Monthly Archives: October 2021

To Kiss a Demon (Immortally Sexy 4) by Stephanie Rowe-Review tour

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To Kiss a Demon (Immortally Sexy 4) by Stephanie Rowe-Review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 19, 2021

When Paige quit her job as Satan’s minion, she thought she was finally free. But when she accidentally incinerates an angel, she discovers she’s on the fast-track to becoming a soulless, evil wraith. The only way to save herself? Enlist the help of the deliciously sexy shadow warrior sent to push her over the edge.

To save his brother, Jed Buchanan sold his soul to Satan Jr. for all eternity. But when the immortal assassin winds up in Paige’s bedroom during a botched mission, the sassy temptress offers a possible way out if he’ll team up with her.

Everyone from heaven to hell wants to get their hands on the weapon Paige is becoming, and time is running out. Can the tormented assassin find the peace and love he’s always desired with an irreverent wraith who refuses to give in to her dark side?

••••••

REVIEW:TO KISS A DEMON is the fourth instalment in Stephanie Rowe’s contemporary, adult IMMORTALLY SEXY paranormal/fantasy dystopian romance series. This is Satan’s former Rivka Paige Darlington, and immortal assassin Jed Buchanan’s story line. TO KISS A DEMON can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

NOTE: TO KISS A DEMON is the re-release of the author’s 2007 S&X AND THE IMMORTAL BAD BOY.

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

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jed and Paige) TO KISS A DEMON follows immortal assassin Jed Buchanan as he is assigned by Satan to take down his top minion Becca Gibbs (Devil’s Curse #3). Several months earlier, Satan created Paige Darlington to be his next soul harvester but having helped saved the life of Becca Gibbs, Paige started to like the feeling of harvesting black souls. Fast forward to present day wherein Satan has now tasked Jed Buchanan to take the life of Becca Gibbs but along the way our hero falls for Satan’s latest creation, the soon to be Wraith, Paige Darlington. What ensues is the building relationship between Paige and Jed, as our couple must come to terms with several life altering decisions wherein one or both must sacrifice their life.

Paige Darlington is changing; she is a weaponized immortal whose touch is deadly, and in this Paige is a wanted immortal but the more Paige kills, the more she continues to change. In an effort to save the world, Paige must forfeit her life, or be allowed to destroy humankind. Jed Buchanan is torn between his love for his brother, and his love for a woman who is soon to be the ultimate evil. Jed’s brother Raphael has found himself a prisoner of Satan Jr, and Jed is hoping to free Rafi from a future as another immortal assassin.

The relationship between Jed and Paige is one of immediate attraction but Paige’s power to kill is deadly to every living creature except for our story line hero, and herein lies a problem, as Paige needs Jed to protect mankind, but Jed needs to destroy Paige to save the brother he loves. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters that have been previously introduced throughout the series including Satan and Satan Jr, as well as Jed’s brother Raphael.

TO KISS A DEMON is a story of family, friendships, betrayal and revenge. Because the previous book in the series was released fourteen years ago, I highly recommend reading the series in order as there is too much ‘missing information’ to get a complete picture of what has happened in the past to illicit the problems in the current timeline.  The fast paced premise is detailed, complex and intriguing; the romance is captivating; the characters are desperate, broken, charismatic and dynamic.

The first instalment in the series TO DATE AN IMMORTAL was originally released fifteen years ago but is currently available for FREE at most ebook retailers.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Haven’t started the series? TO DATE AN IMMORTAL book one  is currently FREE at most ebook retailers

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Stephanie Rowe is the author of more than forty-five novels, and she’s a four-time nominee for the RITA® award, the highest award in romance fiction. As an award-winning author, Stephanie has been touching readers’ hearts and keeping them spellbound for more than a decade with her contemporary romances, romantic suspense, paranormal romances, and YA contemporary romances.

A life-long reader, she began crafting stories at age ten, but didn’t realize it was her dream until she was an adult.

Once the light dawned, she immediately left behind “work” as the world defines it and went to “work” as she defines it, which means getting up every morning with a smile in her heart so she can spend the day doing that which makes her spirit sing.

Stephanie believes in learning to listen to your heart in order to figure out what your dreams are, and then opening yourself to the inspiration that will direct you there. She believes we all deserve the right to enjoy life, and for the ride to be as easy as we want it to be, and that we all should accept nothing less than making our dreams come true.

