Monthly Archives: December 2020

From Our First (PromiseMe 4) by Carrie Ann Ryan-Review Tour

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From Our First (PromiseMe 4) by Carrie Ann Ryan-Review Tour

 

 

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GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48748289-from-our-first

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 8, 2020

Nate Brady and Myra West have been keeping a secret, though not just from their group—also from each other. Getting married when they were barely adults wasn’t in the cards when they made their plans for their future. Divorcing one another amidst pain and heartbreak wasn’t either.
Years have passed, wounds have scabbed over and scarred, but their anger remains.

If the two can open themselves to the impossible, they might be able to take that second chance. Only they’ll also have to fight their fears, the lies between them, and the desire they thought long gone.

Except they aren’t alone in their secrets, and if they aren’t careful, they may just be taking them to their graves.

•••••••••

REVIEW:I love me some second chance love stories!!

Ms. Carrie Ann Ryan is a Goddess with stories and I always enjoy myself when I read her work. From Our First is the fourth and I -Think- final in the Promise me series. From book one, I have been DYING to get Myra and Nathan’s story, and it did not disappoint.

Nate and Myra’s story picks up right where the last books ends, C.A.R dropped that killer hook at the end of the last book had me screaming for the next one LOL. Nate and Myra have a past, one that is now affecting the new lives they have struggled so hard to rebuild. They both have family and friends together and now run in the same circles. Can they manage to put the past behind them and try to move on from the hurt in their pasts?

In their first year of college, with their first taste of being an adult, Nate and Myra feel in love and got married. Head over heels in love with one another, they wanted nothing more than to finish school and live their lives with one another. Unfortunately, life doesn’t always work the way we want it to. Divorcing, bitter pain and hurt cause Nate and Myra to hold to the hate, over time their wounds scab over and scar.

Now, after so many years have passed, the truth has been revealed and their chance to heal has finally come. Will they take it? Will Myra let go of the past and move on? Will Nate be able to forgive himself for the pain he has caused? Now that they know the cause of their pain, now that they know the truth can they wipe the slate clean and move on together?

Yahoooo!

Myra and Nathan, what can I say about these too…both so stubborn, both so young when the pain hurt. They trusted people who they thought were their family, and that backfired. Myra’s parents are the worst, trash and the bottom of the bin and I truly hope they get what’s coming to them. For Myra and Nathan though, you can tell how much they still care about one another, but neither are willing to take the jump to heal the breach. -Shakes head- From Our First is an awesome read filled with raw emotion, pain and healing, love and growth, spicy moments and loving ones that warm the reader’s heart. Five stars and a must read for any reader that loves a second chance love story!

Previous reviews
Forever Only Once
From that Moment
Far From Destined

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah S

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Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Fractured Connections, and Elements of Five series, which have sold over 3.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.

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Whisky and Wishes (Dark Kings 19) by Donna Grant-a review

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Whisky and Wishes (Dark Kings 19) by Donna Grant-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 7, 2020

Return to New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant’s Dark King world for a special holiday novella.

Finally free of the dangers surrounding him and the burden of pining after his mate, the King of Dragon Kings is ready for some peace—time to enjoy the woman he loves without interruption. Sure, the matter of accessing the clans across the Dragon Bridge still looms, as does the ultimate Fate of Con and his brethren. But for now, Con plans to enjoy the people he loves and celebrate the holidays with those closest to him. Why borrow from tomorrow’s problems? When the time comes to confront what’s next, they will do it. Together.

••••••

REVIEW:WHISKY AND WISHES by Donna Grant is a holiday novella found in the author’s Dark Kings series following the revelations in book eighteen INFERNO.

NOTE: If you have not read book eighteen INFERNO there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from third person perspectives WHISKY AND WISHES focuses on the rekindling relationship between Constantine, King of Kings, and his mate, Fae warrior Rhiannon. With Con and Rhi’s relationship starting anew, the other Dragon Kings and their mates have booked time away to allow Con and Rhi to rekindle their love but the approach of the human holidays aka Christmas, Hanukkah, and the New Year, Rhi sets about to decorate the castle, preparing for a welcome home celebration for the Kings, the Reapers and the Fae, but there continues to be heart break and pain as Rhi and Con have not heard from the other Dragons and their loved ones, who were sent to the other realm. As Rhi and Con come to a decision, the Kings struggle to locate one of their own.

