Monthly Archives: October 2019

The Bad Boy Bachelors of Orange County-Review & Giveaway tour

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The Bad Boy Bachelors of Orange County-Review & Giveaway tour

ONE LAST TIME
(The Bad Boy Bachelors of Orange County #1)
by Khardine Gray
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic romance

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

About the book: Release Date October 11, 2019

Dylan has a stare colder than the Arctic.
Even so, I can’t stop staring at him.
I should – the guy’s been a thorn in my side since my father hired him as a consultant. I’m supposed to be taking over the company but it feels like dad doesn’t trust me at all.

To impress him I have to impress Dylan.
Not an easy task when I’m pretty certain Dylan is the devil.

The devil with the kind of gorgeousness that should come with a warning.
One that says ‘look but don’t touch’.

I learned the hard way one late night, when we turned into something more.

A mistake?

Yes, it should be.
Until it happened one more time… and again and again.
Then we became a hot, sinful, secret that could cost us everything.

If you like hot, steamy, romance with gorgeous, drool-worthy bad boys you will love this book. Dive in now for some fun.

One Last Time is a complete standalone and a part of the Bad Boy Bachelors of Orange County series.

•••••••••

REVIEW: ONE LAST TIME is the first instalment in Khardine Gray’s contemporary, adult The Bad Boy Bachelors of Orange County erotic, romance series focusing on the Cartwright sisters. This is twenty-eight year old, PR specialist Taylor Cartwright, and thirty-two year old, consultant Dylan Patterson’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dylan and Taylor) ONE LAST TIME follows the forbidden relationship between twenty-eight year old, PR specialist Taylor Cartwright, and thirty-two year old, consultant Dylan Patterson. Peter Cartwright had been considering handing over the reigns of Cartwright Enterprises to his daughter Taylor but first, Peter hired consultant Dylan Patterson of Patterson Inc, in an effort to clean up and trim down Taylor’s work spending. Taylor believing her father doesn’t have any faith in his second eldest daughter, struggles with the measure Dylan is about to undertake. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Dylan and Taylor, and the potential fall-out as Dylan is forced to make a decision regarding his relationship with Taylor Cartwright.

Dylan Patterson is the black sheep of the family believing himself not worthy of his father’s love and support. With a reputation as a bit of a manwh*re especially as it involves sleeping with clients, Dylan finds himself in another compromising position when he begins to develop feelings for Taylor Cartwright.

The relationship between Taylor and Dylan begins acrimoniously as Taylor struggles with her father’s ‘efforts’ to ensure Taylor is worthy of taking over the family business. Having met under less than ideal circumstances, Taylor and Dylan’s relationship is both personal and professional but their private relationship is about to be exposed. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Taylor’s sisters: Abby, Mia and Vanessa; Abby’s best friend Gilman Hawkins; their father Peter Cartwright; as well as Dylan’s father.

ONE LAST TIME is a story of family, acceptance and forgiveness. The premise is engaging and captivating; the characters are energetic and colorful; the romance is seductive and hot. ONE LAST TIME is a wonderful start to the author’s Bad Boy Bachelors of Orange County series.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

________

PREGNANCY SCANDAL
(The Bad Boy Bachelors of Orange County #2)
by Khardine Gray
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 15, 2019

Abby wants to get pregnant.

The old fashioned way.
Without the issue of dating…
She just wants the baby.
No relationship, no fuss.

I’m her best friend, so I give her my opinion freely.
This is by far the craziest idea she’s ever come up with.

It all feels bad to me until she propositions me herself and opens my eyes to something I might not be able to resist.

I’d always wondered what it would be like to be with her.
Abby Cartwright, the girl who’d been my best friend since birth.
Her with her beautiful, sassy smile and that live for the moment daring personality.

I’d never been able to say no to her before.

Now would be a good time to start.
Except this idea of hers has unlocked my curiosity.
And temptation wants me to explore…her.

If you like hot, steamy, romance with gorgeous, drool-worthy bad boys you will love this book. Dive in now for some fun.

Pregnancy Scandal is a complete standalone and a part of the Bad Boy Bachelors of Orange County series

••••••••

REVIEW: PREGNANCY SCANDAL is the second instalment in Khardine Gray’s contemporary, adult The Bad Boy Bachelors of Orange County erotic, romance series focusing on the Cartwright sisters. This is thirty year olds, Abby Cartwright, and professional football player, quarterback Gilman ‘Gilly’ Hawkins’ story line. PREGNANCY SCANDAL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Abby and Gilly) PREGNANCY SCANDAL follows thirty year old Abby Cartwright, the eldest Cartwright sister as she considers getting pregnant, the old fashioned way. Abby Cartwright is not currently in a permanent relationship with anyone other than her best friend Gilman Hawkins but Abby considers a number of possibilities on her road to having a child. When all of the opportunities fail to realize, Abby makes an appointment with the local fertility clinic but Gilman Hawkins offers up himself as the possible father to be. What ensues is the best friends to lovers relationship between Abby and Gilly, and the potential fall-out when Gilman’s past comes demanding a second chance.

Gilman and Abby have been best friends most of their lives but both are oblivious to the possibility of a happily ever after-together. Everyone else sees the love and adoration they have for one another but never once did Abby consider Gilman as the father of her ‘future’ child. Having watched one another falter with other people, Gilman suggests they try taking their friendship to the next level in the hopes of one day having their own HEA.

