Monthly Archives: December 2020

Destroyed with You (Stark Security 5) by J. Kenner-Review Tour

Posted on by
9

Destroyed with You (Stark Security 5) by J. Kenner-Review Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date

Former sheriff Winston Starr doesn’t think about the past. That dark day when he lost the sweet, innocent woman he’d loved, dead because of his mistake in a mission that had gone horribly wrong.

Now an operative with Stark Security, he’s left Texas behind, focusing only on his work and closing his heart to love even as his soul screams for revenge against the scum that killed his Linda. When old friends reveal new evidence, Winston learns that not only is Linda alive, she faked her death in the ultimate betrayal.

But things are not as Winston believes, and he soon finds himself on the run with the woman who ripped his heart out. Now, the only thing stronger than his rage is his desire for the woman who destroyed him.

••••••••

REVIEW:DESTROYED WITH YOU is the fifth instalment in J.Kenners contemporary, adult STARK SECURITY erotic, romantic suspense series a spin off from the authors numerous STARK series. This is former sheriff and Stark Security specialist Winston Starr, and his wife Linda Starr’s story line. DESTROYED WITH YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from first person perspective (Linda) and third person (Winston) DESTROY WITH YOU follows four years after the car bomb that killed Winston Starr’s wife Linda, a bomb in which very little evidence remained but a surveillance video reveals that Winston’s wife is alive and well, and apparently an assassin for hire for the other side. On loan from Stark Security, working for his former employer at the SOC (Sensitive Operations Command) Winston Starr’s assignment is to take down his one-dead wife, and the man with whom she currently works. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Winston and Linda, and the potential fall-out as our couple quickly realize that one or both have been regrettably played.

Linda Starr aka Michelle Moon had been working deep ops when her superiors decided it was time to come home but Linda had married Winston Starr, and the only way to move forward was to destroy the man with whom she had fallen in love. Never expecting to see Winston again, Linda soon discovers that working with her husband reveals a number of secrets and lies, lies that place our couple in the direct line of fire.

The relationship between Winston and Linda is one of second chances but a relationship destroyed by secrets and lies, undercover operations, and a security night mare. Winston had mourned the death of his wife for close to four years; Linda struggled to move forward believing her relationship with Winston had been predicated upon a number of lies. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Winston’s boss at SOC Colonel Anderson Seagrave; Linda’s boss at ID-9 (Inteligence Division Nine) Billy Hawthorne; accountant Tommy Bartlett, as well as Winston’s parents Dale and Miriam Kellogg; SSA specialist Noah Carter and Hollywood consultant Renly Cooper. We are reintroduced to Stark Security specialists Antonio Santos and Emma Tucker, Nikka’s business partner and tech specialist Abby Jones, as well as Damien and Nikki Stark, and Ryan and Jamie Hunter. Abby and Renly’s story line is next in MEMORIES OF YOU.

DESTROYED WITH YOU is a story of secret, lies, vengeance and betrayal. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the rekindling romance is sexy and provocative; the characters are energetic, charismatic and strong. Once again, I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word in my romance story lines, often used more for shock value than anything else.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Shadows of You .5
Shattered with You
Broken with You
Ruined With You
Wrecked with You

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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

Share

Mine to Save (Protection 2) by Kennedy L. Mitchell-Review tour

Posted on by
9

Mine to Save by Kennedy L. Mitchell-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

ABOUT THE BOOK:Release Date December 14, 202

Her tragic destiny was written long before he came into town.

Ellie longs to leave the small town she’s restricted to, but nothing and no one can change her bleak future. Every day is the same, until a trail of bodies is found just inside the town’s borders. When the sexy stranger steps into the bar, her body and hormones thrum on overdrive, making her desperately wish he was there to save her from more than just the killer.

FBI profiler Chandler Peters is broken in all the wrong places and searching for the one person who could save him from himself. Little does he know the urgent call that sends him to help hunt for a serial killer will also lead him to her. Ellie’s mysterious past, wit, and hidden scars speak to him unlike any other, making him wonder if they could save each other.

When all the evidence points to Ellie being in danger, Chandler races to find the killer before the woman who makes him live again becomes the next victim.

*Please note this book DOES contain several triggers (the serial killer does not play nice with others) and detailed mature content. This book is recommended for 18+.

••••••

REVIEW:MINE TO SAVE is the second instalment in Kennedy L Mitchell’s contemporary, adult PROTECTION erotic, romantic suspense series. This is thirty-eight year old, former Marine and FBI profiler Chandler Peters, and twenty-three year old waitress Ellie’s story line. MINE TO SAVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary. Chandler Peters was first introduced in book one MINE TO PROTECT.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, and the graphic violence, torture, coarse language and assault, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Chandler and Ellie) as well as a third person introductory prologue, MINE TO SAVE follows in the aftermath of a series of murders in and around the small town of Orin, Texas, possibly linked to a local religious cult. Texas Ranger Alec Bronson calls in reinforcements from the FBI, specifically FBI profiler Chandler Peters, and in the ensuing investigation, Chandler Peters finds himself facing his future in the guise of former cult member Ellie. Ellie is a young woman who ‘escaped’ the compound but found herself struggling to survive. Without an education or history, Ellie did menial jobs but our heroine watched plenty of TV, and had an ability to ferret out information to help our story line hero. As more bodies are found, threats against Ellie point to a possible suspect, a suspect who may have links to the local cult. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Ellie and Chandler, and the potential fall-out as Ellie is taken hostage by a killer, a killer no one ever suspected

Ellie knows nothing about her earlier life, and in this she is battling between what she was taught, and the reality of the world. Having been raised in a cult whose religious laws and views on sex are violent and unstable, Ellie struggles with what she wants in her personal life but Chandler is a man who is keenly aware of the darker side of religious dictates, having been raised in an atmosphere not unlilke that of our story line heroine. The small town of Orin refuses to help the FBI investigation, and as such, Chandler, Alec and Ellie must painstakingly rule out the possibilities including the number of suspects that have come and gone from Ellie’s life.

