Monthly Archives: October 2021

ENCHANT ME (Stark Saga 7) by J.Kenner-a review

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ENCHANT ME (Stark Saga 7) by J.Kenner

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ABOUT THE BOOK: release Date October 26, 2021.

It was supposed to be a new beginning for billionaire Damien Stark, his wife Nikki, and their family…

I thought I knew everything about my beloved husband, Damien Stark. In our years together, I’d heard all the rumors, faced all the dark secrets, and survived the danger that comes hand-in-hand with loving a powerful magnate like Damien.

After all we’ve been through, I believed we were finally free of the past, of the darkness, ready to move into the light of our future together. As we stand ready to renew our vows in front of our friends and family and move on to the next chapter of our life together, I am giddy with joy and love.

I am unprepared for the devastation that steals my happiness and threatens our future in ways I never imagined. Given our past, I should have expected it. But how could I when Damien didn’t either?

This man has come from nowhere, and he says he’s Damien’s son. Everything is chaos, Damien is wrecked, and I don’t know where to turn. The worst part? I think I believe him.

And he has promised to destroy everything we love.

This sexy, edgy and sensually charged romance continues the story of Damien and Nikki Stark. Be sure not to miss any part of this bestselling romantic saga:

••••••••

REVIEW: ENCHANT ME is the seventh and final instalment in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult STARK SAGA erotic, romance series focusing on billionaire businessman Damien Stark, and his wife Nikki Fairchild-Stark. ENCHANT ME can be read as a stand-alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

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

Told from first person perspective (Nikki) and third person (Damien) ENCHANT ME focuses on the preparations for the second wedding of our story line couple. Years earlier Nikki and Damien eloped without the benefit of family and friends so with the upcoming nuptials between Nikki’s father Frank, and Damien’s publicist Evelyn, the friends and family are using the event as a practice run for the real thing but all is not well in Damien and Nikki’s life, as demons from the past have threatened to reveal more of the dark and dirty secrets about the abuse suffered by our story line hero. When former NASCAR driver turned entrepreneur makes a play for Damien’s support, our couple must come to terms with the possibility that past of Damien’s past has come to claim what rightfully belongs.

ENCHANT ME is the final full-length instalment focusing on Nikki and Damien Stark but the author has plans for future holiday novellas, and family updates. ENCHANT ME also opens up for the possibility of several new series or story line arcs focusing on the son Damien never knew, and the arrival of a new member of Stark Security.

J. Kenner pulls the reader into an emotional story of power, betrayal, vengeance and hate; money, murder, abuse and revelations; dysfunctional family dynamics, acceptance, friendships and love. The premise is powerful, captivating and heart breaking; the romance is passionate and seductive; the characters are powerful, dynamic, charismatic and determined.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Anchor Me
Play My Game
Seduce Me
Unwrap Me
Hold Me
Please Me
Lost With Me
Damien
Indulge Me
Delight Me
Cherish Me

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A five time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development with AwesomenessTV/Awestruck.

Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.

In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YouTube | Amazon Author Page

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The Wedding Crasher and the Cowboy by Robin Bielman-a Review

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The Wedding Crasher and the Cowboy by Robin Bielman – a Review

 

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Description:
Kennedy Martin is shocked when her ex calls days before his wedding, expressing serious second thoughts. Doesn’t he see his fiancée’s actually the glaze to his doughnut? Now she’s got no choice but to crash his wedding and convince the man he’s with the right woman.

Instead, she crashes into the absolute last man she ever wanted to see: Maverick Owens, her old college nemesis. Maverick is still as awful, infuriating, and just The Worst as ever—even if he looks way too sexy in his cowboy hat. And of course he’s convinced she’s actually at the seaside ranch to ruin the wedding.

