Monthly Archives: February 2022

Accidentally Perfect by Marissa Clarke – a Review

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Accidentally Perfect by Marissa Clarke – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
Workaholic Lillian Mahoney has given everything to her job. The hugely popular lifestyle show she helped create monopolizes her time, energy, creativity, and anything remotely resembling a life. But all it takes is the show’s womanizing, egomaniac star throwing a massive hissy on live TV to utterly implode Lillian’s career in a New York minute.

Now Lillian’s hiding out in the gorgeous and completely unknown seaside village of Blink, Maine. Out of gas. A stolen wallet. A broken heel. And worse, she’s somehow managed to completely piss off the town’s resident hunk, Caleb Wright. She’ll show that hot, grumpy single father exactly what she’s made of.

But Blink isn’t quite what Lillian expects—and neither is Caleb…or his feisty teen daughter she can’t help but love. And while her entire life and career are in shreds, Lillian might just discover what happens when she gives her bad first impression a second chance…

 

Review:

Accidentally Perfect begins with Lillian Mahoney and her team doing a national “good morning” show on the east coast.  The face of company Lillian has created is an ego driven jerk, but he fits the bill.  As the face of the company is preparing a recipe on live t.v., he makes a mistake and then once the cameras stop rolling, blames Lillian for “sabotaging” him.  He throws a tantrum that is filmed by lots of fans and Lillian finds herself odd man out.  After discussing the tantrum with her sister (who is her right hand person), it’s decided that Lillian just needs to lay low for a few days and let things blow over.  Her sister had purchased a cottage in Maine so that’s where Lillian heads……at night……not knowing exactly what awaits her.

Several hours later, Lillian finds herself out of gas and out of money due to her wallet being stolen.  When she starts to walk to a restaurant that she sees in the distance, someone stops to offer her a ride, but she refuses, which doesn’t sit well with the person offering to help.  He pulls away and Lillian continues walking with a broken heel and then in the rain.

Once Lillian enters the restaurant, she feels all eyes on her so she sits in a corner with her back to everyone while she tries to figure out what to do.  What she doesn’t expect is for complete strangers to come to her rescue and ask for nothing in return.  She also doesn’t expect it to make the person who offered her a ride to act as if he’s mad at her.  

Caleb Wright is a lifelong resident of Blink, Maine and is immediately suspicious of Lillian.  It doesn’t help her case when, unknown to her, one of the people whom she offers to help is very wealthy.  Caleb decides that Lillian is running a scam and trying to take advantage.  Of course, Lillian is wealthy in her own right, and her running a scam couldn’t be further from the truth.  

Caleb takes it upon himself to watch Lillian and make sure she doesn’t take advantage of anyone he cares about.  Lillian keeps trying to figure out what she did to make Caleb dislike her.  Neither expected what follows them getting to know each other.

Accidentally Perfect is a nicely story with great and relatable characters.  Lillian and Caleb have amazing chemistry from the first moment they meet, even though they both deny it.  The secondary characters are well written and add so much to the story.  This is a story where you can hear the laughter, the water lapping on the boats and the seagulls squawking.  Most of all, you feel connected to the characters from the very beginning.  I can’t wait for the next installment!  Well done, Marissa Clarke!!  Very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The Reading Cafe 10th Anniversary with St. Martin’s Press

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The Reading Cafe 10th Anniversary Celebration with St. Martin’s Press

NOTE: All giveaways require a comment to qualify

Please be aware some of the books offered may be ARC copies from the publisher which may or may not have gone through final edits or final cover copy

ST. MARTIN’S PRESS is graciously offering 4 (four) paper books to 1 lucky commenter.

One commenter will WIN all four books.

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).

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

3. Please tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. LIKE and FOLLOW ST. MARTIN’S PRESS on FACEBOOK.

5. FOLLOW ST. MARTIN’S PRESS on TWITTER for an additional entry.

6. LIKE and FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK for an additional entry.

7. FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

9. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

10. Giveaway open to USA and CANADA only

11. Giveaway runs until February 17-28, 2022

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Broken Dove (Open Road 2) by Chelle Bliss-Review tour

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Broken Dove (Open Road 2) by Chelle Bliss-Review tour

 

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

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/33mmzd8

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 15, 2022

A simple arrangement. A complicated future.

