Monthly Archives: September 2020

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

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A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
A Betrayal…

Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Thrust among those who see her as a symbol of a monstrous kingdom, she barely knows who she is without the veil of the Maiden. But what she does know is that nothing is as dangerous to her as him. The Dark One. The Prince of Atlantia. He wants her to fight him, and that’s one order she’s more than happy to obey. He may have taken her, but he will never have her.

A Choice…

Casteel Da’Neer is known by many names and many faces. His lies are as seductive as his touch. His truths as sensual as his bite. Poppy knows better than to trust him. He needs her alive, healthy, and whole to achieve his goals. But he’s the only way for her to get what she wants—to find her brother Ian and see for herself if he has become a soulless Ascended. Working with Casteel instead of against him presents its own risks. He still tempts her with every breath, offering up all she’s ever wanted. Casteel has plans for her. Ones that could expose her to unimaginable pleasure and unfathomable pain. Plans that will force her to look beyond everything she thought she knew about herself—about him. Plans that could bind their lives together in unexpected ways that neither kingdom is prepared for. And she’s far too reckless, too hungry, to resist the temptation.

A Secret…

But unrest has grown in Atlantia as they await the return of their Prince. Whispers of war have become stronger, and Poppy is at the very heart of it all. The King wants to use her to send a message. The Descenters want her dead. The wolven are growing more unpredictable. And as her abilities to feel pain and emotion begin to grow and strengthen, the Atlantians start to fear her. Dark secrets are at play, ones steeped in the blood-drenched sins of two kingdoms that would do anything to keep the truth hidden. But when the earth begins to shake, and the skies start to bleed, it may already be too late.

 

 

Review:

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the 2nd book in her fantastic Blood and Ash series. I loved the first book in this series, and could not wait to read more about Hawke/Casteel and Poppy; and amazingly I loved this book even more. 

The story begins immediately after the first book ended, with Poppy having learned who Hawke really was, as well as learning the truth of Ascendeds, Vamprys and being the Maiden.  Despite her defiant anger at learning that Hawke is indeed the Dark One, the Prince of Atlantia, she goes with him to escape those who are after her. Casteel (Hawke), Kieran (his bonded guard) and others head to their home, and along the way Poppy will discover the horrific truths of what the Ascendeds were doing. She will also learn more about her surprising newfound powers that she truly does not understand.  The banter between Cas and Poppy was fun to watch, especially as we can see how much both are trying to ignore the strong feelings they have for each other; though Cas already knows how he feels about Poppy, and tells her they will home to Atlantia and they will marry. I loved both Poppy and Cas, as they not only were a great couple, but so much fun to watch them, not to mention over time the sensual sizzling chemistry between them.  Poppy was a fantastic heroine, being strong, feisty, independent, a fierce warrior in her own right; and I loved her many questions, as well as her recognizing that she fully loved Cas.  Hawke (Cas) was equally as wonderful as Poppy, being strong, loyal, and totally in love with Poppy; you can’t help but fall in love with him.  Jennifer has created a super couple and many wonderful secondary characters. 

The Prince (Cas) has his own small army of Wolvens, sworn to protect him, as well as Poppy.  During their time of traveling, Poppy manages to heal some injured people with her powers, with some afraid of her, and others happy to be healed.  Cas, Kieran, and all the wonderful men travelling with them are in awe of what Poppy and do; especially later on when she begins to glow when healing.  No one knows why, neither does Poppy, as some suspect maybe she is an empath (all destroyed many years ago).

What follows is an exciting action filled adventure that had me holding my breaths so many times.  The last half of the book was mind-blowing, with intense violence, danger, constant action, heart wrenching and surprising twists.  I loved when Poppy would join to help Cas and his group, as she was so well trained on swords, knives and bows; the fight scenes were awesome. As they get closer to Atlantia, the stakes are higher, as the Ascendeds army are getting close, killing anyone in their way. 

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire was another intriguing continuation to this fantastic series, with wonderful world building, and lots of action, suspense, violence, passion and fantastic characters.  The romance between Cas and Poppy is great, and the overall story is so well done by Armentrout. As we race to the exciting mindboggling climax, there are some amazing revelations, and of course, a cliffhanger that blows our mind. 

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire was also a fun, enjoyable, romantic and intense story line that had a bit of everything. Bravo to Jennifer L. Armentrout, who has once again written such an amazing high fantasy, that kept me glued to my seat, unable to put the book down. If you have not read the first book, Blood and Ash, you need to read that one before you move on to A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire.

Review by Barb

Own copy

 

 

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Secret Crush Seduction by Jayci Lee – Review & Excerpt

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Secret Crush Seduction by Jayci Lee – Review & Excerpt

 

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Description:
She’s done waiting for what she really wants…

“If I don’t have you after that kiss,

I’ll burn to dust from the inside out…”

Aspiring fashion designer Adelaide Song wants to prove she’s more than just a pampered heiress. All she needs is a little courage—and the help of deliciously sexy Michael Reynolds, her childhood crush and her brother’s best friend. But when her secret crush turns into an illicit liaison, Adelaide realizes mixing business with pleasure spells trouble for all her plans…

 

 

Review:

Secret Crush Seduction by Jayci Lee is the second book in her Heirs of Hansol series.  I did not read the first book, but Lee manages to give us a glimpse at the family, so this did read very well as a standalone.

Adelaide Song, our heroine, is not happy that her grandmother continues to deny her a chance to take a lead role in the company, Hansol (fashion empire) having been deemed as not ready.  Adelaide, is the sister of Garrett (previous book hero), and knows she needs to find a way to prove to her grandmother that she is ready to step in to a larger role.  Adelaide has always excelled in designing her own fashions, and comes up with a plan to run a charity fashion show for Autism, with her own designs that were meant for those that are autistic. 

Michael Reynolds, is the PR for Hansol, and Garret’s best friend; he has always been treated as a member of the Song family. When she was a teenager, Adelaide had a crush on Michael, but because of his closeness to her family, he has considered her off limits.  Adelaide goes to Michael for help with public relations, and to help convince her grandmother to do the Charity event.  When her grandmother gives her approval, Adelaide takes full responsibility, hiring 10 young student fashion designers to help her with designs, and with one winner selected for best design. Michael helps by bringing in famous and wealthy people to attend the Charity event.

