Monthly Archives: January 2020

Sex and Other Shiny Objects by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

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Sex and Other Shiny Objects (Boyfriend Material #2) by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 13, 2020

The second the test-the-sexy-scenes offer landed in my lap, I said yes.

After all, I’ve been damn curious about a few things I’ve read in romance novels. Do buttons truly go flying across the floor when you rip off a guy’s shirt? Is staircase sex hella hot or does it leave you with a big old bruise mark on your back? And don’t even get me started on all that panty shredding, and whether it even works.

Time to find out as I embark on Project Sexy Scenes Research, at the request of my hotshot book editor bestie.

All I need is a willing scene partner. Enter Tristan, my best guy friend. The witty, tell-it-like-it-is, bearded hottie volunteers for the experiment.

He’s also the guy who gave me the most devastating, toe-curling kiss of my life ten years ago. But nothing has happened since then.

And nothing will come between my panties and our friendship now since we have a plan to keep it PG.

But once the buttons start flying, all bets are off…

••••••••

REVIEW:SEX AND OTHER SHINY OBJECTS is the second instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult BOYFIREND MATERIAL erotic, romance series focusing on a tight knit group of friends in New York City. This is twenty-nine year olds, restaurateur / bar owner Tristan, and lingerie shop owner / blogger Peyton Valencia’s story line. SEX AND OTHER SHINY OBJECTS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Tristan and Peyton) SEX AND OTHER SHINY OBJECTS focuses on the best friends to lovers relationship between is twenty-nine year olds, restaurateur / bar owner Tristan, and lingerie shop owner / blogger Peyton Valencia. Peyton Valencia has loved and lost having found her boyfriend in bed with another woman. Wearing sexy lingerie is the one thing that Peyton enjoys but when her friends asks her to apply the sexy scenes in a romance novel to real life, Peyton needs a volunteer to help with getting the job done. Enter best friend Tristan, and the man with whom Peyton will fall in love. What ensues is the friends to lovers relationship between Peyton and Tristan, and the potential fall-out as their time together, working out the sexy scenes, comes to a close.

Tristan has been in love with his best friend since the first time they met in college but when the time came to reveal his feelings, Tristan discovered that Peyton had fallen in love with someone else, someone who was about to break her heart. Peyton Valencia fears losing her best friend if things fall-apart while ‘researching’ the sex scenes in her friend’s romance novel but Tristan insists that he is the only man for the job, a job that finds our couple falling in love.

The relationship between Tristan and Peyton is a best friends to lovers romance wherein Peyton continues to focus on one kiss, ten years earlier, a kiss between our story line couple that Peyton has never forgotten, and uses to compare to all others. Peyton is determined to follow the book, endeavouring to replay the scenes, come h*ll or high water, blogging about her experiences to a captive audience. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Linc and Amy (Asking for a Friend #1), and Amy and Peyton’s friend Lola; Tristan’s brother Barrett and his friend Rachel; Peyton’s mother, as well as several customers at Peyton’s shop-You Look Pretty Today.

SEX AND OTHER SHINY OBJECTS is a story of friendship, family, romance and love; a story of best friends who struggle to cross the proverbial line, a line that once crossed from there is no going back. The premise is captivating ; the characters are sassy and sexy; the romance is provocative and fun. SEX AND OTHER SHINY OBJECTS is a spicy and inviting story you are sure to enjoy.

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

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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Mismatched in Mayhem by L.E. Rico – a Review

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Mismatched in Mayhem by L.E. Rico – a Review

 

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Description:
Welcome to Mayhem, Minnesota, with its sweater-wearing cats and ultra-competitive trivia nights. Where love really does conquer all…if you’ll let it.

Walker O’Halloran is finally ready to shed her “wild child” persona. Bartending at her family’s pub, babysitting her adorable niece and nephews, and getting her degree during the day. What she doesn’t do is date–or even think about dating. Ever. Until he walks into her bar, looking like a former Mr. Quarterback of the Football Team and Student Council President all rolled into one. No, thank you.