Lia Dove has always been a free spirit, living life to the fullest and never putting down roots. But after finding her birth father, along with a group of lovable, rowdy bikers, she can’t imagine being anywhere else. Throw in a hot biker roommate who offers her no-strings-attached deal as the cherry on top and leaving becomes an afterthought.

Leo Hawk has never felt part of anything until he becomes a prospect in a local motorcycle club. But catching feelings for his roommate, who’s also the club president’s daughter, could spell disaster before he earns his patch.
But when the past comes back to haunt him thanks to his missing older brother, Leo will have to lean on his biker brothers for help, risking a future with the club and the woman he’s grown to love.

•••••

REVIEW:Broken Dove (LOVE the name) is the second installment in the Open Road series by Chelle Bliss. In this tantalizing story, Lia and Leo are at the forefront.

We met Lia and Leo in book one (Broken Sparrow) of the series with Morris and Alice. If you haven’t read that one yet, I recommend you do, it’s not required as the book can be read as a standalone, but it’s so good! Broken Dove is a warm, friends to lovers romance that will leave the reader smiling and happy after finishing.

Lia is a tree hugging hippie, she has got to be the most laid back, free spirited woman I have ever read. After finding her place with her birth father, Lia and her puppies share a space with the yummy Leo, one of her fathers prospects to the club. Life is good, until it isn’t and Lia and Leo must band together to stop things from changing. The drama I guess you call it in this book was a little flimsy to me, not that it wasn’t believable, but for a MC book I was expecting a little something more.

Lia and Leo are bumping boots but keeping things on the down low. They have crazy strong chemistry, but they don’t want to make it a big thing, at least not until the drama hits. When Leo finds out that his brother is back in town and already in trouble, Lia and Leo join together to find out the truth of what is going on. Leo’s past comes into play when things with his brother comes to a head and Leo must decide just how he is going to protect his new found relationship.

Overall I liked the book, it was missing something, I’m just not sure what. The reading was good and I liked the characters. Lia is a funny character and I would be happy to read her again.

Click HERE for Sarah’s review of boon one BROKEN SPARROW

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

 

USA Today bestselling author Chelle Bliss currently lives in a small town near the Gulf of Mexico. She’s a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, and coffee fiend. She’s written over ten books and has two series available. She loves spending her free time with her boyfriend, 2 cats, and her hamster.

Before becoming a writer, Chelle taught high school history for over ten years. She holds a master’s degree in Instructional Technology and a bachelor’s in History. Although history is her first love, writing has become her dream job and she can’t imagine doing anything else.

WEBSITE – FACEBOOK – NEWSLETTER – TWITTER – INSTAGRAM

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Taking The Leap (River Rain 3) by Kristen Ashley-Review Tour

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Taking The Leap (River Rain 3) by Kristen Ashley-Review & Excerpt Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 15, 2022

Alexandra Sharp has been crushing on her co-worker, John “Rix” Hendrix for years. He’s her perfect man, she knows it.

She’s just not his perfect woman, and she knows that too.

Then Rix gives Alex a hint that maybe there’s a spark between them that, if she takes the leap, she might be able to fan into a flame. This leads to a crash and burn, and that’s all shy Alex needs to catch the hint never to take the risk again.

However, with undeniable timing, Rix’s ex, who broke his heart, and Alex’s family, who spent her lifetime breaking hers, rear their heads, gearing up to offer more drama. With the help of some matchmaking friends, Rix and Alex decide to face the onslaught together…

As a fake couple.

••••••••

REVIEW:TAKING THE LEAP is the third instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult RIVER RAIN erotic, romance series. This is thirty four-year old former smoke jumper/firefighter John ‘Rix’ Hendrix, and twenty-eight year old, Alexandra ‘Alex’ Sharp’s story line. TAKING THE LEAP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Rix and Alex’s story line begins in book two Chasing Serenity.

SOME BACKGROUND: River Rain, owned by businessman Duncan Holloway, is a large chain of stores concentrating on outdoor life including camping, hiking, rock climbing and trail walking, that has ventured into philanthropy and camps for children and youth.