As they continue to work closely together, both Adelaide and Michael begin to have strong feelings for each other, with their sizzling chemistry making it difficult to ignore.  Even though Adelaide is willing to act on her feelings, Michael tries to fight off his lust for her, knowing this cannot end well.   He worries that Grandma Grace Song may not approve, nor will Garret, and he could lose everything.  But in a short time, they give in to their feelings, with the knowledge that when this project ends, so will their relationship.  Best laid plans do not always work out. 

What follows is a sweet, fun sexy story, with a couple we loved from the start.  Adelaide was a great heroine, as she was independent, strong, savvy, hard worker and talented in her wonderful designs, as well as her determination to succeed.  I really enjoyed the time spent with her team, and bringing to light many unknown issues for those Autistic, including clothes and accessories.  I did love Adelaide and Michael together, as he was also very supportive of her.  I will say that the ending to me was a bit abrupt, but I for one love having epilogues, which was not used here, leaving us a bit open. Secret Crush Seduction was a fun sweet read, and great addition to the Heirs of Hansol series, even if I did not read the first book. If you enjoy pure romances, I suggest you read this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

What the hell kind of boy band medley is this?
A handful of young women—much younger than Adelaide Song’s twenty-six years—were spinning around in a circle on the dance floor at Pendulum, screaming along to some bubblegum pop song. It was early in the evening, and they were sloppy drunk.
Adelaide was most definitely not in the mood to play Ring Around the Rosie at her cousin Colin’s nightclub. After the face-off she’d just had with her grandmother, she needed to lose herself in good music and dance off her frustration.
What was the Tuesday DJ doing up there on a Friday night anyway? She hunted down Tucker, the top DJ and manager-in-training, to remedy the situation.
“Hi, Tucker.”
“Hey, Adelaide. You haven’t been in for a while. How are you doing?”
“I’ve had better days.” She smiled wryly. “Why is Ethan up there? I can really do without the over-the-top pop tonight. It’s a Saturday night. Let’s get some real jam going.” Adelaide looked over her shoulder and out into the club. “By the way, where’s Colin?”
“He had a meeting and asked me to hold down the fort.” The heavily pierced and tattooed DJ stared at his shoes and fidgeted under her scrutiny. “Ethan begged me to let him play for an hour, and I felt bad for the guy. He’s a good kid.”
“A good kid who is playing Tuesday night pop on a Saturday night.”
“I got you. I’ll take over,” he said with a shy smile. “Thank you. You’re the best.”
And it was true. He was an immensely talented DJ, and he should be proud of his mad skills. Within minutes, the sensuous, liberating strains of Tucker’s magic filled the air and calmed the tremors of frustration quaking under Adelaide’s skin.
For the last two years since she’d finished her MBA, Adelaide had been begging her grandmother to let her take her place at Hansol Corporation—the family’s multibillion- dollar apparel empire—but her answer was always, “Maybe next year.” It broke Adelaide’s heart because those words really meant that Grandmother still hadn’t forgiven her for her wild years in college.
It had been a time of switching from boyfriend to boyfriend, partying too hard to care about classes and distancing herself from the family. It wasn’t until her last year in college that she’d rediscovered her thirst for knowledge. She had cleaned up her act and learned to balance her responsibilities and recreations. That was nearly six years ago. But to her family, she was still an irresponsible wild child incapable of contributing any-thing of worth to Hansol. She felt a twinge of shame at her desperate plea to her grandmother. I’m not that kid anymore.
Refusing to let herself drown in sadness, Adelaide strode to the dance floor with sharp clicks of her stilettos and headed for a corner stage raised three feet from the floor. She gripped the railing when she reached the top and exhaled through pursed lips. Then she closed her eyes and let the music flow through her. The rhythm always grew in the pit of her gut and spread to her hips, legs, then the rest of her body. When it filled her to the brim, she danced.
Everything disappeared as it always did. Her loneliness. Her insecurities. Her grandmother with her dis-missive words and disappointed eyes. They all shrank and blurred as she moved her body, carried away by the music and its beat.
Her song came on. The bass in the music shook the dance floor and pounded in her blood. Primal and raw. She closed her eyes and lifted her arms above her head, tracing the outlines of the song with her body. She no longer existed. There was the song and she was its instrument. Adelaide wasn’t there anymore. She just danced. Danced until she was erased.
She heard a rough growl from beside her. The sound merged with the music in its feral possessiveness. It wasn’t until a pair of strong hands grasped her upper arms that she realized a person had emitted the sound. A very tall, blazingly furious man person.
“Goddammit, Addy. What are you doing here?”
“Good to see you, too,” she said with cool detachment.
Inside, she shivered with awareness and need that refused to be stilled. Michael Reynolds. Her older brother’s best friend, and her first love. Unrequited, of course. He treated her like she was his kid sister for the most part. In the meantime, she was burning up from his innocuous touch.
“Let me take you home,” he said. “Your grandmother’s worried about you.”
Damn it. She wasn’t finished flushing out the anger and melancholy from her system. Her insecurities were rampaging in her mind, and she couldn’t handle any more heartache tonight. So she closed her eyes again and danced to make Michael disappear, as well.
Since he still held her arms, she placed her hands on his broad chest and assumed the junior high slow dance position. But rather than shift awkwardly from foot to foot, she swerved her body in languid waves in time with the music. Michael stood frozen for a few beats, then expelled a sound between a cough and curse.
“I’m taking you home. Now.” He abruptly picked her up off the floor with an arm under her thighs and the other cradling her back, frowning down at her with the same look everyone bestowed on her. Disappointment.
Enough.
“Stop with the Kevin Costner impersonation, and put me down,” she said, pushing against his shoulder.
“No way.” A hint of humor sparked in his eyes. “I remember how fast you can run. I’m not in the mood to chase you.”
Adelaide spied movement from the corner of her eyes. The club bouncers were heading toward them with fists clenched. They knew she was Colin’s cousin and were a protective lot, and Michael was carrying her out of the club, looking angry as hell.
“Oh, for God’s sake. I’m not a ten-year-old, Michael.” She struggled in earnest. If the idiot didn’t put her down, he would get beaten to a pulp by the bouncers before she could de-escalate the situation. “You need to put me down. I’ll walk out with you.”
“Adelaide? You all right?” Too late. Four of the loyal bouncers had surrounded them. “I suggest you get your hands off of her, buddy.”
“I suggest you go back to your posts, gentlemen.” Michael’s arms tightened around her, and a dark, recklessness entered his eyes. Why was he acting like this? “I’m escorting Ms. Song home.”


