Monthly Archives: March 2020

KISS OF VENGEANCE (True Immortality #2) by S. Young-a review

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KISS OF VENGEANCE (True Immortality #2) by S. Young-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 3, 2020

Fionn Mór was once a high king of Ireland; a fierce warrior who led his tribes against the invading fae. It was a war he couldn’t win and to save his family he turned consort for the Fae Queen. Fionn escaped as the thing he once despised, and the people he loved betrayed him for it. Now, centuries later, it’s time to reopen the gates to Faerie to take his revenge against the Faerie Queen.

At sixteen Rose Kelly discovered family secrets that changed her forever. Years after, she’s still lost, traveling across Europe in search of that elusive missing ‘something’. When she’s attacked by a vampire, not only is she wrenched into a supernatural underworld she never knew existed, a knock on the head releases a spell on her mind and unlocks powers beyond her wildest imaginings. And with them more questions. Questions Fionn Mór claims to have answers to.

Following the powerful and enigmatic Fionn to Ireland, Rose quickly realizes she’s a pawn in his plan for vengeance. What begins as a passionate battle of wills leads to an inexplicable but undeniable connection. One that will force them to face an impossible choice between the deepest love… and the darkest revenge.

••••••••

REVIEW: KISS OF VENGEANCE is the second instalment in S. Young’s (Samantha Young) contemporary, adult, TRUE IMMORTALITY paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is Fionn Mor, and Rose Kelly’s story line. KISS OF VENGEANCE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives including Fionn and Rose KISS OF VENGEANCE follows the once high king of Ireland Fionn Mor as he seeks revenge against the Queen of the Fae. Hundreds of years earlier, a then human Fionn was imprisoned by Aine, the Queen of the Fae. For six years our hero was forced into servitude and turned Fae against his wishes. Desperate for revenge, Fionn goes in search of one of the few remaining Fae on Earth, a Fae whose blood is the key to opening the portal to the land of the Fae. Enter Rose Kelly, a twenty-five year old woman who struggles with her place in the world, but a woman who is unaware of her supernatural heritage. What ensues is the back and forth, building relationship between Rose and Fionn, and the potential fall-out when Rose discovers the truth about Fionn, and his intentions towards the woman with whom he will fall in love.

Rose Kelly has been spelled by powerful magic, and it will take an attack by another supernatural being to release the spell that has buried her magic deep and asleep. As she and Fionn flee across Europe in an effort to remain one step ahead of the werewolves and witches, Rose’s powers will manifest beyond anything anyone could have imagined. Fionn Mor has not been truthful about his reasons for ‘protecting’ our story line heroine, reasons that are selfish and potentially fatal for Rose Kelly. When the truth is revealed Rose pushes Fionn out of her life but Fionn struggles as he knows Rose is his mate. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful supernatural characters including Fionn’s best friend and vampire Brannigan aka Bran; Niamh and her brother /human Ronan Farren; powerful werewolf Kiya; numerous witches, warlocks, and magical beings; as well as the return of werewolf pack leader Conan and his mate Thea (War of Hearts #1).

KISS OF VENGEANCE is a detailed and energetic story of secrets and lies; betrayal and revenge. The character driven premise is enchanting; the characters are numerous and dynamic; the romance is spicy but struggles in the face of secrets and lies.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one WAR OF HEARTS

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Samantha Young is the New York Times,  USA Today  and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of adult contemporary romances, including the On Dublin Street series and Hero, as well as the New Adult duology Into the Deep and Out of the Shallows.  Every Little Thing, the second book in her new Hart’s Boardwalk series, will be published by Berkley in March 2017. Before turning to contemporary fiction, she wrote several young adult paranormal and fantasy series, including the amazon bestselling Tale of Lunarmorte trilogy. Samantha’s debut YA contemporary novel The Impossible Vastness of Us was published by Harlequin TEEN in ebook & hardback June 2017. Play On is an adult contemporary romance and the first in a brand new series set in Scotland. Villain is a companion novella to the New York Times bestselling romance HERO.

