Monthly Archives: January 2023

SAVE ME (The Donovans 3) by Samantha Chase -Review Tour

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SAVE ME (The Donovans 3) by Samantha Chase -Review tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 31, 2023

Pretending to date the town’s bad boy seemed like a good idea.
But who knew that being bad could feel so good…

Ryleigh Donovan has been unsuccessfully dodging her mother’s matchmaking attempts for far too long. In an act of desperation, she finds the one guy in her small town who is guaranteed to shock everyone to be her fake boyfriend. It doesn’t need to be for long, she just needs to buy herself enough time to recover from her mother’s last disastrous fix-up. It’s really a fool-proof plan. But when a few staged kisses lead to some very real feelings, she realizes she might be in over her head.

Ryker Masella has been patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to get Ryleigh to take him—and his numerous attempts at asking her out—seriously. When she grabs him and kisses him in front of her family to prove a point, he’s more than on board. But when she proposes a fake—and temporary—relationship, he’s 100% on board. After all, she might be all about pretending, but he sees it as a way for Ryleigh to truly see the real him.

Fake flirting and orchestrated dates quickly bring on real feelings. For Ryker, they’ve always been there and he’ll be as patient as he needs to be. She might have asked him to save her from her family, but what he wants is to save her from herself.

•••••••

REVIEW: SAVE ME is the third instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary adult THE DONOVANS romance series. This is web designer Ryleigh Donovan, and tattoo artist Ryker Masella’s story line. SAVE ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Ryleigh and Ryker) SAVE ME follows the building romance and relationship between web designer Ryleigh Donovan, and tattoo artist Ryker Masella. Ryker Masella has lusted after Ryleigh Donovan for as long as he can remember but Ryleigh continues to shoot down our story line hero, a tattooed, long haired bad boy with no apparent prospects on the horizon. With every attempt to get to know Ryleigh, Ryker finds himself on the outside looking in until a fight with her mother, sends Ryleigh into the arms of our story line hero. In an effort to stop her mother from the continuous interference in her lack of a love life, Ryleigh makes Ryker an offer he cannot refuse-a fake relationship that quickly turns into something more for Ryker Masella. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Ryleigh and Ryker, and the potential fall-out as lies by omission threaten the building love between our story line couple.

Ryker Masella keeps secret his true identity; his famous past and present, and his desire for our story line heroine. Ryleigh Donovan is tired of her mother’s constant need to set her up with a steady stream of ‘suitable’ men, men Ryleigh has no interest in, or attraction to in the face of the ongoing interference. A fake relationship with Ryker is but the first step in stopping Ryleigh’s mother but the reality of the situation pushes mother and daughter in separate directions. There are no $ex scenes, everything is implied.

Once again, the Donovan siblings are front and center: Liam and Tessa, Patrick, Jamie, Arianna, Arianna and Will, and their parents Kate and Shane Donovan, and uncle Ronan.

SAVE ME is a story of family and relationships but more so on dysfunctional family dynamics. Kate Donovan, the family matriarch, is unable to let go or cut the proverbial cord. Her constant interference in her children’s lives is driving a wedge between members of the family, so much so, that some, including our story liner heroine begin to distance themselves from the mother they love. Often unlikeable, Kate Donovan struggles to stay out of her children’s lives.The premise is engaging and inviting; the characters are dynamic; the romance is passionate and seductive.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Dare Me
Tempt Me

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

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TEMPTING ENEMY (Beckham Dynasty 1) by M. Robinson -review tour

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TEMPTING ENEMY (Beckham Dynasty 1) by M. Robinson -review tour

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 31, 2023

Look but don’t touch…

Those were the rules.

And her overprotective brothers expected everyone to follow them when it came to their one and only little sister.

Good luck with that.

Because if I was good at one thing— it was breaking rules.

I wasn’t just tempting the enemy…

I was playing with fire.

