Monthly Archives: April 2020

Sexy Scot by Cecelia Mecca & Julie Johnstone-Review & Giveaway

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Sexy Scot by Cecelia Mecca & Julie Johnstone-Review & Giveaway

SEXY SCOT
Highlanders Through Time #2
by Cecelia Mecca and Julie Johnstone
Release Dat: March 31, 2020
Genre: adult, time travel, Highlander, romance

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Released Date March 31, 2020

A ᴍᴏᴅᴇʀɴ ᴍᴀɴ, ᴀ ᴍᴇᴅɪᴇᴠᴀʟ ᴡᴏᴍᴀɴ. Fᴀᴛᴇ ʙʀᴏᴜɢʜᴛ ᴛʜᴇᴍ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ʜɪsᴛᴏʀʏ ᴛᴇᴀʀ ᴛʜᴇᴍ ᴀᴘᴀʀᴛ?

When his older brother disappears in front of his eyes, Greyson McCaim is determined to find him—even if he has to travel back in time. Because it turns out their “crazy” father was right: their mother didn’t leave them willingly. She’s a time traveler, and someone pulled her back to her original home in medieval Scotland.

Now Rhys is there too, and the other McCaim brothers are stuck in modern-day New Orleans. They keep repeating the chant that sent Rhys back, and it finally works—but only for Greyson. Miserably unprepared for medieval life, he is saved by fate’s choice to dump him at the feet of the uncle he never knew he had. The two set off to learn what happened to Greyson’s mother, but their journey is derailed when they encounter an earl’s daughter in need of help.

Marian is sent from the only home she’s ever known to marry a stranger—a Scottish noble with a poor reputation. But her fear of the unknown is soon replaced by a completely different terror when her group is viciously attacked by reivers. The Scot who saves her is unlike anyone she’s ever met—his accent is strange, his words stranger, and he’s completely ignorant to etiquette. And yet this man awakens something in her, as does her newfound freedom from her father.

Greyson’s secret opens a whole new world for Marian, and her love makes him a stronger man. But can they possibly find a happy ending? Because his family is at the center of a conspiracy that promises to change Scotland forever, and from the perspective of history, he knows it doesn’t turn out well.

••••••••

REVIEW: Sexy Scot by Cecelia Mecca and Julie Johnstone is the second novel in the Highlanders Through Time series. This is the story of Greyson McCaim and Lady Marian, daughter of the Earl of Fife.

If you read the first novel Sinful Scot, you’ll recognize the brothers of Rhys as they try to follow him. Greyson is the next to go through time as the brothers try to perform the ancient chant many times. On the last attempt, Greyson tries hard to say it the way he remembered Rhys saying it. Greyson lands in an English pub just south of the Scottish border, in the year 1286.

He wakes up being nudged by boots. As he stands and stubbles outside, he’s followed by a large man that turns out to be his uncle Ross, his mother’s brother. Greyson manages to convince Ross of his linage, and Ross takes him under his protection and helps him acclimate to the times and place. Ross has volunteered to take a message from the Guardians of Scotland to Quinton castle where the English King’s regent is currently staying. Then they will continue on to Hightower where Greyson’s mother is living.

On the way, they come across the party of Lady Marian, who is being taken to Pittillock, to be married to seal an alliance her father wants with the English king. She is not happy about the marriage but is duty bound to do as her father says. She has a strange but immediate reaction to the strange man with the group of Scots. The group is set upon by bandits and Marian is told to go into the trees and hide. The men fight, including Greyson. The bandits are killed, but so are Marian’s men. Greyson finds her and their attraction grows quickly. They decide to keep her with them until they deliver their message, then she can decide to return home or go on to her marriage.

That’s the basic setup. I have, of course, left out all the great dialog and many interesting items. I don’t do spoilers. This is a very romantic novel. The love scenes are steamy and interesting. The pace is quick and dangerous. There is a lot of plots within plots as the storyline progresses.

Authors Johnstone and Mecca have done another remarkable job of joining history and romantic fiction into an exciting story. If you haven’t done so already, grab a copy and delve into this marvelous tale.

Click HERE for Georgianna’s review of book one SINFUL SCOT

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S

About Cecelia Mecca

Follow: Goodreads/Twitter/Website / Bookbub

Cecelia Mecca is the author of historical romance and also writes paranormal romance as C.L. Mecca.

Every heroine, from Lady Sara in the Border Series to Alessandra Fiore in Bloodwite, is your best friend– the one who kicks ass and takes names. When these ladies meet alpha-males who try to take control, sparks fly until the very last page.

