Monthly Archives: September 2020

Thanks for Last Night by Lauren Blakely-Review tour

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Thanks for Last Night (The Guys Who Got Away #3) by Lauren Blakely-Review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 18, 2020.

A sexy new friends-to-lovers standalone!

Let me list the reasons why dating a sexy, charming, pro hockey star is a bad idea:
1. He’s one of my closest friends
2. All our friends are friends
3. The wounds I’ve got from past relationships go deep. And so do his.

We’re both devoutly single — it’s just safer for the heart that way. But there’s no reason not to bid on the gorgeous, clever athlete at the charity auction this weekend. If I win, it’ll be a friendsdate.

And I do win.

I win him big.

And hard.

And all night long.

The trouble is . . . what happens in the morning?

•••••••

REVIEW:THANKS FOR THE LAST is the third instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult. THE GUYS WHO GOT AWAY erotic,romance series focusing on a tight-knit group of friends. This is professional hockey player Ransom North, and philanthropist and social media promoter Teagan King’s story line. THANKS FOR LAST NIGHT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Teagan and Ransom) as well as several ‘cameo’ points of view THANKS FOR LAST NIGHT follows the friends to lovers relationship between professional hockey player Ransom North, and philanthropist and social media promoter Teagan King. As the two remaining singles in their group of friends, Ransom North and Teagan King both profess to keep their relationship strictly in the friend zone but a bachelor auction finds Ransom asking Teagan to bid for his date in an effort to come out on top. A winning bid, and one night together stirs something deep for both Teagan and Ransom, something neither one was willing to admit having loved and lost in the past. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Teagan and Ransom as both continue to deny the are looking for something more.

Throughout the story Teagan and Ransom watch as their friends fall in love, get married and consider Starting families but having been burned in the past, Ransom and Teagan struggle with a direction in their personal lives. One night together turns into something more, and with a little poking and prodding from their well-meaning friends Ransom and Teagan reconsider their lives together.

The relationship between Ransom and Teagan is a friends to lovers relationship. Ransom struggled with the betrayal of his former girlfriend, and in this he never wanted to place himself in a similar situation while Teagan lost the support of a former lover when her own life spiraled out of control. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of the over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

All of the previous couples return as secondary and supporting characters as well as Ransom’s sister Tempest, and his verbal sparring partner, professional baseball player Adrian Martinez. We are up close and personal with Logan and Bryn on the day of the nuptials, and like many of the couples, considering a future with or without children.

THANKS FOR LAST NIGHT is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; a story of second chances of a sort for two people burned by love, never hoping to find their own happily ever afters. The premise is entertaining and energetic; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are sassy and fun.

Reading order and previous reviews

Dear Sexy Ex Boyfriend
The What If Guy
A Guy Walks Into A Bar

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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Shot in the Dark (Blackbridge Security)by Marie James-Review tour

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Shot in the Dark (Blackbridge Security #2) by Marie James-Review tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 17, 2020

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/ShotInTheDarkTBR

As an IT expert and hacker extraordinaire, Wren Nelson is no stranger to discovering all sorts of secrets online.

He’s a warrior…when he’s behind his computer, that is.

And awkward at best in social situations.

His long hours with Blackbridge Security don’t really provide many opportunities to go out and meet people.

So what is he supposed to do when a wrong delivery—a questionably large box of bedroom toys—ends up in his hands instead of its intended target?

Online stalking has always been his go-to to accumulate information on people, but only seeing Whitney through digital displays isn’t enough. Approaching her doesn’t seem like the best plan either.

What he doesn’t know is that this woman is possibly the only one in existence able to give him a run for his money.

••••••••

REVIEW: SHOT IN THE DARK is the second instalment in Marie James’ contemporary, adult BLACKBRIDGE SECURITY erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Blackbridge Security. This is twenty-six year old, IT expert and hacker Wren Nelson, and twenty-four year old, independent contractor Whitney Nelson’s story line. SHOT IN THE DARK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary. Some of the events of SHOT IN THE DARK cross over with, and run parallel to the events of book one HOSTILE TERRITORY.

