Monthly Archives: November 2019

Someone to Remember by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Someone to Remember by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Matilda Westcott has spent her life tending to the needs of her mother, the Dowager Countess of Riverdale, never questioning the life of solitude she has spun for herself. To Matilda, who considers herself the aging spinster daughter, marriage is laughable–love is a game for the young, after all. But her modest, quiet life of order unravels when a dashing gentleman from her past reappears, threatening to charm his way into her heart yet again.

Charles Sawyer, Viscount Dirkson, does not expect to see Matilda Westcott thirty-six years after their failed romance. Moreover, he does not expect decades-old feelings to emerge at the very sight of her. When encountering Matilda at a dinner hosted by the Earl of Riverdale, he finds himself as fascinated by her as he was the first day they met, and wonders if, after all these years, they have a chance at happiness together. Charles is determined to crack the hard exterior Matilda has built for over three decades or risk losing her once again…

 

 

Review:

Someone to Remember by Mary Balogh is the 7th book in her wonderful Westcott series. I have said this before, I love this series, even though I do not read a lot of historical romances, but this is very well written by Balogh, with wonderful recurring characters that we get to revisit in the Westcott family.

Matilda Westcott, our heroine, is considered a spinster by her family, due to her spending most of her life caring for her unappreciative mother.  Matilda, who is now 56 years old, has never forgotten the man she loved and gave up 36 years ago.

Charles Sawyer (Viscount Dirkson), our hero, was surprised when Matilda came to visit him (in previous book) to plead for his help for his illegitimate son.  Once he stepped forward to help, Charles did not expect to run into Matilda again.  But the Westcott family is huge, and since Charles did help Gil and Abby, they invited him to a dinner hosted by the Earl of Riverdale.   Charles unexpectedly finds himself feeling his attraction to Matilda reemerging, and begins to make an attempt to win her back after all those years.  Will 36 years of no romance allow Matilda to open her heart to Charles again?

After the dinner is over, the young adults of the family plan an excursion, but the family insists they have chaperones.  Charles agrees to serve as chaperone, as long as Matilda also comes to help. After a little pressure from the young family members, Matilda agrees and they end up spending a lot of time enjoying themselves, as well as ruminating about the past.   What follows is a beautiful sweet story that brings Charles and Matilda together in a slow build rediscovery of a love that never left.  I really enjoyed watching Charles convince Matilda that he still loves her, and Matilda allowing herself to finally give in to her love for Charles.

It was wonderful to see all the Westcott’s again, especially the younger members of the family.   This is a big family, and we get to see many of them in each book, which is always fun.  The romance between Charles and Matilda was wonderful to watch, with so many emotions, both sad and sweet.  I always thought Matilda’s mother was too hard on her over the years, but it was great to see the change; especially with her mother now being very supportive of her and Charles.

I do not read a lot of historical romances, but I plan on reading every book in this series. I can’t say enough about Mary Balogh’s writing, as the Westcott series is a ‘do not miss’.  If you enjoy regency romance with great couples and secondary characters, you should be reading this one.  Someone to Remember is another fabulous fun heartwarming story in this fantastic series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Mary Balogh’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of SOMEONE TO REMEMBER to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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Tacker (Arizona Vengeance 5) by Sawyer Bennett-Review Tour

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Tacker (Arizona Vengeance 5) by Sawyer Bennett-Review Tour

TACKER
Arizona Vengeance # 5
by Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: November 5, 2019
Gerne: adult, contemporary, erotic, hockey, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 5, 2019

I am not okay.

Fifteen months ago, my life was turned upside down when the plane I was piloting went down. Injured and trapped in the wreckage, I had to watch my fiancée die a painfully slow death, which is something that can really mess with your head.

Since that day, I’ve had little desire to do much of anything. Except play hockey, that is. Because that is the one place where the bad memories are banished and I can escape my pain.

But off the ice, I’m spiraling out of control. Losing the grip on my life and putting myself and my career in danger. Now, thanks to a string of bad decisions, I’ve been ordered to complete therapy in order to stay on the team.

The problem? Nora Wayne, my beautiful and somewhat unconventional therapist. I can’t buy into the brand of happy clappy crap this woman is feeding me. What could she possibly understand about the type of loss that I’ve suffered? How does she know anything about finding happiness after losing the most important person in your life?

