Monthly Archives: September 2022

Titan (Phoenix Fighters 1) by Chantal Fernando-a review

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Titan (Phoenix Fighters 1) by Chantal Fernando-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 19, 2022

Forgiveness has never been my strong suit–even when it comes in the form of a temptress with brown eyes and a sweet smile.

But that smile wasn’t always sweet.

My name is Titan, and I’m one of the best muay thai fighters of my time.

It wasn’t always like this, I wasn’t always on top of the world.

Once upon a time, I was beneath it.

But what do I do when the woman from my hell meets me in my heaven?

What I do best.

Fight.

•••••

REVIEW:TITAN is the first instalment in Chantal Fernando’s contemporary, adult PHOENIX FIGHTERS MMA romance series. This is champion muay Thai fighter Titan Chase, and physio-therapist Saskia Day’s story line.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Titan and Saskia) TITAN follows the enemies to lovers relationship between champion muay Thai fighter Titan Chase, and physio-therapist Saskia Day. High school was h*ll for our story line hero. Bullied and beaten, Titan would push himself to become the world’s best fighter but no matter how rich or famous, the little boy within continues to feel bullied by the woman who is about to steal his heart. Saskia Day was an emotional bully, directing much of her anger and animosity towards our story line hero. School mates and enemies, Saskia stood by and watched as her friends and acquaintances attacked a young man, leaving behind a broken and batter boy, a boy who would one day rule the fighting ring. Fast forward to present day wherein, champion muay Thai fighter Titan Chase is in need of a physio-therapist, and Saskia Day has been hired to work on his injury. Old memories and pain are hard to forget, as Titan struggles with what was and what will never be, again. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Saskia and Titan, and the potential fall-out as the past returns targeting our story line heroine in the process.

The relationship between Saskia and Titan is an enemies to lovers relationship in which Titan struggles to forgive, and Saskia battles between head and heart knowing she helped to destroy the heart of a frightened young man. Misunderstanding, miscommunication, and a world of hurt, continue to beat at the heart and mind of our hero, a man who is willing to emotionally attack back in defense of his heart using any method including quickly moving on. The $ex scenes are intimate but limited without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Saskia’s best friend Destiny; fellow muay Thai fighter and Titan’s best friend Shepherd, as well as Titan’s mother, and Saskia’s ex boyfriend Rick.

TITAN is a story of bullying and discrimination; power and control, perceived betrayal and retaliation; acceptance, forgiveness and love. The fast paced premise is emotional and engaging; the romance is fast and furious; the characters are broken, struggling but moving on.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

New York Times, Amazon & USA Today Bestselling Author Chantal Fernando is thirty years old and lives in Western Australia.

Lover of all things romance, Chantal is the author of the best selling books Dragon’s Lair, Maybe This Time and many more.

When not reading, writing or daydreaming she can be found enjoying life with her three sons and family.

Chantal loves to hear from readers.

Follow Chantal: Website/ Facebook/ Twitter/ Goodreads

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Making the Match (River Rain 4) by Kristen Ashley-review tour

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Making the Match (River Rain 4) by Kristen Ashley-review & excerpt tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 20, 2022

Decades ago, tennis superstar Tom Pierce and “It Girl” Mika Stowe met at a party.

Mika fell in love. Tom was already in love with his wife. As badly as Tom wanted Mika as a friend, Mika knew it would hurt too much to be attracted to this amazing man and never be able to have him.

They parted ways for what they thought would be forever, only to reconnect just once, when unspeakable tragedy darkens Mika’s life.

Years later, the impossible happens.

A time comes when they’re both unattached.

But now Tom has made a terrible mistake. A mistake so damaging to the ones he loves, he feels he’ll never be redeemed.

Mika has never forgotten how far and how fast she fell when she met him, but Tom’s transgression is holding her distant from reaching out.

There are matchmakers in their midst, however.

And when the plot has been unleashed to make that match, Tom and Mika are thrown into an international intrigue that pits them against a Goliath of the sports industry.

