Monthly Archives: January 2020

Wicked Bite by Jeaniene Frost – a Review

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Wicked Bite by Jeaniene Frost – a Review

 

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Description:
Some promises are meant to be broken…

Veritas spent most of her life as a vampire Law Guardian. Now, she’s about to break every rule by secretly hunting down the dark souls that were freed in order to save Ian. But the risks are high. For if she gets caught, she could lose her job. And catching the sinister creatures might cost Veritas her own life.

Some vows are forever…

Ian’s memories might be fragmented, but this master vampire isn’t about to be left behind by the woman who entranced him, bound herself to him, and then disappeared. So what if demons, other Law Guardians, and dangerous, otherworldly forces stand against them? Come hell or high water, Ian intends to remind Veritas of the burning passion between them, because she is the only person seared on his mind–and his soul…

 

 

Review:

Wicked Bite by Jeaniene Frost is the 2nd book in her Night Rebel series. Being a major fan of Frost’s Night Huntress, I was thrilled to return to this world in the first book, Shades of Wicked.  Ian, the man we loved to hate, was the hero, and to my surprise, I did fall in love with Ian and Veritas.  The first book ended in a cliffhanger, making Wicked Bite a highly anticipated read.

Veritas, our heroine, managed to save Ian’s life by freeing his soul from the demon, Dagon, and was determined to find him and kill him.  In order to prevent Ian from looking for her, she put a spell on Ian to block his memories that they were married, and went searching for Dagon. 

Ian, our hero, is slowly starting to remember things, and is desperate to find Veritas. He decides to go on his own, especially with his new found powers (teleporting, etc), and ignores his friends (Bones, Cat, Mencheres, Leila, Vlad ) trying to stop him.  It is always great to spend time with those we loved from the previous series.  Ian will go through any lengths to find Veritas, as he can feel their bond.

What follows is an exciting, nonstop action and an amazing story that has Veritas and Ian working together to find the Dagon. They will find themselves in dangerous situations throughout the book, coming up against powerful enemies.  There were so many different forces trying to stop them, but I loved how Ian convinced Veritas that their passion was real, and to use all of her god like powers to defeat the enemy, as he will always be there for her.  Emotional and so very well done.  To tell too much more would be spoilers, as this is one book you need to read for yourself.  Veritas and Ian are so worth it.

The last half of the book was exciting, dangerous, sexy, fun and I loved every moment of it, as I raced to finish the book.  The romance was intensely passionate, and I absolutely loved Ian and Veritas together.    Wicked Bites was another fantastic addition to this wonderful series.   I will add that there is another sort of a cliffhanger, though the story does come to a nice conclusion with a new problem to be explored in the next book. Kudos to Jeaniene Frost for giving us a super couple, whom we never imagined loving and rooting hard for them. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Vendetta Road (Torpedo Ink #3) by Christine Feehan-Review & Giveaway

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Vendetta Road (Torpedo Ink #3) by Christine Feehan-Review & Giveaway

VENDETTA ROAD
Torpedo Ink #3
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: January 28, 2020
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, erotic, romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 28, 2020

Isaak “Ice” Koval is on a club mission when he sees a woman who stops him dead in his tracks. Soleil is a sweet, sexy, girl-next-door type. She’s an innocent who should be nowhere near the rough-and-ready world of the Torpedo Ink motorcycle club. But Ice knows Soleil belongs with him—and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her.

After a life of drifting from one thing to the next, Soleil Brodeur is determined to take control of her life. When her breakup with her manipulative fiancé turns ugly, Soleil searches out the stranger who offered her a lifeline and ends up in a Las Vegas biker bar where she meets a gorgeous, dangerous man straight out of her most secret fantasies.

High on adrenaline, she finds herself falling faster than she thought possible. But Soleil knows little about the territory she’s stumbled into, and even less about what it really means to be Ice’s woman.

•••••••••

Sandy’s Review:VENDETTA ROAD is the third instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult TORPEDO INK erotic, slightly paranormal, MC romance series focusing on the men and women of the Torpedo Ink MC. This is club member Isaak ‘Ice’ Koval, and heiress Soleil Brodeur’s story line. VENDETTA ROAD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary. The TORPEDO INK series is a spin-off from the author’s SEA HAVEN SERIES but you do not have to have read the original series to follow Torpedo Ink.