Now the only way to get some face time with the groom and save this marriage is to participate in all sorts of pre-wedding events…with Maverick. Stuck on a canoe, making small-talk at cocktail hour, and even a hoedown with her worst enemy? This just might be the longest week of her life…

 

Review:

Kennedy Martin is a doctor in an emergency room and interviewing for her dream job. When a drunken call from her ex-boyfriend/good friend in the middle of the night declaring second thoughts about getting married has Kennedy worried. She just might have to crash his wedding celebration to figure out how to help. While crashing the wedding Kennedy gets reacquainted her old college competitor and just may find more than she bargains for. Maverick Owens is still grieving the loss of the love of his life and keeping to the promises they made to travel the world. He’s about to embark the last trip then move on with his life. Then Mav just may go back and finish his veterinarian school and hopefully start a new business. When his former college nemesis shows up to crash the wedding of a guest Maverick is determined to keep her from destroying his family’s business. As these two get reacquainted they just may find that the competition from the past just may turn into something special if each of them can get over their individual pasts. A wedding crasher just maybe what the cowboy needs. The Wedding Crasher and the Cowboy just may find true love with each other, and their dreams could change.

Robin Beilman writes a wonderful story of trust and competition between former college nemeses. . The Wedding Crasher and the Cowboy has a doctor who wants to help her friend after a call from him when he talks about not wanting to get married. The only idea is to crash his wedding celebration in a small town. It brings her back into the world of the man she competed with all through college. With several years passing these two people just may have a changed enough to find love with each other. Both have severed heart ache. The Wedding Crasher and the Cowboy  takes a unique look at what can happen when you’re ready to start over but afraid to do so. They’ll learn that their perceptions of each other aren’t the same and the competition from college just may’ve been there way of dealing with unknown feelings. Lives and dreams will change as their time together comes to a close. Robin Beilman’s The Wedding Crasher and the Cowboy will pull at the heartstrings of the reader while they hope that these two can find their ways through their pasts to find the true love they’ve been looking for. You’ll want a happily ever after for these two wonderfully written character and feeling the emotions come through. You’ll cry, cheer and just wonder what will happen to these characters by the time the book ends.

Reviewed by Kim

Copy provided by Publisher

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HOME FOR A COWBOY CHRISTMAS by Donna Grant-review

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HOME FOR A COWBOY CHRISTMAS by Donna Grant-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 26, 2021

Tis the season—for everyone except Emmy Garrett. She’s on the run after witnessing a crime. But when it becomes clear that trouble will continue following her, the US Marshal in charge takes her somewhere no one will think to look–Montana. Not only is Emmy in a new place for her protection, but now, she’s stuck with a handsome cowboy as her bodyguard…and she wants to do more than kiss him under the mistletoe.

Dwight Reynolds left behind his old career, but it’s still in his blood. When an old friend calls in a favor, Dwight opens his home to a woman on the run. He tries to keep his distance, but there’s something about Emmy he can’t resist. She stokes his passion and turns his cold nights into warm ones. When danger shows up looking for Emmy, Dwight risks everything to keep her safe.

•••••

REVIEW:  HOME FOR A COWBOY CHRISTMAS by Donna Grant is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, erotic, romantic suspense story line focusing on accountant/bookkeeper Emmy Garrett, and former FBI /Homeland Security Agent Dwight Reynolds.

Told from several third person perspectives including Emmy and Dwight HOME FOR A COWBOY CHRISTMAS follows in the aftermath of our heroine witnessing a murder in Denver, involving the Mob. On the run with Deputy US Marshall Dalton Silva, Emmy finds herself under the protection of former FBI /Homeland Security Agent turned rancher Dwight Reynolds, on his large ranch in Montana. With the approach of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays Emmy struggles with having nothing to do until Dwight offers up his home to Emmy but the people hunting for our heroine are getting closer every day, and in this Dwight must call in addition help, help that may not be enough to protect the woman he loves. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Dwight and Emmy, and the potential fall-out as the past comes gunning for our story line couple.

Emmy Garrett knew she was in trouble the day she observed a client kill another man but the witness protection program is failing our heroine such that with each new move, her whereabouts are revealed, and an assassin is always one -tep behind. Staying with former FBI Agent Dwight Reynolds doesn’t bode well for our story line heroine knowing the authorities are the ones letting her down. Dwight Reynolds owed his life to his friend US Marshall Dalton Silva, and in this, payback meant protecting the woman with whom he would fall in love. As the days turn into weeks, Dwight begins to think about a future, a future with our story line heroine.

