Monthly Archives: May 2020

Harvest of Sighs (Thornchapel #3) by Sierra Simone-Review Tour

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Harvest of Sighs (Thornchapel #3) by Sierra Simone-Review Tour

 

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 5, 2020

The genius and the sunshine girl. As children, we fought bitterly and often, bickering every chance we got.

But then we grew up.
Then we came back.

Delphine Dansey carries her heart on the outside of her body; she’s looking for love and chasing dreams. She’s spoiled and selfish, the kind of beautiful that’s made for money and fame. But somehow she’s ended up in my keeping: a pretty submissive I can’t seem to resist, a lover who obsesses and tempts me.

I thought I’d locked my heart away a long time ago, along with all my other weaknesses. But some doors won’t stay closed, no matter how hard I fight to keep them shut. She unravels me, just like our friends are unraveling, just like Thornchapel itself is unraveling.

All year long, we’ve been sowing lust and jealousy and pain, heedless of the consequences. But a harvest is inevitable, and so now we must reap our sorrows.

And our sighs.

••••••••

REVIEW:…sigh…book three in the Thornchapel Series is here and Delphine and Rebecca are back, and front and center in this kick in the pants. First and most importantly, I do STRONGLY recommend you read the first two books before starting this. While you can read this as a standalone, I feel you will get much more out of the characters and the story line if they are read in order.

Now back to the good stuff. There is so much to this book and to the series, but of course with the cliffhanger in the last book we were all waiting with baited breath to see what would unfold. Well fellow readers, I can say without spoilers, that this one is going to entice you just as much as the previous two books.

While Delphine and Rebecca are strong characters in this book, we also get so much more of the background, plot and history that comes with the series, as well as the others we have come to know in the series. Becket, Sebastian and Proseprina are all key in this as well. In Harvest Sigh, you experience the most emotional journey of the three books, the anger, the fear and the curiosity of what comes next. It’s intense to say the least, I was on the edge of my kindle for most of this book.

Harvest Sigh delves into Delphine and Rebecca’s Dom and Sub relationship. These two women are a strangely perfect pair. We receive a look into Rebecca’s past and how she became a Domme as well as a look into what makes Delphine tick.

Towards the end of the book, we learn new things and Thornchapel is starting to crumble. The past is slowly coming to light, and the six friends are tested in ways they never knew. So much happens in this series and spoilers are so easy to ruin the best parts. For those readers who love a good mystery, suspense and passionate relationships, this is one for you.

One more left in the series and then it’s finished…how am I going to go on!

Reading Order and previous reviews
A Lesson in Thorns
A Feast of Sparks

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah L

 

Connect with Sierra: Website /Goodreads /Tumblr /Instagram /Facebook /

Sierra is a voracious reader of all things including the smuttiest smut, young adult, piles of non-fiction for research, and everything Bill Bryson (especially on audio).

She loves writing the dirtiest things that she can think of, King Arthur, sparkling water, Tarot, coffee, leggings, and learning new words daily.

Her previous jobs have included firing ceramics, teaching living history lessons in one-room school house in full, 1908-approved school marm attire, and working as a librarian for several years—not in that order

She lives in the Kansas City area with her hot cop husband, two children, and two giant dogs. (And two cats, but they’re so naughty we don’t talk about them.)

The social media she cares about the most are Spotify and Instagram. Following her in those places is a true love language, indeed.

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Butterfly Bayou by Lexi Blake-Review & Excerpt tour

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Butterfly Bayou (Butterfly Bayou #1) by Lexi Blake-Review & Excerpt tour

 

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 5, 2020

Life in Dallas took a tragic turn for nurse practitioner Lila Daley. In need of a fresh start, she retreats to Papillon, Louisiana, a tiny town on the bayou. Sure she’s greeted by a gator, finds herself in the middle of golf cart wars, and unwittingly adopts a scruffy dog, but Lila remains undaunted. She’s focused on running the town’s medical clinic, but fitting into the quirky community is harder than she imagined.

As a single dad, Sheriff Armie LaVigne embraces routine. But there is nothing routine about the town’s newest resident. Lila is a gorgeous fish out of water and he’s ready to catch her. In fact, in no time at all, Armie knows Lila is the woman for him and he plans to win her heart. But when the past threatens their happiness, Armie will have to decide if he has the courage to trust Lila enough to find a true happily ever after.

•••••••••

REVIEW: BUTTERFLY BAYOU is the first instalment in the contemporary, adult BUTTERFLY BAYOU erotic, romance series focusing on the people who live and work in Papillon Bayou Louisiana. This is forty year old, single father and Sheriff Armie La Vigne, and practical nurse Lila Daley.

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

Told from dual third person perspectives (Armie and Lila) BUTTERFLY BAYOU follows three distinct paths: the building relationship between forty year old, single father and Sheriff Armie La Vigne, and practical nurse Lila Daley; a couple of cases of domestic abuse that place Lila in the direct line of fire; and the relationship between Lila, Armie and Armie’s sixteen year old daughter Noelle, a young woman confined to a wheelchair since the accident that claimed the life of her mother.

Eight months earlier Lila Daley’s life imploded when a gunman killed her co-worker taking Lila hostage in the process. Fast forward to present day wherein our heroine, struggling to move on from the past accepts a position as a practical nurse, moving from Dallas Texas to Papillon Bayou, Louisiana, a town that is unwilling to accept Lila as one of their own. Having to deal with the small-town mentality and discrimination that comes with the inability to change, Lila finds herself on the outside looking in when Papillon Bayou, Louisiana refuses to accept Lila into their arms. Enter Sheriff Armie LaVigne, the man with whom Lila will fall in love. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Lila and Armie, and the potential fall-out when Lila finds herself on the receiving end of death threats, anger and Armie’s inability to accept Lila’s methods and means of tough love towards his only daughter.

Lila Daley is a strong, independent, intelligent, practical nurse with attitude to spare; who gives as good as she gets, and who isn’t afraid to speak her mind but speaking her mind in Papillon Bayou, Louisiana means alienating the townies who struggle to accept Lila as their new primary care personnel. Used to the ways of the old doctor, the residents of Papillon Bayou begin to make Lila’s life miserable until an accident threatens the life of one of their own. Armie LaVigne is a single father who cares for his daughter, a young woman whose carefree attitude hides a darker fear but it is Armie’s personal battle with Lila’s stance that threatens his relationship with our story line heroine.