The relationship between Abby and Gilly is a friends to lovers relationship but both fear losing one another if everything fails. Abby is desperate to start a family of her own having watched her friends and her sister fall in love, something she fears will never happen to her. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, the Cartwright sisters play secondary and supporting roles including Taylor, Mia and Vanessa. We are introduced to Gillman’s ex girlfriend Giselle; and lineman Eric Declan. Here’s hoping the author has plans for Eric and Mia’s story.

PREGNANCY SCANDAL is a story of friendship and love; family and happily ever after. The premise is entertaining; the characters are flirty and lively; the romance is provocative and hot. PREGNANCY SCANDAL is a great addition to the author’s The Bad Boy Bachelors of Orange County erotic, romance series.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Khardine Gray is a USA Today Bestselling author who loves writing sizzling hot contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance.

Her books have sexy, drool-worthy heroes who will make you melt, and sassy, fun loving, ambitious heroines.

She simply adores her readers and loves spoiling them.

Website* Newsletter*Facebook*Facebook Group* Twitter*Bookbub *Amazon* Goodreads

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A Lie for a Lie (All In #1) by Helena Hunting-Review & Giveaway Tour

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A Lie for a Lie (All In #1) by Helena Hunting-Review, Except & giveaway Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 15, 2019

Sometimes I need an escape from the demands, the puck bunnies, and the notoriety that come with being an NHL team captain. I just want to be a normal guy for a few weeks. So when I leave Chicago for some peace and quiet, the last thing I expect is for a gorgeous woman to literally fall into my lap on a flight to Alaska. Even better, she has absolutely no idea who I am.

Lainey is the perfect escape from my life. My plan for seclusion becomes a monthlong sex fest punctuated with domestic bliss. But it ends just as abruptly as it began. When I’m called away on a family emergency, I realize too late that I have no way to contact Lainey.

A year later, a chance encounter throws Lainey and me together again. But I still have a lie hanging over my head, and Lainey’s keeping secrets of her own. With more than lust at stake, the truth may be our game changer.

•••••••••

 

REVIEW:A LIE FOR A LIE is the first instalment in Helena Hunting’s contemporary, adult ALL IN LOVE erotic, romance series. This is NHL captain Rook ‘RJ’ Bowman, and twenty-five year old, Lainey Carver’s storyline. The ALL IN series is a spin off from the author’s PUCKED series but you do not have to have read the original series to follow. Several characters from the PUCKED series cross over for cohesion and back story.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lainey and Rook) A LIE FOR A LIE follows the building but fractured relationship between NHL captain Rook ‘RJ’ Bowman, and twenty-five year old, Lainey Carver. Approximately one year earlier while on her way to study aquatic animals on Kodiak Island in Alaska, Lainey Carver would meet her future in the guise of sexy, ‘alpaca farmer’ RJ, a man with whom she will spend six glorious weeks that will come to a screeching halt when RJ is called back home. Fast forward to present day wherein Lainey will come face to face with her past while working at the Chicago aquarium. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Lainey and RJ that struggles in the face of secrets, lies and letting go of the past.

Rook ‘RJ’ Bowman knew Lainey had know idea about who he was so telling her a ‘little white lie’ meant no harm until Rook found himself falling for our story line heroine. A manwh*re by reputation, Rook struggled to reveal the truth to the woman with whom he would fall in love. An emergency back home found Rook on the move without leaving a forwarding address or revealing the truth about his professional status. Lainey Carver struggles with social situations having witness an horrific event while studying in college. Raised by over-protective parents, Lainey needs an escape to make it on her own but she never expected to see RJ again.

The relationship between Lainey and Rook is one of immediate attraction having met on the plane heading to Alaska. From Lainey’s disastrous rental to Rook’s lies of omission, our couple endure a minefield of secrets and lies but Lainey may yet hold the biggest secret of all. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Several of Rook’s fellow teammates and their wives from the author’s PUCKED series play secondary and supporting roles. We are introduced to Rook’s sister Stevie, as well as Lainey’s over protective parents Simon and Elaine Carver.

A LIE FOR A LIE is a story of second chances; of secrets and lies; of love and happily ever after. The premise is sweet yet spicy; the romance is sensitive and sexy; the characters are animated, colorful and charismatic. A LIE FOR A LIE is a heart warming start to the author’s ALL IN series.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy 

 

When Lainey excuses herself to the bathroom, I rush upstairs and throw on a T-shirt. I know she said whatever makes me comfortable, but sitting around shirtless is such a douche move.I make it back to the kitchen and pour her a fresh drink before she returns from the bathroom.

“How can I help with dinner?” Lainey drapes her sweater over the back of a chair.

And my mouth goes dry. Like I ate an entire sleeve of saltines and chased it with a tablespoon of salt. So far I’ve only seen Lainey in a giant parka or an oversize sweater. Under all that bulky fabric is one hell of a body. She’s wearing a simple white waffle shirt that conforms to her curves. A pair of dark-wash skinny jeans encase her toned legs.

I’m used to bunnies throwing themselves at me, often in questionable states of undress. I stopped getting excited about miniskirts and revealing tops a long time ago. There’s something infinitely sexier about a woman who can show off her body without actually showing it off at all.

Lainey tips her head to the side. Her teeth press into her full bottom lip. I want to do that. Suck that pouty, full lip between my teeth and bite it. I want to do a lot of other, far more explicit things than that, but a kiss seems like a good place to start.

