Monthly Archives: December 2019

The One For You (The Ones Who Got Away 4) by Roni Loren-a review

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The One For You (The Ones Who Got Away 4) by Roni Loren-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 31, 2019

She got a second chance at life.
Will she take a second chance at love?

Kincaid Breslin wasn’t supposed to survive that fateful night at Long Acre when so many died, including her boyfriend—but survive she did. She doesn’t know why she got that chance, but now she takes life by the horns and doesn’t let anybody stand in her way

Ashton Isaacs was her best friend when disaster struck all those years ago, but he chose to run as far away as he could. Now fate has brought him back to town, and Ash doesn’t know how to cope with his feelings for Kincaid and his grief over their lost friendship. For Ash has been carrying secrets, and he knows that once Kincaid learns the truth, he’ll lose any chance he might have had with the only woman he’s ever loved.

••••••••

REVIEW:THE ONE FOR YOU is the fourth instalment in Roni Loren’s contemporary, adult THE ONES WHO GOT WAY erotic, romance series focusing on the survivors of a mass shooting the night of their senior prom-Finn Dorsey, Olivia Arias, Rebecca Lindt, Taryn Landry, Ashton Isaacs and Kincaid Breslin. This is real estate agent Kincaid Breslin, and writer Ashton Isaacs’ story line. THE ONE FOR YOU 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, or at the very least book one, for backstory and cohesion as the details about what happened are revealed in THE ONES WHO GOT AWAY.

Told from present day and memories of the past, using several third person perspectives including Ash and Kincaid THE ONE FOR YOU follows the former friends to lover relationship between real estate agent Kincaid Breslin, and writer Ashton Isaacs.

Fourteen years earlier, following the mass shooting at their high school prom, Kincaid would lose her boyfriend Graham Lowell, and Ashton would lose his best friend, and the woman he loved. Grief, guilt and unrequited love played a major role in Ashton Isaacs decision to leave Long Acre to pursue his dream of becoming a writer in New York but Ashton never forgot about the woman who called to his heart. Fast forward to present day, wherein Ashton would return to Long Acre in an effort to rediscover his muse in the wake of finding his fiancé with another man but a return to Long Acre came with too many memories of the past including the woman he still loved. Enter Kincaid Breslin, real estate agent. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship and relationship between Ash and Kincaid, and the potential fall-out when Ashton reveals the truth, as he knows it, about the day everything went to h*ll.

Kincaid Breslin believes she lost her soul mate the night of the Long Acre prom fourteen years earlier but the return of Ashton Isaacs brought back feelings Kincaid struggled to recall. Having both suffered at the hands of emotionally and physically abusive parents, Kincaid and Ashton became one another’s sole support in an effort to survive, one day at a time.

The relationship between Kincaid and Ash is one of former friends to lovers whose lives were torn apart by betrayal and hatred, and one man’s struggle to move on from his past. Kincaid believes Ash is too quick to run but Ash knew to remain in Long Acre, meant the possibility of losing everyone, all over again. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

All of the previous couples plays secondary and supporting roles including Liv and Finn (The Ones Who Got Away #1), Rebecca and Wes (the One you Cant Forget #2 ), Taryn Landry and Shaw Miller (The One You Fight For #3), as well as Graham’s parents Charlie and Grace Lowell.

The world building continues to focus on the struggle to move forward after the devastating mass shooting at the Long Acre High School. Kincaid battles between head and heart fearing the destruction of the memory of the boy she once loved; and Ash knows that the secrets he hides may destroy the woman he loves.

THE ONE FOR YOU is a story of second chances; of forgiveness and love; of friendship, family and moving forward. The premise is heart breaking, engaging and captivating; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are colorful, broken, energetic but strong.

Reading order and Previous Reviews
The Ones Who Got Away
The One You Can’t Forget
The One Your Fight For

Copy supplied for by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her cooking, watching reality television, or picking up another hobby she doesn’t need–in other words, procrastinating like a boss. She is a RITA Award winner and a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author.

Places to find Roni Loren:
Site: www.roniloren.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoniLoren
Twitter: https://twitter.com/roniloren
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4877863.Roni_Loren

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Huckleberry Lake by Catherine Anderson – Review & Giveaway

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Huckleberry Lake by Catherine Anderson – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Erin De Laney came to Mystic Creek hoping that the slower pace might rekindle her enthusiasm for law enforcement. Instead she feels as frustrated as she did in the city and when her disillusionment with the job increases, she takes a position on her uncle’s ranch.