Samantha has been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award 2012 for Best Author and Best Romance for On Dublin Street, Best Romance 2014 for Before Jamaica Lane, and Best Romance 2015 for Hero. On Dublin Street, a #1 bestseller in Germany, was the Bronze Award Winner in the LeserPreis German Readers Choice Awards for Best Romance 2013, Before Jamaica Lane the Gold Medal Winner for the LeserPreis German Readers Choice Awards for Best Romance 2014 and Echoes of Scotland Street the Bronze Medal Winner for the LeserPreis German Readers Choice Awards for Best Romance 2015.

Samantha is currently published in 30 countries and is a #1 international bestselling author.

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The Truths We Told (Secrets & Truths) by E.K. Blair -Review Tour

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The Truths We Told (Secrets & Truths) by E.K. Blair -Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 12, 2020

When Kate finds her world crumbling around her, she does everything possible not to crumble with it by building castle-strong walls to hide behind.

A person can only hide for so long.

Thrust back into the life she’s been running from, she’s forced to confront the damage she left in her wake. Working to repair fractured relationships, she discovers one that just might save her from all the wreckage.

The only one who can save her is herself.

Realizing she might be on a broken path to healing, Kate must make a choice—a choice that could be her defining moment.

••••••••

REVIEW:THE TRUTHS WE TOLD is the second instalment in E. K.Blair’s contemporary, new adult SECRETS AND TRUTH romance story line focusing on University of Miami college students Kate Murphy, and Trent. THE TRUTHS WE TOLD should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up approximately one year after the events and cliff-hanger of book one The Secrets We Held. SECRETS AND TRUTHS duet is a spin-off from the author’s Crave Duet but you do not have to have read the previous series to follow the current time line.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Trent and Kate) THE TRUTHS WE TOLD focuses on recovery and moving forward. In the aftermath of the events leading up to the final blow, Kate heads home to South Beach where she struggles to move forward all the while continually looking back. Having left her friends behind, Kate continues her education from home but a year of loneliness and obsession forces Kate to begin anew. Returning to the University of Miami, Kate must face the fears and memories that continue to control her life but most of all Kate battles between head and heart as it pertains to the one boy, one man, who is desperate to help Kate make everything right. What ensues is the rekindling friendship, and building romance and relationship between Kate and Trent, and the fall-out as Kate is unable to let go of the past, a past that is constantly controlling her present.

We are re- introduced to Trent’s friends Micah, Brody, and Kate’s roommate Ady: Kate’s father Steven , her mother, and her sister Audrina, as well as Trent’s mother Laura, and his brother Garrett.

THE TRUTHS WE TOLD is a familiar story of betrayal and abuse; a one young woman’s insecurities, recovery and acceptance; of believing it was all her fault; and of one young man’s desperate attempts to save the woman with whom he has fallen in love. A difficult and emotional journey THE TRUTHS WE TOLD is a heart breaking, frustrating and dramatic story from the creative mind of E.K. Blair.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE SECRETS WE HELD

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

E.K. Blair, takes her readers on an emotional roller coaster with her dynamic and intense writing style. Noted for her ability to create fleshed-out characters that will evoke a realm of reactions, you can be assured that her stories will linger with you far beyond the last word.

A former first grade teacher with an imagination that runs wild. Daydreaming and zoning out is how she was often found in high school. Blair tends to drift towards everything dark and moody. Give her a character and she will take pleasure in breaking them down, digging into their core to find what lies underneath.

Aside from writing, E.K. Blair finds pleasure in music, drinking her Starbucks in peace, and spending time with her friends. She’s a thinker, an artist, a wife, a mom, and everything in between.

Follow: Website/Blog / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / BookBub

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The Rich Boy by Kylie Scott-Review & Excerpt Tour

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The Rich Boy by Kylie Scott-Review & Excerpt Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 9, 2020

I’m the type of girl who’s given up on fairy tales. So when Beck – the hot new busboy at work – starts flirting with me, I know better than to get my hopes up. Happily ever afters aren’t for the average. I learned that the hard way.