Turns out, I’ve got a lot to learn, and she’s just the person I need to break through those walls I’ve erected.

I am not okay.
But for the first time in a long time, I know that I will be.

••••••

REVIEW:TACKER is the fifth instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult ARIZONA VENGEANCE hockey romance series focusing on the Arizona Vengeance hockey team. This is team captain Tacker Hall, and thirty-two year old, counsellor Nora Wayne’s story line. TACKER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order as Tacker’s story slowly develops throughout the series.

NOTE: Some of the events in TACKER cross over with, and run parallel to some of the events in book four DAX.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Tacker and Nora) TACKER follows the building but forbidden relationship between Arizona Vengeance team captain Tacker Hall, and counsellor Nora Wayne. Fifteen months earlier Tacker Hall’s fiancé was killed in a plane crash, a plane in which Tacker was the pilot. Fast forward to present day wherein Tacker’s life is spiralling out of control, a spiral of which he may never recover. Forced into mandatory counselling or consider himself no longer a member of the team Tacker Hall comes face to face with his future in the guise of Nora Wayne, a counsellor who owns and runs a healing ranch where human and horses learn to get along. What ensues is the building but forbidden relationship between Nora and Tacker as our couple learn to let go of the past, a past that is equally traumatic for our story line heroine.

Tacker Hall suffers with the remorse of survivor’s guilt, and the ongoing belief he was responsible for the death of his beloved fiance. Unable to let go, Tacker’s remorse continues to affect his life both on and off of the ice, so much so that Tacker considers ending it all. Meeting Nora Wayne sparks something deep within our story line hero something he hasn’t felt for a very long time. Nora Wayne knows the heart break of survivor’s remorse more so than anyone could have imagined but our heroine uses her experience to empathize with those who are struggling with their own hurt and unimaginable shame. Meeting Tacker Hall pulls Nora out of her comfort zone, allowing her to consider a future with the man with whom she will fall in love.

The relationship between Tacker and Nora is one of immediate attraction but Nora was hired by the Arizona Vengeance in an effort to pull Tacker out of his depression otherwise Tacker’s career was on the blocks. Nora knows to cross the line with Tacker could mean professional misconduct but Tacker takes the extra step in an effort to protect Nora from their palpable sexual attraction. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to the teammates, significant and staff of the Arizona Vengeance: Bishop and Brooke, Erik and Blue, Legend and Pepper, Dax and Regan Coach Claude, and team owner Dominik Carlson, newest team member and Tacker’s best friend Aaron Wylde, as well as ranch hand Raul Vargas. The team dynamic is changing with the influx of significant others, a dynamic that brings the teammates closer together.

TACKER is a story of heartache, grief, tragedy and recovery; second chances and letting go. The premise is emotional, inviting and engaging; the characters are broken, colorful, energetic but on the mend; the romance is seductive and intimate. TACKER is a raw and gritty look at the power of guilt, and the steps to bring grievers back into the light.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Bishop
Erik
Legend
Dax

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.

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Leopard’s Wrath (Leopards #11) by Christine Feehan-Review & Giveaway

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Leopard’s Wrath (Leopards #11) by Christine Feehan-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

LEOPARD’S WRATH
Leopard Series #11
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: November 5, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 5, 2019

He’s a man used to getting what he wants, but she’s not the type of woman to take things lying down….

Born into a life of crime, Mitya Amurov has had a hard life, and his leopard has developed into a feral beast to protect him. It’s constantly trying to claw its way to the surface—until a chance encounter with a stranger instantly calms the predator inside him. While Mitya wants Ania desperately, it’s only a matter of time before his past catches up with him, and he’d rather die than put her in danger. But Ania is dealing with dangers of her own….

Considering her family’s history, Ania Dover should know better than to get mixed up with a criminal like Mitya, but she just can’t stay away. Something wild in her responds to his presence. A need so strong it scares her. But she’s not sure she can accept what he’s offering. Ania has always been an independent woman, and Mitya expects to be obeyed in all things.