Cecelia writes the Amazon bestselling Border Series and brand new Order of the Broken Blade series which take readers to an admittedly romanticized time of knights and castles in medieval England and Scotland.

She also has her hands full with the ultimate bad boys– sexy, wealthy and swoon-worthy vampires– a venture not for the faint of heart. Her debut paranormal romance series, Bloodwite, released in 2019.

​Our Highlander-loving, vampire-writing author can be found in Northeast, Pennsylvania​, chai in hand, thinking up new ways to tame both medieval and paranormal playboys. She is firmly House Stark and Gryffindor.

•••••••••

About Julie Johnstone

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter

Author Julie Johnstone first fell in love with romance fifteen years ago when she picked up her first romance novel in an airport gift shop on the way to Conroe, Texas for a family reunion and spent her whole weekend reading rather than water skiing, which up until then was one of her favorite things to do.

Julie is staying up way too late and typing furiously on her keyboard to finish her next book or blog with her fellow authors at Ladyscribes. Julie is married to an amazing lawyer and when she is not running her two precocious children to one activity or another she is trying to seek out some time to stay in shape and see her dearest friends.

Cecelia Mecca and Julie Johnstone are graciously offering an ebook copy of SEXY SCOT to ONE (1) 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.

IMPORTANT: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please CLICK on the title, and it should take you directly to the post.

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

3. Follow Cecelia Mecca on GOODREADS

4. Follow Julie Johnstone on Facebook.

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

6. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

8. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

9. Giveaway is open internationally

10. Giveaway runs from April 5-10, 2020

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Souls of Magic’s Dawn (Covenant of Souls) by GA Lungaro-a review

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Souls of Magic’s Dawn (Covenant of Souls) by GA Lungaro-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 29, 2020

For over three thousand years, the Archmage Azrael has prepared to challenge destiny. As foretold by prophecy, Leto, God of Chaos, will soon unleash his power on the world, sowing discord and anarchy throughout the realms in a bid to rule creation. Azrael intends to stop him.

His pupil Isidora has spent her entire life dedicated to the study of magic, trained since a young age by the most powerful mage in the realm. After a five year absence, Isidora enlists the aid of her teacher and begins a quest to become a Summoner, a mage who can conjure the spirits of dead heroes. But when her quest plunges her into a clash of nations, will Isidora be a mere pawn or the key to preventing the coming conflict?

With the freedom of the world and the stability of the Pantheon of Gods at stake, the Archmage and his protégé travel through realms on the brink of war. In a chess match involving Lords, Kings, and Deities, student and teacher strive to remain one move ahead, to change Isidora’s fate, and save the world in the process.

••••••

REVIEW: Wow!!!

Lots going on, intense reading. We have lots of characters, magic, battles, mad gods, twists and turns and the usual unfulfilled prophecy……

Azrael is a mage with untold power, he’s been around for thousands of years.

His favourite pupil has finally returned to the fold and unexpectedly she’s married!!

Isidora has a new life, one with a loving husband, but she needs her old teacher to help with becoming a summoner of souls!

The author made his world come alive with very detailed descriptions of the world he has created. I Liked the maps at the front of the book (very lord of the rings feel to it) I think it’s a trilogy, so I’m sure we will get a few questions answered in the next book.

Loved the interaction between Lear’Za (she’s a Demoness) and Azrael, it was very much a love/hate/admire relationship, couldn’t really call it a friendship, even though they’d known each other for hundreds of years, she likes to torment Azrael.

And I got the impression that Azrael’s and Isidora relationship was more than teacher and student. He didn’t admit to anyone that his student just leaving without a word hurt him. (But she did leave him an explanation, he didn’t read it) I felt it very much a father/daughter bond.

But the star of this book is Isidora, very tenacious, very strong willed. She knows her mind, and she knows her abilities. What she doesn’t know is the path she must take to fill her destiny and the Prophecy.

I liked this book a lot. I could see this as a film. Is the book a little too descriptive? Yes, but I like that, the more detailed the better. Battles were very well written (a tad gory in parts) But it could also work as a hindrance, in some places the details override the story. I Liked the gods and the pantheon, a very Greek feel. It’s not your usual magic and mayhem book, the main characters aren’t in love with each other, so you can concentrate on the story, and not some romance (which has been known to ruin a few good books)

Will Azrael and Isidora be able to travel the path? Or will the outside forces be able to disrupt their path? What tricks has the God of Chais got up his sleeve?

