Monthly Archives: March 2023

Then Come Lies (Silver Spoon 2) by Nicole French-review tour

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Then Come Lies (Silver Spoon 2) by Nicole French-review tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 30, 2023

Once upon a time, I fell for a dashing London restaurateur named Xavier.
He left me with a broken heart… and a positive pregnancy test.

Now, he’s back in my life and determined to stay.
He asks me just one question: will I move to London with him?

But as I enter Xavier’s world, our differences couldn’t be starker.
He’s tall, dashing, and practically royal.
I’m short, bookish, and the definition of common.

First comes love, then comes marriage.
Yet all I’ve got are half-truths and masked secrets.
If Xavier and I catch fire, the only thing left in the embers may be our deceptions.

••••••

REVIEW:THEN COME LIES is the second instalment in Nicole French’s contemporary, adult THE SILVER SPOON erotic, romance trilogy focusing on thirty-two year old chef/restaurateur Xavier Sato Parker, and twenty-seven year old, single mother, primary school teacher Francesca Zola. THE SILVER SPOON trilogy is a spin off from the author’s ROSE GOLD trilogy. Francesca is Matthew Zola’s sister. THEN COME LIES should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up several weeks after the events of book one FIRST COMES LOVE

NOTE: Some of the events of THEN COME LIES cross over with, and run parallel to some of the events of the ROSE GOLD Trilogy. If you have not read book one FIRST COMES LOVE, there may be spoilers in my review.

SOME BACKGROUND: Approximately five years earlier, Francesca Zola spent one wonderful month with Xavier Sato but early one morning, Xavier ghosted our heroine without looking back. Fast forward to present day wherein Francesca Zola is a primary school teacher and single mother, having given birth to Xavier’s daughter four years earlier. Francesca tried to find Xavier without any luck, and five years had passed without contact or knowledge. A holiday party would bring Francesca face to face with her past, a past that knew nothing about the daughter she was raising on her own.

Told from dual first person perspectives -Francesca present day, Xavier from the past- THEN COME LIES follows Francesca and her daughter Sofie’s journey to England where they will spend the summer with Xavier Sato Parker. Xavier Parker was ordered to return to his ancestral home in England in the wake of the imminent death of his beloved uncle. Xavier is the heir to royal title, a fortune and a position in high society but all is not well on his ascent to the throne. Desperate for the company of Francesca, and the daughter he barely knows, Xavier will bring American born Francesca into a world of which she was completely unprepared. From the volatile gossip, rumors and paparazzi, to the family infighting for power and control,Francesca would quickly discover she was no longer in control of her life, or the fall-out that would precipitate her arrival in England. As Francesca struggled to find a place within the royal halls, everyone else was working behind the scenes to ensure she would never succeed.

The relationship between Francesca and Xavier is turbulent yet passionate, unrestrained and barely controlled. Francesca will witness a different side to the man with whom she fell in love years before, a man she no longer recognizes in the face of dysfunctional family behavior, his need for control, and a campaign for the ultimate prize. Francesca will quickly become a punching bag for gossip fodder by the social elite and wanna-be royals but the man that she loves is blinded by his position to see the destruction of the woman he claims to love. The $ex scenes are aggressive, intense and not without some questionable behavior.

We are reintroduced to Xavier’s friend and COO Jagger Harrington; and art teacher Adam Klein, a man with secrets of his own, as well as the return of Francesca’s brother Matthew and sister Kate; Xavier’s mother’s best friend Elsie Crew, his step-brother Frederick, step mother Georgina, and Imogene, Xavier’s childhood friend and threat to his relationship with our story line heroine.

THEN COME LIES reads akin to the Harry and Meghan (Duke and Duchess of Sussex) battle with the Royal Family, and the fall-out of the destructive nature of discrimination, cultural snobbery, judgement and sanctimonious behavior of the social climbing royal and powerful elite. From the disrespectful actions of Xavier’s family and the people of the country he now calls home, there is no one and no where for Francesca to turn. The premise is heart breaking and emotional; the romance suffers in the face of contempt and obliviousness; the characters are struggling, broken and barely surviving. THEN COME LIES ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one FIRST COME LOVE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Nicole French is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She’s also a hopeless romantic, Springsteen fanatic, and total bookworm. When not writing, she is hanging out with her family, playing soccer with the rest of the thirty-plus crowd in Seattle, or going on dates with her husband. In her spare time, she likes to go running or practice the piano, but never seems to do either one of these things as much as she should.

Keep up with Nicole French and receive your FREE copy of one of her books when you subscribe to her newsletter: bit.ly/NicoleFrenchNewsletter

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DEVIANT HEARTS (Dark Hearts 1) by Jagger Cole-review tour

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DEVIANT HEARTS (Dark Hearts 1) by Jagger Cole-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 March 30, 2023

To stop a mafia war, I’m being forced to marry my sworn enemy.

