Monthly Archives: August 2020

Everything a Lady is Not by Sawyer North – a Review

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Everything a Lady is Not by Sawyer North – a Review

 

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Description:
Lucy Locket, the long lost granddaughter of a duchess, has never been a part of Society. One day, she was living a secluded life as the prisoner of a criminal, and the next day she was an heiress in a world she did not even remotely understand. She does not embody the typical qualities of a well-born lady…at all. She can’t curtsy, she doesn’t hide her emotions, she’s too clever by far. But in three months, she must marry a suitor with a royally-bestowed title, or she forfeits a fortune—leaving her and the duchess in dire straits.

All Henry Beaumont wants is to prove himself to Society and step outside of his half-brother’s shadow. So when the duchess asks him for a personal favor involving her newly found granddaughter—with a hefty thank you reward at the end—he leaps at the opportunity.

It seems as if Lucy is trading one prison for another. Henry has now become a permanent fixture as her charming yet iron-fisted taskmaster and tutor in the ways of High Society. Like oil and water, Lucy and Henry spar in an epic battle of wills—and even rapiers. But Lucy’s past and her surprising, undeniable feelings for Henry may doom their undertaking if he declares his love for her…because without a title, he can never be hers.

 

 

 

Review:

 Everything a Lady is Not is a historical romance and part of the Bow Street Beaus series. The prologue begins in 1805 Oxfordshire, England. Then begins again a decade later.

This is the story of Henry Beaumont and Lady Margaret (Lucy) Huntington. It is both intricate and entertaining.

I never do spoilers. I respect the story and readers enough to not give away things you should read for yourself. What I can do is tell you what I like about the novel and how it made me feel.

This is an amazingly well-written story with characters that are well developed, if somewhat conflicted, the circumstances are entertaining and enlightening. It shows the attitudes of the times in all their realistic yet complicated social layers.

The plot reminds me of My Fair Lady, with some very interesting dialog and characters. I found the story fascinating and thoroughly entertaining. It’s fast paced, romantic but not sexual. I highly recommend grabbing a copy for yourself!

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Dragon’s Heart (DragonFate #3) by Deborah Cooke-a review

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Dragon’s Heart (DragonFate #3) by Deborah Cooke-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 11, 2020

Her kiss will rock his world…

Dragon shifter Rhys believes in what he can hold in his talons. A chef with his own restaurant, he is organized, practical, and distrusts surprises. When his firestorm sparks in the realm of Fae, he’s sure it’s an illusion created by the Dark Queen and a trap. Even though he wants a partner and family again more than anything else, Rhys isn’t going to be seduced by a fake destined mate—even if the kiss of that beautiful selkie melts his very soul and is one temptation he can’t resist…

Selkie Lila learned long ago that her independence is her most precious possession. But Rhys challenges everything she believes to be true about mortals—he defends her right to choose, even at his own peril, and that’s more seductive than Lila wants to admit. Is it just a trick to convince her to bear his son? Or is this Pyr warrior as honorable as he appears to be?

When an ancient and evil dragon prince joins forces with the Dark Queen to eliminate both the Pyr and the selkies, Rhys and Lila must work together to save their kinds—and each other. When they plunge into unknown realms with only each other to rely upon, will their combined abilities be enough to triumph—or will they have to surrender more for their unborn son and the chance of a future together?

••••••

REVIEW:DRAGON’S HEART is the third instalment in Deborah Cooke’s contemporary, adult DRAGONFATE paranormal, romance series focusing on the DragonFate Warriors –a spin off from the author’s Dragonfire series. This is chef and dragon shifter Rhys, and selkie Lila’s story line. DRAGON’S HEART can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is a continuing premise throughout. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s Dragons of Incendium series.

SOME BACKGROUND: In the aftermath of the Dragon’s Tail War wherein the Pyr defeated the Slayers , the dragons now face a new foe in the guise of Maeve, the Dark Queen of the Fae. Maeve believes shifters and vampires, any species that is half-human, half-mythological creature are abominations, impure creatures, tainted beings, and therefore must be annihilated and destroyed leaving only the Fae and human beings to walk the earth.