The relationship between Dwight and Emmy is a close-proximity/ woman in peril story line such that our heroine is being hunted by the Mob. Emmy battles between head and heart to trust the man with whom she is falling in love, and as such, believes she may not be alive to see her own happily ever after. Dwight is willing to risk his life for the woman he loves, and risk he will when the Mob comes calling. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Deputy US Marshall Dalton Silva, as well as Dwight’s sister Victoria, and his right hand man Carlos. The requisite evil has many faces.

HOME FOR A COWBOY CHRISTMAS is a fast paced, character driven, dramatic, and intense story line. The characters are energetic, lively and spirited; the romance is intimate; the palpable sexual attraction is sizzling and hot.

The author has included a bonus short story-WISH UPON A COWBOY.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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

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

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

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

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Man For Me (Man in Charge 2.5) by Laurelin Paige-Review tour

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MAN FOR ME (Man in Charge 2.5 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Laurelin Paige-Review & Excerpt Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 26, 2021.

Brett Sebastian is the very best kind of friend.

Who else would get me a job at one of the biggest corporations in America?

And hook me up with his uber-rich cousin to boot?

And let me cry on his shoulder every time said cousin blows me off?

Okay, it’s pretty obvious that Brett cares about me in a different way than I do for him, but he seems fine with how things are, and our friendship works.

Until one fateful night when I’m mooning over his cousin, and Brett utters four words that should make me happy for him, should make me relieved, should balance out our uneven relationship:

“I met a girl.”

Suddenly my world is crashing down around me, and I’m forced to ask myself—am I only interested in Brett now that he’s taken?

Or have I been looking at the wrong man all along?

**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: MAN FOR ME by Laurelin Paige is a contemporary, adult, erotic, romance novella found in the author’s MAN IN CHARGE duet, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 DARK NIGHTS series. This is businessman Brett Sebastian, and PA Eden Waters storyline.

NOTE: The events of MAN FOR ME cross over with, and run parallel to some of the events in the author’s Man in Charge / Man in Love.

Told from first person perspective (Eden Waters) MAN FOR ME follows the best friends to lovers relationship between businessman Brett Sebastian, and PA Eden Waters. For ten years, Brett has watched from the sidelines as his best friend, and the woman he loves, has bounced from man to man including his cousin Scott Sebastian (Man in Charge) but when Eden is finally ready to walk away from Scott, Brett isn’t sure if he is ready or willing to pick up the pieces of Eden’s broken heart. Not wanting to destroy ten years of friendship, Brett pushes Eden to reconsider her choices, including her belief they are meant to be together. What ensues is the building but heart breaking sexual relationship between Brett and Eden, and the potential fall-out as all of Eden’s attempts are brushed aside by our story line hero.

The relationship between Eden and Brett is a best friends to lovers that struggles in the belief of unrequited attraction. Brett has waited ten years for Eden to notice, having watched as Eden fell for their boss and Brett’s cousin Scott Sebastian but Scott’s treatment of Eden was less than magnanimous, and in this, Eden’s need for Brett felt more like a rebound affair than ever lasting love. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word, although only used once, more for shock value.

The secondary and supporting characters including the return of Brett’s cousin Scott Sebastian, and PA Tessa Turani (Man in Charge). We are introduced to Eden’s sister Avery, and her husband Nolan, as well as several members of the large extended Sebastian family including another cousin Holt.

MAN FOR ME is a story of family, friendships, relationships, trust and love. The premise is impassioned and entertaining; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are charismatic and energetic.

Reading Order and previous Reviews
Man in Charge
Man In Love

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

How may I help you?” I asked when she finally crossed over to me because I wasn’t going to scream at her from several yards away, no matter how lost she looked.
“Yes, I have an appointment with Scott Sebastian.” The maliciousness I’d thought I’d seen must have been imagined. Now all I sensed was friendly professionalism with maybe a trace of nervousness. “Tess Turani with Conscience Connect. Ten a.m.”
I pulled up Scott’s calendar, realizing this was the first time I’d looked at it all day. In fact, I’d barely looked at it all week. In the past, I would have had each hour memorized, searching for the best times to pop into his office with made-up paperwork to sign or a question that I already knew the answer to.
I really was over him, wasn’t I?
I’d spent my energy this week thinking about Brett instead, but pining for him looked a lot different than pining for Scott. I’d tried very hard to act natural around him, like the night we’d spent together and his follow-up rejection hadn’t affected me in the least. He needed time to see that I wasn’t into Scott anymore, and hard as that was for me to give, time was what he’d get.
My surprising self-discipline had kept me from stalking his calendar. Which was why, when I didn’t find Tess Turani on Scott’s, I had to do a search for her name to find she was on Brett’s.
“Oh, there you are. You’re not meeting with Scott; you’re booked with Brett.” My ribs felt tight. As if there was something lodged in between them. He’d called up earlier to tell me where he’d be for his pitch meeting today, but he hadn’t given any indication that it was with a woman.
A young, attractive, big-eyed, beautiful-skinned woman.
Well, hello, Green-Eyed Monster, my old friend.