WHISKY AND WISHES is a quick read; a fast paced novella that bridges between the Dark Kings and Donna Grant’s new spin off series beginning with Dragon Revealed (Varek, King of Lichens) in January 2021. The premise is entertaining; the romance is spicy and seductive; the characters are numerous and familiar. WHISKY AND WISHES is a bit of a filler between series, setting up for a new adventure with the dragons and their mates.

Previous Reviews

Dark Craving
Night’s Awakening
Dawn’s Desire
Darkest Flame
Fire Rising
Burning Desire
Hot Blooded
Night’s Blaze
Soul Scorched
Dragon King
Passion Ignites
Smoldering Hunger
Smoke and Fire
Dragon Fever 9.5
Firestorm
Blaze
Dragon Burn 11.5
Constantine: A History Part 1
Heat
Constantine: A History Part 2
Constantine: A History Part 3
Torched
Dragon Night 13.5
Dragon Fire
Dragon Claimed
Ignite
Fever
Dragon Lost
Flame
Inferno

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

 

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The Dead Season by Tessa Wegert – a Review

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The Dead Season by Tessa Wegert – a Review

 

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Description:
Senior Investigator Shana Merchant has spent years running from her past. But she never imagined a murder case would drive her to the most dangerous place of all–home.

After leaving the NYPD following her abduction by serial killer Blake Bram, Shana Merchant hoped for a fresh start in the Thousand Islands of Upstate New York. Her former tormentor has other plans. Shana and Bram share more than just a hometown, and he won’t let her forget it. When the decades-old skeleton of Shana’s estranged uncle is uncovered, Bram issues a challenge: Return home to Vermont and solve the cold case, or the blood he spills next will be on her hands.

As Shana interviews members of her family and the community, mining for secrets that could help her solve her uncle’s murder, she begins to realize how little she remembers of her childhood. And when Bram grows impatient and kidnaps again, leaving a trail of clues Shana alone can understand, she knows his new victim will only survive if she wins the psychopath’s twisted game. In order to solve one mystery, Shana must wade into her murky past to unravel another.

 

 

Review:

The Dead Season by Tessa Wegert is the 2nd book in her Shana Merchant series.  I read the first book in this series, and enjoyed it very much; especially the heroine, Shana Merchant. The Dead Season is another exciting mystery thriller with emphasis on Shana, as she becomes embroiled in a cold case that is totally centered on her family.  Shana suffered with PSTD (she had been kidnapped two years ago, but escaped after 8 days, witnessing three innocent deaths), which caused her move to a quieter small town Thousand Islands in upstate N.Y. She is currently on suspension to pass a psych exam to be able to return to work.

Shana is called by her family to return home, since the body of her uncle, missing for twenty plus years, has been found, and evidence proves it was murder.  She begins her own investigation to find out the truth about her uncle’s disappearance, meeting with members of her family (cousins, aunts, friends).  

When her partner Tim, calls for some help with a missing young boy, Shana quickly returns and discovers a shocking revelation.  Seems her former kidnapper has dropped clues for Shana, which involves the missing boy, as well as her receiving a challenge to find the murderer of the Uncle, or the boy may die. Shana does have a secret, which she has told no one.  Her kidnapper, Bram, is someone she cousin she played clue like games, but when she got older, she stopped playing them and now her kidnapper is baiting her. Because Tim and her boss, Mac are deeply involved in this case, with their own personal lives becoming too close to home, Shana must reveal the truth about who her kidnapper was.

What follows is an exciting story line with our heroine deep into trying to solve two different cases, though partially tied together.  Shana is a wonderful, strong, savvy detective, who uses her expertise to find the secrets of the past; as well as stop Bram from killing the boy. To tell too much more would be spoilers.

The Dead Season was very well written by Tessa Wegert, with an exciting, gripping thriller all the way, as well as the many twists and turns that kept throwing us off. If you have not read the first book, this does read very well as a stand alone; but I do suggest to read the first book to learn more about Shana, and her new teammates. If you enjoy an old fashion mystery thriller, look no further than the The Dead Season.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Banshee Song (Blood Fae Chronicles 2) by Jen Katemi-a review

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Banshee Song (Blood Fae Chronicles 2) by Jen Katemi-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 7, 2020

Her banshee song is her weapon… will it be enough to save those she loves?

My voice is my gift and my weapon.
As a banshee, I carry the song of life and death within me.