Told from several third person perspectives including Rhys and Lila, DRAGON’S HEART is an infinitely detailed story line that follows numerous paths including dragon shifter Rhys as he comes into his dragonfire knowing his mate is near but all is not well when said mate, a selkie named Lila, follows the mythology of the selkie, refusing to settle down or raise a child conceived by dragonfire. As Rhys struggles to prove he is worthy of his dragonfire and a son, Maeve, the Dark Queen, sets her sights on finding the ‘gem of the hoard’, a gem capable of bequeathing Maeve with infinite powers but Maeve isn’t the only powerful being focusing on the gem, an ancient dragon shifter also takes aim the ultimate prize. As the once powerful dragons slowly fall victim to Maeve and her spells, Rhys and Lila must find a way into Fae in an effort to free their friends, and take down the Dark Queen and the power she pulls.

Meanwhile, Lila has been targeted by the King Under the Seas, a powerful selkie who is desperate to keep the selkie line pure. With her best friend caught in a powerful charm, succumbing to the King’s power, Lila knows to save Rhys, she will have to surrender to the King, against her will.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters from Fae and vampire, selkie, witches and dragons. As Maeve slowly destroys the remaining members of thirteen species, focusing on ridding the world of the dragonkind. Rhys and Lila must fight to save their son, or risk losing themselves in the land of the Fae.

DRAGON’S HEART is a passionate and detailed story that recounts several histories and the mythology of magic beginning with the selkie, and the origins of the dragons on Earth. We are up close and personal as Eithne, an ancient witch, recounts the comprehensive history of the species; and as Lila recites the exhaustive mythology of the Selkie, the gem of the hoard, and the Isle of the Blessed. The premise is exciting, dramatic and intense; the romance is emotional and seductive; the characters numerous, edgy and animated.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book two DRAGON KISS

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Vixen (Dark Protectors 11.5) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review tour

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Vixen (Dark Protectors 11.5 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 11, 2020

Tabi Rusko has a simple to-do list: Rob a bank, steal a recording, set up a lucrative factory, and survive the assassins on her tail. Sure, she’s a demoness with the cunning and instincts that come with her species, but she’s always spent more time exploring than training, and her fighting skills are okay at best. One sexy man, a human cop no less, is responsible for her being stuck in a small hick town and forced into a human anger-management group that’s crazier than her. To make matters worse, his dangerous blue eyes and hard body leave her breathless and ready to rumble, and his overbearing attitude is a challenge a demoness can’t refuse.

Evan O’Connell just wants to enjoy his time out of the military by policing a small town and hopefully pulling cats from trees and helping old ladies cross the street before he succumbs to the disease plaguing him. The last thing he needs is a stunning, too sexy, pain in the butt blonde casing his bank and causing a ruckus everywhere she goes. There’s something different about her that he can’t figure out, and when she offers him immortality in exchange for her freedom, he discovers that isn’t enough. One touch of her, a whirlwind beyond his imagination, and he wants the Vixen to be his forever, as soon as he takes care of the centuries old killers on her tail.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

••••••••••

REVIEW:VIXEN by Rebecca Zanetti is instalment 11.5 in the author’s contemporary, adult DARK PROTECTORS paranormal romance series and the latest addition to the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is twenty-five year old, demoness Tabitha ‘Tabi’ Rusko, and thirty-five year old, enhanced human male and former SEAL/detective Evan O’Connell’s story line. VIXEN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Several characters from the author’s Dark Protectors series cross-over for cohesion and familiarity.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Tabi and Evan) VIXEN follows Tabi Rusko as she struggles to stay one step ahead of the shifter who demand she hand over her latest invention but Tabi’s friendship with detective Evan O’Connell threatens Tabi’s latest endeavor as Evan stalks our heroine from afar. All is not well in Evan O’Connell’s life. Our hero is slowly dying, and only a mating has the possibility of saving his life but Evan is unaware of the supernatural element, and Tabi has no idea if mating a human will cure what ails Evan O’Connell. As threats against Tabi become dangerous and personal, Evan’s newfound powers take on a life of their own when his ‘mate’ is threatened with bodily harm. What ensues is the building relationship between Tabi and Evan, and the potential fall-out as Evan finds himself the target in an effort to force Tabi to give up everything she knows.

