Monthly Archives: April 2021

A Cowboy Kind of Love (Heart of Texas 6) by Donna Grant-a review

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A Cowboy Kind of Love (Heart of Texas 6) by Donna Grant-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 27, 2021

Who wants to rodeo again?

Jace Wilder has been rebuilding his life since the love of his life, Taryn, up and left town unexpectedly. But when she mysteriously returns, Jace’s dependable world comes crashing down. Taryn is hiding a dangerous secret, and no matter how hard he tries, Jace can’t stay away―especially when Taryn is at risk. And especially when the attraction he thought he’d buried long ago is back and hotter than ever. Will he be able to trust Taryn again?

Taryn Hillman’s world fell apart one horrifying night, and it’s never been the same since. When she sees a small chance at untangling herself, she takes it, though it means returning to Clearview – and seeing Jace again. But when he vows to protect her, will Taryn take a chance, and this time, never let him go?

•••••••

REVIEW:A COWBOY KIND OF LOVE is the sixth instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult HEART OF TEXAS romantic, suspense series. This is former US military soldier Jace Wilder, and Taryn Hillman’s story line. A COWBOY KIND OF LOVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives A COWBOY KIND OF LOVE follows the rekindling romance and relationship between Jace Wilder, and Taryn Hillman. Five years earlier, Taryn walked away from the only man she would ever love leaving a heart broken Jace Wilder in her wake. Fast forward to present day wherein Taryn Hillman returns to her hometown of Clearview, Texas, desperate and searching for help. Enter Jace Wilder. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Taryn and Jace, and the potential fall-out as sins of the father have targeted our heroine.

Jace Wilder struggles with issues of PTSD having survived torture and imprisonment while stationed overseas. The only balm to his pain was Taryn Hillman, the woman who ripped out his heart, never looking back. With Taryn’s return to Clearview, Texas, Jace battles between head and heart knowing he will forgive Taryn for anything including destroying his soul. Taryn Hillman is in trouble, and believes she can find a solution in Clearview, Texas but Taryn struggles with what was, and what will never be, including her one-time relationship with our story line hero.

The relationship between Taryn and Jace is one of second chances. Taryn never wanted to walk away from the only man she would ever love but walking was never her choice when all she wanted to do was run back into his arms. Jace Wilder has struggled since he received the text from Taryn breaking his heart but Jace never expected Taryn to return, and never expected her to bring the wrath of h*ll in her wake. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line heroes, all of whom are former or current members of law enforcement or the US military branches. We are introduced Taryn’s sister Payton; questionable yet powerful businessman Boyd Walters, and his right hand man Brick. Donna Grant has introduced several new characters with the potential for many more stories.

A COWBOY KIND OF LOVE is a story of suspense, intrigue, betrayal and vengeance. A story of power and control, love and hate, forgiveness and acceptance. The character driven premise is haunting and edgy; the romance is captivating ; the characters are tragic, animated and spirited but if you are looking for a ‘cowboy’ feel to your story line, this is not the book. The story line is first and foremost a story of romantic suspense, the cowboy aspect is virtually non-existent.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Christmas Cowboy Hero
Cowboy, Cross My Heart
My Favorite Cowboy
A Cowboy Like You
Looking for a Cowboy

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Into Temptation (Deliver Us From Evil 2) by Monica James-a review

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Into Temptation (Deliver Us From Evil 2) by Monica James-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 28, 2021

Monsters are real…and that monster is my father.

Ten years ago, I surrendered. I thought I was doing the right thing. But lies and greed have once again destroyed my life, leaving me to deal with the aftermath.

This life has always been a curse, but the world as I know it has changed. Belfast isn’t what it used to be.

Alliances are broken. Kingdoms have fallen. But those who remain loyal see me as their rightful king.

With secrets unraveled, my need for vengeance grows stronger every day.

However, ten years is a long time. People have changed. I have changed. But the one thing that remains untouched is my love for Babydoll—I love her…even if she doesn’t feel the same.

I will take back what’s mine.

My kingdom.
My name.
And my girl.

Every monster is scared of somethin’…and that somethin’ is me.

No more hiding in the shadows because I’m huntin’ you…Father.

Run, wee monsters, run.

••••••

REVIEW:: INTO TEMPTATION is the second instalment in Monica James’s contemporary, adult DELIVER US FROM EVIL dark, erotic, Irish Mafia, romance trilogy focusing on Puck ‘Punky’ Kelly, and Camilla ‘Cami’ ‘Babydoll. INTO TEMPTATION should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the cliff hanger and events of book one.