Told from first person perspective (Alex) and dual third person (Rix and Judge) TAKING THE LEAP focuses on the building but fake romance and relationship between thirty four-year old former smoke jumper/firefighter John ‘Rix’ Hendrix, and twenty-eight year old, Alexandra ‘Alex’ Sharp, and the upcoming wedding of Alex’s sister Blake. Alexandra Sharp is descended from royalty but refuses to play the games her mother sets into motion. Estranged from her family- her distant father, controlling mother, and the questionable sanity of her older sister, Alex has always preferred to remain in the background but her sister’s wedding is about to place the spotlight on our story line heroine when she brings co-worker and amputee John ‘Rix’ Hendrix as her plus one. Alex has crushed on Rix for as long as she can remember but Rix has a dark history, a past mired in betrayal and loss, and a reputation with the women as a one-night stand kind of guy. Working together for River Rain Outdoor Stores and their Kids and Trails programs forces our couple to dwell on their mutual attraction but Alexandra remains unconvinced in the face of history, and the ‘fake’ aspect of their relationship that will quickly turn into something more.

Alexandra Sharp is a beautiful, intelligent, shy and somewhat withdrawn woman who has spent most of her life on the sidelines watching as the world, and her family continue to implode. Alex is not naïve; she is not a fool nor a door mat but a woman who is willing to speak up when needed, and defend herself against those who are hoping to tear her down including several members of her immediate family but Rix Hendrix is all about protecting the woman with whom he will fall in love, a woman who does not need protecting when all is said and done. Rix is offering a friends with benefits relationship with our story line heroine, a relationship that co-workers and close friends see as a prelude to disaster.

The relationship between Rix and Alex is one of mutual attraction but Alex’s overt shyness is a detriment to her personal and social life. Rix often mistakes Alex’s awkwardness as not interested, but her ambivalence and uncertainty is but a side effect of her family history of distance and control. Alex is determined to prove she is worthy of love but Rix’s past is hoping for a second chance, a chance that brings with it too many memories of betrayal and negligence. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word in my romance story lines.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and sassy secondary and supporting characters including Chloe and Judge (Chasing Serenity), Judge’s father Jamie, and sister Dru. We are introduced to Alex’s family-her sister Blake, Blake’s fiance Chad, and their parents Helena and Edward, and her friends Katie and Gal, as well as Rix’s ex Peri, and his brother Josh, Hailey and Kinsley. Adding commentary is gossip columnist Elsa Cohen.

TAKING THE LEAP is a story of love and acceptance, betrayal and loss. Kristen Ashley pulls the reader into an emotional tale of dysfunctional dynamics wherein one family is unable to accept the world as it is, preferring live in a world of their own making. The premise is edgy, dramatic and tragic; the romance is provocative and intimate; the characters are heart breaking yet inspiring.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
After the Climb
Chasing Serenity

