Monthly Archives: October 2021

Just One Chance (Kingston Family 3) by Carly Phillips-Review Tour

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Just One Chance (Kingston Family 3) by Carly Phillips-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 12, 2021

He thought she was the one…until she walked away. Now she’s back and he wants her more than ever.

As a former Marine, Xander Kingston’s writing keeps him sane. Bonus? His thrillers made him one of Hollywood’s most desired screenwriters—and also introduced him to a fledgling starlet who broke his heart. With his close-knit family in New York, Xander returned home and found peace. Until Sasha Keaton shows up at his Hamptons retreat. Now an A-Lister, she’s as beautiful as he remembers. And just as dangerous to his heart.

Sasha learned from watching her mother to never sacrifice her dreams for anyone—only to discover how empty life could be without the man she loved. Now cast in Xander’s latest movie, she needs his insight to play the part, but secretly hopes for a second chance.

Xander has built emotional walls to keep Sasha at a distance, but their physical attraction can’t be denied. When a stalker’s threats intensify, Xander moves Sasha into his house to keep her safe. Before long she’s back in his bed and making inroads in his life.

But when the danger passes and the movie wraps, Sasha and Xander face a familiar choice—put career first or give love a fighting chance.

•••••••

REVIEW:JUST ONCE CHANCE is the third instalment in Carly Phlllips’ contemporary, adult THE KINGSTON FAMILY erotic, romance series focusing on the Kingston siblings: Linc, Xander, Dash Chloe and Aurora. This is former Marine turned author/ screenwriter Xander Kingston, and twenty-four year old actress Sasha Keaton’s story line. JUST ONE CHANCE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Xander and Sasha) JUST ONE CHANCE follows the second chance romance and relationship between former Marine turned author/screenwriter Xander Kingston, and twenty-four year old actress Sasha Keaton. Four years earlier wanna-be actress Sasha Keaton got the opportunity of a life-time, and Xander knew his life would take him somewhere else. Fast forward to present day wherein Sasha has been cast as the lead actress in a movie based on the works of our leading hero, a movie that forces Sasha and Xander to work together but Sasha Keaton has a stalker whose threats have intensified such that Xander sees red and recommends private security for the woman he once loved. Moving Sasha into his home finds our couple rekindling where they had left off but the future is uncertain when Sasha is offered something more. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Sasha and Xander, and the potential fall-out as Sasha’s stalker takes aim, and another movie deal threatens to tear the couple apart.

Meanwhile, the rock band Original Kings is about to implode, and Xander’s brother rockstar Dash Kingstson struggles in the ensuing melee but the one bright light is Sasha’s best friend Cassidy Forrester, a light Dash is about to push over the edge.

The relationship between Sasha and Xander is one of second chances. Four years earlier Sasha’s star was on the rise but Xander wasn’t welcome to come along for the ride. The aftermath of war left Xander struggling with noises and crowds, and in this, Xander knew he had to walk away from the woman he loved. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. The sexual chemistry is palpable.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including the growing Kingston family: Linc and Jordan, Chloe and Beck, Dash, Aurora, and their mother Melly. We are introduced to Sasha’s best friend and PA Cassidy Forrester; agent Rebecca Burton, Sasha’s mother Annika, Cassidy’s brother Axel; and Alpha Security specialists Rhodes and Jared. Dash’s story is next in JUST ONE SPARK.

JUST ONE CHANCE family, friendships, and relationships: obsession, second chances and love. The character driven premise is intriguing, captivating and engaging; the romance is seductive and hot; the characters are dynamic, charismatic and wounded…but I did struggle with the quick resolution to the stalker plot line-something I had hoped would be more suspenseful, dramatic and intense.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Just One Night
Just One Scandal

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

After a successful fifteen-year career with various New York publishing houses, and over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels published, N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips is now an Indie author who writes to her own expectations and that of her readers. She continues the tradition of hot men and strong women and plans to publish many more sizzling stories. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She’s a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers.