The relationship between Lila and Armie begins when Armie pulls over Lila Daley in an effort to get to know Papillon’s newest resident but everything backfires when Lila’s ego, demeanor, mindset and temperament continues to annoy the townsfolk, including the man with whom she will fall in love. Lila believes she is better than the people of Papillon Bayou, and it’s this philosophy and perspective that begins to push away any future relationships. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Armie’s daughter Noelle, Lila’s sister Lisa Guidry and her husband Remy, her brother Will and his wife Laurel, nurse Mabel; townies Rene Daron, Zep Guidry, Quaid Havery; town deputies Major and Roxie; real-estate agent Miranda Jossart; Carrie Petrie, her husband Bobby, his brother Donny , and their mother Lorna, as well as several other town folks who push in and out of our heroine’s life.

BUTTERFLY BAYOU is a story of family, friendships, acceptance and love; of struggle and betrayal; vengeance and drama. The premise is edgy and intense; the characters are spirited, sassy, judgemental and snobs; the romance is seductive and moving but struggles in the face of preconceived notions, issues of trust, misunderstanding, and spurious reactions to events and outcomes. BUTTERFLY BAYOU is a wonderful introduction to the people and town of Papillon Bayou, Louisiana but you have to set aside first, second and third impressions about our leading characters.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

What was the speed limit? It had been seventy earlier. He was pulling her over for going five miles over the limit?
With a long sigh, Lila maneuvered to the side of the road and put the car in park. Surely she could talk her way out of this. Small-town cops liked to ticket out-of-towners, and her car still had Texas plates. She would explain that she was a new resident and he could go back to his donut eating and preying on tourists.
She glanced in her side mirror. He was taking his time. Probably thought he could intimidate her. Well, he was in for a surprise. She’d worked with cops all her life. She could absolutely handle some paunchy small-town deputy who likely had taken the job because there wasn’t anything better to do.
The door to his SUV opened and then she was staring for a different reason.
A large man with intensely broad shoulders stepped out of the vehicle. He reached back in and brought out a hat that he settled on ridiculously dark hair that had more curl to it than she’d seen on a cop. DPD tended to keep it high and tight, but this man might be able to pull his back in a ponytail. No. That wasn’t the word. A queue. Despite the long hair, there was absolutely nothing feminine about the man walking her way. Swaggering.
He was probably six foot four, and if there was an ounce of paunch on that man, she couldn’t see it.
He was the man from Lisa’s wedding, the one who had slid her that sensual smile.
She shook her head and forced herself to focus. He wasn’t her type. She liked academic types. Nice men who were nonthreatening.
Boring. That’s the word you’re looking for. Boring and easily controlled so you can pretend that they can’t hurt you. How’d that work out for us?
A hard tap on her driver’s-side window brought her out of her inner monologue and she lowered the window. He wore mirrored aviators that covered his eyes. His jawline was sharp as a razor and there was a hint of sexy scruff coming in across his face.
Lord, the man was hot.
“License and registration, please.” His tone, however, was cold as ice.
It was the chill in his voice that allowed her to find her footing again. The man in front of her probably had twenty women dangling on his string, and a wife and kids at home, too. No man that hot didn’t. She could handle him. “Would you like to explain why you’ve pulled me over, Officer?”
He stepped back and for a moment she could have sworn he was surprised, but then she was sure almost no one would question this man’s authority. He recovered quickly, his hands going to those lean hips of his. “You were speeding. The speed limit on this part of the highway is forty-five. I clocked you going thirty miles over the speed limit. License and registration.”
“The speed limit went from seventy to forty-five? Are you kidding me?”
His lips curled up in a slightly crooked, wholly devastating smile. “That’s what speed limits do, ma’am. They go up. They go down. You look familiar. Have you been through town before?”
She wasn’t falling for his charm. Maybe invoking her brother-in-law’s name would work some magic on him. “I’m Lila Daley. Remy Guidry is my brother-in-law.”
That smile went flat, his whole body going back into cop mode. “The last time someone came into town looking for Remy, I got shot. You planning on shooting up the town?”
She winced inwardly. She remembered Lisa saying something about an incident that had led to a police officer being shot in the line of duty. “Sorry about that. No. I’m taking over the clinic in town. I’m your friendly neighborhood nurse practitioner. Next time you get shot, I will totally sew you up.”
He stared at her and she wished she could see his eyes. “You’re taking over for Doc Hamet?”
How to explain? “Sort of. I’m going to run the clinic, but he kind of supervises.” A handful of states let nurse practitioners handle their own practices, but Louisiana wasn’t one of them. Neither was Texas. She would have an enormous amount of freedom, but it would be in conjunction with the doctor who had served the parish for over forty years.
She intended to learn a lot from him.
“So you’re his new nurse,” the cop said. “I didn’t know he’d fired the old one.”
“No. I’m a nurse practitioner. I’m like a general practitioner, but I can’t prescribe certain controlled substances. I can perform some surgeries. I spent over a decade working as a trauma RN before I finished getting my NP. I assure you I can handle the parish’s medical needs.”
“I don’t think you understand the parish, but I’m willing to help out. You have to be better than the doc we have now. You have to catch the man early or not at all, if you know what I mean.”
She gave him what she hoped was a friendly smile. “All right, then. Sorry about the misunderstanding. I’ll be on my way. I was hoping to get everything in the new house before it gets dark.”
“License and registration.”
She gritted her teeth and reached for her purse. “The only reason I sped up was to get away from that freaking alligator.” A thought occurred to her as she opened the Chanel wallet her brother had given her for Christmas. “Did you put that alligator out there as part of your speed trap?”
The sunglasses came off and she was staring into the bluest eyes she’d ever seen. Well, she’d seen them before, but not up close. They were even more devastating up close. “Did you accuse me of colluding with a reptile?”
“Yes.”
His laughter seemed to fill her whole world. When that man lit up so did the sky around him. He doubled over, his laughter infectious. When he finally took a breath there was a chuckle in his words. “Oh, that is absolutely the best joke I’ve heard all day. Your sister never mentioned your sense of humor.”
Probably because Lisa didn’t think she had one. “Well, I’m known for my quick wit.”
He stared at her for a moment and she could feel the connection. It was like an invisible tether drawing her to him. She’d been right to run the first time she’d seen him. Something deep inside had told her she wasn’t capable of handling this man.
Didn’t want to handle a man like him, she mentally corrected.
Oh, you had it right the first time. That man wouldn’t let you be in charge all the time. He would challenge you.
Bully her was more like it. A man that gorgeous was used to getting his way.
But if it meant she would get out of this ticket, she could flirt a little.
He shook his head and sighed. “Unfortunately, you’re also known for your lead foot. License and registration.”
She bit back a growl because her first day in the new town wasn’t going the way she’d hoped. 