Even with her body calling out for his, Ania won’t let anything stop her from settling a deadly score years in the making—not even the man who wants to claim her as his mate.

•••••••••

REVIEW:LEOPARD’S WRATH is the eleventh instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult LEOPARDS paranormal, erotic, romance series focusing on a group of Leopard shifters. This is Russian leopard shifter and businessman Mitya Amurov, and Anja Dover’s story line. LEOPARD’S WRATH 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 for backstory, history and cohesion.

NOTE: LEOPARD’S WRATH contains scenes of graphic violence and implied abuse, including memories and retelling of events as well as spanking and discipline, that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Ania and Mitya) LEOPARD’S WRATH follows the building relationship between Russian leopard shifter Mitya Amurov, and Anja Dover. MItya Amurov found Ania Dover stranded on the side of the road not realizing that Ania was his intended mate, a female leopard shifter who lived on the neighboring estate. About to enter into the Han Vol Dan, the female leopard shifter’s first fertile period, Ania is caught unaware as she struggles with her father’s declining health, and staying one step ahead of the people who have targeted her and her family for execution. But all is not well in the world of the Leopard shifter, as more than one family has been targeted by someone intent on destroying them all. What ensues is the building relationship between Ania and Mitya, and the potential fall-out as secrets and lies, and the struggle for power threaten everyone in Ania and Mitya’s circles.

Ania Dover comes from a long line of leopard shifters who have worked on the periphery of organized crime. A car enthusiast and lover of speed, Ania is more than capable of holding her own when it comes to getting out of harm’s way but Ania is unprepared for the emotional and physical needs of her leopard, and finds herself in situations where she has very little control. Mitya Amurov never thought he would find someone to love especially in the wake of his violent lifestyle and the abuse he suffered as a child but meeting Ania Dover meant the possibility of his own happily ever after if not for the threats against his life by the leopard that is his sire.

The relationship between Ania and Mitya is one of immediate attraction fated by DNA, need and the Han Vol Dan. Mitya Amurov, like all male leopard shifters, is a possessive and controlling man, and is aware that Ania is about to enter into her time of need, a time when every male shifter will target the woman he loves, to make her their own. Ania will become the recipient of many offers as she approaches the Han Vol Dan. Ania struggles with her attraction to Mitya, a man she knows to be dangerous and dark but her father’s rapid decline in health meant Mitya is the man to step up and help the dying shifter in his final hours. The $ex scenes are passionate, erotic, and intense. There are some scenes of spanking and discipline .

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of strong secondary and supporting characters including Mitya’s cousins and their mates: Evangeline and Fyodor Amurov (Leopard’s Blood #8), Timur and Ashe Amurov (Leopard’s Run #10), as well as Jake Bannaconni, Drake Donovan, Joshua Tegre, Elijah Lospostos, Eli Perez, Mitya’s right hand man Sevastyan, and shifters Vikenti and Zinoviy, Miron, Kiriil and Matvei, Mitya’s father Lazar; Ania’s father Antosha, as well as numerous leopard shifters from various crime families.

LEOPARD’S WRATH is a story of family, betrayal, power and revenge; a story of grief, loss, threats and control. The action packed premise is entertaining, engaging and emotional; the characters are colorful, energetic and dynamic; the romance is spicy, sensual and hot. LEOPARD’S WRATH and the Leopard Series will open up your imagination to the wonders of the paranormal.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Wild Rain
Burning Wild
Wild Fire
Savage Nature
Leopard’s Prey
Cat’s Lair
Wild Cat
Leopard’s Fury
Leopard’s Blood
Leopard’s Run
Leopard’s Wrath

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 70 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, Ghostwalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series and Torpedo Ink. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.

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The Reading Cafe and Christine’s Feehan’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of LEOPARD’S WRATH to ONE lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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A Constellation of Roses by Miranda Asebedo – a Review

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A Constellation of Roses by Miranda Asebedo – a Review

 

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Description:
Ever since her mother walked out, Trix McCabe has been determined to make it on her own. And with her near-magical gift for pulling valuables off unsuspecting strangers, Trix is confident she has what it takes to survive. Until she’s caught and given a choice: jail time, or go live with her long-lost family in the tiny town of Rocksaw, Kansas.

