Monthly Archives: June 2020

When the Walls Come Down by M. Mabie & Aly Martinez-review tour

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When the Walls Come Down by M. Mabie & Aly Martinez-Review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 4, 2020

Did you ever hear the joke about the guy whose wife cheated on him with his best friend? So he quit his job, moved into his parents’ basement, and gained fifty pounds?

No? Because that wasn’t a joke. It was my life.

Four years later, I’m back with a dream job, a killer apartment, and a set of abs that are better than ever.

So, when Maggie Light, a stunning, snarky blonde moves in next door, and we spend the hottest weekend of our lives together, I think this could be the greatest comeback story ever.

That is until I realize Maggie has moved to town to do one thing—steal my job.

Maybe this isn’t a comeback story after all. Maybe this is war—one I intend to win.

What I never anticipated was that maybe I’d rather win her.

Perhaps, if I’m lucky, the universe has finally run out of jokes and I can somehow win both.

••••••

REVIEW: WHEN THE WALLS COME DOWN is a contemporary, adult, stand alone,erotic romance story line co-authored by M. Mabie and Aly Martinez. This is advertising executives-twenty four year old Maggie Light, and thirty three year old Shane Warren’s story line .

Told from dual first person perspectives (Maggie and Shane) WHEN THE WALLS COME DOWN follows the building romance between advertising executives-twenty four year old Maggie Light, and thirty three year old Shane Warren. Maggie Light is about to start on a new career at Bay Brewing Company in San Francisco, California. Having moved from Georgia just days before, our heroine will meet her new neighbour Shane Warren, and a whirlwind romance will ensue but Maggie never expected to come face to face with Shane on the first day of the job, a job she is apparently taking from our story line hero. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Shane and Maggie, and the potential fall-out as Shane wants something more than Maggie is willing to give.

Shane has worked for his brother in law at the Bay Brewing Company and their Two Ships restaurant, a position in the advertising and promotion department for the past four years but apparently his family believes it is time he moved on, and are forcing Shane to look outside of the company for something else. Our hero is then blindsided when his replacement has already been hired, and said replacement is the woman with whom Shane will fall in love.

The relationship between Shane and Maggie begins as a one—night stand that quickly turns into something more. Maggie is the new girl in town; Shane’s neighbor, and apparently the woman hired to take over his job. His attraction to Maggie is visceral and immediate, yet Maggie is reluctant to commit to anything beyond the present. 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-both Maggie and Shane each have several sibling, nieces and nephews. We are introduced to Shane’s sister Blake, and his brother in law Casey Moore; as well as Maggie’s brother Heath.

WHEN THE WALLS COME DOWN is a romantic comedy; a story of family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is flirty and fun, something I never would have expected from Aly Martinez as she has written many dark and dramatic stories of love and loss; the romance is sweet and seductive; the characters are energetic, fun and realistic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

NOTE: The excerpt is intended for mature readers due to strong language and content.

Oh, for fuck’s sake. Am I a man or not?
Here goes fucking nothing.
Take a risk, my ass. I’d fucking show Casey and Blake a damn risk.
I marched down to where she was sitting. “Hi, I’m Shane.”
She looked shocked, maybe a little startled by my approach—and rightly so. I’d stalked over like the fucking Terminator, all amped up from my private pep talk.
“The bartender, Chris, said you’re new in town, and it’s your first time here.”
Her sparkling blue eyes stood out against her makeup, and now—standing close to her—I could smell her perfume. A subtle and warm scent that made me want to lean in.
What the fuck had I been thinking?
To put it mildly, she was out of my league, but hey… Risks, right?
“If you’re dining alone, would you mind if I offer a suggestion from the menu?”
“I was only looking it over out of curiosity. I really just came in for a drink or two.” She folded it and placed it on the wooden top in front of her.
Goddamn, that cleavage.
“Oh. Yeah. Okay. Well, then…uh…let me get one for you.” I might have strutted over like the Terminator, but I was fumbling over my words like Barney Fife and beginning to sweat like a Crossfitter.
Her brows bunched. “Um, you really don’t have to do that.”
“Please. After the day I’ve had, I’ll actually have one with you.” I swiped at the back of my neck. “The drinks are good here. Very cold. Wet.” Jesus fucking Christ, Shane. Wet!? “Um. Alcoholic, if that’s what you’re into.” I waved Chris—and his bigger-than-life shit-eating grin—down to us.
“Find something you’d like?” he asked her.
“I’ll just have a Titos and cranberry,” she answered. “I hear they’re very cold and wet here.”
Chris looked at me disappointedly, probably guessing at how badly I’d botched this introduction. He wasn’t wrong, but she hadn’t told me to fuck off yet.
Yet.
“And I’ll take a Honeybee Brown,” I added.
He spun on his heel, shocked. “Really?”
I shrugged and shot daggers at him. “Really. A pint, please.”
“A cold, wet one too, eh? Okay, man. Coming right up.” He made our drinks and then about a dozen more for the servers who were keeping him busy.
“Thanks for the drink,” she said, clinking our glasses together, her eyes never quite meeting mine.
“Yeah. Sure. No problem.” I followed her lead and took a sip.
“So, do you come here a lot, Shane?”
My name on her lips had me clearing my throat.
“Yes,” replied our asshole bartender before I could answer.
“I live close,” I explained, and she nodded in understanding. “So, where did you come to the Bay from?” I took another sip, realizing that counting the beer I’d had with Casey earlier and this one, I was nearing my only-a-few-drinks daily limit. So I’d be savoring the pint as long as she didn’t seem too put off by my dusty-ass small talk. Otherwise, I could chug it down and then be on my merry way, leaving her to enjoy her night without a divorced, practically fired dude bugging her.
“Atlanta,” she replied and swirled a piece of ice with the drink stirrer in her glass. Still no eye contact.
Small talk. I fumbled for more small talk.
“You have family here?”
“No, I’ve always wanted to get out of Georgia. So, when I landed a job out here, it seemed like a sign.”
Finally, her blue eyes met mine and… Fuck, if I could have just remembered to blink, I’d have been doing well. I feared if I broke the gaze for just a second, I’d never see that color again, because surely it was a mirage of some sort. Like a crystal-blue pool in a desert. The kind of trick eyes could only play on a man who hadn’t been laid in nearly half a decade.
She finished with, “I start on Monday. I guess fate is as good a time as any to take a risk.”

