Carter (Twilight Falls #2) by A.M. Salinger-Review & Giveaway Tour

Carter (Twilight Falls #2) by A.M. Salinger-Review & Giveaway Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 31, 2020

Carter’s carefree, movie star lifestyle comes to an abrupt end when he becomes the guardian to a little girl he has never met before. Will his hot new neighbor Elijah prove to be the one thing he and Maisie need to make their family whole?

Carter Wilson has it all. A dazzling career, fame, fortune, and women falling at his feet. All that changes the day he becomes the guardian to his newly orphaned niece. When he moves to his hometown of Twilight Falls to give Maisie the stable life she deserves, the last thing Carter expects is a sexy neighbor who is soon making him wish for things he has never wanted before.

After abandoning a promising career in Europe to fulfill the vow he made to his grandmother, pastry chef Elijah Davis is determined to make his new bakery business a success. What he doesn’t need is a distraction in the shape of the hunky movie star next door and the little girl who is fast worming her way into his heart.

But when an old flame chases Elijah to Twilight Falls and a bitter movie producer threatens to expose Carter’s secret bisexuality, both Elijah and Carter realize they will have to fight dirty if they want their relationship to survive.

•••••••

REVIEW:The second in the Twilight Fall series, Carter can be read as its own standalone book, however to get the full effect, I do recommend you read the first in the series titled Alex. (Also totally awesome!)

Carter is a sweet, heartwarming story with a killer cast, Elijah is the talented party chief whipping up his culinary delights, add in the ultra-heart throb movie star, Carter, then toss in little Maisie and you have a recipe of a sweet story. Carter is known for sleeping with just about any woman that moves, but what most people don’t know is that he is bi. This takes a hard toll for Elijah when he hears the tiny cries of his new neighbors’ baby. Then sparks fly and a new bond forms…

What happens when the past of both guys comes knocking? Will they weather the storm? Can the future they both want truly be that easy? I loved this so much, it was like visiting with old friends after a long journey. Page after page was better than the last, passion and vulnerability, love and pain, everything a reader would like in a book, this one has it all. Very much looking forward to the next in the series.

*This is a male on male story, for those who do not enjoy that, please be
aware**

Click HERE for Sarah’s review of book one ALEX

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

 

