Monthly Archives: March 2021

Nightshade’s Bite by Zoe Forward – Review & Giveaway

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Nightshade’s Bite by Zoe Forward – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Kiera Rossard’s secret life just got complicated. When not being a vampire aristocrat she’s leader of the Nightshade League, a rebel vampire society that rescues werewolves during the interspecies war. Everyone wants her dead—vampires and the werewolves who don’t know her secret. Starting with the wolf she just saved—Michael Durand, the most vicious killer of her kind in existence. Something about the notorious werewolf sets her blood on fire.

She’s not good at resisting temptation. So what if vampires always bite when they’re turned on? And so what if one drop of his blood will kill her? What’s life without a little risk?

Michael doesn’t like vampires. At all. But now he’s losing his mind over the dark desire Kiera stirs in him. He should plot her death. Only, she’s hot and mouthy. Staying near her a bit longer is irresistible. When unforgiving forces hone in on her secret identity, he must decide between duty to his people and protecting her. But if he stays, who will protect her from him?

Each book in the Blood Wars series is STANDALONE:
* The Way You Bite
* Nightshade’s Bite

 

 

Review:

Nightshade’s Bite by Zoe Forward is the 2nd book in her Blood Wars series.  We meet our heroine, Kiera Rossard, as she is in disguise at a party with humans and vampires. What most people do not know, Keira, who is a vampire, is the leader of the Nightshade League, a society that helps rescues werewolves in an interspecies war.  She is called to help rescue a werewolf captured by the bad vampires, and when she and her team rescue the wolf, she is shocked at who it is.

Michael Durand, is one of the most powerful and feared werewolves, who is known to be an elite vampire killer. Michael hates vampires, and he is not too happy to be rescued by a vampire, not to mention a woman.  He has no control, even if the Nightshade team is trying to rescue him, and he lashes out at them, but a tranquilizer will force him to safety. 

Both Keira and Michael find themselves strangely attracted to each other, something Michael cannot seem to handle, as he has had no feelings for many years; not to mention she is a vampire. Keira finds herself unable to resist Michael, but she knows the danger of acting on her lust for him, could kill her with just one bite of his blood. Michael is losing his mind on this desire for Keira, and at the same time wanting to kill her.  However, the leaders of the werewolf group, warns Michael he cannot harm Kiera, since she works with them and is close to them all.  He will go to some ancient leaders to find out how to handle his uncontrollable feelings.  When Keira decides to put herself in danger to save her sister, Michael is determined to protect her, as he knows she is falling into a trap.  Will Michael save her?  Will Kiera survive? 

I really loved Kiera, as she made a great heroine, and was willing to put herself in danger to save the werewolves and her friends.  Michael was a bit off the wall, totally wild in his hatred, but in time, he will realize how much he needs her to bring him back to a normal sane life. I thought Zoe Forward created a great group of secondary characters from all sides.

What follows is an exciting, nonstop action throughout, that had me unable to put the book down.  The last half of the book was an intense wild exciting race to the climax.  Nightshade’s Bite was very well written by Zoe Forward, with an exciting story line, two warring species, great secondary characters, and a couple that were sizzling hot.  Nightshade’s Bite was another fun, exciting & captivating story. I look forward to the next book in this fantastic series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

 

Zoe Forward is graciously offering a $20 Gift Card to ONE lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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3. Please LIKE Zoe Forward on Facebook

4. Please LIKE The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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6. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from March 18 – 22, 2021

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Marriage and Murder by Penny Reid-Review & Excerpt tour

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MARRIAGE AND MURDER ( Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries 2) by Penny Reid-Review & Excerpt tour

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 2, 2021

The Devil is in the details . . .

Cletus Byron Winston wishes to marry Jennifer Anne Donner-Sylvester (aka The Banana Cake Queen) posthaste! He’s spent the last year wanting nothing more than for the celebrations to be brief, libations flowing, and BYOB (bring your own blueberries). His future mother-in-law has other plans, plans his intended has been willing to indulge, much to Cletus’s chagrin. Therefore, so must he, to a point. But truth be told, he wouldn’t mind if the meddlesome matriarch disappeared, at least until the nuptials are over.

On the night of Cletus and Jenn’s long-awaited engagement party, just when the surly schemer is of a mind to take matters into his own hands, a shocking event upends everyone’s best laid plans and sends the small hamlet of Green Valley into complete disarray. The final months leading up to Cletus and Jenn’s matrimonial bliss are plagued with chaos and uncertainty. Will Cletus and Jenn finally make it to the altar? Or will murder and mayhem derail their happily-ever-after?

And most importantly, who done it?

‘Marriage and Murder’ is the second book in the cozy mystery series Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries. It is best read after Winston Brothers #3, ‘Beard Science’ (which can be read as a standalone) and Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries #1, ‘Engagement and Espionage.’

