Monthly Archives: November 2022

A Christmas Deliverance by Anne Perry – a Review

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A Christmas Deliverance by Anne Perry – a Review

 

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Description:
Scuff has come a long way from his time as a penniless orphan scraping together a living on the banks of the Thames. Now he’s studying medicine at a free clinic run by Dr. Crowe, a thoughtful if stoic mentor. But lately Crowe has been distracted, having witnessed an altercation between a wealthy former patient of his named Ellie–a woman that he not only treated but developed unacknowledged feelings for–and her controlling fiancé. It seems someone is forcing Ellie to marry the man. When Crowe’s emotions come flooding back, he sets out to uncover the troubling connection between Ellie, her father, and her betrothed.

With Crowe engrossed in his investigation just weeks before the holidays, Scuff is left to run the clinic on his own, treating London’s poor and vulnerable. In the holiday spirit, he offers Mattie, a young girl in need, a warm place to stay as the winter chill sweeps through the city. Together, Scuff and Mattie must also fend off the police, who are growing suspicious of Crowe’s amateur sleuthing. Will Crowe be able to help Ellie, and will Scuff be able to ensure that he and Mattie–and all of their patients–have a safe and peaceful Christmas?

 

 

Review:

A Christmas Deliverance by Anne Perry is a stand-alone novella, that is set in her mystery series, William and Hester Monk.  The story starts off with Dr. Crowe attending the wounds of a young girl, Mattie, as he fixes her damaged finger. Crowe operates a free medical clinic, mostly for the poor in its vicinity; with people paying mostly for the service with food, as well as occasional donations that help Crowe to purchase the medicines and equipment needed.  His assistant Scuff, has been learning everything about medicine, to help Crowe, his mentor, in handling the many patients that cannot afford to pay.  Scuff is the adopted son of William and Hester Monk (the other series), and he plays a major role in this story.

One day, Crowe arrives at a scene where a young woman is trapped under a carriage with a severe injury to her leg.  He manages to get her to his clinic to treat and cleanse the injury.  The young woman is Ellie Hollister, who is the daughter of a wealthy businessman. Her father is not pleased she is in this clinic for the poor, but with advice from his doctors, he allows her to remain for a few days.  Crowe was enamored by Ellie, but understands that she is out of his class.  A year later, he sees Ellie from a distance, having an argument with another man, who ends up slapping her.  Crowe comes to her rescue, and is shocked to discover that the man is her fiancée.  Crowe decides he needs to investigate why would Ellie would want to marry a man that abuses her.

With Crowe out of the office a lot to investigate the wealthy men Dolan and Hollister, Scuff is left to run the clinic mostly on his sown.  Young Mattie brings her kitten to Scuff, who realizes that Mattie is homeless, and offers her a warm place to stay with her kitten, Rosie, as well as give both of them food.  Mattie also helps out Scuff, with cleansing tools, and together they fend off the police, who are suspicious about Crowe’s investigations

What follows is Crowe using his connections throughout the town to learn more of why Ellie is being forced to marry Paul Dolan, an evil and abusive man. He learns about a fire, a dead man and the Dolan family possibly blackmailing Ellie’s father. As we race to the finish, Crowe visits Inspector Monk, to explain his findings, with an exciting dangerous finale.  A Christmas Deliverance was a well written mystery by Anne Perry.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Cruelest Oblivion (Cruelest Oblivion 1) by MA Heard-review tour

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Cruelest Oblivion (Cruelest Oblivion 1) by MA Heard-review tour

 

 

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: Release Date November 7, 2022

Over the past five decades, the dome over our Ecocity has protected us from the deviants living in the forbidden territory. Since the great war ended, our lives have consisted of virtue and order.

Once a year, seven people are sent out to the forbidden lands to see if there are any deviants worth saving. None have returned, only increasing people’s fear of what lies beyond the safe border of the dome.

When I’m chosen as a crusader, the world, as I know it, is ripped from under my feet. In the forbidden territory, I learn things I never dreamed existed – a world I’ve been totally oblivious to. I meet people who freely show emotion and affection. People who dare make their own choices.

It’s frightening and the opposite of everything I’ve ever known.

Suddenly, I have to fight for my life. I’m thrown into chaos where time is running out to become a skilled fighter who will be an asset for the coming war. But my mind’s bombarded with questions – who’s right and who’s wrong? Which side should I fight on?