But how can I be expected to resist a man who can quote Austen, loves making me laugh, and seems to be everything hot and good in this world?

Only there’s so much more to him than that.
Billionaire playboy? Check.
Troubled soul? Check.
The owner of my heart, the man I’ve moved halfway across the country to be with, who’s laying the world at my feet in order to convince me to never leave? Check. Check. Check.

But nobody does complicated like the one percent.

This is not your everyday rags-to-riches, knight-in-shining armor whisking the poor girl off her feet kind of story. No, this is much messier.

••••••••

REVIEW:THE RICH BOY by Kylie Scott is a contemporary, adult, stand alone romance focusing on twenty-six year old, reluctant heir and billionaire Beck Olsen Elliott, and twenty-two year old, waitress Alice Lawrence.

Told from first person perspective (Alice) THE RICH BOY follows the building relationship between twenty-six year old, reluctant heir and billionaire Beck Olsen Elliott, and twenty-two year old, waitress Alice Lawrence. Alice Lawrence struggles with a direction in life and finds herself working at a local San Diego bar to make ends meet where she will come face to face with her future in the guise of new busboy Beck. A slow seduction ensues until the day Beck is called home to Denver, Colorado, to assume his position upon the death of his father. Secrets and lies, and dysfunctional family dynamics follow in the wake as Alice sets out on an adventure of a lifetime with a man she has known for barely a few weeks. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Alice and Beck, and the potential fall-out as Beck’s lies, and lies of omission push Alice one too many times.

The relationship between Beck and Alice is one of immediate attraction but Beck keeps secret his family history and the potential to inherit billions of dollars. Beck is a reluctant heir who had been trying to experience a life of normality but the death of his absentee father pulls Beck head first into a lifestyle he was hoping to avoid. Alice Lawrence is at a crossroads in her life. With a business degree, and working as a waitress going nowhere fast, Alice agrees to move to Denver with Beck but must battle her way to be accepted by the Elliott clan. The back and forth between Beck and Alice is fun, flirty and frenetic. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Beck’s half-siblings: Ethan, Emma (and Matias) and Henry; his ex-girlfriend Selah, Grandmother Catherine, and her assistant Winston. We are up close and personal with the broken and dysfunctional Elliott family: their power and control; and their inability to understand the common man. Here’s hoping the author has plans for each of the Elliott siblings.

If you are a fan of the author’s Stage Dive series you will recognize her style of writing. Our hero Beck is similar in personality to our beloved Mal Ericson with his delivery, his humor and his playful attitude; the premise is reminiscent to David and Ev’s story line.

THE RICH BOY is a story of family and friendships; secrets and lies; vengeance, betrayal and love. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the characters are sassy, spirited but flawed ; the romance is spicy and tender. I struggled, ever so slightly, with Alice’s reaction to Beck’s secrets and lies, although not dangerous or destructive, the lies were more heart breaking for our heroine when she discovers the reasons and why.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