The relationship between Ellie and Chandler is one of immediate attraction but Chandler is not welcome in a town so close to the local cult. When the local sheriff claims ‘ownership’ of our story line heroine, Chandler goes all protective and claims Ellie as his own. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

We are introduced to Texas Ranger Alec Bronson, as well as Orin’s Sheriff Brett Swann, and his brother EMT Ryan Swann; Ellie’s friend Janice, and her neighbor Stan; her parents, as well as cult leader Jacob.

MINE TO SAVE is a dark and gritty story line of power and control; murder and vengeance; love, relationships and happily ever after. The premise is raw and twisted; the romance is sensitive and seductive; the characters are broken, charismatic and edgy. I will add I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word I find unnecessary in most story line premises. Many authors use if for shock value, leaving a bad taste in my reading experience.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads /Website /Twitter /Facebook/ Amazon Page/ Bookbub / Newsletter

Kennedy lives in Dallas with her husband, son, and 80lb Goldendoodle who still believes he’s a lap dog. A bookworm at heart, Kennedy loves to snuggle up in bed or by the campfire with an unputdownable book. She began writing two years ago with Falling for the Chance and has no plans of stopping. Her novels are witty, action-packed, and offer enough steam for a great facial. If you like strong heroines and sexy, tattooed men who can’t keep their hands off them, then this author is the one for you.

Share

Smoke (The Carelli Family Saga 1) by Eden Butler-Review Tour

Posted on by
8

Smoke (The Carelli Family Saga 1) by Eden Butler-Review Tour

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 15, 2020

Smoke Carelli lived by his own rules.

He wasn’t interested in normal.

He didn’t care about things like love and commitment, damn sure not marriage and forever.

But the second Maggie Ramirez parked outside his family’s restaurant, his life became a series of distractions he was learning to love. Maggie and her kid have shaken up his world and dislodged every hard and fast rule he’d ever made.

And when the demons from her past resurface, Smoke and Maggie may have to break more than their own rules to win their freedom.

But will it cost them everything and everyone they love?

The Carelli Family Saga

Book One – Smoke
Book Two – Dario
Book Three – Dante
Book Four – Toni

•••••••

REVIEW: SMOKE is the first instalment in Eden Butler’s contemporary, adult CARELLI FAMILY SAGA erotic, romance series focusing on the Carelli family. This is former boxer, and crime lord Dimitri ‘Smoke’ Carelli, and single mother/waitress Maggie Ramirez’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Smoke and Maggie) SMOKE follows the building romance and relationship between former boxer, and crime lord Dimitri ‘Smoke’ Carelli, and single mother/waitress Maggie Ramirez. Months earlier, Maggie Ramirez left her husband and landed on the doorstep of the restaurant owned by the Carelli Family. In the ensuing months, Maggie and her infant son Mateo became part of the large extended Carelli brood, and in doing so Maggie found herself falling for Dimitri Carelli aka Smoke, a man whose illegal dealings run dangerous and deep. But all of Maggie’s new found happiness is about to implode when her ex-husband’s former associate recognizes our heroine, and enacts a plan of vengeance for sins of the past. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Dimitri and Maggie, and the potential fall-out as Maggie and Dimitri become the focus of betrayal and revenge.

The relationship between Maggie and Dimitri is one of immediate attraction but Dimitri aka Smoke doesn’t do relationships having been burned in the past, and in this he struggles with his need for the woman that calls to his heart. Maggie Ramirez knows that to fall in love with Dimitri Carelli means a life without her own happily ever after. Friends with benefits turns into something more until our heroine is caught in the cross fire of a dangerous world. The $ex scenes are intimte, erotic and intense without the over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Smoke’s family: parents Santino and Angelique Carelli, eldest brother Dante, Dario and their sister Toni ; Toni’s ex Luca DeRosa, as well as their cousin Johnny, and family associate Dino; Maggie’s son Mateo, her friend Vivian, as well as Maggie’s ex Alejandro, and his associate John Reynolds. Dario’s story line is next.

SMOKE is a story of family and relationships; betrayal and vengeance; power and control. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are energetic, charismatic and colorful.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Eden Butler is an editor and writer of Fantasy, Mystery and Contemporary Romance novels and the nine-times great-granddaughter of an honest-to-God English pirate. This could explain her affinity for rule breaking and rum.

When she’s not writing or wondering about her possibly Jack Sparrowesque ancestor, Eden patiently waits for her Hogwarts letter, edits, reads and spends way too much time watching rugby, Doctor Who and New Orleans Saints football.

She is currently living under teenage rule alongside her husband in southeast Louisiana.
Please send help.

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/36QU4ll
Website: https://www.edenbutler.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eden.butler.10
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edenbutlerwrites/
Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/345844502509364
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdenButler_
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/eden-butler
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2IU6bWN
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/36Uuzzy

 

Share

The Last to See Her by Courtney Evan Tate – Review, Excerpt & Q&A

Posted on by
8

The Last to See Her by Courtney Evan Tate – Review, Excerpt & Q&A

 

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

 

Description:
A woman disappears into the dark city night…

Gen is on the verge of a divorce from her cheating husband. When her sister, Meg, has a convention to attend in the Big Apple, she invites Gen along to celebrate her newly found freedom. But the perfect sisters’ getaway quickly goes awry when a tipsy Gen defiantly throws her wedding ring off the hotel room’s balcony. Then, wanting some fresh air, she decides to take a late-evening walk alone and vanishes without a trace.