NOTE: Most of the characters including Torpedo Ink club president Victor ‘Czar’ Prakenski, and his wife Blythe Daniels were introduced in the final instalment of the author’s Sea Haven Series BOUND TOGETHER.

WARNING: VENDETTA ROAD contains scenes, and makes reference to voyeurism, graphic violence, rape, murder, torture, child prostitution, and abuse against children, women and men, and therefore, may not be suitable for all readers. The eighteen original Torpedo Ink members are the sole survivors of a Russian pedophile ring, and as such work towards rescuing children in similar situations.

Told from several third person perspectives including Ice and Soleil VENDETTA ROAD follows the insta-lust/love relationship between Torpedo Ink club member Isaak ‘Ice’ Koval, and heiress Soleil Brodeur. About to be forced into a Las Vegas marriage with a man she does not love, a man who has become abusive and bad, Soleil Brodeur finds herself at a local biker bar where she will come face to face with Isaak ‘Ice’ Koval. Ice, suspecting something is wrong, pulls together his brothers in arms, in an effort to protect the woman he knows to be his soul-mate and love. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Soleil and Ice; the search for a pedophile and human trafficking ring in Las Vegas; and the potential fall-out as Soleil’s past is demanding her return in an effort to claim what is not rightfully his.

Soleil Brodeur was orphaned at an early age, and the resulting investment from her inheritance has left our heroine a wealthy young woman but Soleil has been pulled into a high stakes scheme wherein she will become the next victim of a group of men hunting women with sizable bank accounts. Ice Koval doesn’t do relationships but something about Soleil finds our hero claiming ownership when first they meet, an ownership initially based in $ex and need.

The highly sexual relationship between Soleil and Ice is one of immediate attraction whereby both are successful in their attempt to seduce one another. Soleil, on the run from her abusive fiancé, finds instant comfort and security with a man who demands everything and more- a demand, of which, I struggled in the face of the abuse and assault perpetrated not minutes before. The $ex scenes are numerous, erotic, and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including most of the Torpedo Ink family who have survived and endured years of torture, rape, abuse and an education in the world of the deviant and sick.

Once again, VENDETTA ROAD, like the previous instalments continues to focus on the years of abuse suffered at the hands of a group of Russian pedophiles. Groomed to kill and seduce, the members of Torpedo Ink use their skills to exact revenge against the people who continue to abuse and destroy.

As per my previous reviews, I have remarked on the author’s increasing violent story lines and abuse against men, women and children but in the case of the Torpedo Ink series, the violence is part of their history and lives-ingrained and imbedded –into their very existence. But saying that, Vendetta Road reveals a need for vengeance, by the Torpedo Ink family, that manifests as equally abusive and sadistic against the people who have perpetrated the crimes, in this, there are some questionable actions and ‘vendettas’.

VENDETTA ROAD is a story of power and abuse; of pain and survival; of betrayal, vengeance and retribution. The language, descriptions of violence, and text are graphic and gritty; the premise is edgy and raw.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Judgement Road
Vengeance Road
Vendetta Road

 

Barb’s Review:
Vendetta Road by Christine Feehan is the 3rd book in her Torpedo Ink series.  Brief refresher for this series:  At the end of the Sea Haven series, Blythe married Viktor (Czar). Czar is the president of Torpedo Ink, and together with the men and women he brought with him to Sea Haven they built their Torpedo Ink MC club in Casper, which is close to Sea Haven.  Each of these members have suffered terrible abuse in their childhoods in Russia, being forced to all become lethal assassins; each still very much trying to find the light inside their darkness.  They are all determined to protect each other, and also work secretly to save children they have become part of human trafficking, as well as pedophiles.

In Vendetta Road, the Torpedo Ink Club is in Las Vegas to attend Steele and Bree’s (previous book heroes) wedding.  Ice and Storm and others from the club, are following people they suspect to be part of a group kidnapping and sexually abusing young children.  Ice, our hero, notices a girl being manhandled by her boyfriend, and has to stop himself from interfering, as he needed to concentrate on his mission; Ice did feel some kind of strange attraction toward that girl.

