Monthly Archives: January 2020

Fashion Jungle by Kathy Ireland & Rachel Van Dyken-review tour

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Fashion Jungle by Kathy Ireland & Rachel Van Dyken-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 28, 2020

Four women… Four very different paths. One incredibly cutthroat world.

Welcome to the Jungle.

As America’s sweetheart, Brittany is perceived as the “good girl.” The sort to bring her Bible to a photoshoot… only to garner the attention of a most unlikely suitor. Until one mistake irrevocably changes both of their lives forever. Fortunately, both now and then, Brittany has wonderful support systems, including her tribe.

The leader of the tribe and a model who’s fought every battle and obstacle in the industry, Zoe, knows her worth. Until a sex tape scandal rocks her world. She sees no choice but to put her trust in the one man she shouldn’t, to make it all go away and help her succeed. Unfortunately, not only is he mired in New York’s underbelly, he wants repayment… with interest. Namely, her hand in marriage.

Despite her seemingly perfect life, Everlee has problems of her own. Not only has her world-renowned photographer husband been cheating, but it’s actually much worse than that. The things surrounding what he’s done are so dark and dangerous, Everlee’s life may actually be in jeopardy.

And then there’s Danica, cold, dead in the ground Danica. Some secrets stay hidden while others are just waiting to be discovered- hers has the power to alter the industry forever.

In the world of the Fashion Jungle, it’s easily eat or be eaten… but, if you make it out alive, you just might have a story to tell – though it will likely be one of secrets, lies, deceit, and loss.

Strap on your stilettos, it’s about to get wild.

Based on true stories and events.

••••••••

REVIEW: FASHION JUNGLE by Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken, is a contemporary, adult, stand alone story line focusing on four friends (Brittany, Zoe, Everlee and Dane) in the aftermath of Danica’s death, and the fall-out of years of secrets and lies.

Told from several third person perspectives (Brittany, Zoe, Everlee and Dane) FASHION JUNGLE follow the friendships, relationships and behind the scenes turmoil of the fashion industry as seen through the eyes of four friends -fashion journalist Brittany, models Zoe and Everlee, and ‘fixer’ Dane. Months earlier, Dane’s sister Danica took her own life but Dane was determined to prove the medical examiner wrong. As Danica’s friends slowly moved forward with their lives, Dane worked behind the scenes in an effort to reveal the secrets that are about to tear their lives apart.

From infidelity to miscarriages, drugs, teen aged mothers, political aspirations, child pornography and human trafficking, the world of fashion buries its’ secrets along with the dead. We are witness to the heart break of loss, infidelity, betrayal, vengeance and fear. From a young woman who is forced to give up everything she loves, to a wife whose marriage is nothing more than a smoke screen for the dirty and depraved, FASHION JUNGLE looks at the seedier side of the modelling and fashion industry, yet leaves the dirtiest details to the reader’s imagination.

Base on trues stories and events, FASHION JUNGLE is a slow building story line that will stoke your interest as to the who, how and when. As two women find love, another will say goodbye to what never was, and what will never be. The premise is engaging, entertaining but slightly predictable; the characters are broken, struggling, colorful and lost. FASHION JUNGLE is a heart breaking and and emotional look at an industry that has destroyed so many lives.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

“I think I may come here every night.”
“Be my guest,” Dane said, looking away as if he were bored; when in reality, his heart was racing.
Frederick would crack. His shirt was open now, his eyes closed. The habit would continue as it always did. Wouldn’t it?
He would self-destruct.
All men eventually did when it came to Dane.
The ones who didn’t, well… they weren’t alive to say otherwise, now, were they?
“Have fun.” Dane stood, patted Frederick on the back, and shared a knowing look with the woman currently straddling the man’s lap. “Make it worth his while but remember our rules.”
Dane shoved the guilt aside as he walked off.
The guilt of what this would do to Everlee.
Then again, Everlee didn’t know what he did.
She didn’t know the secrets Frederick kept.
That he wasn’t who she thought he was.
Then again, nobody really did.
Only Dane.
Because he’d collected everything he could on Frederick for a year and was less than impressed by the sort of man he was.
“Interesting club,” Ronan said once Dane reached the bar. He was flanked by two bodyguards.
“They aren’t necessary,” Dane said in an unemotional voice, pointing to the security. “No weapons allowed, no fighting, only pleasure.”
“And yet, here you are, talking to me.” Ronan leveled him with a glare. “What do you want, Dane?”
“Is that how you speak to an old friend?”
Ronan let out a snort. “We’ve never been friends. We’ve only tolerated each other because of the girls.”
The girls.
It was how they all referred to Brittany, Everlee, Zoe and Danica. Pain sliced through Dane’s heart, he couldn’t even say her name in his head without feeling it everywhere, all the way down to the marrow.
Shake it off.
They were women now.
Women with secrets.
Insecurities.
Girls who’d grown up too fast.
Females who were still fighting their way through the jungle of New York, barefoot and bleeding with fake smiles and deadly secrets.
“I need you to keep him in jail,” Dane said under his breath. “They say he’s getting out on good behavior.”
Ronan muttered a curse. “Let me guess, you want me to go have a golf game with the DA?”
“If you think that would help.” Dane tilted his head and narrowed his eyes on the politician, the man he used to trust as much as everyone else before Dane’s world came crumbling down around him by way of his sister’s death. “Then, yes.”
“Fine. This makes us even.” Ronan tried to walk off, but Dane grabbed him by the elbow and held him there, whispering in a low voice, “I will never be done with you… tell the former first lady hello. I loved what she was wearing while shopping on Fifth Avenue yesterday, the white made her look so innocent.”
Ronan let out a filthy curse and walked off.
And Dane?
Dane stared out across the club as a feeling of calmness washed over him. Chess pieces had been moved.
Now.
Now, he would wait.