Now, crazed, magical beasts want my blood, and my true fae name, or so he says.
A warrior from Faerie’s Winter Court has come to protect me from this supposed supernatural threat.

The sexy fae won’t relent, says his heart is frozen. No chance.
With every kiss, heat rises and ice melts, and I forget everything, but fire and desire.

But now, I need that winter warrior’s protection more than anything.
With no training, no allies, and nowhere to go, I’m on my own.

My voice isn’t enough to protect myself or the ones I love.
They’re about to drain me of my blood, my life.

And I have nothing to save me, but my love.
My warrior.
Is it too late, for us both?

•••••••

REVIEW:BANSHEE SONG is the second instalment in Jen Katemi’s contemporary adult BLOOD FAE CHRONICLES erotic, paranormal/fantasy series focusing on the hybrid offspring( part human / part fae) of Lady Renna of the Fae. This is banshee Indigo (Indigosturianawella), and winter warrior Tarrien. BANSHEE SONG 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 (Tarrien and Indigo) BANSHEE SONG follows Winter warrior Tarrien as he is tasked by Lady Renna to guard and protect our story line heroine but Indigo wants nothing to do with supernatural protection until an ‘abomination’ of hybrid ‘wear and human’ targets our heroine for capture and control. What ensues is the quickly building relationship between Tarrien and Indigo, and the fall-out as Indigo finds herself imprisoned in a world she knows nothing about.

Indigo has only ever met her mother once in her life, and as such knows very little about the life and culture of the mythical Fae but our heroine knows she is a Banshee, and uses her voice to entertain the crowds but when death is imminent, our heroine is unable to control the cries, cries that warn of death and dying. Tarrien knows that to protect Indigo is to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love but Tarrien finds himself struggling in the aftermath of an attack wherein someone more powerful is controlling the behind the scenes.

The relationship between Tarrien and Indigo is one of immediate attraction but Indigo refuses Tarrien’s help and order of protection. Tarrien battles between head and heart knowing to get involved with Indigo could mean losing his ability to remain powerful and cold. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Indigo’s friend and assistant Dreya; Prince Rhodri; former Queen Rhiannon; Tarrien’s father, as well as Indigo’s mother Lady Renna.

BANSHEE SONG is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family, relationships and love.The fast paced premise is exciting and engaging; the romance is captivating; the characters are colorful and energetic.

click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one BANSHEE CRY

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Upside Down (Breaking the Rules 3) by AM Madden-Review Tour

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Upside Down (Breaking the Rules 3) by AM Madden-Review Tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 7, 2020

I’ve always been known as the hopeless romantic … the nice guy … the sweetheart.

Everything in my life supported this persona. My students loved my easy personality. My colleagues admired the way I handled myself in the classroom.

But something was always missing.

Like so many relationships before it, my current attempt at love felt like a dead end. When she gave me an ultimatum, I couldn’t promise to give her what she wanted.

So, she ended it.

Explaining another breakup to my family was the last thing I wanted. But doing it on a luxury yacht at my brother’s wedding lessened the hardship.

I never imagined that trip would change everything… and I certainly wasn’t prepared for him to change everything.

Upside Down is a sister’s best friend, sexual awakening, m/m stand-alone romance that contains adult content.

••••••

REVIEW:UPSIDE DOWN is the third instalment in AM Madden’s contemporary, adult BREAKING THE RULES erotic, romance series. This is businessman and cruise ship partner Ricky Burrows, and twenty-eight year old, New Jersey, English Literature professor Cooper Stanton’s story line. UPSIDE DOWN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: UPSIDE DOWN is a M/M story line with graphic same sex scenarios that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ricky and Cooper) UPSIDE DOWN follows the building romance and relationship between businessman and cruise ship partner Ricky Burrows, and twenty-eight year old, English Literature professor Cooper Stanton. Cooper Stanton is a romantic at heart, and seeing his family and friends fall in love was something Cooper wanted for himself but his most recent relationship ended without fanfare or tears, and Cooper struggled with the possibility that there was no one that called to his heart.

Ricky Burrows is a man who knows what he wants, and he sees a kindred spirit in Cooper Stanton, his business partner’s brother in law, and a man clearly conflicted about his sexuality but it was Cooper who will make the first pass at Ricky Burrows then immediately deny there was anything between them. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Ricky and Cooper, and the potential fall –out as Ricky’s past comes looking for a possible second chances, and Cooper’s time in Florida comes to a close.