I don’t belong in this world filled with cruelty and depravity.

Then there’s Chance, my reluctant trainer. The man is the definition of deadly and so attractive I struggle to think straight around him. I’m also pretty sure he would love nothing more than to snap my neck. Cruel, impatient, and harsh, he’s a brute who seems annoyed by my existence.

Honestly, I’m not sure I will survive living with the deviants, never mind fighting in a war. Unless I find my courage and learn to fight for myself, I fear this new world will crush me.

••••

REVIEW: Cruelest Oblivion is the first book in the new adult dystopian romance series by Michelle Heard writing as M.A. Heard.

Jasper “Jai” Matthias was born and raised in a domed ecocity (an isolated city built after wars ended) and knows nothing about the outside world. She has spent her almost 20 years of life adhering to the rules that were brought forth by the emissaries- leaders and founding fathers of the ecocity. Spending her days honoring those rules and being virtuous as she is supposed to be. She knows that turning 20 means one of two things. She will either get married, which is highly unlikely or become a bearer, which means she will spend her days bearing children to all of the men of the dome to further the race in the ecosystem.

There was one other option she wasn’t counting on. On the seventh day of the seventh month, seven people are collected by the emissaries and are named crusaders.
They are cast out into the forbidden territory (beyond the dome walls), where the deviants live. Their goal is to see if there are any deviants worth saving, No one has ever returned. Several years ago, Jai lost her mother this way. Her mother was cast out into the forbidden territory never to be heard from again.

But when Jai is picked as a crusader, her entire world is ripped from her. All she has ever known, been taught or required to learn – she soon finds out is lies.
Thankfully with her fathers standing and connections she has those that will look out for her and teach her the ways of the forbidden world. What she wasn’t counting on was falling for one of them.

Chance was cast out of the ecocity ten years ago, He has spent those ten years becoming the strongest soldier he can, with one intention. Protecting his brother Ethan, When Ethan shows up at the meeting point with a woman, Jai – Chance almost loses his mind. The last thing he needs is to have to worry about protecting a woman in the forbidden city. Especially one like Jai. She is so young and innocent and he knows she will never survive. But she quickly stands her ground and holds her own.. Jai was told by her father right before she was taken to find Chance and have him train her. That is exactly what she is going to do.

As the world as she knows it goes from virtuous to deviant Jai knows she must protect herself at all costs and do whatever she needs to do to survive.

Upon meeting Chance she realizes that he hates the very sight of her, But innately she knows she can trust him. And when Chance sees that she is giving her all to learn the new ways in the forbidden territory, slowly his walls start to crack. He starts to feel very protective of Jai and soon realizes that he must protect her at all costs. But will she survive? Will she be able to comprehend and understand the new world she lives in Especially when all she has been taught until now has been lies?

I would never pick a dystopian book – just not in my reading genre. But I am a huge fan of Michelle Heard and figured why not give it a try. I read and finished this book in one sitting. And I can not wait to see where this story leads. The second book is due out at the end of November 2022 and I am there for it. There is a trigger warning and an 18 and up advisory on this book. But I highly recommend.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin K

Michelle Heard is a Bestselling Romance Author who loves creating stories her readers can get lost in. She might have a slight obsession with alpha heroes who are not afraid to fight for their women.

Want to be up to date with what’s happening in my world? Sign up to receive the latest news on her alpha hero releases, sales, and great giveaways →http://eepurl.com/cUXM_P

FOLLOW: Newsletter / Amazon Author Page / Goodreads/ Bookbub/  Website/  Facebook/  Instagram/ Twitter/

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JUST WHAT I NEEDED (Stage Dive 4.9) by Kylie Scott-review tour

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JUST WHAT I NEEDED (Stage Dive 4.9 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Kylie Scott-review & excerpt tour

 

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 8, 2022

When the Stage Dive crew decides to help, they do it in a big way.

Nanny and housekeeper Jude has been going through a dry patch. Getting ready to dip her toes back into the dating pool is a little nerve racking. And the offers of assistance from her boss, David Ferris, and his band are not helping. Right up until music producer Dean Jennings arrives to work on the band’s latest album.

But Dean is more than a little wary of dating anyone with anything to do with the Stage Dive crew after losing Lena to lead singer Jimmy Ferris all those years ago. Can Jude a) Convince the crew to stay out of her business and b) Woo the man of her dreams?