Mason Stevens has a secret—and it prevents him from knowing if someone is truly interested in him, or just what he can do for them. Until he meets Walker. She’s the first person in ages who doesn’t recognize him, and her grouchy attitude feels like the greatest challenge of his life. And he’s ready for it.

But the more time they spend together, the more he’s desperate to come clean—it’s just never the right time. Until the paparazzi do it for him…

 


Review:

Mismatched in Mayhem begins with Walker O’Halloran working in the family pub.  She lives with one of her sisters, works, and adores her niece and nephews.  While closing up one night, Walker sees that a young man, Mason Stevens, has been left behind by his friends.  When Mason tries to secure a ride home, Walker tells him he’ll never get an Uber out that far to take him back to the university, and offers to give him a ride.  While on the trip home, they make small talk and Walker sees Mason as a person she would never be attracted to.  Walker is in a self imposed exile, if you will, from dating.  To say she’s surprised to find herself thinking about him after she drops him off is a bit of an understatement.

Mason finds himself almost immediately attracted to Walker, and also finds himself happy that she doesn’t recognize him.  When Mason sets out to get to know Walker better, she throws up all kinds of walls, but eventually relents and meets him for a ‘picnic’.  In Mayhem, Minnesota.  In the winter.  When she arrives at the picnic, what she finds leaves her surprised and enchanted.  While the two of them spend time together, she finds herself wondering….what if…..

Walker has blamed herself for her father’s death and doesn’t think she is entitled to be happy.  Mason knows she’s hiding something and sets out to break down her walls.  However, when Mason’s true identity is later revealed and misunderstandings arise, Walker does what she always does.  She shuts down and shuts everyone out.  Mason finds himself miserable not being with Walker, until, surprisingly, his parents give him a pep talk that will change their lives forever.  Mason then makes it his mission to get Walker back and to prove to her that they are indeed not mismatched.

Mismatched in Mayhem is a nicely written story.  Walker is snarky and sassy and loyal.  Mason has struggled his entire life wondering if people like him for him, or for what he can offer them.  Mason also has a brother with special needs that Walker helps out in a big way, which only makes Mason love her more.  The secondary characters are awesome and quirky and leave you laughing out loud at times.  I also had no idea that this was part of a series, so this can totally be read as a stand alone.  I will, however, go back and read the others in the series.  It’s that good.  If you’re a fan of contemporary romance with some steam and a lot of humor, you won’t go wrong with this one.  Well done, Lauren Rico!  Very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Landing the Lawman by Kadie Scott – a Review

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Landing the Lawman by Kadie Scott – a Review

 

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Description:
He thought he was in control until she snuck into his heart…

Carter Hill walked away from a perfectly fine life and relationship…all for a career she’s chased since she was fourteen. Years and a PhD later, she loves her job as a water rights consultant. At the same time, now that all her brothers are happily married, she’s lonely and wanting more. But the only man in her life is Logan – super serious, no sense of humor, and friend-zoned. Or is he? Perhaps a sexy, no-strings affair with a man more driven than she is could help her move on.

Logan Cartez doesn’t date, do relationships, or worry about commitment. He’s married to his job – making sure what destroyed his family ranch and their legacy doesn’t happen to others. When Carter propositions him, what began as a passionate and unforgettable night soon develops into more. Logan finds himself doing things he swore he never would, and the feisty, brilliant, blue-eyed rancher’s daughter has him thinking about so much more than work.

 

 

Review:

Landing the Lawmen by Kadie Scott is the 5th book in her The Texas Hill series, which  can be read in any order, but as the siblings all get married it makes sense to read them the way the author planned. 

Carter is the only daughter in the Hill household. Watching her brothers find love, Carter doesn’t regret her decision to leave family and love behind to pursue her dream job. But it’s a lonely life, has she left it to late? Well maybe not, yummy Logan hits all those buttons. An affair might be just the thing they both need….. 