 Soleil Brodeur, our heroine, is a very wealthy woman, having inherited everything from her deceased parents.  Soleil is upset because her boyfriend lost his temper and beat her up because she did not want to marry him.  She overhears the boyfriend talking to others, and realizes that she is in danger, and they have plans to eventually take her money and kill her.  Soleil manages to run away, and she ends up looking for help from a girl she just met, Lana (one of the Torpedo Ink members); and enters a bar where she sees that they belong to the same club.  Ice automatically sees her enter, and is surprised that it is the same girl who caught his attention, and he immediately introduces himself to her, noticing her bruises.  The chemistry between them sizzled immediately, as they both were attracted to each other.

As Soleil begins to spend all her time with Ice, she learns more about how all of the Torpedo Ink members were trained to be assassins, as well as sexual slaves.  Her relationship with Ice, brings her fully into the club, whose loyalty to each other, will have them go through any lengths to find those responsible for trying to kill her. 

What follows is an exciting and violent adventure, as well as a highly sexual erotic insta romance between two people who ended up needing each other.  I thought the story line was terrific, but I did have mixed feelings.  I enjoy sexy romances, but as I have said before, I want the story to be in the forefront, with the sex scenes as part of the story.  In Vendetta Road, it seems like every scene was sexual, with the story line just thrown in here and there. 

I love all the members of the Torpedo Ink family, including the female members (Lana & Alena), and the ladies who become part of them (Blythe, Anya, Bree and now Soleil).  I love the concept of this wonderful group that are loyal together, and determined to save the abused children.  The previous books were also very steamy, but the storyline remained in the forefront, which did change in Vendetta Road. 

Vendetta Road is a dark romantic sexy story, that is also very emotional, as we continue to learn more about what they all had to endure in Russia.  This is a great series, but again I would like the story in the forefront.

 

 

 

Soleil ran through the lobby, uncaring of turning heads. One didn’t run in a very swank hotel. She wanted to grab security, but Winston had a way of talking that made her look hysterical or childish and him look totally controlled, the adult having to put up with tantrums. She wasn’t about to take chances, not when she knew they planned to kill her.
Who would believe her? Her own fiancé? A lawyer? A policeman? All conspiring to kill her? She would look crazy and Winston would explain she’d lost Bennet, the only one she had as family. He would get sympathy and understanding, and they would all look to him to take care of her. He’d probably sedate her. Did he have a doctor involved too? It was possible. She’d met one through him, one he considered important.
She burst out onto the street, her lungs hurting. Clearly, she needed more exercise if she was going to have to run for her life. Her thoughts were wild and a little hysterical. She couldn’t have that. It would only play into Winston’s hand. She raced to the crosswalk, and fortunately the light changed and there were few people in her way. She was able to cross quickly and get into the relative shelter of the hotel-casino on the next street.
Noise erupted all around her. The concentrated smoke from cigarettes threatened to choke her. For a moment, she paused, a little disoriented. The whiskey she’d drunk was making her feel a lot better. Clearer. She knew exactly what to do. She made her way through the casino with more dignity, not wanting to draw attention to herself.
The casino floor was set up so that the exits were difficult to get to. Every little turn put her in front of card tables, the roulette wheel, craps, or, when she managed to find her way through the maze, machines. A sea of them. They didn’t matter. The drinks had finally steadied her, and she was feeling as if she was in control and could do this.
Still, it was a good distance to the exits and it took her a few minutes to make her way to the other side of the room. The casino was enormous, so much so that she knew she’d probably covered a block at least. She had to have. But she walked with more confidence and less panic. Every now and then, just to be certain, she glanced over her shoulder, or paused at a machine to see if Winston was behind her. So far, her plan had worked. Most likely, he’d gone out onto the strip and worried she’d hailed a cab or taken one of the hotel’s private limos. She was afraid to do that. He could trace a cab and he’d talk any driver into coming back for him.
She thought about getting another drink, but she hadn’t eaten. Already she was much clearer in what she had to do. She felt very courageous. It only took a couple of times going in a small circle before she mastered the maze of machines and was able to push open the door that let her out onto the street. The lights were much dimmer, but still illuminated the sidewalk.
She looked left and right. She was right in the middle of the block. Across the street, neon blue signs flashed, and the sound of music was loud. Each of the bars seemed to be playing a different song, but she loved to dance and the one on the end at the right blared the best music. She headed in that direction and then changed her mind, a little shiver going through her. She knew Winston. He would hire men to find her. He would call the police and report her missing, saying she had a mental disorder and he was worried for her safety. This street was still too close.
She hurried down the block to the next line of bars. The streets seemed darker, and as she came around the corner, a few men standing on the sidewalk in front of a bar looked up, nudging one another. Alarms went off and she paused to get oriented. Just in front of her was another bar blaring dancing music and in front of it were motorcycles, instantly reminding her of Lana. Her heart jumped. Lana. She hurried toward that one without hesitation. If Lana was there, she would know what to do. She was that kind of woman.