“You look like hell,” Sam said bluntly.
“Thanks,” Elijah muttered. He finished folding the last puff pastry dough, wrapped the batch in cling film, and popped them in the chiller.
Sam handed him a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Elijah inhaled the smoky scent of roasted French beans and savored the first sip with a tired sigh.
“You make the best coffee.”
“You buy the best coffee beans.” Sam frowned. “So, what’s up? The opening was a success and we sold out within two hours. I know it’s only been three days, but I thought you’d still be on cloud nine. By the way, I think we’re gonna need another pair of hands out front if things stay as they are. Daisy is working herself ragged serving the tables and I’m too busy behind the counter to help her.”
Elijah rubbed the back of his neck and winced at his stiff muscles. “I’m not getting much sleep. And I agree. I thought we might have to hire a second waitress down the line. I didn’t expect it would be this soon.”
“What can I say? You make the best cakes on the West Coast and, according to most of the women who visited the shop today, you’re sex on legs.” Sam raised an eyebrow. “Why the lack of sleep? Too much fornicating?”
Elijah groaned. “I wish. Besides, I’ve been single since I moved here.”
“There are toys, Elijah,” Sam said bluntly.
“I worry about you.” Elijah paused and pursed his lips. “My new neighbors have a child who cries a lot at night.”
“Oh.” Sam raised an eyebrow. “Have you spoken to them about it?”
“Not yet,” Elijah murmured. “It looks like they’re struggling. Although, I’ve not really seen the mom.”
“You tried earplugs?” Sam said.
“I might have to resort to that soon,” Elijah admitted.
They closed shop a few hours later and headed their separate ways. Elijah considered dining out before belatedly remembering the steak he had marinating in his parents’ refrigerator.
God, I must really be tired.
He drove home, pulled up outside his parents’ house, and glanced at the lights blazing out of the property opposite the road. There was a car parked at an angle on the drive, as if its owner had come home in a hurry. It was a flashy, yellow Maserati.
Elijah frowned.
Not exactly child friendly.
He went inside, had the steak with a large glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, and plopped down on the couch in the living room to catch a late night replay of a baseball game. He must have fallen asleep as the next thing he knew, a loud shriek jolted him awake. He bolted upright and almost fell off the couch.
“What the—”
One of the windows facing out front was open. A faint breeze stirred the curtains. It brought with it the sound of crying.
Elijah stared through the glass at the house across the way.
The scream came again.
He jumped up, snatched his cell and house keys, and ran outside. He was across the road in seconds, took the porch stairs two steps at a time, and started pressing the doorbell and banging on the door.
“Hey! Is everything okay?!”
A child’s sobs rose above the sound of the chimes of the bell from somewhere inside the property.
Lights were coming on in the adjacent house. An elderly couple appeared at a window, faces pale, the woman’s hands clutching the top of her nightgown at her throat.
Elijah gave them a reassuring wave where he stood under the porch light and resumed knocking on the door.
The child’s crying suddenly stopped.
A chill filled his veins. Elijah wavered between calling the cops and kicking the damn door open. He’d just raised his fist to strike it for the final time when it opened unexpectedly.
Elijah stumbled and almost fell inside. He grabbed the frame and righted himself at the last second before staring at the man in the doorway.
The guy was six feet tall, had dirty blond hair, arresting hazel eyes that were currently glazed over with a mixture of exhaustion and frustration, and a body and a face to die for.
Elijah’s gaze dropped to the red blotches smeared across the man’s white T-shirt and the bread knife in his hand. His stomach clenched with fear.
Shit! Is that—blood?!
A low sob and a sniffle came from somewhere behind the guy. Anger overcame Elijah’s dread. He drew his arm back and punched the guy in the face.
“You bastard!” Elijah stormed inside the house, aware he was doing something stupidly crazy. “Where is she?!”
A hiccup came from down a hallway decorated in pale pastels. Elijah followed the sound to the back of the house, his knuckles throbbing. The man mumbled something incoherent and followed in his footsteps.
Elijah entered a modern kitchen-diner that overlooked the property’s rear garden and the evergreen forest that backed onto it, glanced around, and staggered to a stop, his eyes rounding.
The little girl with the blonde hair stood in the middle of the room, a teddy bear with tattered ears and limbs in one hand and an upended bottle of ketchup in the other. There was a petulant expression on her face.
Elijah’s gaze moved from the puddles of red sauce on the floor, to the remains of what looked like a butchered hot dog on a plate on the black marble island.
“What on earth is going on?”
Fresh tears gathered in the little girl’s blue eyes. She let out a loud bawl. 


 

 

Ava Marie Salinger is the pen name of an Amazon bestselling author who has always wanted to write scorching hot contemporary romance. In 2018, she finally decided to venture to the steamy side. NIGHTS is the first of several sizzling series featuring sweet, sexy men with dark pasts and a whole lot of love to give to the ones brave enough to fight for their hearts. When she’s not dreaming up hotties to write about, you’ll find Ava creating kickass music playlists to write to, spying on the wildlife in her garden, drooling over gadgets, and eating Chinese.
Want to be the first to know about Ava’s new releases and get access to exclusive content, sneak previews, sales, and giveaways? Then sign up to her Reader Group hereand join her VIP Facebook Fan Group here.

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The Lying Season aka Cruel Truth by K.A.Linde-Review Tour

The Lying Season aka Cruel Truth by K.A.Linde-Review Tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 4, 2020

Walking away from Sam Rutherford was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

It’s been five years since that day, and I’ve given up on looking for love. My focus is on my career. And it’s paid off—I’m successfully managing the reelection for the mayor of New York City.