•••••••••

REVIEW:  MARRIAGE AND MURDER is the second instalment in Penny Reid’s contemporary, adult SOLVING FOR PIE: CLETUS AND JENN MYSTERIES romantic, suspense series focusing on engaged couple Cletus Winston, and Jenn Donner-Sylvester. MARRIAGE AND MURDER can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading book one ENGAGEMENT AND ESPIONAGE as the events in book two are as of a direct result from the events in book one. The Solving For Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries is a spin off from the author’s Winston Brothers series. Cletus Winston and Jenn Sylvester’s original story can be found in book three of the Winston Brothers series BEARD SCIENCE.

NOTE: Although the series is categorized as a ‘cozy mystery’-meaning no $ex, violence or swearing on the pages- there is $ex, violence and foul language, so in actuality I would not say, by definition, this is a true cozy mystery series.

SOME BACKSTORY: In book one ENGAGEMENT AND ESPIONAGE Jenn’s father Kip Sylvester scammed a number of people in the small town of Green Valley, and in the wake of these scams left several townsfolk looking for payback and revenge, targeting Jenn, and her mother in the process.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jenn and Cletus) MARRIAGE AND MURDER follows in the aftermath of Jenn and Cletus’ almost engagement party but gun shots, murder and a missing mother in law-to be finds Cletus and Jenn on the short list of suspects in the wake of secrets and the revelation that Jenn is about to inherit everything and more. As Cletus begins to unravel a series of clues leading to the who, what and how, Jenn’s role as suspect turns victim with potentially deadly consequences. What ensues is the ongoing relationship and romance between Jenn and Cletus, and the fall-out of sins from the past are about to destroy our story line couple.

The relationship between Jenn and Cletus continues to grow as Jenn’s attachment and need for Cletus begins to take on a life of its’ own. The $ex scenes are passionate, seductive and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and familiar characters including most of Cletus’ siblings and their significant others- Congressman Billy Winston, Drew and Ashley, Jethro and Sienna, Beau and Shelly, Roscoe; Deputy Jackson James; Jenn’s mother Diane Donner, her father Kip Sylvester, and Kip’s lady friend Elena Wilkerson; Jenn’s brother Isaac aka Twilight; Wraith’s MC treasurer Jason aka Repo; and farmer Kenneth Miller. The requisite evil has many faces.

MARRIAGE AND MURDER is a story of betrayal and vengeance; greed and jealousy; love and forever. The premise is intriguing, suspenseful and intense; the romance is captivating; the characters are animated, dynamic and edgy.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one ENGAGEMENT AND ESPIONAGE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

“Here.” Cletus suddenly appeared, looking devilishly handsome in the dim light and seemingly all put back together—like we’d been in here holding hands instead of. . . ANYWAY.
He held out my underwear. His eyes were bright even in shadow, and I could see they were half-lidded as they lazily trailed over me. He looked at me like he was hungry, and I was dinner. Despite all the encore orgasms I’d just had, the effect hit me right between my legs.
I wondered what he was thinking, watching as he licked his bottom lip and drew it into his mouth. Was he just as insatiable for me? And if so, was he okay with that?
Tearing my eyes away, I pulled on the lace and fixed my skirt, telling my body to settle down. We were getting married for hootenanny’s sake!
Cletus cocked his head to the side while I smoothed my hands down the red fabric, working to get a hold of all this raging want always coursing through my veins whenever he was near. Maybe it was because he was my first, and I guess, my only. Was that why I felt so crazed for him all the time?
“Miraculous,” he said.
I surmised he meant the dress. “Right? The wrinkles are hidden, if there are any. It’s ’cause they ruched the outer fabric at the seams, see?” I turned to the side to show him the seam, and he stepped forward as though he were going to investigate.
Instead, his hands cupped my face and tilted my chin back. He stared at me with a vibrant intensity I felt all the way to my fingertips. “No, Jenn. Not the dress. You.” Cletus gave me a soft kiss, ending it by gently nipping my bottom lip. “You are my miracle.”
I sighed. And I smiled. And I felt like I was walking on a cloud instead of in four-inch heels, which was also probably something of a miracle. “You say the sweetest things.”
“I think you mean, I say the truest things.”
I laughed, and he kissed my forehead. He held me there, in the dark with his lips pressed to my forehead. “I love you so completely, with every cell in my body. I wonder sometimes if I’d cease to exist—just evaporate or disappear—if anything ever happened to you.”
“No.” I anchored my hands to his wrists and squeezed. “Don’t think like that. We’ve got our whole lives in front of us. There’s nothing anyone can—”
Three bangs in quick succession pierced the quiet moment, and not a second later Cletus had me on the ground beneath him, covering my back with his body.
“Gunshots,” he whispered in my ear. “From the parking lot. Don’t move.” 