Now they face a massive battle at the same time they’re navigating friendship, attraction, love, family, grief, redemption, two very different lives lived on two opposite sides of a continent and a box full of kittens

•••••

REVIEW MAKING THE MATCH is the fourth instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult RIVER RAIN romance series. This is forty eight year old, multi-media artist Mika Stowe, and former professional tennis player turned doctor Tom Pierce’s story line. MAKING THE MATCH can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

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

Told from first person (Mika) and several third persons perspectives including Tom, using present day and memories from the past, following several intersecting paths, MAKING THE MATCH follows the second chance relationship , of a sorts, between forty eight year old, multi-media artist Mika Stowe, and former professional tennis player turned doctor Tom Pierce. Years earlier Mika Stowe fell in love with a married man but Tom Pierce wasn’t about to stray from the woman he loved. Life and everything it had to offer including birth of children and the death of a lover, betrayal and divorce, secrets and lies would ultimately forge a history ; dual paths that would collide when a mysterious package is delivered to our story line heroine, a package that reveals the destructive nature of power and control but Mika struggles with what she believes to be a betrayal by the man she once loved, a betrayal directed at someone else. As Mika and Tom begin to rebuild their friendship, a blending of families reveals heart break and the pain of disappointment, and miscommunication when the past comes looking for forgiveness and acceptance. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship and relationship between Mika and Tom, and the potential fall-out as Tom battles with the guilt of betrayal, a battle he has imposed, all on his own.

Meanwhile, the world of professional tennis is about to face the fall-out of the ‘me too’ movement, when several women come forward accusing past players, coaches and sponsors of sexual harassment and blackmail.

The relationship between Mika and Tom is a friends to lovers that struggled in the face of timing, other relationships, perception and loss. Tom’s divorce from the woman he once loved revealed a different side to family and relationships, wherein blame is often the proverbial two-way street but gossip and the media don’t tell the whole story, a story misinterpreted by our story line heroine. Mika has suffered in the face of tragedy and loss but, once again, life goes on, pushing forward, until there is often no longer a place to push forward to. 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 colorful, energetic and broken secondary and supporting characters including Tom’s children, each of whom is struggling within the family dynamic: Chloe Pierce and Judge Oakley (Chasing Serenity 2) , Matt, Sasha; Tom’s former wife Gen and her husband Duncan (After the Climb 1) ; Mika’s eighteen year old daughter Cadence; friends, family, business partners and exes.

MAKING THE MATCH is a detailed, complex and dramatic tale of betrayal, second chances, acceptance and love. The premise is impassioned and captivating; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are determined, edgy and moving forward.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
After the Climb
Chasing Serenity
Taking the Leap

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

 

She looked beyond him and called, “Hey, Mom.”
Suddenly, Tom felt like he’d been punched in the chest, his breath not coming easy.
Dragging some in, he turned and saw Mika standing there.
She was wearing a kaftan dress with a low V at the neck, draping sleeves and a string through an empire waist that gathered the material. The print on a black background was mostly reds, oranges and pinks with bright accents of green and blue and turquoise. She had some flat, embroidered mules on her feet. And her still-golden hair was up in a messy knot on top of her head.
Even though she was dressed like she was hanging around the house, she wore makeup. Mostly neutral but with black cat’s-eye, drawing focus to her eyes and the startling sea-blue color of the iris. She had some delicate chain bracelets at her wrists and a number of piercings in her ears, with studs or small hoops running up the shell, and dangling beads coming from the lobe.
She looked the picture of what a poet, photographer, novelist, filmmaker would look like. An easy style that was not unique, but she made it that way.
She was also still one of the most attractive women he’d ever laid eyes on.
In fact, he’d go so far as saying she was in the top two, vying for number one.
“Tom,” she greeted.
“Mika,” he replied, and then was surprised yet again in his short visit to her home.He saw a soft pink rise in her cheeks, the kind a woman got when she felt nervous or didn’t know what to do with flattery, something he hadn’t offered, unless she caught it in his gaze.
She looked to her daughter and ordered, “Scram, kid.”

 

 

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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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Only Bad Options by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Only Bad Options by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
A WOMAN WHO SEES EVERYTHING . . .