WARNING : SHOT IN THE DARK contains scenes of BDSM, as well as Dom/sub sexual play including rape and kidnapping fantasies that may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Wren and Whitney) SHOT IN THE DARK follows the building relationship between is twenty-six year old, IT expert and hacker Wren Nelson, and twenty-four year old, independent IT contractor Whitney Nelson. A mysterious package with x-rated contents arrives at Wren Nelson’s front door but Wren was never the intended recipient, and as such, begins an on-line search for the other W. Nelson, a woman who lives just three floors below. Using security cameras and online stalking, Wren quickly discovers that W. Nelson aka Whitney Nelson is a woman not without some excellent computer skills of her own. Struggling to face the woman that calls to his heart, Wren goes about seducing our story line heroine via online gaming and singles apps, only to discover that Whitney has been pulled into dangerous game of secrets and lies. With Whitney on the run, Wren pulls together the team at Blackbridge Security in an effort to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. What ensues is the slow building romance and relationship between Whitney and Wren, and the potential fall-out when Whitney discovers the true extent of Wren’s obsessive behavior.

Wren Nelson is a Dominant in the bedroom but struggles to meet woman outside of the lifestyle, of which, no one he knows is aware but Wren has found a kindred spirit in our story line heroine, a true submissive in the bedroom, who prefers a little kink on the side. Her best friend a Domme, Wren’s package of sexual toys has landed in the hands of our story line hero, a man who is not above doing a little bit of investigative reconnaissance of his own.

The relationship between Whitney and Wren begins as an online affair including a gaming relationship that becomes extremely sexual, as well as the voyeuristic nature of the other players. Wren is a Dominant who demands submission in the bedroom, and Whitney is the perfect foil for our hero’s needs and demands. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense- including some light bondage, discipline, and abduction fantasy- without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to security specialist and Blackbridge Security (BBS) owner Deacon Black, and Annalise Grimaldi (Hostile Territory #1), and BBS members Flynn Coleman (BBS Second in Command), Finnegan Jenkins (BBS mechanical engineer) , Ignacio Torres, Jude Morris, Quinten Lake, Gaige, and Brooks; as well as Wren’s dirty mouthed African Grey parrot Puff Daddy, and Whitney’s cat Simon. Puff Daddy steals many of the scenes throughout the story.

SHOT IN THE DARK is a story of secret and lies; betrayal and trust; relationships, friendships, romance and love. The premise is engaging and spicy; the romance is provocative and captivating; the characters are energetic, charismatic and fun.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one HOSTILE TERRITORY

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Marie James is a USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary romance. She’s book boyfriend crazy, the mother of two rowdy boys, and a wife of 15+ years. She’s obsessed with tacos, otters, and FunCo Pops figures. Born, raised, and still living in central Texas, Marie spends most of her time locked away writing and reading. 

Links

Facebook: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesFacebook

Twitter:http://bit.ly/MarieJamesTwitter

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/BookBubMarieJames

Instagram: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesIG

Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/AmazonMarieJames

Book and Main: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesBookMain

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesGoodReads

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesPinterest

YouTube: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesYouTube

Reader Group: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesStalkers

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesNL

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

The author is giving away a $25 Amazon GC on her Facebook page to celebrate. Stop by to enter!

http://bit.ly/MarieJamesFacebook

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DANGER AND DESIRE: A Romantic Suspense Anthology

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DANGER AND DESIRE: A Romantic Suspense Anthology by Kimberly Kincaid and Janie Crouch

ebook FREE : Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play

RELEASE DATE: September 15,2020

________

DANGER AND DESIRE is an eight novella, multi-authored romantic suspense anthology. My review covers THE ROOKIE by Kimberly Kincaid and SCOUT by Janie Crouch.

The Rookie by Kimberly Kincaid

Police recruit Xander Matthews has two goals: to keep his head down and his dark and dangerous past where it belongs—behind him. He never thought he’d see brash, beautiful ADA Tara Kingston again. But now they must catch a brutal killer before it’s too late.