 


JAYCI LEE writes poignant, sexy, and laugh-out-loud romance every free second she can scavenge and is semi-retired from her fifteen-year career as a defense litigator. She loves food, wine, and travelling, and incidentally so do her characters. Jayci lives in sunny California with her tall-dark-and-handsome husband, two amazing boys with boundless energy, and a fluffy rescue whose cuteness is a major distraction. She is the author of A Sweet Mess.

Author website: https://jaycilee.com/
Author Twitter: @authorjaycilee
Author Facebook:
                                          https://www.facebook.com/authorjaycilee

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Seconds (The Salvation Society) by Freya Barker-Review Tour

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Seconds (The Salvation Society) by Freya Barker-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 6, 2020

Love, life…death—a few seconds can change everything.

I’m a criminal defense lawyer determined to build my own firm from the ground up.
My ex, the new prosecutor, complicates things; especially when the animosity between us infects the whole courtroom.

Then I meet Callum—my brother’s friend, a bounty hunter, and the accused in my new case.
The charge—sexual battery.
The supposed victim—a bail jumper he’s been chasing halfway across the country.

My instincts tell me he’s innocent, which I set about proving, but I didn’t expect to fall for him in the process.
Our mutual attraction becomes a tempting complication neither of us can resist.

When a body turns up, Callum and I realize a war is raging around us; and one of us is the target. With an ex-husband eager to take me down, and a woman determined to ruin Callum, we need to figure out who the perpetrator is…before time runs out.

••••••

REVIEW:SECONDS by Freya Barker is a contemporary, adult, erotic, romantic suspense story line -a part of Corinne Michaels’ multi-authored SALVATION SOCIETY series. This is forty five year old, bounty hunter Callum McGregor, and forty year old attorney Reagan Cole’s story line. SECONDS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Cal and Reagan) SECONDS follows the building romance and relationship between forty-five year old, bounty hunter Callum McGregor, and forty year old attorney Reagan Cole.Recently divorced Reagan Cole finds herself facing off against her ex-husband in court but a return to her new offices in the McGregor Bails Bonds building finds Reagan representing her landlord when the police arrest Cal McGregor on trumped up charges. As Reagan and Cal begin an investigation of their own, someone begins targeting our story line heroine, placing Reagan Cole in the direct line of fire. With too many potential suspects including Reagan’s ex husband, the investigation into the trumped up charades, begins to reveal a connection to Cal, a dirty cop, Reagan’s ex-husband, and one or more cases our heroine has represented. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Cal and Reagan, and the potential fall-out as Reagan’s stalker steps up his attacks.

Cal McGregor is best friends with Reagan’s brother Jackson Cole, and as such Cal struggles with the best friend’s sister relationship but a struggle that is quickly thrown to the wind. Cal knows that Reagan is the woman he wants in his life, a woman who is currently the target of a psychotic mind. Reagan Cole knows to get involved with a client could destroy her professional reputation but Cal is more than a client, he is her brother’s best friend, her landlord, and the man with whom she 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 introduced to Reagan’s brother Jackson Cole; her ex-husband Neil Tory; Detective Walker, Detective Melville; Reagan’s best friend and PA Sally; and bounty hunter Aaron Morales and Mark Phillips.

SECONDS is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; betrayal, vengeance and murder. The premise is intriguing, exciting and captivating; the romance is seductive and Sexy; the characters are colorful,strong, forceful, energetic and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories. 

Driven to make her books about ‘real’ people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.

Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We’ve Read All Year Award for “Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

Facebook: http://bit.ly/FreyaFacebook
Twitter: http://bit.ly/FreyaTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/FreyaInstagram
Web: http://bit.ly/FreyaWeb
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/FreyaGoodreads
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/Freya_Newsletter
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/FreyaBookBub

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The Russian Thug / The Russian Savage by Rie Warren-Review Tour

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The Russian Thug / The Russian Savage by Rie Warren-Review Tour

THE RUSSIAN SAVAGE: Enemy of the Bratva
(Krasnov Brothers #2)
by Rie Warren
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, Russian Bratva, romance

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 3, 2020

ADD TO YOUR TBR

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54010163-the-russian-savage

I am her enemy.
And I’m going to make her mine.
She might never forgive me, but I don’t care.

Saving the daughter of an enemy was not my intention but, now that I have her, I intend to keep her. Nothing is going to stop me from using this mafia heiress as I see fit, not even her personal vendetta that pits her family against the Bratva.

Kidnapping the beautiful Italian princess is in my best interests even if it’s not good for her. Because I have wicked secrets of my own, which I intend to play out on her luscious body.

She will be my prized possession come hell, high water, or a vicious new war.

The Russian Savage is Arkady’s story and is book two in the Krasnov Brothers series. No cliffhangers. No cheating. Includes vivid, steamy scenes. Can be read as a standalone.

••••••••

REVIEW: THE RUSSIAN SAVAGE: Enemy of the Bratva is the second instalment in Rie Warren’s contemporary, adult KRASNOV BROTHERS erotic, Russian Bratva, romance series. This is thirty-three year old, Zolotov underboss Arkady Krasnov, and twenty-seven year old, Italian mafia princess Lucia Leone’s story line. THE RUSSIAN SAVAGE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

WARNING: THE RUSSIAN SAVAGE contains scenes of BDSM, graphic violence, and talk of sexual assault and rape, and may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: As young children, Arkady Krasnov and his brothers Maksim and Kirill found themselves abandoned on the streets of Mother Russia. Fighting to stay alive, the brothers, led by eldest Arkady became a gang unto themselves until they tried to shake down a member of the Russian Bratva, a man who once ruled the notorious gulag. Seeing something in the boys, and without any male heirs of his own, Yury Zolotov adopted the young boys, and raised them as his own, preparing their way to rule the criminal underworld.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Arkady and Lucia) THE RUSSIAN SAVAGE follows the building but forbidden romance and relationship between thirty-three year old, Zolotov underboss Arkady Krasnov, and twenty-seven year old, Italian mafia princess Lucia Leone. Lucia Leone was on a mission to destroy Kirill Krasnov but found herself under the protection of his older brother Arkady when a street gang thought to claim her as their prize. Discovering Lucia’s ill-conceived plan to take down his brother Kirill, Arkady imprisoned Lucia, in an attempt to secure her protection from the Russian Bratva but what Arkady never expected was to discover that Lucia had been tapped as a pawn to secure a stronger position for the Cosa Nostra. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Arkady and Lucia, and the potential fall-out as the Italian mob make good on their plans to sell Lucia to the highest bidder.