 

Excerpt provided by Berkley Publishing 

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 VENDETTA ROAD to ONE lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Julian (Trinity Academy #4) by Michelle Heard-Review tour

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Julian (Trinity Academy #4) by Michelle Heard-Review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 27, 2020

A couple of drinks.
A random stranger.
It was only supposed to be one night.

Turns out, the stranger is Julian Reyes.
Formidable businessman.
And my brother-in-law’s new business partner.
Chairman of Trinity Academy.
Where I’ve just enrolled as a student.
Coldhearted jerk.
Who also happens to be ridiculously hot.

Whenever we meet, it doesn’t help I’m reminded of how amazing his

••••••••

REVIEW:Julian by Michelle Heard is book four in The Trinity Academy Series.

Julian Reyes is Chairman of CRC Holdings and Trinity Academy. After stepping out of his comfort zone and having a one night stand with a mysterious young woman named Jamie, he is shocked to find out that she is actually the sister in law of his new business partner and she is set to attend Trinity Academy.
No problem, he just sets his sights on avoiding her for both their sakes.

But avoiding Jamie isn’t as easy as he thought it would be! After Jamie starts at Trinity Academy things start to get weird. She finds out someone has been watching her and their intentions are not good.

After being drugged and ending up in the hospital twice, Julian can no longer avoid being around Jamie. In fact he has come to feel very protective of her.
But finding out who is out to hurt her, soon becomes his number one priority!

Will he be able to protect Jamie and keep her safe! Or will Jamie be forced to return to New York where her family can protect her?

Julian wasn’t one of my favorite characters in the first couple of books, but he has slowly come around! I was actually excited for him to get his story. After concentrating on nothing but work the last few years, he slowly starts to open himself to his family and friends again!

And he truly cares and had concern for Jamie and I just love how their relationship evolved!

Jamie is a strong willed, smart and is a match made in heaven for Julian. Their strong wills are perfect for each other.

I was so excited for The Trinity Academy series to continue and this book did not disappoint!

I loved how the story continued right on from the previous books and kept you in the loop of with all of my favorite characters. I am also extremely excited that these books crossover (but can also stand alone) with the Enemies To Lovers book series which I will now be reading because the characters from that series are just amazing!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Falcon
Mason
Lake

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin K

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

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The Mail Order Bride’s Secret by Linda Broday – a Review

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The Mail Order Bride’s Secret by Linda Broday – a Review

 

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Description:
When three young children show up on outlaw Tait Trinity’s doorstep, he knows he can’t help them—a wanted man has no business raising kids. And yet he can’t bring himself to turn them away. At a loss, he sends for the mail order bride he’d been writing to, hoping the demure dressmaker will be the answer to his prayers.

Melanie Dunbar is nothing like the bride Tait was expecting. She’s rough and tumble…and hiding an ulterior motive. Dangerous men have taken her sister hostage, and if Melanie wants to see her alive, she’ll have to betray her new husband. There’s only one problem—the more time she spends with Tait, the more she comes to care for him. Yet as the noose begins to tighten, Melanie will have to make a terrible choice: save her sister…or the man she loves.