Few people know the name Vesper Quill. To most folks, I’m just a lowly lab rat who designs brewmakers and other household appliances in the research and development lab at the powerful Kent Corp. But when I point out a design flaw and a safety hazard in the new line of Kent Corp starcruisers, everyone knows who I am—and wants to eliminate me.

I might be a seer with a photographic memory, but I don’t see the trouble headed my way until it’s too late. Suddenly, I’m surrounded by enemies and fighting for my life.

I don’t think things can get any worse until I meet Kyrion Coldren, an arrogant Regal lord who insists that we have a connection, one that could be the death of us both.

A MAN WHO CAN’T FORGET HIS PAST . . .

The name Kyrion Coldren strikes fear in the hearts of people across the Archipelago Galaxy. As the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force, I’m used to being a villain, as well as the personal assassin of Lord Callus Holloway. Even the wealthy Regals who live on the planet of Corion are afraid of me.

But everything changes when I meet Vesper Quill. I might be a powerful psion with telepathic, telekinetic, and other abilities, but Vesper sees far too many of my secrets.

Thanks to an arcane, unwanted quirk of psionic magic, the two of us are forced to work together to unravel a dangerous conspiracy and outwit the dangerous enemies who want to bend us to their will.

•••••••

 

Barb’s Review:
Only Bad Options by Jennifer Estep is the first book in her Galactic Bonds series.  As noted, many times, I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, having enjoyed all her fantastic series.  I was thrilled to learn that she was starting a different kind of new series, and after reading the first book, I can’t wait for more.

This series centers on Vesper Quill, our heroine, who works for Kent Corp, in their research and development lab.  Vesper is considered a lowly lab rat and a seer, she has uncanny ability to find flaws and fix anything in high tech equipment, as well as brew makers/appliances.  She discovers a terrible conspiracy, and before she can point it out, the tables are turned, and she is sent away to be eliminated. 

Kyrion Caldaren, is a powerful and arrogant leader of the Imperium Arrows, who is known to be the most notorious assassin, having killed many; he reports directly to Lord Callus Holloway. During a battle, Kyrion accidently meets the low lab rat, who is sent out to fight the battle in front of them, knowing Vesper was expected to not survive.  But she manages to use her seer knowledge and experience on the weapons used, Vesper manages to save herself and Kyrion. 

Kyrion, at first, is not planning on saving her, but in a short time, he finds her abilities intriguing. They start out as enemies, with Kyrion thinking she is a spy, and in time they become partners in stopping the evil Kent family, who have teamed with the enemy. 

What follows is an exciting, action filled, suspenseful story that kept me unable to put the book down. Vesper was a great heroine, as she was not only smart, savvy, but her abilities was amazing; as some of her other abilities, allowed her to see things beyond, an discover many secrets. In time, I began to like Kyrion, who earlier was not really likable.  Only Bad Options had a Galactic theme, with seers, powerful psion, magic, telekinesis, telepathy, as well as spaceships, blasters and great technology. 

The last third of the book was extremely tense and exciting, with a few surprises along the way. I enjoyed watching Vesper and Kyrion begin to work together, as they eventually made a great team.  I will not tell too much more, as it would be spoilers, but it was a wild satisfying ending.

Only Bad Options is a different and intriguing Sci-Fi and Fantasy new series that is very well written by Jennifer Estep.  I loved both Vesper and Kyrion, and look forward to see what Estep has planned in future books.   I suggest you read Only Bad Options, as I fully enjoyed it.

 

Sandy’s Review:

ONLY BAD OPTIONS is the first instalment in Jennifer Estep’s adult, sci-fi GALACTIC TRUEBOND space-opera series. This is thirty-seven year old R&D tech specialist Vesper Quill, and thirty-eight year old, leader of the Arrows Kyrion Coldren’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kyrion and Vesper) ONLY BAD OPTIONS follows in the wake of our heroine discovering a possible fatal flaw in in the new line of Kent Corp starcruisers, a safety hazard that had already killed several hundred people. In an effort to keep Vesper quiet, our heroine is imprisoned and set to fight a war on another planet, a fight that is meant to end in her immediate death but Vesper isn’t about to go down without a fight, and alongside the infamous personal assassin of Lord Holloway, our couple manage to reach the relative safety of an enemy ship. With her ability to ‘see’ and ‘fix’ things, Vesper and Kyrian manage to escape only to come up close and personal with the people who want her gone but all is not well with our story line couple when blood contact reveals a Truebond mate, a mating neither wants or is willing to accept. As our couple must come to terms with their unknown future, the enemy begins to circle, hoping to destroy everyone in their way.

