Monthly Archives: March 2021

Earth Bonded by M.A. Abraham – a Review

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Earth Bonded by M.A. Abraham – a Review

 

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Description:
As Tarik and Joran wake, visions overtake them, showing them where to find their Life Mates. The only trouble is, they are not in the Elven Empire, but living outside its boundary, the human world, a place forbidden by imperial command for them to go. However, Joran and Tarik can feel danger stalking their mates, something a male Elf is compelled to act upon.

Sage and Sahara own and operate a bookstore called The Book Aerie, where they serve the Elven Empire unknown to few. Up until when a stranger entered the building reeking of malice, it had been a peaceful existence. Now the sisters are being stalked by an ancient enemy intent on discovering their secrets.

As the danger intensifies, Joran and Tarik break the imperial command and cross to the other side, for laws or no laws, they will die before they let harm come to the women that are their other half. Little they realize the wheels of motion that they are about to set off.

 

 

Review:

Earth Bonded by M.A. Abraham is the 1st book in her new Elven Sentinel series. We meet our heroines, Sage and Sahara, who run a bookstore called The Book Aerie.  Both Sage and Sahara are elves who have lived in the human world all their lives, as their parents and other elves entered this world many years before. These elves (pretending to be human) scattered all over to watch over and protect the portals across the land to prevent anyone entering the Elven Empire.

With the passing of their parents, Sage and Sahara live a peaceful existence, until a stranger comes to the store looking for ancient books, and threatens them. They sense he is a demon, and their lives are in danger.

In the Elven Empire, we meet our heroes, Tarik and Joran, who both have the same visions, which show them both of their Life Mates.  Having finally discovered the women they have looked for many years, they are determined to enter the human world (though not allowed), as they can feel the danger against the ladies.

When they enter to book store, both Sage and Sahara recognize the two men are Elves, and their Life Mates.  Though they are happy for help, they are hesitant to allow themselves to become bonded.  Tarik and Joran, while in the book store , run into the dangerous man who has threatened them, and they put out spells to protect the store.

What they did not expect is the entrances of some powerful Elves (Emperor Lothrail, Gabriella, T-Harris & Geraint), who have come to find out why Tarik and Joran left the empire, and together they will learn more about what the demons want.  The story intensifies when they learn about what the ancients did all those many years ago to protect the Empire, and how because of the demons, many of the portals were no longer protected.   I thought this was a very nice story line, but I absolutely loved seeing Gabriella, and the others, who were all hundreds of years after the Guardians of the Empire (which has not ended yet).  It was nice to see both couples accept the bonding for each of them.

Earth Bonded was a short story, that was very well written by M.A. Abraham.  I look forward to more from this new series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

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Adverse Possession (Anna Albertini 3) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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Adverse Possession (Anna Albertini Files 3) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 23, 2021

The plural form of Nemesis is Nemeses

Anna Albertini never thought she’d have to look up the plural form of nemesis. In fact, she never thought she’d have one, much less three. But as she and her new partner try to make a go of their fledgling law firm, enemies come from every direction.

First, there’s a newspaper reporter trying to make a name for herself by dogging Anna’s every move. Second, there’s a lawyer on the opposite side of every case who just doesn’t like Anna. And third, there’s Aiden Devlin’s ex-girlfriend, who decides to descend upon the sleeping Idaho town like a bird of prey. It’s too bad she’s discovered dead…after finding herself on the wrong end of a potato gun, putting Anna top of the suspect list.

Anna deals with every day as it arrives while juggling her developing relationship with Aiden, trying to pay her rent by finding at least one client who pays, and finally by partnering with her Nonna Albertini in the world’s most chaotic plan to match-make her sister with the Elk County’s prosecuting attorney, Nick Basanelli. It’s a good thing Anna has learned to thrive in chaos.