VIXEN is a story of power, control, relationships and love. To protect our heroine, another demon has offered to mate but lines are drawn, and when threatened Evan takes control with deadly force. The action packed premise is fast paced and entertaining; the characters are energetic and powerful; the romance is limited to a night –there is definitely a case of insta lust to love.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Fated
Claimed
Tempted
Hunted
Consumed
Provoked
Twisted
Shadowed
Tamed
Marked
Teased
Tricked
Tangled
Talen
Vampire’s Faith
Demon’s Mercy
Vengeance
Alpha’s Promise
Hero’s Haven

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

“If you need an alibi taking that twerp out, just let me know,” Tabi whispered to Raine as she strode out of the abandoned schoolhouse after the useless anger management class. Johnny Baker was a waste of space, as far as she was concerned.
“Thanks,” Raine said, not smiling, the darkness surrounding him. The early spring breeze rustled through the night, chilly and unwelcoming. At least it wasn’t raining.
She nodded and moved down the crumbling cement sidewalk toward her car as Raine turned and jogged across the street to his silver truck. Stopping at her car, she paused, not surprised to see the detective heading her way through the night. “You really have a hard-on for me, don’t you?” she murmured.
“Yes.” Both of his eyebrows rose. “You sure have a way with words.”
She unlocked her vehicle, her body flaring to life at his honest response. “I was raised by a woman who called it like she saw it.” Sometimes the pain at losing Janet still took Tabi by surprise. Why did humans have to die? “Unless you’re going to give up my video, I suggest you head to work like your boss ordered you to do.”
Evan opened her door, his sexy scent of smoked honey wafting around. “I’ll give you the recording.”
She jolted and turned to face him directly. “What did you say?”
His blue eyes seemed darker than usual, deep with what looked like pain. “I’ll give you the recording. Come down to the station tomorrow morning for one more interview, and then I’ll take you to the bank myself.”
It was as if he knew she was going to blow town the second she got her hands on the video, even though her business was here. She bit her lip. If she got the footage, she could meet Abby at the factory and give her instructions before running. Man, she hated to run.
Evan smiled. “You’re sure thinking hard. Why don’t you tell me what’s really going on? I can protect you.”
Warmth flushed her. The man truly believed that. The only way he could come close would be if she—no. No way. She shouldn’t even think of that. Was it even possible? Did she want a mate?
“Tabitha? What’s barreling through your head?” As if unable to help himself, he reached out and smoothed a lock of hair away from her face.
Shocking electricity zapped beneath her skin.
His brows drew down. “Did you feel that?”
She nodded. “Why are you now willing to give me the recording?”
He sighed and looked across the vacant street. “I don’t like that the sheriff’s kid is in the anger-management group with you, considering you definitely injured his pride along with his body. Chances are, he’ll come after you. Since you’re planning to run, I thought to make it easy for you.” His gaze scouted the area, something he seemed to do often.
“Do you miss the service?” she asked softly, wanting to know more about him. Abby had told her that he’d served in the navy a while back.
He blinked. “Yeah.”
“Why did you leave?”
His gaze shuttered closed faster than a bank vault.
“I know you’re ill,” she said quietly. 

 

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes contemporary romances, dark paranormal romances, and romantic suspense novels.
Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day—or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Amazon * Goodreads

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Two Truths and a Lie by Daryl Devore-a review

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TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE by Daryl Devore-a review

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About the book: Release Date March 23, 2020

The legend of Robin Hood and Maid Marian with a twenty-first-century twist. If you love hot, billionaire romances, then this is a must read.

From the author of the Two Hearts One Love Trilogy, multi-published, hot romance author Daryl Devoré’s latest book revolves around deceit, betrayal, passion and the theft of a multi-million-dollar, rare, red diamond.

As if multiple planes crashes, a car accident, and a concussion isn’t enough, carefree Byn and straight-laced billionaire, Mark clash over Byn’s need for independence and Mark’s struggle with guilt pushing him in the opposite direction of love. When an art forger, an art thief and a ninety-year-old woman get involved the chance for true love for Byn and Mark fades.

All is lost until a children’s game is their only hope.

NOTE:This book was previously published in the Lawbreakers box set.

••••••••••

REVIEW:  TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE by Daryl Devore is a contemporary, adult, stand alone erotic, romance storyline focusing on cat burglar Robyn Hoode aka Byn Tahl, and billionaire Mark Marian.

Told from first person perspective (Robyn Hoode) TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE follows Robyn Hoode as she is contracted to steal a painted forgery in the wake of stealing a priceless red diamond but Robyn never expected to meet billionaire Mark Marian, the man with whom Robyn would fall in love. As Mark slowly seduces our story line heroine, Robyn quickly discovers that her next assignment is Mark Marian, an assignment that quickly goes all to h*ll. Two plane crashes, a car accident and dual concussions should be Karma’s way of giving notice but Robyn is a woman who refuses to step down. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Robyn and Mark, and the potential fall-out as Robyn’s side venture is about to be revealed.