 

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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!

•••••••

 

Kathy Ireland, Chair of kathy ireland® Worldwide (kiWW®), is a fashion and home industry icon, whose unprecedented, American entrepreneurial success, inspired the term, model-preneur. kiWW® is owned solely by Kathy’s family trusts. Kathy’s first novel, Fashion Jungle, is co-authored with #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Rachel Van Dyken. Kathy entered the “jungle” as a teenager, sheltered by loving parents, John and Barbara, of Santa Barbara, California. Covers of Vogue, Teen, and Cosmopolitan, led to a record 13 issues and all-time bestselling cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. Kathy is the supermodel turned supermogul, hailed by Harper’s Bazaar as the most successful “model in the world.” kiWW® launched a single pair of socks, during Kathy’s first pregnancy. While selling over one hundred million pairs, retail expanded. kiWW® develops for home, office, fashion, luxury jewels, vacation destinations, weddings, lighting, flooring, furniture, personal care, media and more. After billions of dollars in sales, kiWW®, a private company, was reported on by Forbes. Kathy’s story continues in global media, including three Forbes covers (two USA, one Asia), Inc., Wall Street Journal, Cheddar, Success Magazine, television, and online. Kathy’s speaking events occur in America, the Middle East, Asia and beyond. Residing in Santa Barbara, California, Kathy Ireland and Greg Olsen are parents to Lily, Chloe, Erik and his wife Bethany, their daughter-in-love. Kathy holds numerous Honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters including one from CSUChannel Islands. Kathy’s philanthropy includes: women and children’s health, HIV/AIDS, Education, human freedom, life, wars against religious persecution and violence. Kathy is a Board Member of the NFLPA, WNBPA Board of Advocates, an Ambassador and donor for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Kathy’s survival in the jungle is because of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, His inerrant Word, and The Gospel, which is the Good News of Christ, crucified for all sins. Kathy believes everyone is loved by Jesus Christ, without any exceptions. Please experience Kathy’s journey of Faith, at kathyireland.com/fashionjungle/faith.

 

Connect with Kathy:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathyirelandWorldwide/

Website: http://kathyireland.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathyireland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kathyireland

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YefruH

Goodreads:http://bit.ly/KathyIrelandGR

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His Little Vixen by Lauren Smith – a Review

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His Little Vixen by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
Sadie Harris doesn’t like immortals. After vampires leave her an orphan, she’s raised by her grandmother at the edge of a werewolf pack’s territory. As a fox shifter she knows the rules about werewolves: Stay clear of the boundaries, never go out after dark during the full moon and take a vacation far, far away when she goes into her shifter mating heat or else she’ll attract literal “big bad wolves.” But when her flight gets cancelled and her mating heat is coming – so are the wolves. The last thing she expects is to get rescued by a tall, dark and gorgeous man…er…vampire. What’s a vixen to do?

Seamus Gallagher might be immortal but his life is full of mortal problems: he’s been framed for the murder of the woman his two best friends loved; he’s on a mission to find and kill his sire; and, he has no idea what to do with the feisty red-headed vixen he just rescued from a vicious werewolf pack. He doesn’t have time to babysit a skittish shifter who hates vampires, but when he looks at her, Seamus sees trouble. Sexy, sweet, and irresistible trouble.

 

 

Review:

His Little Vixen by Lauren Smith is a novella and the 2nd book in her Love Bites series.   I did not read the first book in the series, but this read very well as a standalone.   His Little Vixen was a fantastic story that held my attention from start to finish, and I could not put it down. 

We meet our hero, Seamus Gallagher at the start, when hundreds of years in the past, he and his sister lay dying from famine.  A beautiful woman appears and saves both Seamus and his sister.  But there was a price, she is a vampire and offers him immortality, as well as saving his sister’s mortal life; little did Seamus know he would be turned.  Now in the present, Seamus as managed over the years to live a decent life (for a vampire) and has escaped his sire, who after many years is still looking for him.  In the middle of the night, Seamus is traveling on his motorcycle and hits a fox, who had run in front of him.

Sadie Harris, our heroine, is a fox shifter, who is in her heat, and running away from a wolf pack who wants her and could kill her.   In her desperation, she runs in her fox form and gets injured by a motorcycle.   Sadie meet Seamus; a vampire and fox shifter, normal enemies.  But they turned into a fantastic couple that I immediately fell in love with.   Seamus helps Sadie recover and at the same time protect her from the wolves searching for her.  In a short time, Sadie will learn more about vampires, especially the good ones like Seamus.  Their attraction to each other was a surprise, but their chemistry together sizzled.  As they travel to meet Seamus’s old friends for help in fighting the wolves, they will discover they are mated.  I totally loved them together.

What follows is an exciting, action filled adventure, with a sexy romance and a wonderful couple.  The last third of the book was very intense, as the bad wolves and vampires attacked Seamus, Sadie, and their friends, in a battle that had us fearing for their lives.  Lauren Smith also gives us some wonderful secondary characters, that I hope we learn more about in future books.  His Little Vixen was a wonderful well written story, and I look forward to more from Lauren Smith.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

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The Sinful Scot by Maddison Michaels – a Review

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The Sinful Scot by Maddison Michaels – a Review

 

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Description:
Constance Campbell, the Duchess of Kilmaine, once believed that all she needed in life was a duke. But everything unraveled when she realized her perfect husband was a perfect monster. Now broken beyond repair, she hides her misery behind a perfect Society mask…even from her childhood friend, Alec.