Lucia Leone is a woman who struggles to find a place in the family but whose future has been unknowingly planned for quite awhile. Desperate to avenge her brother Bastiano’s murder, Lucia set out to kill Kirill Krasnov, only to discover her would-be rescuer is the man with whom she would fall in love.

Like the first instalment (The Russian Thug), THE RUSSIAN SAVAGE follows a forbidden relationship between members of warring crime families, and a female used and abused by the men who should have loved and protected. Women are nothing more than fodder to make or break a deal for power, and in this the ramifications manifest in different ways-TRIGGER WARNING for readers with issues of emotional, physical and psychological self-harm.

The relationship between Arkady and Lucia begins as prisoner and jailer yet quickly turns into something more when Arkady discovers a secret that Lucia hopes to keep to herself. A man whose kinky side is hidden from the family he loves, Arkady’s needs will be equally met by the needs of the woman he had never planned to love. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense but, once again, I struggled with the use of a certain four-letter word, and in this particular storyline it is used as a term of endearment and possession.

Again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and charismatic secondary and supporting characters including Arkady’s brothers: Maxsim, Kirill and his wife Joanna (the Russian Thug #1), and their sister Sasha, their ‘grandmother’ Svetlana, as well as the head of the Bratva and ‘father figure’ Yury Zolotov, and Joanna’s brothers Lucky, Kelly and Dex O’Sullivan. The requisite evil has many faces including Lucia’s father Don Marco Leone, Don Sabato Rossi, and his heir Roberto.

THE RUSSIAN SAVAGE is a story of family, power, betrayal and control. The premise is raw and dark; the romance is provocative and energetic; the characters are flawed, dominant and impassioned. I will add that the similarities in the premise between books one and two are unapologetically numerous and profuse-a virtual duplicate of plot line and forbidden romance.

_________

THE RUSSIAN THUG: Abducted by the Bratva
(Krasnov Brothers #1)
by Rie Warren
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, Russian Bratva, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 6, 2020

I am her captor.
Her keeper.
And I don’t have a single intention of protecting her.

This mouthy tomboy is the only daughter of the O’Sullivan mafia, and they’ve been screwing us over for months. All of that changes today. I don’t like surprises but I do enjoy a challenge and, by the time I’m done with the Irish brat, the uneasy truce between our Bratva and their family will be no more than bloodstains on the streets of Boston.

I’m going to abduct her. I’m going to toy with her. I’ll control her and teach her family a lesson they’ll never forget. I can’t wait.

•••••••

REVIEW: THE RUSSIAN THUG: Abducted by the Bratva is the first instalment in Rie Warren’s contemporary, adult KRASNOV BROTHERS erotic, Russian Bratva, romance series. This is the Zolotov Bratva enforcer Kirill Krasnov, and O’Sullvan Irish mafia princess Joanna O’Sullivan.

WARNING: THE RUSSIAN THUG contains scenes of spanking, graphic violence and a history of rape and sexual assault that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: As young children, Kirill and his brothers Maksim and Arkady found themselves abandoned on the streets of Mother Russia. Fighting to stay alive, the brothers, led by eldest Arkady became a gang unto themselves until they tried to shake down a member of the Russian Bratva, a man who once ruled the notorious gulag. Seeing something in the boys, and without any male heirs of his own, Yury Zolotov adopted the young boys, and raised them as his own, preparing their way to rule the criminal underworld.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kirill and Joanna) THE RUSSIAN THUG follows the building romance and relationship between the Zolotov Bratva enforcer Kirill Krasnov, and O’Sullvan Irish mafia princess Joanna O’Sullivan. Imprisoned by the Zolotov Bratva, Joanna O’Sullivan found herself in lock down when the Bratva discovered her family had been cheating on a number of their shipments. Held as a source of collateral Joanna knew she would be nothing more than fodder for her father’s deals but her brothers are about to risk their lives for the sister they love. Kirill Krasnov had no idea the skinny truck driver was the Princess of the O’Sullivan mafia. Keeping her prisoner is the least of his worries when his attraction to Joanna finds Kirill guardian and protector of the woman with whom he would fall in love. As the O’Sullivan brothers come to terms with the Zolotov Bratva, the Japanese Yakuza seek revenge against Kirill Krasnov, as Joanna, once again, becomes the target of some very powerful and dangerous men.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and charismatic secondary and supporting characters including Kirill’s brothers: Maxsim, Arkady and their sister Sasha, their ‘grandmother’ Svetlana, as well as the head of the Bratva and ‘father figure’ Yury Zolotov, and Joanna’s brothers Lucky, Kelly and Dex O’Sullivan.

THE RUSSIAN THUG is a story of family, betrayal, vengeance and blood. A story of power and control; repercussions and restitution. The premise is dark and gritty; the characters are dynamic ; the romance is erotic and intense but I struggled with the use of a certain four-letter word. Saying that, you will have to suspend reality as it pertains to the quick building relationship or at the very least ignore the heroine’s history of abuse -a Stockholm Syndrome type relationship manifests within hours of capture- but such is the nature of fictional storylines.

Copies supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

Follow: Website /Facebook /Twitter /Instagram /Goodreads

Badass, sassafras Rie Warren is an OG Amazon All Star author of Bad Boy books and MC romance. She delivers five-star sex, suspense, and the best banter around. Her stories are one hundred percent original, do not contain fluffy plots or virgin brides, and wring every last emotion from readers to leave them with a satisfied smile. Rie’s tough alpha males are never brought to heel, but are instead healed by the feisty femme fatale of their perfect match.
She grew up in Maine, went to college in Iowa (Iowa, what?), lived in Scotland, and married in Englishman. In true roundabout fashion, they came back to the States, settled in South Carolina’s lowcountry, putting down southern roots and pursuing their arty endeavors. Tale spinner and character diviner, Rie is a lover of sleep, wine, and rude memes often involving either Disney characters or Winnie the Pooh. She is raising two teen daughters along with an entire brain full of unruly characters.