•••••

REVIEW: JUST WHAT I NEEDED is instalment 4.9 and novella in Kylie Scott’s contemporary, adult STAGE DIVE erotic, rock romance series, and a part of the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is Ev and David Ferris’, twenty-five year old nanny Jude, and record producer Dean Jennings’ story line. JUST WHAT I NEEDED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from first person perspective (Jude) JUST WHAT I NEEDED follows the building romance and relationship between Ev and David Ferris’, twenty-five year old nanny Jude, and record producer Dean Jennings. Jude works as the nanny to Ev and David’s nine-month old son Jamesy, and lives in the guest house on the Ferris property. With the arrival of music producer Dean Jennings, Jude never expected a temporary roommate much less a nudge from the wives of the Stage Dive rockers. Hoping for an instant connection, Ev, Lena and Anne push Dean and Jude together but Jude’s past is hoping for something more, and Jude’s secrets reveal the embarrassment of a one-time crush on someone they all know. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Jude and Dean, as our couple must come to terms with Dean’s transient lifestyle, on the road more than he is home.

The relationship between Jude and Dean is one of immediate attraction but Jude struggles in the wake of Dean’s fame and his proximity to our story line heroine. Dean knows immediately he wants to make an effort with our story line heroine but instant attraction does not always make for perfect bedfellows. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include band members: Mal and Anne, Ev and David, Lena and Jimmy, as well as Dean’s ex-girlfriend Frankie.

JUST WHAT I NEEDED is a fast paced, quick read that sees another couple fall madly in love. The premise is heart warming and sensual; the characters are spirited and sassy; the romance is tender and provocative.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Lick
Play
Lead
Deep
Strong 4.5
Closer 4.6
Love Song 4.7
The Rhythm Method

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

I smile. I have a lot to smile about. He likes me. We’re doing this. How exciting.
He leans forward. “Can I kiss you, Jude?” he whispers.
I feel those words in every part of me. “Yeah.” I lick my lips. “You can.”
As pretty as he was at a distance, he’s even more handsome close up. All of the shadows and lines of his face. It blows my mind how Lena left him for another. What a fool. Though I am kind of deeply grateful that she did. His lips are divine. No other word will do. And the thought of him pressing them against mine is making my stomach do a weird flip-flop thing. His lips are neither thin nor plump, but somewhere in between and perfect. I stare at them as he comes closer until he’s pressing his mouth softly against mine.
A sweet kiss, as if he’s testing his welcome. The man needn’t have bothered. I balance on the balls of my feet and join our lips once more, kissing him more insistently. I mean, we might as well figure out here and now if we have no chemistry. If he has no expertise. Because I kissed this male model once who was a tongue-wrangling disaster. Just a whole lot of wet-faced yuck. Sad, but true. It’s not like I have kissed anyone in ages. Maybe I’ve forgotten how it all works. Perhaps I’ll be the disaster.
Dean’s hands grip my hips, and his tongue slips into my mouth and oh, yeah. Very nice. A lack of chemistry is obviously not going to be a problem between us. He kisses me deep and wet in a way that goes straight to my head. My fingers slide over the smooth warm skin of his shoulders before holding on tight. He is so solid and strong. One of his hands is now cupping the back of my head, holding me to him. As if I had any intention of leaving. Heck no. We kiss until my lips are numb and swollen and my mind is far away. Nothing else matters but this moment.
He leans his forehead against mine, and we both take a moment to catch our breath. As first kisses go, it was stellar. My empty stomach, however, shows no cool and rumbles loudly. Talk about keeping it real. 


 

Kylie is a long time fan of erotic love stories and B-grade horror films. She demands a happy ending and if blood and carnage occur along the way then all the better. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and one delightful husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet

Stalk Kylie Scott: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Blue Like Me by Aaron Philip Clark-Review & Author Interview

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Blue Like Me (Trevor Finnegan 2) by Aaron Philip Clark-Review & Author Interview

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 8, 2022

A brutal homicide sets an ex-cop and his former partner on the hunt for an enigmatic killer in a gripping thriller by the author of Under Color of Law.

When former detective Trevor “Finn” Finnegan became a PI, he adopted a new mandate: catch the LAPD’s worst in the act. While on surveillance in Venice Beach, Finn tails two potentially dirty cops: Detective Martin Riley and Finn’s ex-partner, Detective Sally Munoz. Things take a deadly turn when an unknown assailant executes Riley and wounds Munoz. In an instant, Finn goes from private eye to eyewitness.