Dr. Alec McGuiness reluctantly finds himself back in Scotland, and checking up on the only woman to ever get under his skin, Connie. After she spurned him many years ago, he knows his humble life as a doctor could never be enough for her. But when the Duke of Kilmaine is murdered in cold blood, with Connie sleeping right next to him in bed, Alec knows he must protect Connie at all costs from those who would frame her for the duke’s murder.

Now on the run, Connie feels a freedom she only ever dreamed about before, and an unexpected attraction to the man who is keeping her safe. But even if they can win her freedom and clear her name, could she ever open her heart up to someone again?

 

 

Review:

The Sinful Scot by Maddison Michaels is the third book in her “Saints and Scoundrels” series. They don’t need reading in order. It’s told in the third person. A well thought out book, touching on a few subjects that a few readers might find hard to read about. 

Connie is use to putting on a show. For years now, she’s acted the dutiful wife, even when her husband beat her, even when he abused her mind and body. The only time she tried to escape, she almost lost her life. So now she’s resigned to her fate. Her life is in her husbands hands, and as he get a monthly allowance from her inheritance, he’s not going to end her life just yet. 

But life has its twists and turns, and fate throws her a lifeline…..

Alec has always remembered Connie, but he knew she’d never be happy as a wife of a doctor, so he moved away, but circumstances bring him back to Scotland, and into Connie’s life. He’s under the false impression (like everyone else) that she’s a spoilt woman, who wanted a Lady title, and would do anything to get it …… 

The death of her husband should have her mourning him, but all Connie feels is numb at his death. But it’s not a natural death, it was murder, and the finger is pointing firmly at Connie. But did she do it? She doesn’t remember.

A few things I found a little hard. Connie and Alec getting together, if she’d been that badly abused, wouldn’t it take longer to get over all that violent abuse? Romance books can survive without the sex, if the story is strong enough, then it doesn’t need the sweaty bodies writhing around. I would have preferred the story to concentrate on Connie’s road to recovery.  So is she guilty? Will she be able to escape the Duke and the legacy he left her with? And who was the murderer? 

I liked Connie because although brow beaten, she still had thoughts of other people. Her stepdaughter, and her household. I liked Alec but only when he realised her character is only a facade. A murder mystery book, with a dash of romance thrown in for good measure…

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Even If It Hurts by Marni Mann-Review & Excerpt Tour

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Even If It Hurts by Marni Mann-Review & Excerpt Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 28, 2020

OLIVER
When I met her, I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
We were so young and so passionate.
We studied business in the day and each other’s bodies at night.
We always knew it would end with the semester, so we loved hard with no regrets.

LANCE
When I met her, I couldn’t get her off my mind.
We were fresh out of college and ready to take on the world.
We fit each other like missing puzzle pieces.
And just when I thought my life was perfect, it got better. She became my wife.

CHLOE
I met my first love while studying abroad in London.
When I moved home, I didn’t think I’d ever fall in love again.
Until I met him. The man who became my husband.
The one I promised a lifetime to.

Then, my first love came back into my life …
And I realized that love was bigger than any one man

••••••••

REVIEW:“I’m in so deep; I’m drowning before I even get wet.”

6 and half hours…that’s how long I stayed awake to finish this gem…

As a new reader to Marni, I have experienced much of her work just yet, however, Even If It hurts is a book I will never forget.

I find this book hard to review because the emotions I was feeling as I read it were so raw, truly raw. Chole, Oliver and Lance are entwined by fate it seems, and fate has plans for them. My heart soared, the broke, then I was sobbing into my favorite stuffed animal. Marni Mann can pull emotions from her readers and immerse them in a turbulent journey of love, heartbreak and romance.

I have never been a big fan of triangle romances, but this one has definitely changed my mind. Get ready to have your heartbroken and love it while it breaks, you will ugly cry as you finish this book, but smile when you close that last page.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

 

“What can I get you?” the bartender asked, his hands hovering, waiting to reach for one of the bottles.
I gripped the edge of the bar top, holding the cold leather, and said, “Prosecco, please.”
The speakeasy wasn’t too packed tonight, just a steady business crowd filling the main space and the small seating nooks that were like little dens built into the perimeter.
My eyes were falling over the row of wine, studying the labels, when I felt a piece of fabric brush across the side of my arm. I turned just in time to see a dark suit jacket leaving my skin, and with it came a scent. One that was so sharp and demanding—the smell of power if it came in a bottle.
I couldn’t believe how much I liked it.
My gaze traveled higher to the silk tie, the broad shoulders, and the full frame that was at least six-three and all suit. And I found myself holding in my breath as I took in this absolutely gorgeous man with thick black hair and a clean-shaven face, blue eyes so dark that they looked navy.
“Have you ordered?” he asked in a rich, deep voice.
“He’s making mine now.”
It was easy to see there was nothing raw about this man. He had a polished, educated demeanor with a richness that went well beyond the cost of his suit.
He smiled, and I found myself sucked into it, unable to look away. “What’s your name?”
With a stare as invasive as his, one I felt move straight through me, it seemed my name was something he should certainly know at this point.
“Chloe Kennedy.”
He turned his body so he was now facing me, showing me details I hadn’t picked up before—a narrow, angular nose and tiny wrinkles at the sides of his eyes. His hand reached forward, and when it surrounded mine, he said, “Lance Hamilton.”
“Here’s your Prosecco,” the bartender said, and from the corner of my eye, I saw him set down the glass.
“Add that to my tab, and I’ll take a scotch,” Lance said with his eyes on me.
I knew my cheeks were blushing, and it wasn’t because he was paying for the drink. “You don’t have to do that.”
“I can’t let a beautiful woman like yourself pay for her own drink.” His eyes narrowed. “Unless there’s someone else here who should be buying it?”
“No.” I shook my head. “Only you.”
My hand was still in his, gripped in a shake that I felt all the way up to my shoulder, across my chest, and down to my other hand that was clenching the cold glass of champagne.
My comment seemed to make his smile grow, and he held my hand for a second longer before releasing me.
“I was just coming to find you,” Molly said, startling me, her arm then snaking around my waist. “Looks like Lance found you instead.”
I glanced at my best friend, knowing Lance could hear us. “You know him?”
“I work with Marshall,” Lance said before Molly could reply, and he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. “Nice to see you, Molly.”
She grinned at him. “You too.”
He hadn’t been part of the group Molly and Marshall introduced me to when we first arrived, nor had I seen him at any of the parties I attended with her. If I’d met Lance before, I wouldn’t have forgotten.
“I’ll see you back at the table,” she said, her arm leaving my waist, and she gave me a look I knew well. It was one that told me she approved, and then she was gone just as the bartender handed Lance his drink.
“Thank you again,” I said as he handed the bartender his credit card. He held his glass in the air, near mine, smiling.
“To the morning and everything that happens in between.”
I laughed, clicking my Prosecco to his scotch, and it felt like a warmth had crept over me, even before I put my lips to glass and swallowed. 