Logan doesn’t need love, it makes life messy, he needs to concentrate on saving the little farmers and their rights. And Carter Hill is the right person for the job, (she is a water rights consultant) he just needs to ignore her as a woman, a fine complete package. 

With the arrangement of a no-strings affair, both Logan and Carter pursue it wholeheartedly. But when Carter’s mother is taken ill things change for both of them. 

I’ve read all of the previous books in this series, and loved them all. 

The descriptions the author gives is great. The attention to detail is very good. The characters are funny and the flirting is funny and very light hearted. 

Both characters have been hurt in the past, so I see where both Logan and Carter have issues with trust. 

I’d happily recommend this book. 

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

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Getting Off Easy by Erin Nicholas-Review & Excerpt Tour

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Getting Off Easy (Boys of the Big Easy #4) by Erin Nicholas-Review & Excerpt Tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 14, 2020

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New Orleans firefighter, James Reynaud’s true love is hanging out in the jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street and playing piano with some of the best musicians in the city. But driving his cute, bookworm neighbor Harper Broussard crazy is right up there on his list of favorite things.

The buttoned-up linguistics professor across the hall is a little older, a lot smarter, and way too good for him. And she knows it. But wow is she beautiful when she blushes.

She’s equally gorgeous when she’s saving his butt. Because now things just got serious. A baby has been, literally, dropped off on his doorstep and to say he’s in over his head is an understatement. Not that Harper knows anything about babies either. But at least they now have something in common.

••••••••

REVIEW:GETTING OFF EASY is the fourth instalment in Erin Nicholas’ contemporary, adult BOYS OF THE BIG EASY erotic, romance series focusing on a tight knit group of friends, and their single parent support group. This is twenty-seven year old, firefighter and jazz pianist James Reynaud, and thirty-two year old, professor Harper Broussard’s story line. GETTING OFF EASY 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 (James and Harper) GETTING OFF EASY follows the friends and neighbors to lovers, single father relationship between twenty-seven year old, firefighter and jazz pianist James Reynaud, and thirty-two year old, professor Harper Broussard. Harper and James are neighbors and for several months James has asked Harper for ‘help’ when he finds himself the recipient of newly orphaned pets. But the day an infant baby lands on James’ doorstep, our heroine finds herself sharing the parental responsibilities of raising a baby, a baby whose parentage is questionable and unknown. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Harper and James as they begin a search for the infant’s mother, and the potential fall-out when the inevitable happens, and Harper walks away believing she is no longer needed in James’ life.

Professor Harper Broussard is a by the books woman who struggles with her attraction to her younger, next door neighbor but a series of well-ordered events pulls Harper into James’ life forcing Harper to let go of her proper attitude. James Reynaud has been attracted to his neighbor as long as he can remember and uses his feigned helplessness in an effort to get closer to Harper Broussard but a new born infant requires more help than James expected, as he and Harper find themselves co-parenting an infant they believed is fathered by James.

The relationship between James and Harper is one of immediate attraction but Harper battles between head and heart knowing James is five years her junior. A sexy fire fighter who also moonlights as a jazz musician, James is hoping for a chance to win the heart of his next door neighbor, a woman who appears to be a little rigid in the ways of the world. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Most of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting characters as they offer ‘advice’ to our newly minted father. We are introduced to Harper’s fellow professor Dr. Celia Ownsby, and student Sophie Duncan.

GETTING OFF EASY is a story of family, friendships and neighbors; mistaken beliefs and assumptions; co-parenting and the inevitable loss. The premise is playful and intriguing ; the romance is passionate and tender; the characters are energetic, colorful and animated. There are a number of humorous moments especially the diaper changing scenes and the shower required to clean up the mess !