Stephanie currently lives in New England, and spends every day doing her best to fill it with people, observations and activities that uplift her soul, which include writing, tennis, dancing, friends, her dogs, and her amazing family.

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Well Matched by Jen DeLuca – Review & Giveaway

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Well Matched by Jen DeLuca – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Single mother April Parker has lived in Willow Creek for twelve years with a wall around her heart. On the verge of being an empty nester, she’s decided to move on from her quaint little town, and asks her friend Mitch for his help with some home improvement projects to get her house ready to sell.

Mitch Malone is known for being the life of every party, but mostly for the attire he wears to the local Renaissance Faire–a kilt (and not much else) that shows off his muscled form to perfection. While he agrees to help April, he needs a favor too: she’ll pretend to be his girlfriend at an upcoming family dinner, so that he can avoid the lectures about settling down and having a more “serious” career than high school coach and gym teacher. April reluctantly agrees, but when dinner turns into a weekend trip, it becomes hard to tell what’s real and what’s been just for show. But when the weekend ends, so must their fake relationship.

As summer begins, Faire returns to Willow Creek, and April volunteers for the first time. When Mitch’s family shows up unexpectedly, April pretends to be Mitch’s girlfriend again…something that doesn’t feel so fake anymore. Despite their obvious connection, April insists they’ve just been putting on an act. But when there’s the chance for something real, she has to decide whether to change her plans–and open her heart–for the kilt-wearing hunk who might just be the love of her life.

 

 

 

Review:

Well Matched by Jen DeLuca is the 3rd book in her Well Met series. This story continues to revolve around the town of Willow Creek, and the Renaissance Faire that comes every year.  We have anxiously awaited Mitch and April’s story, and am happy to say I loved it.

April, our heroine, who just recovered from a bad accident, knows that her daughter Caitlyn will be leaving at the end of the summer for college.  Even though she is close to her sister, Emily (previous book heroine), and her best friend Stacey (another previous book heroine), April is determined to fix up her house to sell it.  April has over the years, kept herself guarded and closed, only allowing her sister, Simon and Stacey to spend time with. 

Mitch, our hero, is a hot sexy hunk, who is also the towns gym teacher, as well as his participation in the annual Renaissance Faire, wearing only a kilt.  He does have a reputation of being a ladies man, with many flings, as all the girls love him.  April asks Mitch, who she considers simply a friend to help her with the renovations, and he in turn will ask April to pretend to be his fake girlfriend at the family dinner, since they always pick on him.  I loved Mitch, as he was so great with April, and secretly has had a crush on her.  April doesn’t think much about pretending to be his fake girlfriend, since she knows nothing real could happen between them, since he is 10 years younger than her.  Best laid plans. ?

It was fun to watch them both falling for each other, and they made a great couple, and I really liked them together, as they had great chemistry.  What follows is a fun, sweet romance between Mitch and April, and we rooted hard for them to find a way to stay together; especially since April is still planning to sell her home, and move closer to her job, after Caitlyn leaves for college.  Will April leave Mitch, Emily and Stacey?

I loved seeing the main characters from the earlier books, who played major parts in this one, as well as the fun of the faire, and residents of Willow Creek.  Well Matched was a fun, enjoyable, sweet and sexy story, and an amazing couple in Mitch and April.  Jen DeLuca did a wonderful job writing this wonderful romantic story that that had a lot of humor and charm. I suggest you read Well Matched, as it was a fun enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Jen Deluca’s publisher, Berkley, is offering a paper copy of WELL MATCHED to ONE (1) 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 us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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6. Please LIKE  JEN DELUCA  on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from October 19th – October 23rd, 2021

 

 

 

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Wild in Captivity (Captivity Alaska) by Samanthe Beck-Review Tour

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Wild in Captivity (Captivity Alaska 1) by Samanthe Beck-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 18, 2021.

Ambitious L.A. lawyer Isabelle Marcano would rather run a mile in her Manolos than fly off to rustic Captivity, Alaska. But close the client’s sale successfully and her firm will find room on the letterhead for one more name. Still, taking a career detour to a place that doesn’t even have a Starbucks sounds like the seventh level of hell.

Then her best friend points out the town has something stronger on tap than caffeine. Testosterone. With two single men to every single woman, this assignment might just be the best thing to happen to her sex life since the invention of the waterproof Rabbit.