Cooper Stanton was spending his summer vacation in Florida in an effort to help his sister with her expanding family but found himself thinking about the ‘kiss’ with Ricky Burrows, a kiss that stirred something deep within our story line hero. Never thinking he was gay, Cooper struggled with the direction of his thoughts, thoughts that continued to focus on Ricky Burrows. Ricky suspected Cooper Stanton was a closeted gay or at the very least either bisexual or pansexual but never expected Cooper to make the first move considering it was Ricky himself who suggested that Cooper may be attracted to men rather than women. Not wanting to force Cooper into a relationship he doesn’t want, Ricky allows Cooper to come to him while spending his time in Florida.

The relationship between Ricky and Cooper begins acrimoniously as Cooper denies that he is attracted to men. Ricky says his ‘gaydar’ is never wrong but Cooper struggles with his failed relationships and his new found attraction to a man who is all kinds of wrong. As Ricky ‘mentors’ Cooper in his new found sexuality, Cooper finds himself falling for a man who was hurt by his previously love. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the stop, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Cooper’s ex-girlfriend Riana; his sister Rebecca and her husband and cruise line owner Marco Puglia (Love on the Horizon #1); Cooper’s brothers Griffin Stanton, Dean, and Sam Stanton and Lydia (Hostile Workplace #2); sister Janis; their parents; as well as Ricky’s mother Cindy, and her boyfriend John Miller.

UPSIDE DOWN is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; a story of confusion and acceptance; romance and love. The premise is entertaining and inviting; the romance is spicy and imaginative-the sexual chemistry is palpable; the characters are energetic and realistic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

USA Today BESTSELLING ROMANCE AUTHOR

A.M. Madden’s romance debut is The Back-Up Series, consisting of Back-Up, Front & Center, and Encore.

A.M. Madden is a wife, a mother, an avid reader of romance novels and now an author. In Back-up she aspired to create a fun, sexy, realistic romantic story. She wanted to create characters that the reader could relate to and feel as if they knew personally.

A self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, she loves getting lost in a good book. She uses every free moment of her time writing, while raising teenage boys.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

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

To celebrate the release of Upside Down, A.M. Madden is giving away a paperback and a $25 Amazon gift card. Stop by her Facebook page to enter:

https://www.facebook.com/authorammadden/

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Bonus Kisses by Freya Barker-Review Tour

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Bonus Kisses by Freya Barker-Review Tour

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 7, 2020

Free-spirited black sheep, Taz Boran, has worked tirelessly as a nurse bringing efficient medical care to Africa for the past eight years. But when her sister Nicky is told she doesn’t have long to live, she immediately flies home to small-town Eminence, Missouri.

Unfortunately, taking care of Nicky means being around her husband, Rafe; the one man Taz could never forget. Rafe is not only her brother-in-law but also took over the family veterinary clinic from her dad.

As Taz becomes Nicky’s home health care nurse—working closely with Rafe to make her sister comfortable—their latent attraction comes sizzling back to the surface. They won’t betray Nicky, but if her dying wish is to see them get the happy ending they always deserved, can they really keep fighting what’s meant to be?

•••••••

REVIEW:BONUS KISSES by Freya Barker is a contemporary, adult, stand alone, erotic, romance story lines focusing on thirty eight year old, nurse Natasha ‘Taz’ Boran, and forty year old, veterinarian Dr. Rafe Thomas.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Taz and Rafe) BONUS KISSES follows the second chance romance and relationship between thirty eight year old, nurse Natasha ‘Taz’ Boran, and forty year old, veterinarian Dr. Rafe Thomas. Ten years earlier sisters Natasha and Veronica aka Nicky fell in love with the same man but Nicky got pregnant, and Taz, refusing to watch her sister move on with the man that she loved, left Eminence Missouri in search of something more, travelling the world, working for Doctors without Borders. Fast forward to present day wherein having never returned home in close to a decade, Taz receives an emergency call from a friend saying her sister does not have long to live. Knowing her life will never be the same, having to face the people she left behind, Taz heads back to Eminence Missouri in an effort to make her sister’s last few days and weeks as comfortable as possible. Enter Dr. Rafe Thomas, the man that Taz has never stopped loving. What ensues is the rekindling romance and relationship between Taz and Rafe, as the couple must contend with the small town gossip, and Taz’s mother’s rejection of their second chance romance, a previous romance very few people knew little about.