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
My Best Friend’s Mardi Gras Wedding
Sweet Home Louisiana
Beauty and the Bayou

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

Harper reached out to lift the baby off of James, but just as her hand touched his back, James stirred.
She froze.
“Professor?”
His voice was husky from sleep, low and gravelly, and Harper’s belly flipped, heat sliding from her stomach lower, between her legs. They were in his bedroom. One of them was in bed. And that voice. And the nickname. She could hardly be blamed for her reaction.
“Hey,” she said softly.
“You okay?”
It was the middle of the night, and he was the one asleep with the thing that had just turned his life upside down, but he was asking about her? She never came to him with needs. He came to her. She nodded. “I thought I’d take him so you could get more comfortable.”
He looked down at the baby, and seemingly instinctively, his hand slid from the baby’s butt to his back. James’s hand was huge on the tiny baby, and Harper swallowed hard at the sweet picture. “He’s okay.”
“You sure? I don’t mind.”
He looked up at her. He was clearly still sleepy, maybe not fully awake. “You wanna help?” he asked.
She nodded. “Yeah.” She felt terrible for leaving earlier. It had gone against every instinct except the one that screamed at her to protect her heart no matter the cost. But she was afraid she was far past the point of that being possible.
“Then come here.”
Harper wet her lips. “Come… there?”
“Yeah.” He reached for her with his free hand and caught her around the wrist, tugging her forward.
She could have easily pulled back, broken free, resisted. But she let him urge her onto the mattress.
Harper knelt with a knee next to his hip. “How does this help?”
“Gets you up against me,” he said, his voice still sleep roughened.
Her heart skittered. “That’s helpful?”
“Can’t imagine how it will hurt.” He gave her a sleepy, but still devastatingly sexy smile. “This way you’re here if he does need something.”
Well, he had a point.
Harper stretched out on the mattress beside James. He put his arm up above his head again, not holding her, but definitely exposing plenty of surface area for her to be up against.
Oh, what the hell. She wouldn’t sleep well at her place now, wondering what was going on over here. This way she was very much here for whatever went on. And she’d wanted to be up against him for a few months now. Lord only knew what the next few days were going to bring with the baby and everything. She might as well enjoy this moment while she had it.
She scooted closer. His body was hot and hard. She swallowed with some difficulty.
Then the baby made a little grunting sound and curled and stretched against James.
This was so not how she’d ever pictured being in bed with James Reynaud. That was for sure.

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erin Nicholas has been writing romances almost as long as she’s been reading them. To date, she’s written over thirty sexy, contemporary novels that have been described as “toe-curling,” “enchanting,” “steamy,” and “fun.” She adores reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines, and happily ever afters.

Erin lives in the Midwest, where she enjoys spending time with her husband (who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books), her kids (who will never read the sex scenes in her books), and her family and friends (who claim to be “shocked” by the sex scenes in her books).

Website /  Newsletter  /  Goodreads  / Amazon /  Facebook /  Twitter  / Blog

 

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Spark (Web of Desire #1) by Aleatha Romig-Review Tour

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Spark (Web of Desire #1) by Aleatha Romig-Review Tour

SPARK
Web of Desire #1
by Aleatha Romig
Release Date: January 13, 2020

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 13, 2020

“From a little spark may burst a flame.” ~ Dante Alighieri

A simple ember to dried kindling can ignite a raging fire.

I’ve made my mark and proven my loyalty to a man, a city, a way of life. That loyalty has provided me with all the spoils of success. Until now that hasn’t included a woman at my side.

What is it about this unobtainable beauty that brings my untapped desire to life?

Cracking open the stone and striking the flint is my doing. What comes to follow is hers.

With something so intense will this spark lead to a blazing inferno? Will we make it out of the ashes before everything I hold dear is lost?

*** From New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a brand-new dark romance, Spark, set in the same dangerous world as Secrets and Twisted. You do not need to read the Web of Sin or Tangled Web trilogy to get caught up in this new and intriguing saga, Web of Desire. ***

SPARK is book one of the WEB OF DESIRE trilogy that continues in FLAME and concludes in ASHES.