 

 

Review:

The Mail Order Bride’s Secret by Linda Broday is the 3rd book in her Outlaw Mail Order Brides series. As I have said previously, I have become a big fan of Broday’s western historical romance stories, and The Mail Order Bride’s Secret is once again another fantastic story line. Refresher: The story takes place in Hope’s Crossing, which is a town run by outlaws, who have started a clean slate on their lives, with building a family and changing their lives for the better.  

Tait Trinity, our hero, is suddenly left with three young children (two twin boys and a baby girl), when his sister is brutally murdered.  Tait decides to get a mail order bride to help him take care of the children; he also knows his life could be short term and dangerous, as other criminals are also after Tait.

Melanie Dunbar, our heroine, finds herself in trouble, as she and her sister, Ava are put in jail because of something her father did.  The crooked Judge makes a deal with Melanie; he will free them if she can bring Tail Trinity to him, as well as the money he stole.   Knowing they could be in jail for a very long time, Melanie accepts the deal. In doing so, she responds to Tait’s letter accepting her as his bride.

When Melanie arrives in Hope’s Crossing, she is immediately surprised at her attraction to Tait, and though she has no experience taking care of children, in a short time she finds herself caring about them all.  Quickly, her relationship with Tait heats up, and they both find themselves caring deeply about each other.   Melanie feels guilty, and tries to find a way to get the money and return it to the Judge, to free her sister, and at the same time, not have Tait hurt.

Tait is determined to find the man who murdered his sister, and knows that the children and Melanie will always be in danger with threats against him.  He will take matters in his own hands when Becky (the baby girl) is kidnapped, and he with Jack and Clay (previous book heroes), will try to rescue her, and find the man who killed his sister. When Melanie gets a threat by the Judge to bring the money, she too takes matters in her own hands by traveling to free her sister.

What follows is an exciting story line, with nonstop action, dangerous situations, with their lives on the line and a wonderful sweet romance between two people with flawed pasts that will catch up with them.  The last half of the book was tense and exciting, as they both find themselves in dangerous situations, which will bring them face to face with the evil villains.

Linda Broday once again gives us another wonderful western historical romance story, as The Mail Order Bride’s Secret was a great addition to this series.   It was emotional, tense, exciting, sweet romantic story, with a fabulous group of secondary characters and a great couple.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Toxic Vengeance (Vengeance #4) by Kaylea Cross-Review tour

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TOXIC VENGEANCE (Vengeance #4) by Kaylea Cross- review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 21, 2020

A past poisoned by lies.

Toxins expert Eden Foster was trained never to get close to anyone. She’s only broken that rule twice, and each time it ended in heartbreak. Her mentor was murdered in front of her, and now the man she was forced to deceive and leave behind has suddenly become a threat. She wants justice, but the only way she’ll get it is by joining forces with the only man to pose a threat to her guarded heart—the CIA contractor tasked with capturing and turning her in.

Risking a second chance could cost them everything.

Zack Maguire has spent his entire adult life serving his country, but this time, he’s torn between duty and his heart. Eden might not be the woman he thought she was, but he refuses to accept that everything between them was a lie. If she’s being hunted, he’s all in. He won’t sit back and do nothing when her life is on the line. As the danger mounts, he’ll do anything to protect her. And when their enemies close in, the only way they’ll live long enough to have a second chance is to let go of the past and learn to trust each other.

••••••••••

REVIEW: TOXIC VENGEANCE is the fourth instalment in Kaylea Cross’ contemporary, adult VENGEANCE erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on a group of women once known as the Valkyrie-members of a secret CIA government project. This is CIA contractor Zack Maguire, and toxins experct/Valkyrie Eden Foster’s story line. 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 Eden and Zack TOXIC VENGEANCE follows Valkyrie and toxins expert Eden Foster on her latest assignment to end the life of an international arms dealer but Eden never expected to come face to face with her most recent past, a man who had stolen her heart when she believed she had no heart to steal. Enter CIA contractor Zack Maguire, and the man with whom Eden will fall in love. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Eden and Zack as they, as the Valkyries find themselves on the run, targeted by numerous assassins, in an effort to procure one of their own.