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE is a story of secrets, lies, betrayal and love. A story of one woman’s need to steal from the rich, give to the poor; and one man’s discovery about the who and what of our story line heroine. The premise is engaging and intriguing if not for the questionable number of injuries and accidents; the romance is seductive and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text; the characters are energetic and charismatic.

The author does a great job with word play as it pertains to the ‘Robin Hood’ theme, and the Easter Egg with regards to the air line pilot. TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE is a wonderfully, entertaining read.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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A Date to Play Fore by Heidi McLaughlin & LP Dover-Review Tour

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A Date to Play Fore by Heidi McLaughlin & LP Dover-Review Tour

 

 

ebook only 99¢ USD Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: RElease Date August 11, 2020

Tee up for the long drive, it’s golf season!

After winning the U.S. Open, Greyson Jennings couldn’t help but take playful jabs at the expense of his prime competition, Bryan Nelson. His snarky claims during the press junction may have burned off like fog on the green, if a week later they hadn’t found themselves at the same golf resort.

Hungry for a little payback, Bryan challenges Greyson to a grudge match: Grey and his best friend versus Bryan and his sister, Leah. Turns out, Leah is a ringer with a swing—and curves—that turn Grey’s thoughts to a hole in one of another kind.

Unfortunately, Leah’s opinion of him has been formed by the many stories Bryan has shared. That may hurt this golfer’s handicap, but he’s nowhere near ready to give up. It’s game on as Leah agrees to meet Grey on the green and go head to head with the hole as the goal.

Can Greyson prove there’s more to him than an impressive club and a carefully crafted bad boy persona? Or will the sting of Leah’s rejection leave him in need of some alone time and a good ball washer?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW:A DATE TO PLAY FORE is the sixth instalment in the contemporary, adult, erotic, romance DATING SERIES co-authored by Heidi McLaughlin and LP Dover. This is twenty-eight year old registered nurse Leah Nelson, and thirty year old, professional golfer Greyson Jennings’ story line. All of the Dating Series instalment are stand alone story lines.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Leah and Greyson) A DATE TO PLAY FORE follows the enemies to lovers relationship between twenty-eight year old registered nurse Leah Nelson, and thirty year old, professional golfer Greyson Jennings. Greyson Jennings and Bryan Nelson are competitors both on and off the golf course but their love-hate relationship becomes entangled while on vacation when Greyson finds himself face to face with Bryan’s sister, the woman who stirs something deep within our story line hero. A bet, a trip to Vegas, and a pretend wedding ceremony find our couple professing their love to one another but family back home refuses to accepts Greyson’s motives for anything but pay back and revenge. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Greyson and Leah, and the potential fall-out as sins from the past come back to haunt Greyson Jennings.

A DATE TO PLAY FORE is a fun and fast paced story of unrequited love. Greyson has loved Leah Nelson from afar for as long as he can remember but her brother’s hatred for, and competitive nature towards Greyson Jennings may be too big of a hurdle for our couple to jump. The premise is lively and captivating; the characters are flirty and energetic; the romance is tender and passionate.

Previous Reviews

A Date for Midnight
A Date with an Admirer
A Date for Good Luck
A Date for the Hunt
A Date for the Derby

 

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Heidi McLaughlin: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter /Instagram /Pinterest

Originally from Portland, Oregon and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland Westie/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.

When she isn’t writing one of the many stories planned for release, you’ll find her sitting courtside during either daughter’s basketball games.

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, is currently in production for a major motion picture.

••••••••

LP Dover: Website/ Facebook/ Twitter/ Google+ / Amazon / Goodreads / Newsletter

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she began her literary journey she worked in periodontics, enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.

She loves to write, but she also loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes and white water rafting, and has a passion for singing. Her two youngest fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime, usually Christmas carols.

Dover has written countless novels, including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, the Gloves Off series, the Armed & Dangerous series, the Royal Shifters series, the Society X series, the Circle of Justice series, and her standalone novel Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense, but if she got to choose a setting in which to live, it would be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.

L.P. Dover is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency and Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management for dramatic rights.

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Say No More by Karen Rose – a Review

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Say No More by Karen Rose – a Review

 

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Description:
Mercy Callahan thought she’d escaped the cult decades ago, but its long fingers are reaching out for her again in this electrifying novel in the Sacramento series…

Seventeen years ago. That was the last time Mercy Callahan saw Ephraim Burton, the leader of the twisted Eden cult where she was raised. But even though she escaped the abuse and terror, they continue to haunt her.