A brutal, domineering, and lethally beautiful monster with a body built for violence. Ares Drakos—new king of the Drakos Mafia family—is every inch the God of War he’s named after.

And now, I belong to him.

Our unholy union is meant to end the bloodshed between Irish and Greek. A rising tide to lift all ships.

A match made in hell. And if we can’t stop from killing each other, “until death do us part” might happen before we can say “I do”.

It’s not supposed to be real. Until it becomes something else.

Something dark, dangerous, and deliciously deviant.

The God of War might be invading my bed, my dreams, and my every sinful desire.

But there’s one thing he’ll never conquer.

My heart.

•••••

REVIEW: DEVIANT HEARTS is the first instalment in Jagger Cole’s contemporary, adult DARK HEARTS dark, erotic, crime world, romance series. This is Irish Mafia princess, twenty-four year old, university student Neve Kildare, and Greek mobster Ares Drakos’ story line. DARK HEARTS series is set in the author’s KINGS AND VILLAINS world. For backstory and cohesion, I suggest reading PRINCE OF HATE (Kings and Villains 6).

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Neve and Ares) DEVIANT HEARTS follows the arranged marriage, forced proximity relationship between Irish Mafia princess, twenty-four year old, NYU student Neve Kildare, and Greek mobster Ares Drakos. The New York faction of the Greek and Irish Mafia’s are at war, and to procure some sort of cease fire, twenty four year old Irish Mafia princess Neve Kildare has been offered in marriage to Greek mobster Ares Drakos. Neve is a university student with her first taste of freedom and her own apartment condo but never expected to be used as a pawn in the war between controlling families. Defiant and rebellious, Neve struggles to accept her fate, married to a man who could crush her soul but within hours of getting married, Neve’s life is threatened, and the past declares open season on our story line heroine. Ares Drakos never thought he would marry, yet alone to a member of the Irish Mob. Ares knows that to keep peace between the families, he is determined to give his marriage a chance but Neve hides a past that is about to threaten Ares tenuous hold on the woman with whom he will fall in love. Neve is feisty and furious at what has happened and why, knowing her marriage of convenience is but a bandaid on on a wound that may never heal. What ensues is the building relationship between Neve and Ares, and the potential fall-out as the past returns determined to take down our story line heroine.

The relationship between Neve and Ares is an arranged marriage, marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers meant to bring some sort of peace between the Irish and the Greek mobs, a joining of forces that will be needed when the past takes back what doesn’t belong. Neither Ares nor Neve believe their union is anything but a brokerage of peace but one night together gives them both pause for thought. Neve is defiant until the end, an end that may come sooner than she thinks when the demons from her past demand payment and more. The $ex scenes are passionate, aggressive and erotic.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and powerful secondary and supporting characters, some of whom we have met in Prince of Hate (Kings and Villains #6): the head of the Irish Mob and Neve’s uncle Cillian Kildare; Neve’s sister Eilish; bodyguard Castle; Are’s brothers Hades and Kratos, their sister Calliope, and their Ya-ya Dimitra; Neve and Eilish’s great uncle Seamus O’Conor. The requisite evil has many faces. Cillian’s story line is next.

DEVIANT HEARTS is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, madness and murder, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic, gritty, dark and tumultuous; the characters are energetic, dynamic and charismatic; the romance is intense and provocative.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of PRINCE OF HATE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

A reader first and foremost, Jagger Cole cut his romance writing teeth penning various fan-fiction stories years ago. After deciding to hang up his writing boots, Jagger worked in advertising pretending to be Don Draper. It worked enough to convince a woman way out of his league to marry him, though, which is a total win.

Now, Dad to two little princesses and King to a Queen, Jagger is thrilled to be back at the keyboard.

When not writing or reading romance books, he can be found woodworking, enjoying good whiskey, and grilling outside–rain or shine.

You can find all of his books at www.jaggercolewrites.com

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Chance (Steel Brothers Saga 25) by Helen Hardt-review

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Chance (Steel Brothers Saga 25) by Helen Hardt-review 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 28, 2023

Pulled together by long-buried secrets…

Ava Steel isn’t the typical member of her famous family. She colors her hair pink, practices the tarot, and runs her bakery in town without any help from her family’s financial fortune. She’s content in her life, and she knows who she is…until she receives a cryptic text from a mysterious stranger.

Bar-owner Brendan Murphy inadvertently became entwined with the Steel family when he dug up timeworn documents under his floorboards. When he and Ava—who, despite their age difference, he’s been crushing on for a while—receive identical enigmatic messages, they’re thrown together for more than just fun between the sheets.

Ava revels in her new and unexpected relationship with Brendan, but deep down, she fears her family is keeping secrets—secrets that could make her question everything she thought she knew about them…and herself.

•••••

REVIEW:I think this is my favorite one yet! Chance is the twenty-fifth installment in the Steel brothers saga. It is recommended to read the series in order, too much is intertwined for a reader to go in blind. Chance is the story of the Steel Families pink sheep if you will; Ava.