 

Best-selling Author Marni Mann knew she was going to be a writer since middle school. While other girls her age were daydreaming about teenage pop stars, Mann was fantasizing about penning her first novel. She crafts sexy, titillating stories that weave together her love of darkness, mystery, passion, and human emotion. A New Englander at heart, she now lives in Sarasota, Florida with her husband and their two dogs who subsequently have been characters in her books. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop working on her next novel, she’s scouring for chocolate, sipping wine, traveling to new locations, and devouring fabulous books.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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Bishop’s End Game (Endgame #3) by Katie Reus-Review & Excerpt tour

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Bishop’s End Game (Endgame #3) by Katie Reus-Review & Excerpt tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 28, 2020

Read the final book in the Endgame trilogy where blood is thick, but passion is thicker…

He kidnapped a princess to exact revenge.

Set up for a crime he didn’t commit, Ellis Bishop takes the law into his own hands to exact justice and clear his name. Unfortunately, that means he has to kidnap a crime boss’s daughter—a perfect mafia princess, set to become queen of a dirty empire. What he didn’t count on was falling for his mortal enemy’s daughter.

He wasn’t supposed to fall for her.

Arianna hates the man who kidnapped her, but soon she realizes that things aren’t what they seem. Ellis was framed by her stepfather and is trying to clear his name. If she helps him, it means betraying her family. But how can she turn her back on him when he’s innocent… when her stepfather turns out to be a monster she never really knew at all?

••••••••

REVIEW: BISHOP’S ENDGAME is the third and final instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult ENDGAME erotic, romantic suspense trilogy focusing on the Bishop siblings. This is former DEA agent Ellis Bishop, and grade school teacher Arianna Stavish’ story line. BISHOP’S ENDGAME 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 third person perspectives (Ellis and Arianna) BISHOP’S ENDGAME follows the struggle to uncover the truth. Several months earlier DEA Agent Ellis Bishop witnessed the murder of his partner Carter, but reporting the crime found Ellis on the run for the murder he did not commit. Accused in his partner’s murder, Ellis is forced to go into hiding in an effort to stay one step ahead of those pushing to take him down. Fast forward to present day wherein Ellis will kidnap Arianna Stavish, the step- daughter of the man who killed his partner, believing Arianna is as dirty as the man in question. What ensues is the building relationship between Arianna and Ellis, as our couple search for the evidence to prove Ellis is innocent of his partner’s death.

Ellis Bishop can no longer trust the people in charge having witnessed first hand the who and how of his partner’s murder. With several members of his department on the take, Ellis turns his attention to Arianna Stavish, with woman with whom Ellis will fall in love. Arianna Stavish is completely unaware of her step-father’s illegal activities, activities that point directly at our story line heroine. Caught between her step-father and her would-be captor, Arianna agrees to help take down everyone involved.

The relationship between Arianna and Ellis begins acrimoniously as Ellis kidnaps our heroine to get to the truth. Believing Arianna is as dirty as her step-father, Ellis is hoping to gather the information needed to take down everyone involved including Arianna Stavish. In hiding, and on the run, Ellis and Arianna will bond and their relationship will grow, as our couple uncover the truth. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Ellis’ siblings Evan and Evie; Arianna’s step-father Vitaly; Ellis’ mentor and boss Kyle Bird, as well as several law enforcement. The requisite evil has many faces.

BISHOP’S ENDGAME is a story of family and betrayal; of vengeance, murder and innocence; of acceptance, love and moving forward. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are energetic, colorful and strong. BISHOP’S ENDGAME is an exciting and thrilling conclusion to Katie Reus’ Endgame trilogy.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Bishop’s Knight
Bishop’s Queen
Bishop’s End Game

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Arianna jumped to her feet when there was a sharp rap on the stateroom door. They’d stopped not too long ago and had been waiting for the go-ahead that they could disembark.

Ellis stood as well, his movements liquid grace. “We’ve got a few minutes.”

He’d warned her that when they docked, their boat might be checked, so the two of them were going to hide in a secret cubby in the closet. She was curious why it even existed, though could more or less gauge the reason. To hide stuff.