 

Penny Reid is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author of the Winston Brothers, Knitting in the City, Rugby, and Hypothesis series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she just writes books. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

Please feel free to drop her a line. She’d be happy to hijack your thoughts! You can find her on her blog or email her: pennreid at gmail dot com

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Men at Work Series 7-9 by Mika Lane-Review Tour

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Men at Work Series 7-9 by Mika Lane-Review tour

HER DIRTY SOLDIERS
Men At Work #9
by Mika Lane
Release Date March 17, 2021
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, RH romance

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

Three hot special ops guys are more than willing to help me search for my brother. But they’re expecting something in return. Me.

My brother’s best friends have got to be the hottest military hunks I’ve ever seen.
Brave. Burly. Brutal.
One makes my heart race with his dirty… mouth.
Another sets me off with his firm… gaze.
And the last lights my imagination on fire with his hard… body.
When I met these guys, the last thing I thought was that I’d have to ask them for help.
But it turns out they’re willing to kill for me.
And when I find out why, I’m in more trouble than I ever knew.

••••••••

REVIEW:Mika Lane’s latest installment in the Men at Work series; Her Dirty Soldiers is a action packed, sexy read that is sure to rev some engines.

Joss is a librarian, who loves her job. She lives an average life, with an average family. Or so she thought. When a normal work day takes an odd turn that leads to her brother; Booker *Love the name* leaving a mysterious duffel with her. Claiming to return for it the next day, Booker goes missing and Joss being the nosy Nelly she is, she opens the bag only to find a note. A name and a number, with a cryptic note with directions. A little freaked, Joss calls the number and low and behold she meets the first of the men in this series.

Arrow.

Arrow, Cruz and Thorn are ex-military and loyal friends. When they get the call about Booker, they rush to the aid and meet Joss. Each of the guys is so different, with their own types of personalities. Arrow is a bit grumpy, Thorn is a nerd and Cruz is a rancher, each bring a different skill to their group.

Now throughout this story Joss is all over the place, I like her character, but there are parts of her personality that clash. One moment she is freaking out and the next she is willing to put herself at risk doing stupid things.

The story is good, and I very much enjoyed it, not as much as others stories in the series but still very good. The sexy bits are hot and the characters have good chemistry. For a reverse harem, it is well worth the read. Way to go to the Queen of Harem stories!

_______

HER DIRTY MOUNTAIN MEN
Men at Work #8
by Mika Lane
Release February 23, 2021
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, RH romance

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

Three wild mountain men are my new neighbors. And they’re welcoming me to town and into their beds.

The mountain men of Deep Water Canyon are rugged, dirty, and wild.
I love how they work with… wood.
The fires they build are big… and hot.
They’re always ready to… shoot.
And they work so very… hard.
When Uncle Bo left me his rickety cabin in the woods, I figured I’d clean it out and sell the dump.
But I had no idea what I was getting into.
Lucky for me, some new friends in Deep Water Canyon were willing and able to help…
With my rehab project and by keeping me warm on chilly mountain nights.

••••••

REVIEW:I’m a sucker for a bearded burly man, and if you are too this is the book for you. Her Dirty Mountain Men is the 8th in the Men at Work series by the brilliant Mika Lane. The series is one of standalone books, so while you don’t have to read them in any certain order, I recommend reading them. For those who can’t tell from the smoking cover, this is a reverse harem romance, one woman with multiple men. If it’s a trigger, be warned.

Ava is a city slicker; she loves her concrete jungle. When she inherits her Uncle’s cabin in the middle of some BFE mountain, she is less than pleased. She used to spend time in the cabin as a child but hasn’t returned in almost twenty years.

When she arrives on the mountain, she meets her neighbors. Three huge, burly, mountain men. Ava meets each of them in their own special way, but when they find out who she is, they are more than happy to help her. When she enlists their help in fixing up the cabin in hopes of selling it, the guys agree, but soon there are things that Ava starts wanting to see more and more of.

Ava, Logan, Theo and Coulton find themselves in a whirlwind of lust and maybe love. The guys want Ava to stay, but will be willing to give up her life in the big city for small town living?
I did my happy dance while reading this book. It brought me such happiness reading about the group and their experiences as they met and fell in love. It’s funny and happy and light, something that I very much needed at the time. I can’t wait to see what this author puts out next.

__________

HER DIRTY MAFIA
Men at Work #7
by Mika Lane
Release Date: January 26, 2021
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, RH romance

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

One is quiet. Observant. His gaze burns my soul. His touch sears everything else.
The other is explosive and volatile. So, I stayed out of his way. Until I couldn’t.
The last seemed so normal. But he had a sinful, filthy mind. Especially when he thought of me.