The investigation that follows uncovers secrets—and betrayals—between sisters and spouses that will twist the truth in on itself until nothing is clear.

What really happened to Gen and who, besides Meg, was the last to see her?

 

 

Review:

The Last to See Her by Courtney Evan Tate is a standalone mystery thriller. The story begins with Gen, a romance novelist, who is planning to move back to her home town, since she wants to get away from a bad divorce.  Her sister, Meg, who is a doctor, convinces her to meet in New York (she is at a convention) and celebrate her new freedom. They enjoy each other’s company, having dinner and even to the point of both getting drunk, with Gen saying she needs to take a walk and get some air, and Meg telling her to be careful.   But Gen never comes back.  Meg is desperate to find her sister, and the police will do nothing, until a day or two passes.

What follows are flashbacks through the POV’s of Gen, Meg and Thad (Gen’s husband), which is also in past and current formats.  The police intereview Meg and then Thad to try to discover what happened to Gen, which does make both of them suspects separately.  During these investigations, many secrets, lies and truths will be revealed, opening up a different light to Gen’s disappearance.

In Gen’s past Pov, we learn how she discovered her sister betrayed her trust by sleeping with Thad. Gen hires an investigator to spy on Thad, learning he was spending a lot of time with another women.   In Gen’s current time, we find out that she was attacked, and saved, but now being imprisoned by Thad’s mentally challenged sister.  According to the sister, Gen stands in the way to having her brother stay and take care of her.  She just needs to decide what to do with Gen.

During Meg’s POV, she learns that Gen discovered her tryst with Thad, and feels guilty, even though she says it was a mistake that only happened once.  The cop investigating the case learns about an investigator hired by Gen, and they also find a journal, which is the start of a new novel, with the story line covering a cheating husband, bad sister, and her plot to kill them.  Did Gen plan her own disappearance?  Was there any truth to the novel?

The Last to See Her was very well written by Tate, which kept us glued to the page, as there were so many twists and surprises, especially when the truths are discovered. I will say that I thought the constant changing of POV’s past and present could have been less, as at times it was a bit confusing.  I also do not want to give more information, as it would be major spoilers.  Overall, The Last to See Her was a great thriller.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Genevieve tipped the courier and set the certified letter on the coffee table.
She knew what it was. She’d been waiting for it for al¬most a week.
Every day, she’d wondered, Will it be today?
And each day it wasn’t.
Until today.
Nervous energy buzzed through her fingers and toes, tin¬gling through her veins, like ants scurrying in a thousand directions. She paced for a minute, stopping at the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring at the magnificent cityscape lin¬ing the horizon. Buildings burst through the hazy pollution, their tips scraping the clouds.
People far below her were bustling here and there, quick to walk, slow to linger. They had things to do, places to be, and she didn’t.
Not anymore.
She ripped open the envelope, pulling the banded documents out, scanning through the words, hunting for the of¬ficial stamps and signatures that declared this an official act of the court.
They were all there.
This was real.
It was finally happening.
She focused her gaze on the words before her.
Honestly, they were simple.
The black-and-whiteness of them was stark and startling. There were no gray areas, no areas open to interpretation.
They reduced the last ten years of her life into a handful of legal phrases and technical terms. Incompatible differences associated with adultery, marriage dissolution and absolute divorce.
She stared at the words.
Soon, she would be absolutely divorced. She just had to sign the papers.
It had only taken six months of her life to iron out the details. To separate all of their worldly possessions into two camps, his and hers, to figure out who got what. Divorc¬ing a lawyer was the only thing worse than being married to one. No matter that he was the one in err, because he re-peatedly fucked someone else, he was out for blood and it took months to sort it all out.
But thank God no children were involved.
That’s what people kept saying, like it was a good thing or a blessing.
But if she’d had a child, she wouldn’t be all alone, and someone would still love her.
She felt like she was floundering. For so long, she’d put all of her energy into a man who hadn’t deemed her wor¬thy to stay faithful to. That had done something to her self-confidence. Something terrible. It wounded her in places she hadn’t known she had, and now she had to figure out who she was without him.
She wasn’t Genevieve Tibault anymore, one half of a whole. She was Genevieve McCready again, and what was Genevieve McCready going to do now, now that she had to stand alone?
She pushed herself off the couch and ran water in her cof¬fee cup. It was a habit Thad had taught her. He hated it when the cups developed coffee rings. She stared at the running water, and then set her cup down.
She didn’t have to do what he wanted anymore. If she wanted coffee rings or tea rings or any kind of fucking rings, she could have them.
It was an epiphany.
She was her own person again. It had been so long since she was a me instead of a we.
She looked around, at the condo she had fought so hard for…the marble floors that they couldn’t agree on—she’d wanted slate, he’d wanted marble—at the modern light fix¬tures that he’d gotten his way on, at even the tan wall col¬ors. She’d wanted gray.
Why had she even wanted this place?
It was all Thad, and none of Genevieve.
A sense of exuberance, a strange jubilation, welled up in her as she searched online for a realtor and then dialed the phone.
Bubbles of excitement swelled in her belly as she arranged a time for the realtor to come see the place.
And then again, as she stared at a map.
Unlike Thad, someone who had spent years building up his legal practice and honing his networking skills in this one city, she could work from anywhere.
She wrote novels.
She could work in Antarctica if she wanted to.
She didn’t want to, but she could.
She already had a plan. She knew where she was going, and what she was doing. She just had to have the courage to do it.
She picked up the phone and called her only sister, Meghan.
“Meg, I’m moving home.”
Her sister paused. “Home as in…?”
“Cedarburg.” There was a long pregnant pause now.
“Um. Why would you want to move back to Wisconsin? You haven’t lived there in…”
“In eighteen years. Since I left for college. Yes.”
“But…why?”
“I don’t know,” Gen said honestly. “I just feel a need to get back to my roots. I love Chicago, but the traffic and the noise…” She stared out from her twentieth floor windows again. Even from up here, even though the vehicles looked like Matchbox cars, she could still hear the honking. “This feels like Thad. I want to feel like me.”
“There’s nothing there,” Meg said carefully. “Nothing but fields and cold and—”
“And friendly people,” Gen interrupted. “And our parents, and familiarity, and open spaces, and distance from Thad.”
“But I won’t be there,” Meg reminded her gently. “I’m not moving back. I think you need to be near me, Gen. You need a support system. Divorce is no joke.”
“I know that,” Gen said patiently. “I’m the one living it. You’re still with your Prince Charming and point five chil¬dren living the American Dream, and I’m the one sitting in an empty condo.”
She fought to keep the bitterness out of her voice, as she compared Meg’s bustling, messy home to her own stark and empty condo in her mind’s eye.
“I’ll tell Joey that you’re counting him as a point five,” Meg chuckled.
“Well, he’s only five, so it’s fitting. I mean, honestly. He’s not a whole person yet.”
They laughed again, and then Meg sobered up.
“Is this really something you want to do?”
Gen nodded. “Yeah. I think so.”
Meg took a big breath. “Well, let’s do it, then. I’ll help you with your condo, and finding a moving company, and looking online for a house there, and hell’s bells, we’ve got a lot to do!”
“You don’t have to help with all that…” Gen trailed off, but Meg interrupted with their life-long pact.
“Sisters forever,” she decreed. They’d used that pact since they were kids. Whenever one didn’t want to do something, the other would remind them “sisters forever,” and they would concede.
Gen realized she wasn’t going to get away with not letting Meg get her hands in all the new plans.
“Sisters forever,” she agreed.
“But first, you promised to go to my convention with me,” Meg reminded her.
Gen hesitated.
“Don’t tell me you forgot. New York City? Spa days, shopping—you need a new wardrobe, sis—and nights on the town. You promised.”
Gen paused again, and Meghan cajoled, “Pleassssse. We need this. You need this. It can be your divorce party.”
“Okay,” Gen found herself saying. “Fine. I’ll still come.”
Her sister squealed and Gen hung up before Meg could get too excited. She was moving away from everything she’d known for over a decade. Even though the world seemed un¬settled and uncertain, for the first time in at least five years, she felt at peace.