••••••

REVIEW:TEMPTING ENEMY is the first instalment in M. Robinson’s contemporary, adult BECKHAM DYNASTY erotic, romance series. This is twenty-five year old bar owner Chase Hayes, and eighteen year old Haven Beckham’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Hayes and Haven) TEMPTING ENEMY follows the building relationship between bar owner Chase Hayes, and high school student Haven Beckham. Haven wants and needs her independence from her five over-protective brothers, brothers who had no idea the plans Haven put into motion. On her eighteenth birthday, Haven would apply to work at the the biker bar known as The Outlaw, facing-down co-owners Chase Hayes and his father Billy, a dysfunctional family dynamic that would threaten our heroine’s future safety. Hayes wanted nothing to do with hiring Haven Beckham, but Billy stepped in, hiring our heroine against his son’s wishes. Working with Haven meant acknowledging the demons from his past but Hayes sees red when Haven is threatened by the man in charge. What ensues is the building relationship between Haven and Hayes, and the potential fall-out as secrets from the past reveal a dark connection between our story line couple.

The relationship between Hayes and Haven begins when Haven tries to enter The Outlaw using fraudulent identification. Hayes knows that to let in an underage minor could be the end of his business but there is more to Hayes rejection than anyone could have imagined. Haven needs her independence, and a promise made to her late mother, has Haven making plans for the immediate future. Working at The Outlaw means earning her way, work that will bring our heroine up close and personal with the man with whom Haven will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and seductive.

We are introduced to Haven’s five brothers: Jace, Reid, Ledger, Alexander and Troy; Haven’s best friend Cove Noel, as well as Haye’s father Billy Hayes, and several members of Billy’s MC. Jace and Cove’s story line is next in PERFECT ENEMY.

TEMPTING ENEMY is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The premise is dramatic and captivating; the romance is impassioned and intense; the characters are broken, struggling but moving forward.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Wall Street Journal & USA Bestselling Author M. Robinson loves to read. She favors anything that has angst, romance, triangles, cheating, love, and of course sex! She has been reading since the Babysitters Club and R.L. Stein.

She was born in New Jersey but was raised in Tampa Fl. She was pursuing her Ph.D in psychology, with two years left. However, she dropped out of school and became a fulltime writer.

She is married to an amazing man who she loves to pieces. They have two German Shepherd mixes, Kobe and trooper, a Wheaten Terrier, Teddy and a Tabby cat, Gio.

She feels blessed to be living her dream.

Website:www.authormrobinson.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authormrobinson
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Snapchat: AuthorMRobinson
Reader Group: www.facebook.com/groups/M.RobinsonVIP/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authormrobinson

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THE SCORE (Single in Seattle 3) by Kristen Proby-review tour

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THE SCORE (Single in Seattle 3) by Kristen Proby-review tour

 

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Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3MoPI9l

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 31, 2023

I have millions of followers on social media, and it has absolutely nothing to do with my last name. It’s because I’m good at what I do. I work hard, and it has paid off. I’m not a trainer who only talks the talk, either. I walk the walk—or rather, I run the run. It was actually during one of those jogs through the park that I ran into him.

Of course, at the time, I didn’t realize it was the Isaiah “Ike” Harrison, Seattle’s hot new quarterback. All I knew was that I was suddenly pinned under some solid, sexy body, unable to breathe.

But even now, I keep running into Ike in the most unexpected places.
And he’s doing everything in his power to convince me that he’s not just a player—in any form of the word. It’s so much more than that.

But I’ve been there, done that. I have the mended broken heart to prove it and have no intention of doing it again.

Except the frustrating man is convincing, and my walls are quickly lowering—especially when I feel responsible for possibly upending his career.

Is letting him in a mistake? Or will it be the best thing I’ve ever done?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE SCORE is the third instalment in Kristen Proby’s contemporary, adult SINGLE IN SEATTLE erotic, romance series-a second generation spin off from the author’s WITH ME IN SEATTLE series. This is twenty-five year old football quarterback Isaiah ‘Ike’ Harrison, and twenty-eight year old nutritionist/vlogger Sophie Montgomery’s story line. THE SCORE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Sophie is the daughter of Isaac and Natalie Montgomery (With Me in Seattle).

Told from dual first person perspectives (Sophie and Ike) THE SCORE follows the building romance and relationship between twenty-five year old football quarterback Isaiah ‘Ike’ Harrison, and twenty-eight year old nutritionist/vlogger Sophie Montgomery. An accidental meeting while jogging between Sophie and Ike will culminate in a family get together where Sophie and Ike will begin their romantic affair. Ike Harrison is Seattle’s new quarterback, a star both on and off the field but there are secrets behind the fame, and Ike struggles in the face of betrayal and greed. Falling for Sophie Montgomery, a part of the large extended Montgomery dynasty was easy but life and everything he knew was about to spiral out of control, forcing Ike to reconsider his future going forward, including the woman with whom he is falling in love. Sophie was the only constant in his life but love wasn’t going to save our hero from the tsunami that was trying to destroy his world and his career. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Sophie and Ike, and the potential fall-out when greed,jealousy and obsession threaten to take down our story line hero.