••••••••

REVIEW: THE ROOKIE by Kimberly Kincaid is the first instalment and novella in the author’s new contemporary, adult INTELLIGENCE UNIT erotic, romantic suspense series-a spin off from her Station Seventeen and Remington Medical series. THE ROOKIE focuses on ADA Tara Kingston and police recruit Xander Matthews. Xander Matthews was first introduced in Down Deep (Station Seventeen #5). You do not have to have read the previous series to understand or follow the current time line although several characters cross over for back story and cohesion.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Tara and Xander) THE ROOKIE follows in the aftermath of an attack against Tara’s confidential informant, an informant scheduled to testify against a gun running murder. Coming face to face with Xander Matthews, a man she once tried to prosecute for arson two year earlier meant facing down a man who stirred something deep within our story line heroine. As Xander and the Remington Police Force take the informant into protective custody, Tara finds herself falling for Xander Matthews. What ensues is the ongoing protection of Tara’s CI, and the potential fall-out as Tara becomes fodder in a game of murder and revenge.

THE ROOKIE is a character driven, fast paced novella that introduces the Remington Intelligence Unit. A detailed and intriguing story line THE ROOKIE is an impassioned tale of second chances, karma and love. The premise is suspenseful; the romance is seductive; the characters are spirited and inspiring.

_________

SCOUT by Janie Crouch

Linear Tactical’s Wyatt Highfield is running for his life with intel that will break up a human trafficking ring. The last thing he wants is to bring danger to Nadine Macfarlane’s door. The gentle beauty has been through enough, and has the scars—physical and emotional—to prove it. But she’s his only option.

•••••••••

REVIEW: SCOUT by Janie Couch is part of the author’s Linear Tactical romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Linear Tactical. This is former Special Forces Green Beret soldier Wyatt ‘Scout’ Highfield, and virtual assistant Nadine Macfarlane’s story line. You do not have to have read the previous story line to understand or follow the current time line although several characters cross over for back story and cohesion.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Wyatt and Nadine) SCOUT follows the friends to lovers relationship between former Special Forces Green Beret soldier Wyatt ‘Scout’ Highfield, and virtual assistant Nadine Macfarlane. Several months earlier Nadine Macfarlane’s life imploded and she has lived on her own, off the grid in an effort heal both physically and mentally but the one constant in her life has been former Special Forces soldier Wyatt Highfield, the man who stars in her fantasies and dreams. On the run, trying to stay one step ahead, Wyatt lands in Idaho Falls, where a battered and beaten Wyatt will ‘accidentally’ run into our story line heroine, an accident Nadine attributes to fate but what our heroine doesn’t know is that Wyatt has been keeping an eye on Nadine Macfarlane for close to one year. Trouble has followed Wyatt to Nadine’s front door, and with it the possibility of the two not surviving. With Wyatt and Nadine on the run, our couple must call the team at Linear Tactical in an effort to make it home alive.

SCOUT is a quick read; a novella length story of danger, drama, friendship, love and a happily ever after. The premise is intriguing and inviting; the romance is passionate; the characters are energetic and spirited.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

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Burning Ash by N.J. Walters – a Review

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Burning Ash by N.J. Walters – a Review

 

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Description:
No one is more surprised than Asher, one of the oldest vampires on Earth, that he’s attracted to vamp hunter Jo Radcliffe. She’s smart, a talented slayer, and she’s gorgeous. Something about her pulls at him, like no one ever has before. For a man, whose name strikes fear in everyone—this is something new and intriguing. And quite possibly deadly, if she discovers his secret.

Jo has two things in common with the handsome Asher—they are both slayers and someone is messing with them in a very-much-trying-to-kill-them way. She’s not so happy about joining forces with a dude she doesn’t know. But he’s sexy as hell and really good at his job as one of the Forgotten Brotherhood, whose business it is to execute misbehaving paranormals.

She knows she’s bait in a larger plot to harm Asher and the Brotherhood. And there is nothing he won’t do, no line he won’t cross, to keep her safe—which may be the weakness that destroys them both.