Excerpted from The Last to See Her by Courtney Evan Tate, Copyright © 2020 by
Lakehouse Press, Inc. Published by MIRA Books

 

 


Q: Please give the elevator pitch for The Last to See Her.

A: Basically, two sisters (Meg and Gen) go away for the weekend, and only one (Meg) returns. When Meg frantically seeks out the help of the police, she is told suspiciously, that she was “the
last to see her.” Suspicion, plot twists and angst ensue.

Q: Which came first: the characters or plot line?

A: For me, it’s always the characters. I’m a character-driven writer. I see my characters first, spend time getting to know them, and then the plot comes second.

Q: Why do you love Meg and why should readers root for her?

A: Hmm. Meg is flawed, and so is her sister Gen. As readers read about them, and their stories unfold, I feel like it’s a true testament to the flawed human nature, and how we all have darkness and light inside of us. We all have redeeming qualities, and the not-so-redeeming. I’m hoping the reader will catch a glimpse of her/himself in both Meg and Gen.

Q: What was your last 5 star read?

A: Taryn Fisher, The Wives.

Q: What is one thing about publishing you wish someone would have told you?

A: Yikes. Umm. I think it’s: Be true to your story. Oftentimes, your beta readers, critique
partners, editors, publishers, and so on, all have different subjective opinions about the
storyline. But the fact is, everyone has a different opinion, and the story, the vision, is yours. Be true to it. If you try to please everyone, your storyline will come out muddy and nothing like you envisioned.

Q: Stories about sisters …. so delicious! Why so popular?

A: Readers love to relate to a storyline, to be able to drop themselves into the storyline and
imagine themselves there. So many people have a sister, and so it’s easy for them to do. Also, sisters have such a fierce bond. Any storyline about fierce bonds being broken or tampered with… that’s a nail-biter. 🙂

Q: Secrets…. Why is domestic suspense so popular?

A: People love to scare themselves. People LOVE LOVE to scare themselves with ideas about what could actually happen. Domestic Thrillers, often, are storylines that could happen to anyone. We explore dark things that lurk in the shadows, just beyond the perimeter of perceived safety. People love to voyeuristically examine the dark side of life… in a safe way that ends when the last pages have been read, and the covers of the book have been closed.

 



Courtney Evan Tate is the nom de plume (and darker side) of the New York Times and USA
Today bestselling author Courtney Cole. As Courtney Evan Tate, she is the author of Such Dark
Things and I’ll Be Watching You. Courtney grew up in rural Kansas and now lives with her
husband and kids in Florida, where spends her days dreaming of new characters and storylines
and surprising plot twists and writing them beneath rustling palm trees. Visit her on Facebook or
at courtneycolewriters.com

Social Links:
Author Website
Twitter: @Court_Writes
Instagram: @CourtneyColeWrites
Facebook: @CourtneyColeWrites
Goodreads

Share

Arrogant Heir (The Heirs 2) by Michelle Heard-Review tour

Posted on by
11

Arrogant Heir (The Heirs 2) by Michelle Heard-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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 7, 2020.

Mila West.
The feisty girl with ironclad determination.