ONLY BAD OPTIONS is a space-opera-esque, Cinderella-esque, story line reminiscent of many of Jennifer’s previous series. Friends turned enemies, dysfunctional family bloodlines, power and control, magic and mayhem, attraction and rejection. The reader is pulled into a sci-fi fantasy of betrayal and vengeance, and a hierarchy of command desperate to rule without question. Like most dystopian story lines, there is limited to no romance as the couple must fight for their lives, all the while rejecting the attraction to one another, and the potential for a broken heart. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the characters are numerous, powerful and determined. If you are looking for romance, there is none-only rejection and second thoughts.

Jennifer is graciously offering a $10 Amazon Gift card to ONE (1) 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 into 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 LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook

4. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on TWITTER

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

6. FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from September 21 – 25, 2022

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Bratva Treasure(Ivankov Brotherhood)by Sabine Barclay-review tour

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Bratva Treasure (Ivankov Brotherhood 3) by Sabine Barclay-review tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 20, 20220

She has no idea what she agreed to…
My printsessa thinks she’s taken a regular job for a regular lawyer.

She doesn’t know the devils that lurk below the surface now that she’s in my world. The bratva world.

Innocent, sweet, and trusting.

All the things I am not. All the things I never knew I wanted.

But I do now. And she’s mine.

Let someone try to take her. I’ll burn the world down around them to keep her. She’s my soulmate.

She doesn’t know her limits yet. I’ll take her there, then bring her back with my touch and my love.

•••••

REVIEW: BRATVA TREASURE is the third instalment in Sabine Barclay’s contemporary adult IVANKOV BROTHERHOOD dark, erotic, Bratva romance series. This is twenty-eight year old businessman and Bratva heir Nikolai ‘Niko’ Kutsenko, and twenty-three year old PA Anastasia ‘Stasia’ Antonov’s story line. BRATVA TREASURE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise including graphic violence, assault, and ‘breath’ play, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Stasia and Niko) BRATVA TREASURE follows Anastasia Antonov as she must come to terms with her new job, her new boss, and the man with whom she will fall in love. For most of her life, Anastasia Antonov has been shielded by her parents, never knowing the truth about their lives or their connections back home. Anastasia’s father Yuri is Russian, and with it comes a secret family history our heroine knows nothing about but it is her new life that is about to spiral out of control when she discovers the people for whom she works are part of the Russian Bratva, a lifestyle with which she wants nothing to do. Having fallen for her boss’s brother in law Nikolai Kutsenko, Anastasia is about to break the heart of the man with whom she is falling in love but all is not well within the hierarchy of organized crime, and Anastasia is targeted for who she is, her relationship with Niko, and a family history she knows nothing about. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Stasia and Niko, and the potential fall-out as the past comes seeking revenge, using our heroine as a pawn to destroy them all.

The relationship between Stasia and Niko is one of immediate attraction, a quick building love affair in which Stasia struggles with Niko’s connections to organized crime, and often places herself in the direct line of fire. A little TSTL (too stupid to live), Stasia often finds herself a victim, a survivor, an innocent, a power when not only her life but the life of the people she loves is threatened. Niko is a demanding man both in and out of the bedroom, and our heroine is quick to submit and obey. From bondage and discipline (spanking) to breath play and toys, Nikolai is determined to claim Stasia from the first time they met. The $ex scenes are erotic, provocative, seductive and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and powerful secondary and supporting characters including Stasia’s parents Yuri and Allison Antonov, as well as Nikolai’s brother Maksim and Laura (Bratva Darling 1), Bogdan and Christina (Bratva Sweetheart 2), and Aleksei, and their mother Galina; cousins Anton and Sergei, Mischa, and Pasha. The requisite evil has many faces including the Italian mob.

