gone. When Kenzie’s younger brother pulled a fast one on Evan Griffith, Evan would take his revenge by asking out our story line heroine. What ensues is the slow building romance between Kenzie and Evan, and the potential fall-out as Kenzie is unable to let go of the past.

Kenzie Sykes has known love and lost when her fiancé walked away without a backward glance. Having raised her younger brother Kenzie’s first priority is Daniel, and a relationship with Evan is about to push all of her boundaries. Evan Griffith also knew love and the grief of losing someone close, and was willing to give love another chance but convincing Kenzie that he was not her ex-fiance meant the whole package including caring for her younger brother as well. A sensitive hero Evan struggles with Kenzie’s up and down, back and forth emotional turmoil.

The relationship between Kenzie and Evan is one of immediate attraction but Evan’s first impression of Kenzie came with mixed emotions believing the woman was all kinds of crazy. Hoping to convince Kenzie to give him a chance Evan begins a slow seduction of our story line heroine, while fast becoming a big brother to Daniel as well. A former soccer star, Evan will take Daniel under his wing in an effort to help Daniel with his love of the game. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and dynamic secondary characters including Cash Griffith and Jordan Fleming (Smooth Moves #2), Reid Griffith and Naomi (The Whole Package #1); Evan’s mother Jane Griffith; Vets on the Go employees-Smith Ramsey, Hector, Lafayette, and Finley; Kenzie’s brother Daniel, and her two besties Lila, Rachel and Will. There is something developing between Lila and Hector-here’s hoping the author brings their relationship to the forefront. The back and forth banter between characters is energetic and fast paced-there is definite camaraderie between family and friends.

HANDLE WITH CARE is a story of family, friendship, betrayal and love; a story of revelations and acceptance. The premise is fast paced, engaging and lively; the romance is seductive; the characters are spirited and fun. HANDLE WITH CARE is an entertaining and inviting addition to Harte’s Veteran Movers.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

The Whole Package
Smooth Moves

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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