The Vegas mafia’s hottest men. Dangerous and demanding.
They dragged me right into their world and into their beds.
I wasn’t looking for the them.
They found me.

I was new to town. Just needed a job.
And now, my life’s in danger.
I could run. But I don’t want to.
Not that I could, anyway.
They’d never let me.

•••••••••

REVIEW:Mika Lane; Queen Supreme of all thing’s triad. Her Dirty Mafia is the 7th installment of the Men at Work series, and boy oh boy is it a steamer!

Can I just say; kudos to the person that designed the cover of this series, they are so pretty to look at. Annabelle “Bel” is new to Vegas, running from a creep of an ex and looking to start fresh, she returns to her sister in hopes to start a new page in her life.

Little did she know that Vegas had three hotties locked and loaded for her. After she gets hired as a PA for a local company run by Dom. Yes, that’s right, hottie number one’s name is Dom, and boy oh does he live up to that name. Enter in Sammy and Tristan and the triad is complete. While Bel is coming into her own in her new job, she is unaware that the three new men in her life are members of the Las Vegas Mafia.

-Cue swoon-

Finally, things are starting to look up for Bel and her new life, but like a bad penny, her crusty dusty ex shows up. Can the guys handle it? Can Bel finally get free and enjoy the happiness she has finally found?

When I say I devoured this, I truly do mean I devoured this. One setting, two hours, and a glass of wine later, I am swimming in the land of Dom, Sammy and Tristan. Mika Lane knows how to keep her books short and sweet but packed with emotion and awesome characters. Way to go!

Copies supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

CONNECT WITH MIKA LANE: https://mikalane.com

Please join my Insider Group and be the first to hear about giveaways, sales, pre-orders, ARCs, and other cool stuff: http://mikalane.com/join-mailing-list/.

Writing has been a passion of mine since, well, forever (my first book was “The Day I Ate the Milkyway,” a true fourth-grade masterpiece). These days, steamy romance, both dark and funny, gives purpose to my days and nights as I create worlds and characters who defy the imagination. I live in magical Northern California with my own handsome alpha dude, sometimes known as Mr. Mika Lane, and an evil cat named Bill. These two males also defy my imagination from time to time.

A lover of shiny things, I’ve been known to try to new recipes on unsuspecting friends, find hiding places so I can read undisturbed, and spend my last dollar on a plane ticket somewhere.

I have several titles for you to choose from including perennially favorite Billionaire and Reverse Harem stories. And have you see my Player Series about male escorts who make the ladies of Hollywood curl their toes and forget their names? Hottttt…. And my brand new anti-hero/mafia books are coming out in audio as I write this.

Exciting news: in June 2020, I will be publishing with Vi Keeland’s and Penelope Ward’s Cocky Hero Club as one of their contributing authors. Stay tuned for more on this or follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mikalaneauthor. And, as if that’s not cool enough, I am also writing in K. Bromberg’s Everyday Heros world. Look for that later in the year.

I’ll always promise you a hot, sexy romp with kick-ass but imperfect heroines, and some version of a modern-day happily ever after.

I LOVE to hear from readers when I’m not dreaming up naughty tales to share. Join my Insider Group so we can get to know each other better http://mikalane.com/join-mailing-list, or contact me here: https://mikalane.com/contact.

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Mafia Bride (DiLustro Arrangement 1) by CD Reiss-Review tour

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Mafia Bride (DiLustro Arrangement 1) by CD Reiss-Review tour

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Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56884152-mafia-bride

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 16, 2021

Some girls dream of marrying a prince, but I never imagined I’d be sold to a king.

Santino DiLustro.

The king.
The monster.
The keeper of secrets.

When he forced me to marry him, I cried for love I’d never know.
When he locked me away, I cried for the freedom I lost forever.
Every other tear I’ve shed is for my soul, because I’m falling for the devil himself.

••••••

REVIEW:What a cliffhanger!!!!

C.D Reiss writes romance in a way that no other author ever has. She gets down into the nitty-gritty of drama, the evil of people, the drama of family, but gives us all of that with the light of love and hope. I freaking love it!

Mafia Bride is explosive; we get a young girl; Violetta you for all intents and purposes is “sold” to Italian mafia king-pin Santino. Violetta is young, but strong minded, hardheaded and not sampling willing to take things at face value. Roughly put; she hates him and is determined to find a way out of what has become of her life.

Santino is just what you would think a mafia boss would be like, just sexier in my mind. He’s an over the top alpha, cold and crass, he takes what he wants and what his dirty mind has set on is Violetta. As the book and the plot progress, we learn about Santino and his secrets, some of how his mind works and the confusion and pain that Violetta goes through as she adapts to her change in lifestyle.