Her life has enough complications without her attraction to handsome, deaf cowboy, Wyatt Fitzgerald, the foreman on the ranch. Wyatt has sworn off dating, and Erin fears that nothing she does will ever change his mind. Yet while working with an abused horse under Wyatt’s guidance, Erin comes to better understand herself. She also learns that love can heal almost anything.

Wyatt yearns to take Erin into his arms, but he’s hesitant to pursue a romantic relationship. When their work sends them out alone together into a wilderness area, Wyatt is even more determined to hold Erin at arm’s length.

But out of their time alone together on the mountain blossoms a chance for a once-in-a-lifetime love if only he’s willing to give her his heart and make her his.

 

 

Review:

Huckleberry Lake by Catherine Anderson is the 6th book in her Mystic Creek series.  Each one of the books in this series usually centers on two couples; one being the main couple and the other playing a smaller but nice part.    In Huckleberry Lake, the main couple was Erin and Wyatt, whom we met in the previous book, which had left the storyline open about them. 

Erin was a new cop, who was also the niece of Slade (last book hero), and she truly was not happy in her job.  Wyatt, is the lead foreman on Slade’s ranch, and is deaf.   Erin has been trying to get Wyatt to pay attention to her attraction to him, but to no avail.  What she doesn’t know is that Wyatt, due to something in his past, has sworn off any relationship with woman.  Wyatt goes out of his way to tell Erin to stop flirting with him, as he is not interested. 

Wyatt’s brother Kennedy will rescue a girl from an attack from her former boyfriend, and in a short time after the girl is attacked again, Erin decides she cannot handle working for law enforcement.  She goes to her uncle and decides she would love to work on the ranch.  Of course, once she starts to work there, she learns that Wyatt will be her boss.   Erin gets discouraged, as she tries to work hard at a frenetic pace, which has Wyatt and Slade warning her to slow down and learn about safety; but Erin had a rough childhood, with a father that was never satisfied, and decided perhaps she needed to walk away.  Will Erin give up and leave the ranch, or find a way to get past her tough young years and learn to work with everyone?

The other couple, who also has a part of this story is Erin’s best friend, Julie, and Blackie, who is 20 years older.  There chemistry was very good, and I did like their story line. 

What follows is a nice romance about a couple who knew they were meant for each other, but unable to get past their issues.  I loved the part where Erin learned to deal with a troubled horse, and train him to trust her.  I also loved Wyatt’s dog Domino and of course, the cub bear Four Toes (who was part of the previous book). 

I did like Erin and Wyatt, but both had their own issues that blocked any relationship.  It took almost to the end of the book, for at least Wyatt to open his eyes.  Erin earlier began to rise up beyond her issues with her father, and I really liked seeing her change.  She showed Wyatt how much she cared for him, and knew it would be difficult for him to allow his feelings for her change his determination to never become involved.   That alone throughout the book did cut the chemistry between them.  It was nice when Erin pushed enough to make him realize that with her, he did not need to protect her.  

Huckleberry Lake was a great story and emotional, as well as very well written by Catherine Anderson.   I suggest if you have not read the Mystic Creek series, you need to do so soon and start with the first book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Catherine’s publisher, Berkley, is offering a paper copy of HUCKLEBERRY LAKE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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6. Please LIKE  CATHERINE ANDERSON on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from December 31 – January 4, 2020

 

 

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Risk It All by Katie Ruggle – a Review

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Risk It All by Katie Ruggle – a Review

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Description:
Five bounty-hunting sisters
Deep in the heart of the Rockies
Fighting to save each other
…and the men who steal their hearts

Cara Pax never wanted to be a bounty hunter. She’s happy to leave chasing criminals and tackling skips to her sisters. But if she wants her dreams of escaping the family business to come true, she’s got one last job to finish… Only problem is, she doesn’t think her bounty is guilty.

Henry Kavenski is a man with innocence to prove. When he realizes that Cara believes him, he’ll do anything to keep her out of harm’s way. Escaping criminals and dodging cops might not be the best time to fall in love, but Henry and Cara won’t give up, not when there’s a chance at a new life ahead–if they can survive the fall.

Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters:
In Her Sights (Book 1)
Risk It All (Book 2)

 

 

Review:

Risk it All by Katie Ruggle is the 2nd book in her Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters series.  This series revolves around 5 Pax sisters who run a bail recovery business, with them also being bounty hunters.  The girls are in need of money, as their mother has run away and stolen not only an expensive necklace, their car and put them deep in debt.   Cara Pax, our heroine, prefers to leave the bounty hunter part to her sisters, and instead help with doing the research.   While two sisters are away searching for the mother, Cara takes it upon herself to find one of the skips (bail runaways) at a bar, where she ends up being rescued by the skip.

Henry Kavenski, our hero, is trying to prove his innocence and knows that Cara is one of the bounty hunters looking for him, even if she is totally inexperienced.  Henry takes it upon himself to save Cara, and continue to keep an eye on her, as she foolishly gets herself into trouble looking for another dangerous skip.  In a short time, Cara, begins to feel an attraction to Henry, and begins to realize that he is innocent; Henry also knows he is falling for Cara, especially since she believes his innocence.  But Henry has his hands full protecting her, as Cara gets kidnapped and Henry needs to find a way to rescue her and get them both out of danger.

What follows is an exciting, non-stop action-packed adventure that was intense throughout most the book from start to finish.  Even though the slow burn romance was part of the story line, it did take a back seat to the wild crazy trouble Cara kept finding herself in.  I loved Cara, as she made a fun, sweet, brave heroine, and Henry was pretty good himself; they were equally terrific characters.

I really liked the story line, love the premise of this series, as well as the 5 sisters working together.  Risk it All is a wonderful exciting and intense story that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.  Once again Katie Ruggle gives us another fabulous romance suspense story filled with action, excitement, suspense, with wonderful characters.  I suggest you read this series, and start with the first book, in order to meet all the sisters.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The Way Back to You by Sharon Sala – a Review

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The Way Back to You by Sharon Sala – a Review

 

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Description:
What do you do when your whole life is turned upside down?

Sully Raines sets out to find his birth mother, and ends up in Blessings, Georgia. A new surprise awaits him here, but of the best kind―his childhood sweetheart, whom he hasn’t seen since she moved away when they were teens, is living in Blessings now. He’s not sure she’s as happy to see him as he is to see her, but it’s been a lot of years, and a lot of water under the bridge…

Sully’s heartfelt search for answers about his past might just turn out to be the key to his future…

 

 

Review:

The Way Back to You by Sharon Sala is the 9th book in her wonderful Blessings, Georgia series.  As always when we return to Blessings, Georgia, Sharon Sala gives us another wonderful feel good romance and a great couple.

We meet our hero, Sully Raines, when cleaning out his deceased parents house, he discovers papers that show he is adopted.  Sully, who is a retried fireman, is determined to find his real parents, which will turn out to be a dead end each stop along the way; his last hope leads him to Blessings, Georgia.  Planning only to stay a few days in search for his elusive birth mother, Sully’s plans will change when he ends up rescuing a woman who was trapped in a car accident by a drunk driver. 

Melissa, our heroine, is the woman who Sully rescues, who turns out to be his teenage sweet heart, whom neither have seen all these years. Melissa is a widow for many years, and accepts that she will never remarry; but things will change, as their romance will rebloom.  I loved Sully and Melissa together, as not only did they have great chemistry; they were tailor made for each other.  This was a beautiful romance, which was very sweet & heartwarming, but the mystery focused on who in Blessings, Georgia was Sully’s mom.  Elliot, whom we met in previous books, has the sight, and he can tell a clue to Sully to stay in Blessings, as well as provide a painting.

What follows is wonderful heartwarming & emotional story, with a great couple, wonderful characters that we keep meeting in all our visits to Blessings.   There will be a few surprises, and Sully with Melissa will find their family expanding for a wonderful happy ending.   I love returning to Blessings, which is a wonderful community who takes care of their own. We should all be blessed with living in Blessings.