When her brother Gideon discovers new evidence of the cult’s—and their victims’—whereabouts, Mercy goes to Sacramento to reconnect with him. There, she meets Gideon’s closest friend—homicide detective Rafe Sokolov. From Rafe, she receives an offer she never knew she needed: to track down Ephraim and make him pay for everything.

But Ephraim, who had thought Mercy long dead, discovers she is in fact alive and that she is digging around for the cult’s secrets. And now he’ll do anything to take her back to Eden—dead or alive.

 

 

Review:

Say No More by Karen Rose is the 24th book in her Romance Suspense series, as well as the 2nd book in her Sacramento series arc.  I have become a big fan of Karen Rose, as her suspense thrillers are amazing, and unputdownable.  Be warned that this book is 640 pages, which is not the norm for romance suspense. Rose always creates fantastic heroes and secondary characters, as well as evil villains; and this does not change in this book, as she writes a masterpiece.  I did have to take a few breaks, especially since the villain, and his cult were very evil; the tense situations with our heroine or with the villains made me take a short break.  Not too long though.  ?

Say No More was a tense, exciting, action filled story that kept me on the edge of to my seat from start to finish.  The nice thing about the Sacramento arc is that many of the characters from the first book play major parts in this one, with Mercy and Rafe being in the forefront.   

Mercy Callahan, our heroine, escaped a cult 17 years ago, with everyone thinking she was dead.  Mercy built a new life in New Orleans, with family she discovered.  She returns to Sacramento with her best friend, Farrah, to talk to her brother, Gideon (last book hero) and apologize for thinking he abandoned her and her mother years before.  She also wants to spend more time with Rafe, as both of them are very much attracted to each other.  When Mercy arrives at the airport, she goes into shock, as the man, Ephraim (our evil villain), who tortured her as a young girl (abusive, and forced to marry at 12 years old) finds her and tries to kidnap her; luckily Rafe (who is still trying to recover from a serious leg injury in the last book), manages to use his cane and bring police attention to save Mercy.

Rafe, Gideon, Daisy, Tom, Erin, Farrah and the Sokolov family, and other police friends will work together to find Ephraim before he kidnaps or kills Mercy.  I loved the entire big family vibe, as they were all great. The investigation escalates, as Ephraim continues to follow Mercy and the group, killing many people along the way; he was most certainly the epitome of evil. Eden is the cult, with Ephraim and DJ being the villians in this story, and the leader of the cult, Pastor being partially in the background, as I suspect he will be featured more in future books.

What follows is an intriguing, tense, exciting, and edge of your seat suspense storyline that had me holding my breath so many times.  Important to note, that with the religious cult background as part of the story, we learn how Mercy, Gideon and others suffered sexual abuse, assault, murder, inability to leave, as well as give away all their money. As tense as this was through most of the book, it was sweet to watch the slow burn romance between Mercy and Rafe; as well as seeing Gideon with Daisy, Farrah and her boyfriend, and entire Sacramento family and friends.   Awesome.

Rafe was a great hero, determined to protect Mercy, despite his injuries.  They are determined to all work together to find Eden and bring them to justice, and freeing those unable to leave.  But the danger for all of them is intense, as Emprhaim is as evil as they come, killing anyone who stands in his way, putting all of them at risk.  Mercy was a fantastic heroine, who learned to take care of herself from her  abusive time at Eden, and her fears of her friends getting hurt because of her. 

Say No More is an intense thriller from start to finish, with non- stop action all the way.  As I have said before, Karen Rose never fails to give a fantastic well written thriller that is intense, always on the edge, with fantastic characters, evil villains and a wonderful couple you care for. If you love suspense, with a touch of romance and a thriller all the way, then look no further then Karen Rose.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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BOOK OF LOVE (Bliss Cove #5) by Nina Lindsey-a review

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BOOK OF LOVE (Bliss Cove #5) by Nina Lindsey-a review

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N Paper/

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 30, 2020

High school literature teacher Grace Berry is an expert on Shakespearean love, but she knows almost nothing about real-life romance. She has no time to learn either, as she’s busy battling overbearing parents, a bullying principal, and a stubborn father.

Then she suddenly finds out that award-winning author Lincoln Atwood is coming to take over her classes. No way will she surrender her authority to a hotshot male writer who doesn’t know the first thing about poetry. Even if he is sinfully sexy.