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

What kind of coffee drink do you like?
I could have lied, and when I saw him at the office, said I was driving when I got the text and that was why I didn’t answer.
But there was a part of me that was so excited to get my very first text from Rix, and that part was strong.
So strong, that thought didn’t even occur to me before I texted back with oodles of curiosity, Why?
Because I’m buying you a coffee, babe.
Another babe.
That was three.
Highly inappropriate, even infantilizing.
I said not one word about the “babe.”
Instead, I texted, Iced Chai.
Once I sent that, I texted, Mocha latte, iced or hot.
And on its heels, I sent, For just hot, flat white.
Then I got nervous that I might be sounding like a goof.
So nervous my thumbs couldn’t seem to stop tapping letters, and I therefore texted, I assume you want to know what I want right now, rather than all that I like. So just to say, I tend to be a coffee explorer, since I like coffee. And caffeine on the whole. That means the list is kinda long. But if you’re asking for right now, which you are, because it’s chilly this morning, flat white.
After I sent that, I realized that I was absolutely sounding like a dork in sending it, all of it, including the three before. As such, I watched in agony as Rix’s three dots cycled and cycled and then they did it some more.
Until I got, How much coffee have you already had?
This would have been funny if it wasn’t so mortifying.
Just one, I responded miserably.
Try to cycle down cuz you’ll have another when you get to work. Later.
I decided I’d texted enough, so I let that lie.
It didn’t lie for long.
Rix showed at my desk at River Rain (which wasn’t going to be my desk at River Rain for very long, it’d be my desk at Trail Blazer since we were moving the next day, Judge’s office furniture, mine, and some unused stuff they had sitting around was all going to the new offices for temporary use because the telephones and Internet were being hooked up that day and it was time to occupy Trail Blazer).
Rix set my flat white down while I valiantly attempted not to blush, he made no attempt whatsoever to hide he totally did not miss I failed at this endeavor, smiled a smile that I wanted to think was friendly, but instead it seemed sexy, this thought being exacerbated when he muttered under his breath so I almost couldn’t hear it, “Only you could make a rambling coffee order adorable.”
I sat frozen.
Rix winked at me and said in his normal voice, “Bottoms up, Alex.”
With that, seeing as he was in his chair that day, he wheeled away.
Since there was a lot going on with packing for the move and tech hookups and such, I only had to deal with Rix in passing for the rest of Monday.
However, Tuesday morning, I was shoving stuff into my bag at home, preparing to head down the mountain to dig into the move, when my phone chimed.
OK, I have ten minutes, explain today’s coffee order.
Yes.
Another text from Rix.
A startled laugh escaped from me because he was being funny.
I then texted back, You don’t have to buy me coffee.
To which he texted, I know I don’t.
Then I sent, I’m just saying, we’re good. We had a blip last week. But now we’re great.
We’re great?
Damn.
Why did reading those two words texted by him make my breasts swell?
Good. Great. I mean, things are fine. You don’t have to butter me up with coffee.
So coffee is a way to butter you up?
Oh God.
What was that?
Was it flirty?
Or was it just being funny and friendly?
Or was it just a kind of getting-to-know-you, valued co-worker, but in a jokey fashion?
Tell him what you want and stop texting, Alex! I admonished myself.
I did not stop texting.
Well, yeah. Kinda. Like I said, I like coffee.
You did say that, so maybe you’ll tell me what kind you want this morning.
Time to get beyond this.
Iced Chai.
That’s tea.
Oh my God!
Flirty?
Or jokey?
I’m feeling tea today, I replied.
Right. And then he sent, That only took five minutes. I’d fill the other five by asking you what kind of donuts you like, but we got a lot to get accomplished today. I’m sure I’ll enjoy your dissertation on that, but I’d prefer to sort out my office so I can start doing the shit I’m getting paid to do.
He one hundred percent did not need my views on donuts then.
Therefore, I noted, Good call.
He sent a smirk emoji, which shared the impossible.
Rix could even make emojis sexy.

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Website / Twitter

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

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The Reading Cafe 10th Anniversary Giveaway 8-Today’s Prize

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The Reading Cafe’s 10th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway 8-Today’s Prize Package

NOTE: All giveaways require a comment to qualify

Please be aware some of the books offered may be ARC copies from the publisher which may or may not have gone through final edits or final cover copy

The Reading Cafe is offering a 4 paper/print ARC book prize package for today’s giveaway

ONE (1) commenter will WIN all FOUR (4) books.

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).

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

3. Please tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. LIKE and FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK for an additional entry.

5. FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs February 16-28, 2022

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A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross – a Review

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A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository


Description:
Jack Tamerlaine hasn’t stepped foot on Cadence in ten long years, content to study music at the mainland university. But when young girls start disappearing from the isle, Jack is summoned home to help find them. Enchantments run deep on Cadence: gossip is carried by the wind, plaid shawls can be as strong as armor, and the smallest cut of a knife can instill fathomless fear. The capricious spirits that rule the isle by fire, water, earth, and wind find mirth in the lives of the humans who call the land home. Adaira, heiress of the east and Jack’s childhood enemy, knows the spirits only answer to a bard’s music, and she hopes Jack can draw them forth by song, enticing them to return the missing girls.

As Jack and Adaira reluctantly work together, they find they make better allies than rivals as their partnership turns into something more. But with each passing song, it becomes apparent the trouble with the spirits is far more sinister than they first expected, and an older, darker secret about Cadence lurks beneath the surface, threatening to undo them all.