Have you been Aleatha’d?

••••••••

REVIEW:SPARK is the first instalment in Aleatha Romig’s contemporary, adult WEB OF DESIRE erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on Patrick Kelly, and Madeline ‘Maddie’ Miller. SPARK and the Web of Desire series is set in the author’s Web of Sin, and Tangle Web worlds but you do not have to have read the previous series to follow or understand the current timeline.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Patrick and Madeline) SPARK follows the rekindling romance between thirty-five year olds Patrick Kelly, and Madeline ‘Maddie’ Miller. Patrick and Madeline grew up homeless on the mean streets of Chicago, scamming and stealing to survive but at age eighteen Maddie disappeared from Patrick’s life leaving our hero to search for the woman he would always love, believing she may already died. Fast forward to present day wherein Madeline Miller, a renowned poker player finds herself face to face with her past, a past that wants a reconciliation, and the truth about what happened years before. With Madeline in prime contention to win the coveted poker tournament, Patrick is caught between head and heart knowing that the poker tournament isn’t all what it appears to be. Suspecting Madeline isn’t telling the truth, Patrick hopes to coerce our heroine into telling the truth. What ensues is the rebuilding romance between Maddie and Patrick, and the potential fall-out when Maddie reveals the truth to our story line hero.

Patrick Kelly is friends and works with Sterling Sparrow, the kingpin and boss of Chicago’s powerful underworld, and as such Patrick is aware of the truth behind the high stakes poker tournament. Madeline Miller is no longer in control of her life, and finds herself, under duress, ‘working’ for a man who has threatened someone she loves. Desperate to win the poker tournament Maddie struggles with her ongoing attraction to man from who she is keeping secret, sins of the past.

The relationship between Maddie and Patrick is a second chance romance; a rekindling relationship between two people who struggled and won but Maddie’s secret is about to destroy them all. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic 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 Sterling Sparrow and Aranaeae McCrie (Web of Sin Trilogy); Mason Pierce and Laurel Carlson (Tangled Web Trilogy); Reid Murray; as well as several notorious crime lords, and poker stars including Andros Ivanov, Marion Elliott, Antonio Hillman, goon Mitchell Leonardo, and concierge/ organizer Veronica Standish.

SPARK is a story of betrayal and revenge; of power and control; of secrets, lies, servitude and danger. The premise is intriguing, edgy and decadent; the characters are animated and dynamic; the romance is provocative and sensitive. There is a twist to the story line that I suspected from the start, a twist that is about to complicate Patrick’s plans for revenge. SPARK ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Previous Reviews from THE TANGLED WEB series

Twisted
Obsessed
Bound

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

NEWSLETTER | WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | GOODREADS
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Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams and bring your imagination to life!

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha’s twisted style with an increase in heat.

In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.

In the spring of 2017, Aleatha released her first stand-alone, fun, and sexy romantic comedy with PLUS ONE, followed by the sweet stand-alone, ONE NIGHT.

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America.  She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Sign up today to receive her monthly newsletter  and /or text message alerts stay informed.

And if you’re new to ALEATHA, check out her FREE books.

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The Rabbit Hunter by Lars Kepler – a Review

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The Rabbit Hunter by Lars Kepler – a Review

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Description:
Joona Linna has spent two years in a high security prison when he is taken off to attend a secret meeting. The police need his help to stop a mysterious killer who goes by the name of the Rabbit Hunter. The only connection between the victims is that they all hear a child chanting a rhyme about rabbits before the killer strikes. A quirk of fate unexpectedly places celebrity chef Rex Müller at the centre of events. He is about to spend time with his son Sammy for the first time, but instead of three relaxing weeks, he finds himself in a terrifying fight for survival. Joona Linna and Saga Bauer are forced to work together in secret to put a stop to the Rabbit Hunter before it’s too late. You never know what fate has in store for you, or what might catch up with you if you don’t start running right now.