Trix doesn’t plan to stick around Rocksaw long, but there’s something special about her McCabe relatives that she is drawn to. Her aunt, Mia, bakes pies that seem to cure all ills. Her cousin, Ember, can tell a person’s deepest secret with the touch of a hand. And Trix’s great-aunt takes one look at Trix’s palm and tells her that if she doesn’t put down roots somewhere, she won’t have a future anywhere.

Before long, Trix feels like she might finally belong with this special group of women in this tiny town in Kansas. But when her past comes back to haunt her, she’ll have to decide whether to take a chance on this new life . . . or keep running from the one she’s always known.

 

 

Review:

A Constellation of Roses by Miranda Asebedo is my first book written by this author, and upon completing this book, it will not be my last.  Trix McCabe, our 17 year old heroine was a wonderful and flawed young girl, who had a rough childhood, with her mother leaving her to live on her own.  Trix has a magical gift of stealing from people so fast, that no one realizes their items are missing.  Trix has managed to survive on the streets, motels, friends, etc; until one day someone calls the police and Trix is given a choice….go live with a long lost family and finish school or go to jail.

Trix moves to Rocksaw, Kansas, where her great aunt (Auntie), another aunt (Mia) and her cousin (Ember) live; to her surprise they each have some sort of magical ability, which seems to be a McCabe tradition.  Auntie tells fortunes; Mia bakes pies that magically fixes emotions and Ember can read secrets upon touch. 

Trix is determined to run as soon as she can, but slowly she begins to feel like she is now part of a family, something she has never really had.  Mia was a wonderful aunt to Trix, always looking out for her and trying to keep her happy.  Ember was shy at first, but in a short time they became close friends. Trix worked in the bakery, which is one of the popular stops in Rocksaw, especially for the wonderful pies that keeps people happy and content. 

Trix will also meet at school, a boy (Jasper) who has his own issues based on the death of his brother due to suicide.  In a short time, Trix will mesh with Ember to join the group of Jasper’s friends.  As Trix begins to feel happiness, she will learn about her long-lost mother that will bring back the past and make her want to run.  Will Trix come to terms with her past and stay with her new family in Rocksaw?

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming story that is surrounded by many emotions, as well as serious issues.  Trix was a wonderful character who evolved over the course of the story, and the entire McCabe ladies were fantastic.  I loved Mia, who would go out of her way to help Trix through the trying times, not to mention those wonderful pies she made.  (I certainly would love to try one of them  ? ).  Ember was another great character, who needed Trix in her life as much as Trix needed her.  Auntie was a character all the way. Jasper was also great, having his own issues, that would bring him closer to Trix.

A Constellation of Roses was wonderfully written so very well by Miranda Asebedo.  This is considered YA, but trust me when I say that everyone should read this heartwarming story that also touches on depression, abandonment and suicide.  I suggest you read A Constellation of Roses, as it is a must read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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SPUN OUT (Blacktop Cowboys #10) by Lorelei James-Review Tour

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SPUN OUT (Blacktop Cowboys #10) by Lorelei James-Review Tour

SPUN OUT
Blacktop Cowboys #10
by Lorelei James
Release Date: November 5, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 5, 2019

Years in the Army equipped Bailey Masterson for many things: target shooting, rappelling off cliffs, dodging grenades. She’s lived through horrors that still give her nightmares. But nothing in Bailey’s life-or-death training prepared her for caring for the tiny terror that is five-year-old Olivia Hale. Or how to control her raging attraction to Olivia’s father, Streeter, the rugged, green-eyed cattle rancher who undermines her every move even when he stars in her dreams.

Streeter Hale has room for only two things in his life: his daughter and his job. He doesn’t date. He doesn’t get attached. Not anymore. So not only is Streeter stunned by Olivia’s improved behavior after just a few days with Bailey, he’s downright floored by his immediate attraction to the woman. But with secrets in her eyes and a body that doesn’t quit, Streeter begins to worry that Bailey Masterson might just be the one woman to heal his fractured family and broken heart.