Eden Foster has been alone for most of her adult life but never expected to be reunited with the women in the Valkyrie program. From the outset, Zack Maguire’s reappearance forces Eden to look beyond the past when several of their contacts and handlers end up dead. Everywhere to run but nowhere to hide, the Valkyries struggle to stay one step ahead of their past. Zack Maguire has never stopped looking for Eden Foster but discovering Eden was once a part of the CIA’s cover Valkyrie program gave our hero pause, a pause that would place him and the others in the direct line of fire.

The relationship between Zack and Eden is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people who never knew the truth but would one day discover the reality of what was, and what will be The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including all of the previous story line couples: Megan Smith and Tyler Bergstrom (Stealing Vengeance #1), Amber Brown and Jesse Cordova (Covert Vengeance #2), Chloe and Heath (Explosive Vengeance #3) former SAS veteran Marcus Laidlaw, retired SF and NSA agent Alex Rycroft; and Valkyries Trinity Durant and IT specialist Kiyomi. The requisite evil has many faces. Kiyomi and Marcus’ story line is next in Beautiful Vengeance.

TOXIC VENGEANCE is a story of betrayal, secrets and lies; of murder and obsession; of acceptance and falling in love. The premise is fast paced, intriguing and dramatic; the characters are energetic, intelligent and inspiring; the romance is seductive and sensual. TOXIC VENGEANCE is a suspense filled and edgy story sure to inspire us all.

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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When You See Me by Lisa Gardner – a Review

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When You See Me by Lisa Gardner – a Review

 

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Description:
FBI Special Agent Kimberly Quincy and Sergeant Detective DD Warren have built a task force to follow the digital bread crumbs left behind by deceased serial kidnapper Jacob Ness. And when a disturbing piece of evidence comes to light, they decide to bring in Flora Dane who has personal experience of being imprisoned by Ness.

Their investigations take them to a small town deep in the hills of Georgia where something seems to be deeply wrong.

What at first seems like a Gothic eeriness soon hardens into something much more sinister as they discover that for all the evil Jacob committed while alive, his worst secret is still to be revealed.

Quincy and DD must summon their considerable skills and experience to crack the most disturbing case of their careers – and Flora must face her own past directly in the hope of saving others.

 

 

Review:

When You See Me by Lisa Gardner is the 11th book in her Detective D.D. Warren series.  I have not read the previous books in this series, but this read very well as a standalone.  I loved When You See Me and upon completing this book, I have to find time to go back and read this series.  All I can say is “WOW’, this was an intense, exciting and fantastic thriller that was nonstop action and I could not put the book down; not to mention it was so very well written by Lisa Gardner. 

The story starts off with a bang, as two hikers discover human bones, and when findings discover that the remains were approximately 15 years old, and could be another victim of deceased predator, Jacob Ness, a task force is sent to Appalachian Niche in Georgia.  The task force consists of previous heroines of Gardner’s other series; FBI Special Agent, Kimberly Quincy, who will lead the investigation.  Kimberly calls in Boston Detective DD Warren, and survivor, Flora Dane, who have been involved in other Ness cases.  Flora was imprisoned by Ness for a year, and ended up killing him, but she continues to have nightmares, 7 years later.  She uses her horrific experiences to work alongside DD to help solve other kidnappings. Keith, who is a computer guru and Flora’s friend, also helps.

When You See Me is a non-stop intense thriller from start to finish.  Just when the task force thinks they have everything, more bodies are discovered, and suspicions arise that these may not be the victims of Jacob Ness, as some of the findings are fresher; bringing in more forensic teams.  When a woman supposedly commits suicide, DD investigates with the sheriff, and she notices a young maid, who cannot talk and acts terrorized.  DD will try to question the maid, who plays a big part in this story, as she is haunted by the ‘bad monster’, and using her hands as clues, which will help DD will gather information from Bonita (the maid) that something sinister is going on in this small town.  DD, Kimberly, Flora and Keith, will protect the young girl, and work together to find out what is happening.

The last third of the book was so intense and exciting, as with Bonita’s help, they will find themselves all in dangerous situations against a madman, and surprise townsfolks who were determined to stop the FBI from discovering their secrets.  Both Kimberly, DD and Flora suffered attacks that had us worried if they would survive.  I held my breath through every twist and turn.