Each book in the Fury Unleashed series is STANDALONE:
* Fury Unleashed
* Arctic Bite
* Burning Ash

 

Review:

Burning Ash by N.J. Walters is the 3rd book in her Forgotten Brotherhood series.  Asher has seen and done many things In his long life .Being brought into this life by a goddess, she set him the task of keeping humans safe.

Maccus and Asher formed the brotherhood, and through the years others members have joined. And as part of the brotherhood, they’ve had to put down some of their friends (that’s why it’s never good to form a close bond) they don’t meet up very often, and it’s usually only to swap information. 

Jo is a vampire slayer, after losing her beloved parents to a vicious killer.  She’s good at her job, she trains and doesn’t let anything get in her way. 

Asher receives an email that interests him, it warns him of a vampire that’s offering immortality, but in fact is killing his hosts! That’s a big no no, so here he is watching a vampire in Kentucky. But that’s not what got his interest, the fact he couldn’t trace it has him joining in this hunt. 

Now usually the brotherhood don’t get involved, the rogue vampires are dealt with by The Vampire Council. The brotherhood’s job is the one no one wants to do. Asher and Jo first meet whilst dispatching the same vampire. 

Both are wary of each other, but Asher guesses who Jo is first, his reveal doesn’t go down well at all with Jo. He’s a Vampire!!! She knows she should take him out, the only good vampire is a dead vampire. But he can walk in the sun, he eats food, all the things vampires don’t usually do!! She needs more information before she acts! 

Agreeing to work together until they find out who is sending them the emails. And when they find out that vampires are after Jo! And a huge bounty is on her head! Well it’s going to take them working as a team. 

Both are attracted to one another, and it’s all ok, until Jo finds out his a vampire. But she can’t help her feelings, but she works alone, it’s for the best, she can’t and won’t get attached. 

Asher on the other hand is totally enamored with Jo, she’s a warrior, a loner like him, but he can’t get her off of his mind. If he’s going to protect her and figure out who is pulling the strings, he’s going to need help. 

The story like the first two in the series is full of action and a few twists. It’s fun reading about a strong female bringing down the male. He’s all strong and posturing…. then BAM!! He’s down for the count and trying to keep his emotions in check. It’s great that this series have females that are capable of looking after themselves. Only so many books with helpless females I can read! 

Maccus plays I think a prominent role, he’s wondering why the brotherhood are being targeted? Quick recap.… Maccus and Morrigan (Fury Unleashed) were sent to kill each other. That didn’t happen, they worked together to figure out Maccus is a pawn in the fight between heaven and hell! Then Alexei Medvedev and Cassie Dobbs meet, (Arctic Bite) it’s a contract on her life! Again they worked together to find out who was pulling the strings. So I can see where Maccus is concerned that the brotherhood is being targeted. 

Back to the story….. Asher and Jo now aware of the danger, agree to work together. 

In such close proximity sparks are sure to fly. Jo is aware her time with Asher is limited, Asher doesn’t worry, he’s decided to end his life when Jo gets old and dies. Happy with his vow, he intends to spend as much time her as he can. But first their stalker……

So who is behind the scenes pushing Asher and Jo together? For what purpose? Was Maccus correct when he thinks it’s the Brotherhood that’s in danger? Who has that type of power? 

You don’t need to have read the first two books in this series. I don’t think you’ll miss anything. Beautifully written, full of drama and passion. Moments of comedy and sadness. Descriptions that come to life on the page. It’s a series that’s now on my TBR list. I’d recommend this book all day long. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Come Away With Me (Calamity Falls ) by Erika Kelly-Review tour

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Come Away With Me (Calamity Falls Holiday Novella ) by Erika Kelly-Review & Excerpt tour

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 17, 2020

Can the handsome loner win the heart of the single mom? He’s about to find out on their Vegas road trip.

Single mom Skylar James is absolutely not interested in the broody, inked artist who works in her brother’s motorcycle repair shop. She’s focused on her four-year-old son and her thriving business as an image consultant. But when he asks her to work her magic on his widowed mom, how can she say no? She’s in—even if it means a road trip with the man who can’t take a hint.