Then Sam walks into my office as the new legal counsel. Which means I have to see him every single day from now until November. We vow to remain professional, but it’s a small office. The sly glances and his blistering charm are unavoidable.

It all feels so familiar. Too comfortable. After what happened the first time…I should know better.

If I’m not careful, he’ll break my heart all over again.

And I don’t know if I can survive Sam a second time.

•••••••••

REVIEW:THE LYING SEASON by K.A. Linde is a contemporary, adult, stand alone, erotic, romance story line focusing on attorney and campaign assistant Larkin ‘Lark’ St. Vincent, and attorney Sam Rutherford.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lark and Sam) THE LYING SEASON follows the rekindling romance between former lovers campaign assistant Larkin ‘Lark’ St. Vincent, and attorney Sam Rutherford. Five years earlier Lark and Sam’s relationship imploded but Lark never expected to come face to face with her past working for New York Mayor Leslie Kensington. As the re-election campaign headed into the finals months and weeks, Lark would struggle between head and heart knowing the last time she and Sam were together, it destroyed the woman she once was. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship and romance between Lark and Sam, and the potential fall-out as office politics push Sam and Lark apart, and Sam’s past comes looking for a second chance.

Larkin St. Vincent grew up wealthy; a part of the St. Vincent dynasty but our heroine never wanted to ride on her family coat tails, instead she was hoping to make it on her own. A disastrous breakup five years earlier weighs heavily on Larkin’s mind, yet she continues to struggle with feelings and emotions of the fateful demise. Sam Rutherford had no idea that Larkin St. Vincent worked for the Mayor’s re-election campaign. Fresh from his own breakup, Sam battles between head and heart knowing a rebound relationship would do neither one any good.

Meanwhile, the Mayor’s son Court Kensington is making news headlines of his own. Not wanting her son to affect her re-election campaign, Leslie Kensington hires a friend of Lark’s, Anna English, to ‘fix’ what her son doesn’t want to have fixed.

The relationship between Sam and Lark is one of second chances; a forbidden office romance that implodes when the Mayor discovers the truth about their affair. Lark struggles with what happened in the past, as Sam believes a different story about what happened and why. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including several of Larkin’s childhood friends, friends that come from wealth and power- the elite family’s of the Upper East Side. We are introduced to fixer Anna English; Court Kensington and his crew: Gavin King, Camden Percy; Lark’s friends Katherine Van Pelt and Whitley Bowen.

THE LYING SEASON is a story of family, friendships, power and control; of wealth and money; of secrets and lies; of second chances and love. The premise is inviting; the characters are sassy; the romance is spicy and tender. THE LYING SEASON is the introductory story line in K.A. Linde’s new series focusing on the friendships and lives of New York’s Upper East Side

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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K.A. Linde is the USA Today bestselling author of the Avoiding Series, Wrights, and more than thirty other novels. She has a Masters degree in political science from the University of Georgia, was the head campaign worker for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and served as the head coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, binge-watching Supernatural, traveling, and dancing in her spare time.

She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband and two super-adorable puppies.

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Ignite on Contact by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

Ignite on Contact by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Relationships. Firefighter Rafe Donovan avoids them whenever possible. He loves dating women, but he makes sure they know up front that he’s in it for fun, great sex and nothing more.

Fun. As an ER nurse and official caretaker of her disabled grandfather, Carmen Lewis doesn’t have time for fun. But Rafe has been there for Carmen–and her grandfather–time and again, and he’s clearly interested in her. She knows he’s a player, but she’s tempted by his charm and incredible body. And maybe a little fun isn’t a bad thing, as long as she keeps her heart away from this fiery game she’s enjoying with a very hot man.

Love. It doesn’t take Rafe long to realize that until now he’s only been playing at romance. With Carmen he feels searing passion and heart-tugging emotion for the first time. Now he has to convince Carmen that what they have together is the real deal.