One thing’s for sure–these two wrecked souls are spinning out of control as they desperately try not to fall in love…

••••••••••••

REVIEW: SPUN OUT is the tenth instalment in Lorelei James’ contemporary, adult BLACKTOP COWBOYS erotic, romance series. This is thirty-six year old Split Rock Ranch foreman, widower and single father Streeter Hale, and thirty year old, US Army soldier Sgt. Bailey Masterson’s story line. SPUN OUT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Bailey is Liberty Masteron’s sister (Hillbilly Rockstar#6) and Streeter is Tobin Hale’s brother (Hang Tough #8).

NOTE: The story line focuses on issues of depression and suicide that may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Bailey and Streeter) SPUN OUT follows the building relationship between thirty-six year old ranch foreman Streeter Hale, and thirty year old, US Army soldier Sgt. Bailey Masterson. On leave from the army, Sgt. Bailey Masterson finds herself struggling to fit in upon her return home. Volunteering to help run her sister’s struggling clothing store (Wild West Clothiers), and look after her sister’s rambunctious children, Bailey is asked if she would like to take over the Split Rock Ranch and Resort summer day camp but our heroine offers to run a military style boot camp instead. Enter Streeter Hale, whose five year old daughter is among the children about to come under the command of Sgt. Bailey Masterson. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Streeter and Bailey, and the potential fall-out as Bailey keeps too many secrets from the man with whom she will fall in love.

Streeter Hale is a widower raising his five year old daughter, a young child with emotional issues that are often uncontrolled. Meeting Bailey Masterson finds Streeter thinking about stepping out of his comfort zone, something he hasn’t done in a very long time. Bailey Masterson struggles with her attraction to Streeter Hale knowing her time at Split Rock Ranch comes with an expiry date but Bailey is keeping secrets from family and friends, secrets she believes are going to affect her relationship with our story line hero.

The relationship between Bailey and Streeter is one of immediate attraction but Streeter struggles with work and home life, leaving very little time for anything else. Agreeing to ‘casually’ date, Bailey offers a no-strings attached relationship, a relationship that is about to turn into something more. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate but I struggle with the author’s use of a certain four-letter word that I dislike in my romance story lines.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Streeter’s five year old daughter Olivia; Streeter’s brother Tobin and his wife Jade (Hang Tough); Streeter’s former in-laws, several nieces and nephews on both sides of the relationship; Bailey’s sister Harper and her husband Bran (Saddled and Spurred #2), Renner and Tierney Jackson plus Janie and Abe (owners of Split Rock Ranch)and a large number of ranch hands.

SPUN OUT is a story of grief and acceptance; depression and desperation; struggle, second chances, friendship, romance and love. The premise is engaging, heart breaking, and captivating; the characters are broken, coping, colorful and energetic; the romance is seductive and intense. SPUN OUT focuses on the affects of depression and suicide on those struggling to cope but also in the aftermath and on those left behind to move forward after a devastating loss.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Lorelei James is the New York Times and USA TodayBestselling Author of contemporary erotic western romances set in the modern day Wild West and also contemporary erotic romances. Lorelei’s books have been nominated for and won the Romantic Times Reviewer’s choice Award, as well as the CAPA Award. Lorelei lives in western South Dakota with her family…and a whole closet full of cow girl boots.

From Lorelei: “Why do I have a particular fondness for all things western? Well, I’m a fourth generation South Dakotan, living in the Black Hills, which is chock-full of interesting characters, including cowboys, Indians, ranchers, and bikers. The geographical diversity of the surrounding area showcases mountains, plains, and badlands. Living in and writing about rural settings gives me a unique perspective, especially since I’m not writing historical westerns. Through my fictional world, I can show the ideals and the cowboy way of life are still very much alive.”

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Lorelei James Publisher  (Penguin Random House) is offering a paper copy of SPUN OUT to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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CAPTAIN DREAMBOAT (Ponderosa Resort #6) by Tawna Fenske-a review

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CAPTAIN DREAMBOAT (Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedy #6) by Tawna Fenske-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 8, 2019

Jonathan Bracelyn pours his soul into saving the world, and he’s still nowhere near cancelling out the sins of dear ol’ dad. But when a medical crisis prompts Jon to toss his sister the ultimate lifeline, he’s forced to hang up his captain’s hat and hit pause on the one thing that makes him…well, him.