 

About Aly

Originally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her husband and four young children.

Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, mystery leggings, and olives. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.

She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.

Connect with Aly

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2RvbjCA
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2DUCq1Z
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2We92eT
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2V32S4B
GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2UKGUOM
Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2DEpPAh
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2DUgzrJ
Website: https://alymartinez.com/
Stay up to date with Aly by joining her mailing list today:

http://bit.ly/2WnkxjS

•••••••••

About M. Mabie

Mabie lives in Illinois with her husband. She writes everything from steamy romantic comedies to angst-filled, pull your hair out drama. She enjoys it all. With her unconventional love stories, she tries to embody “real-life romance.”

She cares about politics, but will not discuss them in public. She uses the same fork at every meal, watches Wayne’s World while cleaning, and lets her dog sleep on her head. She has always been a writer. In fact, she was born with a pen in her hand, which almost never happens. Almost.

Mabie usually doesn’t speak in third-person. She promises.

Connect with M. Mabie

Facebook: https://bit.ly/2W3M2Bu
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3de6q8K
BookBub: https://bit.ly/35wkuaT
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2SBypHu
Twitter: https://bit.ly/2W1cr2W
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/2xzhmyF
Website: https://www.mmabie.com

Stay up to date with M. Mabie by joining her mailing list: https://bit.ly/3dkTJcp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Rage and Ruin by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

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Rage and Ruin by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
A half human, half angel and her bonded gargoyle protector must work with demons to stop the apocalypse while avoiding falling in love. The Harbinger is coming…but who or what is it? All of humankind may fall if Trinity and Zayne can’t win the race against time as dark forces gather.

As tensions rise, they must stay close together and patrol the DC streets at night, seeking signs of the Harbinger, an entity that is killing Wardens and demons with no seeming rhyme or reason. Forbidden to be with each other, Zayne and Trinity fight their feelings and turn to unusual sources for help—the demon Roth and his cohorts. But as deaths pile up and they uncover a sinister plot involving the local high school and endangering someone dear to Zayne, Trin realizes she is being led…herded…played for some unknown end. As anger builds and feelings spiral out of control, it becomes clear that rage may be the ruin of them all.

 

 

Review:

Rage and Ruin by Jennifer L Armentrout is the 2nd book in her fantastic YA fantasy paranormal, The Harbinger series. Refresher: Trinity Marrow is a trueborn (half human/half angel); she has spent all of her life protected and trained by Wardens. In the last book, Trinity was betrayed by her protector, Misha, and she used her growing powers to kill him to save herself and others.  Zayne, is our hero, and he becomes Trinity’s Warden protector, as we learned then that it was Zayne who was supposed to be Warden who bonded with her.

Rage and Ruin picks up where the first book left off.  Both Trinity and Zayne can feel the attraction between them, but since he is now her protector, any relationship between them is forbidden.  They both work together to search for the Harbinger, who has been killing Wardens and Demons.  Each day, Zayne will work on training Trinity, especially with her eyesight disability, to teach her how to sense those attacking her out of her sight.  They also go out to search and find out who is the Harbinger, and stop him before the world is destroyed.