The relationship between Sophie and Ike begins by accident when our couple literally run into one another while on a morning run but often accidents are kismet, a prelude to something more, and with a large extended family of successful athletes, musicians, artists and business people, the Montgomery’s welcome Ike as one of their own. On the surface, Ike Harrison has everything but the Harrison dysfunctional family dynamics are about to threaten everything Ike has worked for, and struggled to overcome.The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including many from the original With Me in Seattle series-the Montgomery family is ever expanding; their success are many; their support for one another loving and often fun.

THE SCORE is a story of family and friendships, relationships and love, betrayal and greed. The premise is compelling and delightful; the characters are sweet, flirty and fun; the romance is seductive and flirtatious.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of THE SCRAMBLE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen lives in Montana with her husband and their four pets, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

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INTERVIEW WITH THE BILLIONAIRE (Stark Saga) by J. Kenner-a review

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INTERVIEW WITH THE BILLIONAIRE (Stark Saga 8) by J. Kenner-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 31, 2023

Mr. Stark still has some secrets…

When Damien Stark agrees to be interviewed for a series of articles about his life, business, and family, he never expects that the interviewer will be an old flame. Or that she’s coming to the table with an agenda of her own…

In celebration of the ten year anniversary of Release Me, comes this unique and entirely original compilation of journal entries, letters, and exclusive interviews with and about the reclusive billionaire.

Framed by the formal interview sessions between Damien and his ex, this book includes never-before-told perspective on many of the events from the original trilogy and continuing series, interviews with his friends, family, and co-workers, and all-new content featuring Nikki, Damien, their family, and their friends.

••••••

REVIEW: INTERVIEW WITH THE BILLIONAIRE by J. Kenner is a culmination of journal entries by Damien Stark, an interview by a familiar but unwelcome face, and a sneak peak into the lives of Damien and Nikki.

Told from third person perspective (Damien), Damien’s journal entries from the past, and interview questions and answers from wanna-be journalist Maggie Bridge INTERVIEW WITH THE BILLIONAIRE follows the ongoing love affair between billionaire businessman Damien Stark and the love of his life Nikki Fairchild-Stark. Damien is about to turn forty years old, and has agreed to an interview arranged by his publicist but unbeknownst to everyone including Damien Stark, the publicist is a woman from Damien’s past, and her motive may not be one of innocence or work. With certain aspects of their lives off limits, Damien and Nikki quickly realize there may be cause for concern as it pertains to Maggie Bridge, as she interviews the people in their lives.

INTERVIEW WITH THE BILLIONAIRE is a fast paced, quick read that reveals potential for trouble ahead. Maggie Bridge claims to have changed but a name change, and borderline questions proves she is someone determined to destroy them all. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the characters are familiar and energetic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Anchor Me
Play My Game
Seduce Me
Unwrap Me
Hold Me
Please Me
Lost With Me
Damien
Indulge Me
Delight Me
Cherish Me
Enchant Me/a>

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.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YouTube | Amazon Author Page

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QUEEN OF THE UNDERWORLD by Felicity Heaton-as review

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QUEEN OF THE UNDERWORLD (Guardians of Hades Prequel) by Felicity Heaton-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 31, 2023

Hades, the wickedly dark god-king of the Underworld, needs a queen.

And he’s chosen Persephone.

All Persephone has ever desired is control of her own life, and someone noticing her once in a while. Kept in her mother’s shadow, and overlooked by the entirety of Olympus, her dream seems impossible… and now she’s doomed to wed a dull god of her mother’s choosing…

Until she crosses paths with a handsome, dark warrior who rouses wildfire heat in her veins—a male whose immense power is unmistakable, and who matches the fearful tales whispered in Olympus—stories of a cruel, heartless king who rules his realm of death with an iron fist.

When Hades abducts her and imprisons her in the depths of the Underworld, a dormant part of her awakens. And as she slowly discovers the truth about him, Persephone isn’t sure whether the snarling, dark beast of a king is her doom… or her saviour… but she knows one thing…

She will embrace the fire he awakens in her with every heated glance, and every vicious growl.

And use it to tame him and forge her dreams into reality.