•••••••

REVIEW:ADVERSE POSSESSION is the third instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult ANNA ALBERTINI romantic suspense series focusing on attorney Anna Albertini. ADVERSE POSSESSION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but for backstory and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order, as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

Told from first person perspective (Anna) ADVERSE POSSESSION follows several paths focusing on Timber City, Idaho attorney Anna Albertini and the chaos that has become her life. Having fallen in love with ATF agent / MC president Aiden Devlin, then fired from her job as assistant DA, Anna and the former public defender Clark Bunne are embarking on a new journey together as law partners but all is about to spiral out of control. After spending years undercover with the Lorde’s MC Aiden Devlin is called back in when a prisoner escapes during transport, an escape that is about to place Anna in the direct line of fire. Several attacks on her life, an accident that wasn’t, a number of dead bodies, and a bomber on the loose, Anna finds herself under the protection of the ATF, FBI and local law enforcement but there is always someone waiting to take her down. As her law practice gains momentum with each attempt on her life, threats of another nature are hitting too close to home. When the evidence points to the Lorde’s MC, Aiden becomes both guardian and aggressor in an effort to protect the woman he loves.

Meanwhile, Anna’s large extended family continues to play matchmaker between her sister Tessa, and prosecuting attorney Nick Basanelli, a man who had once considered a relationship with our story line heroine. The ongoing lighthearted family dynamic adds a little bit of humor into a dramatic story. Anna takes on the case of Kelsey Walker a young woman charged as an accomplice in the murder of her sister’s ex-boyfriend, but a woman who has caught the eye of several men including a couple of ATF agents.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and dynamic secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we have met in previous story lines: DA Nick Basanelli Anna’s siblings Quint, Donna and Tessa Albertini; file clerk /cousin Pauley; office helper Oliver Duck; Nana O’Shea and Nonna Albertini: ATF agents Sasha Dupont, James Saber, Kurt; prosecutor Orrin Morgan; Detective Grant Pierce, reporter Jolene Sullivan; Ted Thompson, Norman Barensky, as well as several members of the Lorde’s MC.

ADVERSE POSSESSION is a story of family and friendships, suspense and intrigue, passion and love. The premise is detailed, quirky, and intense; the characters are sassy, charismatic and realistic- the camaraderie, and back and forth is furious and frenetic; the romance is captivating and emotional. Rebecca Zanetti’s Anna Albertini Files is an edgy, decadent and thrilling series –get started today.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Disorderly Conduct
Bailed Out

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Amazon * Goodreads

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Falling for Irish /Unintended Target 1 & 2 by Katie Reus-reviews

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Falling for Irish /Unintended Target  (MacArthur Family 1 & 2)  by Katie Reus-reviews

FALLING FOR IRISH
MacArthur Family #1
by Katie Reus
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense

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

ABOUT THE BOOK : Release Date February 23, 2021

She walked away once.

When Kathryn Irish realized that she and Daniel were too different—and that he thought she was after him for his money—she ended things. When a job randomly puts her back on his radar, they hesitantly form a truce. But deep down she knows she can never be just friends with him. She’ll always want more.

He never should have let her go.

Daniel MacArthur knows he made the biggest mistake of his life in letting Kathryn walk away. When she suddenly appears back in his life, it’s not a moment too soon—since she’s been targeted twice by a faceless enemy. She thinks the two attacks are random. But he’s not so sure. Is it because of her job? Or is something more sinister at play?

••••••

REVIEW: FALLING FOR IRISH is the first novella in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult MACARTHUR FAMILY erotic, romance series focusing on the MacArthur siblings. This is businessman Daniel MacArthur, and IT specialist Kathryn Irish’ story line.

Told from three third person perspectives including Daniel and Kathryn FALLING FOR IRISH follows the second chance romance between businessman Daniel MacArthur, and IT specialist Kathryn Irish. Two months earlier Kathryn Irish ended her relationship with Daniel MacArthur leaving a heart broken Daniel wondering where it all went wrong. Fast forward to present day wherein Kathryn found herself working in Daniel’s building bringing our heroine up close and personal with the man she couldn’t forget. Unable to stay away, Daniel begins a slow seduction of our story line heroine but not before Kathryn is targeted by an unknown assailant. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Kathryn and Daniel, and the potential fall-out as our couple are pulled into a deadly game of cat and mouse.