When Jinx Costello rolled into Calamity, Wyoming, he met the woman who owned him heart and soul. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to convince her about their destiny. She won’t even go on a date with him. But when he sees her in action with a client, he puts his own needs aside to ask for help with his mom.

Away from her family and business, Skylar finally lets down her guard and realizes why she’s been fighting Jinx so hard: she’s wildly attracted to him. Which makes it hard to uphold her vow not to date while her son’s little.

Jinx can’t believe the woman of his dreams is finally giving him a chance. But is she just letting loose on a Vegas road trip?
Because this is it for him. She’s it.

And now he just has to prove it to her.

••••

REVIEW: COME AWAY WITH ME by Erika Kelly is a holiday novella in the author’s contemporary, adult CALAMITY FALLS erotic, romance series. This is biker and artist Jackson ‘Jinx’ Costello, and twenty-five year old single mother and image consultant Skylar James’ story line. COME AWAY WITH ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Skylar and Jinx) COME AWAY WITH ME follows the building relationship and romance between biker and artist Jackson ‘Jinx’ Costello, and twenty-five year old single mother and image consultant Skylar James. Five years earlier, a then twenty year old Skylar James was stunned when she discovered she was pregnant and her boyfriend walked away without looking back. Fast forward to present day wherein, Skylar, now an image consultant, is asked to go to Vegas with biker and artist Jackson ‘Jinx’ Costello, a man who stirs something deep within our story line heroine. Jackson ‘Jinx’ Costello fell in love with Skylar James the moment they met but Skylar wanted nothing to do with Jinx Costello and would constantly rebuke his attempts at dating or lunch. With Skylar’s son at his grandparents for the Christmas Holidays, Jinx jumps at the chance to take Skylar to Vegas, in an effort to convince his widowed mother into an image make-over. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Skylar and Jinx when Skylar realizes that everything she needed and wanted had always been close at hand.

COME AWAY WITH ME is a quick read; a wonderfully spirited and energetic novella focusing on one woman’s struggle to do it all, and one man’s battle to convince said woman to take a change on love. The premise is captivating; the romance is spicy and fated.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Jinx had opened his heart to her, and it was time she did the same. “I’m ready.”
He looked confused. “For?”
“I’m done fighting my feelings for you. It was easy to push you away when it was nothing more than physical attraction. You’re gorgeous, and you’ve got a body to die for. Those things I could resist. But you’re the kindest, sweetest, most generous man I’ve ever known. And…” Tears burned.
“No, no more tears. I can’t take it.”
She shook her head. She needed to say this. “But you’re so good with my son.” She held his gaze, and emotion swelled so big and hard she couldn’t contain it. “I like you so much, Jinx, and I…” She got up on her toes, clasped a hand around his neck and drew his mouth down to hers. “I really want to kiss you.”
The first brush of lips sent sparks shooting through her. This big, hard muscled man was so gentle, his lips soft. He kissed her like she was a precious thing, like he wanted to savor this moment he’d waited so long for.
But she was too needy, too desperate for him. Licking into his mouth, she felt a shudder run through his body. When their tongues collided, the world burst into a shower of stars, and—Oh, my God—she’d never wanted anyone the way she wanted him. “You think your mom will mind if we leave without her?”
Grabbing her hand, he led her across the dance floor and whispered into his mom’s ear. She glanced to Skylar, looking concerned.
When he came back to her, she said, “What did you tell your mom?”
“I might’ve said I needed to get you to bed.”
“You what?” She nudged him. “You did not tell your mom we’re leaving to have sex.”
He grinned.
“Jinx.”
Right there on the dance floor, he cupped her chin, forcing her to look him in the eyes. “Just so we’re clear, I get that you’re away from your son, you’re in Vegas, and you want to have some fun. But I don’t want an hour with you. I don’t want one night.”
“What do you want?”
“Everything.” His desire for her made her knees buckle. “I want everything with you.”

Award-winning author Erika Kelly has been spinning romantic tales all her life–she just didn’t know it. Raised on the classics, she didn’t discover romantic fiction until later in life. From that moment on, she’s been devouring the genre and has found her true voice as an author. Over three decades she’s written poems, screenplays, plays, short stories, and all kinds of women’s fiction novels. Married to the love of her life and raising four children, she’s lived in two countries and seven states, but give her pen and paper, a stack of good books, and a steaming mug of vanilla chai latte and she can make her home anywhere.