Because, Persephone, the quiet, gentle goddess of nature, desires a king.

And nothing will stop her from claiming his black heart.

••••••

REVIEW: QUEEN OF THE UNDERWORLD is the prequel story line in Felicity Heaton’s GUARDIANS OF HADES paranormal/fantasy romance series based in Greek Mythology. This is Hades, god of the Underworld, and Persephone’s story line.

Told from third person perspective QUEEN OF THE UNDERWORLD is the retelling of Hades, god of the Underworld, and Persephone’s love story. Hades has watched from afar as his brothers, Zeus and Poseidon, had fallen in love and taken a mate. Hades was jealous; angered that he was tricked into ruling the Underworld where the madness and darkness had taken control. Exiting a portal onto Olympus, Hades would come face to face with Persephone, the goddess with whom he would fall in love. With ‘permission’ from Zeus, Hades would claim Persephone as his Queen but all was not well, and Persephone’s mother Demeter was about to reign down H*ll on Earth. As Hades and Persephone’s relationship blossomed into something more, there would be those in the Underworld and Olympus who hoped to destroy the woman Hade’s loved.

QUEEN OF THE UNDERWORLD is an enemies to lovers, forced proximity romance; a love affair between lightness and dark, good and evil, life and death, winter and summer. The relationship between Hades and Persephone is tempestuous at best but Persephone quickly sees the darkness, the pain and the sorrow, buried just below the surface of the man with whom she will fall in love. The premise is entertaining and captivating-a narrative paraphrasing the Greek love story comparable to the original; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are magical and enthralling.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Ares
Valen
Esher
Marek
Calistos
Daimon
Keras
Thanatos
Hades

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Felicity Heaton is a New York Times and USA Today international best-selling author writing passionate paranormal romance books. In her books, she creates detailed worlds, twisting plots, mind-blowing action, intense emotion and heart-stopping romances with leading men that vary from dark deadly vampires to sexy shape-shifters and wicked werewolves, to sinful angels and hot demons! If you’re a fan of paranormal romance authors Lara Adrian, J R Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter and Christine Feehan then you will enjoy her books too.

If you love your angels a little dark and wicked, the best-selling Her Angel series is for you. If you like strong, powerful, and dark vampires then try the Vampires Realm series or any of her stand-alone vampire romance books. If you’re looking for vampire romances that are sinful, passionate and erotic then try the best-selling Vampire Erotic Theatre series. Or if you prefer huge detailed worlds filled with hot-blooded alpha males in every species, from elves to demons to dragons to shifters and angels, then take a look at the new Eternal Mates series.

If you want to know more about Felicity, or want to get in touch, you can find her at the following places:

WEBSITE|BLOG| FACEBOOK| TWITTER| GOODREADS| INSTAGRAM

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Don’t Open the Door by Allison Brennan – a Review

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Don’t Open the Door by Allison Brennan – a Review

 

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Description:
A child is shot while playing video games at home. His mother will stop at nothing to find out who did it—and why.

After their ten-year-old son, Chase, was senselessly murdered, Regan’s life unraveled. Her corporate lawyer husband, Grant, blamed the death on Regan’s work as a US marshal. Unable to reconcile their grief, they divorced, and Regan quit her job and moved away.

Now she’s back after a voice mail from her former boss Tommy said he had important news to share about Chase’s killing. Regan is stunned to learn Tommy is dead too. When she reaches out to Grant, his panicked reaction raises her suspicions. Then a lawyer with ties to her ex also turns up murdered, and the police make Grant their top suspect.

Unsure of his guilt or innocence, Regan risks everything to find Grant before the police do so she can finally get the answers to all that has haunted her since losing Chase. But the truth is not even close to what she imagines—and now she fears she has no one to trust.

 

 

Review:

Don’t Open the Door by Allison Brennan is the 2nd book in her Regan Merritt series.  Allison Brennan has become one of my must-read suspense thriller authors, as she never fails to give us exciting, tense and non-stop action throughout the entire book. 

We met Regan Merritt, in the first book (The Sorority Murders), and in Don’t Open the Door, we learn more about Regan, and how her life totally changed, due to the murder of her young son almost a year ago.  Regan quit her job as a US Marshall, she and her husband, Grant divorced, and she moved back home near her father.  Regan remained close friends with her US Marshall ex-partner, Tommy, who privately continued to investigate her son’s murder. 