“RJ? Is everything okay?” Her eyes dip down to my chest. I’m wearing a shirt from one of my endorsement campaigns. It afforded me the extensive renovations on this cabin a few years ago.

“Huh?” I give my head a shake. “Oh. Yeah. Everything’s good. Sorry, zoned out there for a second.”

She smiles and pushes up on her toes, her eyes twinkling—like, they legit light up, and her excitement makes her entire body vibrate. It also makes her boobs jiggle. I try to keep my eyes glued to her face. It’s not easy, though.

“I do that all the time! Sometimes my brain is busy with so many thoughts I miss entire conversations. Does that happen to you too?”

I grin. I love that she seems to say whatever is on her mind. “All the time.”

“It’s actually a helpful skill when you’re being lectured, because I can sort through stuff in my head, but it’s not so great when your supervising professor is telling you what’s wrong with your thesis.” She pulls her hair over her shoulder and finger combs it.

“I take it that’s happened to you.”

“It did. Thankfully he also emailed all his criticisms, so missing out on it the first time wasn’t that big of a deal.” She divides her hair into three sections and deftly braids it without looking at what she’s doing even once. It’s pretty damn impressive. I almost want to pull it apart so I can watch her do it all over again. “Anyway, enough about that. Let’s get started on dinner!” She nudges me out of the way so she can wash her hands. She dries them on her jeans and moves over to the fridge, opening it to check out the contents.

I kind of like that she makes herself at home. I’m used to women who expect to be catered to. It’s refreshing to meet someone who doesn’t want me to pander to her.

I start pulling things out of the fridge as she starts naming items she’ll need and set them on the counter. I manage to locate most of what she asks for.

“What about garlic? Do you have any of that?” She leans over, peering into the fridge beside me. Her braid slips over her shoulder, skimming my arm.

“Uh, maybe we could forgo the garlic?”

“Are you allergic? My oldest brother gets bloated when he eats it. It took us forever to figure out what was causing it. Sometimes I’ll still put some in when he’s coming for dinner, because it’s funny to see him look like he’s expecting.” She tips her head to the side. “Or you just don’t like garlic?”

“I like it sometimes, but it depends.”

Her brows pinch together. “On what?”

“Who I’m eating with. I mean, if I’m going out with buddies, you bet I’m gonna order the honey garlic wings, or the cheesy garlic bread, or the pasta Alfredo. But if I’m eating dinner with a pretty girl, I’m gonna pass on the garlic.”

“Oh.” She twists the end of her braid around her finger.

I hope I’m not reading things wrong and making her uncomfortable.

“Does that mean you think I’m pretty?”

That she sounds genuinely curious as to my answer is unexpected. “You see yourself in the mirror every day—what do you think?”

She averts her gaze, still playing with the end of her braid. “My eyes are too big, so I always look like I’m surprised. My nose is small, and my lips are too full, so my mouth doesn’t really fit the rest of my face.”

“Wow. I think you need a new mirror, because all I see is a whole lot of gorgeous.”

She snorts a laugh and waves me off. “Once, I took a portrait class, and we learned all about proportion and symmetry of the face. Those are just my flaws based on what I was taught.”

“Well, I’m a big fan of all your flaws, and I think they make you more beautiful, not less.”

“Thanks. I think you’re beautiful too.” She cringes. “I mean handsome. You’re very nice to look at, with or without a shirt on. When I fell in your lap on the airplane, I remember thinking, At least I fell on someone nice looking.”

“Is that so?”

“Mm-hmm.” She opens a drawer, maybe to avoid looking at me. “And as much as I was mortified when you sat beside me on the Cessna, I couldn’t complain about the view, inside or outside of the plane. That you turned out to be really nice, and just so helpful, was a great bonus.” She hands me a roll of foil. “Why don’t you wrap the potatoes? They take the longest, so we should get started on those first.”

I put the potatoes on the barbecue and let Lainey order me around. She definitely knows her way around a kitchen. When I was growing up, my mom did most of the cooking, but my dad could make a mean Saturday-morning brunch. He also made great bread, which I miss a lot.

An hour later we’re seated at the table, plates full of steak, twice-baked potatoes, and crispy brussels sprouts cooked in bacon fat. I open a bottle of red wine and offer Lainey a glass.

“Just a little bit? I’m not sure I like red wine.”

“Maybe you just haven’t had the right red wine.” I pour a little into her glass.

She picks it up and gives it a swirl, then sniffs it. “I’ve seen people do this in the movies, but I don’t really know what the point is,” she admits, then tips the glass back and takes a tentative sip. Her expression turns thoughtful; then she takes another, slightly more robust sip. “This is actually really nice. I like it. Maybe the red wine I had before was bad.”

“Maybe. Some of the cheap stuff tastes pretty awful.” I pour more into her glass before filling mine. I hold up my glass and wait for her to raise hers.

“To chance meetings.”

“To new adventures and great company to share them with.” We toast and take a sip, each smiling behind the rim.

 


 

Guest Post: Lainey vs. Puck Bunnies in A Lie for a Lie

A Lie for a Lie is a heartwarming, sexy, emotional romantic comedy. It’s a second chance romance, filled with secrets and there are definitely some exciting, fun twists. It’s also a story of empowerment, self-discovery, and independence.

Rook Bowman, aka RJ or Rookie as he has been known as previously, has recently taken on the role as captain of Chicago’s NHL team, and with that role comes big responsibility and more fame than he sometimes knows how to handle. As with any professional sport, the NHL lifestyle can often be full of excess and decadence; money, fame and an endless stream of women who will do just about anything to get into bed with them, and it’s not always easy to avoid that kind of temptation.