The relationship between Kathryn and Daniel is one of second chances. Kathryn was blindsided months earlier, and in the ensuing time, Daniel struggled to move on from the past. Kathryn, unable to forgive Daniel for sins of the past, must come to terms with what was, what is, and what might never be. Daniel, for all intents and purposes, has no idea what happened or why but our hero is determined to prove he is worthy of Kathryn’s love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Daniel’s siblings Sienna and Brodie, and his assistant Nicole’s, as well as Kathryn’s brother Carson, and her business partner Quincy.

FALLING FOR IRISH is a quick read; a fast paced, captivating and suspense filled story of second chances, betrayal and love. The premise is captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

_______

UNINTENDED TARGET
MacArthur Family #2
by Katie Reus
Release Date: March 23, 2021
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense

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ABOUT THE BOOK: He’s not her type.

Elementary school teacher Patience had her whole summer planned out, and it included margaritas and a lot of time at the beach. But when she agrees to a temporary nanny position as a favor to a friend, the last thing she expected was to butt heads with—or be attracted to—Brodie MacArthur, her employer’s sexy head of security.

But that doesn’t stop her from wanting him.

Brodie made a mistake with Patience and forever ruined her first impression of him. Just as their heated clashes reach a peak, Patience falls ill…and it’s something far more sinister than a simple summer bug. He screwed up once. He won’t do it again. And when he learns that the danger is closer than they imagined, he’ll have to fight to protect her—and win her heart.

Length: NOVELLA

••••••••

REVIEW:UNINTENDED TARGET is the second instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult MACARTHUR FAMILY romantic suspense novella series. This is security specialist Brodie MacArthur, and kindergarten teacher Patience Carras’ story line. UNINTENDED TARGET can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Patience and Brodie) UNINTENDED TARGET follows the quick building romance and relationship between security specialist Brodie MacArthur and kindergarten teacher Patience Carras. Patience Carras was looking forward to the summer off but a call from her mother found Patience working as a nanny for Trevor, a family friend whose previous five nannies had all quit unexpectedly. Meeting the on-site security specialist Brodie MacArthur stirred something deep within our story line heroine but Brodie crossed a line as it pertained to an event in our heroine’s past, an event that has left its’ mark on her heart and her soul. Security is tight around Patience’s new employer leaving our heroine the latest target. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Brodie and Patience, and the potential fall-out as the threats to Trevor have been transferred as threats to our story line heroine.

UNINTENDED TARGET is a fast paced and intriguing story line. The premise is edgy; the romance is captivating; the characters are animated and spirited. As per many novella length stories, the conflict resolution is quick-I was hoping for a little more build up of suspense and mystery.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.

Connect with Katie:

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Wishing for a Cowboy by Victoria James – a Review

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Wishing for a Cowboy by Victoria James – a Review

 

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Description:
Janie Adams has been a single parent to her nephew since he was a baby. Fifteen years later, she’s finally found out who his father might be, so the two of them travel across the country to find him. She’d do anything for this kid. But when they arrive in the small town of Wishing River, Montana, and Janie finally meets the ruggedly handsome cowboy she’d been told had abandoned his son, his shocked response changes everything.

Aiden Rivers can’t dispute this is his kid when he sees his own features staring back at him, but he had no idea Janie’s sister was pregnant when she left him. He didn’t even know she had a sister—clearly they’d all been lied to. Now he has fifteen years of fatherhood to make up for and no idea how to be a dad. This was never in his plans.

Janie sticks around to help him ease into parenting, everything from showing him how to lure a sulky kid out of his bedroom to keeping up with the latest teen-speak. Together, they surprisingly make a good team, this city girl and country boy. But when the past catches up with them, Aiden and Janie must decide what’s best for the boy who’s connecting them, not only for each other…which could mean splitting them apart.