I really liked Trinity and Zayne together, but both of them early on kept distancing themselves or fighting, and Trinity did not know how to handle her jealousy that Zayne was friendly with other girls.  The sarcastic banter between them went on for quite a bit, but the chemistry and sexy tension between them was sizzling.  It was great to see Roth and Layla again, especially Roth who would use a favor that Trinity owed him to get something he wanted back.  They did raise the bar when they were around to work with Trinity and Zayne.

What follows is a wild exciting intense action-packed adventure, with a number of surprising twists. I loved Zayne and Trinity together, even if it was a bit slow burn; but once they allowed themselves to succumb to their feelings, it was combustible.  As I said previously, I loved many of the secondary characters, especially Roth, Layla, Peanut, and Cayman. To say too much more, would be spoilers, as there are many surprises, and I do not want to ruin it for anyone.

Rage and Ruin is a fantastic addition to this series, with a wonderful couple, and an exciting, tense, passionate adventure, which Armentrout kills us at the end with a wild, heartbreaking tearjerker of a cliffhanger.  Jennifer L. Armentrout once again gives us a fun, heartwarming, romantic, as well as intense action filled story that kept me on the edge of our seat.  I will be counting the days for next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Alpha Night by Nalini Singh – a Review

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Alpha Night by Nalini Singh – a Review

 

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Description:
Alpha wolf Selenka Durev’s devotion to her pack is equaled only by her anger at anyone who would harm those under her care. That currently includes the empaths who’ve flowed into her city for a symposium that is a security nightmare, a powder keg just waiting for a match.

Ethan Night is an Arrow who isn’t an Arrow. Numb and disengaged from the world, he’s loyal only to himself. Assigned as part of the security force at a world-first symposium, he carries a dark agenda tied to the power-hungry and murderous Consortium. Then violence erupts and Ethan finds himself crashing into the heart and soul of an alpha wolf.

Mating at first sight is a myth, a fairytale. Yet Selenka’s wolf is resolute: Ethan Night, broken Arrow and a man capable of obsessive devotion, is the mate it has chosen. Even if the mating bond is full of static and not quite as it should be. Because Selenka’s new mate has a terrible secret, his mind surging with a power that is a creature of madness and death…

 

 

Review:

Alpha Night by Nalini Singh is the 4th book in her wonderful Psy-Changeling Trinity series.  I can’t say enough about Nalini Singh.  She has become my go to author, as I love her Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series.   She never fails to give us a sensational story, wonderful characters, and each book continues to flow seamlessly.  No one does world building so smoothly and flawlessly better than Nalini Singh.   Once again, in Alpha Night, Nalini has created a masterpiece that grabs hold of me and never ever let’s go until the very end. 

Alpha Night takes us back to Russia and the BlackEdge wolf pack, with Selenka Durev as our heroine and alpha of BlackEdge.  Selenka is somewhat on edge, as she is one of the hosts of the first world symposium, causing a bit of chaos with so many former Psy and empaths.  Violence erupts as an attack from an unknown source threatens.  Ethan Night, our hero, and Arrow, comes to the rescue, killing an E to stop the attack.  When Selenka approaches Ethan, the two of them are both thrown for a shock, as they immediately feel the mating bond; an Arrow and Alpha wolf; an unusual bond.  Another attacker attempts to kill Ethan, but he manages to stop the culprit. 

Selenka is a powerful and strong leader and dangerous wolf, but she is loyal to her pack, who adore her.   Ethan automatically begins to see color, but fears that he is damaged and a killer; but he is drawn to the beautiful Selenka, and promises his loyalty to her.  He is the Knight to her Queen.

What follows is an exciting, suspenseful, intriguing and action-packed story that kept me glued to the book, unable to put it down. Nalini has a way of creating such wonderful secondary characters, and I loved all of Selenka’s pack members.  Selenka, who is powerful, tough and totally in control, must deal with the murder of one of her own, and find out who betrayed them? Ethan works with Aden and Kaleb to try to stop the destruction on the Psy Net, and discover who is doing this.  Who is the evil Architect?

Besides all the tense excitements, Alpha Night is also a beautiful romance between two unlikely people, with so much chemistry between them that sizzles the pages.  I loved Selenka and Ethan together, as they made such a wonderful loving couple.  Selenka was a fantastic heroine, who was also our first female Alpha, and a great one, as was strong, independent, savvy, loving and loyal to those she loved.