Munoz needs Finn to help find Riley’s killer, but doing so could blow his cover. She’s an officer shaded by rumors. Maybe she’s still a good cop—but maybe she’s not. Finn’s reluctance ends when his dear “uncle,” an ex-LAPD detective, is murdered, and it might be connected to Riley’s death.

To prevent more bloodshed and avoid becoming the next targets on the killer’s list, Finn and Munoz will have to bury their complicated past, trust each other, and come face-to-face with painful secrets that could destroy them both.

••••

REVIEW: BLUE LIKE ME is the second instalment in Aaron Philip Clark’s contemporary, adult TREVOR FINNEGAN murder, mystery, thriller series focusing on former LAPD Detective turned PI Trevor Finnegan. BLUE LIKE ME can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading book one UNDER COLOR OF LAW as most of the events of Blue Like Me are as of a direct result from the previous instalment.

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

Told from first person perspective (Trevor) BLUE LIKE ME is set in 2016, and follows former LAPD Detective turned PI Trevor Finnegan as he is tasked with tailing two LAPD police officers thought to be involved in $ex trafficking crimes but a new assignment finds Trevor following two more detectives, detective of whom he has personal knowledge but all does not go according to plan when a gunman kills one of Trevor’s targets, and injures the other while on the run. Trevor knows that to get involved means facing the wrath of the department for which he once worked, a department that labelled our hero, just another dirty cop. As Trevor works in tandem with injured LAPD Detective Sally Munoz, secrets begin to reveal a connection to a case long thought buried and gone. While his life as a PI is getting more dangerous and dark, his personal life begins to spiral out of control.

Trevor Finnegan lost his job as a detective two years earlier in the wake a scandal, accountability in law enforcement, and the death of a murdered black academy cadet. Fast forward to present day, Trevor now works as a private investigator but quickly discovers many of his targets are members of the LAPD, men and women for whom he once worked. From dirty cops to murder, evidence tampering and bribery, secrets and lies, Trevor uncovers a trail dating back several decades, decades in which time served resulted in the death of a possible innocent man.

BLUE LIKE ME is a gritty and impassioned story of desperation and reprisal, power and control, betrayal and injustice, exposure and lies. The premise is tragic and dramatic; the characters are desperate, determined and broken.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

TRC: Hi Aaron, and welcome to The Reading Cafe.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Social Media Links: Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Website/ Amazon Author Page /

Aaron:I’m a native Angeleno, but I lived on the east coast for twelve years and experiencing both coasts influenced my writing.

I’ve always loved the power of fiction. Before pursuing novel writing, I worked as an independent script doctor revising scripts for clients while working on my thesis. After publishing my thesis novel, I decided to focus solely on fiction. However, I recently returned to screenwriting and found more enjoyment this round than before.

TRC:What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your stories?

Aaron:Admittedly, the road to publication came easier for me than for some. I published with an independent press for my first three novels and then with a larger publisher for my recent books.

TRC:Would you please tell us something about BLUE LIKE ME and the Trevor Finnegan series?

Aaron: Blue Like Me is the second book in the series. Trevor is no longer an LAPD detective and is working as a private investigator whose mandate is exposing crooked cops. Trevor’s character pays homage to the antiheroes of classic noir. He plays by his own rules, and the path of doing the right thing sometimes means operating in a gray area. Right and wrong are subjective, which makes him complicated and someone the reader will route for because he truly strives to do the right thing.

TRC:Is the lead character Trevor Finnegan based on a real person or a mix of people/ law enforcement members?

Aaron: Trevor’s an amalgamation of police officers I knew in the academy and my personal life. In many ways, he’s an ode to Black law enforcement officers who have had to contend with obstacles both within their respective departments and out on the street.

TRC:Are / will any of Trevor’s stories be based on real-life events or a mix of them?

Aaron: I wouldn’t describe the novels as “ripped from the headlines,” but they do crib aspects of their plots from cases I studied in the police academy.

TRC:What kind of research and plotting was involved in the writing of BLUE LIKE ME? How long did you spend researching the premise?

Aaron: It took me two to four months to outline the novel, including researching cases involving the LAPD that inspired aspects of the story. Some cases are well-known, while others are obscure and typically don’t receive media coverage.