Until her sexy client introduces her as his fiancée to hide what she’s doing in town, and all her aspirations of hot Lumberjack Sex fly out the airplane window.

Though…fiancés do have sex, right? Those who don’t want to answer to small-town busybodies better look like they do, epically, even when the mere prospect plays havoc with her professional responsibilities. And her hormones.

Her firm’s getting antsy to finalize the merger. But the more she learns about Trace, about why he’s selling, the more conflicted she becomes about the deal. Failure to close means losing the partnership she’s always wanted, but the bigger failure might just be kissing Trace goodby

•••••••

REVIEW:WILD IN CAPTIVITY is the first instalment in Samanthe Beck’s contemporary, adult CAPTIVITY ALASKA erotic, romance series. This is thirty year old, Alaskan bush pilot / CEo of Captivity Air Trace Shanahan, and twenty-five year old, California attorney Isabelle Marcano’s storyline.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Trace and Izzy) WILD IN CAPTIVITY follows California attorney as she is tasked with researching the sale of Captivity, Alaska’s Captivity Air to a US investor, a sale of which owner Trace Shanahan has asked to be kept on the down low. Working in Alaska, Izzy finds herself the ‘fake fiancee’ of Captivity Air’s CEO Trace Shanahan, when the locals begin investigating the appearance of a ‘city girl’ in their small Alaskan town. As Trace and Izzy’s fake relationship quickly turns into something more, Captivity’s secrets begin to reveal, and Izzy struggles when she is caught in the middle of a potential disaster. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Izzy and Trace, and the fall-out a Izzy is unable to get past Trace’s lies by omission, as her time in Alaska comes to a close.

Trace Shanahan has chosen to sell his shares in Captivity Air, but has yet to reveal the real reason behind his impetuous plans. Months earlier, Trace and his sister Bridget’s life imploded with the loss of someone they loved, and in the ensuing months everything is changing in Captivity Alaska. Isabelle Marcano is hoping to make partner at the LA law firm for which she works, and sealing the deal on the sale of Captivity Air is her ticket to the big time but getting involved with the ‘client’ is an ethical problem, and in this, our heroine is hoping to keep not only the sale of Captivity Air on the downlow but her relationship with Trace, as well.

The relationship between Trace and Izzy is one of immediate attraction but from the outset Trace needs everyone to believe that Izzy is not whom she claims to be. As his ‘fake fiance’ news spreads fast about our story line couple, news that brings out the humor, rumors and future plans for the people of Captivity Alaska. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to the people of Captivity Alaska including Trace’s sister and fellow pilot Bridget Shanahan and their dog Key; Inn owner Rose Iquat, and her daughter Lilah; bar owner/ former Army special forces Gord Langley; fishing boat captain Jorg Henrickson; pilots Wyatt ‘Wingnut’ Jensen and Maddox ‘Mad Dog’ Douglas; Izzy’s best friend Danny, and their boss/ attorney Chuck Reynolds.

WILD IN CAPTIVITY is a story of loss and grief; guilt and acceptance; family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is inviting and heart warming; the romance is intimate and seductive; the characters are flirty, wounded and spirited.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Wine lover, sleep fanatic, and USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy contemporary romance novels, Samanthe Beck lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her long-suffering husband, Charles, and their turbo-son, Hud. Throw in a furry ninja assassin named Gander, a few hundred Nerf blasters, one electric guitar, (with amp!), and…well…you get the picture.

When not dreaming up fun, fan-your-cheeks ways to get her characters to happy-ever-after, she searches for the perfect cabernet to pair with ASMR podcasts.

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The Bratva’s Heir by Jane Henry & Sophie Lark-Review Tour

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The Bratva’s Heir (Underworld Kings) by Jane Henry & Sophie Lark-Review & Excerpt Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 5, 2021.

Prison’s a dark, bleak place.

But Clare brings me light.

My sweet little bird will be my ticket to freedom.

The first time I saw her, I had to have her.

From her big, dark eyes, to the curves she can’t conceal…

The way she can only hold my gaze so long.

The way she shivers every time I move inside these chains.

And most of all, the way she’ll bend the rules when I order her to…

I know a natural submissive when I see one.

Her degrees and titles don’t change who she is: a woman who will bend to my will.

She doesn’t know it yet, but Clare is mine.