She wasn’t sure who was helping them, just that one of his friends was apparently super rich. Yeah she knew his family was wealthy, but owning a yacht was a totally different kind of wealth.

Like one-percent crazy money.

Ellis opened the closet door, his broad shoulders filling up the sleek, teakwood frame. When he stepped farther inside, she followed after him. It was already cramped but then he pressed something on the wall—a button of some kind she couldn’t see—and the panel slid back to reveal a small, carpeted space that would fit two standing people. Barely.

He stepped in first and pressed back against the wall.

She moved in after him, plastering her body to his because there was no other choice. He was rock-hard against her, all lean muscles and raw strength. And good God, the man was tall and built. She’d known it, but being in the enclosed space really drove home that point.

“It’s going to get dark in here, but it won’t be for long.” His deep voice was all soothing and gentle. Very different from when he’d first kidnapped her. Just the sound of his voice did strange things to her insides—things she was going to ignore. “And if things go sideways, just act like you’re here against your will.”

“Okay,” she said quietly, trying to ignore how good he smelled. It was hard when her face was right up against his chest. That masculine, dark scent she was coming to associate with him wrapped around her, making her light-headed, and she leaned even closer against him.

He pressed a section of a small double hook that looked as if it could be used for hanging hats or robes. As soon as he did, the wall slid back into place with a faint swishing sound.

The architecture of this was incredible, and if he hadn’t told her about the buttons earlier, she never would have seen either one. She wondered if this storage area was for smuggling cigars or something.

As she shifted against him, she tried really hard not to be aware of all of his sleek muscles and rock-hard body against her. She thought the sexual part of her had not only died, but withered away years ago. Around Ellis it was coming to life with a vengeance. Which was so inappropriate, and really, the worst timing ever.

She hadn’t been with anybody since she’d gotten completely sober, had turned down so many dates she couldn’t count. It was as if men knew she wasn’t interested so they came out in droves or something.

She simply didn’t want to get to know anybody because eventually it would lead to getting naked. And she was terrified of what that entailed.

She wasn’t sure she could have sex sober. Or good sex. Ugh.

Closing her eyes even though it was dark, she laid her cheek against his chest and took a steadying breath. He smelled spicy, something masculine that she was still trying to pin down. Whatever it was, she liked it as much as she liked the feel of his hard chest against her. The man might have kidnapped her originally, but right now she felt strangely safe with him. Bonded, almost. And when he’d kidnapped her, he’d gone out of his way to be gentle with her, even when he’d thought she was a monster. He could have done anything he wanted, but when she’d brought up rape, he’d been so disgusted and horrified.

He shifted slightly, moving a fraction as he settled his big hands on her hips. And oh, wow, she liked the feel of his hands on her—way too much.

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.

Connect with Katie:

Facebook | Blog| Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Website

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Rules of Engagement by J. T. Geissinger-Review & Excerpt tour

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Rules of Engagement by J. T. Geissinger-Review & Excerpt tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 28, 2020

Love is a battlefield for a quirky matchmaker and the cocky football star who hires her to find him a wife.

As the owner of Perfect Pairings matchmaking service, Maddie McRae earns her living helping others fall in love. And one thing the sweet Southern belle knows for sure is that the foundation of wedded bliss is built on similarities: opposites might attract, but they don’t stay together.

Enter Mason Spark.

Rude, arrogant, and notoriously allergic to monogamy, the hottest quarterback in the NFL is Maddie’s polar opposite. He’s also her new client. Her gorgeous, infuriating new client who’s paying her an outrageous sum of money to find him a wife. With his multi-million dollar contract on the line due to his behavior on and off the field, bad boy Mason is willing to pretend to settle down.

But when he starts to fall for the adorkable matchmaker who can’t stand him, the playboy finds himself in the game of his life to keep something he never thought he’d lose—his heart.

••••••••

REVIEW:RULES OF ENGAGEMENT by J. T.Geissinger is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, erotic, romance story line focusing on thirty year old owner of Perfect Pairings matchmaking service Maddie McRae, and twenty-eight year old, professional football player Mason Spark.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Maddie and Mason) RULES OF ENGAGEMENT follows the building relationship between thirty year old owner of Perfect Pairings matchmaking service Maddie McRae, and twenty-eight year old, professional football player Mason Spark. Mason Spark’s reputation is a mess, and his agent thinks it is high-time Mason settles down, and finds a wife but our hero wants nothing to do with love or a happily ever after. Enter match-maker Maddie McRae, and the woman with whom Mason will fall in love. What ensues is the building but tempestuous relationship between Mason and Maddie, and the potential fall-out as Maddie’s past comes looking for a second chance threatening Mason in the process.

Maddie McRae is a spitfire shrouded in an uptight, librarian kind of façade but their first meeting finds Maddie on the offensive against Mason’s attitude and less than cooperative stance. Mason doesn’t want a wife or a relationship but something about Maddie draws Mason like a moth to a flame. With every attempt to match Mason, Maddie’s heart breaks a little bit more.