At least he has Blanka Pavlo’s heart-flooding smile to buoy his spirits. A brilliant scientist, she knows things can’t last with the do-gooder Bracelyn brother. Not even if he kisses like a dream and boasts biceps as hefty as his heart. Blanka’s learned the hard way how lonely life is in the shadow of a saint, so she’s giving the hottie hero a wide berth.

Except Jonathan sucks at self-care, so maybe she’ll lend a hand (and other tingly parts) to help him out. Soon, they’re bonding over awkward bubble baths and a disturbingly homely cat, while struggling to remember it’s all temporary. But the harder they brace for goodbye, the louder their hearts declare they’re already in too deep.

•••••••••

REVIEW: CAPTAIN DREAM BOAT is the sixth instalment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult PONDEROSA RESORT ROMANTIC COMDEDY erotic, romantic series focusing on the Bracelyn siblings and the people who work at Ponderosa Resort. This is sailing captain / philanthropist Jonathan Bracelyn, and scientist Blanka Pavlo’s story line. CAPTAIN DREAMBOAT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: A few years earlier the Bracelyn patriarch, Cort Bracelyn, died leaving his eldest son James to pick up the pieces of his billion dollar estate, an estate to be divided between his five children (Bree, Sean, James, Mark, and Jonathan ) all born of different mothers. The Ponderosa Resort is the family lodge where each of the now adult children lives and works. But to no one’s surprise, additional siblings continue to climb out of the proverbial woodwork.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jonathan and Blanka) CAPTAIN DREAMBOAT follows the building relationship between sailing captain / philanthropist Jonathan Bracelyn, and scientist Blanka Pavlo. At the wedding of his sister Bree Bracelyn to Austin Dugan (Sargeant Sexypants #3), sailing captain and philanthropist Jonathan Bracelyn will come face to face with the woman he met one month earlier at the local grade school career day. Blanka Pavlo knew immediately that something wasn’t right with Jonathan’s sister Isabella, something that would bring Jonathan closer to the sibling he had met only weeks before. A medical emergency finds Isabella the recipient of Jonathan’s kidney, and Jonathan the recipient of tender loving care from the woman with whom he would fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Blanka and Jonathan, and the potential fall-out as neither Jonathan nor Blanka’s lifestyles are conducive to settling down or a long-term affair.

Jonathan Bracelyn is all about giving back; about helping out those less fortunate including the overseas rescue of migrants who would otherwise be lost to the waters and oceans of the Earth. Never one to settle down for too long, Jonathan finds himself struggling with his recovery when all he wants to do is move on and out. Blanka Pavlo has watched her parent’s marriage deteriorate as her Nobel Prize winning father searched for the next big thing, leaving his family in the wake of his own philanthropic ways. To Blanka’s surprise, she soon begins to realize that the man with whom she is falling in love is more like her father than she could have ever imagined. Having witnessed first hand her mother’s slow decent in loneliness and heartbreak, Blanka must make a decision as it pertains to her future, and the future of the man with whom she fell in love.

The relationship between Blanka and Jonathan is one of immediate attraction but the romance is placed on hold when Jonathan offers up a kidney to his ailing sister. When Jonathan gets the all clear, our hero begins a slow seduction of Blanka Pavlo, a seduction that is derailed when Jonathan meets Blanka’s father. The Sex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are re-introduced to Jonathan’s siblings: Sean Bracelyn and Amber King (Chef Sugarlips #2), Bree Bracelyn and Austin Dugan (Sargeant Sexypants #3), Mark Bracelyn and Chelsea Singer (Hottie Lumberjack #4), as well as Chelsea’s daughter Libby, James Bracelyn and Lily Archer (Stiff Suit #5), newest sibling Isabella Blankenship; Jonathan’s mother Wendy and her husband retired US Coast Guard Admiral Chuck, as well as Jonathan’s half-sister Gretchen. We are introduced to Blanka’s parents Galyna Pavlo and Thomas Kushnir Kramer, as well as Dr. Bradley Parker. Gretchen and Gable find their own happily ever after in Snowbound Squeeze (Jan 2020); Bradley and Isabella’s story will be found in Dr. Hot Stuff (2020).