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter Signup ** Erika Kelly Goodreads

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Unholy Intent (Unholy Union #2) by Natasha Knight-Review tour

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Unholy Intent (Unholy Union #2) by Natasha Knight-Review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 15, 2020.

Cristina

In this house of lies and liars, behind every locked door is a monster in wait.

Forced to marry a man I hate, I am now bound to Damian. There’s something between us that needs to be played out. I don’t know what it is. I don’t know that he does. But he and I are locked together for some strange, grim purpose.

Will we survive it?
He may since he’s the one pulling the strings.
But will I?

Damian

My brother will tell you that I usurped his throne and maybe I did, but that’s too bad.

I built our family up from the ashes. I put us back at the top of the food chain. And marrying Cristina was as much to cement my place as it was to keep her safe.

She doesn’t believe that last part yet, but I see how she clings to me in the darkness. And the lock on her door is as much to keep the monsters out as it is to keep her in.

I told her one lie, though. I made her a promise I’m not sure I ever meant to keep. I told her I’d let her go once I had what I wanted.

But in a world of monsters, I need her like man needs air. And I have no intention of letting her go.

•••••

REVIEW:UNHOLY INTENT is the second instalment in Natasha Knight’s contemporary, adult UNHOLY UNION dark, erotic, romance duet focusing on eighteen year old Cristina Valentina, and Damian Di Santo. UNHOLY INTENT should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book one UNHOLY UNION.

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

SOME BACKGROUND: Eight years earlier, Christina’s father sacrificed his life in an effort to protect his daughter but his sacrifice was for naught when a newly turned eighteen year old Christina would find herself the captive of Damian DiSanto, a captive meant to repay a debt.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Damian and Cristina) UNHOLY INTENT follows in the aftermath of Cristina Valentina’s eighteenth birthday. Payment for the sins of her father, Cristina is to become the wife of criminal Damian DiSanto, a position that is meant to both protect our heroine, as well as control but all is not well in the DiSanto family when Damian’s twin brother Lucas returns seeking something Damian refuses to let go. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Damian and Cristina, and the potential fall-out as Cristina becomes an unwilling pawn in a game between two families, and Damian’s empire takes a hit in a war between two brothers.

The relationship between Damian and Cristina is fraught with secrets and lies; threats and aggression; domination and power. Cristina is an unwilling captive; a guarded and guided wife but a woman who quickly falls for the man that now controls her life. Our heroine’s issues of trust are well-founded as there appear to be more than two sides to the story about the who, how and why. The $ex scenes are aggressive and intense, and not without some questionable consent but I struggled with the use of a certain four-letter word I dislike in my romance (including dark) story lines.

Damian’s twin brother Lucas returns to upset the balance of power, as well as their sister Michela who struggles to find a place in the family; Cristina’s cousin Liam is the sole source of support and remaining family member on our heroine’s side, as her uncle Adam sets into motion a dangerous game between the two families.

UNHOLY INTENT is a story of power and control; betrayal and vengeance; secrets, lies, heart break and love. The premise is haunting, dark, edgy and raw; the romance provocative; the characters are tragic, broken and impassioned.The epilogue fast forwards the story line four years. Here’s hoping the author has plans for Cristina’s cousin Liam.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book 1 UNHOLY UNION

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Order Book 1-UNHOLY UNION: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N / KOBO /Apple /

 