When we meet Rook in A Lie for a Lie we learn that he has a less than shiny past when it comes to the excess and the puck bunnies (hockey groupies). NHL players are often drafted quite young—just watch a game and you’ll notice that the rookies can often barely grown peach fuzz, let alone a full beard. They’re still teenagers when they start their careers, and Rook was no different. Having grown up on an alpaca farm in rural New York, his focus was mainly hockey and the family farm, but once he hit the pros he found himself surrounded by women who literally threw themselves at him. And being young, attractive and full of testosterone, he fell headfirst down that rabbit hole. At least until the drama found him in the form of a fake pregnancy and a social media firestorm. Because of that, and the impact it had on his relationship with his family, Rook swears off the bunnies and refocuses on his career, rather than extracurricular activities.

He meets Lainey on the way to Alaska, where he’s gone every summer since he was a teenager with his dad and his brother. He lost his father a few years earlier, but kept the tradition with his brother because he craves the escape from the demands of his life as an NHL superstar. Lainey encapsulates everything he misses about being a “normal guy.” She doesn’t recognize him or seem to even know anything about hockey, and that makes her even more alluring. For once, he can just be himself. He doesn’t have to worry about ulterior motives or being used. Lainey is refreshingly innocent, incredibly smart, genuine and overwhelmingly sweet and Rook finds himself enamored with her sense of adventure. As they get to know each other, Rook learns about her traumatic past and realizes that despite the challenges she’s faced, Lainey possesses a quiet strength and resilience. Add some insane chemistry and you’ve got a recipe for love. Unfortunately for Rook, he built their entire fragile relationship on lie he can’t take back.

~~ Helena Hunting ~~

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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

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THE LIVING CANVAS by Pepper Winters-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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THE LIVING CANVAS (Master of Trickery #2) by Pepper Winters-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

THE LIVING CANVAS
Master of Trickery #2
by Pepper Winters
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, romance
Release Date: October 15, 2019

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 15, 2019

“Must be brave, stubborn, and impervious to the tempers of loved ones.”

The first line hissed with history.

“Hours are endless, pay is non-existence, quitting absolutely forbidden.”

The second line ached with truth.

“Able to function on no sleep, refrain from running when times get hard, and be more than just a living canvas but a lover.”

The third thrummed with honesty.

“Other attributes required: forgiving, opinionated, and not afraid to tell me when I’m wrong. Must also enjoy being touched and kissed at any time of my choosing.”

The fourth glowed with promise.

“Call or email ‘YOUR HEART, HIS SOUL’ if interested in applying.”

The final made my future unfold.

The advert was so similar to one I should never have applied for.
A twist of fate that brought two destined people back together.
A job I would take in a heartbeat if the employer could offer such terms.
But I wasn’t free.
Neither was Gil.
Therefore, my interview could never happen.

•••••••••

REVIEW: THE LIVING CANVAS is the second instalment in Pepper Winters’ contemporary, adult MASTER OF TRICKERY dark, romance duology focusing on body painter Gilbert ‘Gil’ Clark, and Olin Moss. THE LIVING CANVAS should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book one THE BODY PAINTER.

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) THE LIVING CANVAS continues to focus on the fractured relationship between high school friends, body painter Gilbert ‘Gil’ Clark, and Olin Moss, but not all is right in Gilbert Clark’s world, and Olin will discover she is about to become collateral damage. Having replied to an ad to become a living canvas, Olin realized that the painter is the boy she once loved, a boy who destroyed all of her hopes and dreams. Shattered beyond repair, and desperate to save someone he loves, Gilbert will sabotage any chance at happiness by offering up one soul for another but in doing so will lose much more than he could have ever imagined.

THE LIVING CANVAS is a psychological tale of what ifs. How far would you go to protect someone you love? Who would you sacrifice to save someone else? Pepper Winters weaves a story of lost love and lost innocence; of fractured lives and broken promises; of a dark past, a dangerous life, and a damaged soul beyond repair. THE LIVING CANVAS is a raw, real, gritty and impassioned story of the ultimate betrayal and flawed nature of the human soul.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE BODY PAINTER

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

“GIL…DON’T.”
He gritted his teeth, wrapping the rope tighter around my wrists.
“Stop it.” I wriggled and squirmed, trying to be free of him.
“Don’t make this any harder than it is,” he breathed, tying a knot and jerking me forward.
I fought against him, bracing against his pull.
His hand slipped on the rope, giving me a fraction of a second.
I spun and bolted.
I managed a few terrified strides before his boots thudded behind me.
He caught me so easily.
He spun me around, picked me up, and carried me to the podium. Big fat tears rolled down my cheeks, unable to believe what he’d done. In all the times he’d ever touched me, he’d restrained the power and violence he wielded so effortlessly now. He had a strength that controlled me with barely any effort whatsoever.
That alone sent my heart galloping uselessly in my chest. My back prickled with nervous sweat. My chest fluttered with anxious breath. And I moaned in disbelief as he plopped me onto the stage and kicked out my legs, forcing me to sit on the edge.
I sat with a jar, my teeth clacking together as I dared look up at the kidnapper I should’ve been afraid of but never suspected.*************************************