Beneath all the quick comebacks lies a broken heart. Nothing sucks like unrequited love. Especially when it’s for one of your best friends.

Jase Reyes.
Hot. Arrogant. Untouchable.

He’s the playboy every girl hopes to catch. The future CEO of a billion-dollar empire. People worship the ground he walks on.

Jase and Mila fell in love,
but they fought each other at every turn.
Jase fell down,
and broke his crown;
And Mila?
Mila’s life shattered to pieces.

•••••••

REVIEW: Arrogant Heir by Michelle Heard is book two in The Heir’s series by Michelle Heard. A story of unrequited love told in dual perspectives. This book is next generation – the children of all the characters from Michelle’s Trinity Academy and Enemies To Lovers series.

This book follows the story of Mila West and Jase Reyes. Mila have been best friends all their lives and when they were teens Mila was going to tell Jase how she felt. When she went to tell him she found him with another girl. Breaking her heart, she realized they were better off as friends. Now some years later Mila is attending Trinity College. She battles every day with the feelings she has for Jase. Jase has become the consummate playboy! He’s arrogant, handsome, and simply protective of Mila. He constantly flirts with her and pushes her boundaries! Jase has always loved Mila but he wasn’t in love with her. That is until a tragic event happens. Jase vows to help Mila recover. And in that he realizes his feeling for her have changed. But is it too late for him to profess his love?

Mila is a strong willed woman who does not let anyone define her but herself. She loves deeply and completely. The love she had from page one for Jase was amazing! She held back on allowing herself to love Jase for so long. All I wanted was for her to have what she desired. Jase.

Jase is hilarious and charming. He is the one friend in the group that always makes you laugh. It takes Jase taking the long way around to realize how he really feels about Mila but its an amazing ride!

Highly recommend not only this series but The Trinity Academy and Enemies To Lovers series. Absolute great reads!!

Click HERE for Erin’s review of book one COLDHEARTED HEIR

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin

 

Michelle Heard is a Bestselling Romance Author who loves creating stories her readers can get lost in. She might have a slight obsession with alpha heroes who are not afraid to fight for their women.

Want to be up to date with what’s happening in my world? Sign up to receive the latest news on her alpha hero releases, sales, and great giveaways →http://eepurl.com/cUXM_P

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cUXM_P

Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/michellehorst

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show…

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/miche…

Website: https://michelleheardauthor.wordpress…

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/MHeardAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormiche…

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleAHorst

Share

Royally Chosen Christmas (Royal Sons MC) by Elle Boon-Review Tour

Posted on by
9

Royally Chosen Christmas (Royal Sons MC 7) by Elle Boon-Review Tour

 

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 10, 2020

He wasn’t supposed to Want her. She wasn’t supposed to Love him. When Heart and Loyalty Collide. Rules don’t apply.

Brotherhood. Family. Club.

They live and die by their own rules.

These are the men of the Royal Bastards and they’ll ride through Hell for each other.

Hollywood Haven never apologizes for who he is or where he came from… The Royal Bastards don’t know everything there is to know about him, and that’s how he likes it. He’s a man who’s dedicated to his brothers and will protect those he loves, especially Talena. She’s the one woman who’s held his heart since the day she came into his life, and he’ll destroy anyone who dares harm one hair on her gorgeous head.

Talena Haven has always had everything she’s wanted except… The life of Hollywood Royalty sounds great, but it isn’t all it’s cracked up to be when the one thing you want, you can’t have. As dreams shatter, becoming nightmares, she turns to the only man who has always protected her.

••••••

REVIEW:ROYALLY CHOSEN CHRISTMAS is the seventh instalment in Elle Boon’s contemporary, adult ROYAL SONS MC erotic, MC romance series focusing on the members of the Royal Bastards MC. This is billionaire Scott ‘Hollywood’ Haven, and Talena Haven’s story line. ROYALLY CHOSEN CHRISTMAS can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order.

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

Told from third person perspective, following two timelines, ROYALLY CHOSEN CHRISTMAS follows the forbidden relationship between billionaire Scott ‘Hollywood’ Haven and his adopted sister Talena Haven. Approximately ten years earlier Scott Haven lost his step sister to a suicide following the revelations of sexual abuse at the hands of her father. Fast forward to present days wherein Scott, along with the members of the Royal Bastards MC come to the rescue of Scott’s remaining adopted sister Talena, a young woman whose penchant for street racing and trash talk has made her a target of a crazy man. Claiming Talena as his own, Scott Haven will ‘teach’ our heroine to behave and obey by introducing Talena to the Dom/sub lifestyle. As Talena and Scott’s relationship develops, a threat from the recent past demands retribution and payment for embarrassment and denial. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Scott and Talena, and the potential fall-out as Scott’s mother Tara finds herself facing a past long thought dead and gone, and Talena faces off against another man’s murderous rage.

The relationship between Talena and Scott begins as adopted brother and sister but secrets within the family lie dangerous and deep. Scott has always been protective of our story line heroine but as Talena grew into a mature young woman Scott’s feelings for Talena were anything but brotherly. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense with some scenes of spanking and light bondage.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line heroes, as well as Scott’s mother Tara, his step-sister Angela, her father Gary, and Lennox’ father Doc. The return of Roq, Axl, Ridley and Cannon from Royally F@*cked #6 prepares the readers for the author’s spin off DEMON SECURITY series.

ROYALLY CHOSEN CHRISTMAS is a story of family, betrayal, vengeance and love. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is spicy and hot; the characters are charismatic and captivating but saying that I did have a few issues. Firstly, as this is my first Royal Sons/Royal B*stards story line I felt a little lost having gone in unaware of the history or backstory of the members of the MC, including our story line hero therefore I strongly recommend reading the series in order. Secondly, the story felt disjointed in parts, jumping between scenes without build up. Thirdly, as this is promoted and titled a ‘Christmas’ story line, the holiday was never referenced until the very end-if it hadn’t been for the final chapter or two, I would have never known it was a Christmas story.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

#RCCRD-19

Read the First Chapter HERE!