TRC:How many books do you have planned for the series?

Aaron: Likely five or six.

TRC:Are the stories stand-alone, or would the reader benefit from reading the series in order?

Aaron: The reader would surely get more out of the series if they read the books in order, but the stories hold up on their own and can be read as stand-alones.

TRC:How do you keep the plot(s) unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Aaron: I spend considerable time ensuring my novels are grounded in reality and authentic police procedure. I don’t have any secret formula, but many twists come from characters’ behavior rather than being heavily plot-driven.

TRC:Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Aaron:The cover image is part of branding and marketing. If a cover is poorly designed or fails to catch a reader’s attention, that could hinder the book’s success unless they’re well-known authors. Debut authors or authors that are publishing with a large commercial publisher for the first time need dynamic covers–it’s a must. Unfortunately, publishers often go with the most cost-effective design, which isn’t always eye-catching.

TRC:When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing, or do you direct the characters?

Aaron: It’s 50/50. I set the scenes and plot the narrative, but once the characters begin to take shape and act from their established beliefs and motivations, it’s their show.

TRC:The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writers fail in this endeavor?

Aaron: Point-of-view plays a considerable role in eliciting a vicarious experience for the reader. Writing in the first-person or close third can facilitate that connection more seamlessly, depending on the writer’s goal. Keeping a distance from the reader can also prove useful, especially if it’s an unreliable narrator.

TRC:Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Aaron: I tend to complete a draft, then elicit feedback if I think something needs refinement.

TRC:What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Aaron: Many people presume you’ve sold thousands of books if you have a New York Times Bestseller. That’s often not true, and the New York Times Bestseller distinction is predicated on a reviewer’s taste. So, I always tell people to support books that interest them rather than be swayed by any trade list.

TRC:What is something that few, if any people, know about you?

Aaron: I’m a classic car enthusiast.

TRC:On what are you currently working?

Aaron: I’m writing a thriller set in the music industry inspired by The Talented Mr. Ripley and other works by Patricia Highsmith.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Aaron: My novel, Blue Like Me, will be published on November 8th and is available for pre-order at Amazon.com.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Lamb Dry Pot

Favorite Dessert: Apple pie

Favorite TV Show: Homicide: Life on the Street

Last Movie You Saw: The Batman

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Dark

Secret Celebrity Crush: Issa Rae

Last Vacation Destination: Hawaii

Do you have any pets? No

Last book you read: The Force by Don Winslow

TRC: Congratulations Aaron on the new release. We wish you all the best.

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Princess and the Player by Ilsa Madden-Mills-review tour

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Princess and the Player (Strangers in Love 2) by Ilsa Madden-Mills-review tour

 

 

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

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Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/392Sim1

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 8, 2022

Level-headed Francesca Lane never thought she’d miss her own wedding. But when her fiancé betrays her, she puts on her wedding dress and ditches the altar for a masquerade ball—at a sex club.

There, she meets NFL star Tuck Avery, dressed as a prince and hiding behind a mask as he celebrates his birthday. For one night, Francesca and Tuck indulge in a wickedly incognito affair. No names. No strings. And the masks don’t come off.

Unfortunately, Francesca soon realizes her prince is the wealthy jock who lives in the penthouse of her apartment building. His hobbies include parties and supermodels—or so the tabloids say. Another shallow jerk is the last thing Francesca needs, so she vows to keep Tuck from recognizing her, not that she’s his type anyway.

But fate has a teeny-tiny trick up her sleeve… a plus sign on a pregnancy test. Can this tormented prince accept love, or will he push his princess away forever?

•••••

REVIEW: PRINCESS AND THE PLAYER is the second instalment in Ilsa Madden-Mills’ contemporary, adult STRANGERS IN LOVE erotic, romance series. This is thirty-five year old, NFL running back Tuck Avery, and thirty year old, tattooist/artist Francesca Lane’s story line. PRINCESS AND THE PLAYER 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 first person perspectives (Tuck and Francesca) PRINCESS AND THE PLAYER follows the building romance and relationship between thirty-five year old, NFL running back Tuck Avery, and thirty year old, tattooist/artist Francesca Lane. After catching her fiance with another woman, Francesca found herself without a direction in life. At her best friend Cecelia’s insistence , Francesca visits an exclusive $ex club where her one-night stand ends with a surprise pregnancy but more surprising is the identity of the father, the man with whom Francesca will fall in love. Enter NFL running back Tuck Avery, an embittered man who struggles with the demons from the past.The loss of her job, the news of her pregnancy, and Tuck’s pronouncement about never wanting to be a father, sends Francesca into a spiral where uncovering her own broken past reveals the heart breaking truth about the parents she never knew. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Tuck and Francesca, and the potential fall-out when Tuck’s demons continue to control his life going forward.