“You haven’t told me your story,” he says once we’re seated in a booth and have ordered.
“I finished my degree and realized it was basically good for nothing and there were next to no jobs available anyway. Or at least nothing that appealed. Teachers and librarians are fighting for every scrap of funding they can get while newspapers are folding. The publishing industry is going through serious cutbacks. Majoring in English Lit may have been a mistake.” I shrug. Truth is, I got stuck for various reasons. But this explanation is easier to swallow. “Figured if I was going to wind up serving then I’d like to do it somewhere I can walk along the beach now and then, without getting stuck in traffic for hours.”
He nods. “Makes sense.”
“I thought so. I’ll figure out what I want to do with my life eventually.”
“No rush. Good that you can take the time and space to figure things out for yourself without anyone pressuring you.”
“Just the student loans hanging over my head,” I say.
His answering smile is brief and small. “Grow up around here?”
“Close enough, San Bernardino,” I say. “What about you?”
“No, I’m half a country away from home and intend to keep it that way. Though maybe half a country away is still too close. I hear Iceland’s nice this time of year.”
I raise my brows in question.
“Family.” He shrugs. “What can you do?”
The waitress delivers our food, filling up the table with Beck’s order of half of the breakfast menu. Without hesitation, he proceeds to devour it all. If I ate that much, my ass wouldn’t fit in the seat.
“Want some?” He offers me a forkful of pancake, dripping with syrup. “It’s good.”
“I’m fine with my burger. Thanks.” And I’m curious as heck about his family, but pressing him further wouldn’t be polite. Dammit.
“So what are my future wife’s favorite hobbies and or interests?”
“Hmm.” I stick a fry in my mouth and chew, thinking it over. “Reading, films, music…the usual. You?”
“Lots of things.”
“Such as?”
“I don’t know…hiking, rock climbing. Stuff like that.”
“So basically I like to sit still and you’re all about being busy and athletic. We have nothing in common.”
“No. Wait. I can change,” he jokes. “Give me another chance.”
“You shouldn’t have to change.” I swirl another fry in some ketchup. “I’m sure you’re perfectly fine just as you are.”

Kylie is a long time fan of erotic love stories and B-grade horror films. She demands a happy ending and if blood and carnage occur along the way then all the better. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and one delightful husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet

Stalk Kylie Scott: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Tease Me (Stark International Security 3)by J. Kenner-Review Tour

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Tease Me (Stark International #3) by J. Kenner-Review Tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 10, 2020

Entertainment reporter Jamie Archer knew it would be hard when her husband, Stark Security Chief Ryan Hunter, was called away for a long-term project in London. The distance is difficult to endure, but Jamie trusts the deep and passionate love that has always burned between them. At least until a mysterious woman from Ryan’s past shows up at his doorstep, her very presence threatening to destroy everything that Jamie holds dear.

Ryan never expected to see Felicia Randall again, a woman with whom he shared a dark past and a dangerous secret. The first and only woman he ever truly failed.

Desperate and on the run, Felicia’s come to plead for his help. But while Ryan knows that helping her is the only way to heal old wounds, he also knows that the mission will not only endanger the life of the woman he holds most dear, but will brutally test the deep trust that binds Jamie and Ryan together.

••••••••

REVIEW:TEASE ME is the fifth instalment in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult STARK INTERNATIONAL erotic, romantic suspense series –a spin off from the author’s Stark Saga. This is the continuing story of entertainment reporter Jamie Archer, and her husband Stark Security Chief Ryan Hunter. TEASE ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Portions of Tease Me were originally released as part of the author’s newsletter serial. Tease Me contains additional content and an extended premise.

Told from first person perspective (Jamie Archer) and third person ( Ryan Hunter) using present day and memories from the past, TEASE ME follows entertainment reporter Jamie Archer as she sets out to seduce her husband who is on assignment in London, England but everything begins to spiral out of control when a romantic text from a mysterious stranger pulls Ryan away from the woman he loves. Expecting the worse, Jamie struggles with issues of trust only to find herself the victim of an assault that may be connected to Ryan’s current assignment. What ensues is the search for a stranger who represents the biggest failure from Ryan’s past, as Jamie and Ryan come to terms with what happened and why.

The relationship between Jamie and Ryan is one of lust and love. Ryan is a Dominant; a man who likes control both in and out of the bedroom. Jamie sets out to surprise her husband but in return is in for the surprise of her life.

The secondary and supporting characters include Jamie’s best friend Nikki Stark; as well as security specialist Baxter Carlyle; Gabriella Anderson and William Atkinson.

TEASE ME is a story of betrayal, secrets, lies and family; a story of one woman’s love for a man that is threatened by sins of the past. The premise is intense and engaging; the characters are colorful, energetic and passionate; the romance is captivating, erotic and seductive but I struggled with the use of a certain four-letter word. TEASE ME is a wonderful addition to the author’s Stark International and Stark series of books and novellas.