Sharon Sala writes another fabulous story, and she continually amazes me that she gives us such great couples that we care about with each and every book.  If you enjoy a pure romance, wonderful characters, great couples, and a small-town atmosphere, then you should be reading this series. The Way Back to You was a wonderful read, written so very well by Sharon Sala.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Loki Acsending (Viking Warriors #3) by Asa Maria Bradley-a review

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Loki Acsending (Viking Warriors #3) by Asa Maria Bradley-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 31, 2019

Loki wants to end the world
Only immortal Vikings can stop him…if she can cure them

Scott Brisbane has been in love with immortal Viking healer Irja Vainio for years, but as a human, let his fear hold him back. Now that Scott has finally earned his place with the tribe whose king his sister married, there’s nothing standing in the way of his true feelings. But Irja knows that getting close to someone is a death sentence…

When the Viking warriors start falling into comas one by one, Irja is desperate to stop the illness from spreading. Without a cure, she’ll have to rely on magic she hasn’t used for centuries–magic that taught her to never let anyone get close. When the evil god Loki offers her the cure, it comes with a steep price that could cost Irja and Scott everything.

•••••••••

REVIEW: This is book three in the series (I don’t think I missed too much in the other books, this is billed as a stand-alone) but I did feel there were a few things that I was missing ….

Scott is a human that has been adopted by the Vikings his sister has married into (Book 1 Viking Warrior Rising) he doesn’t want to be a burden so he trains hard with the warriors, he also has an inner warning system (think this developed over the last two books) so if trouble is near, Scott gets a warning and can act. After recovering from a coma (not sure how and why) Scott thinks he has to prove himself and to a certain Viking healer…..

Irja is a Viking healer, but going to a human medical school was unheard of, but she uses it well. She does have magic, but she rarely uses it (for her the price is too high) she’s a pretty powerful being, she just keeps it locked down.

Pekka is her twin, (he’s a complicated character, hoping he gets a book) she loves her brother (but he is a major pain in her life) he was caught and held a prisoner by Loki, he came back different, (but I suppose being was tortured changes people.)

Wolverines are modified creatures made by Loki (our baddie in this series) and this is what the vampire warriors are fighting. Yes Loki is the Viking God of Chaos, and apparently a really nasty piece of work. (He might be in the other books, but in this one, he just comes across as annoying!!)

The main characters have known each other for a while, Scott has deeper feelings for Irja (well he thinks he does) he’s loved her for ages, he thinks she only sees him as a former patient. When in fact Irja has liked him for a while, she just can’t show it. They have to work together when a mysterious virus attacks their King and then starts to attack the rest of the Vikings and Valkyrie. And when they find out Loki is behind it, and he offers them a cure (but at a big price) will they take it? And is Scott turning into something more? Are the premonitions the start of something? Rumours have started, could they be true?

I really liked this story. I’m definitely going back to book one. I did feel I was missing certain facts that maybe the other books would supply.

It was really well written. I liked the interaction between the main characters, I liked the fact Irja wasn’t sure, and in fact kept her but also the banter between the warriors and Scott.

The descriptions were done really well, I could picture scenes really easy. The story flowed really well

You definitely need to read this one.

? Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

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The Setup (Bro Code #4 ) by Rachel Van Dyken-Review Tour

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THE SETUP (Bro Code #4) by Rachel Van Dyken-Review tour

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Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/TheSetupRVD

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2Q0DhnJ

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 28 2019

The first day she was sitting by herself — I felt sorry for her. After all, it couldn’t be easy wrangling all the testosterone at Wingman Inc as one of the only female office managers.

The second day she literally counted her carrots during break — she had seven by the way, right along with seven sips of her drink in between taking seven tiny little bites of the first carrot.

Now I’m not one to brag, or maybe I am, but math and science fascinate me, so do problems. And this woman screamed puzzle from the way she ducked her head every time anyone looked at her, to the way she counted food and tapped the table when she didn’t think anyone was watching.

I’d like to think I took pity on her that day when, in fact, she was the one that took pity on me and asked if I needed a friend. She assumed I had a learning disability since I’d been staring so damn hard.

Things would have ended there, except, my bosses need someone to test the new Wingman App and since I was the only single guy on the floor — I was nominated, right along with the only single woman, the same one who thinks I need to use my fingers to count.

Apparently rumors of my sexcapades throughout college reached even her ears, because she wants nothing to do with me, which makes beta testing a bitch. I have thirty days to win her over and prove myself to my bosses.

One thing’s for certain, I’m going to have to buy a hell of a lot of carrots.