Selenka, though very much in love with Ethan,  knows he is convinced that he is a killer, and the time together could be short if he turns rogue.  Ethan was a damaged but great hero, who was very protective of Selenka.  This was a wonderful romance, with so many sweet, emotional and tense moments; especially when Ethan realizes how strong his love is for Selenka. Once again, an awesome romance and awesome couple.  I loved seeing many of our favorites, such as Sascha; Ivy, Aden, Kaleb, Abbot, Silver/Valentin, and Alexei/Memory and even briefly, Lucas.    

I can’t say enough about Nalini Singh, as I have said over and  over, she is my go-to author, who never fails to captivate me with her engaging creative stories, fantastic plots, and seamless world building; wonderful couples in each and every story; super secondary characters and fantastic world-building.   I loved every moment of Alpha Night.  I have said this so many times, if you have not read Nalini Singh, you are missing such a gem of an author.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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The Somerset Girls by Lori Foster-a review

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The Somerset Girls by Lori Foster-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 19, 2020

No one knows you quite like a sister…

Summer in Sunset, Kentucky, means long, hot days—and sometimes surprising new beginnings. Through it all, the ties of sisterhood will be there, guiding Autumn and Ember to the lives, and loves, they need…

When they’re running the animal-rescue farm they inherited from their grandparents, Autumn and Ember Somerset are perfectly in sync. At all other times, not so much. Dependable Autumn would rather curl up with a good book than paint the town red with Ember. After the disaster that was Autumn’s last relationship, it’s pure self-protection. But when her high school crush comes back to town with his adorable young daughter, igniting memories best left forgotten, there’s only one person Autumn can turn to…

Beneath Ember’s free-spirited facade is a layer of deep hurt. She’ll gladly nudge Autumn toward a second chance. But risk her own heart? Not likely. The closer Autumn gets to her own happily-ever-after, the more Ember wonders what she might be missing—and if it isn’t her time to be bold, too.

•••••••••

REVIEW:THE SOMERSET GIRLS by Lori Foster is a contemporary, adult, erotic, romance story line focusing on the Somerset sisters, and the men with whom they will fall in love: interior designer/animal rescue operator Autumn Somerset and single father / advertising executive Tash Ducker; and builder Ember Somerset and farm hand Mike Brewer.

Told from several third person perspectives THE SOMERSET GIRLS follows Autumn Somerset as she comes face to face with her high school crush Tash Ducker upon his return to Sunset Kentucky. Tash is a divorcee/widower with a seven year old daughter, and is looking for someone to redesign a few rooms but Autumn struggles in the wake of a failed relationship where she was left at the altar by her cheating ex-fiance. Rebuilding her friendship with Tash Ducker has the added benefit of his daughter Sadie, a precocious seven year old child who struggles with her own issues of trust and love. Tash, claiming he has no time for a sexual relationship finds himself falling for the woman that will steal his heart.

Meanwhile, Ember Somerset struggles with a heart breaking secret, a secret only her sister knows. Mike Brewer ‘s attraction to Ember pushes all of her buttons, an attraction that is mutual but one Ember refuses to admit. Mike is desperate for some one on one time with Ember Somerset, and makes Ember an offer she is reluctant to refuse. Both have secrets that neither one is willing to share but a mutual compromise reveals a growing love for this story line couple.

Lori Foster pulls the reader into a heart warming and emotional story of family and love; of betrayal and loss; of acceptance and moving forward. All of our story line characters, including Autumn and Ember’s parents Flynn and Tracy, have life experiences that are tragic but it is the experiences that form the person that each will become. The character driven premise is inviting and enjoyable-the conflict is minimal; the romances are seductive and intimate; the $ex scenes are passionate; the characters are real and animated. THE SOMERSET GIRLS is an uplifting and inspiring story of two sisters who find love and their own happily ever afters

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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More Than Neighbors by Shannon Stacey-Review & Excerpt Tour

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More Than Neighbors (Blackberry #1) by Shannon Stacey-Review & Excerpt Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 1 2020

The only thing they have in common is a property line!

He’s trying to uncover his past.

She’s hoping for a brighter future.

Cam Maguire is in Blackberry Bay to unravel a family secret. Meredith Price has moved next door with her daughter. He’s unattached. She’s a widowed single mom. He’s owned by a cat. She’s definitely team canine. All these neighbors have in common is a property line. One they cross…over and over. And Cam thought he knew what he wanted—until his family’s secret changes everything.