Mine to train. Mine to protect. And mine to control…

•••••••

REVIEW:THE BRATVA’S HEIR co-authored by Jane Henry and Sophie Lark is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, Bratva romance story line found in the multi-authored Underworld Kings series. This is heir to the US Russian Bratva Constantine Rogov, and psychologist Clare Nightingale.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Clare and Constantine) THE BRATVA’S HEIR follows prison psychologist Clare Nightingale as she used as bait in Constantine Rogov’s escape from prison. Months earlier, Constantine was sentenced to twenty-five years in prison for the killing of his fiancé, a princess in the Irish Mafia, a killing he claims he did not do, and with his escape Constantine is desperate to prove he is innocent of the crime but in doing so, must lay the blame on someone close to our story line heroine. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Clare and Constantine, and the potential fall-out as Clare must uncover the truth, regardless whom she hurts in the process.

Constantine Rogov is not stranger to killing but he did not kill the woman who would one day be his wife. An arranged marriage with the Irish mob is threatened and trashed, and in this, Constantine has been targeted on all sides. His only means of escape is the prison’s new psychologist, a woman who stirs something deep within our story line hero. Clare Nightingale is a bit of an innocent in that she has no idea what to expect at her first day on the job. From the outset, everything is about to go wrong, including a prison escape where she will be held hostage by the man with whom she will fall in love.

The relationship between Clare and Constantine is a forced proximity as Clare finds herself a prisoner of a dark and dangerous man who claims he is innocent of the crime held against him. Using Clare to assist in his endeavor to prove his innocence, Constantine knows immediately that Clare is the woman to steal his heart. The $ex scenes are erotic, dramatic and intense, and not without some early issues of consent, spanking, punishment and the hero’s need to be called ‘daddy’.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Clare’s parents, Chief Parsons, as well as Constantine’s men Emmanuel, Ilya, Yury, and several members if the Irish mob.

THE BRATVA’S HEIR is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family, blood, murder and love. The premise is dark, gritty and raw; the romance is spirited and provocative; the characters are stubborn, powerful, and edgy.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

“I’m nothing special,” she says, bluntly.
I don’t know why she’s so intent on considering herself plain—she may not have the
obvious flashiness of a certain sort of woman, but Clare’s beauty is all the more powerful for its
subtlety. The delicacy and luminescence of her skin, like the slightest touch would bruise it…
those large, dark eyes, so liquid that they almost seem tearful…
Her fragility makes me want to do terrible things to her.
And yet, I almost want to protect her, too… like a little bird that could fit in the hollow of
my hand… a nightingale, singing only for me…
“Don’t be modest. You’ve seen the way men look at you. Tell the truth, Clare.”
She bites the edge of her lip, irritated at my use of her first name, and at my commanding
tone.
Still, I see the way that tone takes hold of her, compelling her to answer me.
“Men always stare at women,” she says.
“They stare at you more… how could they not?”
“Mr. Rogov,” she says, sharply. “I told you, we’re not here to discuss me.”
“I remember,” I say.
But I think she will discuss herself if I push her. Because no matter how hard Ms. Nightingale
tries to be stern, to maintain professionalism, I see the truth behind her thin façade. I see how she
flinches when I bark, how she squirms under my stare. How her eyes flit up to meet mine when I
use a gentler tone, and how her cheeks flush pink when I compliment her. Clare has been raised
to respect authority. To crave it, even…

About Sophie
Sophie Lark is an Amazon bestselling author who writes intense, intelligent romance, with heroines who are strong and capable, and men who will do anything to capture their hearts. She lives with her husband, two boys, and baby girl in the Rocky Mountain West. 

She has a slight obsession with hiking, bodybuilding, and live comedy shows. Her perfect day would be taking the kids to Harry Potter World, going dancing with Mr. Lark, then relaxing with a good book and a monster bag of salt and vinegar chips.

Connect with Sophie
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2NO2Gn2
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2YoIcDt
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3pwmAAW
Join her Facebook reader group The Love Larks: http://bit.ly/2YtgQw2
Stay up to date with Sophie by joining her mailing list: https://bit.ly/39rZfL9
Website: https://sophielark.com

 

About Jane 
USA Today bestselling author Jane Henry pens stern but loving alpha heroes, feisty heroines, and emotion-driven happily-ever-afters. She writes what she loves to read: kink with a tender touch. Jane is a hopeless romantic who lives on the East Coast with a houseful of children and her very own Prince Charming.