Francesca Lane grew up in the foster care system, and life wasn’t always easy but our heroine has made a family of her own, with the friends that have supported her with kindness and love.Tuck Avery struggles to move on from his past, and it is his past that continues to haunt and control every action in his life. With issues of trust, Tuck manages to keep everyone at a distance including the woman with whom he will fall in love.

The relationship between Tuck and Francesca begins as a one-night stand at an exclusive $ex club where anonymity is always assured but a surprise pregnancy, and an unsure future threatens our heroine’s sense of security, and any possibility of her own happily ever after. Tuck Avery’s football career is struggling, and his own future unsure but the announcement of a baby reinforces his issues of trust, and his struggle with family and love. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and charismatic secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Francesca’s best friend Cece, and their friends Brogan and Darden, as well as her ex fiance Edward, former boss Danny, and former foster brother Levi; Tuck’s teammate and friend Jasper, as well as several women that come in and out of the players lives.

PRINCESS AND THE PLAYER is a story of family, friendships, and relationships; trust and understanding; betrayal and acceptance; love and happily ever after. The premise is captivating and emotional; the romance is seductive and heart breaking; the characters are broken but struggling to move on.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one BEAUTY AND THE BALLER

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies.

Fourteen of her Eighteen novels have placed in the Amazon Top 10 Best-seller List: Dirty English #1; Not My Romeo #1; The Revenge Pact #1; Dear Ava, Fake Fiancée, I Dare You, and I Promise You #2; I Hate You #5; Not My Match, I Bet You, Filthy English, and Very Bad Things #6; Boyfriend Bargain #8; The Last Guy, her collaboration with Tia Louise, #4.

A former high school English teacher, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She’s addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females.

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Sugar Plum Spies by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Sugar Plum Spies by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

 

 

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Description:
VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS . . .

Most spies take a break for the holidays, but not me, Charlotte Locke. As an analyst for Section 47, a secret spy organization, I normally use my magical form of synesthesia to uncover lies and track paramortal bad guys from the comfort of my cubicle. But tonight I’m going out into the field, along with my partner, Desmond Percy, a powerful galvanist.

Instead of enjoying Christmastime in the city, I’m in a German castle, dressed like a toy soldier and masquerading as a waitress at a swanky Christmas Eve party. My mission? To gather information that will help Section 47 track down a dangerous enemy.

Despite the glitz and glamour, I can’t shake the sense that something is wrong—and that Desmond and I might not leave the party alive.

DANCES OF DEATH . . .

My name is Desmond Percy, although I’ve had many aliases during my years working as a cleaner for Section 47. But I’ve never had a real partner until Charlotte Locke.

My part of the mission is simple: pretend to be a guest and keep an eye on things at the party while Charlotte uses her synesthesia to track down the information we need. But what starts out as a sugar plum dream quickly turns into a holiday nightmare.

Forget the mission. All I want for Christmas is to keep Charlotte safe.

__________

Barb’s Review:
Sugar Plum Spies by Jennifer Estep is the 2nd book in her Section 47 series.  I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, having enjoyed all her fantastic series.  After reading the first book in this series, I couldn’t wait to read this book.   Refresher: Secret 47 is a secret government agency that handles paranormal, terrorists, criminals, and have magical abilities.  Their job is to gather information to prevent attacks, casualties, as well as to protect the mortal world; especially against those who create dangerous weapons.

Our main heroes are Charlotte Locke and Desmond Percy; Charlotte is an analyst, with a magic of synesthesia to allow her to uncover lies and track bad guys; Desmond has powerful magical abilities, especially using energy.  They are sent as a team to a party at a German Castle, and have Charlotte sneak out later, when Desmond shuts the lights off, for her to find more information on their enemy. What turns out to be a simple assignment, turns into a nightmare, as all hell breaks loose. 