Tears beyond my control rained heavy and hard down my cheeks. I was allowed to hate him. I was meant to curse his very existence. I had no trust where he was concerned. No obligation in any form.
Yet, I cried for him and for me.
I cried for both of us because it wasn’t fake breakups, molesting teachers, or blackmailing murderers who’d broken us.
It’d been the lies.
The tricks.
The shadows that’d always surrounded Gilbert Clark and the ones he retreated to rather than staying in the light with me.
No matter what happened.
No matter if I died tonight, he died, we all died, this had died.
Us.
There is no more us.
His arms wrapped me in a cage, his love imprisoning me.
I tried to stop crying. To put aside my grief and wake up.
But slowly, stealthily, finality crept over me.
My eyelids no longer opened.
My brain no longer operated.
My head lay on Gil’s shoulder, needing support.
He clutched me closer as the final dregs of energy siphoned out of me. He stroked my hair and kissed my ear as I gave in to the cloud of unconsciousness. “Hopefully, by the time you wake up…this will all be over. You’ll be free. You’ll never have to see me again.” He angled my chin, his lips claiming mine.
I tried to pull back, to stop the kiss, to study his godforsaken eyes, but he caged me closer. He pulled heat and hunger from deep within, sending me into lullabies with his taste on my lips and his grief on my tongue. “I’m so sorry, O. So sorry for ever thinking I could make you happy. You deserve so much more. I love you. I love you with every fucking part of me, but I can’t stop this. At least sleep is a gift I can give you. The only thing I can give you.”
Voices were far away and not of my dream world as he lowered me down until I lay on the stage. My eyelids fluttered as he turned on the air compressor and the first lick of unwanted paint landed upon my skin.
But I couldn’t move.
Couldn’t fight.
Gil was an artist.
Art was his drug.
The creation of beauty helped him cope in the depths of his despair. He needed art to function, to survive.
And with his talent, he stole my function.
Brush by brush, he destroyed me.
Colour by colour, he sentenced me to die.
He snuffed out my survival.
He’d poisoned me so I’d sleep.
So I wouldn’t be awake when my purpose as his masterpiece was over.

 


 

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

 

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Scent of a Mate by Dianna Love – a Review

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Scent of a Mate by Dianna Love – a Review

 

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Description:
Gan never wanted to be a shifter and now he’s got a monster Siberian Tiger inside of him. He’s spent his whole life as a prisoner. This is no different. The minute he convinces the happens, Gan plans to vanish and live in a wilderness, leaving shifters behind forever, because he’ll have control of the crazy tiger. He gets his chance at freedom by hiding the fact that his animal is still insane. All he has to do is keep his tiger buttoned down long enough to observe on a mission and pay back a debt he owes to a sexy cougar shifter. That might have worked perfectly if Gan’s heart hadn’t fallen victim to the female running the mission … and if his tiger hadn’t busted loose.

As a cougar shifter, Scarlett spends most of her days rescuing female shifters from predators. She has no intention of calling in the marker Gan owes her until she needs a rogue to help her save an innocent from powerful people she’s avoided her whole life. Unlike the other Gallize, an angry Gan has no problem breaking a few rules, and she’s seen the true man inside who will protect a vulnerable innocent. She had a sound plan, one that would cost only her if things went bad, until that crazy tiger shifter destroyed any hope of walking away from him. When Gan and Scarlett face impossible odds, each of them must put the one thing they hold most dear on the line to protect the other.

Every story is stand alone.

 

 

Review:

Scent of a Mate by Dianna Love is the 4th book in her wonderful League of Gallize Shifters series. I am a big fan of Dianna Love, and I look forward to reading any of her books, as she always gives us great exciting, fun stories, with fantastic characters.   Background: The Gallize shifters are run by an ancient and powerful shifter, and they are the good guys, who secretly protect humans from the bad shifter groups. 

Gan, our hero, is a Siberian tiger shifter, and has spent most of his life as a prisoner.  Gan has become a new member of the Gallize shifters, but he still feels like a prisoner and wants to run away to gain his freedom.  Since he is a newbie, Gan is assigned to work with other Gallize shifters, to learn how to bond and deal with his tiger. 

Scarlett, our heroine, is a cougar shifter, who spends her time freeing other female shifters, as well as trying to find her sister.  She knows she is coming up against a powerful shifter, and requests help from the Gallize leader, who sends two of his men, which will include Gan, who follows as part of his training.

Gan, is immediately attracted to Scarlett, and despite his language barrier, she works with him how to behave, and learn to bond with his tiger.  Scarlett finds herself becoming attracted to handsome hunk, Gan, but will not allow herself to be bonded to any man. She realizes that Gan’s strength is powerful and she can use him to help free her kidnapped friends.  In a short time, their romance will escalate to a scorching level, with both unable to hide their strong feelings; so much so that they will each put their own lives in danger to protect one another.

We learn more about the female shifters that Scarlett is trying to free, and I expect more future stories for them.   There are two powerful villains in this story, both after Scarlett, and Gan will do anything to protect her.  

What follows is an exciting action-packed story, but I do not want to ruin it for you by giving any spoilers. The last half of the book was great, especially as we raced to the climatic ending.  I was on the edge of my seat during the last half of the book. My favorite character in this book was Scarlett, as she was a fabulous heroine.  I liked Gan, but I did find him somewhat annoying early on; but in the end they made a great couple.