 

 

Review:

A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross is the 1st book in her new Elements of Cadence series.  I have become a fan of Rebecca Ross’s wonderful fantasy novels. A River Enchanted has a Scottish feel filled with magic, in the isle of Cadence, with two warring clans (East & West).  The focus of the novel, is centered on two childhood enemies that team up to find out why young girls are being mysterious taken.

Jack Tamerlaine (he is a Bard) returns to Cadence after a 10-year absence, studying music and getting a job at the mainland university, as he has been summoned home. Jack learns quickly that the person who really summoned him home, was his childhood enemy, Adaira, as she is now the heiress of East. Adaira explains why she needs Jack’s help, as the missing girls have not been found; she needs him to use his Bard music to bring out the spirits (fire, water, earth & wind). At the same time, Adaira makes an offer to the West to bring about peace, but can they be trusted?

Jack hasn’t seen his mom (Mirin) in all those years, and is surprised to discover he has a sister, Frae.  Torin is the captain of the guard, and is also one of the POV’s; his wife Sidra, is a healer, who also takes care of Maisie (Torin’s daughter from his deceased wife). Jack and Adaira agree to work together, and in a short time, their feelings begin to change, as they continually become closer.

What follows was an amazing, fantastic adventure in a world filled with magic, spirits, enemies, betrayals and a slow burn romance.  There are some surprising twists that will eventually change the game, with the East and West still very much divided. I loved Adaira, who was a fantastic heroine, as she was strong independent, determined, savvy and fierce. Jack was a very good hero, as I liked him too, but not as much as Adaira.  Ross has created a wonderful group of secondary characters, such as Torin, Sidra, Frae, Mirin, just to name a few.

A River Enchanted was a captivating, unique story filled with spirits, magic and folklore.   To say too much more would ruin it for you, as you really do need to read this fantastic book.  Rebecca Ross once again gives us a wonderful fantasy, with great characters and keeping me enthralled from start to finish. I wholly suggest you read A River Enchanted and anything written by Rebecca Ross, as I cannot wait for her next book, especially with the surprise ending.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Jousting and Justice by Elizabeth Pantley – a Review

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Jousting and Justice by Elizabeth Pantley – a Review

 

Amazon

 

Description:
An invitation to a medieval festival. A ferry ride to a mysterious island. A scheming, inept witch. An office break-in, an unidentified body, and a string of suspects. Can Hayden, her brave, sassy cat, Latifa, and the people of Destiny Falls solve the mystery and enjoy the festival?

~ Jousting and Justice follows the series format of combining two stories that blend into one. A murder mystery and the island mystery.

The Island Mystery: Hayden and all her friends get an invitation to a medieval festival – but it’s on “the forbidden island.” It’s too enticing to pass up. Of course, strange things will happen once they get there! . . . You’ll also learn the truth about the witch’s sister in this book!

The Murder Mystery: A dead body shows up in the most shocking place. First, they need to figure out who this dead guy is. Then, who killed him and why. There are so many twists and turns on the way to the answers! But we know that Hayden, Latifa, and their family and friends will figure it out and justice will be served.

Hayden’s many adventures in Destiny Falls will keep you guessing with each book in this intriguing series.

 

 

Review:

Jousting and Justice by Elizabeth Pantley is the 5th book in her fun Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series.  Refresher: Hayden, who now fully lives in Destiny Falls with her talking cat, Latifa, and is happy in her new magical world, being a member of her powerful Caldwell family, as well as many new friends, and boyfriend, Han.  Hayden still is determined to meet her mother, who is stuck in the evil Gladstone realm.

It is always nice to spend time with Hayden, our heroine, and the wonderful characters (and cats) of Destiny Falls. Jousting and Justice begins with a surprise invitation to a medieval festival in Gladstone, with the Ferry bringing them there.  Hayden is at first concerned, but when her grandmother says she will set up protection for them, and they (the entire town) will go and have fun; and Hayden looks forward to seeing her mother and father in Gladstone.

Everyone begins to prepare to attend the festival, making medieval costumes, etc. When Hayden goes to her newspaper office, she discovers that the office was broken into, and finds an unidentified dead body.  She calls together the group, Jaxson (police chief), Han (boyfriend), Axel (her brother) to try to figure out who the dead man is and why in her office.  What were they looking for?