From start to finish, there was so much action with either Charlotte or Desmond fighting the enemies.  Desmond with help from Gabriel, managed to kill off the mercenaries in the ballroom, but he was worried about Charlotte. She found herself stuck in her plans to find information, and was caught, along with the lady in the house, as terrorist threatened their lives.  I really loved Charlotte, especially how she always managed to get out of death-defying situations.

Sugar Plum Spies was a fun, exciting story, that had constant danger and action, with some romance and witty banter.  The entire story revolved around one night, and lots of fun.  This was another wonderful intriguing urban fantasy that is very well written by Jennifer Estep.  I loved both Charlotte and Desmond, and look forward to more on them in future books.   I suggest you read Sugar Plum Spies, as I fully enjoyed it.

 

Sandy’s Reviews:

SUGAR PLUM SPIES is the second instalment in Jennifer Estep’s contemporary adult SECTION 47 paranormal, urban fantasy series focusing on paramortal analyst / diner waitress for Section 47 Charlotte Locke, and assassin/cleaner Desmond Percy. SUGAR PLUM SPIES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary

SOME BACKGROUND: Paramortals make up approximately one percent of the world’s population, and most have hidden their magic from the ‘mortal’ world. Section 47 is a paramortal spy organization whose mission was to gather intelligence to prevent terrorist attacks but found themselves tracking those who use magic to commit their crimes.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Charlotte and Desmond) follows Section 47 agents Charlotte Locke and Desmond Percy on their latest assignment in Frankfurt Germany. Heiress Elsa Eisen moved her orphaned niece Lina to an historical castle in the wake of her parents’ murder. Hoping to give Lina a magical Christmas, Elsa sponsored a Christmas Eve Nutcracker fund raiser featuring a world famous ballerina and scenes from the play but all does not go according to plan when the reveal of the world-famous and multi-million dollar Nutcracker Ruby brings out an array of paramortal assassins, thieves, and Section 47 Agents. Hoping to learn the location of CEO and founder of Hyde Engineering Henrika Hyde, a chemist who has invented a powerful weapon in her war against the paramortal, Charlotte, Desmond and fellow agent Gabriel Chase finds themselves on the defensive when lives are threatened, and our couple face the prospect of losing one another.

The relationship between Charlotte and Desmond has been building since the first instalment, a relationship that is now passionate and intense. Desmond is desperate to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, and Charlotte knows that Desmond is the man that calls to his heart. The $ex scenes are seductive.

The secondary and supporting characters included heiress Elsa Eisen and her niece Lina; ballerina Katarina Tanetsa, as well as the return of Section 47 Agent Gabriel Chase. The requisite evil has many faces.

SUGAR PLUM SPIES is a fast paced, action packed, violent story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, desperation and determination, magic and mystery. The premise is intriguing and exciting; the romance is impassioned; the characters are energetic and dynamic.

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 November 9 – 12, 2022

 

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The Good Guy Challenge by Lauren Blakely- review tour

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THE GOOD GUY CHALLENGE (The Dating Games 2) by Lauren Blakely-review tour

 

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 8, 2022

Fake real dating the one who got away? Sign me up…

There’s just something about bad boys. Tattoos and leather jackets, am I right?
Trouble is, my last boyfriend was a teensy bit too bad and now he’s in prison. Yikes.
When my friends challenge me to take a dip in the good guy side of the dating pool, I see their dating bet and I raise it, looking up the guy I crushed on growing up.
With a winning grin and heart of gold, Gabe Clements is now the star receiver for a pro football team.
Except, the supposed good guy turns out to be nothing like I imagined. He’s better. He’s growly, possessive, smoldering.
And he’s determined too. At the end of the night, he asks me to be his fake real girlfriend for the rest of the week.
Sounds like my kind of dating challenge since he’s a good guy by day, and a very dirty man after dark.
I’ll cure my bad boy blues in no time.
Well, as long as I don’t fall for Gabe’s big heart too.