Rough-talking alpha men? Rie has that on tap.
Stubborn sassy heroines? You bet.
Smoldering sex scenes that’ll set your Kindle on fire? Check, check, check.

Keep a fan handy, you’ll need it.

 

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Hostage (The Everyday Heroes World) by Jas T. Ward -Review Tour

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Hostage (The Everyday Heroes World) by Jas T. Ward -Review tour

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

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

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2UJAN00

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 10, 2020

Jas T. Ward’s Hostage is a thrill ride of adventure with a sexy, paranormal romance twist written in K. Bromberg’s The Everyday Heroes World project.

Evan O’Brien lived his immortal existence committed to a life of hardcore service to the secret war and army of The Grid. Zero time for love. That emotion complicated his control on all aspects of his life. He was determined his heart had no say so. And nothing or no one could change that.

Lily Devenmore spent her days working with kids and a job surrounded by books at the library. She lived loud and as bold as being born to the Grid allowed. As love found her sisters, Lily longed for it too. But she had yet to find a man who wanted her and not change her.

That all changed in one day—not only was she held hostage but Evan learned he held his heart from ransom far too long. Could they rescue each other? With help of some of your favorite characters from The Everyday Heroes World, they just might.

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: Evan works as second in command for the secret army The Grid. He’s good at his job, he works long and demanding hours so he doesn’t have time to be social, love and friendships take a back seat. But all that changes when a hold up goes wrong and Lily is held hostage. He has to face the fact that he likes her! Where that came from is anyone’s guess.

Well no, actually that’s a lie, Evan knows exactly where that thought came from. Seems like someone has a secret thing for Lily. And he’s had it for a while…..

Lily works in a private school teaching first graders. She also works in the local library. Lily has two sisters Emma and Rose, they both work for The Grid also. Lily and her sisters lost both their parents and their brother to the “cause” protecting civilians from the demons that hunt them. Love isn’t high on her list of things to do, being in love hurt, so not for Lily thank you.

This book was so much fun to read. Set in a world where The grid is a secret army organised to fight demons and the things that creep out of hell!!!

Organised centuries ago, and here is the thing I found the most original, the good guys were all once bad guys! Earning a shot at redemption, if they pass, they get too live an immortal life on earth (still working for the grid I wasn’t sure on that part)

This book is part of a series. (The Everyday Hero’s World) its a little confusing finding the series. I haven’t read any of the others, I don’t think your missing out on anything. They are connected in some way, but as they are written by different authors, it’s safe to say they don’t need to be read in order.

But the author also has a world for these characters (and I may go and have a look) think there might be a spin off as well!

Evan and Lily constantly bang heads, she’s too loud and in your face. Evan is a stickler for rules and paperwork, so you do have to wonder how they come together?!

Really well thought out and written. Very descriptive, hilarious in parts (I did like Lily’s attitude) she always had a comeback or put down.

I really liked Lily, except for her lack of self esteem, she was a pretty funny woman. Fiery and passionate, loyal to her family and close friends, but with a side that makes you want to cuddle her up close and fight in her corner. Watching her parents die couldn’t have been easy, watching her sisters gets all the attention from boys had to be hard, but Lily is a fighter, she’s come to terms with who she is, except when Evan tells her how sexy she is, it’s hard to believe him.

Evan is a character I’d like to know more about. Centuries old, a mob bosses enforcer, he had the chance to redeem himself and took it. With fangs and a tendency to go crispy in the sun, you’d think they were vampires! Nope! According to Evan not vampires, they just share a few of the sane characteristics (think it’s the fact they’ve come from hell)

I get the impression he can’t take time off, is it to atone for his past? He feels he has to be in control of everything.

The chemistry once lit between these two was explosive. Evan started the ball rolling when they were trapped in the bunker, he told Lily exactly how he felt about her.

So how does a workaholic commander keep the loud and brash librarian/schoolteacher? Because trying to convince Lily he wants something more than a one night stand is going to be an uphill battle.

Copy supplied for review

?Reviewed by Julie B

Hostage is written in New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg’s Everyday Heroes World, which is one of two KB Worlds projects. With over 100 authors, who were selected by and are working with K. Bromberg, these stories are fan fiction at its finest—and sexiest. Devoted fans of the Driven and Everyday Heroes series will have the opportunity to revisit their favorite characters and settings. Jas T. Ward is bringing the sexiness of first responders to the page writing in the steamy, swoon-worthy world of the Malone brothers. You can find out more about K. Bromberg and the KB Worlds at kbworlds.com.

 

KB Worlds Amazon Page: https://amzn.to/3dpfvuX

KB Worlds Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/2Vez4Aa

KB Worlds Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2B226Mo

Ms. Ward was born and raised in Texas, Ward is a mixed bag of creativity spinning tales of paranormal, urban fantasy and even dark romance and horror; wrapped within a love story. She’s been dared to write a few contemporary romances but even those reads have characters that are real and twisted by their creator.

Ward publishes her wildly popular Paranormal/Sci-Fi romances as an indie and her contemporary romances were picked up for traditional publication with Hot Tree Publishing in 2020.

A mother of three diverse and independent bold children, Ward prides herself for being the “Queen Niche’ Bitch” which is her handy way of saying she sucks writing to market.
But her readers don’t seem to mind.

Connect with Jas

Website | http://www.authorjastward.com

Goodreads | https://bit.ly/30UGnA5

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Facebook | https://bit.ly/2CrowY4

Facebook Group | https://bit.ly/2PSQmQ7

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/jast.ward/

Twitter | https://twitter.com/JasTWard

Bookbub | https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jas-t-ward

Newsletter | http://www.authorjastward.com/subscribe/

 

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The Baby Contract by CeeRee Fields – Review & Excerpt

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The Baby Contract by CeeRee Fields – Review & Excerpt

 

 

Amazon

 

Description: 
An unwanted wife, a broken contract, and a secret baby.

Elizabeth Sutherland Martinez’s life was idyllic. She married the man of her dreams. Had a supportive stepfather. And a dream job. Until the night she discovered everything she thought was true was a lie. Her husband only needed her to settle a debt to her stepfather by getting Elizabeth pregnant. The child and Elizabeth unknowing pawns in a contract forged between two powerful men bent on adding to their wealth.