 

 

 

Review:

Ignite on Contact by Jaci Burton is the 2nd book in her Brotherhood by Fire series.  We meet our heroine, Carmen Lewis, as she is working hard as the lead ER nurse.  Carmen works long hours, is respected by her co-workers and is very dedicated to her job; she also has the responsibility of taking care of her grandfather.  Most of the local police & fireman all know and like Carmen, as she has met many of them when helping those who they bring to the emergency room.

Rafe Donovan, our hero, is a firefighter, whom we met in the first book and is part of the three ‘brothers’ who grew up together and helped each other survive their early years. Rafe, who lives next door to Carmen and her grandfather, always helps them whenever he can.  Rafe enjoys dating women, but has no intention of ever having a relationship, he loves his life as it is. 

Carmen thinks Rafe is a great guy, always kind, fun and charming, but she is not interested in dating, as she had a bad experience in divorcing her ex.  Carmen feels she works long hours, and always has to watch over her grandfather, which allows no time to date, despite her friends trying to convince her to have fun.   Rafe himself finds Carmen attractive, but knows she is distant.  He will approach her about going out to dinner, and in a short time, they will enter a friend with benefits relationship.

Carmen was a great heroine, and you couldn’t help but like her.  She allowed herself to open up to Rafe, and begin to enjoy their time together as a couple.  Rafe was the perfect guy for her, as he was not only sexy, but also very caring and always willing to help her and her grandfather.  Just when you think that things are going smoothly, and both falling in love with each other, it is Carmen’s past experiences and her worry over her grandfather’s health that will threaten their relationship.  Can Rafe find a way to get Carmen away from the memories of her last ruined relationship?

Ignite on Contact was a sweet romance that was very well written by Jaci Burton.  I loved Carmen and Rafe together, as they made such a great couple, and their chemistry was sizzling.  We did begin to worry, as we rooted hard for their relationship to move to a permanent one. Jaci Burton always writes wonderful romances, and Ignite on Contact was another fabulous story that you should read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Jaci’s publisher is offering a paper copy of IGNITE ON CONTACT to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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8. Giveaway runs from February 4- 8, 2020

 

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Hot Shot (American Royalty #3) by Robin Bielman-Review & Excerpt tour

Hot Shot (American Royalty #3) by Robin Bielman-Review & Excerpt tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 30, 2020

He believes in fate…

Here’s my plan: Crash through the ceiling of my family’s business to become the best hotelier on the West Coast. Nothing rattles me when it comes to a challenge and hard work, but when I spot my almost one-night-stand in my lobby, I’m thrown totally off my game. Alejandra is my dream girl. The one I can’t forget who got away – literally. Which might explain why I blurt out to my meddlesome, matchmaking grandmother that Alejandra is my date for her fast approaching and highly choreographed eightieth birthday party.

She’s been on pause…

Some decisions are harder than others, but agreeing to a date with Drew isn’t one of them. He’s a charming and gorgeous curveball I didn’t see coming, but the more time we spend together, the harder it is to remember to play it safe. I’ve made a promise, and even though I’m now torn: I have to honor it in order to move on from the past. Drew feels like my future, but I’m about to put everything I want in jeopardy.

••••••••

REVIEW:HOT SHOT is the third and final instalment in Robin Bielman’s contemporary, adult AMERICAN ROYALTY erotic, romance series focusing on the Auprince siblings. This is hotelier Drew Auprince , and nursing home entertainment coordinator Alejandra Cruz’ story line. HOT SHOT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Alejandra and Drew) HOT SHOT follows the building relationship between hotelier Drew Auprince, and Alejandra Cruz. With the approach of his grandmother’s eightieth birthday Drew Auprince finds himself in need of a plus one when he comes face to face with his almost one night stand from months earlier, the woman who has starred in all of his fantasies and dreams. Hoping to avoid his grandmother’s matchmaking, Drew introduces Alejandra as his girlfriend in an effort avoid the inevitable awkward date. But all does not go according to plan when Alejandra finds herself in need of a place to stay when a broken water pipe makes her apartment unlovable. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Alejandra and Drew, and the potential fall-out as Alejandra’s past returns hoping for a second chance.