Each book in the Wishing River series is STANDALONE:
* The Trouble with Cowboys
* Cowboy for Hire
* Wishing For A Cowboy

 

Review:

I really enjoyed Wishing for a Cowboy by Victoria James.  I found it to be a fast read but with a very good pace.  It was a sweet, charming and emotionally charged story between Aiden, Janie and Will.  Ms. James did a wonderful job with this story. The characters were very well written and just seemed to compliment each other. The secondary characters were used in just the right way with scenes that helped propel Aiden and Janie’s romance along, as well as the parenting storyline. 

The emotion that flows off the pages between Aiden and Will in learning they are father and son, trying to cope and deal with this new reality is very real and heartfelt. The same goes for Aiden and Janie’s romance.  The emotion and chemistry between the two characters is noticeable from the very beginning and just continues to grow throughout the their story.  One of the things I really liked is the fact that Ms. James never rushes or pushes Janie and Aiden together, it just happens and we get to see both sides of their stories, how both got to be where they are, and all the sacrifices they’ve made along the way to get to this point.  Neither Janie nor Aiden had an easy life, and it isn’t until they meet, spend all this time together with Janie helping Aiden and Will become father and son that they realize they are better because of the other one in their life now.  Both Janie and Aiden realize their life is complete when they are together and with Will.  They make an adorable family and the scenes with just the three of them are wonderful to read and just add that little extra to the story. 

As much as this was a very emotional and heartfelt read, Ms. James does write some well timed light hearted and easy going moments to compliment everything else going on in the story.  Including some well timed drama and intrigue when Janie’s sister, who is Will’s MIA “mom” shows up to disturb the peace in all their lives. What a train-wreck she is, and I was glad to see her drama induced part of their story was short lived, and Janie and Aiden with the help of Will were able to overcome Maxi’s hurtful intentions and find their HEA.   

As I said at the beginning of my review, I really enjoyed this one.  However, I didn’t realize this was the third story in her Wishing River series. I have a feeling I will be on the lookout for the previous two and any future books in this series.  If you’re looking for a quick read with a handsome cowboy, an emotional, yet charming romance then this one’s for you.

Until next time, happy trails to you.… oops, I meant happy reading everyone!!  😉  

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Wirth (Dirty Aces MC 5) by Lane Hart & DB West-a review

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Wirth (Dirty Aces MC 5) by Lane Hart & DB West-a review

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 16, 2021

Trouble is coming for the Dirty Aces MC when they least expect it.

After a patch-over party turns into a near fatal shootout that injures several members, the Dirty Aces MC is left reeling.

Wirth feels especially guilty since he wasn’t at the bar when his brothers needed him the most. Instead, he had left with a beautiful, mysterious woman, making some of the new members question his loyalty to the club.

Needing to clear his own name, Wirth intends to find out who the rat is within the MC. Suspicious of the new girl, Maeve, he decides to try and get closer to her to determine where her true loyalties lie.

Once he finds out Maeve’s secret, Wirth’s own loyalties may be shaken to the core.

••••••

REVIEW:WIRTH is the fifth instalment in the contemporary, adult DIRTY ACES MC erotic, MC romance series co-authored by Lane Hart and DB West. This is twenty-five year old Dirty Aces MC member WIRTH Wright, and twenty-four year old Maeve Donovan’s story line. WIRTH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. The Dirty Aces series is a spin-off from the author’s Savage Kings MC but you do not have to have read the previous series to understand or follow the story.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Wirth and Maeve) WIRTH follows in the aftermath of an attack against the Dirty Aces MC leaving three of their members suffering with gun-shot wounds at a patch-over party in Wilmington merging the Dirty Aces with the Knights of Wrath. Meanwhile Wirth Wright finds a woman on the side of the road, whose car is in need of immediate repairs but Wirth is about to learn that Maeve is more than the newest Club wh*re but a woman whose actions threaten the lives of the Dirty Aces MC. What ensues is the attack against the Dirty Aces MC, and the potential fall-out as Wirth’s loyalty is questioned by his association with our story line heroine.