Previous Reviews and Reading Order

Tame Me
Tempt Me
Tease Me

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

His low chuckle reverberates through me, settling between my thighs. “Careful, Kitten. I’m in public. The hotel bar.”
“What a coincidence,” I say as I cross the tiled floor, passing men and women all dressed to the nines and ready for an evening out. “I’m in a hotel, too.”
“You’re not working?” I hear the frown in his voice. “I thought you were editing this week.”
It’s a fair question. For a while now I’ve been pulling exceptionally long hours doing the on-camera work and producing a series of celebrity interviews that air on various news and entertainment programs under the umbrella of Hardline Entertainment, a company owned by Hollywood mogul Matthew Holt. It’s a semi-open secret that he owns a high-end sex club, and he’s known around town as a total manwhore, but he’s been nothing but decent to me. So decent, in fact, that he is co-producing a two-hour special on the top three box office hits last year—with me as the intrepid reporter interviewing actors and off-screen talent as we try to find the secret sauce.
It’s a great project and Matthew has not only been a total gentleman, he’s been downright encouraging. And he’s completely respectful of Ryan. Sometimes I wonder if his manwhore, not-with-the-whole-metoo-thing rep is some sort of manufactured facade.
Then again, Ryan has the skill set to kill a man with his bare hands, and he’s best friends with Damien Stark. So maybe Holt just makes a point of showing me his shiny side.
Either way, the job is great and I love it. Yes, I’d love to land the acting gig I was telling Nikki about, but after being bounced around various positions in Hollywood, I finally feel like I’ve landed on my feet. No matter what happens with the Carson project, I’m happy. Which makes Holt something like a ridiculously good-looking fairy godfather to me.


 

J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A five time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development with AwesomenessTV/Awestruck.

Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.

In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YouTube | Amazon Author Page

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Undercover Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams – Review & Giveaway

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Undercover Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:

Braden Mack thinks reading romance novels makes him an expert in love, but he’ll soon discover that real life is better than fiction. 

Liv Papandreas has a dream job as a sous chef at Nashville’s hottest restaurant. Too bad the celebrity chef owner is less than charming behind kitchen doors. After she catches him harassing a young hostess, she confronts him and gets fired. Liv vows revenge, but she’ll need assistance to take on the powerful chef.

Unfortunately, that means turning to Braden Mack. When Liv’s blackballed from the restaurant scene, the charismatic nightclub entrepreneur offers to help expose her ex-boss, but she is suspicious of his motives. He’ll need to call in reinforcements: the Bromance Book Club.

Inspired by the romantic suspense novel they’re reading, the book club assists Liv in setting up a sting operation to take down the chef. But they’re just as eager to help Mack figure out the way to Liv’s heart… even though she’s determined to squelch the sparks between them before she gets burned.

 

 

Review:

Undercover Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams is the 2nd book in her Bromance Book Club series.  I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and looked forward to what Adams had for us in Undercover Bromance; and I will say this was as much fun or even better than the first book.

Braden Mack is our hero in this book, and you can’t help love him.  He is not only charming, sweet and caring, but he is a gorgeous hunk.  I loved Braden (Mack) and his book club friends, who are always there to help their fellow buddies.  It is fun and at times humorous to see these hunks discuss romance novels, and make suggestions to each other how to handle women with care and love.

We meet our heroine, Liv Papandreas, as she works for a famous restaurant as a sous chef.  Mack is being interviewed, when Liv accidently drops an expensive cupcake on his lap; Liv’s boss is incensed.  When Liv catches her boss making sexual harassments to his hostess, she confronts him on his behavior and is fired.  Liv finds herself out of work, and her nasty boss is making sure she will never work again in the restaurant business by telling lies about her.