Regan gets a voice message from Tommy, claiming that he knew who really killed her son, which he plans to prove was an accidental hit on her son, but the true target was her ex-husband, Grant. Before she could get in touch with him, Regan learns that Tommy was murdered at his home. Regan comes back for Tommy’s funeral, and stays at his house, determined to find his killer, especially with all the evidence that Tommy found was now missing. 

Regan learns that Tommy met with Grant a few times, and wants to know why.  Grant has been trying to avoid Regan, but when he learns that he was the true target, he panics; and when Grant’s girlfriend is murdered, he runs away.  Slowly, Regan begins to discover new clues, with some pieces starting fall into place, leading to a conspiracy and her becoming closer to the truth.  Regan realizes that Grant’s life is in danger and she hurries to find him; she also knows that those behind the conspiracy will be going after her too.

Don’t Open the Door was an excellent, action filled, suspense thriller with so many twists and turns throughout. From start to finish, this is an extremely complicated story, with a number of people involved in the murders.  I cannot say too much more, as it would ruin it for you.  Don’t Open the Door was a great and exciting read, which was very well written by Allison Brennan.  If you like suspense thrillers, you need to read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Steel (Sentinel Security 4) by Anna Hackett-review tour

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Steel (Sentinel Security 4) by Anna Hackett-review tour

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 26, 2023

His skills and ruthlessness made him a legend.

The dark, dangerous former spy.

Now the operative turned billionaire known as Steel collides with fiery agent Hellfire when they discover they’re both on the kill list of a deadly assassin.

CIA agent Devyn “Hellfire” Hayden came from nothing and made herself into one of the CIA’s best deep-cover agents. She’s dedicated to her country. She’s always on the move. She’s a loner. Just the way she likes it. Letting people close is a weakness and she’ll never be weak again.

But when she finds herself under attack by an assassin targeting the world’s best intelligence agents, it sends her straight into the path of the only man who tempts her. The dark, lethal Killian “Steel” Hawke.

Killian Hawke rose through the ranks of the CIA, and knows his name is whispered in fear by his enemies. But when his sister needed him, he left and started Sentinel Security. He protects all those he considers his: his sister, his friends, his employees, and his clients.

But there is one stubborn redhead he also wants to claim.

As Devyn and Killian work together to unmask the assassin hunting them, they are forced to confront their white-hot attraction and their violent need to protect each other. Killian is tired of dancing around what he feels for her. Now that she’s in danger, he’ll do whatever it takes to make her safe, claim her heart, and possess her soul.

••••••

REVIEW:STEEL is the fourth instalment in Anna Hackett’s contemporary, adult SENTINEL SECURITY erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Sentinel Security. This is Sentinel Security owner and operative Killian ‘Steel’ Hawke and CIA Agent Devyn ‘Hellfire’ Hayden’s story line.STEEL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s NORCROSS SECURITY series.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Devyn and Killian) STEEL follows the search for an assassin. Someone is targeting our story line heroine but research reveals a list of names targeted for death including Killian Hawke.With the help of the team at Sentinel Security, Devyn and Killian will follow a trail that leads back to someone they know but not before acting on the long simmering attraction towards one another. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Devyn and Killian, as our couple work together to take down a man bent on revenge.

The relationship between Devyn and Killian is one of mutual attraction but neither one was ready for something more permanent. Devyn’s work for the CIA sent our heroine all over the world, and she was in no position to set down roots or give up her job. Killian Hawke opened Sentinel Security in the wake of the abduction of his younger sister, in an effort to save those unable to save themselves. Working together brought our couple together, staying together means keeping each other alive. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including: Rhys Norcross, Brynn and Vander Norcross, Nick Garrick; former MI6 agent Hadley ‘Striker’ Lockwood; hacker Jet ‘Hex’ Adler; CIA analyst Gabbi Hansley, and former Interpol agent Matteo ‘Hades’ Mancini , and Bram ‘Excalibur’ O’Donovan, as well as Killian’s sister Saskia and Camden Morgan.

STEEL is a story of betrayal, obsession and vengeance, power and control, love and acceptance. The fast paced premise is intriguing, inviting and interesting; the romance is provocative and seductive; the characters are energetic, determined and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Wolf
Hades
Striker

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Amazon Author Page / Goodreads

I’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.