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Rebel Yule (Rookie Rebels 5.5) by Kate Meader-Review Tour

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Rebel Yule (Rookie Rebels 5.5) by Kate Meader-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /Apple/

A holiday entry in the Rookie Rebels series, featuring a player who’s been here from the start . . .

Chicago Rebels goalie Erik gets his shot at love . . . but first he’ll have to figure out what he did to offend the woman he’s crushed on forever.

Casey Higgins, assistant to the Chicago Rebels owner, has a smile for everyone who comes into the front office—everyone but goalie Erik Jorgenson. And he has no idea why. For the last year, she’s refused to give him a kind word, and finally, he’s had enough. At the Rebels holiday party he’ll uncover the root of their mysterious conflict and show this woman that goalkeepers do their best work . . . on their knees.

Can a little Yuletide cheer get Erik into Casey’s good graces, warm bed, and frozen heart? Or will he fumble the puck and lose his chance?

••••••••••

REVIEW: REBEL YULE is the 5.5 instalment in Kate Meader’s contemporary, adult ROOKIE REBELS hockey, romance series focusing on the members of the hockey team the Chicago Rebels. This is PA to the Chicago Rebels owner Casey Higgins, and Chicago Rebels goaltender Erik Jorgenson. REBEL YULE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Casey and Erik) REBEL YULE is a second chance romance between PA to the Chicago Rebel owner Casey Higgins, and goaltender Erik Jorgenson. Seven years earlier, a one-night stand between Casey and Erik ended when Erik ghosted our story line heroine. Fast forward to present day wherein Casey now works for the Chicago Rebels team owner, and in the previous year, struggled to be friendly to our story line hero. With the approach of the Christmas holidays, Casey finds herself wondering about what was and what could have been. With an invitation from Erik, Casey will discover that Erik has a secret, a secret that kept him from recognizing our story line heroine. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Casey and Erik, and the potential fall-out as Casey struggles to move on from the past, and a previous relationship that has affected all of her relationships going forward.

The relationship between Casey and Erik is one of second chances. Erik never understood why Casey was so hostile with every encounter, and Casey battled between head and heart in the face of Erik’s inability to remember their one night together. 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 couples. We are reintroduced to the team owner Harper Chase and her husband Remy DuPre, as well as the introduction of Erik’s extended family in Sweden, and Casey’s ex boyfriend Andrew.

REBEL YULE is a story of second chances, friendships, relationships and miscommunication. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are animated and charismatic.

Previous reviews
Good Guy
Instacrush
Man Down
Fore Player
Dear Roomie

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Reader’s Group | Bookbub | Goodreads | Newsletter | Amazon Author Profile

Kate Meader

Originally from Ireland, USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron or a fire hose, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines who can match their men quip for quip.

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The Christmas Village by Annie Rains-Review & Giveaway

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The Christmas Village (Somerset Lake 2) by Annie Rains-Review & Giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 12, 2021

Lucy Hannigan has inherited her mother’s bulldog, Bella, and her childhood home, the only pink house on Gingerbread Lane. With the holidays coming up, the pressure is on to decorate the house for the annual lights competition and maintain her parent’s winning streak. But Lucy already has her hands full as a midwife and a new landlord-to her ex-fiance.

When Miles Bruno is suddenly asked to move out of his rental home, he’s grateful to Lucy for taking him on as a tenant. But their broken-off engagement doesn’t make it easy to live next door. Sparks still fly between them, and he’d give anything to get back in Lucy’s good graces. But to do that will take much more than just tree trimming and house decorating and contest winning. Will one wildly grand romantic gesture on Christmas Eve finally soften her heart?