Mack discovers this and tries to help Liv, who is Thea’s sister (heroine in first book) and Gavin’s wife; but at first, she is snarky to Mack.  Mack is determined to help her, and enlists his book club friends to help bring down her ex-boss.  In a short time, a slow build romance will begin between Liv and Mack, though I have to say for at least half the book, I really wasn’t crazy about Liv and her stubborn, arrogant and nasty treatment of Mack.  But that does change in time, and they made a great couple (if she would open her heart to the perfect man).  Mack was such a great hero, as you couldn’t help swoon over him, and we knew in time he would find a way to crack Liv’s shell.

What follows is a fun story, especially with the guys trying to help, and the hilarious situations they find themselves in.  Lots of fun.  I also enjoyed the relationship between Rosie and Hop, an older couple, who were Liv’s friends.  Both Mack and Liv had their own family issues from their past, and they needed to move on from that.  I also liked the story line focusing on women’s fight against sexual harassment and abuse issue, which is similar to the ”me too” movement. 

Undercover Bromance was a humorous fun story line, very romantic, and a fantastic group of alpha’s that had me laughing throughout.  Lyssa Kay Adams did a wonderful job writing this fun story, which you need to read.  I know I will be waiting for the next book in this series.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Berkley Romance is graciously offering a paper copy of UNDERCOVER BROMANCE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto 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. Follow LYSSSA KAY ADAMS on Facebook.

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

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from March 10 – 14, 2020

 

 

 

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The Other Man (Rose Gold #1) by Nicole French-Review Tour

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The Other Man (Rose Gold #1) by Nicole French-Review Tour


Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /Apple /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: March 10, 2020

Former Marine. Criminal prosecutor.
I was one of the good guys. Until I met her.

With beauty like a rose and a mind as sharp as thorns,
Nina Gardner went from dalliance to obsession in a single night.
I’d stop at nothing to find her again, to make her mine.

Then I find out:
She’s the daughter of a New York dynasty.
Property of the scum of the earth.

And the subject of my next investigation is…her husband.
Which makes me the other man.

Well, I don’t think I can live with that.
Because now, I don’t think I can live without her.

•••••••

REVIEW:THE OTHER MAN is the first instalment in Nicole French’s contemporary, adult ROSE GOLD erotic, romantic suspense series, a spin off from the author’s Quicksilver series. This is thirty-six year old, former Marine, and criminal prosecutor Matthew Zola, and heiress and philanthropist Nina Gardner’s story line. THE OTHER MAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous series is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the Quicksilver series for back story and history. Matthew Zola and Nina Gardner were first introduced to the reader in the Quicksilver trilogy.

NOTE: Nina and Matthew’s story begins in the novella THE SCARLET NIGHT (released November 2019).

THE SCARLET NIGHT: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

Told from first person perspective (Matthew Zola) and third person (Nina Gardner) THE OTHER MAN follows two paths as criminal prosecutor Matthew Zola continues the investigation into the kidnapping of Jane DeVries (Quicksilver Series); its’ criminal connections to the world of human trafficking and sexual slavery; as well the forbidden relationship between Matthew Zola and Nina Gardner. Nina Gardner is Eric DeVries’ (Quicksilver Series) cousin; a married woman who is struggling with her place in society and the family. Months earlier, a one night stand between Nina and Matthew resulted in our hero desperately searching for the woman who got away. Matthew has a bit of a reputation with the married ladies, and in this Nina has made it clear that their affair can no longer continue beyond the present but Matthew and Nina ultimately find themselves together at various functions, family gatherings, and meeting in secret for their clandestine affair…but…all is not well in Nina’s world, and our heroine battles between head and heart as she begins to fall in love with our story line hero. What ensues is the building but forbidden relationship between Nina and Matthew, and the potential fall-out as Matthew’s investigation takes on a familiar foe.