•••••••••

REVIEW:THE SETUP is the fourth (and final) instalment in Rachel Van Dyken’s contemporary, adult THE BRO CODE erotic, romance series focusing on four friends known as the Pleasure Ponies who work for Wingman Inc: Knox, Finn, Leo, and Slater. This is twenty-two year old, Finn Titus, and Wingman Inc PA Jillian’s story line. THE SETUP 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 (Finn and Jillian ) THE SETUP follows the building relationship between twenty-two year old, Finn Titus, and Wingman Inc PA Jillian. Finn Titus is the last single member of the ‘Pleasure Ponies’, and his friends are desperate to set him up. With the upcoming launch of their new Couple Creator App, Ian and Lex, along with Slater, Leo and Knox tag Finn and his PA Jillian, to test out the online features. Having entered their ‘likes and dislikes’ into the app, Jillian and Finn will be set up on several dates, with other people, dates that will also include one another. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Jillian and Finn, and the potential fall-out as Jillian struggles with a workplace romance, and Finn battles his need to prove he is worthy of love.

Finn Titus is a multi-millionaire and believes women only want him for his money. Meeting and falling for Jillian gave Finn a chance at his own happily ever after but Jillian constantly battled between head and heart believing herself unworthy of Finn’s affections, and the fear of losing her job.

The relationship between Finn and Jillian is one of immediate attraction but Finn’s has a secret that he has kept close to his heart for all of his adult life. Jillian has fallen for Finn Titus but worries in the face of the others discovering their office romance. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic, language and text.

All of the ‘Pleasure Ponies’ play secondary and supporting characters. Their one on one, and group texting is worthy of a few laughs, and sighs, knowing what they know about our story line hero.

THE SETUP is a wonderful story; a fast paced, entertaining and welcome addition to Rachel’s BRO CODE series of stand alones. The premise is engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are flirty and fun.

Reading Order and Previous review
Co-Ed
Seducing Mrs. Robinson
Avoiding Temptation

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Website / Facebooks / Goodreads / Twitter /  Instagram

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

 

 

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The Intended Victim (The Agency #4) by Alexandra Ivy-a review

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THE INTENDED VICTIM (The Agency #4) by Alexandra Ivy-a review

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About the book: Release Date December 31, 2019

ONCE, SHE GOT AWAY
The body lying on a cold steel slab bears all the hallmarks of the Chicago Butcher. There’s a cruel slash across her throat, deep enough to sever the carotid artery, and a small crescent carved into her right breast. Her delicate features are painfully familiar to Ash Marcel, once a rising star in the Chicago PD. But though the victim resembles his former fiancée, Remi Walsh, he knows it’s not her.

BUT THIS TIME
Though Remi escaped a serial killer five years ago, her father died trying to save her. Grief and guilt caused her to pull away from the man she loved. Now Ash is back in her life, insisting that Remi is still in danger.

IT’S A DEAD END . . .
Someone is targeting women who look just like Remi. With or without a badge, Ash intends to unmask the Butcher. But the killer isn’t playing games any longer. He’s moving in, ready to finish what he started, and prove there’s nothing more terrifying than a killer’s obsession . . .

••••••••

REVIEW: THE INTENDED VICTIM is the fourth instalment in Alexandra Ivy’s contemporary, adult THE AGENCY romantic suspense series. This is former Chicago police detective / college professor Ashland ‘Ash’ Marcel, and youth center counselor Remi Walsh’s story line. THE INTENDED VICTIM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Remi and Ash) and first person (killer) THE INTENDED VICTIM follows in the wake of the possible return of a serial killer. Five years earlier Remi Walsh was the intended victim of a serial killer known as The Butcher but Remi’s call to her father, police officer Gage Walsh, resulted in the death of her father, and Remi with no memory of what happened that day. Fast forward to the present, wherein a series of murders where all of the victims have been surgically altered to look like Remi Walsh, pull Ash Marcel, Remi’s former fiancé into the investigation. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Ash and Remi, and the potential fall-out as the killer hits too close to home.

Ash Marcel was destroyed the day Remi Walsh walked out of his life but Remi struggled in the aftermath of the death of her father, the attack on her life, and Ash Marcel’s obsession with finding the killer. Ash Marcel had never stopped loving our story line heroine and a change in careers meant pulling away from the life that he loved.

The relationship between Remi and Ash is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people torn apart by death and destruction, and brought together by memories from the past. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Remi’s mother Liza, and Ash’s brother Detective Jax Marcel. There is a large list of suspects who are questioned yet remain a person of interest.