BRATVA TREASURE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and madness, violence and death, understanding and love. The premise is dark, gritty, raw and dramatic; the daddy-kink romance is erotic and intense; the characters are energetic, charismatic, determined and captivating.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book two BRATVA SWEETHEART

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Sabine Barclay, a nom de plume also writing Historical Romance as Celeste Barclay, lives near the Southern California coast where she’s a former rower and a hopeful surfer, a self-proclaimed foodie, and a lover of the outdoors. Sabine enjoys attending reader events and travels domestically and internationally for book signings and speaking engagements. Before becoming a full-time author, Sabine was a Social Studies and English teacher. She holds degrees in International Affairs (BA), Secondary Social Science (MAT), and Political Management (MPS). She channels that knowledge into creating engrossing contemporary romances that bring the steam will make your toes curl and your granny blush.

Website: http://www.sabinebarclay.com 

Newsletter: http://www.sabinebarclay.com/joinnewsletter 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabinebarclayauthor 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SabineBarclayAuthor 

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Devouring Darkness by Chloe Neill – Review & Excerpt

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Devouring Darkness by Chloe Neill – Review & Excerpt

 

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Description:
As the only vampire ever born, and the daughter of two very powerful Chicago vampires, Elisa Sullivan knew her life was going to be…unusual. But she wanted to make her own way in the world, preferably away from her famous family. Then supernatural politics—and perhaps a bit of destiny—intervened, and Elisa had to steady her nerves and sharpen her steel to fight for the city of Chicago. Luckily, Connor Keene, son of the North American Central Pack’s Apex wolf, is right by her side.

When Elisa and her Ombudsman colleagues agree to escort a troubled sorcereress to Chicago, they inadvertently set in motion a scheme of long-awaited magical vengeance. The city may pay an arcane price it can’t afford unless Elisa and her allies rise to the challenge.

 

 

Review:

Devouring Darkness by Chloe Neill is the 5th book in her fantastic Heirs of Chicagoland series.  Refresher:  Elisa Sullivan, our heroine, is the only vampire child ever born, and her parents (Ethan & Merit) are the powerful leaders of the vampires that lead Chicagoland.  Connor Keen, our hero, is a werewolf and the heir apparent to the North American Central Pack Apex (Alpha). Connor and Elisa have become a wonderful romantic couple, as the chemistry between them is sizzling.

When Elisa and her Ombudsman colleagues agree to escort a troubled sorcerer to Chicago, they quickly learn that the woman they were trying save was a demon. With the demon loose, Chicago is under siege with chaos wreaking havoc.  The stakes are high, as Elisa tries to find the demon, and stop her from destroying Chicago; Connor always shows up to be by her side throughout.  Things become worse when Elisa’s family home disappears, which includes her mother, father, Connor’s mother, father, and many others we knew from previous books.  Time is of essence, as they only have a few days to stop the demon and save the family.  Connor is also under pressure from an out-of-town pack that plans on taking over his pack and challenging him.

I love how Elisa and Connor were so great together, with both of them always supporting each other, constantly being by their side whenever needed; even though she was a vampire and he was a werewolf.   They were both independent, strong, savvy and very much in love, with awesome chemistry. It was also nice to see many of the recurring characters in this series, such as Lulu, Alexi, Theo, Petra, as well as many of the originals from Chicagoland.

What follows is an exciting action filled adventure, especially in the last half of the book as the danger escalates, with threats are escalated. Devouring Darkness was very well-written by Chole Neill, with lots of action, romance, fun and intense. Once again, I thought Elisa was a fabulous heroine, and we got a glimpse of the monster inside of her, who would help her when the danger escalated, adding the strong element of a berserker. Only Connor was aware of the monster.

Chloe Neill gives us another great story, with a wonderful couple, great secondary characters.  Devouring Darkness was an exciting, tense, nonstop action filled addition to this wonderful series.  I wholly suggest you read this series.  I can’t wait for more.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

                             Excerpt

A human approached us-dark skin and dapper suit, trimly fit around a strong body. He smiled tentatively at me, then Lulu. “Lulu Bell?”