Alejandra’s apartment is undergoing repairs but she never expected to move in with Drew Auprince, the heir to the Auprince Holdings and Hotels. Alejandra wasn’t completely honest about her most recent relationship, a relationship that was temporarily on hold. Drew Auprince had been burned in the past but is hoping Alejandra is the woman that calls to his heart. With his grandmother’s birthday celebration only days away, Drew is blindsided when Alejandra backs out, breaking his heart.

The relationship between Alejandra and Drew is one of immediate attraction; a ‘fake’ girlfriend arrangement to appease Drew’s aging grandmother, a woman who is much more savvy and aware than anyone knew. Drew finds himself falling for the woman that has stolen his heart but Alejandra waivers between the present and the past. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

All of the Auprince siblings play secondary and supporting characters including Drew’s brothers Finn (Chloe), and Ethan ( Pascale), and their grandmother Rosemary, as well as Alejandra’s sister Gabriela, and Drew’s best friend West.

HOT SHOT is a story of family, friendships, secrets and love. The premise is entertaining and engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are colorful and energetic. HOT SHOT is a captivating final instalment in Robin Bielman’s American Royalty series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Heartthrob
Sweet Talker
Hot Shot

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

“Is it okay if I take this seat?” a man asks. The masculine voice is deep, seductive. Friendly.
That’s what resonates deep inside me, and I don’t have to think twice about my answer. I also don’t have to turn my head to know who’s asking. “Sure.”
“I’m Drew,” he says as he gets comfortable beside me.
I take a moment to breathe in his clean, spicy scent before I look at him. “Alejandra.” “It’s nice to meet you, Alejandra.”
“You, too.” Up close, he’s even better-looking. Eyes a shade of blue-green I’ve never
seen before, neat hair longer on top than the sides, broad shoulders that fill out his tailored suit coat. I’d venture his outfit cost more than my monthly mortgage.
He notices my glass of water and waves a hand at the bartender. A thick black watch peeks out from his sleeve. His hand is big, capable-looking. “Can I buy you a drink?”
With the way my pulse is racing, he absolutely can. I may need several to calm my nerves. “I think I saw a blood orange margarita on the menu.”
“Good choice.”
“Hey, Drew,” the bartender says. “What can I get you?”
“Two blood orange margaritas, please. On the rocks.”
“You got it.” He drops a cocktail napkin in front of Drew and one in front of me. “You seem to know a lot of people,” I say.
“A few. What about you?”
“I’m here with my sister and two friends. They’re on the dance floor.”
“It’s lucky I got to you before someone else, then.”
I can’t get my head down. It’s a good thing my light brown skin doesn’t give away my blush easily. Are there other people here? All of a sudden it doesn’t feel like it.
“Looks like you took one for the team,” he says next.
“What?” His knee taps mine as he swivels and nods to my boot.
Oh, that. I grin. What a nice way to put it. Not only is Drew the hottest-looking man in this bar, but he’s decided I’m caring rather than klutzy, something no stranger has done in the five weeks I’ve been injured. “Team captain right here,” I say.
“Your T-shirts have a ‘W’ on them, don’t they?”
It takes me a second to follow his train of thought. Wonder Woman. “Laying it on a little thick, aren’t you?” I tease.
He smiles and I’m hit not only with flirty intensity, but sincerity, too. He might be coming on strong, but his compliment is genuine. “Is it working?”

 

When not attached to her laptop, USA Today Bestselling Author Robin Bielman can almost always be found with her nose in a book. A California girl, the beach is her favorite place for fun and inspiration. Her fondness for swoon-worthy heroes who flirt and stumble upon the girl they can’t live without jumpstarts most of her story ideas.

She loves to go on adventures, and has skydived, scuba dived, parasailed, gotten lost in the wilderness (and only suffered a gazillion bug bites for it) hiked to waterfalls, and swam with dolphins. In her spare time she also likes to put her treadmill to good use while watching her favorite TV shows, take hikes with her hubby, indulge her sweet tooth, and play sock tug of war with her cute, but sometimes naughty dog, Harry.