I can’t wait to read the next book to find out.

?Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

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Dear Enemy by Kristen Callahan-Review Tour

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Dear Enemy by Kristen Callahan-Review Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 31, 2020

As kids, they hated each other. Macon Saint was beautiful, but despite his name, Delilah knew he was the devil. That he dated her slightly evil sister, Samantha, was no picnic either. When they broke up, it was a dream come true: Delilah never had to see him again.

Ten years later, her old enemy sends a text.

Delilah’s sister has stolen a valuable heirloom from Macon, now a rising Hollywood star, and he intends to collect his due. One problem: Sam has skipped town.

Sparks still sizzle between Macon and Delilah, only this heat feels alarmingly like unwanted attraction. But Delilah is desperate to keep her weak-hearted mother from learning of her sister’s theft. So she proposes a deal: she’ll pay off the debt by being Macon’s personal chef and assistant.

It’s a recipe for disaster, but Macon can’t stop himself from accepting. Even though Delilah clearly hates him, there’s something about her that feels like home. Besides, they’re no longer kids, and what once was a bitter rivalry has the potential to be something sweeter. Something like forever.

•••••••

REVIEW:DEAR ENEMY by Kristen Callihan is a contemporary, adult, erotic romance story line focusing on Hollywood actor Macon Saint, and chef Delilah Baker.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Delilah and Macon) DEAR ENEMY is an enemies to lovers story line that follows the building romance and relationship between Hollywood actor Macon Saint, and chef Delilah Baker. Delilah Baker has always been the third wheel especially when it involved her sister Samantha, and her childhood nemesis Macon Saint. A lifetime of humiliation inflicted by Macon Saint pushed Delilah one too many times and our heroine left without looking back. Fast forward to present day where an unexpected and accidental phone call found Delilah Baker facing down the man that has fuelled her anger and heart break for over twenty years. Enter Hollywood star Macon Saint, and the man with whom Delilah would fall in love. What ensues is the building friendship, relationship and romance between Delilah and Macon when Delilah finds herself the personal chef and assistant to the Hollywood star, and the potential fall-out as Delilah struggles with memories from the past.

Macon Saint has always had a secret crush on Delilah Baker, a crush manifested as perceived hatred, emotional abuse and heart breaking name calling but Macon’s relationship with her sister Samantha, was what hurt Delilah the most. When Delilah discovered to what extent Samantha was continuing to destroy Macon’s life, Delilah offers herself up for one year of servitude in payment for her sister’s sins. Delilah Baker gave as good as she got, and in this the spiteful barbs and condescending attitude were equally on par with Macon’s stabs on Delilah’s behalf but Macon kept secret the truth behind one devastating act of humiliation, a secret that was about to destroy Delilah’s heart.

The relationship between Macon and Delilah is an enemies to lovers romance wherein both must apologize and forgive for mistakes of the past. Delilah struggles with the memories of not so long ago, a struggle could potential threaten any future with Macon Saint. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

We are introduced to Delilah’s sister Samantha, and their mother Andie Baker, as well as Macon’s best friend and stunt double North West; his agent/publicist Karen, and Macon’s father George Saint. I am hoping the author has plans for North West.

DEAR ENEMY is a story of family, friendship, betrayal and heart break; a story of love and loss ; of hatred, anger, acceptance and hope. The premise is emotional; the characters are flirty, broken, sassy and tragic; the romance is intimate and sensual; the sexual tension is palpable .

Copy supplied by Netgalley

reviewed by Sandy

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Fate (Steel Brothers Saga #13) by Helen Hardt-Review Tour

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Fate (Steel Brothers Saga #13) by Helen Hardt-Review Tour

FATE
Steel Brothers Saga 13
by Helen Hardt
Release Date: March 31, 2020
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 31, 2020

Bradford Steel never believed in fate…until he met the girl of his dreams.

As sole heir to the Steel ranch and fortune, Brad knows what his future holds. He’ll marry and have children, but he’s not cut out for love. Fate has other plans, though, when he meets college freshman Daphne Wade—an innocent and beautiful young woman who loves sunrises, animals, and the color yellow.

Daphne is on her own for the first time, and she vows to make the most of every minute. Never again will she fall victim to the anxiety and depression that plagued her through high school. Instead, she’ll treasure the joy in even the most mundane and live her life to its fullest. When handsome senior Brad Steel shows an interest in her, she gathers her courage and dives in.