 

 

Review:

The Rabbit Hunter by Lars Kepler is the 6th book in the Joona Linna series.  This is the first time I have read this author, and The Rabbit Hunter was a psychological thriller that was extremely violent and dark.  It is not for everyone, especially with so much violence. However, that being said it was very well written by Lars Keplar, and though it was difficult at times, I pushed to finish the book and find out how it ended.

The Rabbit Hunter immediately starts with a creepy violent murder of Sweden’s Foreign Minister, who mysteriously left a witness at the scene; though that witness could not identify the murderer, who wore a mask.  Thinking this may be a terrorist attack, the Security Police ask Joona Linna for his help to see if the Prime Minister’s life was in danger, since the only name they get from the witness is in jail, where Joona happens to be.  For another case, Joona was imprisoned for two years, and now the government is willing to free Joona, if he can help.  He will work closely with his friend and former coworker on the Security Police, Saga Bauer.  But things will go wrong, as another murder happens that has nothing to do with the politics and the government, Joona, much to Saga anger, is sent back to prison. 

What follows is with Saga’s help, Joona is released and promised full pardon, to help find a serial killer, on a case that goes back 30 years.  The main evidence is a child’s nursery rhyme about rabbits that prelude each murder.  Joona discovers that those being murdered were involved in a brutal rape during their college years, and the murderer has some kind of connection.

I do not want to give spoilers, so not to ruin the story for you.  The Rabbit Hunter was an intense, dark gripping story with brutal shocking murder scenes.  The story was well written and flowed well, and was non-stop action from start to finish; though I did think at times I found myself a bit confused.   The Rabbit Hunter is a thriller all the way, but be warned it is a dark gruesome story that may not be for everyone. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Spartan Destiny by Jennifer Estep – Review & Giveaway

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Spartan Destiny by Jennifer Estep – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
This Spartan makes her own destiny . . .

Most kids at the Colorado branch of Mythos Academy know me as Rory Forseti, the daughter of Reaper assassins. Secretly, I’m a member of Team Midgard, a group of students and adults tasked with stopping Covington, the evil leader of the Reapers of Chaos. For me, the mission is a deeply personal one, since Covington is also the man who murdered my parents.

When my friends and I get a lead on a powerful artifact that Covington wants to steal, we think we finally have a chance to thwart the Reapers and stop them for good. Team Midgard comes up with a plan, but everything goes sideways, and I’m suddenly in the fight of my life.

My worst fears might have come true, but I know what my Spartan destiny is—to save my friends, or die trying . . .

 

 

Review:

Spartan Destiny by Jennifer Estep is the 3rd book in her Mythos Academy: Colorado series. As I have noted previously, I am a big fan of the original Mythos Academy series, and have been enjoying this spin off. 

Rory Forseti, our heroine (and cousin of Gwen Frost) is a Spartan warrior, who has many strengths and powers. Rory is a member of the Midgard (part of the Protectorate, who fight the bad Reapers), and the team works together to stop the Reapers, and save some of artifacts that Covington (villain) and Drake are always after.   Covington is the evil leader of the Reapers of Chaos, having also killed Rory’s parents, and will stop at nothing to retrieve all artifacts, especially the Narcissus Heart. 

In Spartan Destiny, Rory and her wonderful team (Ian, Zoe, Mateo, Takeda, Rachel, etc), find themselves in death defying situations quite often, as the Reapers, led by Covington and Drake, try to steal some powerful and destructive artifacts, starting with Fafnir’s Dagger.  We learn early that Rory has replaced many of the powerful artifacts with duplicates, to help prevent Covington in finding them.  The intense action throughout the book was amazing, as I was on the edge of my seat throughout the non-stop action; with Rory trying to stop the creatures created by the artifacts. 