••••••••••

REVIEW:MORE THAN NEIGHBORS is the first instalment in Shannon Stacey’s contemporary, adult BLACKBERRY BAY romance series. This is single mother/widow Meredith Price, and businessman Calvin ‘Cam’ Maguire’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Cam and Meredith) MORE THAN NEIGHBORS follows the acrimonious relationship between single mother/widow Meredith Price, and businessman Calvin ‘Cam’ Maguire’. Approximately two years earlier Meredith Price’s husband died leaving her a widow and single mother to four year old Sophie. With no reason to remain in California, Meredith packed their bags, and along with her daughter returned to her home town of Blackberry Bay, New Hampshire where she will come face to face with her new neighbor Cam Maguire. Meredith had no idea her neighbor Carolina had passed away leaving her estate to her grandson Cam Maguire but Cam is a stranger to Blackberry Bay, a stranger who is searching for his roots in his grandmother’s home. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Cam and Meredith, and the fall-out as Cam’s time in Blackberry Bay comes to a close.

Cam Maguire lives in New York, working for his father’s firm but struggles to find his place in the family. With the passing of his paternal grandmother, a woman Cam never knew, our hero found himself in Blackberry Bay searching for the truth about his family history. Meredith Price had hoped her move to Blackberry Bay came with the peace and solitude she was hoping to preserve but Meredith and Cam butted heads from the beginning, a friction that barely veiled a palpable sexual attraction that Meredith struggled to accept or ignore. The $ex scenes are passionate but mostly implied.

We are introduced to Meredith’s daughter Sophie, a smart child who is immediately taken with Cam Maguire, as well as Meredith’s parents Neal and Erin Lane, her high school friend Reyna, Carolina’s friend Tess Weaver, and Cam’s parents Melissa and Calvin Maguire.

MORE THAN NEIGHBORS is a story of love, loss and second chances; a story of family, friendships, and moving forward. The premise is captivating; the romance is sweet and spicy; the characters are independent, colorful, and energetic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

“So you’re staying for the summer, you said? Where do you usually live?”
“New York City, actually.”
Her hazel eyes widened. “Wow. That’s quite a change in pace.”
“It is, but I was ready to get away for a while.” “What do you do in the city?”
“I work for my dad,” he said, which wasn’t technically a lie, but wasn’t entirely accurate, either. “A lot of accounting and paperwork and boring stuff like that.”
She was cute when she wrinkled her nose. “I’m not a fan of boring math-related paperwork.”
A yelp from across the yard caught her attention and she turned to see Elinor swipe at the white puff-ball. Sophie was frowning and picked the dog up, turning her body so the cat couldn’t see him any-more.
“Your cat appears to be bullying my dog.”
“She’s not my cat. And you’re embarrassing your dog by even making that claim right now.”
She arched an eyebrow at him. “If you don’t think cats can bully dogs, you don’t spend a lot of time on the internet.”
“She just wants the dog to know who’s boss, I guess.”
“It’s his yard,” she pointed out.
“She’s a cat.”
“Point taken.” A genuine smile lit up her face and made her eyes crinkle. “They’ll get used to each other. And speaking of that, now that I know you’re going to be my neighbor for a while, I should prob-ably introduce myself properly. I’m Meredith Price, and that’s Sophie and Oscar.”
“Calvin Maguire,” he said, extending his hand. “But everybody calls me Cam.”
As she shook his hand, he noted how soft the skin was and had to resist rubbing his thumb over it.
She tilted her head as she smoothly pulled her hand away from his. “How do you get Cam from Calvin?”
“My initials. Calvin Anthony Maguire.” His mouth twisted in a wry smile. “The fourth.”
“Interesting.”
“It was a better alternative than being Little Cal for my entire life.” He didn’t really want to open him-self up to more questions about his family, since they were the last thing he wanted to talk about. “Since Oscar’s from California, let me guess. Oscar de la Renta?”
She laughed. “Oscar the Grouch.”
“You’re kidding.” He looked at the dog again, who looked like the kind they put on the packaging of fancy dog food. “I don’t really see the resemblance, but maybe it’s a personality thing.”
“He’s actually named after Sophie’s favorite book at the time, and trust me, we spent days explaining to her why we couldn’t make his hair green.”
“He doesn’t bark a lot, does he?”
“I wouldn’t say he barks a lot.” She glanced at the dog before giving him a sheepish look. “It’s more like a really high-pitched yip.”
“That’ll be fun while I’m reading over spread-sheets,” he said, picturing spending his summer being harassed by a stubborn cat and a high-strung dog. “Maybe I should have packed my noise- canceling headphones.”
She looked startled for a second and then her eyes narrowed. “I have a child and a dog, so I guess you’ll just have to figure out how to make it work.”
“Maybe a muzzle?” he asked, but he wasn’t re-ally serious. Yipping dogs weren’t his favorite, but he wasn’t a total jerk.
She stared at him for a long moment before giving him an arch look. “I don’t know if I can find one in your size, but I can try.”
Cam chuckled, appreciating her comeback, but she didn’t even crack a smile. Maybe she hadn’t been joking. And maybe she’d thought he wasn’t, either.
“If you’ll excuse me, we just arrived and I have a lot to do.”
“Nice to meet you,” he said as she walked, and she held up her hand in what looked more like a dis-missive gesture than a wave.
That was fine. If she wanted to play that game, she’d find out he didn’t really care that much. She and her yipping dog could stay in her yard and he’d stay in his.
He had better things to do, anyway. Like learning more about Carolina Archambault, and figuring out how to convince her cat he was the boss.