She dreams of traveling to faraway places and loves to connect with readers. Keep in touch and sign up for her newsletter on her website at http://robinbielman.com

Places to find Robin Bielman:

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A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane – Review & Giveaway

A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
A generation past, the western realms were embroiled in endless war. Then the Destroyer came. From the blood and ashes he left behind, a tenuous alliance rose between the barbarian riders of Parsathe and the walled kingdoms of the south. That alliance is all that stands against the return of an ancient evil—until the barbarian king and queen are slain in an act of bloody betrayal.

Though forbidden by the alliance council to kill the corrupt king responsible for his parents’ murders, Maddek vows to avenge them, even if it costs him the Parsathean crown. But when he learns it was the king’s daughter who lured his parents to their deaths, the barbarian warrior is determined to make her pay.

Yet the woman Maddek captures is not what he expected. Though the last in a line of legendary warrior-queens, Yvenne is small and weak, and the sharpest weapons she wields are her mind and her tongue. Even more surprising is the marriage she proposes to unite them in their goals and to claim their thrones—because her desire for vengeance against her father burns even hotter than his own…

 

 

Review:

A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane is the 1st book in her A Gathering of Dragons series.  I was not sure what to expect when I started this fantasy novel that was 560 pages, but as I read a few chapters in, I became totally engrossed into this fabulous story that kept me unable to put the book down.  Milla Vane is a new author to me, and I am happy to say that I will most certainly be reading the future books in this series.

We meet Maddek, our hero, at the start, when he learns that his mother and father (King and Queen of Parsathe) have been murdered by a King from another realm, who are part of an alliance protecting them from The Destroyer.  Maddek confronts the Alliance Council, determined to enact vengeance against the corrupt King and his sons; he is ordered not to attack someone in their alliances.  Maddek takes his army and heads for Syssian, only to find the corrupt Kings daughter being taken away.  Since the daughter was the one who invited his parents to visit, and thereby were killed, Maddek plans to enact his revenge against the daughter.

Yvenne, our heroine, is the King’s daughter, and to his surprise, she kills her brother in front of him, and offers herself to help him defeat her evil father, and other nasty brothers.  Yvenne was not what Maddek expected, as she was nothing like a warrior queen was supposed to be, being small and weak,   having suffered most of her young life.  But Yvenne was horribly treated by her family, having lost fingers, damaged knees and imprisoned most of her life; she was though very intelligent, with knowledge that would make her a fine Queen.  She proposes marriage to help Maddek become King of both lands, which he accepts.  The problem is Maddek hates her, thinking that she lured his parents to their deaths.  No matter how much she explains that she became close to his mother, and tried to help her, Maddek treated her with distain and threatens to shut her up.

I will say that for a 1/3 of the book, I was not a fan of Maddek, as he was nasty to Yvenne, even though all his soldiers began to love her.  I did love Yvenne, as she made such a wonderful heroine, making up for her disabilities, working hard to use a knife and arrows, as well as strengthen her body.  She slowly earned the respect from the men and women on Maddek’s team, as she was able to use her ‘sight’ to warn them of the enemy coming close to attacking.   Maddek in a short time, slowly began to fall for Yvette and help train her, but it did take some time. The chemistry between them was sizzling.

What follows is a fabulous, exciting, entertaining adventure filled with danger, magic, betrayals, as well as fantastic secondary characters created by Vane.  I loved the Parsathian men and woman, and how they opened up to Yvenne, as well as their loyalty to Maddek.   Heart of Blood and Ashes is a big novel, but it is so worth it.   To tell too much more would become spoilers, and you really need to read this from start to finish. 