THE OTHER MAN is a story of family and betrayal; infidelity and cruelty; secrets, lies and the painful truth. Matthew Zola is a throwback to the gentlemen of the 40s: fedora, expensive suits and calling the woman he loves ‘doll’ but Matthew is also a philandering hero whose numerous affairs with married women could very well come back to bite him in the a$$. Nina Gardner is a woman caught in a loveless marriage, a marriage of which she is no longer in control. The premise is gritty and engaging; the romance is heart breaking, passionate and intense; the characters are colorful , dynamic and broken.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Nicole French is a East Coast/West Coast hybrid creature, Springsteen fanatic, hopeless romantic, and total bookworm. When not writing fiction or teaching writing classes, she is hanging out with her family, playing soccer with the rest of the thirty-plus crowd in Seattle, or going on dates with her husband. In her spare time, she likes to go running with her dog, Greta, or practice the piano, but never seems to do either one of these things as much as she should.

Sign up for Nicole’s monthly newsletter for giveaways and exclusive excerpts from upcoming works!  www.nicolefrenchromance.com

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The Reading Cafe’s 8th Anniversary Celebration Winners

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The Reading Cafe’s 8th Anniversary Celebration Winners

All of us at The Reading Cafe want to take this time to thank everyone for helping celebrate our eighth full year on the web. The month long Anniversary Celebration is now over, and the winners selected and notified. We have been amazed at how close our small community truly is and have enjoyed being able to offer such great giveaways to all of our members.

We want to thank all of the publishers and authors who have graciously donated the wonderful prize packages.

We have been blessed to have been able to meet many wonderful people along the way, as well as to read so many fantastic books from new and established authors, post interviews and offer giveaways from the publishers.

From Barb, Sandy and all of our contributors, we THANK YOU for being a part of The Reading Cafe. As we head into our ninth year, we hope to see you and invite you back to participate in all of our promotions and giveaways. We love introducing new authors to old friends.

The Reading Cafe Team-Sandy, Barb, Vickie, Julie B, Carmen, Marcie, Georgianna, Erin, and Sarah

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NOTE: ALL of the winners have been notified, and have responded.

$100 Amazon Gift Card

Alicia

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February 2, 2020

FOREVER ROMANCE-5 winners (10 books each)

Bobbytobe
Kmannrn
AF Novice
Latifa Morrisette
Susan Rees

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February 5, 2020

Winner: Valerie Spearman

Lorelei James, Jessica Clare, Shayla Black

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February 7, 2020

Lauren Layne Package
Love on Lexington Avenue
Passion on Park Avenue

ARCS -Diane Sullivan

Finished copies –areniaw

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February 10

Clare Mackintosh ,Michelle Hazen ,Karen Hawkins

Winners: Joan W.

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February 10

Catherine Anderson, Jessica Clare , Liza Kendall, Jenn McKinlay

Winner: Blomette

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February 11

Christina McDonald, Amanda Quick, Jayne Ann Krentz,

Winner: Auntiedena72

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February 12

Julia London, Shayla Black

Winner: Kristine R

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February 13

Jeaniene Frost,Faith Hunter ,Nalini Singh ,Milla Vane ,

Winner: Tina Alicia

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February 14

Jo Goodman ,Amy Rose Bennett ,,Mary Balogh

Winner: Jessica Tlapa

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February 15

Lyssa Kay Adams , Jasmine Guillory , Helen Hoang

WINNER: Heather

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February 15

Christine
-2 prize packages

Lethal Game/ Toxic Game by Christine Feehan
Winner: Annetta Sweetko

Leopard’s Wrath/Shadow Warrior/Vendetta Road
Winner: Christina Hunt

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February 16

Kalayna Price , Chloe Neill

Winner: Googleuser 18 (Lori H)

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February 16

Berkley Prize Packages

6 Winners:

Raecharmed
Kathleen Bysima
Clee
Debra Shutters
Melanie Bolo
Lori Meehan

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February 17

Alexandrea Weis

2 Winners:

Lorie York
Charlotte Litton

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February 21

Sourcebooks Prize Packages

2 winners: Sable/ Reneeo

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February 22

Uzma Jalaluddin , Andie J. Christopher , Jen Deluca

Winner: Tammy Powell

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February 23

Shelley Shepard Gray – The Loyal One
Shelley Shepard Gray -The Patient One

Winner: Katrina DeHart

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February 28

Jeffery Deaver , Nina Sadowski , Alan Bradley

Winner: April

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February 29

Christina Henry , Edward Willett, Anthony Ryan

Winner: Kassondra A

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LOVE HARD (Hard Play #3) by Nalini Singh-a review