Dianna Love once again gives us another wonderful story, and a series that continues to wow us and was a fun, exciting, action packed adventure; with a great sexy couple, which you should be reading.  As I always come to expect with Dianna Love, Scent of a Mate was a fun, exciting adventure; great sexy couple, wonderful secondary characters, and bad villains.  I cannot wait for the next book. I strongly suggest you start with Gray Wolf Mate, if you have not read this series and enjoy the ride.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Holidate (Dating #3) by Monica Murphy-Review & Excerpt Tour

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Holidate (Dating #3) by Monica Murphy-Review & Excerpt Tour

HOLIDATE
Dating #3
by Monica Murphy
Release Date: October 15, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary,sweet, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Apple

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 15, 2019

Candice Gaines loves Christmas. Not only does she bask in the twinkling lights, sing Christmas carols and go crazy with the decorations, she’s also in the giving spirit, donating much of her time and wealth to various charities in the local area.

Charlie Sullivan despises Christmas. Though it keeps his family afloat, considering they own Sullivan Family Christmas Tree Farm, the main provider for Christmas trees on the Monterey peninsula. He’d much rather work among the trees versus have to deal with people.

But Charlie’s parents are taking on more philanthropic projects—and as their oldest child, they want him to be their official public representative. He just has to play nice and convince everyone he’s not a total holiday hater.

When Charlie’s mom asks Candice to accompany him to a variety of holiday parties and events, she reluctantly agrees. She thinks Charlie is a big ol’ Grinch, but is determined to change his mindset and help him spread Christmas cheer. Charlie finds Candice too chatty, too sweet, too much. Do people like her really exist?

Why yes, yes they do. The more time they spend together—along with a few kisses under the mistletoe—the more they start to like each other. Hopefully Charlie can convince Candice he doesn’t have a heart that’s two sizes too small before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.

••••••••

REVIEW: HOLIDATE is the third instalment in Monica Murphy’s contemporary, adult DATING romance series. This is Christmas tree farm owner Charlie Sullivan, and philanthropist and fund raiser Candice Gaines’ story line. HOLIDATE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Charlie and Candice) HOLIDATE follows the building romance and relationship between Christmas tree farm owner Charlie Sullivan, and philanthropist Candice Gaines. The holidays are about to get busy and Candice finds herself the ‘victim’ of a lie when she is asked by a well-meaning mother to accompany her son to a variety of holiday parties. Candice, with a holiday scheduled filled to the brim, isn’t exactly thrilled to be holding hands with the local Grinch but discovers there is more to Charlie than meets the eye. What ensues is the building relationship between Candice and Charlie, and the potential fall-out when the truth is revealed.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Candice’s friends Kelsey, Eleanor, Caroline (Save the Date #1) and Sarah, her brother Jared’s girlfriend (Fake Date #2), Joyce Rothschild, as well as Charlie’s mother Isabel Sullivan, his sister Victoria; and tree farm employee Isaac Jones.

HOLIDATE is a cute holiday themed story; a ‘Hallmark-esque’ sweet romance where the push and pull of enemies to friendship quickly escalates with each encounter. The premise is endearing; the romance is sweet (no $ex scenes, a few kisses and limited physical touching); Candice is energetic and over the top, almost childlike in her love of Christmas; Charlie struggles with the season and everything it represents. HOLIDATE is a light-hearted and delightful read.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Save the Date
Fake Date
Holidate

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

I go chasing after Charlie, thankful he hasn’t hopped back on that ATV and torn out of here. He’s headed straight for the giant red building, and I follow behind, having to pick up my step since one of his long strides equals about three of mine. He’s just so stinkin’ tall.
And handsome.
And gruff.
And he smells good. Have I mentioned that? He smells like a pine tree, of course, and his scent is mouth-wateringly delicious.
Ugh. I hate myself sometimes.
He pushes open the door of the building almost violently, sending it swinging wide, and I sneak in behind him, causing him to turn and practically snarl at me when he realizes I’m standing in front of him.
But I forget all about his snarl when I see how enchanting this room is. It’s not an office, but an actual store, filled to the brim with holiday decorations and knickknacks for sale. Candles are burning—I can smell cinnamon and spice wafting in the air. The scent of the real pine trees laden with ornaments standing in the room also lingers, and I breathe deep, closing my eyes for a moment so I can take it all in.
When I open my eyes, it’s to find Charlie standing there, his hands on his hips, his brow lowered. “Are you okay? That head injury still flaring up and giving you trouble?”
I roll my eyes. “No, you idiot. I’m enjoying the festive atmosphere.”
Oh, that was mean. I shouldn’t have said that.
But I don’t think he even noticed.
I slowly turn in a circle, pure delight flowing through my veins. I don’t know what to look at first, it’s all so beautiful. And there are layers upon layers of decorations. On the walls, cluttering shelves and tabletops, overflowing giant baskets. And of course there are the trees. They almost sag with their bounty of sparkling ornaments and twinkling lights. It would probably take me hours to explore it all, and I’m dying to start my exploration right at this very moment. “This store is so adorable!”
“My sister Victoria runs it.” He glances over at the counter where the register sits, but no one’s there. “I don’t know where she’s at, though. Maybe you could talk to her about—whatever it is you want to talk about.”
No way is he pushing this agenda onto his sister. Isabel wants Charlie to do this, and no one else.
“We’ve wasted the past five minutes with you huffing and puffing and refusing to speak to me.” I reach into my large bag and pull the folder out I wanted to show him. “Give me ten minutes. That’s all I need to talk about what we’re going to do over the next few weeks.”
He grimaces. Sighs. Tugs the cap off his head, all that gorgeous hair spilling across his forehead, and my fingers literally itch at the chance to push it out of his eyes.
But I restrain myself. Barely. 