 

With millions of books sold worldwide, Laurelin Paige is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author. She is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however.  

When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Killing Eve or Letterkenny, or dreaming of Michael Fassbender. She’s also a proud member of Mensa International though she doesn’t do anything with the organization except use it as material for her bio.

She is represented by Rebecca Friedman. 

Follow: Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest / Instagram / Facebook Fan Page

Sign up for Laurelin’s Newsletter: HERE

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Inked Devotion by Carrie Ann Ryan-Review Tour

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Inked Devotion (Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins 3) by Carrie Ann Ryan-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date OCTOBER 26, 2021.

The Montgomery Ink saga from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues with a road trip romance between two friends running from their past.

Brenna Garrett watched her best friend fall in love with another woman all the while keeping his darkest secrets from her. Now she’ll have to figure out who she is without him while not letting the rest of the Montgomerys see her break.

When her family forces her on a road trip, she finds herself bringing Benjamin Montgomery with her. The problem? He’s her best friend’s twin, so there’s no escaping that familiar face.

Benjamin didn’t want to leave his family in a lurch, but Brenna isn’t the only one who needs a break. Only a drunken mistake leads to a night of passion with unintended consequences.

When it turns out they can’t walk away, they’ll have to make a choice: remain just friends or start something new and possibly risk everything.

Including themselves.

••••••

REVIEW:Nothing reads like a Carrie Ann Ryan book. It’s like being welcomed home with a warm cozy blanket after a long cold journey. Inked Devotion takes us back to Fort Collins with the Montgomery’s in the 18th installment of the series. In the previous book, Beckett gets his happy ending, but leaves our lovely Brenna heartbroken and struggling to move on.

This is where the book starts.

Brenna is returning home for a family reunion, and uses it as a perfect time to lick her wounds from the heartbreak she is dealing with from her best friend Beckett. Just as she thinks she has the trip figured out, the biggest wrench she didn’t see coming gets thrown in her plan.

Benjamin Montgomery.

Not only is he a Montgomery, but he’s also Beckett’s twin brother. So much for getting away from her pain. Now she has to see the face of the man she loves, but can never have.

I feel for Brenna so much during this book, she wants Beckett to be happy, she knows she needs to move on. Benjamin and Brenna are funny and cute together that even while she is mourning her lost love, as a reader I was rooting for her and Ben to be together. Inked Devotion does deal with heartbreak, but also the delight in finding new love as well. A new hope in falling in love and being happy. The ending is gasping and I can’t wait to see what comes next in the series. Way to go C.A.R!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Inked Persuasion
Inked Obsession

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

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

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The Last Goodnight by Kat Martin – a Review

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The Last Goodnight by Kat Martin – a Review

 

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Description:
CAN SHE FIND A KILLER . . . BEFORE HE FINDS HER?

When Kade Logan said goodbye to his estranged wife eight years ago, he never thought it would be the last time he saw her alive. Now her car has been hauled out of a nearby lake and Kade is determined to track down the man who murdered her. Enter Eleanor Bowman, a talented private investigator who’s about to stir up a hornet’s nest on his Colorado ranch.

With old scandals still buzzing about his late wife’s many affairs and new violence erupting, Kade is faced with the discovery of another beautiful woman’s body. Are the two killings linked? Who is the man who seduced, then murdered both victims? Ellie believes they are dangerously close to the truth.