Lisa Gardner did such a fantastic job writing this fabulous thriller, and created some wonderful female heroines who had to step up to survive and resolve the murders. If you enjoy thrillers, suspense, mystery, and fantastic leading characters, look no further then When You See Me.   I need to be reading more of Lisa Gardner, and her fabulous heroines, D.D. Warren, Kimberly Quincy and Flora Dane.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Wicked Cowboy Wolf by Kait Ballenger-a review

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WICKED COWBOY WOLF (Seven Range Shifters #3) by Kait Ballenger- a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 28, 2020

To his enemies, he’s known as the Rogue. To her, he’s her only chance at survival…

Years ago, Grey Wolf Jared Black was cast from the pack for a crime he didn’t commit. Now, he’s the mysterious criminal wolf known only as the Rogue, a name his former packmates won’t soon forget. But when a vampire threat endangers the lives of their entire species, Jared must confront his former packmates again, even if that means betraying the only woman he’s ever loved…

Ever since Maeve Gray escaped the pack’s bloodsucking enemies, she’s been determined to save her species—and fast. Each passing day risks the lives of her friends and family. But when a wicked cowboy wolf shows up on the Grey Wolf ranch, offering everything Maeve’s heart desires, her eyes are opened to a whole new world beyond the packlands. For this cowgirl, sleeping with the enemy could prove as desirable as it is deadly…

••••••••

REVIEW:WICKED COWBOY WOLF is the third instalment in Kait Ballenger’s contemporary, adult SEVEN RANGE SHIFTERS erotic, paranormal, romance series- a spin off from the author’s EXECUTION UNDERGROUND series. This is rogue Grey wolf leader Jared Black, and Maeve Gray’s story line. WICKED COWBOY WOLF can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Shifters have been targeted by a group of vampires in an effort to procure a ‘pure blood’ donor in their plans to develop an injectable serum that would allow vampires to feed from shifters, a feeding that would make the vampires ten times stronger. The vampires’ latest victim is Maeve Gray, a pure bred wolf princess whose blood can also be used to develop an antidote making Maeve Gray a threat to their own success.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jared and Maeve) WICKED COWBOY WOLF follows the building but tempestuous relationship between rogue leader/ Grey Wolf Jared ‘Rogue’ Black, and Maeve Gray. Twenty years earlier Jared Black was banished from the Grey Wolves, taking the fall for a murder he did not commit. Fast forward to present day wherein, following the rescue of Grey Wolf princess Maeve Gray, Jared aka Rogue, takes Maeve to the rogue wolf compound in an effort to procure a cure for the vampire serum. But Maeve is unaware of Rogue’s true identity, an identity with links to the Grey Wolf past. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Maeve and Rogue, and the potential fall-out when the truth is revealed.

Jared ‘Rogue’ Black has never stopped loving our story line heroine but a past mired in secrets and lies, and the death of an alpha finds Jared Black a rogue wolf whose reputation as a fighter and killer is known to all. Maeve Gray keeps the memories of the wolf she once loved, close to her heart, but her attraction to Rogue brings with it the familiarity of years before.

The relationship between Rogue and Maeve is one of immediate attraction but Rogue believes he is not worthy of love especially from the woman that has always called to his heart. A twenty-year secret threatens any sense of peace between our leading couple but Maeve believes she has fallen in love with a man whose is scarred both inside and out. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Maeve’s brother and the Grey Wolf Alpha Maverick Gray; Wes Calhoun (Cowboy Wolf Trouble #1), as well as a number of elite Grey Wolf warriors. We are introduced to Rogue’s team: Murtagh, Frenchie, Sterling and Boone; casino owner and rogue wolf Walker Solomon; and Sophia, a woman whose struggling under the control of Solomon.