The relationship between Maeve and Wirth is one of immediate attraction, a relationship based solely on their mutual sexual appetites but a relationship that is about to spiral out of control. As Wirth begins to suspect that Maeve is more than she claims to be, Maeve is torn between her loyalty to family, and her growing attraction to Wirth. Issues of trust and betrayal reign supreme. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble case of secondary and supporting characters including Maeve’s eighteen year old brother Rian, and the temporary head of the Irish Mafia Cormac. We are reintroduced to several members of the Dirty Aces MC: Malcolm and Naomi, Devlin, Silas, Nash, Preston and Fiasco, as well as nurses Joanna and Casey. There may be something developing between Fiasco and Joanna.

WIRTH is a story of betrayal, vengeance, power and control. The Irish Mafia is threatened by the arrival of the Dirty Aces MC and the merging of two powerful groups, targeting the bikers for encroaching on their territory. The premise is fast paced and engaging; the characters are energetic and wild; the romance is based solely on sexual attraction. I did struggle with the conflict resolution-a little clean and neat under the circumstances.

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Malcolm
Devlin
Nash
Silas

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lane Hart has more than forty steamy stories currently available on Amazon. Sign up for her newsletter to receive updates on new releases and free promotions by copying and pasting this link into your web browser: http://bit.ly/LHDBWNewsletter Lane lives in North Carolina with her husband, author D.B. West, their two daughters, a few lazy cats and a pair of rambunctious Pomeranians. She has a Masters in Criminal Justice and spent ten years working as a paralegal for a criminal defense attorney before walking away to become a full-time writer.

In October 2015, the paranormal romance anthology Wicked After Dark, including her standalone, Let Him Reign, hit #13 on the New York Times bestseller list. Since then she’s been climbing the Amazon charts with hot new releases. So whether you’re looking for MMA superstars, hot cops, arrogant football players, sweet millionaires, or romantic weddings, there’s a little bit of something for everyone.

Lane loves to hear from her readers on Facebook, Twitter, on her website, or by email!

Author links:

USA Today bestselling author D.B. West was born and raised in the southern United States. While studying at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, he met his wife and fellow author, Lane Hart. They now reside together with their two young daughters and their pets, a pair of Pomeranians.After losing his father to a lingering illness, West began writing ‘Awakening’ as a way to channel his emotions, and honor the memory of a true friend. In addition to writing, he enjoys video games, motorcycles, and traveling.

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418: I Am A Teapot by Edgar Scott-a review

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418: I Am A Teapot by Edgar Scott-a review

ebook ONLY 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / Chapters Indigo / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 23, 2021

418: I Am a Teapot is a near-future dystopian science fiction novel that explores a world where people by choice, birth, or punishment, relinquish the rights to their physical body. Their brains exist in a constantly-connected virtual interface where they enjoy a fantasy world of endless indulgences. However, while their minds have fun, their bodies are controlled by implants doing the filthiest and most dangerous jobs known to humanity.

Stripped of their identities, these dredges of society are simply called staff and they are disposable. But what happens when a staff becomes cognizant of its situation and tries to break free?

When staff number 418’s physical body is broken, he must come to terms with reality before a kangaroo court determines his fate. Will an unlikely friendship save 418 from permanent retirement?

••••••••••

REVIEW:418: I AM A TEAPOT by Edgar Scott is a futuristic, dystopian, sci-fi story line focusing on ‘staff’ 418 aka George, and Brian ‘King’ Agarwal, who runs a staffing business.

Told from first person perspective (418) and third person (King) 418: I AM A TEAPOT follows 418 aka George between his daily routine as a staff, and his virtual persona online. Staff are considered the lowest of the low, either born into poverty and the lower class, or relegated by punishment to become one of the many minions to do the work that no one else wants to do but an accident, also known as an exception, finds 418 fighting for his life, a life that is about to change in many ways. Believed to be ‘brain damaged’ as a result of the exception, 418 is saved from ‘retirement’, and in the ensuing days and weeks quickly realizes that his virtual interface is no longer working as it should. Sentient, and with the ability to become self-aware, 418 begins to reconsider all that he knows, in both his virtual and real worlds. 418 works for King, and in this King is about to set 418 on a path to self-actualization and freedom from control. But all is not well in King’s once-ordered world when King finds himself facing the possibility of a life of outside control.