She fled from all of it.

Rafael ‘Rafe’ Martinez wanted Elizabeth the first time he set eyes on her. Until he was forced to tangle with her stepfather, who presented Rafe with the unholy bargain. When he realizes Elizabeth only wanted him to impregnate her, Rafe’s done and demands a divorce so he can be free to find love elsewhere.

A year later, the two meet again only to discover they both have been lied to. Him thinking Elizabeth had anything to do with the contract. And her thinking he only wanted Elizabeth because of the contract.

Little do either of them know the rocky path of their beginning will lead them to a love like no other, but first, they have to survive her stepfather’s murderous intentions.

 

 

Review: 

The Baby Contract by CeeRee Fields is the 2nd book in her The Contract series.  I’ve read this author before (The Rayburn Mysteries) so I was eager to see what this was all about…. Now that was different. I really enjoyed that. 

Elizabeth Is happily in love, she has a secret she can’t wait to tell her stepfather and husband, but before she can do that, she overhears something that smashes her world to pieces! 

I get the impression she’s quite a sheltered person, she might write novels under a pen name, but she lives the peaceful life. All she has ever wanted was a family, after losing her mother, her best friend and stepfather became her family, then Rafe was added, and Elizabeth was happy. So she’s got no choice but to run….. 

Rafe I wanted to hate, he really was vile to Elizabeth, but the more you read about him, the more you come to realise he had been played!  He really did love her at first, but an arrangement between Rafe and Harold (stepfather) with Elizabeth’s knowledge and consent (which he finds out she didn’t know about) sours the marriage, now he wants out! The marriage (unknown to Elizabeth) was only meant to be for a year. 

He thinks she’s a gold digger, a cheat and possibly unable to conceive a child! Add in the fact his housekeeper hates Elizabeth, his mother despised her and wants him to marry someone with more clout in their circle!! (So he had that going on in the background) 

My thoughts were if you were in love with that person wouldn’t you challenge them about the affairs? And why only a year? Thought he was a bit of an a$$ to be honest. And a bit gullible (your new girlfriend is taking you for a FOOL!!) 

I liked that, a second chance type of romance, not my usual read, but I really enjoyed the drama, the suspense, and although we knew who the bad guy was (stepfather) and we knew why, it was more than just that. 

The secondary characters were great, they took Elizabeth (now Colby) under their wing and made her feel she finally had a family. They kept her safe from her stepfather, they bolstered her when she was low, and loved her unconditionally. 

The first part of the book is Elizabeth trying to get to grips with the betrayal and shock of her marriage, throw in the fact her stepfather and best friend were trying to kill her (very large estate in trust for her) Coping with a pregnancy on her own, and still in love with her ex! She’s finally living the life she wants. But with constantly having to look over her shoulder for her stepfather it’s all taking it’s toll on her. But she’s not going to give up! 

And I like she’s finding her backbone, she has an opinion and she’s not afraid to voice it anymore. We jump to six months and find Colby (was Elizabeth) living a quiet life on a ranch, she has her extended family around her, and life is growing inside her nicely, she’s also written a book. Life is good (so you know something is coming to screw it up!) 

Well it does…… 

From there it’s a fast pace of cat and mouse, Elizabeth pretending she doesn’t know what her best friend and stepfather are planning, planning for her future. Then add Rafe wanting a second chance! She still loves him, and wants them to be a family. But he’s going to have to prove he’s serious, she wants them to be together always, so it’s down to Rafe to show her.

It’s a second book in the series, I didn’t read the first one. But you don’t need to. So will Rafe and Elizabeth/Colby get back together? What happens when he finds out about the baby? And can Elizabeth stay one step ahead of her stepfather? 

Definitely recommend this book if you’re a fan of murder/mystery stories. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

“Where will you go?”
“Back to my ranch…” she gasped and slapped a hand over her mouth.
“Harold doesn’t know you have a ranch?”
“No one here does. It’s like a safe haven that I’ve used the past year while trying to figure out how to lure Harold and Megan out.” She laid her hand over his thigh. “But, I trust you, Rafe.”
He smiled.
“I probably should tell you I’ve changed my name to Colby—”
He covered her mouth and shook his head sharply. “Don’t.”
Confused, she frowned at him.
“No one except Tanner knows your new name and new address, right?”
She nodded.
“Don’t tell me. The music should drown out the microphones in here, but I refuse to chance your safety like that.”
Her eyes popped wide. She had forgotten about the bugs her temporary security team was using to keep her safe.
“Do you understand?”
Her heart melted at seeing his tender side peek out.
She nodded again, and he removed his hand.
“You changed your name too.”
It wasn’t a question, but a statement and the sparkle in his eyes were mischievous as if he loved sharing a secret with her.
And though he didn’t ask, she felt the need to try to explain. “Elizabeth felt like a name for a fool after everything came to light, and I wanted a new start at a new place with a new name.”
The sparkle brightened, and a smile stretched across his face. “After this is over, I’m going on a treasure hunt—”
“Wait. What?” What the hell is he talking about? I just told him I changed my name and moved to a whole new state, and he’s talking about treasure hunts?
His palm cupped her cheek.
“I have the best idea. When we’re done in Alaska, I need to go home, and you’re going to return to wherever your home is—”
“But—”
“Shh, let me finish.” He placed a gentle kiss over her lips.
She reluctantly motioned zipping her lips and tried to keep quiet even though she wanted to protest. They had just found each other, and now he wanted to break up?
“We’re not breaking up, so get that look off your face. But my mother comes back from her trip abroad in February. I have several trips planned for a venture opening their business in February. But the most important thing is,” his earnest gaze tangled with hers. “I want to find you. I’ve been trying to think of a way to apologize for all the bullshit you went through and show you that you can trust me. That I’m not going to let you down again, and this is it.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I’m going to find you. Each day we’re separated, I want us to talk either by phone or by text. If I’m listening like I should have been from the beginning, you’ll give me hints to where you live now, and I’ll use those to find you.”
“Holy crap. You want to stalk me like prey.” And why does that turn me on? Heat curled in her at the thought of having his undivided attention focused on tracking her.
“I do. I want you to know I’m paying attention. So, don’t say ‘this is your hint for this week.’ Just toss something in during our normal conversation—”
“To show you’re actually listening to me.” Like he hadn’t during their marriage. To be fair, she hadn’t paid enough attention either, and she would need to own that.
“We both need to work on our communication, and I think this will do it.” He pulled her into his lap and held her close. “I love you. I have been in love with you the second you tripped over the sidewalk trying to rescue that kid’s dog.”
Her face heated to scalding as she remembered that coffee date. The poor little girl was almost in tears trying to catch the puppy before it darted into traffic. Elizabeth had just barely snagged the ball of fluff before it jumped the curb. Unfortunately, she had tripped over an uneven paving stone, but she had still caught the dog. “I didn’t know you saw that.”
“I did. It was one of the reasons I knew you wouldn’t back out of the contract when Harold presented it. That maybe we could have made it work.” He tightened is arms as if to feel she was actuall there. “Little did we know we were doomed from the start.”
“Why? Why would that be the tipping point?”
“Because you were stubborn enough to forget about breaking your fall instead, you grabbed that mutt and body-slammed the concrete.”
“Yeah, I have to say that hurt like hell.” She nuzzled into the hollow of his neck and sighed. He really did love her. They had just gotten sidetracked for a moment. Just as she was about to suggest another round, heavy footsteps traveled to them, and she scrambled from his lap. “Kenneth.”
“Sounds like he’s awake.”
“Shit.” She snatched up her clothes and raced for the downstairs bathroom, glad she had at least tossed on her shirt even though it only reached the top of her bare thigh. Lying around half-naked with Rafe was one thing, but she would never live down her absolute embarrassment if one of her security people caught a glimpse of her naked ass.