Their relationship moves more quickly than either of them expect, and before long, fate blooms into love. Brad is determined to eliminate all the obstacles in their way and protect Daphne. It’s a promise he’ll ultimately keep…no matter the cost.

•••••••

REVIEW:In the grand scheme of Helen Hardt’s Steel Brothers Saga, Fate is a blast from the past. This is where things begin, and where things get even more dicey then they already are.

Brad and Daphne have been seen through many of the previous books, and to finally get their story, is a rush! Through those books, I must admit, I disliked Brad. Seeing this side of him made me change my mind quickly.

The book starts off with the pair in college, meeting and falling in love. Brad is a senior, knows his life is planned out for him. Graduate, take over the family business, marry and have children. The poor bloke is knocked off his feet when he meets sweet and kind Daphne. The attraction is like nothing he has felt before, instant and fierce. Their relationship starts off as friends, but quickly changes.

I so very much enjoyed seeing how these two met, but the ending….That cliffhanger….What a killer way to go. I must now wait for the next to arrive and get my next fix. Helen has yet again outdone herself in this book. 5 out of 5 stars!!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah L

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#1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Helen Hardt’s passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award-winning author of romantic fiction, she’s a mother, an attorney, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family. Helen loves to hear from readers.

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Taunt Me / Thrill Me by Faith Summers-Review Tour

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Taunt Me / Thrill Me by Faith Summers-Review Tour

TAUNT ME
(Dark Billionaire Mafia Romance/Dark Odyssey #2)
by Faith Summers
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic,mafia, romance

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

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 5, 2020

She was always mine … whether she wanted to be or not

Ten years ago I allowed another man to take her to pay her father’s debt.
Fighting for her would have started a blood war.

Now she’s back in my life and brings more than I bargained for.
She comes to me scared, helpless, and begging for my help.
Her enemies want to take her again.
Blackmail her and hold her captive.

I’ll help her…but for a price.
Thirty days. Nothing off limits
The years that have passed haven’t changed a thing.
I still want her just as much as I ever did.
I want her for myself.
On her knees before me, in my bed, everywhere.
Every day, forever.
I’ll protect her from everything.
Except me.
Beneath the mask I wear, I may be the devil she doesn’t want, but needs.

I want her to be mine.
My property, my possession.
What I never knew was our second chance may be my end.

••••••••

REVIEW: TAUNT ME is the second instalment in Faith Summers (Khardine Gray) contemporary, adult Dark Billionaire Mafia Romance/Dark Odyssey erotic, mafia, romance series focusing on the Giordano brothers who own and operate the exclusive Dark Odyssey Sex Club. This is thirty-eight year old Gabriel Giordano, and twenty-eight year old Charlotte Revello’s story line. TAUNT ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and history.

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 (Gabe and Charlotte) TAUNT ME follows the rekindling romance and relationship between thirty-eight year old Gabriel Giordano, and twenty-eight year old Charlotte Revello. Ten years earlier Charlotte Revello was caught in a mob war not of her making-payment for sins of the father, Charlotte found herself facing ten years of sexual servitude in Sicily, Italy for a man her father had long angered beyond our heroine’s comprehension but Charlotte left behind the man whom she loved, a man who would never stopped loving our story line heroine. Fast forward to present day wherein another mob battle for control finds Charlotte believing she is a free woman, when she returns to the States in an effort to start anew. Enter Gabriel Giordano, the man who has never stopped loving Charlotte, but a man who is now the target of the Italian mob. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Charlotte and Gabe, and the potential fall-out as Charlotte fears for Gabriel’s life and offers herself up, as payment, again.

Gabriel Giordano will never forget Charlotte Revello but all attempts at a rescue were met with numerous killings, tortures and abuse. Ten years would pass wherein Gabe finds himself at a crossroads in both his personal and professional world until the moment Charlotte enters back into his life. Charlotte Revello endured years of humiliation and abuse, and with the death of her original abductor, Charlotte finds herself the target of a psychotic mind. Fleeing to America, Charlotte thought she could get her life in order but quickly discovers that the darkness and danger have followed her home.

The relationship between Gabe and Charlotte is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people torn apart by the sins of the father, and the ongoing war for power and control. Charlotte struggles with the darkness of her past but Gabriel is determined to save Charlotte from the demons. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense but I struggled with the use of a certain four-letter word when used in a romantic situation.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Gabe’s brother Nikolai and Vincent, as well as their cousins Christian and Georgiou; Charlotte’s parents and her sister Cordelia,. The requisite evil has many faces including Antonio DeLuca, and Tobias Antonella.