NOTE: If you have not read book one THY KINGDOM COME, there may be spoilers in my review.

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

SOME BACKGROUND: At five years of age Puck ‘Punky’ Kelly witnessed the brutal rape and murder of his beloved mother Cara, and in the ensuing years Punky vowed vengeance against the Doyles, the family he blames for her vicious demise but secrets and lies are about to be exposed forcing Punky to choose between family and the truth, blood and oath. Having never forgiven his father for his lack of concern regarding the death of his mother, Punky knows it is only a matter of time before he takes his place on the proverbial throne but someone else is waiting for the perfect opportunity and Punky is about to pay the price. Focusing on a decades old feud in Ireland between the Kellys vs the Doyles, the Protestants vs the Catholics, Belfast vs Dublin in a fight for power and control of the criminal underworld in Ireland, DELIVER US FROM EVIL follows the rise to power, and the all out war to stay in control.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Puck and Cami) INTO TEMPTATION advances the trilogy ten years. Puck served time for a crime he did not commit, and upon his release discovers nothing is as it was supposed to be. Having lost the woman he loved, and the friends who once had his back, Puck sets out to reclaim the throne but in doing so sets into motion a war where betrayal and vengeance are but a prelude to taking control. Putting his trust in the people he loved finds Puck having to choose between his life, and the lives of everyone else. Cami has never stopped loving our story line anti-hero, but her love has made her a target in the war between the Kellys and the Doyles.

INTO TEMPTATION is another dark, gritty, haunting and twisted story of double-cross and betrayal, retribution and payback, family, love, hatred and loss. Monica James pulls the reader into a fast paced, heart breaking, tragic and complex tale; an intense, impassioned and dramatic look at the fight for power and control of a country that still struggles to break free of a hundreds years of war. INTO TEMPTATION ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THY KINGDOM COME

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Image courtesy of ‘Reader’s Manic’

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.

When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.

She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.

Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.

TWITTER /  FACEBOOK /  PINTEREST / AUTHORGRAPH /  WEBSITE

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The Amish Cowboy’s Homecoming by Ophelia London – a Review

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The Amish Cowboy’s Homecoming by Ophelia London – a Review

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Description:
Grace Zook has always held a talent with horses, ever since she was a child growing up in her quaint Amish village of Honey Brook. Now, as an adult, she’s become a master trainer—but still struggles to prove to her father that she is worthy of taking over the family’s horse farm. With a fiery new stallion coming soon, Grace knows this challenge is her chance to prove she can finally take the reins. 

When widower and horse whisperer Isaac King is offered the lead training job on a new farm out of town, he’s thrilled to finally make a name for himself and provide some permanent roots for his young daughter. But not only is the stallion seemingly unbreakable, so, too, is the owner’s headstrong daughter Grace, who has drastically different ideas about how to handle the impossible horse. Yet somehow, he can’t seem to get the confident, beautiful woman out of his mind…even though as his boss’s daughter, she is completely off-limits. 

There’s too much at stake for Isaac to gamble his future on Grace…even though suddenly, he can’t imagine one without her.

 

 

Review:

The Amish Cowboy’s Homecoming by Ophelia London is the second book in her Honey Brook series. 

Grace is a hard working woman, she loves working on the family farm with her father. Horses are what she knows and loves, and is hurt and angry when she finds out she won’t be the one to break on the new stallion! Hasn’t she proved herself by now?! 

Isaac needs a stable home for his young daughter and when the opportunity arises, he takes it with both hands. What he doesn’t expect is anger and resentment from the boss’s daughter! But they need to work together, she’s just going to have to back down….. 

There is a lot of tension for a while, both Isaac and Grace have things to prove. But as they start to work alongside one another other feelings start to emerge. Grace is confused, shouldn’t she hate the man that took her job? And Isaac knows he shouldn’t have those thoughts about the boss’s daughter. 

Grace has to contend with a lot of things, one being the old fashioned ideas of women not working outside of the home, of only being a wife and mother! 
Isaac is rather old fashioned that way too, so for the two of them to work out their feelings had me smiling. Isaac’s daughter is so cute and you have to love the way he always thinks of her comfort and safety. 

The author captures both the emotions and the details in this story. We catch up with previous characters from the other book, but it’s not a requirement to read the first book. It’s a lovely story, and it was great catching up with the Amish community of Honey Brook. But if your expecting passion and sexy times, then this book may not be for you. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The Nightborn by Isabel Cooper – a Review

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The Nightborn by Isabel Cooper – a Review

 

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Description:
Raised from childhood to be weapons, Sentinels spend their lives fighting the monsters that prey upon humanity. Their hands will shape the world, and their swords will seal its fate.