Connect with Jane 
Website: https://janehenryromance.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jane-henry
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janehenryauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janehenryromance

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Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber – a Review

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Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber – a Review

 

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Description:
Lindy Carmichael isn’t feeling particularly joyful when she returns home to Wenatchee, Washington, for Christmas. The man she thought was “the one” has cheated on her with her best friend, and she feels completely devoid of creativity in her graphic-design job. Not even carolers or Christmas cookies can cheer her up–but Lindy’s mother, Ellen, remembers an old tradition that might lift her daughter’s spirits.

Reading through a box of childhood letters to Santa and reminiscing about what she’d wished for as a young girl may be just the inspiration Lindy needs. With Ellen’s encouragement, she decides to write a new letter to Santa, one that will encourage her to have faith and believe just as she’d done all those years ago. Little does Lindy know that this exercise in gratitude will cause her wishes to unfold before her in miraculous ways. And, thanks to some fateful twists of Christmas magic–especially an unexpected connection with a handsome former classmate–Lindy ultimately realizes that there is truly no place like home for the holidays.

In Dear Santa, Debbie Macomber celebrates the joys of Christmas blessings, old and new.

 

 

 

Review:

Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber is another one of her heartwarming Christmas novels.  We meet Lindy Carmichael, our heroine, at the start when she returns home to her parents’ house, in Wenatchee, Washington for the Christmas Holidays.  Lindy works and lives in Seattle, and waiting to see if her project was accepted; she has been feeling a bit down, after discovering that her boyfriend and best friend were secretly together.

Lindy’s mom decides to try and cheer her up, by giving her a stack of letters she wrote as a child to Santa.  After reading things she wished for back in the day, her mother convinces her to write a letter to Santa now, giving her some faith and hope.  In a short time, Lindy runs into her childhood friend, Peggy, whom she has not seen in a long time, and their friendship happily rekindles.   Lindy also runs into a boy who constantly teased her as a child, but who is now a handsome hunk. 

Billy Kincaide, our hero, has always had a crush on Lindy, even if she thought he was her nemesis back in those days.   Billy owns the successful local restaurant, The Wine Press, and it is there that he runs into her.  What follows is a wonderful romance that builds between them, with sizzling chemistry.   But Lindy is concerned, as she needs to go back to Seattle after Christmas, since she is hoping her project is accepted.  Will she be able to walk away from her feelings towards Billy?

I really enjoyed the Christmas spirit between family, friends throughout the book.  Lindy’s friendship with Peggy, and two other new friends, gives her happiness to move on past losing her friend whom she felt betrayed her.  Most of all I loved Billy and Lindy together, as they made a fantastic couple.   I also got a kick out of Santa, giving us the feeling that he knew her wishes and dreams, and made sure to read all her letters over the years.  Sort of a magical feel during Christmas.

Dear Santa was a sweet, delightful, heartwarming romance that was so very well written by Debbie Macomber.  If you love romance, and a magical holiday story, I suggest you read Dear Santa.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Dark Alpha’s Need (Reaper 12) by Donna Grant-a review

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DARK ALPHA’S NEED (Reaper 12) by Donna Grant-a review

DARK ALPHA’S NEED
Reaper #12
by Donna Grant
Release Date : October 11, 2021
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 11, 2021.

There is no escaping a Reaper. I am an elite assassin, part of a brotherhood that only answers to Death. And when Death says your time is up, I’m coming for you…

The latest threat uncovered, it is my honor and duty to oust those responsible for the slaughter of so many and make the Fae Others pay for their crimes. However, nothing could have prepared me for the stunning and curious female that crosses my path. She’s an enigma: equal parts strength and vulnerability. She quiets the rage I’ve carried within me for so long and makes me question Death’s directives for the first time ever. Her tragic, emotional story touches something deep within me, and her bravery is awe-inspiring—which makes it doubly hard to let her return to the enemy and the dangers that await. I never expected her, but I need her. She is everything to me, and I will do whatever it takes to make sure she’s safe and by my side. Forever.