 

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and Harper Collins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she’s not writing, she’s reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She’s a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

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A Family by Christmas by Viv Royce – a Review

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A Family by Christmas by Viv Royce – a Review

 

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

 

Description:
Chocolatier Emma Miller has a new business selling bonbons to the residents of the quaint town of Wood Creek. When a tiny visitor stops by her shop with an interesting request, Emma is intrigued. The young girl needs chocolates that will help her widowed dad fall in love, preferably with her teacher. What Emma didn’t count on was Casey’s ever so charming and handsome dad, Grant, stepping into her life. She has to remind herself to be cautious because the one thing she learned in foster care is that people always leave.

Pilot Grant Galloway is touched by his daughter’s gift and is curious about the person who made the world-class chocolates. But when he steps into Emma’s shop full of delicious smells and tasty morsels, he forgets to breathe. And it has nothing to do with his favorite dessert. She’s pretty and kind, and when she has to deal with a difficult client, his protective instincts kick into high gear. But he risked his heart once. When his wife died, it left him broken. He’s just now beginning to pick up the pieces, and he and his daughter will be leaving town once the holidays are over.

Thanks to some Christmas wishes, though, these two might discover that their carefully laid plans are about to change.

 

 

Review;

I just loved A Family by Christmas.  Viv Royce writes a very sweet and charming story about giving love a chance and finding that sometimes you just have to let your heart lead you to where you are meant to be.  I absolutely love these fast paced Christmas reads set in a small town where boy meets girl and vice versa, they become friends and realize they’re falling in love.  Viv Royce hit’s all my high points with this one and kept me entertained from beginning to end.  Emma is the type of person you’d want to become friends with as she’s just so down to earth, kind, helpful and wants to make people happy with her chocolate creations.  Let me tell you the descriptions of her bonbons had my mouth watering, and I couldn’t help but get into some of my favourite chocolates paired with a glass of wine as I read this one.  As for Grant figuring out single parenthood to his adorable little girl Emma he had me swooning numerous times. He’s definitely the type of guy that any women would be lucky to have.

A Family by Christmas is the type of story that makes you just want to settle into you favourite chair, light the fireplace, pour a glass of wine and forget about the outside world for a few hours.  Emma, Grant and his daughter Casey are a cute trio and they keep you entertained throughout.  You just get caught up in their lives/adventure and there’s just something about adding in the Christmas season that always for me adds that magical touch to the story.  This one had all sorts of magical touches, from Casey’s chocolate request for daddy to fall in love, to Emma helping Casey overcome her fear of singing in front of a crowd, to Grant helping Emma make her bonbon deliveries, and the annual winter fair.  Toss in a fun secondary cast of characters in  Grant’s family and this story has all the ingredients to make you fall in love with a Family by Christmas.  If you love a sweet romance with the Christmas season as the backdrop then you can’t go wrong with this one by Viv Royce.   A Family by Christmas will have you thinking of the Christmas season and your favourite hallmark movie all at the same time. 

Until next time my little book loving elves, happy reading!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Fireborne by Rosaria Munda – a Review

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Fireborne by Rosaria Munda – a Review

 

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

 

Description:
Annie and Lee were just children when a brutal revolution changed their world, giving everyone—even the lowborn—a chance to test into the governing class of dragonriders.

Now they are both rising stars in the new regime, despite backgrounds that couldn’t be more different. Annie’s lowborn family was executed by dragonfire, while Lee’s aristocratic family was murdered by revolutionaries. Growing up in the same orphanage forged their friendship, and seven years of training have made them rivals for the top position in the dragonriding fleet.

But everything changes when survivors from the old regime surface, bent on reclaiming the city.

With war on the horizon and his relationship with Annie changing fast, Lee must choose to kill the only family he has left or to betray everything he’s come to believe in. And Annie must decide whether to protect the boy she loves . . . or step up to be the champion her city needs.

 

 

Review:

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda is the first book in her new The Aurelian Cycle series. When I decided to read this new YA fantasy novel, I wasn’t sure what to expect as it was a new author for me.  I am happy to say I loved Fireborne and cannot wait to read more from Rosaria Munda.

The POV’s are from Lee, our hero, and Annie, our heroine.   We do get flash backs to the earlier days, when both were orphans, with Lee looking out for Annie.  Both lost their family to the revolution that changed the world; each having the perspective from a different side, such as Lee, secretly coming from royalty and Annie being lowborn.  They left the orphanage together to train with the new regime as dragon riders and 8 years later they both become elite riders. Yes there are Dragons, and I loved how Munda made them emotionally bonded to their assigned rider, with some telepathic between them.  Great part of story.

The story begins with a competition to become a Firstrider, the person who will lead the Dragon army reporting to the leader of Callipolis, with both Lee and Annie rivaling each other, as well as other elite dragonriders.  We learn more secrets about Lee, who is the lone survivor of the Stormscourge, all slaughtered in the revolution; only Annie knows the truth about who Lee really is. Annie is also a lone survivor, as her family was executed for not following the Lord’s orders. Their friendship was a major part of this story, with both of them knowing the past that brought them together, but neither acknowledging their past different lives.  In today’s world they are together, but things are changing that could destroy their friendship and their lives.