After making a deal with his estranged brother, Lincoln is forced to stay in Bliss Cove for over a month. He’d much rather be racing sled dogs or mountain biking, so why not take a teaching gig to kill the time?

But Lincoln’s belief that teaching will be “easy” is quickly proven wrong after he confronts the intriguing Grace with her embroidered sweaters and spine of steel. And when he learns about the sizable gap in Grace’s education, the plot thickens considerably.

Too bad this beautiful teacher is off-limits…or is she?

•••••••••

REVIEW: BOOK OF LOVE is the fifth instalment in Nina Lindsey’s contemporary, adult BLISS COVE romance series focusing on the small town of Bliss Cove. This is twenty-eight year old, high school literature teacher Grace Berry, and thirty-five year old, author Lincoln Atwood’s story line, BOOK OF LOVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Grace and Lincoln) BOOK OF LOVE follows award winning author Lincoln Atwood, in the aftermath of an explosion in Afghanistan where our hero was researching the premise for his next book. Following his recovery and rehab, and the possibility of the family owned publishing company falling onto hard times, Lincoln heads to Bliss Cove, where his younger brother Sam is now living and working in virtual anonymity, in an effort to convince Sam to return to the family fold. What Lincoln never expected was to meet literature teacher Grace Berry, a woman who stirred something deep within our story line hero. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Grace and Lincoln, and the potential fall-out as Grace and her department come under scrutiny, questioning her abilities, her finances, and her relationship with our story line hero.

Lincoln Atwood has lost his muse, and struggles in the aftermath of the explosion but meeting Grace Berry give Lincoln pause but our heroine’s determination and need to be independent is about to butt head’s with our story line hero. As Grace’s literature department funding is pulled, Lincoln becomes guardian and protector of the woman with whom he is falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Lincoln’s brother Sam, and his fiancé Brooke Castle (Words of Love #4); tavern owner Grant Taylor and Rory Prescott (Love Me Tender #3); actor Jake Ryan and his wife Callie Prescott (And I love Her #2); as well as principal Hank Spruce, and high school quarterback Todd Oliver.

BOOK OF LOVE is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; a story of one small town high school’s focus on football, and the fall out as the other departments suffer at the expense of a few. The premise is inviting and realistic; the romance is tender and moving; the characters are spirited and sassy-Grace Berry is a determined and strong-willed heroine who refuses to back down regardless of who or what is involved.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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A Secret Surrender (The Pretenders #1) by Darcy Burke-Review Tour

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A Secret Surrender (The Pretenders #1) by Darcy Burke-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 7, 2020.

A survivor of the mean streets of London’s East End, Selina Blackwell has learned to be a chameleon, and in her current iteration as a fortune-teller, she’s able to provide a Season for her sister. Only, Madame Sybila can’t be a chaperone, so Selina takes on another identity as the proper Lady Gresham. But when a Bow Street Runner takes too much of an interest in her business, it seems the crimes of her past will finally come to light.

Determined to prove that Madame Sybila is a fraud bent on fleecing London’s elite, Harry Sheffield enlists the help of the alluring Lady Gresham in exchange for introducing her to Society’s best. With his busy career and aspirations for the future, Harry has no time for marriage, but an affair is just right—until he discovers the lady’s disarming secret. Whatever his feelings for her, he can’t ignore who she is and who she’s been. And when she holds the key to the one case he couldn’t solve, he must choose justice or love.

••••••••

REVIEW:A Secret Surrender is a historical romance novel set in London, 1819. If you are familiar with Darcy Burke’s novels and characters, you will remember some of the characters in this novel from previous novels.

This is the story of Harry Sheffield, second son of the Earl of Aylesbury and now a Bow Street constable, and Selina Blackwell, orphan, thief, and swindler. Such an interesting pairing!

The delicate balance of a cat and mouse game as these two meet and begin to fall madly in love is a genius of plot crafting. I won’t give away details, you really must read this for yourself. You won’t regret a minute it. The pace is quick, the details develop slowly, the romance is heartfelt and steamy. I could not see how the author would resolve the conflicts, but she certainly did.

An interesting time period for women and not at all a safe one. The characters are well crafted and charming, except for the villain, he’s definitely not charming. The heartbreak is painful, as it should be. The HEA is unexpected…I didn’t see it coming.

Kudos to Darcy Burke on this marvelous addition to her work.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

Excerpt: Sneak peek at chapter 1

https://www.darcyburke.com/books/the-pretenders/a-secret-surrender/a-secret-surrender-excerpt/

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page,www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.

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