Most of the book is centered around Violetta and how she copes with Santino, their chemistry is off the charts hot. I do find the way the story is written a little different than how the author normally writes, but it’s very enjoyable. There are moments of sadness, of course with the loss that Violetta is dealing with, but other moments of such awesome sexual tension. That tension is what makes this book go so fast I think, it makes you want to read more and more. A big poo to the killer cliffhanger at the end! I wasn’t mentally prepared for that! I most definitely can’t wait to see how it turns out!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

CD Reiss is a New York Times bestselling author. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn’t pick up she’s at the well hauling buckets.

Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master’s degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.

She’s frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn’t ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.

If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.

FOLLOW: Goodreads/ Website / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Instagram

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SINS OR SECRETS (Sinful Bachelors 1) by Khardine Gray-Review Tour

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SINS OR SECRETS (Sinful Bachelors 1) by Khardine Gray-Review & Excerpt Tour

SINS OR SECRETS
Sinful Bachelors 1
by Khardine Gray
Release Date: March 10, 2021
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

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 March 10, 2021

The residue of my sins and secrets arise demanding repayment.
And they might destroy us all over again.
There’s a lot to know about me.
I could start with my sins or my secrets.
But they are one and the same: I’m a liar.

Ten years ago, I left Logan.
My lies destroyed us.
But… what he didn’t know was I lied because I had to.
It was the only way to protect him from my father’s cruel hand.

That last goodbye was supposed to be forever.
I left town and never expected to see him again.
Then Aunt Lily died, and I returned home.
Not knowing her will would open Pandora’s box.

Her will threw me right back in Logan’s path, and back in his bed.
But he’s not the boy I left behind.
He’s the irresistible, tempting ex-marine women put on their wish list.
And our attraction is incinerating.
All consuming.
Undeniable.
And, unlike the past, there’s no one standing in our way.
There’s nothing to stop us.
Except me.

••••••••

REVIEW:  SINS OR SECRETS is the first instalment in Khardine Gray’s contemporary, adult SINFUL BACHELORS erotic, romance series. This is thirty year old, former-Marine turned PI Logan Savage, and twenty-eight year old divorcee and dance teacher, Quinn Cambray- Lanford’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Quinn and Logan) SINS OR SECRETS follows the second chance romance and relationship between thirty year old former Marine turned PI Logan Savage, and twenty eight year old divorcee and dance teacher Quinn Cambray-Lanford. Ten years earlier Quinn Cambray walked away from our story line hero, breaking both of their hearts in the process but Quinn had a secret, and her father’s run for political office found the family heading to California where life as she knew is about to implode. Fast forward to present day wherein, the soon-to-be divorced Quinn Cambray returns to her home town of Wilmington, North Carolina following the death her beloved Aunt Lilly, a return that comes with the trepidation of facing the man she has never stopped loving. Enter former Marine Logan Savage, and the man with whom Quinn is still in love. The reading of Aunt Lilly’s will forces our couple to work together for the next six months, six months in which Quinn becomes the target of a dangerous man.

Quinn Cambray has no plans to remain in Wilmington, North Carolina but the terms of Aunt Lilly’s will are about to push our couple together, time together that may or may not come with a termination date. Quinn Cambray has never stopped loving our story line hero but the sins of the father are about to come full circle leaving our heroine in a desperate situation. Logan Savage has struggled since Quinn Cambray walked out of his life but a near fatal attack in Afghanistan forces Logan back home, where following a year of physio-therapy Logan starts a PI firm, a firm that is called to help the local police and the FBI. Having battled between head and heart Logan knows that Quinn is the woman he will always love but convincing Quinn to remain in Wilmington is a losing battle.

The relationship between Quinn and Logan is a rekindling romance destroyed by secrets , betrayal, vengeance and control. Logan Savage was blindsided by the Quinn’s disappearance ten years earlier but even more so with her return and the secrets she revealed about the life they once shared. Rebuilding their romance and relationship is easy but Quinn has no plans to stay beyond the six month deadline. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Quinn’s childhood best friend Bree Dawson; Quinn’s father former governor of California Peter Cambray; Quinn’s soon to be ex husband Riley Langdon; Logan’s best friend and Detective Ethan Carson, officer Bryce Taylor; local bad boy Billy Fairchild; Logan’s ex Monica; Heather Vaughn. There is something developing between Ethan and Bree.