As war looms, Sentinel Branwyn seeks military aid from the High Council, attracting interest from its youngest member, Zelen Varengir. He’s intrigued by Branwyn but can’t risk helping her cause. Instead, he must learn all he can about the intriguing newcomer—especially who’s behind framing her for the murder of the High Lord and threatening to tear apart the world as they know it…

 

 

 

Review:

The Nightborn by Isabel Cooper is the 2nd book in her Stormbringer series. Refresher: This is an epic fantasy adventure series filled with magic, sword fighting, epic battles, monsters and an evil god.  Sentinels, who start training as a young child, protect the world against a traitor god and his minions who threaten to destroy the world.

The Nightborn begins where the last book left off. We get to see briefly, Darya and Amris (heroes of the first book), with other Sentinels and warriors fighting the monsters created by the evil traitor god; who they temporarily defeat, knowing soon there will be more.  Branwyn, our heroine, is another very good Sentinel, and she also has a Soulstone Sword, Yathana (former deceased warrior becomes the sword tied to the Sentinel to help fight in battles). 

Branwyn is sent to Heliodar to meet the High Council for help to fight the war against the traitor god. The council members are undecided if they want to join the battle, and tell Branwyn they will decide in two weeks.

One of the newest members of the council is Zelen Verengir (our hero), who decides he wants to know more, and makes it his business to spend some time with Branwyn; Zelen’s family also tells him to get some information about her.  Slowly they become friends, and in time fall for each other.  When the High Lord of the council is murdered, as well as his wife, Zelen knows that Branwyn is being framed, and needs to find out who and why.  This will lead him to a shocking discovery, and with the help of some of his people, he makes plans to stop those working for the traitor god, and save Branwyn along the way.

What follows is a wild, nonstop action filled battles that has you on the edge of your seat the entire book.  Branwyn and Zelen work closely together to use their experience and magical skills, along with Yathana (soulstone sword) to fight the demon/mages planning to help the traitor god destroy Heliodar and everything else. I said this in the first book, that the women in this series are strong powerful warriors/sentinels, who are equal to the men.  I really liked Branwyn and Zelen together, as they made a great couple.

The Nightborn is another exciting and well written story by Isabel Cooper, with great characters, excellent fantasy adventure, with was nonstop action. I once again look forward to seeing where Cooper will take us next.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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?☠Impulsive(Houston Defiance MC 4) by KE Osborn-Review Tour

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 Impulsive(Houston Defiance MC 4  ?☠) by KE Osborn-Review & Giveaway Tour 

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ADD TO GOODREADS:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56530684-impulsive

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: April 26, 2021

Oakley captured my attention.
From the very first second.
The moment she sassed me, even though I was wearing my club cut, I knew she had fire in her soul.

As the tech man for the Houston Defiance MC, it’s my job to know everything. To always be ahead of the game. To outwit, outmatch, and outmaneuver our enemies at every turn. They may be smart, but I’m smarter.

Finding out this firecracker has ties to a rival MC catches me off guard.
And my first instinct is to protect her.
Damn the consequences.

Taking her under my wing is impulsive, reckless, electrifying.
And I’m more than aware of the repercussions.
But what if she is not who she says she is?

Those close to me loathe the idea of us, and they’re becoming more of an issue.
But things are not always as they seem.
With new threats comes chaos and danger at every turn.
But perhaps the war lies closer to home than even we realize.

From International Bestselling Author K E Osborn comes the highly anticipated fourth book in the Houston Defiance MC Series.

••••••

REVIEW:IMPULSIVE is the fourth instalment in KE Osborn’s contemporary, adult HOUSTON DEFIANCE MC erotic, MC romance series focusing on the men and women of the Houston Defiance MC. This is motorcycle drag racer Nicolette Oakley, and Houston Defiance IT specialist Asher ‘Neon’ Creed’s story line. IMPULSIVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommended reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as many of the events of IMPULSIVE are as of a direct result of events from previous story lines.

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

Told from three first person perspectives (Oakley, Neon, Zero) IMPULSIVE follows motorcycle drag racer Nicolette Oakley on the run from the Heathens of Hatred MC. Four years earlier Nicolette was desperate to help her father found herself ‘bound’ to the president of the Heathens MC. Fast forward to present day wherein Nicolette has something the Heathens want but a day at the track finds our heroine under the protection of the Houston Defiance MC. As Neon pledges to protect both the club and Oakley, Zero suspects a mole in the midst when every move is countered by the Heathens MC. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Neon and Oakley, and the potential fall-out as Oakley’s past is threatening the lives of the Houston Defiance MC.