A Heart of Blood and Ashes is fantasy at its best, with intense nonstop violent action,  excitement, fantastic characters and a wonderful romance.  I will also say I loved loved the ending, which had an epilogue.  So many fantasy books end with a cliffhanger, but A Heart of Blood and Ashes had a satisfying conclusion, even though the story will continue in the next book.  Thank you Milla Vane for this wonderful conclusion, and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Milla Vane’s publisher is  offering a paper copy of A HEART OF BLOOD AND ASHES  to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9. Giveaway runs from February 3 -7, 2020

 

 

 

 

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Golden in Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

Golden in Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

 

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Description:
Pediatrician Kent Abner received the package on a beautiful April morning. Inside was a cheap trinket, a golden egg that could be opened into two halves. When he pried it apart, highly toxic airborne fumes entered his body―and killed him.

After Eve Dallas calls the hazmat team―and undergoes testing to reassure both her and her husband that she hasn’t been exposed―it’s time to look into Dr. Abner’s past and relationships. Not every victim Eve encounters is an angel, but it seems that Abner came pretty close―though he did ruffle some feathers over the years by taking stands for the weak and defenseless. While the lab tries to identify the deadly toxin, Eve hunts for the sender. But when someone else dies in the same grisly manner, it becomes clear that she’s dealing with either a madman―or someone who has a hidden and elusive connection to both victims

 

 

Review:

Golden in Death by J.D. Robb is the 50th book in her fantastic In-Death series, featuring our favorite couple in the literary world, Eve Dallas and Roarke.  I am a big fan of this series, having read every single book, including novellas.

The story starts with a bang, as we watch pediatrician Kent Abner, open a package that was delivered to his door. When he opened the package, a golden egg, which released a horrible airborne toxic that kills him immediately.  When the police arrive on the scene, they are fortunate that the toxic evaporated, allowing the hazmat team to investigate, and our heroine, Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her partner Detective Delia Peabody, who were called to the scene.  Eve and Peabody have to notify Abner’s husband of his death, and after talking to many, they are stumped as to why Abner was murdered, as he was a very popular doctor with no enemies.

Eve brings in many members of her team, as well as Mira and Morris to try and get more clues as to why and who would attempt this horrible crime.  Things change when a second person (a woman) is killed the same way, opening the golden egg chemical toxin and dying immediately.  It is then that Eve sees some small connection between the two deaths and the investigation turns to the school Abner’s husband works at, as well as the second victim’s husband; the murderer seems to be targeting the significant others.

What follows is Dallas, Peabody and Roarke investigating all the parties from around 8 years ago, who were involved in the school scandal.  Along the way, they meet some very unlikeable characters, as well as those suffered back in the day by those unlikeable people.  The clues will build up, as Eve’s gut leans her toward the suspects.  How can they prove who they are before they kill someone else?

What I also love about this series is seeing all the wonderful recurring characters that we have come to love, and Eve’s entire police team who help her along the way.  Of course, we love spending all that time with Peabody, Mira, McNab, Morris, Feeney, just to name a few.  It was great to see Louise and Charles again; and also got a kick out of Harvo.

Again, I will say I just love the relationship between Eve and Roarke, and in this book it was even better; showing a sweeter and more confident Eve, as she has fully realizes how much her love for Roarke makes her a happier and stronger person. They are so great together…… the best literary couple ever. 

Golden in Death was very exciting, intriguing, tense and even dark (when we watch the victim suffer the toxic death), but it was such a fantastic read; totally perfect for Robb’s 50th anniversary.  From start to finish, there was never a dull moment.  J.D. Robb once again gives us a fantastic addition to this wonderful series; which I hope she never stops writing.  This was so well written by Robb, and if you have not started this series…..What are you waiting for?