SINS OR SECRETS is a story of power and control; betrayal and revenge; family, friendships, secrets and lies. The premise is intriguing, captivating and heart breaking; the rekindling romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are energetic, dynamic, broken but moving forward. SINS OR SECRETS is a wonderful introduction to the Sinful Bachelors Series.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

Prologue
Quinn
Wilmington, ten years ago…Undiluted fear carries my trembling body through the night.
The charge of panic clouds my mind so heavily, I might as well be walking around in a thick fog.
I fled from my house, following my father’s orders. Heeding his threat.
That threat.
Oh God, that threat.
The thought brings tears to my eyes again, and I blink several times to stop myself from crying.
I can’t cry again. Not now. There will be the rest of my life to cry for my regrets. And this thing I’m about to do.
I have to focus. This is my one shot at making sure everything will be okay once I’m gone.
Dad was serious.
He’s always been strict with me, and I know any parent would go ape shit just like he did after discovering what happened to me. But his behavior was beyond belief.
I’d never seen him look so mad. Never, and something in my heart tells me I shouldn’t push my luck. After all, there were several times in the past when I suspected Dad of doing despicable things, but I never had proof.
Despicable things like people going missing…then turning up dead.
He works in the state’s attorney’s office, but he runs this town with his wealth and the Cambray oil fortune.
I might be young and I’ve done some foolish things, but it doesn’t mean I’m naïve to how the world works. I know money equals power.
People listen to you, and some keep silent for you.
I know enough to take anything my father says seriously, and that is the only reason why I’m doing this.
Logan’s house comes into view, and I stop in my tracks so abruptly my legs feel like they may snap.
I rushed all the way here, allowing the terror of what could happen to the boy I love to guide me. Now I’m looking at his house, and I can’t move.
I don’t know how I’m supposed to do this next part.
My father told me to break up with Logan.
But how can I do that?
This wasn’t what I saw in our future. What I saw was happiness and love. But if I fight for such a dream, what will happen?
I could lose everything.
I could lose Logan forever.
I would. 


 

Khardine Gray is a USA Today Bestselling author who loves writing sizzling hot contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance.

Her books have sexy, drool-worthy heroes who will make you melt, and sassy, fun loving, ambitious heroines.

She simply adores her readers and loves spoiling them.

Website* Newsletter*Facebook*Facebook Group* Twitter*Bookbub *Amazon* Goodreads

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The Disappearance of Emily by Elizabeth Pantley- a Review

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The Disappearance of Emily by Elizabeth Pantley- a Review

 

Amazon

 

Description:
Hayden fell through a mirror and was thrust into an alternate, magical place. Destiny Falls is home to a family she never knew she had. The town is enchanted and charming, but something is amiss. Then someone turns up dead, and there are too many other suspicious episodes to call them coincidences. All signs point to the mysterious disappearance of her mother – way back when Hayden was just two days old. Can she identify and eliminate the threat before another person in her life is stolen away?

 

 

Review:

The Disappearance of Emily by Elizabeth Pantley is the 2nd book in her Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series. Refresher: Hayden, who lives with her grandmother, great grandmother and works at home with her best friend, Lulu, and her cat, Sassy. One day while outside with her cat, a man pushes her through a portal.  When Hayden woke up, she sees the brother she never knew, and learns all about the alternate and magical world of Destiny Falls.  Hayden gets to meet her father, brother and the Caldwell family that welcomed her into their world; the caveat- she can never leave the realm of Destiny Falls

Hayden is happy in Destiny Falls, and has become closer to her new siblings, though she misses her Nana, grandmother and best friend, Lulu.  She also adores the magical community that seems to take a life of its own, based on the needs or wishes of each person.  At the local café, Hayden meets the person who runs the ferry, and receives a warning.  But before she can meet this person, there is a murder and the person in question is dead.  Hayden begins her own investigation about another town, across Destiny Falls, that is dangerous and she finds clues about her long lost mother. 

While this is going on, Hayden is asked to reopen the Newspaper office, and become its editor in charge.  Things reach become dangerous when her sister is kidnapped, and the family joins hands with the local police to find the villains, who were also suspected of killing the ferry boss.  This was an exciting part, and leads the way to solving the murder, but also leaves things open for Hayden to try and find the truth about the other realm and her mother.  Hayden’s first monthly newsletter is a success, with all the information about the murder.

The Disappearance of Emily is a lighthearted mystery, in a magical and charming enchanted realm.  It was a fun story, and I continue to adore Latifa, who was talks telepathically with Hayden; the other two cats are adorable too, as these parts were delightful. I love the magical world of Destiny Falls, and wish I could live there.  Another fun book by Elizabeth Pantley.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

 

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Last Strand by Jennifer Estep- Dual review & Giveaway

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Last Strand  by Jennifer Estep- Dual review & Giveaway

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 16 2021

Every bloody thread has been leading to this . . .

I’ve battled a lot of bad guys in my time, both as Gin Blanco and as the notorious assassin the Spider. But I’ve never faced off against anyone quite as powerful and deadly as the dastardly leader of the Circle secret society.