My parents are to blame for my insatiable need to mix action, adventure, and romance. When I was young, I raided my mother’s romances and my father’s action adventure thrillers. I love being exhilarated and left just a little breathless. I’m a sucker for that moment when the team is walking in slow motion, shoulder-to-shoulder heading off into battle.

-I’m an Australian
-I live in Perth, Western Australia
-I am the mother of two busy little boys
-Before I became a full-time author, I worked as a mining engineer at mines all around the world
-I love action movies
-I love sci-fi movies and TV shows
-I have always been a romance reader

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Murder in Times Square (Deirdre Mystery 1) by William Baer-review

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Murder in Times Square ( A Deirdre Mystery 1) by William Baer-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 3, 2023

When a young woman in a red designer dress falls twenty-five stories from the roof of Times Square One, the well-known New York fashion model known as Deirdre resolves to unravel the mystery. Capable and determined, Deirdre is relentless in her drive to unravel the mystery and find justice for the victim, while protecting those she loves from looming threats.

Baer, who has worked in the New York City’s fashion district, showcases not only his depth of knowledge of the fashion industry, but also of New York City and its landmarks and history. He weaves an intricate, fast-paced, and spellbinding narrative that takes us through New York City, Atlantic City, the Jersey Shore, and the Caribbean. In Murder in Times Square, Baer once again proves he is a master of suspense and intrigue.

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REVIEW: MURDER IN TIMES SQUARE is the first instalment in William Baer’s contemporary, adult A DEIRDRE MYSTERY murder, mystery, thriller series focusing on nineteen year old Deirdre Flanagan.

Told from first person perspective using present day and memories from the past MURDER IN TIMES SQUARE follows in the wake of the murder of a senator’s son, and the death of his ‘date’ from atop a high rise building in NYC. Deirdre Flanagan, known only as Dierdre in the world of supermodel fashion, is the nineteen year old daughter of former super middleweight boxing champion Sean Flanagan, and the niece of NYPD captain Pat Flanagan. At eleven years of age, having spent most of her time alongside her uncle as he investigates the crime riddled city of New York, Deirdre was licensed as a NY investigator, and eventually registered as a legal gun owner. Fast forward to present day Deirdre is caught in a vicious cycle of endless murders and gun fights all seemingly connected to the murder of the senator’s son but clues and evidence begin to reveal a path that leads back to our story line heroine, a path mired in betrayal and vengeance, madness and murder.

Deirdre Flanagan is a nineteen year old super model, at the top of her profession, and everyone and everybody is in love with our story line heroine. From Detective Rick Dempsey, to body guard Carlos Menendez, there are no limits to the number of men and women who want to be a part of the world that belongs to Deirdre Flanagan but Deirdre has always been led to believe she is different, and it is this belief that has controlled a large part of our heroine’s life. An atypical life, with an unconventional upbringing, Deirdre is much older and wiser than most people twice her age.

We are introduced to Deirdre’s father former super middleweight boxing champion Sean Flanagan, and his brother/her uncle NYPD captain Pat Flanagan; ‘bodyguard’ Carlos Menendez, and Detective Rick Dempsey. There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and questionable secondary and supporting characters many of whom will be caught in a web of murder and vengeance.

MURDER IN TIMES SQUARE is awash in the name dropping of the famous and infamous; fashion brands and models; sports icons and NY landmarks, as well as the history surrounding many of the important monuments and benchmarks that may or may not have affected the history of one of the busiest and most populace cities in the world.

MURDER IN TIMES SQUARE is a detailed, complex and intricate story of betrayal, obsession, vengeance and murder. The premise is intriguing and thorough but I question the reality of a young child endorsed to own a gun and authorized to investigate some of the most heinous crimes but this is fiction, and meant to entertain. The characters are colorful, energetic, and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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William Baer, a recent Guggenheim fellow, is the award-winning author of twenty-two books, and his various plays have been produced at over thirty American theaters.  He grew up in the Bronx and Wayne, New Jersey, where his family was actively involved in “little theater.”  A graduate of Rutgers (B.A.) and New York University (M.A.), he completed his dissertation in creative writing at the University of South Carolina under the direction of James Dickey.  After attending the Johns Hopkins’ Writing Seminars (M.A.), he served as a Fulbright at the University of Coimbra in Portugal.  He then attended the University of Southern California’s Graduate School of Cinema (M.A.), where he received the Jack Nicholson Screenwriting Award.  The recipient of a Creative Writing Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, he currently lives in North Jersey.

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