 

 

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Shannon Stacey lives with her husband and two sons in New England, where her two favorite activities are writing stories of happily ever after and driving her RZR. From May to November, the Stacey family spends their weekends off-road, making loads of muddy laundry to keep Shannon busy when she’s not at her computer. She prefers writing to laundry, however, and considers herself lucky she got to be an author when she grew up.

You can contact Shannon through her website, where she maintains an almost daily blog, or visit her on Twitter, her Facebook page, or email her at shannon@shannonstacey.com.

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Game Changer (Wynn Hockey #5) by Kelly Jamieson-a review

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Game Changer (Wynn Hockey #5) by Kelly Jamieson-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date Jun 9, 2020

Jackson Wynn

I don’t want anything to do with my crazy family’s drama, which I’ve been watching unfold from a distance over the last year, but now my grandfather has Alzheimer’s and I feel I need to at least make a quick visit to see him. My hockey season’s over, all I have to do is get through my teammate Steve’s wedding, and then I’m on a plane to Los Angeles to do my family duty. After that, I’ll head home to Manitoba for some summer R&R at the family lake cottage.

Molly Flynn
Nobody’s expecting what happens at my wedding, which becomes pandemonium. I need to get out of there. Fast. Who do I turn to? Jackson Wynn, one my fiancé’s teammates. He’s been a friend to me since I met Steve. For one night, we hide out in his condo, but he’s leaving in the morning for California. I want to go with him.

Jackson
I can’t take Steve’s fiancée with me to California. He’s going to flip shit over this. But the lying cheating bastard kind of deserves it, and I’ve always had a soft spot for Molly. Or maybe not so soft…because she’s not only sweet and kind, she’s hot as hell. This is a bad idea for so many reasons, and I sure as hell don’t need more drama in my life, but I can’t say no to her.

On this nutso trip, neither of us expect Molly to bond with my bonkers family…especially my poor, confused grandpa. And neither of us expect to bond with each other

••••••••

REVIEW:GAME CHANGER is the fifth instalment in Kelly Jamieson’s contemporary, adult WYNN HOCKEY erotic, hockey romance series focusing on the Wynn hockey dynasty. This is right winger Jackson ‘Jax’ Wynn, and primary school teacher Molly Flynn’s story line. GAME CHANGER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story regarding Wynn patriarch Bob Wynn, as the family struggles with his worsening Alzheimer’s.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jax and Molly) GAME CHANGER follows in the after math of Molly’s almost-wedding to Jax’s teammate Steve Shevchuk. The night before her wedding Molly received several screen shots of a conversation between her fiancé Steve and a woman named Claire, and seconds after walking down the aisle Molly read said conversation in front of her guests and the man she was about to marry. Walking away with a broken heart Molly would be rescued by Steve’s teammate and Molly’s trivia partner Jackson ‘Jax’ Wynn, whereupon Molly would push her way into Jackson’s cross-country journey in an effort to escape the melee back home. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Molly and Jax, and the potential fall-out as their time together comes to a close with their return to reality, and the likelihood of trouble between Jackson and Steve.

Jackson ‘Jax’ Wynn doesn’t do relationships having witnessed the effect of his father’s betrayal, and his grandfather’s second marriage to a much younger woman, a marriage that is constantly pulling the family apart. Falling for his teammate’s ex-fiance comes with unimaginable problems for Jackson and the team but more so for Molly when the fans and the media begin to surmise as to what happened and why. Molly Flynn thought she found happiness with Steve Shevchuk but never imagined the betrayal by the man that she loved. Molly and Jackson had been friends but our heroine never expected to fall in love, walking away a second time with a broken heart.

Once again, the Wynn family must address the elephant in the room, that of patriarch Bob Wynn’s struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Having believed the old man had defrauded the family, many of the extended members battled with Bob and his second wife Chelsea, a woman they blamed for the family’s deteriorating relationship.

The relationship between Molly and Jax is a friends to lovers; a forbidden relationship, of a sorts, with the potential for rebound but Jackson struggles with his attraction to, and love for his teammate’s ex-fiance, an attraction that could destroy a number of friendships, and the team dynamic. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. The sexual tension is heavy and tense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including several members of the large and dysfunctional Wynn extended family: patriarch Bob Wynn and his wife Chelsea; Jackson’s father Mark Wynn; his mother Tori, and his maternal grandparents Pat and Gary Thompson; Long Beach Golden Eagles JP Wynn and his fiancé Taylor; Jackson’s sister Riley; their aunt Everly, aunt Aline, and uncle Asher; Molly’s ex-fiance Steve.