•••••••

REVIEW:THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE is the second instalment in Annie Rains contemporary, adult SOMERSET LAKE sweet romance series-a spin off from the the author’s SWEETWATER SPRINGS series. This is Sheriff Miles Bruno, and midwife/nurse Lucy Hannigan’s story line. THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Miles and Lucy) THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE follows the rebuilding romance and relationship between Sheriff Miles Bruno, and midwife/nurse Lucy Hannigan. Ten years earlier, couple Miles and Lucy had their entire future ahead of them but Miles broke Lucy’s heart, and in the interim watched as Lucy lost the people she loved. Fast forward to present day wherein Lucy finds herself in financial trouble following the death of her mother, and the numerous unpaid bills that are due before the end of the year. Meanwhile, Sheriff Miles Bruno is about to be homeless, and his only option is to rent an apartment from the woman he once loved bringing him up close and personal with memories from the past. With the approach of the Christmas holidays, Miles offers to help Lucy set up the Hannigan annual Christmas display, a display that Lucy is hoping to enter in the Somerset Lake holiday contest but all is not well in the small town of Somerset Lake, as a vandal has set their sights on the destruction of holiday cheer. What ensues is the second chance romance and relationship between Lucy and Miles, and the potential fall-out as Lucy is unable to let go of the past, taking her frustrations and anger out on the man she still loves.

The relationship between Lucy and Miles is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people torn apart by betrayal, ego, heart break and perception. While Miles reconsiders everything that happened in the past, Lucy is unable to move forward. There are no $ex scenes; the romance is limited.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom refuse to leave well enough alone. The small-town mentality and nosy ‘butinskies’ threaten to destroy a relationship that is already struggling with too many painful reminders.

THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE is a story of love, loss and second chances. The premise is cute and engaging; the characters are animated; the romance is mostly implied.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE SUMMER COTTAGE

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

Annie Rain’s publisher (Forever Romance) is graciously offering a paper copy of  THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE  to TWO lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.

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

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

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9. Giveaway open to USA and CANADA only

10. Giveaway runs from October 12-15, 2021

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Cinderella and Fae Charming by Amelia Shaw-a review

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Cinderella and Fae Charming (Fae Twisted Fairytales 1) by Amelia Shaw-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 28, 2021.

Just because I sleep in front of the fire, doesn’t make me a damsel in distress.

My step-mother calls me Cinderella… Not because I’m happily married to a prince, but because I have a horrible family! My parents are both dead, leaving me with a step mother who tormented me until I left home forever.

Now I live on the streets, stealing food to survive. It isn’t ideal, but neither was living under the same roof as the my step-mother once my father died.

But I’m not helpless, I can handle anything that comes my way… Until I my step-mother tries to sell off my father’s house.

Now all bets are off.

••••••

REVIEW:This is a new series from an author I regularly read. It’s a slow burn romance that can be easily read in a few hours.

Shawna is now living on the streets after leaving the family home! Her life was a living hell under her father’s roof! But not because of her parents. They’ve both died! It was her stepmother and stepsisters! Turning her into a drudge, they made her life so miserable it was easier to live on the streets than at home!Using the small amount of magic she possess, Shawna steals food! But lately her magic is failing her! Is it because she’s so hungry? She can’t turn to her only friend Blaize (he works as a tailors assistant) as she doesn’t want to get him into trouble)

Meeting Hanzel after following him through the market, they form what Shawna thinks is a friendship. Sharing her meagre sleeping arrangements, they plan their activities for the following day. But when she wakes up all that’s next to her is a pile of food!

Twisted fairytale’s seem to be the newest genre to hit the market (I’ve read some a few years ago, but they seem to be more popular at the moment)And although a slow burn, it’s a really good story.

Shawna hears that her old family home is going on the market! She can’t believe her father never made provisions for her in his will! But getting to see justice isn’t going to be easy! She needs an audience with the king!

I have to admit, I’m use to my fairytales a lot darker at the moment, and way steamier ? it did feel more like a YA (young adult) read rather than an adult.

So does she get the audience with the king? Does her evil stepmother take the house and Shawna has nothing?
Or will she use her magic for revenge? (If that happens then she will turn from Seelie to Unseelie and they aren’t a nice bunch of fae!)  And who was the mysterious Hanzel?

? Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

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Vicious Vows (Reckless Reign 2) by Kristen Luciani-Review Tour

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Vicious Vows (Reckless Reign 2) by Kristen Luciani-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 7, 2021.