CAPTAIN DREAMBOAT is a story of family, friendship, romance and love; a story of betrayal and acceptance; of desperately trying to move on from the past. The premise is entertaining, romantic and captivating; the characters are energetic, colorful and engaging; the romance is seductive and hot. CAPTAIN DREAMBOAT has a little bit of heart break, a little bit of humor and a whole lot of heart.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Studmuffin Santa
Chef Sugarlips
Sergeant Sexypants
Hottie Lumberjack
Stiff Suit
5.5 Mancandy Crush
Captain Dreamboat

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Explosive Vengeance (Vengeance #3) by Kaylea Cross-Review Tour

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Explosive Vengeance (Vengeance #3) by Kaylea Cross-Review Tour

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

Add it to your TBR Pile: http://bit.ly/2GiEW3T

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 29, 2019

Two opposites in uncharted territory.

The government made Chloe Wilson an explosives expert, trained to take out a target with a precise, controlled hit. But there’s nothing controlled about her current situation—or the danger coming after her. When a good-looking stranger is sent to watch her back, she’s not impressed. This mission is personal, and it’s liable to get her killed. The former Valkyrie can’t afford any mistakes or attachments, but this time she has no choice, and soon her new partner proves his worth.

One explosive situation.

When former Pararescueman Heath Barrett gets a call from his best friend asking him to keep tabs on a woman in danger, he has no idea what he’s getting himself into. Far from a helpless civilian, Chloe holds him at knifepoint the first time they meet. She’s a deadly operative being hunted by lethal enemies and by the time he realizes the extent of the danger, it’s too late to walk away. Now they’re both targets, and he and Chloe must face the threat head on—and if they want to survive, they’ll have to do it together

••••••••

REVIEW:EXPLOSIVE VENGEANCE is the second instalment in Kaylea Cross’ contemporary, adult VENGEANCE romantic suspense series focusing on a group of women once known as the Valkyrie-members of a secret CIA government project. This is explosive specialist and Valkyrie Chloe Wilson, and former para-jumper Heath Barrett’s story line. EXPLOSIVE VENGEANCE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion as there is an ongoing arc throughout. The VENGEANCE series is a spin-off from the author’s HOSTAGE RESCUE TEAM series. You do not have to have read the original series to follow or understand but it is recommended to read DISAVOWED (Hostage Rescue Team #4).

SOME BACKGROUND: Years earlier, an unsanctioned, secret CIA run project ‘stole’, brainwashed and trained a number of orphan girls in an effort to design the perfect killing machine known as the Valkyrie. The project was disbanded but the Valkyrie have since found themselves targeted by someone high in the organization, someone who is willing to kill to protect the secrets they know. Deadly operatives trained to work alone, each a specialist in a different field, the Valkyrie struggle when they find themselves losing their heart and falling in love.

Told from several third person perspectives including Chloe and Heath EXPLOSIVE VENGEANCE follows the building relationship between explosive specialist and Valkyrie Chloe Wilson, and former para-jumper Heath Barrett. Chloe Wilson is determined to stop a human trafficking ring centered in Paris, France by first taking down Dominic Dubois, the current man in charge, but her love of pyro-technics has caught the eye of the women once known as the Valkyrie, women who are desperate to protect the sisters of their heart. After leaving a trail of death and destruction in her wake, Chloe journeys cross country in an effort to track down Dominic’s brother Guillaume, a man whose own crimes against humanity rivals his now dead brother’s. Hoping to protect one of their own, Tyler Bergstrom and his Valkyrie girlfriend Megan, call in reinforcements to cover our story line heroine. Enter former para-jumper Heath Barrett, and the man with whom Chloe will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Chloe and Heath; the potential fall-out as Chloe goes rogue in an effort to take down Guillaume Dubois, and Heath’s time in Europe comes to a close.

Chloe Wilson is on a mission to take down the men currently operating a human trafficking ring but first Chloe must rescue the women who are about to be sold to the highest bidder. Killing Dominic Dubois was easy but taking down his brother Guillaume finds Chloe working with her former Valkyrie sisters, woman Chloe hasn’t seen in a number of years. Heath Barrett had no idea the mess he was about to encounter when his best friend Tyler Bergstrom asked for a favor. Meeting Chloe Wilson stirred something deep and protective in our story line hero, something Heath refused to look at knowing he was about to be deployed on another mission.