 

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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WRONG TURN (RoadTripping #2) by Samantha Chase-Review tour

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WRONG TURN (RoadTripping #2) by Samantha Chase-Review tour

 

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 5, 2020

Chelsea Cooper thinks her best friend’s fiancé is the world’s biggest jerk.

She’s never really been one to make waves, but when it comes to that guy, Chelsea’s willing to make an exception. There’s just no way she can let her best friend make the biggest mistake of her life by marrying him. She’ll do anything to stop the wedding, even if it means teaming up with the one person who’s an even bigger jerk—the groom-to-be’s best friend.

Drew Russo thinks his best friend’s fiancée’s best friend is the prickliest woman alive.

Everything about Chelsea aggravates him. She’s too structured, too uptight, and too opinionated—especially when it comes to her thoughts on his best friend. When he’s tasked with keeping her away from their best friends’ secret wedding, Drew knows he’s in for one hell of a challenge. Never mind the days he’ll have to spend trapped in a car with the world’s most annoying woman.

The plan is simple enough—keep Chelsea from interfering with the wedding. But between distractions, delays and detours, they discover they aren’t the enemies they thought they were. And sometimes a wrong turn can lead you in the right direction.

Warning—This sweet, sexy, and laugh out loud funny romance is filled with all the most ridiculous road trip stories you can imagine and will make you realize sometimes being wrong can be a lot more fun than being right.

••••••••••

REVIEW: WRONG TURN is the second instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult ROADTRIPPING romance series. This is thirty year old, software specialist Drew Russo, and twenty-nine year old, physio therapist / voice narrator Chelsea Coopers story line. WRONG TURN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Drew and Chelsea) WRONG TURN follows the enemies to lovers relationship between thirty year old, software specialist Drew Russo, and twenty-nine year old, physio therapist / voice narrator Chelsea Cooper. For close to a year Chelsea Cooper has struggled to accept her best friend Bianca’s relationship with Jimmy, a relationship that was about to become more serious. Friday night get togethers meant spending time with Jimmy’s best friend Drew Russo, a man who pushed all of our heroine’s buttons but when Bianca and Jimmy left town for a secret destination wedding, Chelsea made it her mission to stop the wedding at all cost. Enter Drew Russo, Jimmy’s best friend, and the man with whom Chelsea will fall in love. What ensues is a cross country journey between Drew and Chelsea, and the potential fall-out as Chelsea comes to the realization that she is better off alone than with friends who continually push her down.

Chelsea Cooper battles between head and heart as it pertains to her best friend Bianca, a self-centred, self-righteous “Malibu Barbie” type who never considers the feelings of anyone else but it has taken Bianca most of her life to realize she has enabled her friend in all the wrong ways, adding to the toxicity of their struggling relationship. Hoping to stop Bianca from crashing the wedding, Drew makes all the wrong turns in their cross country trek, but finds himself falling in love, along the way.

The relationship between Chelsea and Drew is an enemies to lovers wherein our couple will discover their hatred for one another was fueled by the very friends tearing them down. Chelsea and Drew will have several heart to heart talks that will reveal the truth about what has happened, and probably why. The back and forth banter is witty and fun. The $ex scenes are all implied and fade to black.

We are introduced to Chelsea’s best friend Bianca, and Drew’s best friend Jimmy, as well as Bianca and Chelsea’s friends Kendall and Shauna.

WRONG TURN focuses on the toxic relationship of life long friends, and the fall-out when one friend has finally had enough. The maturity level of many of the characters is questionable-their behavior and emotional out-bursts are adolescent and frustrating-I wanted to give everyone a time out. The premise is, at times, heart breaking; the character’s attitudes are discouraging but saying that, Samantha Chase wrote a story that will resonate with many readers who have quite possibly experienced something similar in their own lives.

The author has also added a bit of an “Easter Egg” from Drive Me Crazy.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one DRIVE ME CRAZY.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

 

Why have I never kissed this man before?!
Forget the ice cream or cupcake being orgasmic, kissing Drew was quickly approaching that status. His lips were both soft and firm at the same time–if that was even possible–and his tongue was…well, it certainly knew what it was doing, too.
Moving in closer, Chelsea’s hands slowly moved up his muscular arms before gently scraping around his nape and up into his thick, dark hair. He smelled good, he felt good, and he kissed like…like nothing she’d ever experienced before.
Oh, God…what if it isn’t that Drew is so good as…I’m just bad at this?
As if reading her mind, his lips left hers. She felt his warm breath against her cheek. “I can hear you thinking from here. If you want to stop…”
She never let him finish. Just as Drew’s hand dropped from her cheeks, she reached up to cup his. “Don’t stop,” she whispered before pulling him back in for another kiss. It was hotter and wetter, and more sensual than the first.
Within minutes, he had pulled her into his lap. Her hands raked through his hair while his were rubbing a hypnotic pattern up and down her back with the occasional butt squeeze. His hands were magnificent and she wanted to feel them on her skin and not just over her robe.
Without breaking the kiss, she untied the belt at her waist and pushed the garment from her shoulders. Drew’s hands immediately went to her bare legs and then around to grab her ass. She moaned into his mouth before he pulled back to look at her.
And that’s when she remembered what she had on underneath.
Oh, no…
“Is that…”
Chelsea tried to close the distance between them and kiss him again, but he wasn’t to be deterred. Wanting to die of embarrassment, she sighed. Leaning back, she let him get a good look at the hot pink nightshirt she was wearing.
With a giant cartoon chicken wearing a bikini and sunglasses that said, “Hot Chick.”
Kill me now.
He looked up at her and then down at her shirt before he laughed softly. “Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever…”
“You know what,” she quickly interrupted, doing her best to climb off his lap with as much dignity as she could muster. “No one was supposed to see this. I was supposed to be alone in my own room and…”
She never got to finish. Drew hauled her back into his lap, his large hands on her hips, securing her to him.
“I think it’s freaking adorable,” he said, his voice low and seductive–like he wasn’t referring to a chicken wearing a bikini. His gaze was hot and sexy. “I think you’re pretty freaking adorable too.”
“Really? Just adorable?”
Oh, God…why would I ask that?
“Actually, I think you’re pretty damn hot, Chelsea, and I’d be lying if said I didn’t want to see what you’ve got on under this shirt.”
Maybe it was the wine, maybe it was the ice cream. All she knew was that her mind had drifted in a very dirty direction and she was powerless to try to change it. Feeling bolder than she ever had in her life, she crossed her arms in front of her and tugged the nightshirt up and over her head.
She saw Drew swallow hard as his eyes seemed to devour her. Her skin was both chilled and heated at the same time. Her nipples tightened and she felt more exposed than she ever had with a man.
“I love how the panties match the shirt,” he said, one hand toying with the waistband. Right now, she wished she was wearing something sexier than hot pink cotton, but he didn’t seem to mind.
“Drew…”
Looking up, his eyes met hers even as his fingers continued to tease her.
“Is this weird?” she said quietly. “I mean, earlier today we were fighting and making each other crazy.”
The hand that wasn’t tormenting her reached up and caressed her cheek. “I think we’re still making each other crazy, just in a much more pleasurable way.”