The relationship between Maddie and Mason begins acrimoniously as both take a stand about the current situation but Maddie refuses to ‘supply’ Mason with the type of women he wants, and Mason refuses to accept anyone Maddie presents. The back and forth banter between our leading couple is fun, flirty and often heart breaking. Maddie reveals a little bit about her past, and Mason’s past is about to threaten his relationship with the woman with whom he is falling in love. The Sex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Maddie’s eccentric Aunt Waldine; Mason’s agent Dick; and Maddie’s former boyfriend Robert Cavendish.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT is a story of opposites attract; a war of wills; a sexy, romantic comedy. The premise is lively ; the romance is provocative ; the characters are feisty and spirited.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

He jerks his thumb at his mansion. “Don’t you want a tour?”
“Of Hearst Castle? No, thanks.”
His expression tells me how incomprehensible that is. “Everyone always wants a tour. Always.”
“I mean, it’s a very nice place, I’m sure.”
Now he looks insulted. He turns to stare at the house, then turns back to me. “Nice?”
“Please don’t take it personally. I’m not trying to start World War III here. A house like that just isn’t my thing.”
“Your thing?”
“Will you stop repeating everything I say?”
“It’s just that I’m having trouble with the fact that you don’t like my house. Everybody likes it. Everybody. Especially women.”
I sign in exasperation. “Oh, for goodness’ sake, Mason, I could give a flying fig what everyone else thinks. I’ll take my cozy little cottage over this place any day.”
“But why?”
I fold my arms across my chest and turn my torso toward him. “Why are you so upset that I don’t like it when you don’t like it, either?”
He shouts, “I never said I didn’t like it!”
“You didn’t have to. The closer we got to it, the more you constipated you looked.”
“That’s just my face!”
“Baloney. You hate your house. Admit it.”
Wild-eyed and wound up, he stares at me for a long, silent moment. Then he exhales in a huge gust and drops his head into his hands.
He says miserably, “I totally hate it. It’s awful, isn’t it?”
I pat his shoulder. “It’s beautiful, elegant, and absolutely ridiculous. Have you thought about asking the state legislature if they need new headquarters?”
He moans into his hands. “I don’t even have any furniture except a bed. You should hear how bad it echoes in there. And everything is marble, so it’s always freezing cold. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and think I’m sleeping in a mausoleum!”
I can’t help myself. I start laughing again.
He lifts his head and glares at me. “It’s not funny!”
“It’s so funny I can’t stand it.”
“Do you have any idea what I paid for this place?”
“Your gargantuan mausoleum?” I squint at it through the window. “I dunno. Bazillions?”
“Exactly! Bazillions!”
“I’m no financial whiz, Sparky, but I think they saw you coming.”
When he groans and drops his head against the headrest, closing his eyes, I try to reassure him. “I’m sure there’s some oil baron with twelve ex-wives and a hundred kids who’d love to move into it. With all the members of his country club. And their housekeeping staff.”
Mason opens his eyes and glares at me.
I try to stifle another laugh, but fail. “And the entire population of Portugal.”
“Ha ha.”
“Oh, lighten up. It’s not like you can’t sell it.”
Sounding panicked, he says, “But where would I live?”
“You say that like there are zero options between here and a cardboard box.”
“Name one.”
“There’s a house for sale at the end of my block.”
That astonishes him so much it leaves him speechless.
“You’re right,” I say solemnly. “It’s only a three-bedroom. There’s not enough space for both you and your ego.”
He looks away. “I’m just surprised you’d want me living on the same street as you.”
“Are you kidding? Imagine how much fun we could have screaming obscenities at each other over the backyard fences. The neighbors would love it.”
When he glances back at me and sees me smiling, he smiles, too. “Yeah, especially when they hear your PG version of cursing. ‘Dingwaddle’ this and ‘flying fig’ that. They won’t even know what language we’re speaking.”
We smile at each other so long it starts to get uncomfortable. I look away, patting my hair to make sure no stray strands have escaped from my bun.
After a rough throat clearing, Mason says, “I guess I’ll go in, then.”
“Okay. Goodnight. And thanks again for dinner. I love that place.”
When he doesn’t respond, I glance over at him. He’s staring back at me with the same warm look that flustered me at the restaurant. “You’re welcome, Pink. Anytime.”
“So I’ll send you all the information on Stephanie as soon as I vet her file. Okay?”
“Sure. Looking forward to it.”
An awkward silence follows. Finally, Mason breaks it by saying, “Sweet dreams.” He opens the door and starts to get out.
“Wait.”
He turns to me, his hand on the door and a question in his eyes.
“I, um, I need to say something.”
He groans. “You’re killing me, you know that?”
“No, this isn’t anything about you. You haven’t done anything wrong. This is about me.”
Eyes alight, he settles back into his seat. “This should be interesting.”
I search his face before I speak, because I want to be sure I don’t miss any change in his expression. “I’m sorry for teasing you about your ego. It’s not nice. And I don’t want you to think that I think there’s anything wrong with you, because I don’t.”
His face goes through several different emotions before it settles on something I can’t identify. It’s part pain and part pleasure, with a whole lot of ambivalence thrown in.
He says softly, “I know you don’t think there’s anything wrong with me. Which is what makes me assume your parents must’ve dropped you on your head a lot when you were a baby.”
“Oh, for crying out loud. I’m trying to apologize here!”
He grins. “You did. I heard you. And you don’t have to do it again, because I like it when you give me shit.”
When I quirk my lips, he amends quickly, “The business. I meant I like it when you give me the business. Nobody else mouths off to me the way you do.”
“Good to know,” I say, smiling. “Now that I know you like it, the gloves will come off, pal, so you better watch out.”
“I can hardly wait.”
We sit there grinning at each other, until Mason says, “Get outta here. I’ll talk to you next week.”
“Aye-aye, Captain.”
Then it all falls apart in slow motion.
I don’t know what makes me do it. I honestly don’t. One minute we’re smiling and saying goodbye, the next minute I’m impulsively leaning over to give him a kiss on the cheek.
Only he’s turning his head, so my target moves.
Where his cheek was supposed to be, suddenly his lips are there instead.
His warm, soft, beautiful lips, which part when they meet mine.