GAME CHANGER is a story of betrayal, friendship, family and love. The premise is moving and seductive ; the character are animated and energetic; the romance is captivating and emotional.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Play to Win
In It To Win It
Win Big
For The Win

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Red Herring by R.G. Link-a review

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The Red Herring by R.G. Link-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 18, 2020

Meet William Miller. On the outside, he seems like an ordinary 20-something private investigator with a few scars, like we all have. But look beneath the surface and you’ll see the turmoil of a boy abandoned by his father and a man now struggling to run from the demons he thought he had left in the past.

Meet Natalie Haynesworth. She’s smart, pretty, popular – everything a parent dreams their teenager will be. But Natalie has a secret that nobody knows until she is reported missing. Her mother hires William to find her, no matter what. But what he discovers is more sinister than could be imagined.

Don’t be fooled. All isn’t as it seems to be.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: Love a good mystery, and this one was no exception.

William is a P.I (private investigator) an incident at the beginning of the book had turned Will into a bit of a recluse. He’s not doing well, he has flashbacks of the event as well as flashbacks of his time in the services…..

This book had me hooked after only a few pages, I felt Will’s struggle to stay focused, he was prone to panic attacks and really felt he wasn’t the best person for the job. But listening to Natalie’s mother, he felt he had to try and look into it.
Will hits brick wall after brick wall, none of her friends know where she is, the boyfriend has no clue, even the drug dealer she knew didn’t know anything, Natalie just couldn’t disappear without a trace, could she? Digging further Will can’t help feeling something is missing, but time is running out!!

We get to see a lot of William’s past, it’s definitely shaped him into the man he is today. It was helpful to see those moments, it helped me connect with the main character.

And when Natalie’s body is found, you’d think the case was closed? But Will couldn’t leave it alone, so he dug a little deeper, and things got darker, a lot darker …..

It’s very well written. And the ending? Well I was surprised. But to find out why, you’ll have to read the book.

? Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

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Original Sin by Lydia Michaels -Review tour

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Original Sin (The Order of Vampires) Book 1 by Lydia Michaels -Review tour

 

Amazon * Amazon. ca * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date

Adam Hartzler has always been an honorable immortal, but the fine line between right and wrong begins to blur when he is called to his true mate. If he does not find and claim her soon, he will lose his soul and humanity, transforming into a vile predator controlled by insatiable bloodlust, sentenced to a demonic and tortured eternity as a vampire.

Adam sets out on a quest to hunt his mate and claim her before it is too late. His salvation relies on his destined mate’s surrender, but when she refuses to cooperate, Adam must set aside his morals and do what is needed to survive. Time’s slipping away with his control, and his territorial instincts refuse to let her go.

Annalise Snow awakens on a primitive farm removed from modern civilization and in fear of her life. Her captor is determined to keep her prisoner and believes he is somehow entitled to her future. But she will not surrender easily. When Adam asks for the ultimate sacrifice, she must decide if he lives or dies.

Passion and emotion collide in an explosive meeting of destined souls, but love is never a guarantee, especially when eternity begins with betrayal.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: Adam has heard what happens to a male if he can’t find a mate. He knows an arranged marriage will work (like his parents) but he’s holding out for a true mate. His beliefs are strong.

Annalise works in a bar, she’s in school studying to be a nurse. Living a frugal life until she’s saved enough to move out of her crappy apartment and upgrade her dying car. She likes the work, her regulars look after her and she looks after them.

This was a good read.

Different from the usual paranormal books I read.

Very strong on beliefs and the will of god (each to their own, but not for me)

Most mates are found and sort of wooed, But Adam practically kidnaps her. He thinks he’s entitled, he can woo her after they are wed!!

And Annalise, oh dear, not happy at all. Living her life on her own terms, she’s got a five year plan and it’s getting there, she’s even sort of dating the barman where she works (but I get the impression it’s mostly on his side)

Adam’s attitude to Annalise was winding me up a little (but if your brought up with that belief, it’s hard to see it any other way)
I don’t know how this is going to work! Annalise is a modern independent woman, Adam is not a modern man!!

Well written, very descriptive. You got the sense of urgency from Adam to find Annalise, you also got his frustration, but you also see him fight his dark side. He doesn’t want to turn into a vampire. He’d rather his family put him out of his misery. You rejoice with him, when he finally finds her, and you want to roll your eyes at his high handiness!!