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LOVE HARD (Hard Play #3) by Nalini Singh- review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date Mach 10 2020

Jacob Esera, star rugby player and young single father, has worked hard to create a joyous life for his six-year-old daughter. After the death of his childhood sweetheart soon after their daughter’s birth, all Jake wants is safety and stability. No risks. No wild chances. And especially no Juliet Nelisi, former classmate, scandal magnet, and a woman who is a thorn in his side.

As a lonely teenager, Juliet embraced her bad-girl reputation as a shield against loneliness and rejection. Years later, having kicked a cheating sports-star ex to the curb, she has a prestigious job and loyal friends—and wants nothing to do with sportsmen. The last thing she expects is the fire that ignites between her and the stuffed-shirt golden boy who once loved her best friend.

Straitlaced Jacob Esera versus wild-at-heart Juliet Nelisi? Place your bets.

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REVIEW: LOVE HARD is the third instalment in Nalini Singh’s contemporary, adult HARD PLAY erotic, romance series focusing on the Bishop-Esera family. This is rugby player and single father Jacob Esera, and businesswoman and Vice-President of Operations and Supply as EE Designs Juliet Nelisi’s story line. LOVE HARD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. LOVE HARD crosses over with characters from the author’s ROCK KISS series.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jacob and Juliet) LOVE HARD is an enemies to lovers story line that follows the building relationship between New Zealand rugby player and single father Jacob Esera, and businesswoman Juliet Nelisi. Years earlier, Jacob Esera lost his best friend and the woman he loved just weeks after giving birth to their infant daughter, and in the ensuing time Jacob focused on being the best father he could be but his brother’s wedding brought back his childhood nemesis, and his late-girlfriend’s best friend, Juliet Nelisi, back into his life. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Juliet and Jacob, and the potential fall-out as Juliet’s ex tries desperately to destroy her life.

Jacob and Juliet were like oil and water, and the only thing they had in common was Juliet’s best friend, and Jacob’s girlfriend Calypso Simpson but a destructive life-style pushed Juliet out of their life. Having married more for security and companionship, Juliet would later divorce after starring in her very own media drama. Jacob Esera’s family has always been there including help in raising his daughter Esme but Jacob, a star rugby player, was lonely, and seeing Juliet Nelisi stirred something deep within our story line hero. Working together on a media campaign would bring Juliet and Jacob closer together, a togetherness that would be made stronger with the addition of Jacob’s six year old daughter Esme.

The relationship between Juliet and Jacob is tempestuous at best with caustic remarks and biting barbs but Jacob never knew the truth about Juliet’s past, a past that would shape the woman she is today. Agreeing to cull the animosity between one another, our couple would slowly succumb to their mutual attraction and slow-building love for one another. The $ex scenes are passionate 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 Sailor Bishop and Isa Rain (Cherish Hard #1), Gabriel Bishop and Charlotte Baird (Rock Hard /Rock Kiss #2), as well as youngest brother Danny, their parents Allison and Joseph; several of Jacob’s teammates; Juliet’s boss Everett Echert; friends Aroha and Molly; and Juliet’s ex husband Reid Mescall.

LOVE HARD is a story of family, friendship, betrayal, second chances and love. The character driven premise is imaginative and spirited; the characters are clever, sensitive and realistic; the romance is spicy and flirty. LOVE HARD is an animated and intoxicating story by Nalini Singh.

Previous Reviews and Reading Order

HARD PLAY series
Cherish Hard
The Rebel Hard
Love hard

ROCK KISS series
Rock Addiction
Rock Hard
Rock Courtship
Rock Redemption
Rock Wedding

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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