 

 

 

 

TF3-1100

I’m a geek, a gamer, a music lover, and a voracious reader. I love Star Trek and B-grade movies like Attack of the Killer Tomatoes and Sharknado. I enjoy figuring out software and learning new things and applying them to whatever book I’m currently working on.

I write romantic adventures. I live vicariously through my characters. I can be a knife-wielding forager who saves her family from deadly kidnappers or a slinky thief who must outmaneuver her sadistic cousin. My male characters aren’t cookie-cutter either. There’s so much diversity in the world that one size does not fit all. It’s the same for love. My male characters range from he-men, alpha types to nerds in glasses who can kickass when needed whether in a board room or in a parking garage. I have characters who are blind and have lost a limb in order to save others.

The one thing they all have in common is they are people who learn to move past their hurdles and find love.

Visit CeeRee Fields at the following links:

Website: https://ceereefields.com/

Twitter: twitter.com/ceereefields

Facebook: facebook.com/ceereefields

 

 

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Addicted to Him (The Callahans 3) by Monica Murphy-Review Tour

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Addicted (The Callahans 3) to Him by Monica Murphy-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fx9RZ0

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 8, 2020

Eli Bennett.

Quarterback at our biggest rival high school.

My brother’s worst enemy.

So why can’t I stop thinking about him?

For one, he’s totally gorgeous and boy, does he know it. He’s an arrogant trash talker who brings drama wherever he goes.

And for some reason, he’s set his sights on me.

The more I get to know him, the more I realize he’s actually kind of…sweet. Deep down, he’s broken. Hurting. He’s dealing with a lot, but he also puts on a major front so no one can tell. I want to be there for him. I want to be with him. But because everyone in my life hates Eli, we have to keep our relationship a secret.

The problem with secrets is they never stay secret for long..

•••••••

REVIEW:ADDICTED TO HIM is the third instalment in Monica Murphy’s contemporary, young adult THE CALLAHANS romance series focusing on the Callahan siblings –a spin off from the author’s ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND series. This is high school quarterback Eli Bennett, and high school cheerleader Ava Callahan’s story line. ADDICTED TO HIM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: ADDICTED TO HIM runs parallel to, and crosses over with most of the events of book two FALLING FOR HER.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Eli and Ava) ADDICTED TO HIM follows the forbidden romance between high school quarterback Eli Bennett, and high school cheerleader Ava Callahan. Eli Bennett is Jake Callahan’s nemesis both on and off the football field. As the quarterback for a rival high school Eli Bennett has mocked Jake Callahan throughout their high school careers but falling for Jake’s younger sister Ava, finds our hero struggling between head and heart. Ava Callahan knows that her relationship with Eli Bennett is forbidden by both her parents, and her brother Jake. Keeping their friendship and romance on the DL, Ave battles to keep their secret while Eli must contend with the fall-out at home. As the homecoming game draws nearer, Eli and Ava’s relationship steps up to the next level, a level that is now threatened when secrets are revealed. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Eli and Ava, and the fall-out as their relationship, and Eli’s troubles at home become public knowledge.

The relationship between Eli and Ava began two years earlier while family were guests at a high school football camp. Ava had known that Eli was her brother’s enemy; his arch-nemesis and an unlikely boyfriend but that didn’t stop Ava from fantasizing about a boy she couldn’t have. Eli Bennett’s home life imploded two years earlier, and in this Eli struggles to find his place at school, on the field, and in the arms of the young woman he loves. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Jake and Hannah (Falling for Her), Fable and Drew (One Week Girlfriend), Ava’s best friend Ellie; Jake’s ex-girlfriend Cami, and rival football players Diego, Wyatt and Caleb. The requisite mean-girls are all up in Ava’s face.

ADDICTED TO HIM is a story of family, friendships, relationships and rejection; of bullies and dysfunction; of hopelessness and loss. The premise is engaging; the romance is captivating and seductive; the characters are dynamic and edgy. ADDICTED TO HIM ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Close To Me
Falling for Her

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and Harper Collins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she’s not writing, she’s reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She’s a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

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Don’t Hex and Drive by Juliette Cross-Dual Review

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Don’t Hex and Drive by Juliette Cross-Dual Review

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 8, 2020

Notoriously bad at peopling, Isadora Savoie spends most of her time in the greenhouse or at the local animal shelter, using her Conduit powers of growth and healing. Content to remain in the background of the Savoie sister shenanigans, she’s reluctantly roped into the mystery of missing neighborhood girls. Now, she’s partnered with a flashy, flirty vampire to find them before it’s too late.