WICKED COWBOY WOLF is a story of second chances; of secrets, lies, betrayal and loss; of enduring love and happily ever after. The character driven premise is action packed and engaging; the characters are colorful and energetic; the slow building romance is heart breaking and edgy.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Reading Cafe
Cowboy in Wolf’s Clothing
Wicked Cowboy Wolf

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

BIO: Kait Ballenger is a full-time paranormal romance author, wife, bellydancer, graduate student, and soon-to-be-professor. She is the multi-published, award-winning author of the Execution Underground paranormal romance series. With a B.A in English from Stetson University, Kait is currently earning an M.F.A in Writing. Kait believes anything is possible with hard work and dedication. One day, she hopes to be a bestseller and to see her novels on the big screen. Look for the next two books in her page-turning Execution Underground series: Twilight Hunter, book one (August 2013) and Immortal Hunter, book two (January 2014). For more information, please visit www.kaitballenger.com or follow her on Twitter @kait_ballenger.

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The Carousel by J.A. Stone-a review

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The Carousel by J. A. Stone-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 28, 2020

An emotional journey of four women connected by blood, love, loss and time.

Pruett Fontaine is at a crossroads. Divorced, she’s lost herself and is struggling to find her place. When her estranged mother dies unexpectedly, she’s drawn back to Louisiana, to a family and town she left behind twenty years ago.

With no choice but to deal with her mother’s estate, a father she doesn’t know anymore, and the woman her mother left them for, she brings her teenage daughter to Sweetwater and collides with a past she’s been running from since she was eighteen.

Her mother’s journals open her eyes to a woman she barely knew, and she can’t outrun the sins of the past. Secrets are exposed, tragedies are revealed, and temptation rears its head over the course of one long, hot Louisiana summer.

••••••••

REVIEW:THE CAROUSEL by J. A. Stone (Juliana Stone) is a contemporary, adult, stand alone story of women’s fiction focusing on four women (Pruett, Daisy, Carol and Lila) from Sweetwater, Louisiana.

Told from several first person perspectives (Pruett Fontaine, Daisy, Charlotte), third person (Carol Seaton) and journal entries (Lila) THE CAROUSEL follows four women connected by blood and love. Divorced mother Pruett Fontaine is called home to Sweetwater, Louisiana after the death of her mother Lila, a woman she hasn’t seen or to whom she has spoken in close to twenty years. With her fifteen- year old daughter Daisy, in tow, Pruett returns to a place that holds too many memories of a time long ago-of a lost love, a dysfunctional family, and a mother who was emotionally absent all of her life. As Pruett attempts to move on from the past, the past isn’t willing to let go, especially when secrets are about to be revealed.

Pruett Fontaine left Sweetwater twenty years earlier, the night her life imploded when a face to face with her mother ended their relationship. Things said in anger pushed Pruett out of town, and away from the boy she would always love. Marriage, family and eventually divorce would force Pruett to analyse her life but more so her return to Sweetwater where the sins of the past come looking for a second chance. But not all is well in Sweetwater, Louisiana as long buried secrets are about to resurface forcing the small town to revisit a dark and dangerous past.

We are introduced to Lila’s best friend and partner Carol, who worked and operated the local B&B: Aunt Charlotte, Lila’s sister; Pruett’s daughter Daisy; and an assortment of Sweetwater lifers, who never expected Pruett’s return. A best friend from childhood, along with Pruett’s first love are never far from Pruett’s mind but a series of journals left to her by her mother Lila, will pull Pruett into the past, a past that will begin to reveal the truth about what happened and why.

THE CAROUSEL is a story about a dysfunctional family where the truth will reveal a past mired in betrayal and heart break; an emotional journey for one woman as she comes to terms with the woman she once called mother, and the family owned secrets that destroyed too many lives. From her heart-broken father (Beverly) who lost the love of his life the same night twenty years earlier, to a woman who struggles to move forward without her friend by her side, THE CAROUSEL spans but a few weeks, yet close to forty years as we are witness to the events leading up to Pruett’s acceptance of a past that controlled her entire life. The premise is captivating and intriguing; the characters are colorful, broken, struggling and strong; the world building is detailed and introspective

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Juliana Stone is also known as J.A. Stone.

USA Today bestselling author and 2015 RITA® winner JULIANA STONE fell in love with books in the fifth grade when her teacher introduced her to Tom Sawyer. A tomboy at heart, she splits her time between baseball, books, and music. When she’s not singing with her band, she’s thrilled to be writing young adult as well as adult contemporary romance—books that have garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly & Booklist—from somewhere in the wilds of Canada.

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