“Welcome home, Brother.”
I look up at Damian. Beautiful Damian.
He shifts his gaze to mine.
“Didn’t I tell you to leave the locked doors alone?” he asks me, but his voice is strange. Echoing in this dusty, forgotten place.
The music starts again. That eerie sound of piano keys played slowly, so fitting to this place, this room, this house.
My head is spinning.
The other man, Damian’s brother, says something. His voice is similar to Damian’s but off. Like his face. Wrong.
Damian tucks hair behind my ear.
I push his hand away, push his arms away. I turn slowly. They’re both watching me now, waiting to see what I’ll do.
And the tune keeps playing, the chords slow. Sad.
I need to look at him.
Can they hear my heartbeat? Blood beats like a drum against my ears.
Run.
Run.
But I can’t run. I meet a monster at every turn. One standing behind me. The other holding me.
He warned me about the monsters. How many more hide in this house?
“Cristina,” Damian says.
I keep turning, my body still pressed to Damian’s.
I’ve taken shelter in my enemy’s arms.
He’s in my periphery now. The monster. The brother. Tall, like Damian. I see the coat. It’s wet. He was the man walking back toward the house. It wasn’t Damian at all. What is out there that they go to see in the dead of night?

 


 

USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance, Natasha Knight specializes in dark, tortured heroes. Happily-Ever-Afters are guaranteed, but she likes to put her characters through hell to get them there. She’s evil like that.

 Connect w/Natasha:
Website: https://natasha-knight.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natashaknightauthor
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My Fallen Saint (Fallen Saint #1) by J. Kenner- Review Tour

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My Fallen Saint (Fallen Saint #1) by J. Kenner- Review & Excerpt Tour

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

His touch is her sin.

Her love is his salvation.

Charismatic. Confident. Powerful. Controlling.

A brilliant investor with a Midas touch, Devlin Saint turned a modest inherited fortune into billions, and now operates one of the world’s foremost international philanthropic organizations. He’s a man determined to help the underprivileged, to fight injustice, and to make the world a better place. And that, at least is true.

It’s not, however, the full truth.

Because Devlin Saint is a man with a dangerous secret. One he’ll do whatever it takes to protect. And when investigative reporter Ellie Holmes turns her attention to an unsolved murder, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue and passion as Devlin draws her closer and closer. But as the intensity and sensuality of their relationship grows, so do Ellie’s suspicions. Until she is no longer certain if the heat between her and Devlin is real, or only a facade he constructed to hide his dark and twisted secrets.

••••••••••

REVIEW: MY FALLEN SAINT is the first instalment in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult FALLEN SAINT erotic, romantic, suspense series focusing on former police officer turned investigative journalist Ellie Holmes, and billionaire investor Devlin Saint.

Told from first person perspective (Ellie Holmes) MY FALLEN SAINT follows investigative journalist Ellie Holmes, ten years after the murder of her uncle Peter, a return home to Laguna Crotez that brings with it too many memories of the past, and of a loss that still hurts to present day. When the police reopen the investigation into her uncle’s murder, Ellie is hoping to uncover the truth, but what Ellie never expected was to come face to face with reclusive billionaire investor Devlin Saint, a man tied closely to Ellie’s past. What ensues is the building relationship between Ellie and Devlin, and the potential fall-out when the truth about the who, how and what of Devlin Saint is revealed.

The relationship between Ellie and Devlin begins acrimoniously as Devlin struggles to avoid Ellie and her investigative questions, questions that are now directed at our story line ‘hero’…Devlin’s philanthropic adventures help men, women and children who have been victims of human trafficking but Devlin knows more about Ellie’s past than he is willing to reveal, a revelation that will destroy the woman with whom he is falling in love. A business weekend in Vegas finds our couple crossing the proverbial line, a line that now places both of them in the direct line of fire. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Ellie’s best friend Brandy, and Detective Lamar Gage, as well as Devlin’s assistant Anna Lindstrom, and his friend / right hand man Ronan Thorne.

MY FALLEN SAINT is a story of betrayal and vengeance; secrets and lies; heart break, tragedy, power, pain and revelations-revelations I predicted from the very start. The premise is dramatic and intense; the romance is passionate and seductive; the characters are broken and tragic. MY FALLEN SAINT ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