When everyone went on the Ferry, they realized that they were not going to Gladstone, and instead ended up on a small mysterious island. However, the entire event went on with a wonderful time enjoying the medieval experience.  As the day nears end, both Hayden and Axel are sideswiped toward another boat, missing the Ferry; the wicked witch whom we knew about from previous books had them trapped.  Will the family who put the protection up be able to save them? There was a lot of intrigue and surprises along the way.  To say too much more would be spoilers, and this series should be read from start to finish, as the story is a continuation.

I loved how Hayden’s wonderful talking magical cat, Latifa would gather family and cats to try and solve the murder.  Overall, Latifa was a blast, so much fun. During the festival we did learn more about some of the people in Destiny Falls, who had surprising abilities, and we also learn who is the good witch sister.

Jousting and Justice was another delightful lighthearted mystery, in a magical and charming enchanted realm, Destiny Falls. This is a fun cozy murder fantasy whodunit, that was intriguing and kept our attention from start to finish.  Once again, I absolutely loved the cats and their meetings to help solve the crimes.  I look forward to the next book, as this ended with a surprise twist. Another fun cozy book by Elizabeth Pantley, that was well written.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

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Sinner’s Game (Saints and Sinners 4) by J. Kenner-Review Tour

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Sinner’s Game (Saints and Sinners 4) by J. Kenner-Review Tour

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

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3qlRAqj

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 15, 2022.

Which is more perilous—the looming danger or their igniting passion?

Rising fashion designer Brandy Bradshaw is on top of the world after closing a major deal for a new line of handbags. But when she arrives home, eager to share her success with her friends, she’s shocked to find her landlord dead in her living room, killed by a single bullet to the head.

What starts as a mystery quickly turns into something far more dangerous as Brandy’s life is threatened by whatever forces murdered her landlord.

Security consultant Ronan Thorne likes risk and excitement in his work, but keeps his personal life free of the drama and intensity that would recall the ghosts of his past. He never allows a woman to get close. Until he meets Brandy. Suddenly, he wonders if he might be missing a primal connection and passion that he’d long ago dismissed.

With her life now in peril, one thing becomes absolutely clear: he’ll protect her at any cost.

•••••••

REVIEW:SINNER’S GAME is the fourth instalment in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult SAINTS AND SINNERS, erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the Devlin Saint Foundation that finances the programs for the rehabilitation of victims of trafficking, and the ultra-secret Saint’s Angels, that seek out and go after the traffickers and criminals. This is security consultant Ronan Thorne, and business woman Brandy Bradshaw’s story line. SINNER’S GAME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storylines is revealed where necessary.

Told from first person (Brandy), and several third person perspectives including Ronan Thorne, SINNER’S GAME follows in the wake of the murder of Brandy’s landlord, a man she has never met, but a man whose secrets run dangerous and deep. As the team at the Devlin Saint Foundation and Saint’s Angels begin to investigate the who, what and why of the man who was murdered, all clues and information point the finger at our story line heroine. Desperate to protect the woman with whom he would fall in love, Ronan places Brandy under his protection but struggles with the memories of a loss long ago. What ensues is the building relationship between Ronan and Brandy, and the potential fall-out as Brandy is caught in the direct line of fire, and Ronan is unable to let go of the past.

Brandy Bradshaw knows evil first hand, and battles the memories and betrayal every day of her life. Falling for Ronan Thorne was easy but walking away was about to destroy her heart. Ronan Thorne doesn’t do relationships, and Brandy is all about love and a happily ever after. On the run with the woman who has stolen his heart, Ronan momentarily reconsiders his stance on relationships but memories from the past continue to push him over the edge.

The relationship between Ronan and Brandy began years before when Ronan was part of the team that rescued our story line heroine. Brandy had easily fallen for the man she considered her hero but Ronan wanted nothing more than a one-night stand. The $ex scenes are seductive, passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Ronan’s best friend and business partner /boss Devlin Saint, as well as Detective Lamar Gage, and several security specialists who work for Saint’s Angels. The requisite evil has many faces.

SINNER’S GAME is a story of betrayal, power, desperation and love. The premise is edgy, intriguing and captivating; the romance is provocative and hot; the characters are energetic and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
My Fallen Saint
My Beautiful Saint
My Cruel Salvation

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.

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