From corporate Denver high-rises to posh Vail mansions, Kade and Ellie sense the killer is closing in again, and this time Ellie is the target. Kade must risk everything to save the woman he’s coming to love—before she becomes the next one to die…

 

 

Review:

The Last Goodnight by Kat Martin is the 1st book in her new Blood Ties, The Logans series. We meet Kade Logan, our hero, who runs a ranch in Colorado, and is told by police that the car of his late wife was pulled out of the lake.  Kade’s wife disappeared around 8 years ago, when he assumed she ran off with her lover, as he was also in the process of getting a divorce; her body was discovered a few years later in a shallow grave, and now after the car is found, Kade wants to avenge her death.

Eleanor (Ellie) Bowman, works for Nighthawk Security as a private investigator, and her boss assigns her to go undercover to investigate who killed Kade’s wife.  At first, Kade wasn’t sure he wanted this beautiful young woman to handle the case, but he agrees, especially after the boss explains she is perfect for the job.

Ellie goes undercover as a temporary cook at Kade’s Diamond Bar Ranch to investigate the murder. She begins with learning more about the ranch hands, and the men in town who the wife was involved with.  While she is helping with the cooking, Ellie will start helping Kade & the ranch hands with other things happening that seem to be sabotage; with first two cattle are found dead, then one of the ranch hands is shot, and a mine on Kade’s land explodes. It becomes obvious that someone is out to destroy Kade.  Ellie insists to help Kade on these attacks, and begins to works closely with him to try and find out who is behind the attack and why?

When another woman is found dead in a similar murder to Kade’s wife, Ellie and Kade decide to go to Vail, as both women seemed to spend time there, having affairs.  A suspect in the ranch attacks is murdered, leading them to look closely at the wealthy in Vail, who own the mines.

With all that is happening around them, both Kade and Ellie find themselves attracted to each other; the chemistry between them sizzles and in a short time, they act on their lust. Ellie though knows that despite his feelings, Kade still does not trust other women, knowing what his wife did. He finds himself falling into a jealous rage, when any man talks or smiles at Ellie, which is something he never felt before. Will Kade be able to trust Ellie or will he let her walkaway when the case is over?

Kade and Ellie know that they are close to finding the person behind the attacks on him and the ranch; but danger escalates, as Ellie is now in the sight of a madman.  To say too much more would be spoilers, and you really need to read this book from the start.  I loved Martin’s Maximum Security series, and now I look forward to seeing what Martin has in store for us in this new series. The Last Goodnight was very well written by Kat Martin.   If you enjoy mystery, suspense, murder and a great couple, you should read The Last Goodnight.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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SLEIGHT OF HAND (Blackbridge Security) by Marie James-review tour

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SLEIGHT OF HAND (Blackbridge Security 7) by Marie James-review tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 26, 2021

Gaige Ward, acquisition expert for Blackbridge Security, obtains things for the team.

As far as your mind can take you is how far he can go.

If it exists, he can get his hands on it.

If he can’t, he’ll find someone who can.

He never fails.

As with all things when growing in popularity, Blackbridge is also taking on scrutiny.

His boss, in an attempt to counter being called misogynistic and discriminatory against women, needs a female with the ability to handle the same tasks his guys can.

Leighton Redmond fits the bill perfectly.

Only, according to her she isn’t for sale, for employment or otherwise.

Gaige loves a challenge but has NEVER had to fight so hard to procure something for his boss.

Maybe next time he’ll think twice before having a one-night stand the day before a very important business meeting…

•••••••••

REVIEW: SLEIGHT OF HAND is the seventh instalment in Marie James’ contemporary, adult BLACKBRIDGE SECURITY erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the team at Blackbridge Security. This is thirty-three year old acquisition expert for Blackbridge Security Gaige Ward, and thirty year old, executive recruiter Leighton Redmond’s story line. SLEIGHT OF HAND can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Some of the events of SLEIGHT OF HAND cross over with, and run parallel to the events of HEROIC MEASURES #6