TAUNT ME is a story of family, betrayal, power and revenge. The premise is dark and gritty; the romance is provocative; the characters are dangerous, broken, spirited and flawed. My only concern was the number of times stupid choices meant stupid results –for a crime organization, intelligence and common sense were not at the top of their list of priorities.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one TEASE ME

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THRILL ME
(A Dark Billionaire Mafia Romance :Dark Odyssey Book 3)
by Faith Summers
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic,mafia, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 31, 2020

Time to break the rules and make her submit to me…

We dance like devils, except we wear masks.
Every night a different one.
Dancing on the edge.
Dancing with danger.
Me and her, for years.

I’ve allowed her to think she doesn’t already belong to me.
Time to change that up and claim her.

Possess her, dominate her, own her.
Heart. Body. Mind. Soul.

I’m Salvatore Giordano and I always get what I want.
I want her on her knees or chained to my bed.
Submitting to my every command.
Fulfilling our wild fantasies.
I’ll make her cave to temptation.

I thought it would be simple.
Until the day she saw something she shouldn’t have.
Now she has a target on her back.
My enemies want her.
It’s kill or be killed.
Ruthless against the heartless.
I have to become both to save her.
Even if it costs me everything.

••••••••••

REVIEW: THRILL ME is the third instalment in Faith Summers’ (Khardine Gray) contemporary, adult Dark Odyssey erotic, mafia romance series focusing on the Giordanao brothers who own and operate the excusive Dark Odyssey Sex Club. This is thirty nine year old Salvatore Giordano, and Maria ‘Mimi’ Cipriani’s story line. THRILL ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and history.

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 (Salvatore and Mimi) THRILL ME follows several intersecting paths including the friends to lovers relationship between Salvatore Giordano, and Mimi Cipriani, and the ongoing battle between the warring Chicago Crime families. Salvatore Giordano has lusted after Mimi Cipriani for as long as he could remember but Mimi had fallen in love with Salvatore’s brother Gabe. With Gabe’s recent marriage to his long lost love Charlotte (Taunt Me #2), Salvatore jumped at the chance to make Mimi his own but Mimi struggled to more forward from the past, a past she kept close to her heart. Meanwhile, a rival Chicago Crime family has targeted the Giordano family for power and control, taking aim at everyone and anyone who got in their way. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Mimi and Salvatore, and the fall-out as the mob war brings heart break, death, betrayal and revenge.

Overwhelming loss will, once again, begin to suffocate the Giordano family resulting in Salvatore’s ascension to capo but with his ascension comes the struggle to take down the people responsible for the threats against the Giordano family, and the direct threat against the woman he loves. Mimi Cipriani has accepted she has never been Gabriel’s love but with it came personal loss, and ongoing heart break. Falling for Salvatore Giordano was easy especially when Salvatore had fallen for her. With the hopes of opening her own restaurant, Mimi finds herself caught between family and love but soon discovers that family is not always those bonded by blood.

The relationship between Mimi and Salvatore is a friends to lovers romance wherein Salvatore is hoping to make Mimi his own but Mimi continues to struggle with issues of trust believing Salvatore could break her heart, a break from which she may never return. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Salvatore’s brothers: Vincent and his wife Sorcha: Nick and Mia (Tease Me #1) ; Gabe and Charlotte (Taunt Me #2); parents Julian and Angela Giordano; their cousins Christian and Georgiou; and Mimi’s father. The requisite evil has many faces including Marc , Lawrence and Sergio Fontaine.

THRILL ME is a story of family, blood, power and control; murder and revenge; betrayal, secrets and lies. The fast paced premise is engaging, dark and dramatic; the characters are energetic and emotional; the romance is edgy and tender. Here’s hoping the author has plans for Vincent, Christian and Georgiou.

Copies supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

#4 Tempt Me – Releasing May 31

US: https://amzn.to/2Jt0hJ4
UK: https://amzn.to/2JhPb9E
CA: https://amzn.to/2JjHGPn
AU: https://amzn.to/2QMJULc

Faith Summers is the Dark Contemporary Romance pen name of USA Today Bestselling Author, Khardine Gray.

Warning !! Expect wild romance stories of the scorching hot variety and deliciously dark romance with the kind of alpha male bad boys best reserved for your fantasies.

Dive in and enjoy her naughty page-turners.

Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Pivot by Kat Martin, Alexandra Ivy & Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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Pivot by Kat Martin, Alexandra Ivy & Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 1, 2020

As girls, they bonded over broken homes and growing up in foster care.
As women, they’re fighting for their lives, and loves, once more . . .