“That’s me,” Lulu said. “Hi.”

“I’m Clint Howard,” the man said, offering her a hand.

“Oh my god, sure!” Lulu said brightly, shaking and then gesturing to me. “Elisa, this is Clint. He owns the gallery.”

“Nice to meet you,” I said. “You’ve got a lovely space here. And . . . an eclectic collection.”

His grin was wide and a little sly. “We’re a space for emerging artists. And speaking of which, I saw your piece on Halsted. I’d love to talk to you about an installation.”

Lulu’s eyes went wide. She was a muralist and specialized in outdoor projects; her brightly colored creations covered at least a dozen brick

 

 

 

 

 

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Out of the Fire/Into the Dark by Jessica Ames-review tour

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Out of the Fire/Into the Dark (RBMC: Liverpool, UK) by Jessica Ames-review tour

OUT OF THE FIRE
Royal B*stards MC: Liverpool, UK 2.5
by Jessica Ames
Release Date: September 11, 2022
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, MC, dark, romance

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

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: I’m Angel, the President of the Royal Harlots MC. My role is clear: take care of my club sisters and help defend our brothers in the Royal Bastards when needed.

When women start to go missing off the streets of the city, it takes the joint resources of both our clubs to find out why.

I never expected a Private Investigator to get in my way.

Joel is working on this case too. I want to protect him, just as much as he wants to protect me, but there is nowhere we can hide from the danger that is coming. All I can hope is that we both survive the oncoming storm.

•••••••

REVIEW:OUT OF THE FIRE is the second instalment in Jessica Ames’ contemporary, adult ROYAL HARLOTS/ ROYAL B*STARDS MC: LIVERPOOL , UK dark, erotic, MC romance series, a part of the multi-authored RBMC series. This is president of the Royal Harlots all girl MC Angelica ‘Angel’ Burton, and private investigator Joel Armstrong’s story line.

WARNING: Due not the nature of the story line premise including graphic violence, spousal and child abuse, there will be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Angel and Joel) OUT OF THE FIRE focuses on the search for a number of missing women in Liverpool, England. With the police refusing to put any effort into the search, a local private investigator Joel Armstrong is hired, bringing his hunt to the Royal Harlots MC. The Royal Harlots and their president Angel Burton, specialize in rescuing and housing abused women and children, and Joel hopes the Royal Harlots may know something he hasn’t been able to uncover. As Angel and Joel begin to unearth a possible connection to the Liverpool docks, rumors reveal another connection to the Russian Bratva.

The relationship between Angel and Joel is one of immediate attraction but their first priority is to locate the missing women Both Angel and Joel’s backstories are heart breaking, making their need to find the women immediate and personal. A few days working side by side, ends with a proclamation of love and forever. The $ex scenes are fast and furious.

OUT OF THE FIRE is a quick read; a fast paced story that reveals the back story for the author’s INTO THE DARK. The premise is dark, gritty, raw and dramatic; the romance is provocative; the characters are desperate and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

________

INTO THE DARK
Royal B*stards MC: Liverpool, UK 3
by Jessica Ames
Release Date: September 20, 2022
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, MC, dark, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Marleigh

One night was enough to change my life. I was taken, plucked out of my life and forced into hell. Gaining my freedom didn’t unshackle the chains around me. It made them tighten. I’m fuelled by my need to avenge the wrongs done to me and those I was forced to leave behind. I’ll stop at nothing to achieve that.
I don’t need a brave knight riding a motorcycle and wearing leather to save me. He doesn’t agree. He thinks I’m a damsel in distress, but I’m focused on my task—destroying the man who ripped my world apart.

Machete

Marleigh needs to realise I’m not walking away and leaving her to face these demons alone. This fight is mine as much as it’s hers. We’ve been tracking the men who are operating in our city without our permission and we’re ready to bring them down. We’ll stop at nothing to return safety to our streets, but Marleigh seems determined to get in my way at every turn. She needs to back off before she gets hurt. She’s under my skin and as much as I want to deny it, I want to claim her as mine. The problem is she’s walking into danger and I’m not sure if I can save her.