Just when I finally have a lead on how I can defeat the evil group once and for all, new information comes to light that throws me for a loop. Suddenly, everyone and everything I love is in imminent peril of being destroyed, and I’m racing against the clock to figure out a way to save my friends.

The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the danger has never been greater. Somehow, I need to weave one last strand in my web of death—and kill my enemies before they kill me .

•••••

SANDY’S REVIEW:LAST STRAND is the nineteenth and final (for now) instalment in Jennifer Estep’s contemporary, adult ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN urban fantasy/paranormal series focusing on Gin Blanco aka the Spider aka The Assassin-the reigning Queen of the paranormal Underworld of Ashland, LAST STRAND can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order or at the very least, read SHARPEST STING book 18.

SOME BACKGROUND: Years earlier, Gin lost her father to a supposed accident, then her mother and older sister to a deliberate fire started by a fire elemental, a fire ordered by the notorious group known only as The Circle. Fostered and mentored by Fletcher Lane, Gin would become the fiercest elemental assassin the Underworld would ever know.

NOTE: There are some scenes of graphic violence that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Gin Blanco) using present day and memories from the past, LAST STRAND follows the beginning of the end for the group known as The Circle. Gin Blanco has spent most of her life training for and defending against a number of enemies, all with ties to The Circle. With the revelations about her father’s murder, and the person responsible, Gin struggles with the information and connection to her extended family, family that is about to meet its’ match. When an ultimatum is given, Gin must take aggressive steps to protect the people she loves, and in this, ending the life of the person out to destroy them all. The leader of the Circle is gunning for our heroine, beginning with the take down and demise of her business, and everything it entails.

The familiar secondary and supporting characters include Gin’s sister Bria, and her step-brother Finn Lane (Bria’s lover); Gin’s assistant /vampire Silvio Sanchez, vampire Roslyn Phillips, police officer and giant Xavier dwarves Jo Jo and Sophia Deveraux, Lorelei Parker, as well as Underworld boss and security specialist Liam Carter, vampire Hugh Tucker, Bellum Bank owners and fire elementals Charles Yang, and his daughter Drusilla; elemental and giant Emery Slater, and current leader of The Circle Mason Mitchell.

LAST STRAND is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control; greed, avarice, hatred and malice. The premise is exciting and engaging; the characters are fierce, energetic and determined- the camaraderie and friendships are electric and deep. Jennifer Estep has revealed LAST STRAND is the final instalment (for now) in the Elemental Assassin series but the author has plans for more stories focusing on the secondary characters introduced throughout the series. The Elemental Assassin series is a dramatic, thrilling and wonderful series.

 

BARB’S REVIEW:
Last Strand by Jennifer Estep is the 19th and final (for now) book in her fantastic Elemental Assassin series. I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, having read all her series, and this series is my favorite. I love the lead character, Gin Blanco (The Spider), as well as all the wonderful secondary characters that help support Gin.   I can’t say enough about how Estep keeps the flow going so smoothly in each and every book in this terrific series, as well as the exciting action throughout.  Needless to say, Gin Blanco, the Spider, is one of the best literary kick-ass female heroines, as well as one of my favorites. 

In Last Strand, Gin and Finn have discovered where Fletcher has hidden the money, he had  supposedly stolen from the Circle leader, Mason Mitchell.  With some of their friends hiding nearby to help them if needed, they enter a bank that has strong rules, and very powerful clients, as well as strict security measures.  To their shock, the vault in Fletcher’s name is loaded with treasures and money, which amounts to a lot of money, but Gin is confused, as it is not as much as she expected.  They leave without a problem, to go home and meet with the group how to find a way to get everything out of the vault, before Mason Mitchell finds out. Before they get a chance to move the money, Mitchell and his giants, including the evil Emery, threaten the life of one of theirs, forcing Gin to agree to give them what he wants. 

Gin has dreams about Fletcher and how he taught her things, but no matter what she cannot figure out what clues he was telling her.  Gin also knows that not only is her life on the line, but so are all of her family and friends.  Mason Mitchell will stop at nothing to kill them all.  She also learns what Mason is planning to destroy her Pork Pit restuarant, as well as take complete control of Ashland. Can she stop him?

What follows is an exciting, action filled, pulse pounding adventure that will bring Gin and her team into death defying situations. But with help from her fantastic friends and others, she will devise an elaborate plan to destroy Mason.  Will it cost her life, or that of her loved ones?

This series is always an edge of your seat suspense when following Gin Blanco, as she is always in the middle of a wild violent adventure.   To tell too much more would be spoilers, and I do not want to ruin it for anyone; especially this being the final book (for now). But as we come to the conclusion of the series, we worry who will survive.