••••••••

REVIEW:

NOTE: PIVOT is an anthology with three interconnected novellas of intrigue and suspense focusing on three former foster care friends (Meri, Michelle and Melanie), drug addiction, dealers, security specialists and dirty cops. Two of the story lines spotlight a rekindling romance, while one focuses on new love-all culminate in a happily ever after.All three novellas as part of the authors’ established series but you do not have to have read any of the aforementioned series to follow or understand the current story lines.

 

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Against the Heart by Kat Martin

ABOUT THE BOOK: MERI

When Meriwether Jones takes her young daughter and runs from trouble in L.A., that trouble follows. By the time Meri reaches Spokane, she’s out of gas, money, and ideas. Luckily, ex-cop Ian Brodie hires her to help him with his father’s farmhouse, and they seem like the answer to each other’s prayers. But Meri is keeping a dangerous secret—and Ian is in danger of losing his heart . . .

•••••••••

REVIEW: AGAINST THE HEART by Kat Martin is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense set in the author’s BRODIES OF ALASKA series. Against the Heart focuses on single mother Meriwether Jones, and security specialist / ex-cop Ian Brodie.

Meriwether Jones, and her daughter Lily are on the run. Lily’s father, Joey Bandini, is an addict, desperate for money, and has threatened our story line heroine. Needing a quick influx of cash and a safe place to live, Meriwether heads to Spokane Washington, where she will work as a temporary house keeper before running again. Enter ex cop/ security specialist Ian Brodie. What ensues is the quick building relationship and romance between Ian and Meri, and the fall-out as Meri’s past comes looking for more.

AGAINST THE HEART is a story of family, friendship, desperation and love. As Meri begins to settle into a daily routine, she knows it is only a matter of time before she has to run, again. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the characters are colorful; the romance is an insta-lust to love with a happily ever after.

_________

Shaken by Rebecca Zanetti

ABOUT THE BOOK: Michelle

After a rough youth, Michelle Peach was finally content in Portland—until two men broke into her home, threatened her, and sent her mentally unstable mom on a blackmail spree that Michelle has to stop. The last person Michelle wants to see is her ex, Evan Boldon, a former marine turned sheriff. But Evan misses the woman who walked away instead of letting him help years ago. This time he’s not asking permission; he’s going to put a stop to the trouble stalking Michelle and her friends—and win her heart for good

•••••••••••

REVIEW: SHAKEN by Rebecca Zanetti is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense novella focusing on former US Marine, Sheriff Evan Boldon, and illustrator Michelle Peach. Shaken is part of the author’s DEEP OPS series with a slight cross-over from Rebecca’s Dark Protectors series.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Michelle and Evan) SHAKEN runs parallel to, and overlaps with Kat Martin’s AGAINST THE HEART, and follows Michelle Peach (Meri’s friend Against the Heart) in the aftermath of Joey Bandini’s threat and attack against our story line heroine. Michelle is a graphic artist but her mother’s (Jayleen) drug addiction places Michelle in the direct line of fire. With no money or means to pay off her suppliers, Michelle’s mother offers up our heroine’s tablet, a tablet that contains valuable images and drawings that do not necessarily belong to Michelle. Desperate for help, Michelle calls her friend Raider Tanaka (Deep OPs) but Raider is unable to aid in our heroine’s struggle. Enter Evan Boldon, Michelle’s ex boyfriend. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Evan and Michelle, and the potential fall-out as Jayleen continues to cause problems every chance she can get.

SHAKEN is a story of second chances, betrayal and love. Evan has waited two years before rekindling his relationship with the woman he loves but Michelle continues to struggle with Evan’s lifestyle believing our hero isn’t ready to settle down. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is seductive; the characters are colorful and energetic.

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Echoes From the Past by Alexandra Ivy

ABOUT THE BOOK: MELANIE

That secret explodes when Melanie Cassidy spots two men trying to kidnap a young boy she tutors and responds by ramming them with her car. The last thing she expects is for the man she once loved, Detective Gray Hawkins, to appear and rescue them both. Now she has no choice but to trust him as they investigate the truth about a conspiracy of dirty, drug trafficking cops—and the truth about their relationship .

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REVIEW: ECHOES OF THE PAST by Alexandra Ivy is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense novella set in the author’s THE AGENCY series. This is detective Gray Hawkins, and youth counsellor Melanie Cassidy’s story line.