Betrayal can destroy everything we’ve built…
My fiancé is a tyrant, a monster dipped in gorgeousness with the power to make women melt at his feet.
Including me.

As the newly crowned boss of the Mulligan crime family, he never shows signs of weakness.
Only dominance.
When the sensual beast inside of him roars to life, I am his target.
His release.

He expects me to submit to him, to unleash the darkness buried down deep so he can temper his control in other areas of his life.
His steamy threats make my blood simmer, his strong hands and rough touch make my flesh sizzle.

But while fury powers him, revenge drives him.
And since I’m the only one who can help him control his inner beast by providing an outlet for his darkness, that makes me a very dangerous weapon.

••••••••

REVIEW:VICIOUS VOWS Is the second instalment in Kristen Luciani’s contemporary, adult RECKLESS REIGN erotic, dark, Irish Mafia, romance trilogy focusing on Kyla Costigan, and Patrick Mulligan. VICIOUS VOWS should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book one CORRUPTED CROWN. The RECKLESS REIGN series is a spin off from the author’s SINFULLY SAVAGE series but you do not have to have read the previous series although several references are made to past incidences.

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

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kyla and Patrick) VICIOUS VOWS focuses on the ongoing troubles of the Mulligan family and empire as it continues to crumble from within. Patrick Mulligan is the new head of the Mulligan family, and with it comes the responsibility of cleaning the corruption that continues to reign. With the family near bankrupt, and his father’s failing health, a debt is called in, forcing Patrick to make a deal with the Cartel, a deal that is more dark and dangerous than he could have ever imagined but as Patrick calls in reinforcements for help, an old enemy sets his sights on the woman he loves. Ever vigilant, Patrick finds himself on the outside looking in, as his enemies continue to threaten from both inside and out.

The relationship between Kyla and Patrick is a forbidden romance; a best friend’s younger sister wherein Kyla’s brother Logan refuses to accept Patrick in the face of his criminal underworld lifestyle. Kyla has grown to love the boy/man that broke her heart, and in this Kyla and Patrick are looking towards their own happily ever after-if only they can first destroy the people hoping to destroy them. the $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Kyla’s brother Logan, and their father Bobby Costigan; Patrick’s brothers Quinn and Niall, their father Declan; Patrick’s sister Heaven, her husband Matteo, and his brothers Massimo, Roman and Dante Villani (Sinfully Savage series); Cartel boss Pedro Castillo, and his sister Carmen. The requisite evil has many faces.

VICIOUS VOWS is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, obsession, money, family and love. The fast paced premise is dramatic and intense ; the characters are dynamic and charismatic; the romance is seductive and provocative. VICIOUS VOWS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one CORRUPTED CROWN

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Kristen Luciani is a self-proclaimed momtrepreneur, beauty product junkie, and USA Today bestselling romance author with a penchant for stilettos, Silicon Valley, plunging necklines and grapefruit martinis.  As a deep-rooted romantic who prefers juicy drama to fill the lives of anyone other than her, she tried her hand at creating a world of enchantment, sensuality, and intrigue, finally uncovering her true passion. No pun intended…

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Dark and Otherworldly Omnibus by Kristen Brand-Review & Guest Post

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Dark and Otherworldly Omnibus by Kristen Brand-a review & guest post

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 30, 2021

Leigh Morgan has one mission: to stop the Fae who abducted her sister from ever kidnapping another human again.

Dredarion Rath wants one thing: to disgrace his older brother and prove himself the worthier heir to Otherworld’s throne.

When their paths cross, it changes everything, and neither Otherworld nor the human realm will ever be the same.

Three romantic urban fantasy novels; one darkly enchanting volume. The Dark and Otherworldly Omnibus includes:

•••••••

REVIEW:

Poison and Honey

She hunts the fae. The last man she should fall for is a cunning fae prince.Leigh won’t stop until her sister is home! That was the promise she made to herself. So freeing the humans from the Fae kingdom of Dwencanti is Leigh’s mission in life….