 

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New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

 

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

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TREY (A Lair Novel) by A.M. Madden-Review & Giveaway Tour

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TREY (A Lair Novel) by A.M. Madden-Review & Giveaway Tour

 

 

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

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??Add to Goodreads ➡️ http://bit.ly/Trey_AMMadden_GR

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 4, 2020

They say time heals all wounds. And maybe they’re right. But what about wounds no one sees? The kind that open again and again? The kind that have you feeling like you swallowed glass?

Those are the wounds I carry. Years of heartbreak have created layer after layer of scar tissue over my whimpering heart.
Everywhere I go, I play the part of rock star, shameless with my cocky attitude and salacious smirks. I deserve an award for how well I can fake being happy.

But then everything changes in my life—again.
Turns out they were right.

After all I’ve been through, I discover my heart can mend itself after all.
Even in the wake of tragedy, the tiny fragments of my heart are fusing back together.

What’s the magic elixir? In my case it turns out to be a stunning beauty with bouncy, caramel waves, a smile that has me forgetting my name, and crystal-blue eyes just like mine.

•••••

REVIEW:TREY by A.M. Madden is a contemporary, adult LAIR erotic, rock, romance story line –a spin off from the author’s The Back-Up series. This is Devil’s Lair member and musician Trey Taylor, and graphic designer Camilla Deron’s story line. You do not have to have read the previous series to follow but for cohesion and back story, I recommend reading Backstage and Backstage Pass, from the original series where Trey’s heart breaking story begins.

NOTE: If you have not read the original Back Up series, there may be some spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Trey and Camilla) TREY follows the building romance and relationship between Devil’s Lair member and musician Trey Taylor, and graphic designer Camilla Deron. Approximately seven years earlier Trey had a one night with Camilla Deron, and walked away without looking back. Fast forward to present day, wherein, a different and recovering Trey Taylor comes face to face with a woman he barely remembers, but a woman who reveals a secret she has kept close to her heart. Without missing a beat, Trey pushes his way into Camilla’s life, in a effort to become part of a family for which he had always hoped. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Trey and Camilla, and the potential fall-out as Trey’s lifestyle and fame begin to overwhelm and threaten our story line heroine.

Trey Taylor has suffered more than anyone could have imagined. Believing he is not worthy of love, and everyone he loves, in the end, will run or be destroyed, Trey struggles with his growing affection and attraction to Camilla. Camilla Deron has been on her own for many years, and refuses to trust Trey with her heart or her love. Hoping to take things slow, Camilla is pulled head first into Trey’s life including the acceptance of his Devil’s Lair family.

The relationship between Trey and Camilla is one of second chances, of a sort. Trey is desperate to be part of Camilla’s life but Camilla has issues of trust after witnessing (on-line and in the papers) the breakdown and fall-out of the man with whom she will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the members of the rock group Devil’s Lair: Jack and Leila Lair, and their children: drummer Hunter Amatto, guitarist Scott Malone, Scott, Cannon Davis , Lori Banzini, and Laila’s brother Evan, as well as Camilla’s best friend Debbie and her husband Carson, and little Alivia.

TREY is a story of recovery and second chances; of family, secrets, tragedy revelations and love. The premise is emotional and revealing; the seductive romance is slow to build; the characters are energetic and colorful. TREY is a welcome addition to the Devil’s Lair family.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

USA Today BESTSELLING ROMANCE AUTHOR

A.M. Madden’s romance debut is The Back-Up Series, consisting of Back-Up, Front & Center, and Encore.

A.M. Madden is a wife, a mother, an avid reader of romance novels and now an author. In Back-up she aspired to create a fun, sexy, realistic romantic story. She wanted to create characters that the reader could relate to and feel as if they knew personally.

A self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, she loves getting lost in a good book. She uses every free moment of her time writing, while raising teenage boys.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the author.

 

??For a chance to win seven signed paperbacks (winner choice) and some surprise swag, enter here: https://bit.ly/3bWo4xu

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Stages of the Heart by Jo Goodman – a Review

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Stages of the Heart by Jo Goodman – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple/ BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
Experience has taught Laurel to be suspicious of the men who pass through Morrison Station. She’s been running the lucrative operation that connects Colorado’s small frontier town of Falls Hollow with the stagecoach line since she inherited it from her father, and she’s not about to let some wandering cowboy take over the reins. But newcomer McCall Landry isn’t just any gunslinger. He seems to genuinely care for Laurel, and with his rugged good looks and mysterious past, he could be the one man to finally tempt her off track…

Call Landry doesn’t expect much from Falls Hollow. He doesn’t expect much from anything anymore. But Laurel Morrison took him by surprise when she put in a good word for him, a virtual stranger, after the stagecoach was robbed–and she keeps taking him by surprise. Charmed by her clever wit and fierce loyalty, Call finds himself falling hard. Now all he has to do is convince her he means to stay–in her bed, in her life, and in her heart.

 

 

Review:

Stages of the Heart by Jo Goodman is a western standalone novel that takes place in the Colorado frontier.  This is a western historical romance that I really enjoyed, especially with the couple being so likable, as well as Goodman always writes wonderful stories.