Told from several third person perspectives including Melanie and Gray ECHOES OF THE PAST follows the second chance relationship between detective Gray Hawkins, and youth counsellor Melanie Cassidy. Gray Hawkins’ return to Spokane to investigate the possibility of a dirty detective at the local precinct couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. An attempted kidnapping at the local youth centre brings Gray face to face with his past, counsellor Melanie Cassidy, the woman with whom he is hoping for a second chance but Melanie has a target on her back when she is witness to the abduction, and the potential involvement of the local police. As Melanie and Gray take refuge at his family’s cabin, our couple rekindle their relationship but not before finding themselves on the run, once again.

ECHOES OF THE PAST is a story of second chances, betrayal, and love. The fast paced premise is energetic as our couple find themselves struggling to uncover the truth while on the run.

PIVOT is an anthology with three interconnected novellas focusing on drug addiction, dealers, security specialists and dirty cops. Two of the story lines spotlight a rekindling romance, while one focuses on new love-all culminate in a happily ever after.

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Beautiful Vengeance (Vengeance 5) by Kaylea Cross-Review Tour

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Beautiful Vengeance (Vengeance 5) by Kaylea Cross-Review Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 31, 2020

They made her into the perfect weapon.

Kiyomi Tanaka is the final piece needed to unlock the deadly threat stalking the remaining Valkyries. After years of sacrifice as the ultimate femme fatale, she’s prepared to give up everything to find justice. But suddenly that’s not such an easy choice anymore, because now she has more to lose than she ever thought possible: her freedom, the family she’s always longed for…and the wounded warrior who’s stolen her heart.

Now she’s coming after them.

Marcus Laidlaw survived captivity, torture and certain death because of a Valkyrie. Now his solitary existence has been turned upside down by a team of them determined to hunt down the corrupt government officials who stole their lives. He’ll do whatever he can to protect them, but there’s one Valkyrie he’d do anything for—a brave, beautiful survivor who showed him what it means to live again. And when the unknown threat hovering over them is finally revealed, Marcus will be forced to do the unthinkable to save the woman he loves.

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REVIEW:BEAUTIFUL VENGEANCE is the fifth and final instalment in Kaylea Cross’ contemporary, adult VENGEANCE romantic, suspense series focusing on a group of women once known as the Valkyrie-members of a secret CIA government project. This is thirty-one year old, Valkyrie Kiyomi Tanaka, and former SAS agent Marcus Laidlaw. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion as there is an on going arc throughout. The VENGEANCE series is a spin-off from the author’s HOSTAGE RESCUE TEAM series. You do not have to have read the original series to follow or understand but it is recommended to read DISAVOWED (Hostage Rescue Team #4).

SOME BACKGROUND: Years earlier, an unsanctioned, secret CIA run project ‘stole’, brainwashed and trained a number of orphan girls in an effort to design the perfect killing machine known as the Valkyrie. The project was disbanded but the Valkyrie have since found themselves targeted by someone high in the organization, someone who is willing to kill to protect the secrets they know. Deadly operatives trained to work alone, each a specialist in a different field, the Valkyrie struggle when they find themselves losing their heart and falling in love.

Told from several third person perspectives including Kiyomi and Marcus BEAUTIFUL VENGEANCE is the culmination of five story lines as the Valkyrie hunt for their sisters, in an effort to protect one another from the next kill. Kiyomi Tanaka, trained as the ultimate, beautiful femme fatale, had been tortured and brutalized on her last assignment but with it came the memories of what was and what will never be. Hoping to exact revenge on the man responsible, Kiyomi struggles to trust the women she has learned to call her sisters, when the Architect of the Valkyrie program returns, desperate to bring Kiyomi back into the program, desperate enough to kill anyone in the way.

Meanwhile Kiyomi’s attraction to Marcus Laidlaw continues to grow. Marcus is a former SAS agent and has leant his mansion to the surviving Valkyrie as they remain undercover, in their search for the person trying to take them down. Physically and emotionally damaged from his torture in Syria, Marcus keeps to himself but the heart is hoping for a chance at love, if only Kiyomi is willing to accept Marcus, damage and all.