The only little issue I had, was the fact we jumped straight into palace life! I would have liked a little background and possibly a flashback to her sister’s kidnapping (but being a novella we need to keep it going)!

Prince Dredarion Rath has something to prove. And if using a human to achieve it, then so be it!! He doesn’t see anything but his mission to make his mother see that he should be the next ruler and not his brother!

So we have a complex storyline that will definitely take you on an adventure. Leigh is a great character, very strong and independent. And one might say a little cold, possibly heartless (she was going to use whoever and whatever she could to free the human slaves) but I suppose being in her position you can’t really blame her! Dredarion starts off as a cold figure, I wasn’t too keen on him at first.

But as they begin to work together (well more like Leigh is working for Dredarion whilst continuing her mission) it becomes a balancing act for Leigh, she needs to keep Dredarion sweet but, keeping her own secrets from him! You know it’s going to get messy!

Next book please…..

?

Sting of Thorns

She’s been cursed by the queen of Otherworld. Now the only one who can save her is the man she betrayed.

This one starts where the last one ends, so you definitely need to read Poison and Honey first, otherwise your going to be a little lost!! And so this review is going to be a little tricky as I don’t want to spoil anything…..

Leigh was cursed in the last book (oh didn’t I tell you that in my last review?) ? Dredarion and Leigh can’t stand to look at one another let alone help each other! Why? I hear you ask!! Well….. Nope can’t do it, you’ll need to read book one to find that out (but it’s a good one I promise you) And Leigh may or may not have started a rebellion/riot/escape.

And in doing so, she’s trapped herself in the otherworld! That’s where she needs help from Mr Dark and Dangerous! But Dredarion isn’t willing to help Leigh! So what’s a girl to do??

I loved this book, fast paced action that had me flicking the pages over until the end! We also get to take Dredarion to the human world (and there are some pretty funny moments) Can Leigh and Dredarion find their way back to each other? Or will the lies and feelings of betrayal kill their feelings for one another for good?

And there is a death sentence hanging over Leigh?!

Book three please …..

?

The Cruelest Curse

When dark forces threaten Otherworld, she’ll have to join forces with her enemies to save the kingdom… and the prince.The final book in this amazing trilogy had me wanting to inhale the book, but not wanting it to ever end!

As in the last book we start where book two (Sting of Thorns) ends. But without giving anything away, you are in for the ride. So buckle up, grab your sword and let’s go help Leigh and Dredarion win their fight against evil forces that want to take over the otherworld!!

I want to tell you about everything that goes on in this book, I want to share all the ups and downs, the scary moments, the sad moments, and the moments I just had my mouth open! But I won’t, instead I’ll tell you that the action doesn’t stop!

Friends from the human world help otherworlders that would have at one time enslaved them! Magic plays a role too. (Dredarion has magic literally up his sleeves) We also have a fight scene that will have you reading with one eye! (Or maybe that’s just me) ? So can Leigh save both Dredarion and the people she once swore to avenge? There are deals to be made, alliances to form, and lovers to reunite.

?

Boxset/Omnibus, whatever you want to call it, you just need to download and read it. The author (Kristen Brand) is totally new to me, and I’ve learned to jump in with both feet now (if I don’t like it, I won’t finish it!) But it won’t be the last of her books that’ll read. She brought the whole world to life with her descriptions.

And although short stories in themselves (could have happily read them as bigger books) it does cover a lot of ground. There is so much packed into this world. I’m hoping it’s not the last we see of Dwencanti and it’s inhabitants.

If you love paranormal romance with daggers and magic, then this one should definitely go on your TBR list.

? Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

Why Enemies-to-Lovers is my Favorite Romance Trope

All stories need conflict, and romance novels are no exception.

Maybe the conflict is forbidden love. The protagonist is from the wrong side of the tracks, or the love interest is their best friend’s brother. Maybe the couple broke up years ago and must address their past hurts before getting a second chance. Or maybe the hero got kidnapped by an evil wizard and the heroine has to go on an epic quest to rescue him.

Conflict. It’s fun.