I cross the patio, clearing the south side of the building. To my left, I now have a straight-on view of the SeaSide Inn, the small hotel on the other side of PCH that has been a fixture of Laguna Cortez for as long as I can remember.
At one point, my uncle actually owned it, along with a few others around town. I even helped decorate the office, in so much as going to Home Depot and looking at paint chips counts as helping. Or decorating.
I turn the other direction so that I’m facing the ocean. The tidal pools are only a short walk away, and I take a step that direction, then stop. The tidal pools had been our place, mine and Alex’s, and I’d cherished that time among the clusters of porous gray rocks that rose out of the long, empty stretches of sand. It was the place he’d first kissed me. A place I always felt safe.
More, it’s a place I haven’t been back to since he left.
I’m not sure if it’s in defiance of or protection for those memories, but I can’t bring myself to go back now. Instead, I turn once again toward the highway and start walking forward, the south wall of the foundation on my left.
From this perspective, I can see the fourth floor balcony, and I know from the article I read about the building’s architecture that I’m looking at Saint’s private office. Not that I can see much. From where I’m standing, my view is of the underside, a hint of the balcony’s glass barrier, and only the tiniest glimpse of the glass door leading inside. Even so, I pause for a moment, imagining that Saint’s standing at his window, and that he’s watching me, too.
I frown, wondering what came up that forced him to postpone our interview. Did he leave town? Or is he right now in his office? Hell, maybe he really is at his window looking down at me.
There’s no reason he would be, of course, and so I continue walking the length of the building so I can circle around and get back to Shelby.
But with each step, that tingling sensation becomes stronger, the uncanny sensation of being watched. It’s not something I can ignore. Hell, I was raised by a cop and was on the job for two years myself before going back to school.
Mid-stride and without warning, I turn and look behind me. At the ocean. The path to the tidal pool. And the balcony off of Devlin Saint’s office.
That’s where he’s standing.
A man lost in the shadows cast by the building that shelters him.
It has to be Saint.
And he’s watching me.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What Not To Wear to a Graveyard by Debra Sennefelder-a review

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What Not To Wear to a Graveyard (Resale Boutique 2.5) by Debra Sennefelder-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 15, 2020

After trading her Manhattan digs for her upstate hometown, fashionista Kelly Quinn has big plans for her grandmother’s consignment shop. But this All Hallow’s Eve someone is already dressed to kill . . .

A socialite’s missing dog has made front page news in Lucky Cove—complete with a hefty reward. But between renovating the consignment shop, planning her costume for a 1970s themed Halloween party, and scouting a location for a fashion shoot, Kelly doesn’t have time to search. Yet a visit to the local colonial-era cemetery—ideal for the moody atmosphere she’s after—soon turns up the precious pooch. Kelly’s looking forward to collecting the check—until she makes a gruesome discovery in an abandoned farmhouse: The dog’s owner, stabbed through the heart.

Kelly can’t help wondering why Constance Lane was traipsing around the farmhouse in stilettos. But as Kelly gets decked out in a vintage disco caftan, that isn’t the only fashion misstatement spooking her. Hidden in the dead woman’s past is a secret that could be the motive for the murder. And as the Halloween party gets started, even a menacing clown and a threatening bearded lady can’t keep Kelly from trick or treating for the truth—even if it means her last dance .

••••••••

REVIEW: WHAT NOT TO WEAR TO A GRAVEYARD by Debra Sennefelder is a contemporary, adult, cozy mystery novella in the author’s Resale Boutique series focusing on resale queen Kelly Quinn.

Told from third person perspective WHAT NOT TO WEAR follows resale queen Kelly Quinn as she begins an investigation of her own into the recent murder of fashionista Constance Lane. A reward for a missing dog sent Kelly Quinn on the hunt but our heroine never expected to find a body in an old abandoned farmhouse, a farmhouse Kelly frequented, foraging for vintage clothing. The recently deceased was none other than Constance Lane, and any number of suspects soon crossed paths with our story line heroine. As Kelly begins digging into the who, how and why, our heroine finds herself the victim of a Halloween prank, a prank wherein Kelly’s life is threatened if she doesn’t stop snooping where she doesn’t belong.

WHAT NOT TO WEAR TO A GRAVEYARD is a quick read; a Halloween whodunit wherein Kelly Quinn, once again, finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation when she can’t leave well enough alone. A cute but predictable novella with a nosy heroine who just can’t stop herself from getting involved.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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