••••••

REVIEW: DARK ALPHA’S NEED is the eleventh instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult REAPERS paranormal, romance series focusing on Death’s Reapers. This is Reaper assassin Torin, and Breda’s story line. The REAPERS is a spin off from Donna’s DARK KINGS series which is a spinoff from Donna’s DARK WARRIOR series which in turn is a spin off from Donna’s DARK SWORD series- all set in the Highlands of Scotland. You do not have to have read any of the previous series to understand the premise but many of the events of the Reapers series, overlap with the events of the Dark Kings series. DARK ALPHA’S NEED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Reapers (believed to be a folk lore amongst the Fae) are a group of Dark and Light Fae, selected by Death (aka Erith), on their own deathbed, to do her bidding-Death is the judge and jury; the Reapers are the executioners. The Reapers are not harbingers of death, but are tasked with destroying the Light and Dark Fae who have crossed a line from which there is no return. All Reapers must follow two rules: never to fall in love; and never to reveal their existence to anyone but a group known as the Others, have declared themselves the rulers of the Fae, and their next ‘mission’ is to take down the Reapers, having failed to destroy the Dark Kings.

Told from third person perspectives, following several pathways, DARK ALPHA’S NEED focuses on the hunt for the Others. Ainsley and Torin have located Breda, a young woman, a Fae who has recently escaped the group known as the Others. Hoping to ferret out information from Breda, Torin and Ainsley begin to question our heroine, only to realize she, and thusly the Others, are aware of more than they could have imagined but the appearance of the Other soldiers finds Ainsley and Torin watching from afar when a Fae they long thought dead and missing takes down the soldiers like a trained assassin. While Ainsley goes in search of the long lost Fae, Torin and Breda must face the Reapers, and the woman they have come to call Death, and friend. What ensues is the building relationship between Torin and Breda, as the Reapers devise a plan to take down the Others but in doing so use our story line heroine as a target and as bait.

Breda knows betrayal first hand, and in this, she is reluctant to reveal the truth about her past but Torin suspects Breda is keeping secrets, and in this, he must convince our heroine to trust in an effort to uncover the whereabouts of the Others.

Meanwhile, Ainsley goes on the hunt for Xaneth, the missing and broken Fae who mind and spirit have been tortured and abused. Xaneth is no longer the Fae male he once was, and in this, I suspect the betrayal will make him a candidate for the next chosen Reaper.

The relationship between Torin and Breda is one of immediate attraction but Breda is on the run, and her inability to trust threatens her relationship and friendship with our story line hero. When Torin reveals the truth about his past, Breda must come clean about the abusive childhood she had to endure, a childhood in which her powers would be used for evil rather than for good. 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 Xaneth, and several members of the Reapers, and Death.

DARK ALPHA’S NEED is a story of betrayal and vengeance; power and control; retaliation and humiliation; acceptance, relationships, family and love. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are animated and energetic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Dark Alpha’s Claim
Dark Alpha’s Embrace
Dark Alpha’s Demand
Dark Alpha’s Lover
Dark Alpha’s Night
Dark Alpha’s Hunger
Dark Alpha’s Redemption
Dark Alpha’s Temptation
Dark Alpha’s Caress
Dark Alpha’s Obsession

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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

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

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

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

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Marked (Kill Devil Ink 2) by Sarah Darlington-Review & Giveaway

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Marked (Kill Devil Ink 2) by Sarah Darlington- Review & Giveaway

ebook only 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date

My comfort zone owns me.
It consumes me.
It’s marked me.

Ridiculous demands that only I understand. I can’t step outside. And when I do, there are rules for every step, every breath, every second. I’ve never kissed a boy. I’ve never had the chance. I live in the dark corners of my mind with only the men from the books I read to keep me company.

Until Finn.

A friend of a friend. He’s a tattoo artist, and he’s a gorgeous human being. We make an agreement. He’s the teacher. I’m the student. It’s pretend for him. But for me—one touch and I’m his.

••••••••

REVIEW:MARKED is the second instalment in Sarah Darlington’s contemporary, adult KILL DEVIL INK erotic, romance series. This is twenty-eight year old tattoo artist Finn Parker, and twenty-three year old, writer / indie author Lou Lawrence’s story line. MARKED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Some of the events of MARKED cross over with, and run parallel to the events of book one INKED.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Finn and Lou) MARKED follows the unconventional relationship between twenty-eight year old tattoo artist Finn Parker, and twenty-three year old indie author Lou Lawrence. Lou Lawrence suffers with agoraphobia-a complex and debilitating anxiety disorder wherein our heroine struggles to leave the house, and an overall feeling of helplessness and panic. A quick visit for Lou to Devil Hill Ink with her best friend Nick, finds tattoo artist Finn Parker pulled into the the aura that is our story line heroine but Lou’s adventure into the world outside is short lived, and Finn is forced to take his time in an effort to prove he is worthy of Lou’s friendship. What ensues is the slow building romance and relationship between Finn and Lou, and the potential fall-out as Lou continues to struggle in the face of her love for our story line hero.