Meanwhile, Neon’s troubled sister, and Zero’s former fiancée Anna Creed returns to the fold, needing help escaping a former boyfriend but Anna’s life continues to spiral out of control, as she begins to target Neon and Oakley’s relationship in an attempt to keep Neon all to herself.

The relationship between Oakley and Neon is one of immediate attraction but Neon knows that to bring Oakley under the protection of the Houston Defiance MC could quite possible start another war with the Heathens MC but with Anna’s return to the Club, trouble begins to brew between Neon and Oakley, and Oakley refuses to become the target of a psychotic young woman. As Oakley and Neon’s relationship continues to build, behind the scenes, someone else is helping to destroy them all. A lack of trust begins to destroy Oakley’s relationship with our story line hero, mistrust fuelled by betrayal, obsession , secrets and lies. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Zero and Cherry, Wraith and Prinie, Chains and Chill, Slick, Kevlar and Sunshine, Texas, Phantom , Ax, Koda; attorney Finley Knight, Neon’s sister Anna Creed, Constance Squires aka the Baroness; Heathens of Hatred MC president Rage and Hash ; Serbian Triglav Clan member and Wraith’s brother Damir; Slavers Syndicate member River.

IMPULSIVE is a story of family and relationships, power and trust, secrets, lies, betrayal, obsession and revenge. The premise is gritty and haunting; the romance is seductive and edgy; the characters are spirited and energetic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Explosive
Addictive
Fugitive
3.5 The Unwanted Crown

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Read the FIRST CHAPTER: 

http://bit.ly/FirstChapterImpulsive

VOTE for IMPULSIVE at GOODREADS most anticipated romance book:

https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/151129.April_2021_Most_Anticipated_Romance_Book_Releases

With a flair for all things creative, International Bestselling Author K E Osborn, is drawn to the written word. Exciting worlds and characters flow through her veins, coming to life on the page as she laughs, cries, and becomes enveloped in the storyline right along with you. She’s entirely at home when writing sassy heroines and alpha males that rise from the ashes of their pasts.

K E Osborn comforts herself with tea and Netflix, after all, who doesn’t love a good binge?

Turn lust into love at www.keosbornauthor.com

AUTHOR LINKS

Email: kesosborn.author@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.keosbornauthor.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keosbornauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KEOsbornAuthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KEOsborn
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/KEOsbornAuthor
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-e-osborn
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/K-E-Osborn/e/B00F6RK2HS
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/beIMc1

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

ENTER TO WIN: 

https://www.facebook.com/KEOsborn (pinned post)

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The Fall of East (Hear No Evil 3) by Nana Malone-Review Tour

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The Fall of East (Hear No Evil 3) by Nana Malone-Review Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 27, 2021

Nyla Kincade has stolen my ruthless heart.

Now that she owns it I’m not taking it back.
I’ve vowed to protect her and all that we love with everything that I have.

I will die before I break that oath.
Considering the danger we face, that might be a careless promise.

But I’ve fought this hard for vengeance, I must see it through. Because for those who heard no evil, a debt must be paid.

And I will stop at nothing to see the scales balanced.

••••••••

REVIEW:  THE FALL OF EAST is the third and final instalment Nana Malone’s contemporary, adult HEAR NO EVIL erotic, romantic suspense trilogy focusing on Interpol agent Nyla Kincade, and billionaire businessman Easton ‘East’ Hale. THE FALL OF EAST should not be read as a stand alone, as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book two EAST BOUND. The HEAR NO EVIL trilogy is spin-off from, and interconnected series to the author’s SEE NO EVIL trilogy focusing on three friends: Ben Covington, Easton Hale, and Bridge Edgerton, known as the London Lords, and all members of The Elite-the uber rich and powerful of Eton Academy in London England. Ben and Olivia’s story was told in the SEE NO EVIL trilogy where most of the characters were first introduced.