 

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A former headhunter, J.T. Geissinger is the author of more than a dozen novels in contemporary romance, paranormal romance, and romantic suspense.

She is the recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and is a two-time finalist for the RITA® Award from the Romance Writers of America®. Her work has also finaled in the Booksellers’ Best, National Readers’ Choice, and Daphne du Maurier Awards.

Join her Facebook reader’s group, Geissinger’s Gang, to take part in weekly Wine Wednesday live chats and giveaways, find out more information about works in progress, have access to exclusive excerpts and contests, and get advance reader copies of her upcoming releases.

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A Favor for a Favor by Helena Hunting-Review & Giveaway Tour

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A FAVOR FOR A FAVOR (All In #2) by Helena Hunting-Review & Giveaway tour

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

About the book: Release Date January 28, 2020

When I joined Seattle’s NHL expansion team, I thought it was the start of something great. But nothing ever goes the way you expect. Take my introduction to my new neighbor. She came rolling in on the hot mess express at midnight, making a racket while she tried to get into my team captain’s apartment. Did I mention that he’s married to a woman who definitely was not her?

Imagine my surprise when I end up with an injury that has me out of the game for weeks, and she’s the one to offer to help me. I should probably add that she’s not the captain’s mistress. She’s his sexy, pastel-haired younger sister.

So we come up with an arrangement: she rehabs me so that I can get back on the ice sooner, and she can add a professional athlete that isn’t her brother to her client list. Seems simple enough. As long as I can keep my hands to myself and my hormones in check.

••••••••••

REVIEW: A FAVOR FOR A FAVOR is the second instalment in Helena Hunting’s contemporary, adult ALL IN erotic, romance series focusing on NHL’s newest expansion team from Seattle. This is Seattle team member Bishop Winslow, and twenty-four year old, physiotherapist Stevie Bowman’s story line. A FAVOR FOR A FAVOR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. 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.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Bishop and Stevie) A FAVOR FOR A FAVOR follows the teammate’s little sister/enemies to lovers relationship between Seattle ‘s newest forward Bishop Winslow, and twenty-four year old, physiotherapist Stevie Bowman. Stevie Bowman’s life was spiralling out of control: a move to Seattle to start a new job and join her boyfriend finds our heroine homeless when she discovers said boyfriend in bed with another woman. Leaning on her brother for support, Stevie moves into Rook Bowman’s vacant apartment only to come face to face with his new neighbor, a man who pushes all of Stevie’s buttons and more. Enter Seattle’s newest defenseman Bishop Winslow, and the man with whom Stevie will fall in love. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Stevie and Bishop, and the potential fall-out when their relationship is discovered by Stevie’s brother, and the team coach.

Stevie Bowman had no idea what to expect when she moved to Seattle but finding her boyfriend in bed with someone else was never on her mind. Moving into her brother’s vacant apartment, Stevie will encounter Bishop Winslow, an irritating a$$hole who believes Stevie is nothing more than a desperate puck bunny looking to hook up with Seattle’s team captain. Bishop Winslow couldn’t believe the nerve of the woman moving into Rook Bowman’s apartment but a pre-season injury finds Winslow facing down his new neighbour when he discovers that Stevie is a physio-therapist, and the person who will help Bishop in his daily recovery.

The relationship between Bishop and Stevie begins acrimoniously. Bishop is all bark, and Stevie isn’t taking any of his crap. But an injured Bishop forces Stevie to make an offer Bishop cannot refuse-a favor for a favor-that will benefit both. The $ex scenes are limited but spicy and hot.

We are reintroduced to Stevie’s brother Rook ‘RJ’ Bowman and his wife Lainey, and coach Alex Waters and his wife Violet, as well as goalie Ryan Kingston: Bishop’s brother Nolan Winslow who struggles daily with his health; physiotherapists Pattie and Jules: and Stevie’s ex boyfriend Joey Smuck-yep Joey Smuck. Ryan’s story line is next in A Secret for a Secret.

A FAVOR FOR A FAVOR is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; of stubborn men, and stronger women. The premise is entertaining and captivating; the slow building romance is passionate and seductive; the characters are colorful and energetic-the back and forth banter is often playful and fun.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one A LIE FOR A LIE

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

“Say you were taking a woman to a formal work function. Would you get her flowers or something?” I’ve gone on my fair share of dates, had a few relationships, but I’ve never been one for hearts and flowers or any of that bull. I’m thinking I might need to do that with Stevie, though, since she’s been screwed over pretty hard.

“Is this a date or a favor for a friend?”

“I guess she thinks I’m doing her a favor.” At least that was the impression that I got when I offered to go with her.

“Is that actually what you’re doing?”

“Yes and no.”

“Can you give me a little more to go on?”

“Her ex is going to be there and I don’t want her to go alone.”

“You don’t want her to go alone because you’re worried he’ll be a jerk or he’ll try to take advantage of her?”

“Sure, yeah, that’s part of the reason.”

“Instead of me dragging the information out of you, why don’t you lay it down for me?”

“So, Stevie—”

“Hold up, we’re back to Rook’s little sister?”

“Who else would I be talking about?”

“I thought you said there isn’t anything going on between you, and now you’re taking her to some kind of work function? That’s not a favor; that’s a date. Does Rook know?”

“It’s none of his damn business.”

“I’m not sure he’ll see it that way.”

“Well, he doesn’t have control over her or what she does, or what I do.” I’m agitated now. “She’s not going to that thing alone. I don’t trust that ex of hers, and I don’t want her to end up in a situation she doesn’t like.”

Kingston tips his head to the side. “Dang.”