The relationship between Finn and Lou is unique and atypical as Finn must ‘learn’ to step carefully in his attempts to ‘woo’ our story line heroine. Lou battles with herself every moment of the day, and in this, Finn must be patient with Lou’s inability to move beyond the past that has control of her life.Finn offers Lou two weeks to ‘get to know’ one another, and in the end, Lou’s anxiety may be the catalyst that pushes Finn out of her life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Lou’s best friend and roommate Nick, and Finn’s co-worker Amanda (Inked #1), as well as the new receptionist Patrick, and Nick’s mother Mrs. Jasmine.

MARKED is a story of mental disorders, struggles, acceptance and love. The premise is thought-provoking and engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are animated and determined but struggling in their lives.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one INKED

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Sarah Darlington was born in Colorado and grew up all over the United States. These days, she calls Virginia home, where she lives with her husband, two kids, and large dog. The best word to describe Sarah is ‘creative.’ She’s passionate about designing, crafting, and photography. But most of all… she loves creating stories through her writing. Her romance books are sexy and heart-gripping at their core, guaranteed to make you swoon. Any of them can be read as a stand-alone, but all are connected within the same world.

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

 

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No Player Required by JoAnn Sky – a Review

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No Player Required by JoAnn Sky – a Review

 

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Description:
Billionaire casino magnate Rafael “Rafa” Salord is forced to exchange caviar for cowboy boots when he’s sent to “grow up” and run his father’s newly acquired casino in the middle of nowhere downtown Reno. When he crosses paths with feisty Destiny Morson, he starts to wonder if that nonsense about love-at-first-sight might actually be true. Maybe it’s time to trade in his playboy status and bet on something more.

Social worker Destiny Morson has always had good reason for keeping romance at arm’s length. After finding out that her business partner ran off with the community-raised funds from their non-profit, she’s ready to swear off people completely. So when the sexy casino executive seems interested in helping her with her woes, she can’t help but mistrust his motives, no matter how he makes her burn…

From a night out throwing axes to supporting Destiny’s charity, Rafa stops at nothing to win over the gunshy woman he can’t get out of his head. He’s determined to break through her tough exterior, and Destiny slowly lets her guard down. But after a night of passion in his penthouse suite, things at the casino go sideways for both of them, forcing them to decide if the past is enough to prevent them from a future together.

 

Review:

No Player Required by JoAnn Sky is the third book in the Biggest Little Love Story Series. No need to read the previous books (and I haven’t, but that’s not to say I won’t go back and read the others) 

Rafael or Rafa to his friend is a typical playboy, love not fun is all he’s interested in! Coming to Reno should be a straight forward trip, assess the family business for his father, then head back to Spain. 

Meeting Destiny for the first time he mistakenly thinks she’s a call girl! Trying to right that mistake is going to take time. But there is something about her that makes him want to try. But he’s going home after this trip, so maybe they could have a little fun before he goes home? 

Destiny is a social worker and needs to raise money for her new charity. Wary of entanglement, she’s seen what love can do to people and it’s not for her…..Her business partner took the last lot of money she raised, so her trust is a little thin on the ground! 

Rafa might make her knees go weak, but trusting a man again. That’s not going to happen any time soon! She’s seen first hand at what love can do to a person (her mother is a prime example of love at first sight).

But what I didn’t understand was the love she had for her auntie (she’s a huge gambler) if she’s trying to help people, then wouldn’t she be trying to help her family with the gambling habit? 

Chalk and Cheese? Possibly. 

But when these two people meet there is something there. Loved how Rafa has to work at getting Destiny’s affection, she’s no pushover. And she does push him away time after time. It’s a quick read with no real angst, but more of a mistrust on her side. 

So after a passionate night together both think there might be something there, but love doesn’t always run smooth, and a couple of bumps on the road will have Rafa trying to prove to Destiny that he wants more than a few nights together! 

So I’d recommend this book if you love a couple that don’t instantly fall for one another. The steamy scenes aren’t hot and heavy, but more fade out! 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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