We meet our heroine, Laurel Morrison, who runs a stagecoach line (Morrison Station) that connects through Falls Hollow.  Laurel inherited this from her father, and both of her brothers were killed, leaving her alone to run the station.  She has a very good group of people who help her, and she is determined to make sure she wins the contract for the future railroad tracks coming their way. 

Call Landry, our hero, makes an overnight stop at the station, when a robbery is discovered, he agrees to help the driver to the next stop..  Call accepts a job from the head of the stagecoach to go back to Falls Hollow and investigate who stole the money.  Call is happy to go back, as he couldn’t help but be very attracted to Laurel.  In a short time, they will begin to work together to try and discover who was behind the robbery; along the way, they will both succumb to the fantastic chemistry between them.  I loved Call and Laurel together, and got a kick out of the bantering between them.  Will Call stay in Falls Hollow and Laurel?  Will Laurel allow herself to trust her feelings for Call, and his feelings for her?

What follows is a sweet romance between Call, who had quickly fallen hard for Laurel, with him having to convince her that he was serious about his feelings for her and that he wanted to stay.  Will Lauren believe him?  They were so great together, as the romance was fun, humorous and their chemistry was sensual.    The mystery of finding the robber, escalates after finding the body of the suspected robber.  There were a number of suspects, which created the danger and tension.   To say too much more would be spoilers, but I loved this wonderful couple, as well as some great secondary characters.  Jo Goodman did an excellent job in creating a wonderful couple in Call and Laurel, and a story which had a lot of humorous banter, tragedy and an enjoyable romance.  If you enjoy romance, a western and historical background, with a fun sexy couple, then you should read Stages of the Heart.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

Laurel drew her braid forward over her shoulder and fingered it. Up and down. Up and down. Working up to asking the question that had been uppermost in her mind. He seemed to know it, too, because he let her sit there in silence and didn’t feel a need to fill it. “Why are you doing this?” she finally asked. “Why did you accept the job?”
“There are a few different answers to that, all of them true, some of them truer than others. Are you sure you want to know?”
“I asked,” she said. “Yes, I want to know. I want to know the truest answer.”
“All right, but don’t make me sorry I told you. Don’t suddenly get up like you forgot something you have to do and disappear on me.”
“I don’t run.”
“Mm. Let’s see. Here it is: I took Mr. Stonechurch up on his offer because it was an opportunity to see you again.” Call waited to see if she would say something. She didn’t. She didn’t move either. She was so still that she might have been stone. “Are you breathing? Doesn’t seem as if you’re breathing.”
“Yes, I’m breathing.” In fact, her breath had caught for a moment and the next breath she captured was shallow. There was no reason to tell him that. “You must think a lot of yourself if you believe I’d be so flattered that I’d cease to breathe.”
Call shrugged. “I’ve seen it happen.”
“You’re either a liar or a braggart. Neither quality recommends your character.”
He chuckled low in his throat. “True. What about your heart? Did it skip a beat?”
Laurel smirked. “Uh-huh. Tripped right over itself.”
“You’re mocking me, aren’t you? I hear mocking.”
“I’m smirking, too.”
“Can’t see that. Not sure smirking is an attractive expression for you.”
“That’s unfortunate. I do it a lot.”
“Doesn’t put me off, though. I’m still glad I took the job.”
“That’s ridiculous, you know.”
“So you say. I’m satisfied.”
Laurel simply shook her head. “What are the other slightly less true reasons you took the job?”
“So we’re moving on, are we?”
“Yes.” She was firm on that.
“Well, you know I was looking for a job with Stonechurch Mining when this came along. I needed money, and I figured a job was a better way of getting it than thievery. Maybe I can rise a little in your estimation by telling you that stealing never occurred to me.” He waited to see if she would comment. She didn’t so he went on. “I didn’t have enough capital to buy into a poker game. Didn’t want to start riding shotgun again if I could avoid it. And I figured my prospects were limited for what the army trained me to do.”
Laurel peered through the darkness, trying to make out his features and gauge the truth of what he was telling her. “And what was that?”
“Kill.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah,” he said flatly. “You probably don’t want to know if I was any good at it.”
“No, Mr. Landry, I don’t. Your presence is testament enough to your talent for it.”
“Call,” he said.
“What?”
“My name. You keep calling me Mr. Landry, I’m going to stop answering to it.”
“I’ll think about it. Maybe I won’t say your name at all.”
“That’d be better than the other.”
“I’m not sure I understand your objection.”
He shrugged. “Isn’t it enough that I have one?”
Laurel considered that. “All right,” she said at last.
“Thank you.”

 

 

 

 

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The Kingdom of Liars by Nick Martell – a Review

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The Kingdom of Liars by Nick Martell – a Review

 

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Description:
Michael is branded a traitor as a child because of the murder of the king’s nine-year-old son, by his father David Kingman. Ten years later on Michael lives a hardscrabble life, with his sister Gwen, performing crimes with his friends against minor royals in a weak attempt at striking back at the world that rejects him and his family.

In a world where memory is the coin that pays for magic, Michael knows something is there in the hot white emptiness of his mind. So when the opportunity arrives to get folded back into court, via the most politically dangerous member of the kingdom’s royal council, Michael takes it, desperate to find a way back to his past. He discovers a royal family that is spiraling into a self-serving dictatorship as gun-wielding rebels clash against magically trained militia.

What the truth holds is a set of shocking revelations that will completely change the Hollows, if Michael and his friends and family can survive long enough to see it.

 

 

Review:

The Kingdom of Liars by Nick Martell is the first book in his new fantasy series, The Legacy of the Mercenary King.  I had some mixed feelings about this book, but since this is Martell’s debut novel, and considering this is an epic fantasy, it was a well written story.

Michael Kingman is our hero in this series, though in the first half of the book, he wasn’t a good hero, being somewhat unlikeable.  Michael, whose father murdered the King’s son 10 years earlier, has lived with his family branded as traitors.  Michael works with friends to con royals to make ends meet.  Michael is determined to prove that his father was innocent and framed; he pushes his way into situations that endanger himself and his friends. The story did begin with Michael on trial for supposedly killing the King, and it then switches to the past, detailing how Michael ended up being accused of murder.

In order to get closer to the royal family, he helps a Fabricator, who is looking for evidence and in doing so becomes more visible, especially to the Corrupt Prince, who wants nothing better than to have Michael killed.  In any first book of a fantasy, I recognize the author trying to give us a lot of information of the worldbuilding.  My mixed feelings were more that the first half was a bit slow, the hero wasn’t overly likable, the secondary characters were ok, and the storyline was somewhat confusing with each chapter.  I wasn’t sure I would continue.  However, I am glad I did, as the last half of the book picked up, with a bit more clarity, and excitement and the hero becoming more focused.