You want to scream your frustration out at Annalise, her life has all been taken away, and at the sheer arrogance of the males in Adam’s village!!

I liked the idea of the dreams linking them together, Adam being able to track her, getting more information on her. I liked the idea that Annalise was involved, but hers were darker, did she sense Adam was almost ready to turn?

Twist at the end, Oh My God, did not see that coming!!! And for a minute there, I almost didn’t want to finish the book (it wasn’t looking good for Adam and Annalise!)

And it also leaves it open for a few other members to get a happy ending. And I really hope they get their books.

I highly recommend this book.

? Julie B

Copy supplied for review

 

 

Lifting a towel from the basket in the corner, he shut his eyes and inhaled, pressing the fabric to his nose. His body instantly hardened, his instincts driving him to her bed where she slept soundly.
She lay in the center of the bed, dwarfed by the large mattress. Her limbs twisted in the white sheet. Waves of copper and gold splayed across the pillow. So still. So delicate. So … his.
Satisfied with God’s selection, he studied his prize. His salvation. His future. His beautiful Annalise.
Hooking a finger into the sheet, he slowly drew the blanket toward the foot of the bed. A simple undershirt, covering little more than her breasts, gave a transparent picture of her curves.
Narrow ribs tapered into a tiny waist he’d be able to span with his hands. Her hips flared, as a healthy woman’s should. His head cocked as the sheet fell to the side, exposing her legs. A wisp of material, too small to be considered a garment, covered her sex.
“What evil is this?”
He inhaled deeply, wondering at the strange covering. Females of the order wore handmade undergarments, loosely fitting with ties. The men wore nothing under their clothes. But this…
Lowering to the bed, he sat gingerly beside her hip and studied her. The overwhelming need to touch her, mark her, stole through him hard and fast, leaving all other instincts second.
He wanted to feed from her vein as his body throbbed inside of hers, filling her with his seed. He wanted to possess every part of her—mind, body, and soul.
“Beautiful, Annalise,” he whispered.
Unlocking his fists, he traced the back of his finger along the soft white expanse of her thigh. Goosebumps prickled her flesh, and a small moan escaped her throat.
“You will know my touch and feel it often.”
Drawing slow whirls over her hip, his fingertip treaded lightly across the elastic of her minimal undergarment. Her skin showed like ivory in the moonlight. Silver pools of blue painted her pale skin. She was a masterpiece. Hard points formed under her shirt as he dragged his exploring finger up her arm. He ached to trace his touch over the turgid tip but refrained.
A soft moan slipped past her plump lips and her legs shifted, her hips burrowing into the mattress. Could she sense his desire?
His need to touch and possess her left him shaken. Withdrawing his caress, his gaze traveled over her torso. Each breath expanded her ribs and lifted her breasts. His inspection climbed the narrow column of her throat and stilled at her fluttering pulse.
Arousal slammed into him. A bone deep hunger ached inside of him, begging him to claim her. His tongue traced under his fangs as he leaned closer, breathing in her delicate fragrance, feeding off the scent of such a vulnerable offering. So small. So fragile. So in need of a mate. His jaw widened—
He sprang off the bed, startled by the powerful trance she held over him. It was as if she had him under some sort of spell.
Forking a hand through his hair, he paced silently. He wanted her now, consequences be damned. How long would he have to wait? Would it really matter? Their futures were decided. Why not now?
Battling with his conscience, he crouched at the foot of the bed, his greedy stare traveling up her legs. His thumb dragged along the inside of her ankle, gliding upward to her knee and pulling her legs apart. Her scent intensified.
Closing his eyes, he breathed her in. This was his mate, his one and only, his ainsicht.
The beat of her heart seemed to complement his, like the tease and retreat of the ocean waves beating back the banks of the shore. The rush of blood pumping through her veins rattled his concentration. It sung to him, a siren’s call that compelled an answer.
His skin burned like the tongues of a fire, licking at his insides, his burning desires heating his blood to volcanic degrees. He needed to leave. Now.
Taut as a bow, he forced himself away from the bed for her protection. Never had he fought such temptation. Carnal images assaulted him. Her body clinging to his, flesh gliding over flesh. Nails digging into muscle. Fangs piercing skin.
His cock throbbed, pleading that he take her and claim what was rightfully his. Heart hammering against his ribs, he staggered back from the bed. His control was slipping. If he touched her now, he’d break her.


 

Lydia Michaels is the award winning author of over 35 romance novels. She is an iBooks Bestsellers and her work has been featured in USA Today. She is the two-time winner of the Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media [2018 & 2019]. In 2015 she won The Best Author Award from The Courier Times. She is a five time nominee for the prestigious RONE Award. Her books are intellectual, emotional, haunting, always centered around love.

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