••••••

REVIEW: INTO THE DARK is the third instalment in Jessica Ames’ ROYAL B*ASTARDS MC, LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND dark, erotic, MC romance series, a part of the multi-authored RBMC series. This is Marleigh, and Blake aka Machete’s story line. INTO THE DARK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

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

Told from three first person perspectives (Marleigh, Machete, Pretty Boy) INTO THE DARK continues to focus on the search and take down of a human trafficking ring in Liverpool, England. Three months earlier Marleigh and her best friend Ellie were abducted and trafficked by a powerful Russian oligarch but Marleigh escaped, and has spent the last few months placing herself in the direct line of fire, hoping to find where her best friend was taken but Marleigh will find herself reluctantly working with the Royal B*stards, and the Royal Harlots MC, in an effort to take down the man in charge. All does not go according to plan when the RBMC discover the Liverpool Port is but a small part of a global chain of human trafficking. What ensues is the building relationship between Marleigh and Machete, and the potential fall-out as Marleigh once again finds herself in a precarious position, with both her life and the life of Machete, hanging in the balance.

The relationship between Marleigh and Machete is one of immediate attraction but Marleigh’s only goal is to locate her friend, and bring her home. Machete suspects her friend may no longer be alive but Marleigh isn’t willing to give up until she uncovers the truth. As the relationship develops, Marleigh continues to place herself in danger, working with the Russian oligarch currently in charge. The $ex scenes between our leading couple are limited but passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including RBMC: Liverpool president Mouth and his old lady, gang leader Genevieve (Into the Flames 1), as well as the president of the Royal Harlots Angel, and her boyfriend Joel (Into the Fire 2), and Angel’s brother Pretty Boy.

INTO THE DARK is another dark and gritty story of power and control, danger and death, trafficking and abuse, acceptance and love. The premise is raw; the romance is limited; the characters are numerous, struggling, powerful and determined. INTO THE DARK ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Jessica Ames lives in a small market town in the Midlands, England. She lives with her dog and when she’s not writing, she’s playing with crochet hooks.

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The Rules of Dating by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward-Review Tour

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The Rules of Dating by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward-Review Tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 19, 2022

It all started when I hosted a little party for a bunch of new friends.

Though “friends” might not be the right word since the invitees were all the women I’d found out my boyfriend was talking to behind my back. When the guest of honor walked in—aka my now ex—things took a turn…

Unfortunately, a stranger witnessed the whole blowout. I was in a mood that night and ended up giving this gorgeous guy an attitude, too. As if my night could get any worse, before he stormed off, he informed me he was actually my landlord.

Colby Lennon, along with three of his friends, owned the building where my tattoo shop was located. He and I were total opposites. He wore a tie, oozed confidence that came with years of women falling at his feet, and wasn’t afraid to say what he wanted, which lately—was me.

I hated that I found myself attracted to him. Especially since I was supposed to be on a self-imposed dating hiatus. Yet the two of us couldn’t seem to stay away from each other. We started hanging out, as friends. I even went as far as making rules for what he’d dubbed our “undates.”

But eventually, our explosive attraction became too much to bear, and we broke our resolve. I let my guard down and started to really fall for Colby.

Nothing could have prepared me for the ride he took me on. And I certainly wasn’t prepared for where I’d wind up when the ride was over.

All good things must come to an end, right?

Except our ending was one I didn’t see coming.

••••••

REVIEW: THE RULES OF DATING is the first instalment in the contemporary, adult, erotic, romance series co-authored by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland. This is architect and single father Colby Lennon, and tattoo artist Billie Holland’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Billie and Colby) THE RULES OF DATING follows in the wake of our heroine, Billie Holland, discovering her boyfriend of several months kept a Tinder profile with twelve ongoing matches. Having successfully humiliated the man at work, Billie would come face to face with her new landlord, Colby Lennon, the man with whom Billie would fall in love. Setting down rules for her future relationships, Billie struggles with her attraction to a man she doesn’t want to date instead labelling their relationship something else but Colby’s past returns demanding a favor, a favor that may place his future with Billie in jeopardy. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Billie and Colby, and the potential fall-out as Colby’s past threatens our story line hero.