As mentioned above, staff are the lower class, the workers and minions who have been surgically and pharmaceutically altered as mindless drones to do the work no one else wants to do. While their minds and brains are connected to a virtual world, their bodies are controlled by artificial intelligence, and subjected to outside forces where death and dismemberment are frequent and considered part of the job-‘retirement’ is met with indifference by the people in charge. With his virtual interface working at less than optimal levels, George begins to re-evaluate the meaning of life, and his place in the world.

418: I AM A TEAPOT is, like many futuristic, dystopian, sci fi tales, a philosophical and sociological look at discrimination, power and control. I am not sure where geographically the story line takes place, or when, but the first names are all anglicized and the surnames are all East Indian in nature.

418:I AM A TEAPOT is another, complex and detailed story line of what ifs and hows but I struggled with the lack of delineation between perspectives that changed often and without preamble. A slow building story line, 418: I AM A TEAPOT does not pick up speed until part way through the book.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Muse (Beautiful Magic #1) by Lauren Blakely-Review tour

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The Muse (Beautiful Magic #1) by Lauren Blakely-Review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 19, 2021

Midnight in Paris meets Night at the Museum! A gorgeous standalone forbidden romance with magical elements! Fall in love with The Muse, a sweeping romance set in a modern day Paris that’s full of magic, art, mysteries, and passion from #1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely!

The first time a woman stepped out of a painting, I thought I was seeing things.
The second time, I thought I was going mad.
The night she emerged from a Renoir, I felt something else entirely — a deep stirring of desire, and the wish to get to know the brilliant beauty who’s been trapped inside a painted garden for years.
She can only come out at night in the Musée d’Orsay, where I work. There, after hours, we wander through galleries, with the Van Goghs, the Monets, and the Toulouse Lautrecs the only witnesses to our midnight kisses and, soon, our trysts.
She opens her heart to me, and I learn her story.
But she keeps secrets too, ones I hope to unravel. Why she was trapped. Why Renoir is hunting her. And why artwork in famous museums across the world is starting to disintegrate.
Why I, too, seem to be the only person who can repair the masterpieces.
As I fall deeper for the woman who’s trapped in a museum, I’m caught up in another side of Paris after dark, one inhabited by forgers, ghosts of famous artists and, impossibly, by Muses.
But someone is after the woman I’m falling in love with, and it’s up to me to save her…even if it means losing everything I’ve found with her.

••••••••

REVIEW:THE MUSE is the first instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult BEAUTIFUL MAGIC paranormal, romance series. This is Musee d’Orsay tour guide and art historian Julien Garnier, and lady in the painting Clio’s story line.

Told from first person perspective ( Julien) with a couple of final chapters by Clio, THE MUSE follows art historian student and museum guide Julien Garnier as he struggles to make sense of craziness that has become his life. Late night visits to the Musee d’Orsay in Paris, France finds Julien Garnier ‘talking with’ and watching the paintings come to life but more specifically the ‘Woman Wandering in the Irises’, a canvas painted by Renoir featuring Monet’s garden. Enter Clio, the woman in question, and the woman with whom Julien will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Julien and Clio, and the potential fall-out as Clio’s love for Julien begins to affect a number of famous paintings throughout the world.

Julien Garnier has no idea his life is about to change. With the ability to see what no one else has the ability to see, and repair the damaged masterpieces that are being destroyed at an alarming rate, Julien will have to confront the possibility of ghosts inhabiting the body of friends, the Muses, and art forgers desperate to take control of the world’s most expensive paintings. Clio is a woman with a secret, a secret that is about to affect the Classics, and Masterpieces, and in this, Clio struggles with what has to be done but our heroine has been targeted by someone from her past, someone who refuses to accept what happened years before.