THE INTENDED VICTIM is a romantic suspense thriller; a story of betrayal and obsession; family, friends, jealousy and madness. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the characters are colorful and dynamic; the romance is seductive and captivating.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Pretend You’re Safe
What Are You Afraid Of?
You Will Suffer

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Delivered with a Kiss (Veteran Movers#4) by Marie Harte-a review

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Delivered with a Kiss (Veteran Movers#4) by Marie Harte-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 19, 2019

Will one wrong move

Bring Erin love

With the right guy?

Smith Ramsey knows all about hard knocks. So, when his newest client gets dumped by her boyfriend, he gets her an apartment in his complex. He tries to steer clear of her, having enough troubles of his own. He’s got estranged brothers to deal with on top of learning his mother wasn’t his mother. But he can’t forget pretty Erin Briggs. And soon he’s addicted to more than her cookies…

Erin thought she’d been in love, but now independent and looking at life through clear eyes, she realizes what she felt for her ex in no way compares to what she’s feeling for the tough ex-Marine who picked her up when she was down.

Actions speak louder than words. Smith’s kindness and gentle core lay buried under old hurts. But can he forgive and forget the past to make a future with Erin? And is she making a mistake by trusting in love for the wrong man all over again?

••••••••

REVIEW:DELIVERED WITH A KISS is the fourth and final instalment in Marie Harte’s contemporary, adult VETERAN MOVERS erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women who work for Vets on the Go!-a moving company designed to employ former servicemen. This is Marine Smith Ramsey, and editor/you tube vlogger Erin Briggs’ story line. DELIVERED WITH A KISS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and history between Smith, and the brothers he never knew.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Erin and Smith) DELIVERED WITH A KISS follows in the wake of Erin Briggs move from Kansas to Seattle, a move to surprise her boyfriend, a man who had moved on with someone else. With no place to go, or help to get her there Erin comes face to face with Vets on the Go mover Smith Ramsey, the man with whom Erin will fall in love. When Smith offers up a solution to her current dilemma, Erin finds herself working part time for an elderly woman whose acerbic and saucy personality hides a heart of gold. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Smith and Erin, and the potential fall-out as Smith’s issues of trust and extreme lack of self-esteem are at odds with his attraction and growing love for Erin Briggs.

Smith Ramsey is the product of an adulterous affair, and only recently discovered that the woman he thought was his mother, was his aunt, and that the man he never knew, fathered other children including our story line hero. Working for Vets on the Go! would place Smith in the direct line of fire with his siblings, siblings he struggled to accept or love. Erin Briggs moved to Seattle in an effort to move on with her life, a life that no longer included her long-distance boyfriend Cody. Meeting Smith Ramsay gave Erin a hope for the future but Smith struggled to accept anyone into his life, including the woman with whom he would fall in love.

The relationship between Smith and Erin is one of immediate attraction but a distinct lack of communication, and issues of self-esteem forced our couple to overthink their friendship, as well as their growing attraction that is constantly sabotaged by Smith’s inability to let go of the past. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word in my romance story lines, and in this case, the word was used as shock value as the heroine, as well, did not like the use of the word.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including all of the previous story line couples including Smith’s brothers, Cash Griffith and Jordan Fleming (Smooth Moves #2), Reid Griffith and Naomi (The Whole Package #1); and their cousin Evan and Kenzie, and Evan’s mother (Aunt) Jane Griffith; Vets on the Go employees, Hector and Lafayette. We are introduced to Smith and Erin’s landlady Tilly Fine, her nephew Rupert, and friends Willie, firefighter Brad Battle; Erin’s ex-boyfriend Cody and his girlfriend; Smith’s ‘mother’ Margaret Ramsey.

DELIVERED WITH A KISS is a story of family and betrayal; acceptance and moving forward. Marie Harte reveals the man behind the mask of pain that for so long protected Smith from the life he had lived. The premise is emotional and entertaining; the characters are dynamic, broken, fun and forgiving; the romance is seductive and captivating. DELIVERED WITH A KISS answered the reader’s questions about the who, how and why of Smith Ramsay, and revealed the triggers that send a 6’5” Marine into a spiral of low self-esteem and a loss of control.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

The Whole Package
Smooth Moves
Handle With Care

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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