What follows is an ultra-exciting, non-stop action adventure that never let up from start to finish.  The last half of the book was so intense as we raced to the finish, with Rory’s life on the line.  Rory and her sword Babs, had to find a way to save her friends, who were forced to turn on her by Covington using his artifacts.  Besides the great secondary characters that are part of her team, and her aunt, I loved the Gryphons that come to help her.  

Spartan Destiny was an amazing story that held me holding my breath a number of times.  I can’t say enough about Jennifer Estep and her writing.  This was a fantastic, exciting, intense, wild and wonderful story.  If you have not read this series, you need to start with the first book before reading this one.  I do fear that this could be the end of the series, as it was a satisfying conclusion, but I hope Jennifer continues, as I do love this series.   

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

 

Jennifer is graciously offering a $10 Amazon Gift card to ONE (1) lucky commenters  at The Reading Cafe:

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

NOTE:  If you are having difficulty commenting after logging into the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from January 14 – 17, 2020

 

 

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Bourbon Love Notes by Shari J. Ryan-Review & Excerpt Tour

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Bourbon Love Notes (Barrel House #1) by Shari J. Ryan-Review & Excerpt Tour

 

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 13, 2020

In a split second, life can steal a last breath … and derail all future plans.

While flying home after a phone call that left me heartbroken, a row to myself would have been ideal. Instead, I was unknowingly sitting shoulder to shoulder with a strikingly attractive single dad and ex-Marine. I could have pretended not to notice the man, but there was something familiar about him.

It didn’t take long before I pieced together where I knew him from or why he was back in my life.

With chaos holding me hostage, I wanted to hide but couldn’t avoid Brett Pearson, our old family friend, and my teenage crush, because he kindly offered to help out with my family’s business—The Barrel House.

Handling my father’s distillery would be a distraction from my brutal reality. Except, I never paid close attention to the art of making bourbon, unlike Brett, who was full of bourbon knowledge. He offered to teach me a thing or two, but all I could focus on was the way his lips moved when he spoke to me.

I needed to grieve, and my head was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but my heart was splitting at the seams.

Bourbon was spilled, drinks were shared, but could passion ignite from a dying last wish?

••••••••

REVIEW:Bourbon Love Notes by Shari Ryan is part of The Barrell House Series.

Barrell House heiress Melody Quinn is coming home to the reality of losing her father. The bond and emotions Melody and her father share was a beautifully written storyline.

That is until she meets ex-Marine, single dad, Brett Pearson. After every time they “run” into each other she can’t deny how strikingly handsome he is, but there is something gnawingly familiar about him. Once she remembers where she knows him from (her crush from when she was a teenager) there is no chance in getting rid of him.

As he is now working at the Barrell House making Bourbon. Except he has to work along side Melody! She is trying to learn all she can about the family business. Brett simultaneously supports and challenges Melody to begin to accept the changes in her life!

Brett has residual scars from the war and Melody must try to save her family business.

Can all the obstacles in their lives align to give them the chance of happiness?

This story at times was gut wrenching and sad. Warning: Have Kleenex on the standby! Melody and her father’s relationship was beautiful and real.
I am looking forward to Journey story!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin

COMING SOON

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Copyright 2019 – Shari J. RyanHow can Dad be thinking about so much when he doesn’t know if there will be a tomorrow? I can’t believe he already hired someone to run the business. I can’t pretend like I ever had intentions of taking over the shop, even knowing Dad wouldn’t be able to run it forever, but the thought hadn’t crossed my mind because Dad is supposed to live well past his retirement age. Nothing has gone as I have planned since I graduated college, and while I have traveled along with the bumps in the road, everything feels like it’s crashing down on me now.
Maybe I have no business being in The Barrel House, pretending like I know everything there is to know about running a bourbon distillery.
“Melody!” It’s Brett. He’s calling after me. Doesn’t he know when a woman runs out a door, it’s probably best not to follow her?
I turn back toward the firehouse, watching him walk toward me. My instinct forces me to take a step back, which causes me to trip off the curb. I catch myself on a car, thankfully, but the car’s alarm beeps at me just to add an extra dose of humiliation to this moment.
My heart is in my throat, or maybe it’s my stomach. My head is spinning and … why did he have to come after me?
“I need to get back home. I should be with my dad,” I tell him, looking both ways to make sure I don’t get creamed by a car on top of it all. The coast is clear and I cross the street, finding my way to Mom’s car.
“Wait up for a second,” Brett continues, following me across the street. He places his hand on the door, preventing me from opening it and jumping inside. “Your dad wanted a bottle,” he says, handing me the bottle of Red Apple that Dad did, in fact, request.
“How did you—”
“He called to warn me that you were on your way down, flustered, upset, trying to be a hero, and you’d most likely forget that he requested a bottle of Red Apple.” Brett laughs sweetly, smiling benevolently. “I’m not trying to take over your family business, despite what you might be thinking. My dad has been a barrel supplier for your dad since before either of us were born. I was just asked to come help you guys out.”
“I know.” In truth, I don’t understand much of anything now. I’ve been going a mile a minute since I got that letter yesterday. I’ve been awake since five this morning, and I’m exhausted. “Thank you for coming to help,” I offer sincerely, wishing he would move his hand from my door.
“I’m sorry for what you’re going through. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.” The look in Brett’s eyes triggers more pain in my stomach. I’m losing my dad.
“I don’t know what else to do right now other than help him, and being in his shop feels like the only way I can help,” I explain.
The backs of my eyes burn. I’m supposed to be the strong one, but I’m falling apart. I stare up to the sky, waning away the threatening tears. Keep it together, Melody. My body doesn’t respond to my command. Tears trickle, one by one and I gasp for air as my lungs feel like they are deflating. I place my hands over my face, embarrassed to be crying in front of Brett Pearson of all people, but the pain has been building, and though I let a few tears escape this morning at the airport, it clearly wasn’t enough. “I’m sorry,” I mutter.
Arms envelop me and my head falls against his firm chest. His embrace is tight and though I don’t know the adult version of Brett well enough to feel comfort from a hug, the squeeze is alleviating some of the pressure in my chest.
The rate of my breaths slow and I’m able to stop the tears from falling. Brett must notice that I’ve calmed down because his arms release from around me and he takes a step back. I don’t know what else to say or do aside from searching his worry-filled eyes as if I’d find the answer there.
He presses the pad of his thumb beneath my eye and sweeps away a remaining tear. “Take some time to process it all,” Brett says, sounding wise beyond his years. “I don’t know how long you’ve known about your Dad becoming sick again, but I doubt there’s any length of time that’s long enough to accept or adjust to that kind of news.”
“I’m going to—” I point to the car.
Brett backs away, slipping his hands into his back pockets. I close myself into the car, rest my head back, and close my eyes for a minute before starting the engine.
A knock on the window startles my eyes to reopen. Brett is standing outside of the car holding up the bottle of Red Apple. I roll the window down and retrieve the bottle. “Thank you,” I tell him. “For everything.”


 

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It has been about six years or so since I started writing books. However, I have been journaling since I turned nine. Writing has been my outlet for stress, anxiety, and adulting. When life gets hectic, it’s fun to daydream about being in a new place or meeting different people. Of course, life doesn’t always allow for such extravagance, so I enjoy creating new worlds and characters for myself and others who either like to read, and, or need a coffee break from life.

At first, writing was about the story, but over time, it has morphed into a type of art, wanting to create realistic people and places, and now, I focus on the craft of both story telling and character development. I strive to make each book better than the last because I love to grow and learn, research, and explore new ideas.

Writing is one of my biggest joys in life, and I’m grateful for the support I have received through the years, encouraging me to push ahead and keep growing.

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