We learn more later in the book about Fabricators and their magic, as well as Mercenaries.   I also did like Michael’s sister, Gwen, who was a heroine in her own right; and Naomi was another interesting character.  This is a difficult review to write, as so much is going on from the start to finish that is hard to put in writing without being spoilers. 

The Kingdom of Liars was an interesting fantasy, that became exciting and intriguing in the last half of the book.   The finale was a surprise, and did have me pushing to find out the end. Being fantasy, Nick Martell wrote a good story, especially being his debut novel, which I expect to see some improvements in the next book. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Shadow Flight (Shadow Riders #5) by Christine Feehan-dual review

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Shadow Flight (Shadow Riders #5) by Christine Feehan-dual review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 5,2020

Nicoletta Gomez was a terrified teenager when Taviano Ferraro and his brother saved her life. Ever since, she’s been trying to rise above what was done to her, molding herself into a survivor under the protective eyes of the Ferraro family. All the while, she’s been falling hopelessly in love with the man who knows her darkest secrets.…

With one look, Taviano knew that Nicoletta was his, just as he felt their shadows connect. But no matter how much he wanted to claim her, he knew she needed time to become her own woman. When Nicoletta once again finds herself in the sights of dangerous men, a split-second decision has Taviano breaking all of the Ferraro family’s rules to keep her safe. And as far as he’s concerned, the reward is more than worth the risk.

•••••••••

Sandy’s Review

SHADOW FLIGHT is the fifth instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult. SHADOW RIDERS erotic, paranormal romance series focusing on the Ferraro family. This is Taviano Ferraro and Nicoletta Gomez’ story line. SHADOW FLIGHT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Shadow Rider male must find his mate –a woman who is capable of riding the shadows-or at the very least with the ability to bear children with the shadow-riding gene. Within the family, the Ferraro siblings are tasked with finding a mate, fated by DNA, who is capable of continuing the family line. People with the ability to ride the shadows are few and far between, and future generations are at risk if no mates are found with the shadow-riding gene. The Ferraro’s are also part of the Chicago Underworld-a crime family linked to both legal and criminal activity.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers. Nicoletta was first introduced to the readers in book one Shadow Rider.

Told from several third person perspectives including Tatiana and Nicoletta, and Ricco and Mariko (Shadow Reaper #2) SHADOW FLIGHT focuses on the building relationship between soon to be twenty-one year old Nicoletta Gomez and Taviano Ferraro. Years earlier, following the death of her parents, Nicoletta found herself in the custody of her step-uncles, who ritually raped and abused our heroine. At the age of eighteen, Nicoletta was rescued by the Ferraro family, and placed in the hands of a loving foster family, where she began to act out against the people in charge. Fast forward to present day wherein, a now almost twenty-one year old Nicoletta, once again, finds herself struggling to survive when her past, in the guise of Benito Valdez, the leader of the gang who call themselves the Demons, specializing in human sexual trafficking, sets a plan into motion to reclaim our heroine, as his personal $ex toy. What ensues is the quick building relationship and romance between Nicoletta and Taviano, and the potential fall-out as the Demons come searching for Nicoletta Gomez, and Taviano’s actions and claiming of Nicoletta are called into question by the family leadership.

Taviano Ferrera has known Nicoletta Gomez to be his mate from the moment of her rescue by the Ferraro family, three years earlier. With their shadows entwined, and continually tightening with each encounter, Taviano knew it was only a matter of time before he claimed Nicoletta as his own but trying to outrun Benito’s men found Taviano pulling Nicoletta into the shadow world, a world she knew very little about, but had begun to experience a few times on her own. Using the shadows to travel causes immense pain and anguish for those not ready and untrained in the world, and for this reason, Taviano is called to task for exposing Nicoletta to potential harm, and revealing the truth about the world in which they lived.

Meanwhile, matriarch Eloisa Ferraro continues to cause problems for the Ferraro family with her ongoing hatred of her sons’ mates. The vitriol and anger directed at the females, who will produce the much needed heirs to the world of the shadows, is called into question as Eloisa struggles with her sons’ choices, and the loss of her power as the Queen of the Chicago Underworld. Secrets will be revealed that will affect everyone involved.

The relationship between Taviano and Nicoletta began as a rescue but Taviano quickly discovered that Nicoletta was a shadow rider when their shadows entwined. Refusing to claim his underage mate, Taviano watched from the sidelines as Nicoletta acted out, all the while, continuing to protect the woman with whom he would fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

If you are a fan of Christine Feehan, you will notice the many similarities between Taviano and Nicoletta, and Dimitri and Skylar (Dark/Carpathian). Both females had been raped and abused; the heroes bide their time before claiming their under-aged mates; and their treatment of their mate is gentle and loving.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including all of the Ferraro siblings, their mates, their mother Eloisa Ferraro, numerous cousins from all over the world, as well as Nicoletta’s foster parents Lucia and Amo. The shear number of members of the Demons is overwhelming- naming every member about to face his death was unnecessary and time consuming.

I did have a couple of other issues including the authors need to reveal Taviano’s continuing relationship with other women knowing Nicoletta was his mate-apparently just knowing someone is your mate does not guarantee monogamy or faithfulness in the world of the Shadow Riders ;and Ricco and Mariko’s need to perform Shibari sexual rope play, on the roof of a diner, immediately before and after killing several members of the Demons gang-although the author explains the overwhelming sexual need and excitement over the kill, but on the roof of a dirty diner, in the middle of a killing field, is questionable on so many levels but I suspect added to the story for the titillation factor 😉

SHADOW FLIGHT is a story of family and blood, obsession and determination; retribution, murder and revenge. The slow building premise will captivate your attention; the characters are numerous, colorful and energetic; the romance is seductive and impassioned. If you are a fan of Christine Feehan, sit back and enjoy the world of the Shadow Rider.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Shadow Rider
Shadow Reaper
Shadow Keeper
Shadow Warrior

_________

Barb’s Review
Shadow Flight by Christine Feehan is the 5th book in her fantastic Shadow Riders series.  I love this series, as each and every book has been great.  With that being said, Shadow Flight may be the best one yet, though I loved Stefano and Francesca in the first book.  Refresher:   Shadow riders have the ability to blend themselves to the shadows wherever they are, making themselves invisible to anyone.  They have been in existence for centuries, with all members of their families trained to use those abilities.  The family runs a legitimate business; they use their ability to help others in need to solve various problems and dispense justice.  They are an extremely powerful and close-knit family that is totally loyal to one another, also protecting the people that in live in their community.