The relationship between Julien and Clio is predicated upon Julien’s powers to see the paintings come to life, and talk with the characters featured in the museum’s Masterpieces. Magic plays a large role in the relationship between our leading couple as Clio and Julien embark on a journey into the some of the most famous paintings around the world. The $ex scenes are mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Julien’s sister and museum curator Adaline; art collectors Remy and Rafe; Julien’s friend Simon, and his new girlfriend Lucy; Clio’s sister Thalia; as well as several characters that come to life, or inhabit the bodies of people whom Julien knows. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE MUSE is an enchanting and magical story line with a little bit of real history and the art world woven together. The premise is detailed and charming; the romance is sweet and passionate; the characters are colorful and charismatic. THE MUSE and the Beautiful Magic series is a departure for author Lauren Blakely, a departure that is sure to resonate with fans of the paranormal genre.

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied for review

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

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

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Mateo (Moretti: Ruthless Underworld 1) by KL Savage-Review tour

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Mateo (Moretti: Ruthless Underworld 1) by KL Savage-Review & Excerpt tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 19, 2021

Even without a memory, the world is a dark and damned place.
There are things around us that regular people don’t know about…

I know those things.
I’ve done those things.
It’s the way of this world when you’re on the throne.
This temple is rightfully mine.
I am the crown.
This isn’t just my life.
It’s my soul.
My empire.
My fortress.
And her.

She’s too sweet, so innocent, so naïve to the world around her and I want to immerse myself in it. But there is an ill twist hanging in the air.

Maximo is alive.Unfortunately.And I want him dead, but I am more devious than that.My brother took too much from me.I have to build everything from the ground up because he tarnished it.

Nora has been threatened.And I want him abolished.Her mother is useless.I’m glad her time is coming to an end .The kingdom is mine.I will kill.Steal.Ruin.And not blink twice while I do it.No one turns their back on me and gets away with it.I have been test.I have be tried.And I have defeated my trials.It is my turn.

Nothing is going to stop me from having what I deserve. .Power. Vengeance. Redemption. Lussuria.  love.

••••••••

REVIEW:MATEO is the first instalment in KL Savage’s contemporary, adult MORETTI: RUTHLESS UNDERWORLD dark, erotic, Mafia romance series-a spin off from the author’s RUTHLESS KINGS MC Las Vegas series. This is forty-three year old, Mafia king/ Las Vegas hotelier and casino owner Mateo Moretti, and twenty-one year old, college student Nora Thompson’s story line. MATEO can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty, but I recommend reading the RUTHLESS KINGS MC-Las Vegas series for back story and cohesion where Mateo’s story begins in book three TOOL.

NOTE: If you have not read the Ruthless Kings MC series, there may be spoilers in my review.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Nora and Mateo) MATEO follows the age-gap romance between forty-three year old Mafia king/Las Vegas hotelier and casino owner Mateo Moretti, and twenty-one year old,college student Nora Thompson. Months earlier, Mateo Moretti barely survived an explosion that destroyed his hotel, leaving Mateo in a coma, and his brother Maximo in charge. Fast forward to present day wherein Mateo, having no memories of the past, quickly discovers that the danger and betrayal goes much deeper and personal than he could have ever imagined, forcing Mateo to exact revenge the only way he knows how. When Mateo’s twenty-two year old, daughter Natalia is invited to the twenty-first birthday party of a college friend, Mateo finds himself lusting after the birthday girl, Nora Thompson, and Mateo will stop at nothing to get what he wants. An ‘attack’ against our heroine forces Mateo to take control, and in doing so, immediately takes control of our heroine’s life. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Mateo and Nora, as our couple must come to terms with the own demons from the past, and family members who have destroyed their hearts, and damaged their souls.