The relationship between Marcus and Kiyomi is one of immediate attraction but Kiyomi requires months of healing and rehabilitation in the face of being held captive by a vindictive man. Marcus struggles with the guilt of losing too many men on his last mission to the Middle East but in doing so believes is may not be worthy of love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including all of the previous story line couples: Megan Smith and Tyler Bergstrom (Stealing Vengeance #1), Amber Brown and Jesse Cordova (Covert Vengeance #2), Chloe and Heath (Explosive Vengeance #3), retired SF and NSA agent Alex Rycroft; and Valkyrie Trinity Durant and Brody Colebrook, and Eden Foster (Toxic Vengeance #4). The requisite evil has many faces including someone connected to the original Valkyrie program.

BEAUTIFUL VENGEANCE is a story of vengeance and retribution; of obsession and control; of beauty, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing, imaginative and edgy ; the characters are strong-willed and animated; the romance is captivating and encouraging. Kudos to the author for taking her time with the series wrap up, protecting the reader from a rush to the finish. Here’s hoping Kaylea Cross has plans for another spin-off as each member of the Valkyrie begins a new life and a new adventure.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Stealing Vengeance
Covert Vengeance
Explosive Vengeance
Toxic Vengeance

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

COVERT VENGEANCE (Vengeance #2) is currently FREE at the following ebook retailers:

Amazon: amzn.to/2QZX2wY

Amazon. ca: amzn.to/2QZyp39

B&N:bit.ly/39yzk1g

KOBO: bit.ly/3aDJHlM

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Website /Twitter / Facebook /

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The Familiar Dark by Amy Engel – a Review

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The Familiar Dark by Amy Engel – a Review

 

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Description:
A spellbinding story of a mother with nothing left to lose who sets out on an all-consuming quest for justice after her daughter is murdered on the town playground.

Sometimes the answers are worse than the questions. Sometimes it’s better not to know.

Set in the poorest part of the Missouri Ozarks, in a small town with big secrets, The Familiar Dark opens with a murder. Eve Taggert, desperate with grief over losing her daughter, takes it upon herself to find out the truth about what happened. Eve is no stranger to the dark side of life, having been raised by a hard-edged mother whose lessons Eve tried not to pass on to her own daughter. But Eve may need her mother’s cruel brand of strength if she’s going to face the reality about her daughter’s death and about her own true nature. Her quest for justice takes her from the seedy underbelly of town to the quiet woods and, most frighteningly, back to her mother’s trailer for a final lesson.

The Familiar Dark is a story about the bonds of family—women doing the best they can for their daughters in dire circumstances—as well as a story about how even the darkest and most terrifying of places can provide the comfort of home.

 

Review:

The death of her twelve year old daughter, alongside her best friend, catapults Eve down the rabbit hole; forcing her to slink back down to the dregs of her small town, and mingle in a toxic environment she was determined to leave behind. For the sake of her daughter. The Familiar Dark by Amy Engel explores the depths of despair and the comfort you receive from the unexpected. A poignant, gut-wrenching look into the most sacred of relationships.

You can take the girl out of the holler, but you can’t take the holler out of the girl. On a fact finding mission, it was almost too easy to revert to poor choices, leaving Eve to skirt the razor fine line between seeking justice and succumbing to the pull of the inevitable dark. Eve grapples with characters who mislead, who manipulate, who mean to avenge her daughter’s death. It’s a motley crew of family, too: drug-addicted-estranged mom, loyal police officer older brother, grieving parents of the murdered friend, locals who have their finger on the pulse of the underbelly of the Ozarks. Before long, Eve utilizes her long repressed lizard brain to inch closer to the truth. What awaits her is nightmarish and unthinkable. Revenge is hers to dispense, lest she cower from her mother’s savage degree of discipline, “Nobody takes something of yours, not if you’re alive to stop them.”

The death of a child is so incomprehensible, so contrary to the natural order of life, I struggled with the cold, stoic reaction of Eve. Still reeling from the death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, this hit differently. But we all mourn differently. I hate myself for being so judgmental. It’s not that Eve wasn’t howling with grief, she internalized the pain, followed the rage, to justice. I was frustrated by Eve’s lack of outward suffering, but my perception only trivialized her survival. “Outside I was still a functioning human. But inside I was ripped to shreds.”

Despite the heaviness of the subject matter, Amy Engel delivers beautiful prose. Whether you’re wrapped up in Eve’s hopeless impotence or relishing a special memory, Ms. Engel’s words are both sumptuous and inspiring. I had a difficult time processing my feelings at the end. Apologies if my review is rather choppy as a result. I was fury, I I was denial, I was bereft. Prepare to experience your own gamut of emotions. Even if Eve’s choices could never be my own, the grittiest truth is that Motherhood is not for the faint of heart.

Another triumphant offering by Amy Engel.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for Review

 

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