Devraj Kumar has seen and done it all. Three hundred years roaming the earth as a Stygorn—a legendary vampire warrior who operates in the shadows—has its perks. But ennui has set in. That is, until he has a run-in—literally—with an intriguing witch while on a new assignment in New Orleans. Fascinated by her resistance to his charms, Devraj can’t help but push her buttons in an effort to get to know the shy witch. Fortunately for him, she’s been recruited by the Lord of Vampires to assist Devraj on the case.

Between a Bollywood marathon, supernatural dating app, secret package, and sexy driving instruction, Isadora is in over her head. And Devraj? After just one taste, he’s playing for keeps.

••••••••

Sandy’s Review: DON’T HEX AND DRIVE is the second instalment in Juliette Cross’ contemporary, adult STAY A SPELL paranormal, romance series. This is witch Isadora Savoie, and vampire/Stygorn Devraj Kumar’s story line. DON’T HEX AND DRIVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Devraj and Isadora) DON’T HEX AND DRIVE follows the building relationship and romance between witch Isadora Savoie, and vampire/Stygorn Devraj Kumar. Devray Kumar is a vampire with special abilities, hired to uncover the person(s) responsible for a series of abductions and missing girls, potentially linked to a blood trafficking ring but literally running into his neighbor Isadora Savoie found Devray wanting something more from the witch, something he hasn’t thought about for a very long time. Isadora Savoie is a Conduit with the ability to heal herself and others but when Devray Kumar runs her over, Isadora takes an immediate dislike to our story line hero, a dislike based on first impressions and Bollywood good looks and ego to match. When the Ruben Dubois, the vampire overlord of New Orleans calls Devray for help, all bets are off, as Devray and Isadora work together, to take down the ring of potential vampire blood letters. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Devray and Isadora, and the potential fall-out as Devray’s time in New Orleans comes to a close, and Isadora’s struggles with issues of control.

Isadora Savoie is a powerful witch but struggles to ‘people’ and socialize in a world of social animals. Preferring to work in her garden or volunteer at the animal shelter, Isadora battles between head and heart when Devray makes her an offer, she cannot refuse. Devray Kumar suspects Isadora is his mate but our heroine refuses to give into her heart preferring to remain distant and aloof but when Devray offers a friends with benefits relationship, Isadora finds herself falling for a man who is about to break her heart.

The relationship between Devray and Isadora begins as an accidental meeting whereupon Isadora takes an immediate disliking to Devray Kumar. Believing our hero to be nothing more than a rich, stuck up albeit powerful vampire, Isadora battles her attraction but in the end, finds herself in love with a man who may not be willing to settle down. 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 supernatural, magical and colorful secondary and supporting characters including Isadora’s sisters Evie and Mateo (Wolf Gone Wild #1), Jules, Clara, Livvy, Violet and their cousin Tia; Mateo’s cousin Nico; grim reaper Henry Blackwater, and ancient vampire and New Orleans’ overlord Ruben Dubois. The requisite evil has many faces.

DON’T HEX AND DRIVE is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; a story of betrayal and power, manipulation and blood. The premise is enchanting and imaginative ; the romance is sexy and spicy; the characters are flirty, spirited and sassy. DON’T HEX AND DRIVE is an energetic and sensual tale.

Click HERE for Sandy and Barb’s review of book one WOLF GONE WILD.

___________

Barb’s Review:
Don’t Hex and Drive by Juliette Cross is the 2nd book in her Stay a Spell series. I loved the first book in this series, and could not wait to read this book. As always with Juliette Cross, Don’t Hex and Drive was another fantastic addition to this series.  No surprise, as Juliette never fails to give us great stories in all her series.

Isadora Savoie, one of the New Orleans Savoie sisters, who are witches, is more of an introvert in comparison to her sisters.  Isadora is a Conduit witch, with healing powers, loves planting in her greenhouse and she is an animal lover, always going to visit the dogs at the shelter.  One evening, she is riding home on her bicycle, when she is slightly hit by a car, and when she tries to get up, she sees a gorgeous hot hunk, who is also a vampire.

Devraj Kumar, our hero, is a Sygorn vampire (powerful ancient with enormous powers), and a Bollywood super star, who is known for his reputation with the ladies.  When he jumps out of his car to help the girl he hit, she stubbornly pushes him away, but Devraj insists to help her.  Isadora has a fear of cars, but Devraj will take her home, and he learns she is one of the Savoie sisters, who will help heal her.  He also finds himself attracted to Isadora, who wants nothing to do with him and resists his charms, which is so very different then the norm for Devraj. He sets his sight on Isadora, and is determined to win her over.

Devraj is in town to help Ruben (Lord of the Vampires, whom we met in first book) find missing human girls being kidnapped, who are being used for blood.  A plan is set to try and catch the kidnappers, with Isadora being used as bait.  The relationship between Devraj and Isadora is slow build, as he continues to show up everywhere, and she begins to have feelings for Devraj; the chemistry between them was sizzling.

What follows is a fun, romantic, sexy and exciting story that had a bit of mystery, with a fantastic group of characters that Juliette always seems to give us.  Isadora and Devraj were great together, and you rooted hard for them to stay together.  I love all of the Savoie sisters, and the men they will all eventually mate with; with each sister having their own special skills. 

Don’t Hex and Drive was lighthearted and so much fun; not to mention so very well written by Juliette Cross.  To tell too much more would be spoilers.  If you enjoy a fun romance, exciting action, great secondary characters, and a couple that has great chemistry; you need to read this book.  I cannot wait to see what Juliette has in store for us next.

Link to Read First 3 chapters: https://www.juliettecross.com/single-post/2020/08/06/Dont-Hex-and-Drive-Chapters-1-3

Juliette calls lush, moss-laden Louisiana home where the landscape curls into her imagination, creating mystical settings for her stories. She has a B.A. in creative writing from Louisiana State University, a M.Ed. in gifted education, and was privileged to study under the award-winning author Ernest J. Gaines in grad school. Her love of mythology, legends, and art serve as constant inspiration for her works. From the moment she read JANE EYRE as a teenager, she fell in love with the Gothic romance–brooding characters, mysterious settings, persevering heroines, and dark, sexy heroes. Even then, she not only longed to read more novels set in Gothic worlds, she wanted to create her own.

Juliette is a multi-published author, including her Nightwing series with Kensington Publishing and The Vessel Trilogy with Samhain Publishing.

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