Rafe and Taz fell in love ten years earlier but Taz’s sister got pregnant with our hero’s child. Having never stopped loving Natasha Boran, Rafe went through the motions with the mother of his children, motions that felt forced and not real but Nicky did not have long to live, and with it, Rafe had to face to the woman whose heart he destroyed ten years earlier. Natasha ‘Taz’ Boran found herself playing several roles upon her return to Eminence Missouri-aunt, mother, daughter, sister, nurse, lover, friend and the target of small town gossip but with the exception of her sister Nicky, Rafe Thomas, and her best friend Kathleen, no one knew the truth about her previous relationship with Rafe Thomas, a relationship that was now the fodder for her mother’s vitriol and pain.

The relationship between Rafe and Taz is one of second chances. Rafe and Taz have never stopped loving one another but Rafe broke Taz’s heart, and with it destroyed any chance for their own happily ever after. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Taz and Nicky’s parents Ed and Sarah Boran; Rafe’s children Sofie and Spencer; Taz and Nicky’s best friend Kathleen; and several townies who attempt to make Taz’s life miserable.

BONUS KISSES is an emotional and heart breaking story of loss, love and second chances. The premise is tragic yet uplifting; the romance is spirited, sensual and seductive; the characters are energetic and dynamic. BONUS KISSES is a realistic and reflective look at choices and actions.

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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Masters’ Escape (Angel Eyes #2) by Jamie Schulz-a review

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Masters’ Escape (Angel Eyes #2) by Jamie Schulz-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 1, 2020

He refuses to be tamed. She can’t let him go.

Will they break down their walls and allow love to grow?

Bret Masters thought he’d finally found a glimmer of hope in his nightmarish existence. But after a night of sweet passion, the woman he trusted throws him out of her bedroom and returns him solely to worker status. His ego crushed, a rash escape attempt only results in him being dragged back in chains.

Angel Aldridge hates herself for yielding to her foreman’s cowboy charm. Furious when he runs away, she resolves to keep him on a tight leash as her personal servant. And with a rival due for her annual visit, the frustrated cattle rancher can afford no signs of weakness.

Nursing his injured pride and estranged from his fellow slaves, Bret struggles to balance shame and desire as he endures his punishment. And with trouble brewing with her enemy, Angel must deny her feelings for her handsome ranch-hand if she’s to protect those under her care.

Can Bret and Angel defeat the forces keeping them apart and claim their happily ever after?

•••••••

REVIEW:MASTERS’ ESCAPE is the second full-length instalment in Jamie Schulz’ adult, post-apocalyptic ANGEL EYES dystopian series. This is ranch owner Angel Aldridge, and Bret Masters’ story line. MASTER’S ESCAPE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading book one JAKE’S REDEMPTION for back story and cohesion.

NOTE: Due to the graphic nature of the story line premise including rape, torture slavery and abuse, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: Several years earlier a catastrophic war destroyed cities and towns throughout the world, and ‘changed the social order’ between men and women. In the ensuing aftermath, a second civil war between the sexes in America resulted in women becoming the dominant, deviant and controlling sex, while men were reduced to slaves to be used and abused.

Told from several third person perspectives including Bret and Angel MASTERS’ ESCAPE picks up shortly after the events of MASTERS’ MISTRESS wherein Bret Masters struggles as a slave, bought by Angel Aldridge, feeling himself reduced to nothing more than fodder for the woman’s games but following a night of passion with Angel, Bret finds himself on the outside looking in and is once again determined to run from the woman that calls to his heart. Caught and tortured, Bret is returned to Angel only to realize that he is now persona non grata, and a target of the other ‘slaves’ and ranch hands who work on the farm but all is not well with our story line heroine and Bret, along with Jake Nichols (Jake’s Redemption .5) must find a way to keep Angel alive even if it means going against their mistress’ orders.

The relationship between Angel and Bret is acrimonious at best as Bret is determined to run at every opportunity. Refusing to become anyone’s slave Bret, trained as a ranch hand, finds himself at odds with the new world order, and as such is determined to die a free man, regardless of who he hurts in the process. Angel Aldridge, like Angel’s friend Monica Avery (Jake’s Redemption) does not believe that women are superior to men; that men are nothing more than slaves to be tortured and abused, and with it comes the ire of the people in charge but Angel’s past is buried behind secrets that often keep Angel sad and depressed, and with it our heroine is often neglectful of the people working and living at her cattle ranch.