Told from dual third person perspectives (Leighton and Gaige) SLEIGHT OF HAND follows the acrimonious relationship between is thirty-three year old attorney and acquisition expert for Blackbridge Security Gaige Ward, and thirty year old, executive recruiter Leighton Redmond. In town for a job interview, Leighton Redmond quickly discovers her one-night stand is a married man, her potential new co-worker at Blackbridge Security. Recently burned by betrayal, Leighton refuses to work for a company that willingly accepts the actions of its employees. Enter one-night stand Gaige Ward, and the man with whom Leighton will fall in love. What ensues is the back and forth, tempestuous relationship between Leighton and Gaige, and the potential fall-out as their time together comes to a close.
Gaige Ward knew he screwed up, and his boss, Deacon Black is forcing our hero to straighten things out. In an effort to convince Leighton to work with Blackbridge Security, Deacon sends Gaige and Leighton on a series of interviews, working together aimed at ‘headhunting’ potential new employees for the team but Gaige is determined to seduce our story line heroine, unable to forget about their one night stand, a seduction where the truth will have to be revealed.

The relationship between Gaige and Leighton begins as a one-night stand but quickly spirals out of control. Gaige is a man who refuses to be caged by the women he beds, and in this, his ruse as a married man is about to backfire in both his personal and professional career. Leighton Ward wants nothing to do with a cheating spouse, having seen the fall-out first hand with her own parents’ marriage but her attraction to Gaige cannot be denied, and after each encounter, our heroine swears it will always be the last. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Deacon Black and his wife Anna: Wren Nelson and his fouled mouthed bird Puff Daddy, Jude and Parker (Heroic Measures), Quinten and Hayden (Calculated Risk), as well as Leighton’s sister Chelsea, and several potential new recruits for Blackbridge Securitiy.

SLEIGHT OF HAND is a story of betrayal, dysfunctional family values, heart break and pain, lies and truth. The fast paced and character driven premise is engaging, and emotional but the suspense aspect is vitrually non-existent ; the characters are animated and wounded; the sexual chemistry is palpable and hot; the romance is edgy and tumultuous.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Hostile Territory
Shot in the Dark
Contingency Plan
Truth be Told
Heroic Measures

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Let’s see…where to begin…

I’m inching up on the BIG 4-0. The gray hairs are doubling what seems like daily, and the wrinkles and laugh lines are more pronounced than ever.I have an amazing husband (Married just over 15 years.)We have two boys we’re doing our best to raise as respectful gentleman.

I have a master’s degree in criminal justice which I used to work as a juvenile probation office until deciding to write full-time in June of 2019. So that means there’s usually always some criminal/law element to my novels.If I’m not writing; I’m reading.My favorite genres recently are bully/reverse harem and enemies to lovers. Maybe I’m reliving my traumatic teen years through the girls who actually end up with the boys. (Not that I would change my history since it’s gotten me exactly where I need to be!)

I love coffee. I miss carbs. Music is LIFE. I try not to be too serious.

Links

Facebook: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesFacebook
Twitter:http://bit.ly/MarieJamesTwitter
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/BookBubMarieJames
Instagram: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesIG
Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/AmazonMarieJames
Book and Main: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesBookMain
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesGoodReads
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesPinterest
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Archangel’s Light (Guild Hunter 14) by Nalini Singh-dual review

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Archangel’s Light (Guild Hunter 14) by Nalini Singh-dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 26, 2021

Illium and Aodhan. Aodhan and Illium. For centuries they’ve been inseparable: the best of friends, closer than brothers, companions of the heart. But that was before—before darkness befell Aodhan and shattered him, body, mind, and soul. Now, at long last, Aodhan is healing, but his new-found strength and independence may come at a devastating cost—his relationship with Illium.

As they serve side by side in China, a territory yet marked by the evil of its former archangel, the secret it holds nightmarish beyond imagining, things come to an explosive decision point. Illium and Aodhan must either walk away from the relationship that has defined them—or step forward into a future that promises a bond infinitely precious in the life of an immortal…but that demands a terrifying vulnerability from two badly bruised hearts.

•••••••

SANDY’S REVIEW

ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT is the fourteenth full length instalment in Nalini Singh’s contemporary, adult GUILD HUNTER paranormal/fantasy romance series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is angels Illium aka Bluebell, and Aodhan aka Sparkles’ story line. ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as Illium and Aodhan’s story line has been building throughout the series.