 

Elle Boon is a reader first and foremost…and of course if you know her, she’s the crazy lady with purple hair. She’s also a USA Today Bestselling Author who lives in Middle-Merica as she likes to say…with her husband and Kally Kay her black lab who also thinks she’s her writing partner (She happens to sit next to her begging for treats and so takes a lot of credit). She has two amazing kids Jazz and Goob and is a MiMi to one adorable little nugget named Romy or RomyGirl (greatest job EVER) who has totally won over everyone who sees hers (If anyone says a hair bow is too big, they’re crazy). She’s known for saying “Bless Your Heart” and dropping lots of F-bombs (I mean lots of F-BOMBS but who is keeping track?).

 She loves where this new journey has taken her and has no plans on stopping. She writes what she loves to read, and that’s romance, whether it’s about Navy SEALs, HOT as F**K MC heroes, or paranormal alphas. #dontlookdown is a thing you will need to google. “wink” With all her stories you’re guaranteed a happily ever after, no matter what twisted thing her mind has come up with. Her biggest hope is that after readers have read one of her stories, they fall in love with her characters as much as she does. She loves creating new worlds, and has more stories just waiting to be written. Elle believes in happily ever after and can guarantee you will always get one within the pages of her books.

black icon-website black icons-facebook black icons-twitter black icons -instagram black icon - goodreads black - amazon black icon -newsletter bookbub 

 

Share

He Sees You When You’re Sleeping by Sara Dobie Bauer-a review

Posted on by
9

He Sees You When You’re Sleeping by Sara Dobie Bauer-a 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 December 10, 2020

We met when you were just a child, but youre a man now and need my protection.

With Christmas Eve approaching, Ill watch over you.
Whether you know it or not.

Because no one is allowed to hurt you.
No one but me.

••••••

REVIEW:HE SEES YOU WHEN YOU’RE SLEEPING by Sara Dobie Bauer is a stand alone, adult, paranormal holiday novella focusing on Kris aka Father Christmas and Jack Benson.

WARNING: HE SEES YOU WHEN YOU’RE SLEEPING contains scenes of M/M sexual situations, graphic violence, murder, abuse and other triggers that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

Told from third person perspective (Kris) HE SEES YOU WHEN YOU’RE SLEEPING follows Father Christmas aka Kris on Christmas Eve, a night where he goes in search of not only children who believe but children who are in desperate need of his help. At the age of ten, Jack Benson still believed in Santa but the horror that what his childhood found Jack facing a virtual stranger who would become his guardian angel. Fifteen years would pass before Father Christmas returned to help Jack Benson once again, only Jack was no longer a ten year old boy but a man who stirred something deep within Father Christmas, an attraction that triggered memories from the past.

HE SEES YOU WHEN YOU’RE SLEEPING is the retelling of a Christmas classic blending Charles Dickens and the mythology of Santa Claus with a modern twist-the reality of life, death, addiction and abuse. Sara Dobie Bauer writes a dark and gritty short story; the psychological impact, and sociological complexities of the real world blended with the supernatural, the paranormal, and mythology of Christmas, punishment and second chances.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Sara Clemens Mystery Series by LR Starr-Review Tour

Posted on by
11

Sara Clemens Mystery Series by LR Starr-Review Tour

 

 

FIREBOMB
Sara Clemens Mystery .5
Release Date April 3, 2020
Genre: adult, contemporary, mystery, suspense

FREE ebook: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

How does a P.I. and a rogue assassin named Hawk start working together?

Let’s just say… it involves things blowing up, an off-the-wall ex bomb specialist, and fifty five dead already.
The cause; a blonde beauty editor from Manhattan.

Can a green private investigator solve the case in time before the next bomb hits New York City?

It’s time to find out.

A suspenseful, short story of the beginnings of a beautiful friendship formed.

••••••••••

REVIEW: No better way to start a Saturday morning with a stalker case and a bomb……

And with that we are off on an adventure, a short one yes, but packed with action.

Sara has only been a P. I for six months, she has a knack for digging out things, and her last job paid well. So when she gets a new case, Sara mistakenly thinks it’s going to be an easy one……

Hawk is an assassin, not sure if he’s a good or bad guy yet! But as he works for the government who knows! He’s got a base that’s small but does the job adequately. He’s also sort of a nice guy, no attachments just a quick and satisfying hookup, no time for love……

They come together when their cases cross paths.

Hawk has the upper hand as he’s been in this game longer than Sara has, and he’s annoyed that she’s in the way, she’s going to get herself hurt!

We get a lot of background with this story, and as I already know there are at least three books after this one, the author thought they could give us a glimpse of their past without wasting pages on a new book (good plan) I liked both Hawk and Sara, I’m hoping it’s going to stay a working relationship with a possibility of heavy flirting.

I could see this as a movie, the story is straight forward, the characters are clear and concise, and the action is pretty constant.
It’s short, it’s intense, and it’s made me want more ……

?

______________

CHECKMATE
Sara Clemens Mystery 1
by LR Starr
Release Date: March 16, 2020
Genre: adult, contemporary, mystery, suspense

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

A gruesome murder. Floating body parts found in the Hudson river all before breakfast on a Sunday morning. The Elliots got away with it again…

A rich family lineage ruling New York City that deemed themselves untouchable. The golden baton has been passed to the blue-eyed Robert Elliot. He’s the head of the empire now, and he’s been getting away with murder. Or so he thinks…

What he didn’t bank on is the dark horse, Sara Clemens. Clemens is a badass private investigator and she’s set to turn the tables on Elliot. Clemens has her own set of problems to deal with. Like the fact, she has to babysit a bratty supermodel and avoid becoming a pawn in Elliot’s game.