Colby Lennon is a single father, and his daughter Saylor is the most important person in his life. Colby’s attraction to Billie is compounded by Billie’s love for his daughter Saylor, a young girl who has fallen in love with our story line heroine. Billie battles between head and heart having been hurt just weeks before but Billie’s heart wants something her head continues to tell her no.

The relationship between Billie and Colby is one of immediate attraction but Colby is determined to claim Billie as his own. Trying to keep their ‘undates’ amicable, Colby and Billie find themselves rapidly falling, a fall that may break both of their hearts. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Billie’s staff: Deek and Justine, and Billie’s ex boyfriend Kaiden; Colby’s daughter Saylor, and his best friends and fellow landlords Holden, Owen and Brayden. Holden’s story line is next.

THE RULES OF DATING is a story of loss and acceptance, heart breaking and forgiveness, love and happily ever after. The premise is captivating and emotional; the romance is provocative and sensual; the characters are charismatic, determined, struggling and lost.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family-friendly career. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 11-year-old girl with autism and a 9-year-old boy. Penelope and her family reside in Rhode Island.

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••••••••

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is an attorney and a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today Best Selling author. Over the last three years, ten of her titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestseller lists and three on the New York Times Bestseller lists.

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Hunted in Darkness (Aspen Pack 2) by Carrie Ann Ryan-Review Tour

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Hunted in Darkness (Aspen Pack 2) by Carrie Ann Ryan-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 19, 2022

Skye Jamenson-Anderson knows the legacy she must live up to. She’s the daughter of warriors and the granddaughter of the late Alphas who sacrificed everything so their den could survive. Though she feels she doesn’t have a place in her Pack, she does everything in her power to keep them and their allies alive—including saving the Aspen Alpha.

As Alpha of the Aspen Pack, Chase Leyne knows a thing or two about one’s legacy. He’s the son of a traitor and the most powerful wolf in his territory. He also knows without a doubt that Skye is not his mate. When the two decide to lean on another in every way possible, they both go in knowing nothing forever can come out of it.

The enemy is stepping up their game and threaten the stability of the alliance forged in blood. With one bite, Chase and Skye’s world changes, and the one thing that is keeping them apart might be the only promise to save their Packs and their future.

••••

REVIEW: The second book in the Aspen Pack Series; Hunted in Darkness is a lively, fast paced shifter romance. HID can be read as a standalone, however, I always recommend reading a series in order to get the most out of it.

Chase is the new alpha of the recovering Aspen Pack, he has much to prove and rebuild after the damage his father did as previous pack leader. Now the newly healing pack has a new flight on their hands, something is coming and they will need to rely on each other to get to the bottom of it. Even the ones that he doesn’t expect.

Skye Jamenson has been lost for what feels like her entire life, never really feeling like she belonged anywhere. Her parents have never been nothing but supportive, but she knows she also has her family’s name to live up to. Skye will do whatever she can to make sure her pack and their allies stay safe and whole. When one of their allies is attacked, Skye rushes to the rescue.

Chase is pleasantly surprised by Skye and her strength as she stands her ground against those around her. This new enemy is coming for not only their packs, but all packs everywhere. As the battle continues, this new enemy keeps coming after Chase time and time again, and when this happens, Skye is always there to help him. The mating bonds are all messed up still, but they both feel something when they are with one another, maybe a little less…broken?

I love a good shifter romance and C.A.R never lets me down! It was really interesting getting more of the back story of Chase and the Aspen back. This new threat is going to be one that know one sees coming. Skye and Chase’s connection is so different compared to other “fated” mates, the bonds are still altered so what they should be feeling is muted. However, their connection and chemistry is still fire, they bond even without it. Hunted in Darkness is filled with heart pounding action, jaw dropping twists, and spicy bits that will fuel the imagination.

Click HERE for Sarah’s review of book one ETCHED IN HONOR

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

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

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