I love spending time with Gin, but I also love all the recurring secondary characters that are Gin’s friends and family that she is loyal to, and they are always there for each other.  Finn, Owen, Bria, Silvio, Sophia, Jo Jo, Lorelei, Silvio are all great members of Gin’s group.   

Jennifer Estep is a master at creating exciting, mind-boggling adventures in each story, and making Gin into such a great heroine.   Last Strand was a wonderful action filled addition to this series, which also gives us answers to some questions, as well as an amazing and satisfying conclusion.  If you have not read the Elemental Assassin series, it is time for you to start now.

 

 

Jennifer Estep is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea. 

Jennifer writes the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series. Sharpest Sting, book #18, will be released Oct. 8.

Jennifer is also the author of the Crown of Shards, Mythos Academy, Black Blade, and Bigtime fantasy series.

For more information on Jennifer and her books, visit www.jenniferestep.com or follow Jennifer on Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon, BookBub, Blog and Twitter. You can also sign up for her newsletter.

 

 

Jennifer is graciously offering a $10 Amazon Gift card to ONE (1) lucky commenters  at The Reading Cafe:

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE:  If you are having difficulty commenting after logging into the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from March 16- 20, 2021

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Code Word Access (Code Word 1) by Alex Schuler-a review

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Code Word Access (Code Word 1) by Alex Schuler-a review

ebook only 99¢ at Amazon & Nook: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N /

KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

The future is in code.

Shawn Muller is a prodigy and he knows it. It is 2051 and the militarized AI he created to hunt terrorists has begun to dominate the network that controls everything from traffic to climate. Fearful of the power of the AI he calls “Lazy Jack” and the politicians who will use it, Shawn installs an algorithm to give his creation a system of ethics.

But when that very ethical standard causes Lazy Jack to declare Shawn a profound threat to society, he is forced into terrified flight to avoid summary execution as a terrorist.

Off the grid for the first time in his twenty-seven years, Shawn will find himself pursued not only by his creation and the government it has started to control, but also by the shadowy elements of society that reject domination by AI. Captured by the outlawed Organites, Shawn falls into the hands of their charismatic captain, Destiny.

Born to be enemies, Shawn and Destiny discover that their lives and the survival of their worlds are inextricably linked. Together with a host of unforgettable characters, they will struggle to bring down the system Shawn thought would save the world, leading them to face one of the most profound questions of human existence: Will we or will our creations decide what is right and what is wrong?

•••••••

REVIEW:CODE WORD ACCESS is the first instalment in Alex Schuler’s post apocalyptic, near future, CODE WORD speculative / science fiction series focusing on prodigy Shawn Muller in the year 2051.

Told from several third person perspectives CODE WORD ACCESS follows PhD prodigy Dr. Shawn Muller in the aftermath of an attack by a counterterrorism AI (Artificial Intelligence) he designed to eliminate terrorists for the military-controlled Cyber Command, but LAZ-237 is unable to distinguish between good and bad, and in this, many innocents are about to die. Hoping to stop the onslaught of death and destruction, Shawn Muller secretly uploads a ‘virus’ but his command for the ‘Greatest Good for the Greatest Number’ pushes the AI to go rogue killing anyone and everyone it deems to be bad. As Shawn struggles to stay one step ahead of the AI he calls Lazy Jack, his commands are seemingly countered by the military and politicians in charge.

Dr. Shawn Muller is considered a ‘transhuman’-an enhanced human with a ‘fully integrated brain to operating system interface –a highly sophisticated CPU’ that allows our ‘hero’ to communicate with both man and machine. As a young child, Shawn’s parents implanted a neuro-chip into his brain rendering Shawn a virtual participant in a virtual world. Everything about his life was an illusion, an illusion of which he was completely unaware.

Years earlier, a terrorist attack by the al Tehrani killed Shawn’s parents, and along with his mentor Lt. Colonel Amun Gurk, Shawn set to work on an counterterrorism AI that would eliminate the man and people responsible but as pandemics, environmental disasters and wars ravaged the earth, a resistance group known as the Quills, members of the organization who call themselves Organites, takes aim at our hero, in an effort to shut down the systems destroying the world.

CODE WORD ACCESS is a complicated, complex and multi-levelled tale of what if. A dramatic, richly detailed and gritty story of a world controlled by artificial intelligence. CODE WORD ACCESS is a philosophical and sociological look at the ethical conundrum of integrated man and machine; of the potential for sentient and self aware artificial intelligence; a computer with a conscience and reasoning, and the ability to act on its’ own. There are numerous references to late 20th and early 21st century sci-fi movies and stories including The Matrix ™, Terminator ™, Star Wars ™ and War Games™; climate change, plagues, pandemics, nuclear power, the ‘Cloud’ and social media- reading like a warning of things to come if man doesn’t change the current direction of power and control.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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