Will she let this dangerously electric attraction between her and Elliot cloud the case? Will she be able to solve the murder in time to avenge the death of her client’s son?

Get prepared for a game of cat and mouse, high wit, unlikely players, forbidden attraction, crazy model behavior, and international espionage.

••••••••••

REVIEW: Let me tell you a little story about when I fell for a bad guy…Yeah, I know right? Pretty cliché, good girl falls for bad guy. Stay with me, because it’s a helluva story and not what you think. Honestly….

Sara started out as a simple photographer, that then turned her into an investigative detective. She’s had her ups and downs of cases, but this one has to be one of her most interesting ones…..

She’s a great character, strong, independent and her witty one liners did have me chuckling. She is also a caring individual, out to right wrongs and help find justice for those who can’t fight for themselves.

Hawk is sick of having to bail out a certain P.I!! His skills as a spy have come in handy he’s for hire but at the right price. He is very selective in taking on cases and has worked for the Secret Intelligence Unit (SIS) in Britain, on occasions.And they always seem to end up chasing the same bad guy! I’d say Hawk is more methodical in his research, Sara has that knack of finding her clues. His background makes him perfect for this job, but it’s his personal life that helps him to stay grounded and focused. He’s a descendant of the native Indian, I loved Hawk, he’s a great character,

We’ve had how they met in a short prequel (Firebomb) I did think it was going to be maybe a slow burn romance, or a partner mystery.
So if your thinking this is a romance story, then it is of sorts, but the romance comes from the bad guy and Sara. The chemistry is off the charts, she knows she should be on her guard, but he’s slowly pulling her in…..

The interaction between Sara and Hawk is more big brother looking out for his little sister. And when they do interact it’s that vibe. (Still hoping they get together eventually) I love how the POV’s (Points of View) come from Sara, Robert Elliot and Hawk it’s a little confusing at first, but it’s great to have the bad guys take on a story. We get different perspectives on this case, so it reads a lot like a movie rather than a one dimensional book.

Cleverly written, very detailed and the fast moving. The suspense was nail biting, especially as secrets and a few new players pop up and Sara realizes she’s going to have to protect those people too! If your a big fan of murder/mystery this will get you thinking.

Sara thinks it’s just gathering intel, in fact it’s more than that, it’s fast turning into global espionage and terrorism! And it’s a ride right up until the end, which is a cliffhanger!!!

The only thing I didn’t like was Sara and her attraction to Robert! The attraction wasn’t a problem (people fall for the wrong person all the time) I didn’t like how she tried to rationalise it, she couldn’t think around him (I would have thought she would be extra vigilant because of who he was!)

And I have to mention Robert Eliot, a mafia bosses son, but now he’s a boss and he’s not a nice guy (think I’ve been reading too many mafia books as I know think they all have redeeming qualities) there is nothing he won’t do! And don’t think of crossing him, as it won’t even well for you!! He always seemed to be one step ahead of both Hawk and Sara. I got the impression he used Sara a little and any feelings he might have felt for our P.I was fabricated!

As I said the book does end on sort of a cliffhanger. But saying that, a few loose ends are tied up, but will our blue eyed bad guy escape Sara, Hawk and the police?

___________

PAWN
Sara Clemens Mystery 2
by LR Starr
Release Date: July 17, 2020
Genre: adult, contemporary, mystery, suspense

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

Portugal, a nice European getaway. Escapism from a torrid case and a chance for private investigator Sara Clemens to lick her wounds.

But it’s not over… because when she touches down on European soil, she steps right into the middle of the chessboard. Two men are chasing her, one of them is sexy and dangerous, vying for her heart. The other wants the thrill of taking her life with his bare hands.

Elliot is a skilled player who calls himself the King. He’s out to expand his empire, and it includes Ms. Clemens. On this rollercoaster ride, the lines of justice get blurry.

Pawn; the weakest piece in the game of chess, who will fold?

Get prepared for the stakes to be raised a little higher with international kingpins, a new setting, taboo encounters, heartache and secrets that need to be taken to the grave.

•••••••••

REVIEW: Nice try, Sara. You thought it was going to be that easy? Think again. We have unfinished business. I’ll be in touch soon. Your move next. Check Mate. *

With the way book 1 ended, I hoped the pace and suspense would continue….. And it did!!

Sara is scared she’s having reoccurring nightmares about Viper!! She’s also worried about her connection with Robert Elliot (mafia guy and all round bada$$!) but the game hasn’t ended and Sara is still in the middle of this deadly game….

Robert is not out of this game yet! He still intends to expand his crime empire, and he’s had to hideout in Portugal until its safe, but while he’s here he’s going to enjoy EVERY single minute. I did have to chuckle when he tried to sleep with someone and Sara’s face kept popping up! He’s got it bad for that P.I.
But he’s not a reformed mafia boss, oh no, he’s still happy to shoot you! And he still needs his wife dead!

Hawk is now back with an old love, he’s happy at long last, but he’s worried about Sara. If it wasn’t for her he probably wouldn’t be with Evana.
He’s still a good guy, and I loved Hawk, his skills are sharp and on point, loved the fact Hawk relies on his Indian heritage and his spirit guide has never let him down and it’s the only thing that keeps him from going to help Sara.