My least favorite conflict is the contrived misunderstanding where everything would be fine if the couple just talked to each other for five minutes instead of jumping to the wrong conclusion.

My favorite is enemies-to-lovers.

The couple are fighting for different kingdoms during a war. They’re both after the same promotion in the office. One’s a superhero, the other a supervillain. Whatever the circumstances, the couple has every reason to hate each other, and yet… They just can’t deny how amazing and attractive they find one another.

That’s the conflict in my paranormal romance series, Dark and Otherworldly. The twist is that only the heroine knows they’re enemies in the first book. She’s a spy in a fae palace, her undercover mission going smoothly until she accidentally attracts the attention of a prince. Then she finds herself juggling conspiracies and battling her own growing romantic feelings until everything finally explodes.

Both metaphorically and literally. I like writing explosions.

What’s great about enemies-to-lovers is that it gives you so much conflict to work with: characters torn between duty and love, feelings of betrayal and forgiveness, a couple from very different backgrounds finding ways to meet in the middle.

It gives the characters so many obstacles to overcomes. They have to battle their own feelings. Then they have to grapple with the feelings of their friends and family who usually aren’t thrilled about them sleeping with the enemy. And then, depending on the genre, they have to test their newfound relationship by fighting the villain and saving the day.

Enemies-to-lovers is no third act misunderstanding thrown in because things had been too easy. No, it forces the characters to earn their happily ever after.

So I’m an enemies-to-lovers fan all the way. What’s your favorite romance trope? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Kristen

If Kristen Brand could have any superpower, she’d want telekinesis so she wouldn’t have to move from her computer to pour a new cup of tea. She lives in Florida with her husband, and her hobbies include reading comic books and desperately trying to keep the plants in her garden alive. An author of fantasy and superhero fiction, she writes stories with fire-forged friends, explosive fight scenes, and kissing

Follow; Goodreads / Website/ Twitter/ Pinterest

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The Lost Barinov Dragon by Lauren Smith – a Review

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The Lost Barinov Dragon by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
Tasha Bellamy never expected to get lost in a snowstorm in the Swiss Alps, nor did she expect to fall into a cave and find a sleeping dragon…literally.

One touch awakens the black dragon and he transforms into a gorgeous, ancient, Russian warrior named Vasili.

She soon learns that Vasili has been missing from the world for more than seven hundred years after going on a quest for a dragon stone. But the quest cost Vasili his mate, and driven mad with grief, he sealed himself inside the cave to die.

Tasha can’t help but be drawn to the stormy-eyed dragon shifter and soon learns that her future and Vasili’s are entwined with his far more than she ever could have imagined when he tells her they are possible true mates.

Unable to resist falling for the noble-hearted dragon who’s touch sets her body aflame with desire, she yearns to heal his broken heart, but a revelation of her past might tear them apart.

 

 

Review: 

The Lost Barinov Dragon by Lauren Smith is the fourth book in the Brothers of Ash and Fire series. I’ve not read the previous ones, and after this one I’m off to find me some dragons ?

I have read some of the authors contemporary and historical romances, so when I got the chance to read one of her paranormal romances, I grabbed my kindle and said yes please…..

There are different dragons that have sole purposes in life, guardians, questing, hoarding and what I’d deem the leader (patriarch/matriarch). 

Vasili was known as a questing dragon, he had to locate and retrieve heart stones (they were used to keep human mates alive longer for their dragon mates). Upon locating one, he’s about to return home…..

When both he and his mate (a female dragon) are attacked! Needless to say, he loses both his mate and his will to live ? Burying himself in a mountain he ends his life……Or so he assumes…..The touch of a human female brings him back to life! 

Tasha knows about dragons, she’s aware of their existence. But she never thought she’d come face to face with one, or find out she’s a potential mate! But trying to get Vasili to agree to becoming her mate is proving hard! As far as he is concerned he’s not good mate material! He let down one mate, there is no way he’d survive losing another! But slowly and with patience, Tasha wins him over. 

But there are things going on in the background that could break this couple before they even have a chance! I loved it. I love a good dragon /shifter romance, and this one ticked all my boxes. Plenty of action, magic, secrets and a couple of twists. 