Nora Thompson’s life has never been easy but when her friends arrange a party, our heroine struggles to let go in the face of everything that has happened in the past. Meeting hotelier and Mafia head Mateo Moretti stirs something deep and dangerous within our story line heroine, and with it, Nora is about to cross a line from which she will never come back. Mateo Moretti knows betrayal first hand, and in this,he is never one to forgive or forget. Vengeance is but the tip of the proverbial ice-berg when treachery and threats against the people he loves place everyone in the direct line of fire.

The relationship between Mateo and Nora is one of immediate attraction. Mateo finds himself pulled towards his daughter’s twenty-one year old friend, a young woman whose life experiences are both jaded and dark yet often innocent and naive. Having loved and lost, Mateo never expected to find the one, a woman that is able to capture his heart. The $ex scenes are intimate, aggressive, erotic and intense with a little bit of Fifty-Shadesesque lip biting, eye rolling, spanking and control. 😉

The secondary and supporting characters include Mateo’s brother Maximo, as well as several cameo’s from members of the Ruthless Kings MC (Reaper, Tool, Braveheart, Knives). We are introduced to Zio Giovanni; Mateo’s daughter Natalia; Nora’s friends Libby, Faye, Cora and Alice, as well as Nora’s mother Danielle Thompson, and Warden Nicholas Greystone.

MATEO is a story of betrayal and revenge; power and control; family and friendships; lust, love, romance and happily ever after. The fast paced premise is entertaining and engaging but felt a little bit rushed; the romance is hot and heavy; the characters are energetic and captivating. I did have a couple of issues with plot points that were left unresolved -hopefully the author has plans to wrap up those open ended and unanswered scenarios.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

NOTE: Excerpt intended for mature reading due to strong language and content

One month after escaping the clubhouse…

I haven’t emerged from my Zio’s home since the escape. I don’t want the Kings to know where I am just yet or what I’ve been up to. Zio has been the face of the casino and taking care of business. I do not need to leave the house to know my face is on wanted posters for the Kings. It was a shit storm, Zio said, when he went to retrieve Natalia. The Kings were not happy. He barely got out of the door without getting shot or beaten.
He had to reassure them the only instruction he received from me was to pick her up. He had to swear to them he had no idea where I was. And they have been keeping a close eye on him.
They are waiting for me to slip, but this isn’t their fight.
“Please,” Maximo begs, clutching the bars of the dungeon Zio keeps underground.
There’s the house level, the basement, and then below that is the dungeon. It hasn’t been used for some time, but better late than never, I always say.
I think. I feel like I used to say that. Feels right.
“Water,” he croaks, reaching through the bars. “Fratello.”
I slam my fist against the bars and scream, “Do not fucking call me that! You lost that privilege when you tried to sell your niece. My fucking daughter. You filthy piece of shit. You think I care if you’re thirsty? Hungry? Or need to take a piss in something other than that fucking bucket in the corner? Let me tell you something, I’m here to watch you wither away, Maximo. You want fucking water?”
I snake my hand through the bars and grab him by his filthy shirt. I yank him forward, his cheek pressed against the iron bars. My lips are close to his ear and I whisper, “Drink your own piss.” I slam his head against the bars and knock him out. He falls to the floor limp and unconscious.
I tug on the lapels of my suit and sigh. I feel the overwhelming need to wash my hands.
I sidestep a puddle as I walk out of the dungeon. It’s your typical dark and gloomy cell. There’s no window, a dirt floor, and the lamps on the ceiling are powered by lighter fluid. Zio did not pour the family fortune into this dirt jail, that’s for certain. I climb up the stairs and grab the string above on the ceiling that controls the single lightbulb and tug.
Darkness.
Good. Let Maximo get lost. I don’t give a fuck.
I make my way through the basement and up the stairs to the main level of the house.
“Hey Papa,” Natalia greets me as she sits on a stool at the kitchen island, sipping her cappuccino she made.

K.L. Savage decided they were tired of looking for the kind of books they wanted to read. They had an itch that needed to be scratched, and as every girl knows, nothing scratches better than an alpha.

They write about gritty, alpha males, sometimes their dark sides, and the women they love.
If you have the same itch, their alpha males should fix that.

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