With a second book you have to worry that it won’t be as good as the first, you don’t need to have any worries, the pace from the first is still in evidence. We get inside of everyone’s head, we get to witness Sara’s fear of being caught by the Viper! We see the emotion Robert has for Sara (which is so sweet) and yes he’s a bad guy, but if he can redeem himself then maybe they can have a future, but I get the feeling although he really likes Sara, he’s not going to give up the money and power he’s accrued…..

I have to admit although I loved the idea of Sara and Robert, I did harbour a hope they might not have gotten a happy ending, (cruel I know) and I haven’t given the plot away either, because this book ends with a cliffhanger 😉 I liked that Hawk gets a happy ending, the love of his life is back in his life and it’s going great, the only concern he has is Sara, he’s worried that this last case will be the death of his friend!

But once they get their heads together, they come up with a game plan. To keep Sara safe and to keep an eye on Robert. Oh and to help Hawk nail his target (which coincidently happens to be part of Robert’s new empire plan (see I told you it would all come together)

But when Robert and Sara meet again, it’s not harsh words and fists that are thrown….. Lets just say it gets hot and steamy, really steamy!!

And when Sara almost gets kidnapped, Robert has to choose, leave Sara to her fate, or go rescue the fair maiden and profess undying love? And what will Hawk do when he finds out?

If you like your romance with lots of action/murder/suspense/murder/sex, then pick up this book and be prepared to lose a little sleep.
So do you want to know what happens next? Well buy the book and find out, you really won’t be sorry.

?
_______________

KNIGHT TIME
Sara Clemens Mystery 3
by LR Starr
Release Date: November 14, 2020
Genre: adult, contemporary, mystery, suspense

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

We’re all out of chess moves. Only the raw truth remains for Robert and Sara.

Hidden enemies, mistruths, and the misfortune of tainted love are the main dish.

All the players are back on home turf in New York for the final curtain call.

The P.I. has to come to grips with which side of the board she lands on, as her and Robert’s fate comes to a head. The decision she makes could forever change her destiny.

The devilish billionaire is hell-bent on regaining his Manhattan throne, but a dark horse and his cavalry lie in wait. He’s the one Elliot doesn’t see coming, and it’s going to be a cold New York winter before he lets Elliot get away with murder.

Evana, his now estranged wife, has a whole set of problems all her own and is busy trying to stay alive.

The stage has been set, get ready for a wild, heart-pounding ride from Paris to Norway and back to New York again.

How will the chips fall? And who will they fall with? Hold on. We’re almost there.

•••••••••

REVIEW: Possible spoilers for previous book…..

Man!!! That was intense!!

In the last book Robert (mafia boss and bad guy) realizes he’s in love with Sara (our P.I)
Hawk (assassin and gun for hire) has got the love of his life back (she was married to the mafia boss) and is trying to keep his friend Sara safe (she got drugged and almost kidnapped)

So am I ready for the next instalment? You better I am……

The final chapter in this griping series sees the players finally merging on the same playing field…….

Hawk has to keep an eye out for the enemies, they are coming in thick and fast, and people he thought he could rely on are causing his spirit guide to go crazy (Hawk is a Native American and can communicate with his grandfather) it looks like he’s on his own!

Sara knows her and Robert would never work. She might not be squeaky clean, but she’s never killed, unless In selfdefense. Her feelings for the mafia boss are so complicated, they burn the sheets up when they are together, and when he’s near, she just wants more of him, and she knows he feels the same way.
But she made a promise to take this man down, to make him pay for a murder. But if she puts him away, then there goes her only chance at happiness!!

Evana gets her say in this story. We see things from her side of the fence, she’s loved Hawk forever but got swayed by money and drugs, she then left Hawk broken hearted and married Robert! She’s been looking over her shoulder ever since, she’s hoping for a happy ever after ending with Hawk.
I did think Evana a little shallow (thought Hawk could do better!) and naive.

And we can’t forget Robert, his enemies are closing in, allies are turning against him, but he’s not down, no sir, he had a few more tricks up his sleeve!!!!!

This book keeps up the pace, and then some! If this was a movie, then I’d happily buy a ticket and watch this fast paced action/murder/suspense/romance story play out. We have arrests, escapes, planes and double dealings!

I still wasn’t sure about Robert and Sara, he’s a mafia boss and he’s thought nothing of killing people that looked at him the wrong way!! But his feelings for Sara have shocked both him and me! He wants to make her the centre of his world, he’s not romantic, he has no intention of mending his ways and helping those less fortunate than himself. But he wants to mean something to Sara.

The romance between Hawk and Evana was cute, she knows who he is, but if he doesn’t give up his job, could he lose her?

And who is still orchestrating the players? I thought I had it all figured out, then BAM!!!! I so did not see that coming……..

Now I’m glad I got to read the three books and novella together (I think the waiting would have been torture)

If you like your romance with lots of action/murder/suspense/murder/sex, then pick up this book, in fact pick up the whole set, you won’t be sorry. The writing is smooth and fluid, there is no stumbling over the scenes. Sex scenes were hot. Action was brutal in places. But the one thing I loved, Hawk and Sara, there was no love except a sibling fondness for one another. (I won’t lie, I did hold a hope they would come together) and that shows whenever they interact with each other.

A highly recommended read.

? reviews by Julie B

 

L.R. Starr is a lover of mysteries, witty dialogue, suspense, romance, and fantasy. If you like to travel through your books strap in for the ride she’ll take you across the country.

When she’s not I’m writing she’s usually exploring, and coming up with yet another devious plot or pursuing her other love which is painting and drawing. Enjoy the bedlam friends!

Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads 

$10 Amazon giftcard + ebook of Murder On the Mountain by L.R. Starr

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://www.silverdaggertours.com/sdsxx-tours/sara-clemens-mysteries-book-tour-and-giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share