Taviano, our hero in this story, has always privately loved Nicoletta since he helped rescue you her from an evil gang leader, who ran a sex trafficking ring.   Nicoletta, our heroine, thinks Taviano is wonderful, but has no idea that he loves her.   When he offers the Ferraro plane to take Nicoletta and her three friends to a concert, things will drastically change, when at the concert, she is recognized by a gang member, and her three friends are kidnapped, as she manages to escape and get to Taviano.  Nicoletta remembers vividly her time in captivity and the abuse she had to endure; she desperately convinces Taviano they need to save her friends.   In doing so, Taviano needs to take her through the shadows to help save her friends, which is considered a no-no, as being a shadow rider is a Ferraro secret; after the rescue, he decides to go to Las Vegas and marry Nicoletta, in order to be able to keep his being a shadow rider.   Nicoletta was shocked at first, but she knew that she had some ability to travel through shadows from her family growing up; she also loved Taviano, but worried that he didn’t love her.  In a short time, she would learn how wrong she was.  

The story does revolve around Nicoletta’s past, her sexual abuse, and her determination to be a strong shadow rider. Taviano was a great hero, his love of Nicoletta was wonderful, and he was so patient and understanding with her.  Nicoletta was also a great heroine, who as the story continued, she was even more so as she stood up to the nasty matriarch, Eloise.  I loved them together, and Christine handled the sex scenes very well.  We got to spend time with some of the other cousins, who are part of the Ferraro family, and I am hoping Emme’s story comes soon.  It really was awesome to see everyone take part of fighting the gang members, who are trying to get to Nicoletta and bring her back to the evil leader.

What follows is an intense, pulse pounding, exciting adventure, where Nicoletta is in constant danger, and Taviano, with the entire Ferraro family trying  to be one step of the gangs coming and stopping them from getting anywhere near her. I will not give spoilers, as I do not want to ruin it for you; especially since this was a masterpiece.

What I love the most about this series is all the wonderful characters that Feehan has created.  I love all of the Ferraro’s, and those they fall in love with that join the family.  They are an awesome family, with amazing abilities that make this so much fun.

Shadow Flight is a captivating, exciting, suspenseful, action packed story, with a wonderful couple that we couldn’t help but love.  This was an awesome addition to this series, and loved how Feehan ended with the last 1/3 of the book.  This is a fantastic paranormal series that you should be reading, and very well written by Christine Feehan.


Copy supplied by the publisher

Excerpt Kindly supplied by Berkley Publishing

 

Taviano carried Nicoletta down the aisle of the plane to the bedroom. He cursed with every step as he hurried to get her to the bed where he could examine her for injuries. “Get us into the air, Franco,” he called out. They needed to get the hell out of Los Angeles. “Drago, the first aid kit, the large one,” he added, his voice clipped.
He set Nicoletta down on the comforter and she instantly turned on her side, trying to curl into the fetal position away from him. He put a hand to her belly to stop her. “I’ll need washcloths and towels and warm water.” He took the large case from Drago and put it on the bed beside Nicoletta.
“Piccola, stay still. Let me see how much damage there is. How bad is the headache?” Thankfully the lights were dim, and the shields were down on the windows in the bedroom. She had her eyes closed and her hands over her face, but between her fingers he could see trickles of blood sliding down her face. “You’re going to have to move your hands.”
“I can’t.”
He wanted to smile at her protest, that soft little voice that came at him out of the dark. Very gently he laid his hand over hers. She didn’t try to stop him when he enclosed her smaller fingers and pried them loose, uncovering her face. Even so, it was difficult to see her pale face in the dim lighting of the plane.
The jet gave a shudder as it began to move on the runway. Franco spoke, telling them to prepare for takeoff. Demetrio Palagonia leaned in from the other side of the bed to hand Taviano a warm washcloth.
Taviano took it with a brief smile of thanks. This was supposed to be an easy, casual run to a concert, not a dangerous mission that put them all in jeopardy. They’d handled it, but Stefano wasn’t going to be happy. Taviano had left his phone on the plane. He couldn’t take it into the shadows, and he wasn’t going to see what his brother had to say to him yet.
By now, his LA cousins would have told him that Pia, Bianca and Clariss were safe and staying with them until given the word that they could go home. When Stefano asked why there was no mention of Nicoletta, he would be told that their sister had provided clothes for her to ride the shadows, so no worries on that score and Stefano would lose his ever-loving mind. Taviano couldn’t blame him, but he didn’t want to hear about it, not yet.
The plane was in the air and Taviano breathed a sigh of relief as he wiped away the blood. Thankfully the twin trickles came from Nicoletta’s nose, not her eyes and ears. He had mostly been afraid of a brain bleed. she’d seemed to handle the last ride better than all the others put together. He wasn’t certain why, when this ride should have been the worst, but her body had moved with his, as if they’d been born to ride together.
He cracked an ice pack, wrapped it in a cloth and applied it to her forehead after sweeping back her hair. “Drago, there’s an eye mask in drawer right beside the bed. Would you mind getting that out for me?”
“No problem.”
Drago pulled it out and helped lift Nicoletta’s head so Taviano could slip the mask over her head to cover her eyes.
“You’re good, il mio tesoro. Just relax. We’re in the air. Your friends are fine. You’ve got a small nosebleed but that’s all. Not as bad as before, and you weren’t even sick.”
“Don’t say the word sick,” she cautioned.
“I’ll be more careful,” he promised, exchanging a relieved grin with his cousins and nodding when they indicated they would leave him alone with her.
He waited until both left the room before he removed his shoes and slipped up onto the bed with her. He was damned tired, and it was going to be a very long night. He had some explaining to do.

 

Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 70 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, Ghostwalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series and Torpedo Ink. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.