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Reading Cafe’s 8th Anniversary Celebration-Forever Romance

The Reading Cafe’s 8th Anniversary Celebration-Forever Romance

NOTE: All giveaways require a comment to qualify

Please be aware some of the books offered may be ARC copies from the publisher which may or may not have gone through final edits or final cover copy

FOREVER ROMANCE is graciously offering a 10 paper/print book prize package to 5 commenters for today’s giveaway

FIVE (5)  commenters will each receive ALL 10  books from FOREVER ROMANCE

Cowboy Courage by Carolyn Brown
Mermaid Inn by Jenny Holiday
Starlight Bridge by Debbie Mason
Forever Strong by Piper J. Drake
Don’t Breathe a Word by Christie Craig
Lethal Redemption by April Hunt
Springtime at Hope Cottage by Annie Rains
The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
Meet Cute by Helena Hunting
Forever Friends by Sarah MacKenzie

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3. Please tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

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9. Giveaway open to USA and CANADA only

10. Giveaway runs until February 2-15, 2020

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The Empty Bed by Nina Sadowsky – a Review

The Empty Bed by Nina Sadowsky – a Review

 

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Description:
Eva Lombard is being followed. Or so she suspects

Eva and her husband, Peter, are in Hong Kong on a romantic getaway from London when Peter wakes up in their hotel room to an empty bed, his wife gone without a trace. His worst fears are confirmed: Eva wasn’t imagining things. Suddenly, he finds himself the number one suspect in his wife’s disappearance, trapped in a foreign country with no one to turn to. He calls his boss, Forrest “Holly” Holcomb, who enlists the help of Catherine, his ex-flame and the enigmatic operator behind the darknet witness-protection program known as the Burial Society.

As a favor to Holly, Catherine sends her team of highly trained Society members on a dangerous chase through Hong Kong to find Eva–while she takes care of pressing business at home. Not only is she tasked with a mission in Mexico City, protecting a family that knows too much from a vengeful pharmaceutical company, but an FBI agent tracking down the missing wife and child of a charismatic businessman is about to come dangerously close to exposing the Society’s secrets.

In these intertwining story lines that converge in unexpected ways, not everyone is who they appear to be–and not everyone who is lost wants to be found.

 

 

Review:

The Empty Bed by Nina Sadowsky is the 2nd book in her Burial Society series. I did not read the first book in this series, but once I got used to the multiple POV’s, it did read well as a standalone.  As noted, in each chapter, it was a different POV, which was a bit confusing early on; but about a ¼ of the way in, I knew the characters., though I was a little stumped as to where this was heading.

Catherine is the lead in this series, as she runs The Burial Society, who help rescue people in dangerous situations, and helps them escape to sort of a witness protection system.  She has a group of trained members, whom she sends to various missions; in The Empty Bed, some of these missions will tie in.

The story starts with Eva and Peter Lombard going on a vacation to Hong Kong to fix their failing marriage, which Peter surprised his wife with.  Eva notices a strange man seemed to be following her, and when she tells Peter, he just brushes it off as her imagination.  The following morning, when Peter wakes up, with his wife not in the hotel room; after trying to call her, he decides she is playing hardship with him, and goes out on his own.  Along the way he gets mugged, and when he gets help, he realizes that Eva was right, someone must have been following her and now she is missing.

When Peter calls his boss for help, Catherine, who is a friend of the boss, is notified and sends a team to Hong Kong.  Stevie and Jake (not their real names) try to work with Peter to find Eva, as well as protect him from those chasing him.  We learn that Eva has old powerful friends in Hong Kong who are helping her, as she has no idea who is after her and why.  As they get close to finding each other, the danger escalates for all of them, as the villain has ties to someone closer to Peter, and Eva might have a picture on her camera that they want.  While Stevie and Jake protect them, it is Catherine who realizes her old friend may have something to do with whatever is going on.  Can she trust him?

Catherine is also working with a couple of other members to help a woman and her child escape an abused relationship from and powerful enemy.  There is also another POV of an FBI agent who is trying to find the woman and child that are missing.

The Empty Bed is an intriguing, exciting, action filled and intense mystery that had three storylines going at the same time, with two tying in.  There were some twists and surprises along the way, though I will say it at times it was difficult to keep up with.  With that being said, The Empty Bed had an excellent premise written very well by Sadowsky, and interesting society protecting those in danger and lots of action.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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