As the Firstrider competition continues; Lee is contacted by a survivor of the past, who are determined to bring back the old regime with a new revolution.   Lee has to fight his feelings about the truth about the things his father did as the Lord, and decide which side he belongs with.   Annie is loyal to the current regime, and begins to worry that Lee might betray Callipolis.  War is coming.  Will Lee turn on Annie and their friends?  Will Annie, despite her love for Lee, alert the leader of Lee’s possible betrayal?

I will not tell too much more, as there are many political elements from the past and present, which you need to read from start to finish to follow this story.  I loved Lee and Annie, and the group of friends that we got to know, as well as the emotional bond between them.  Munda did a fantastic job creating these wonderful characters, and giving us an amazing new world.

Fireborne was an exciting, emotional, intense, political, and at times a dark story that held our attention from the start.  The friendship between the dragon rider group was wonderful. I loved the Dragons, and their bond to their riders; it was a sensational element to the story.  The climax was fantastic, with so many twists and turns the kept me on the edge of my seat. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.   Rosaria Munda is now a new author I will need to keep reading.  I suggest you read this start of a fun exciting new series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Rebel Queen by Jeana E Mann-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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The Rebel Queen by Jeana E Mann-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway  Tour

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

GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/TRQ-GR

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 15, 2019

“Shall we begin?” When spoken by my new husband, these three little words fill me with terror and anticipation.

In private, King Henry rules my body like he rules his country—with unrelenting control and passion. I crave his orders, his punishment, his commands. Outside the bedroom, we’re strangers caught in a web of lies and decadence.

Our marriage is a sham, a business arrangement devised to save my life and secure his crown. He doesn’t love me. He loves my body, controlling it, shaming it, worshipping it. To survive the dangers at court, I need to be smart, but it’s hard to think straight with a man like Henry between my legs.

Each night, he locks the bedroom door, determined to teach me a new lesson. Obedience, patience, trust. I lie awake in bed waiting for the sound of his footsteps and the latest installment in pleasure and pain. My heart pounds when the hinges creak and his broad shoulders block the door. I’m not ready, but I can’t wait to feel his hands on me. He shoves his bowtie in my mouth, binds my hands to the headboard, and whispers in my ear…

“Shall we begin?”

From USA Today bestselling author Jeana E. Mann comes this dark, contemporary romance filled with twists, turns, and unprecedented heat.

••••••••

REVIEW: The second installment in the series, The Rebel Queen is an exciting, intense, suspenseful romance that is sure to keep everyone on their toes. I do recommend reading the first in the series; The Royal Arrangement, though, can be read as a standalone, the first book will definitely give a better reading experience.

The start of the book is quick, starting off with the wedding. Everly and Henry flounder for a since of normalcy, each trying to find out what their new roles will be. The passion and lust between Henry and Everly is visibly felt, but the emotions between them are murky at best. Though the love each other, trust is hard for both of them. The first book in the series will grab you by the hand and then drag you into the next, this one will grab you by the heart and not let you go until it is SHATTERED!

The only thing that made me a little sad what how fast the ending came, I want more, so much more!! A heartfelt, intriguing story that I would recommend to anyone. A one-click buy for sure!

Click HERE for Sarah’s review of book one THE ROYAL ARRANGEMENT

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah L

When his key clicks in the lock of the apartment door, my heart almost leaps out of my chest. I slip my hands into the fur-lined restraints. Anticipation heightens my awareness. The silk sheets are soft against my skin. They smell of his cologne and shower gel. I draw in his scent and try not to squirm. With each passing second, my mouth grows drier and the ache between my legs intensifies. I can hardly wait to see what he has in store for me tonight.
His light footsteps approach, sending my pulse rate higher. He doesn’t speak. He shrugs out of his jacket, loosens his tie, and sits in the elegant chair at the end of the bed. My skin prickles under the weight of his scrutiny. I’ve never been self-conscious about my body, but insecurity races through me. He’s the king. How many women has he had in his bed? If they’re anything like Lady Clayton, they’ve been the most beautiful women in the world. I tug on the restraints, wishing I could crawl beneath the sheets.
He drags a finger over his upper lip. “I’ve changed my mind.”
“What?” Mortification sends heat rushing into my face. Changed his mind? About me? About us? A knot clenches in my belly.
“I’ve always taken the lead in our lessons, but tonight, I’m giving you control.”
I slide my hands out of the restraints and sit up, clutching a pillow to cover my nudity, feeling vulnerable. “I don’t understand.”
“Take the reins, Everly.” He enunciates each word in his haughty British accent. “Show me how persuasive you can be. Make me want you.”

Jeana is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author from Indiana. She gave up a career in the corporate world to write about sexy billionaires and alpha bad boys. With over twenty books and several awards beneath her belt, she’s never regretted her choice to live out her dream. She’s a free spirit, a wanderer at heart, and loves animals with a passion. When she’s not tripping over random objects, you’ll find her walking in the sunshine with her rambunctious dogs and dreaming about true love. 

You can follow Jeana here:

Website:http://jeanaemann.net
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/JeanaEMann
Twitter:https://www.twitter.com/JeanaEMann
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/JeanaEMann
Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Jeana-E.-Mann/e/B00HI4KQB4/ref
Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jeana-e-mann
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jeana.e.mann/
Text Alerts:  Text the word “Jeana” without quotations to 21000

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

The author is giving away a GRAND PRIZE to one winner to include an Echo Dot and a signed set of books 1 and 2 and a $50 Amazon Gift Card (open international).

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