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ARTFUL LIES (Hunt Legacy #1) by Jodi Ellen Malpas-Review Tour

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ARTFUL LIES (Hunt Legacy Duology #1) by Jodi Ellen Malpas-Review Tour

 

 

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About the book: Release Date April 20, 2020

An irresistible connection, a desire that won’t let go…
When aspiring antiques dealer Eleanor Cole is handed the chance of a lifetime to work for the Hunt Corporation, the renowned antiques dealers, she doesn’t think twice. Only to discover she’ll be working up close and personal with the notorious and insanely irresistible Becker Hunt. He is a man famous for getting what he wants, and Becker wants Eleanor.
But as Becker pulls her deeper into his world, she discovers there’s more to him than meets the eye.
And falling for Becker goes from being foolish to dangerous…

••••

REVIEW: ARTFUL LIES is the first instalment in Jodi Ellen Malpas’ contemporary, adult HUNT LEGACY erotic, dark, romantic suspense series focusing on thirty-two year old antiques dealer Becker Hunt, and twenty-eight year old PA Eleanor Cole.

Told from first person perspective (Eleanor Cole) ARTFUL LIES follows Eleanor Cole in the wake of discovering her boyfriend and best friend’s affair, and the death of her father five years earlier. Eleanor loves the world of antiques and art having lived the life with her father’s antique obsession, and set off to London to make her own place in the world but she has no idea that the man who is currently the bane of her existence is about to become her boss at the Hunt Corporation, a prestigious house dealing in arts and antiquities. Enter Becker Hunt-womanizer, man-wh*re, alpha-hole, and troubled man-child who is unable to move on from the past. What ensues is the forbidden relationship between Becker and Eleanor, and the potential fall-out as Becker’s predilections come to light.

Eleanor Cole is an independent and intelligent woman who loves working for the Hunt Corporation but struggles with her attraction to heir-apparent Becker Hunt. Warned against getting involved by the people who know our hero, Eleanor finds herself pulled into the aura that is Becker Hunt, a man whose need for revenge places Eleanor in the direct line of fire. Eleanor will become the pawn in a hundred year old game of betrayal and vengeance, but it is Becker’s deeper and darker secrets that threaten Eleanor the most.

Becker Hunt has the looks and the charm of a Victorian rogue but our hero is a broken man unable to let go of the past. Cocky, dominant and controlling, Becker doesn’t do relationships, and has a reputation as a womanizer who uses women then spits them out. Eleanor has been forewarned on numerous occasions but the sexual tension and palpable sexual energy between Eleanor and Becker is too dangerous and strong to overcome.

The relationship between Eleanor and Becker begins as an accidental meeting when Becker Cole ‘steals’ Eleanor’s cab. The Hunt Corporation rarely hires outside help but something about Eleanor finds the people in charge hiring our heroine against their better judgement. As the remaining members of the household approach and pass the age of retirement, everyone is reluctant to expose Eleanor to Becker Hunt. Like a moth to a flame, Becker’s curiosity and need for Eleanor Cole finds our heroine caught between head and heart when Becker’s true nature and intent comes to light. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to a colorful and eclectic cast of secondary and supporting characters including Becker’s rival in and out of the art world Brent Wilson; Becker’s grandfather Mr. H aka Donald, his assistant Mrs. Potts, and Eleanor’s neighbor and friend Lucy Bason.

ARTFUL LIES is a tragic story of betrayal and revenge; power and control; obsession, attraction, chaos and heart break. The premise is captivating and compelling; the characters are startling, destructive and complex ; the romance is provocative, and edgy. ARTFUL LIES ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

‘I’m told you’re settling in well,’ he says, but I still refuse to look at him.
‘Yes, very well, thank you,’ I answer, giving myself a cheer for my professionalism. Then I move to the right. And so does he.
‘Good,’ he says quietly. ‘Very good.’
Biting my lip, desperately wrestling off the urge to take a quick peek at him, I step to the right again. And so does he. ‘Excuse me.’ It takes everything in me to maintain my strength. He’s like a magnet to my eyes. Nothing as stunning as him should be ignored. Immune? I laugh to myself. I don’t think that’s possible.
It’s a long, long while, but I eventually see his smart brogues shift.
‘My lady,’ he says quietly.
Damn it. I chance a peek up at him as I scoot past, catching the signs of a cheeky smirk. And, shit, if my eyes don’t sprint over his entire face as I continue past, and then down his tall frame.
‘I look better naked,’ he says, all low and sexy. That soon breaks my trance, and I swing away, outraged, marching on.
‘I don’t plan on finding out,’ I mutter under my breath, and he laughs, telling me I didn’t voice my promise quietly enough. I stop, turning to face him. ‘You know, I’m pretty sure I could make a complaint to HR about sexual harassment.’
He grins. ‘I am HR. What’s your complaint?’
I narrow my eyes. ‘You’re not funny.’
‘Then why are you fighting to hold back your grin?’
My lips purse. Damn him. ‘Are you going to continually try to get a rise out of me?’
‘A rise?’ He peeks down at his groin area, and then glances back up, his grin now mild. ‘Too late.’
My eyes naturally drop to his groin, and he chuckles as he turns and saunters away. My head cocks in admiration, his lovely backside my focus. It really is a sight to behold, his sexy swagger executed to a T.
‘Stop looking at my arse,’ he shouts over his shoulder.
I cringe. Holy shit, I need to find some control. He’s my boss, for Christ’s sake. ‘I was doing no such thing.’
‘You know,’ he calls, ‘I’m pretty sure I could make a complaint to HR.’
‘What’s your complaint?’ I ask on a frown.
‘That you’re undressing me with your eyes.’ He doesn’t entertain me with another glimpse of his lovely face, just carries casually on his way, disappearing through the large doors into the Grand Hall. 

 

Jodi Ellen MalpasBritish talent Jodi Ellen Malpas sold hundreds of thousands of e-books of her passionately erotic trilogy This Man before landing a major US publishing deal and sailing straight to the top of the New York Times bestsellers chart in a few short months. Success quickly followed in the UK, with thousands of readers falling head-over-heels for the devastatingly handsome Lord of the Manor Jesse Ward and his feisty counterpart, Ava O’Shea, as all three books became major Sunday Timesbestsellers. This was followed by further success with her second series One Night, which introduced the irresistibly enigmatic M. 

Jodi was born and raised in the Midlands town of Northampton, England, where she lives with her two boys and a beagle. She is a self-professed daydreamer, a Converse and, mojito addict, and has a terrible weak spot for Alpha Males. For more information, visit Jodi online at: www.jodiellenmalpas.co.uk, or www.facebook.com/JodiEllenMalpas, or www.twitter.com/JodiEllenMalpas.

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