“What?”

“You like her.”

“Well, yeah, I like her.” What’s not to like? She’s gorgeous, and she’s funny and feisty; her body is rockin’; and she’s fun to be around, super chill, and genuinely selfless.

“Like you actually want to date her, though.”

I shrug, because what am I going to say? The answer to that is yes, I want to date her, but the timing needs to be right. “I don’t want the ex thinking he has another chance.“

“You really love complicated situations, don’t you?”

“They just tend to find me, is all.”

“When’s this event you’re supposed to take her to?” King asks.

“Saturday.”

He frowns. “We get back at noon on Saturday.”

“It’s in the evening.”

“You better hope our flight isn’t delayed.”

I hadn’t considered a delay. The only reason that would happen is if the weather isn’t good. “It doesn’t start until five. I should have plenty of time to get home and throw a suit on.”

Kingston nods and taps restlessly on the edge of the pool. “So would you call this your first date?”

“We hang out all the time.”

“‘Hang out’ meaning what?”

“Other than PT sessions, we watch hockey, eat pizza, stuff like that.”

Kingston blinks several times in rapid succession. “That’s it?”

“I pick her up from work a lot.”

“Have you ever bought her flowers before? Brought her any gifts?”

“I brought her over an aloe plant once. But, like I said, it hasn’t been like that.” I don’t get why he’s so hung up on the flowers.

“Again, please try not to take offense, but are you sure you haven’t inadvertently put yourself in the friend zone?”

“How do I know if I’m in the friend zone?” I haven’t had a lot of friends who are girls. Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever had a friend who’s a girl who isn’t related to me. And I only have two female cousins, whom I see a couple of times a year at family functions. They’re significantly younger than me, so mostly I avoid them.

It’s Kingston’s turn to blow out a long breath. “If you put your arm around her and she gets all snuggly but doesn’t try to take it any further, it could mean you’re in the friend zone.”

I don’t know what my expression must be, but the panic I feel inside quite possibly reaches my face. I feel like it should be obvious that I’m interested. A guy doesn’t spend endless hours with a gorgeous woman who combines weird pizza toppings for shits and giggles. But then again, I haven’t attempted to make a move on her since the almost-kiss. And any conversation I’ve tried to have with her about it has been shut down. In fact, she wants to pretend it didn’t happen. I hadn’t considered that this might be because she actually didn’t want it to happen at all. She seemed just as into it as I was. Or maybe I’ve been misreading the whole thing. “If I’m in the friend zone, how the hell do I get out?”

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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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Cold Nose, Warm Heart by Mara Wells – a Review

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 Cold Nose, Warm Heart by Mara Wells – a Review

 

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Description:
A poodle, a black lab and a Chihuahua walk into a dog park…

All Caleb Donovan has to do to redeem his family name is take a rundown Miami Beach apartment building and turn it into luxury condos. Easy, right?

Unfortunately, that would also turn the local dog park into a parking lot and the neighbors aren’t having it. Caleb is faced with outright revolt, led by smart, beautiful building manager Riley Carson and her poodle, LouLou.

For Caleb, this project should have been a slam dunk. But even more challenging than the neighborhood resistance is the mutual attraction between him and Riley. It would be so much easier just to stay enemies.

Can Riley and her canine sidekick convince Caleb that what’s best for business isn’t always best for the heart?

 

 

Review:

Cold Nose, Warm Heart by Mara Wells is the 1st book in her new Fur Haven Dog Park series.  This is the first time I have read this author, and I really enjoyed this light sweet romance story line and the wonderful addition of dogs.

Riley Carson, our heroine, is the building manager for the run-down apartment building, The Dorothy, which her grandmother lives in and owns.  Riley is constantly called to help fix things within the apartments, which is made up of mostly senior citizens, but due to barely making ends meet, they have no money to fix up the place. 

Caleb Donovan, our hero, has been given a mission by his grandfather to devise a plan to tear down The Dorothy and replace it with luxury condos, and a huge parking area, which is currently a dog park for the local residents.  He meets Riley, and to his surprise, the beautiful young girl is the manager, and she has no idea that his grandfather owns the building, not her grandmother.  Both Caleb and Riley get off on the wrong foot, especially since it was Caleb’s family that cost Riley her job as a hotel assistant.  Though they are on opposite sides, in a short time a friendship and romance will develop between them.  Riley and her friends work to fight the Donovan’s from taking over the building, and leaving everyone with no homes.  Caleb feels bad, and knows his father and grandfather are doing an injustice to these long-term residents.

While all this is going on, Riley, who has a cute dog, Lou Lou, whom she takes to the dog park next door a few times a day, and we get to meet some of her friends, who also have dogs.  Caleb will get to know some of them, and he will help plan to redesign and create a nice dog park for them; but he still needs to get his grandfather to change his mind about tearing down The Dorothy.

What follows is a cute, fun enjoyable adventure, as we watch Caleb and Riley’s romance heat up, even as they both are on different sides. As Caleb meets most of residents, and all Riley’s friends, he is determined to come up with a viable solution for all.  There are some comical moments, especially with the dogs, as well as when Riley’s grandmother joins in the fight, and comes face to face with her ex (Caleb’s grandfather).  I loved Riley, as she was a wonderful heroine, who was always there for everyone; I liked Caleb, and rooted hard for them to get together. Wells also has created a wonderful group of secondary characters.

Cold Nose, Warm Heart was a heartwarming story about family, division, senior citizens, dogs, dog parks, and doing the right thing.   Mara Wells did an excellent job in writing this story.  I suggest you read Cold Nose, Warm Heart.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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