We are reintroduced to Jake and Monica (Jake’s Redemption .5), ranch hands Michelle and Esther, as well as several other indentured slaves who work and run the ranch. The requisite evil returns in an effort to destroy Jake, Bret and Angel.

MASTERS’ ESCAPE is a heart breaking, emotional, violent and raw story of slavery, ownership, torture and abuse. The premise is dark but engaging; the romance struggles in the face of master vs slave; the characters are broken, hollow, angry and abused.

Previous Reviews and Reading order
Jake’s Redemption
Masters’ Mistress

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Facebook / Website / Goodreads / Amazon Author Page

Hi there! My name is Jamie and I’m so glad you stopped by!

I’ve always wanted to be a storyteller and spent countless hours dreaming up tales to entertain myself and my friends. I kept long-running, developing narratives in my head for years and knew someday I would write them all down, not only for myself but also to share with all of you.

I have so many stories still floating around the back of my cluttered mind (and haunting my hard drive as well) and they will be making their way out into the world for your enjoyment soon (I hope)!

I still live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, my family, and my fur-babies.

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

Click GIVEAWAY and follow the author’s instructions for your chance to WIN 1 of 2 signed paper copies of JAKE’S REDEMPTION (December 6-12, 2020)

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Revolutionary (Clandestine Magic 3) by Colleen Cowley-a review

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Revolutionary (Clandestine Magic 3) by Colleen Cowley-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 29 2020

In this final book of the Clandestine Magic trilogy, Beatrix Harper is poised to help her sister accomplish an audacious goal. They’re on the brink of winning back a key right for typics that wizards took away—and maybe, just maybe, getting women more rights in the bargain.

But first she has to rescue Peter Blackwell, trapped in a dark-magic coma. And figure out what a former friend is plotting after nearly killing Peter and disappearing. And stay one step ahead of the vice president’s men.

What her enemies have planned is worse than she realizes. Far worse.

••••••

REVIEW:REVOLUTIONARY is the third and final instalment in Colleen Cowley’s multi-genre CLANDESTINE MAGIC /paranormal/ UF/ Gaslamp fantasy series focusing on thirty-three year old, wizard/omnimancer Peter Blackwell, and his lab assistant suffragette Beatrix Harper. REVOLUTIONARY should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book two RADICAL

NOTE: If you have not read book two RADICAL, there may be spoilers in my review.

SOME BACKGROUND: CLANDESTINE MAGIC is classified as ‘Gaslamp Fantasy’ – a sub-genre of both fantasy and historical fiction with elements of steampunk and the paranormal. The story line is set in an alternate 21st century, one in which the rise of feminism and equal rights has only just begun, and women are still considered second class citizens with no power, no magic and no rights. For decades wizards aka men, have controlled the world, using magic and the elements to increase their power and domination but subtle cracks begins to fragment their authority, and a magical weapon commissioned by our story line hero is needed to regulate the users of magic.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Beatrix and Peter) REVOLUTIONARY picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book two RADICAL wherein omnimancer/wizard Peter Blackwell, following a deadly blast, has been hospitalized, and Beatrix Harper fears for his life. Struggling to keep food on the table, our heroine must go in search of a new job, as her sister Lydia reconsiders her own education. Lydia, a modern day suffragette is fighting for women’s rights, rights forbidden by the wizards in charge but with both Peter and Beatrix’s help, hundreds of women have discovered that not only are they able to wield magic, but some or more capable than the wizards in control. As Peter continues his recovery, our hero will quickly learn that he has been targeted for ‘sins’ of the past, and without his cooperation, the life of the woman he loves, hangs in the balance. What ensues is the continuing and building relationship between Beatix and Peter, and the fall-out as several members of government are battling for control, in an effort to start a war with their Canadian neighbors.

REVOLUTIONARY and Clandestine Magic is an intricate and perceptive story line; an alternate tale of misogyny, discrimination, power and control wherein men and magic rule, and women are considered nothing more than second class citizens. As the women begin to fight for equal rights, their ability to wield magic proves that years of suffering had been at the hands of the men in charge-wizards who refused to step down from their position in power. The premise is dramatic, thorough, intriguing, unique and entertaining; the romance is passionate. Colleen Cowley pulls the reader into an intense and magical story reflective of society as a whole.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Subversive
Radical

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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