SOME BACKGROUND: Approximately ten years earlier, during their initiation into the group known as The Elite, Ben Covington, Easton Hale, and Bridge Edgerton lost their best friend and fellow Elite pledge Toby Varma as things quickly spiralled out of control. Seeking revenge against the people and families they held responsible for Toby’s death, Ben, East and Bridge walk a fine line between right and wrong in an effort to take down everyone involved. These are their stories. The Van Linsted family, the once powerful family heading The Elite- found themselves the center of an investigation into the abuse and trafficking of women, among other unethical crimes. When the case against the Van Linsted family landed on Interpol Agent Nyla Kincade’s desk, our heroine didn’t stop with the Van Linsted’s but continued to investigate everyone involved including Easton Hale and the London Lords, against the orders from her superiors in charge.

NOTE: The author includes a number of characters found in her other series of interconnected story lines.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Nyla and Easton) following several intersecting paths, THE FALL OF EAST picks up immediately after the events of book two wherein Nyla Kincade has been shot, and is recovering both physically and emotionally from a perceived betrayal. Healing is difficult when all she wants to do is get back to work and uncover the truth about the group known as the Elite, and their apparent connection to an international art theft and forgery ring but her love and one-time target of Interpol Easton Hale keeps our heroine under constant guard and protection but even Easton is blindsided when the truth is revealed. Betrayal, secrets and lies are about to place Nyla Kincade in the direct line of fire, but in doing so, the Elite will begin to crumble as the new order takes control including the ascension of Bridge Edgerton as the Director Prime.

The relationship between Easton and Nyla struggles in the aftermath of the shooting of our story line heroine. Easton has fallen in love with Nyla Kincade but betrayal from all sides threatens their tentative hold on a possible happily ever after. As Nyla continues her recovery at home, secrets are about to be exposed, influencing the direction of the current investigation revealing more than anyone could have imagined. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful, spirited, familiar and energetic secondary and supporting characters, some byway of mention (from the author’s other series): Ben Covington and Olivia (See No Evil trilogy); Bridge Edgerton; Toby’s sister Emma Varma; fellow London Lord Drew Wilcox; computer hacker Telly Brinx; Lucas and Bryna (Royals Undone Series); Nyla’s fellow agent and partner Amelia Jansen; Nyla’s ex-boyfriend and Interpol agent Denning Sinclair; Interpol agent and Denning’s new girlfriend Hazel; Nyla’s father Section Chief /Interpol Agent Roger Kincade; international art thief Francois Theroux; Easton’s parents, and his sister AJ Du Mont. The requisite evil has many faces. Bridge and Emma’s story is next.

THE FALL OF EAST is a complex and detailed story of deception, betrayal, secrets and lies. East, Bridge and Ben are one step closer to taking down the people responsible for the death of their friend but one step forward, two steps back as one of culpable parties runs for his life. The fast paced premise is intriguing, twisted and edgy; the characters are stubborn, strong and sassy; the romance is provocative and intense.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
East End
East Bound

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

USA Today bestseller Nana Malone’s love of all things romance and adventure started with a tattered romantic suspense she “borrowed” from her cousin.

It was a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana, and Nana was a precocious thirteen. She’s been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.

While she waits for her chance at a job as a ninja assassin, in the meantime Nana works out her drama, passion, and sass with fictional characters every bit as sassy and kick butt as she thinks she is.

Website: http://nanamaloneromance.net/

Facebook: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneFB

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneGR

Twitter: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneTwitter

Apple Books: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneAB

Instagram: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneIG

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Wwz3t9

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/NanaMaloneBB

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Mafia King (Mafia Royals 3.5) by Rachel Van Dyken-Review Tour

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MAFIA KING (Mafia Royals 3.5) by Rachel Van Dyken-Review tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 27, 2021

One of the first rules they give you when you’re undercover—never fall for the enemy.
I didn’t just fall for the enemy.
I became what I was supposed to hate.
What’s worse: I fell in love with one.
I live a double life, and both sides know it’s only a matter of time before I’m forced to choose.
Rebirth through mafia blood.
Or death at the hands of the very government I swore to protect.
I have one more job before my time’s up.
I just wish it was anything but babysitting a mafia princess who’s half my size but knows how to pack such a brutal punch I worry about my ability to have children.
Tin’s small but terrifying.
And I’m her new bodyguard while we all go on a much-needed vacation.
I just have to stick to the plan.
And remember rule number one.
And stop kissing her.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

••••••••

REVIEW: MAFIA KING is a contemporary, new adult, erotic, Mafia, romance story line found in Rachel Van Dyken’s MAFIA ROYALS series, and the latest novella in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is undercover FBI agent Tank DeLange, and seventeen-year old, Mafia Princess Kartini ‘Tiny’ Abandonato’s story line. The MAFIA ROYALS is a spin off from the author’s Eagle Elite series. MAFIA KING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order as Tank’s story builds throughout. Kartini is Sergio Abandonto’s daughter.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Tiny and Tank) MAFIA KING follows FBI agent Tank DeLange as he is tasked with protecting our story line heroine. The Mexican wedding of Junior and Serena finds Tank the assigned security to Tiny Abandonato but Tank is well aware that our heroine has a target on her back, a target placed when another FBI agent was murdered, one year before. Tank will quickly discover that the wedding has been infiltrated by outside sources, and isn’t a about to let Tiny out of his sight. A couple of attempts on her life push Tank to the edge, as he reconsiders his future with the FBI.