The relationship between Chloe and Heath is one of immediate attraction but Chloe doesn’t want a babysitter or protection, and Heath struggles with a lack of information regarding his current assignment. Ever the protector, Heath battles between head and heart when it comes to the woman with whom he will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Megan Smith and Tyler Bergstrom (Stealing Vengeance #1), Amber Brown and Jesse Cordova (Covert Vengeance #2), former SAS veteran Marcus Laidlaw, retired SF and NSA agent Alex Rycroft; former Valkyrie Trinity Durant, and Kyiomi; sex traffickers Dominic and Guillaume Dubois.

EXPLOSIVE VENGEANCE is a story of family, friendship, vengeance and love; a story of women who have been trained in the art of assassination, women who have little to no memory of a time before, who have lived an unconventional and destructive life. The premise is engaging and suspenseful; the characters are strong, intelligent and colorful; the romance is seductive and hot. EXPLOSIVE VENGEANCE is an intriguing and enthralling addition to the author’s VENGEANCE series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Stealing Vengeance
Covert Vengeance
Explosive Vengeance

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.

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Equals by M.A. Abraham – a Review

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Equals by M.A. Abraham – a Review

 

Amazon / Kobo / BAM / Apple

 

Description:
Teyla Sherman is a military genius that has climbed the ranks quickly on the planetoid known as New York in a cluster that was seeded centuries before by Earthships. She is known for her tactical mind, as well as her beauty and, although she is often sent into areas of the cluster to plan out strategies, she will not like the mission she is about to be sent out on. She is to shadow an equally talented General to develop plans for an attack on his planet, should they be needed. To do this, she is ordered to use every asset she has to accomplish her goal.

Luce Renfrew is known as a ladies man, a handsome devil that attracts women like a magnet. He is used to getting what he wants and he wants Teyla. He is prepared to use every dirty trick in the book to get his way, especially when he discovers that the attraction is mutual.

General Roberts is Teyla’s commanding officer and he hates her with a passion that is not to be denied. He will do anything to destroy her, but up to this point, his efforts have only elevated her career. When he finds out she is in love with a General from another Planetoid, he declares war of a different kind. If he can’t win one way, he will another.

When Generals from opposing sides of the cluster fall in love and the stakes are high, what will it take for those around them to let them come together?

 

 

 

Review:

Equals by M.A. Abraham is a standalone Sci Fi novel.  We meet our heroine, Teyla Sherman at the start.  Teyla is a 4 star General on the planetoid known as New York, and is considered one of the best in her field, especially being a female, which is unheard of to be that high.  Teyla, because of her brilliance and tactical mind, is sent once again to another planetoid to fix things.    Everyone respects Teyla ability, except one of the senior Generals, who always sends her on impossible tasks, as he is very jealous of her.

Luce Renfrew, our hero, is a powerful General on the planetoid where Teyla is assigned to find information about a possible attack and war.  Luce is immediately attracted to Teyla, and despite being on different teams, he is determined to win her over at any cost.  Teyla is strict and unbending, and does everything in her power to keep Luce at a distance; even though after a bit, she begins to feel things she normally does not feel; especially since she does not do relationships.

What follows a slow built romance between two unlikely people, with both being independent and equals at the top. For much of the book, I wasn’t sure if they would ever be together.   I did like Luce, after a bit, as he was too pushy early on, but there was no question that he did love Teyla.  I did like Teyla, but I thought for the first half of the book, she was a bit too rigid, not allowing herself to reveal how much she was beginning to feel for Luce.  But overall they did make a great couple, and their chemistry together was hot.    As much as Luce being a great general, it was Teyla who had to step up often to defend her planetoid, and later fight the man who wanted to destroy her.  To reveal too much more of the story would be spoilers, but it was a great read.

M.A. Abraham once again gives us a fabulous new Sci-fi stand-alone romance novel. Equals was very well written and kept our attention throughout the book.  It is always fun to see what else M.A. Abraham has in store for us.  I recommend that you read and enjoy Equals.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

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