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

Told from several third person perspectives including Illium and Aodhan, using present day and memories from the past ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT follows the life long friendship to lovers relationship between angels Illium aka Bluebell, and Aodhan aka Sparkles. Illium and Aodhan’s friendship has been damaged by demons from the past. For close to two years, Illium struggled with his best friend’s disappearance, a disappearance that resulted in the torture and abuse of the friend/man/brother that he loved but with Aodhan’s rescue and return, the resulting pain left Aodhan a changed man-a broken Angel- and in this, Illium battled with their friendship going forward. Now that Aodhan was helping to rebuild LiJuan’s former stronghold in China, Illium has been tasked by Raphael to aid the reformation wherever he is needed but coming face to face with Aodhan pushed our couple to revisit the past, not only their childhood but the demons that broke the man that he loved. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship and relationship between Aodhan and Illium, and the potential fall out as LiJuan’s previous control and hold on China continues to reveal the extent of her destruction, and the resulting evil that cannot be ignored. As Illium and Aodhan continue to unearth the damage, a surprise discovery has everyone on edge, including the most powerful beings in the world.

Nalini Singh reveals the background and history between our story line couple: the years spent as childhood best friends-their pain at parental loss both physical and emotional, as well as their connection to Archangel Raphael, the Cadre, and the Seven but Nalini also pulls the reader into the dark, raw and ugly side of a world controlled by Archangels and Angels, as the reader bears witness to the tragic events, abuse and torture of an Angel so coveted for what he is, that the resulting harm has left a damaged and broken man.

The relationship between Aodhan and Illium is a best friends to lovers relationship wherein Aodhan struggles with his attraction to a man whom he believes continues to hold a torch for someone else. As Aodhan battles between head and heart, Illium must come to terms with the potential loss of both the friendship and love of the man he has protected all of his life. There are no $ex scenes.

ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, abuse and torture, recovery and love. The premise is heart breaking, emotional, and raw; the characters are energetic, broken, struggling but recovering; the romance is impassioned but is damaged by perception and misunderstanding.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Angel’s Blood
Archangel’s Kiss
Archangel’s Consort
Archangel’s Blake
Angel’s Flight anthology
Archangel’s Storm
Archangel’s Legion
Archangel’s Shadows
Archangel’s Enigma
Archangel’s Heart
Archangel’s Viper
Archangel’s Prophecy
Archangel’s War
Archangel’s Sun

 

BARB’S REVIEW:
Archangel’s Light by Nalini Singh is the 14th book in her fantastic Guild Hunter series.  We have been waiting a long time for Illium (Bluebell) and Aodhan’s (Sparkle) story, and once again, Nalini Singh continues to amaze us with another fantastic addition to this series.  Archangel’s Light was a wonderful story dedicated to two of our favorites.

Illium and Aodhan have been friends since childhood (over 500 years), with both growing up to be extremely close, but also very powerful.  The story picks up with Aodhan in China, as Archangel Suyin’s temporary second to help recover the horrific mess created by the deceased and evil LiJuan.  With so much to be done, and a year has passed, Raphael decides to send Illium to China to help Suyin and Aodhan.

The story goes back and forth between two timelines, Today and Yesterday. Yesterday gives us glimpses how their friendship and bond developed over the years, as toddlers, teenagers and how Sharine’s love for both boys were instrumental to how great they became.  Today follows Aodhan, Illuim, Suyin in there aim to move to a new area to be the home front, and destroy any horror left by LiJuan.   With both working together, there will be some discoveries that were horrific, proving what a nightmare LiJuan was.  I loved seeing how Raphael, Dmitri, other members of the Seven interacted with Illium and Aodhan as they grew up; as well as Elena’s fun relationship with them.  

With a year having passed, both Aodhan and Illuim had issues that needed to be resolved, especially with Aodhan now healed from his two year torturous captivity.  We have loved both Illium and Aodhan for a long time and in Archangel’s Light, their inseparable relationship borders on falling apart with each going their separate ways, or to repair their bruised hearts to become the true soulmates they were meant to be.   

Archangel’s Light was a tense, emotional and fantastic story, revolving around the disaster from the deceased archangel, and the impaired relationship of two people we have always loved.  To say too much more would be wrong, as you need to fully read Illuim and Aodhan’s story.  As in just about every book I read from Nalini Singh, I could not put this book down.    If you are new to the series, you should start where it all began. Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, and if you are not reading her books, you need to start now.

Copy supplied for review

 

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