Tasha is just a wonderful character, strong and determined. Knowing about the dragon world definitely gives her an edge (we don’t get the hysterical female running from her mate!) And Vasili is just great, a mixture of alpha and protector (Questing dragons are more adventurous than aggressive) and it shows when he loses his first mate (dragons usually die when their mate dies) he doesn’t want to go on….But watching as they grow as a couple in the book was very rewarding. 

A few steamy scenes to catch my kindle alight ? and I couldn’t put the book down till the end. We get to meet previous couples, potential couples and some really great characters. It’s just great writing. I’m adding her paranormal writings to my TBR list. 

Highly recommended this book. And I can’t wait to read more. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

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Perceive (The Vindicated) by KE Osborn & Addison Jane-Review Tour

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Perceive (The Vindicated 4) by KE Osborn & Addison Jane-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 4, 2021.

Trust, loyalty, respect—that was what Malice MC stood for. The club was my family, a group of hard men who believed in brotherhood above everything else.

I found my best friend there.

Fell in love there.

And it was there I lost everything.

I gave it all up to find her, stared death in the face more times than I could count, for even just the slightest chance she was still out there. Finding her consumed me, and after six long years, she was finally back within my reach.

I thought getting her back meant feeling whole again, but I was wrong. The beautiful, fierce young woman I knew was gone.

I wasn’t the kid she grew up with anymore.

I wasn’t her first kiss.

Now, I was the enemy.

•••••••

REVIEW: PERCEIVE is the fourth instalment in the contemporary, adult THE VINDICATED erotic, romantic, suspense, MC, series co-authored by Addison Jane and KE Osborn. This is sniper Axel ‘Riot’ Cruise, and Mackenzi ‘Kenzi’ Bordeaux’s story line. PERCEIVE can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order as many previous events and characters are often referenced with an ongoing premise.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kenzie and Axel) PERCEIVE follows the rescue and recovery of our heroine Mackenzi Bordeaux. Six years earlier Kenzie was abducted pushing the love of her life, Axel ‘Riot’ Cruise to enlist with a covert government group known as The Agency, securing a position with the SO7 but Kenzi’s rescue comes with many issues including her loss of memory and her inability to remember the people she once loved. Kenzi’s time in captivity was spent developing a bio-chem weapon, a weapon to be auctioned to the highest bidder but there is a mole in The Agency, and said mole has aimed their sights on our story line heroine in an effort to take back what doesn’t belong. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Kenzie and Axel, and the fall-out as Kenzi’s abductor, desperate for her return, takes aim at the members of The Agency and the SO7.

The relationship between Kenzi and Axel is one of second chances but our heroine has limited memory recall, and with it, is unable to remember the man she once loved, a man she believes is dangerous and dark. Axel has never stopped loving our story line heroine, and for six years, worked towards the recovery of the woman who had stolen his heart. 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 couples. We are reintroduced to Axel’s brother and Malice MC Vice president Ruin and The Agency’s head Jack. The camaraderie between the characters is friendly and tight. The requisite evil has many faces.

PERCEIVE is a story of betrayal and vengeance; power and control; manipulation, abuse, espionage and love. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive and spicy; the characters are colorful, energetic, desperate, broken and struggling to heal. I will add I had not read any of the previous instalments, and I felt a little bit lost throughout the current story line. I highly recommend reading the series in order as I felt I was missing some important back ground information, the history between the characters, familial relationships, and the purpose of The Agency and its’ connections to SO7, SO9 and TO4.The MC involvement is limited but perhaps it is only limited in this particular story line.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

KE OSBORN

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

••••••••

ADDISON JANE

BOOKBUB – https://www.bookbub.com/authors/addison-jane
AMAZON – https://www.amazon.com/Addison-Jane/e/B01CV33BWC/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1475711584&sr=1-2
TWITTER – http://twitter.com/AddisonJaneNZ
EMAIL – Addisonjaneauthor@gmail.com
FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/Addisonjaneauthor

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