•••••

REVIEW:THE GOOD GUY CHALLENGE is the second instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult DATING GAMES erotic,romance series. This is thirty-five year old, NFL player Gabe Clements, and twenty-five year old screenwriter and producer Ellie Snow. THE GOOD GUY CHALLENGE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ellie and Gabe) THE GOOD GUY CHALLENGE follows the building romance and relationship between GAMES erotic,romance series. This is thirty-five year old, NFL player Gabe Clements, and twenty-five year old screenwriter and producer Ellie Snow. Ten years earlier Gabe Clements babysat his neighbor’s fifteen year old daughter never thinking he would one day come face to face with his future. Fast forward to present day wherein Ellie Snow has returned to California in the wake of a very public break up, in the hopes of starting over with a new show and new friends but Ellie never expected to meet up with her teenage crush in the guise of NFL football player Gabe Clements, a man with similar likes to our story line heroine. Neither one is willing to jump into a rebound romance but both agree to one week together, exploring one another’s sexual desires. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Gabe and Ellie, and the potential fall-out as the heart wants something more than one week together.

Gabe Clements’ last relationship imploded when his girlfriend could not accept his ‘kinky’ side in bed. Believing himself unworthy, Gabe was shocked with Ellie Snow’s return to town, a woman whose ‘kinky’ side is equal to our story line hero but Ellie and Gabe have both agreed to one week together, one week in which they will discover seven days is never enough. Ellie is hoping to break her habit of dating only bad-boys, challenging herself to a good-guy relationship.

The relationship between Gabe and Ellie is one of mutual attraction and sexual desires. A series of role playing games pulls our couple closer together but seven days would end with Gabe walking away with a broken heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter work, used only once, more for shock value than anything else.

The secondary and supporting characters are fun and fascinating, many of whom we have met in the author’s interconnected series.

THE GOOD GUY CHALLENGE is a story of desire and attraction, love and happily ever after. The premise is entertaining and captivating but predictable ; the romance is steamy and hot; the characters are charismatic and fun.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Mister Sexy Pant
The Virgin Next Door

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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The Next Best Day by Sharon Sala – a Review

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The Next Best Day by Sharon Sala – a Review

 

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

 

Description:
A fresh start for a young teacher to build the life she’s dreamt of
A second chance at romance for a single dad
The warm and uplifting small-town community cheering them on

After two back-to-back life-changing events, first grade teacher Katie McGrath left Albuquerque for a fresh start in Borden’s Gap, Tennessee. She is finally back in the classroom where she belongs, but it will take a little while for her to heal and feel truly like herself. She’ll need to dig deep to find the courage it takes to try again—in life and in love—but with some help from her neighbor Sam Youngblood and his adorable daughters who bring her out of her shell, her future is looking brighter than she dared imagine.

 

 

Review:

The Next Best Day by Sharon Sala is a wonderful heartwarming & heartbreaking story. Katie McGrath, our heroine, is devastated when her fiancée leaves her at the altar, marrying someone else. Katie is strong, independent, as she manages to pull herself together, since she was raised in foster homes as a child.  She is a first-grade teacher in Albuquerque, and not long after her fiancée abandoned her, a school shooting brings chaos, as many people have been shot, and Katie runs down the hall to cover up two of her students; when it is all over, she is badly injured, but in time she will recover, with the town honoring her for her bravery.  Though Katie is a fighter and survivor, she begins to suffer from PTSD, and decides she needs to leave her job and the town, to find a quiet small town.

After some research, Katie accepts a teaching job at Borden’s Gap, Tennessee, in hopes of a fresh start.  She rents a cottage, and in a short time, she makes friends with the local people; helping a neighbor walk her dog, and meets two cute young girls across the street.   Sam Youngblood, is the local police chief in town, and is also the father of the two 6-year-old adorable twin girls, Beth and Evie.  Sam, who is a gorgeous hunk, finds himself attracted to Katie, but it seems almost every man in town tries to befriend, Katie; though in a short time, her and Sam become friends, and a slow build romance begins. 

When school starts, Katie is amazed at the kindness from many people in town, with some keeping the school shooting private.  Sam sees signs that Katie is having issues with her PSTD, and tries to help her begin to heal, as he is patient and caring, slowly watching over her nightmares, and stabilizing her emotions.  I loved Sam and Katie together, not to mention Evie and Beth. Sam is a perfect hero who brings Katie out of her shell while he waits for her emotions to stabilize.

Katie was a great teacher, and even in this new school, she deals with parental abuse and child abuse.  I loved when Katie used her skills to protect a child from an abusive father.  It was cool. The Next Best Day was a wonderful story, filled with hope, love, happiness, fun and strength to move on.  The Next Best Day was so very well written by Sharon Sala.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

 

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