The relationship between Tank and Tiny has been building for several instalments but Tank’s original assignment was to get close the to Abandonato family, a family he was more familiar with, than most. Tiny had always had a crush on our story line hero but their age difference was going to be a problem, and Tiny’s struggle with what happened one year before, continued to haunt her every night. The $ex scene is intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

All of the previous couples, and story line characters in the Mafia Royals series play secondary and supporting characters. There is some flirty fun and camaraderie even in the face of danger and death,

MAFIA KING is a fast paced, quick novella length story. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined, energetic and strong. Here’s hoping the author has something more planned for our story line couple.

Reading Order and previous reviews
.5 Royal Bully
1. Ruthless Princess
2. Scandalous Prince
Destructive King

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Haven’t started the MAFIA ROYALS series?

ROYAL BULLY is FREE ebook Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

Follow: Website / Facebooks / Goodreads / Twitter /  Instagram

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

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Dial A For Aunties by Jessie Q Sutanto – a Review

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Dial A For Aunties by Jesse Q Sutanto – a Review

 

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Description:
1 (accidental) murder
2 thousand wedding guests
3 (maybe) cursed generations
4 meddling Asian aunties to the rescue!

When Meddelin Chan ends up accidentally killing her blind date, her meddlesome mother calls for her even more meddlesome aunties to help get rid of the body. Unfortunately, a dead body proves to be a lot more challenging to dispose of than one might anticipate, especially when it is accidentally shipped in a cake cooler to the over-the-top billionaire wedding Meddy, her Ma, and aunties are working, at an island resort on the California coastline. It’s the biggest job yet for their family wedding business—“Don’t leave your big day to chance, leave it to the Chans!”—and nothing, not even an unsavory corpse, will get in the way of her auntie’s perfect buttercream cake flowers.

But things go from inconvenient to downright torturous when Meddy’s great college love—and biggest heartbreak—makes a surprise appearance amid the wedding chaos. Is it possible to escape murder charges, charm her ex back into her life, and pull off a stunning wedding all in one weekend?

 

 

Review:

Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto is humorous standalone novel.  We meet our heroine, Meddelyn (Meddy) Chan, who is a wedding photographer for her family’s wedding business.  Meddy lives with her mother, and is also constantly surrounded by her three aunts, none having husbands.  Meddy does get frustrated when they are always trying to fix her up with a potential husband, and is shocked to learn her mother set her up for a date, using an online site, pretending to be her.   Of course, the ladies all have a number of language barriers (Chinese, Mandarian, Taiwanese, etc), which does cause confusion at times, especially for Meddy, who knows some but is more Americanized.

When Meddy agrees to go on the date, she meets Jake, who was nice at first, but when he started making advance suggestions, she tries to leave, and he insists to take her home.  While in the car, he starts getting very hands on and forcing himself on her, and to her defense, Meddy uses a taser that she always carries with her on Jake; the car crashes, and Jake ends up dead. Meddy runs home and tells her mother, who in turn calls the aunts to come and help them hide the body.

What follows is a wild insane and crazy adventure with the ladies trying to move the body, and at the same time make sure the big expensive wedding they are planning for the next day goes as planned. Unfortunately, every step along the way to hide the body, is a disaster (trunk, cooler, frozen body, etc.).  At this point, the story gets even weirder, absurd, and humorous, though I did find it a bit over the top, as well as a little repetitive.  While this is going on, Meddy meets her old college flame, who she stills loves, but she left to help her family with their business; now he is a part owner of the hotel where the wedding is.  This is a difficult review to write, as everything was constantly going back and forth.

Dial A for Aunties was a wild and funny story, with the aunts and Meddy’s mother playing a major part in their humor.  Meddy also a very good character, as she was in the middle of this all.  Jesse Q. Sutanto did write a hysterical story, even if I thought it was a bit much.  If you enjoy wild antics, crazy aunts & mother, hiding bodies, and an overall wedding romp, you need to read this book. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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