Ava is her own person and fiercely independent. She is one that prefers her bakery and being on her own more than anything else. That’s not saying she doesn’t love her family, she does, but she knows she is a bit more….unique than them. One day she receives a cryptic message, but what is it about, and who is it from? She doesn’t seek to unearth the many family secrets, she just goes about her life, so who is sending her messages?

Brendan Murphy, bar owner extraordinaire, got roped up in the Steel family drama when evidence was found in his building. A normally reserved man finds himself thrown into the chaos that is the Steel family, but he doesn’t mind much as he starts to develop a crush on Ava, even though they have an age difference. The pair are inexplicably drawn together, one night, Brendan finally gives in and asks Ava out, when she agrees they are both over the moon. However, when Brendan  receives a cryptic message, he and Ava both are tossed together in more than just romance, but a dangerous plot of secrets and revenge.

Like the majority of the Steel Family books, Chance will keep you guessing until the very end, HH is well known for her riveting storylines, spicy scenes and fantastic characters. Brendan takes a little bit too warm up to, and Ava is determined to live her best life no matter what comes her way. As the two join forces to uncover the clues of the messages, more than secrets are exposed. Chance is a fast paced, thrilling, quirky romance that fans of HH are going to love!

Previous reviews
Ravenous
Insatiable
Fate
Legacy
Descent
Awakened
Cherished
Blaze
Smolder
Flare

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

 

Haven’t started the series? CRAVING book one is FREE

Amazon: Amazon.com 
Nook: http://bit.ly/1SEMVJJ
Apple Books: http://apple.co/1KZrHnc
Google Play: http://bit.ly/27w3fC6
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1oPBthR

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#1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Helen Hardt’s passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award-winning author of romantic fiction, she’s a mother, an attorney, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family. Helen loves to hear from readers.

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PLAYING BY THE RULES (the Players 2) by Monica Murphy-review tour

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PLAYING BY THE RULES (the Players 2) by Monica Murphy-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 March 30, 2023

What happens when you fall for your brother’s best friend? Find out in this upcoming sports romance by New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy…

Camden Fields is the star quarterback of our college football team.

Quiet.

Smart.

Absolutely gorgeous.

He’s the man all the women on campus rave about. And while he’s had a few casual hookups over the years, it’s never anything serious. Cam doesn’t do serious.

He also doesn’t do me.

See, I’m his best friend’s little sister, and whenever we’re around each other, he’s always warning me that I’m off limits. That nothing can ever happen between us.

But I see the way he looks at me when he thinks I’m not watching. The heat in his gaze. The hunger. He can deny it, but that man wants me.

I want him too.

I’m tired of always being the good girl and doing what everybody expects. For once, I’m going to break all the rules that have restrained me my entire life.

I’m going after Camden Fields.

And no one can stop me.

•••••

REVIEW: PLAYING BY THE RULES is the second instalment in Monica Murphy’s contemporary, new adult THE PLAYERS erotic, football romance series, a second generation series, set in the author’s ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND series. This is twenty-two year old, college quarterback Camden ‘Cam’ Fields, and twenty-one year old Blair Maguire’s story lines. Blair is the sister of Knox Maguire (Playing Hard to Get 1), and the daughter of Owen and Chelsea. PLAYING BY THE RULES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

NOTE:All of the events of PLAYING BY THE RULES cross over with, and run parallel to all of the events of book one PLAYING HARD TO GET-Knox and Joanna’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Cam and Blair) PLAYING BY THE RULES focuses on the building but forbidden relationship between twenty-two year old, college quarterback Camden ‘Cam’ Fields, and twenty-one year old Blair Maguire. Blair and Camden have been dancing around one another for as long as our heroine can remember but Camden is best friends with Blair’s brother Knox, and Knox has declared Blair off limits to the entire football team. Camden doesn’t want to push Knox out of his life but his attraction to Blair is palpable and strong. Sneaking around behind Knox’s back makes Blair feel like Camden’s dirty little secret, and Camden believes himself unworthy of Blair or love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Cam and Blair, and the potential fall-out as Cam struggles with demons from his past, and Blair refuses to be hidden behind closed doors.

The relationship between Cam and Blair is a forbidden, best friend’s sister relationship which Cam and Blair fear the ire of Knox Maguire.Knox is adamant about protecting his sister from his teammates and friends, and in this his constant reminders are about to push Camden out of Blair’s life. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Blair’s parents Owen and Chelsea; her brother Knox and girlfriend Joanna, and their sister Ruby; Joanna’s roommate Natalie, Blair’s roommates Rita and Cheyenne; as well as Cam’s teammates Ace and Derek. Ruby and Ace’s story line is next.

PLAYING BY THE RULES is a story of family and friendships, secrets and lies, love and acceptance. The fast paced, character driven premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is seductive and emotional; the characters are charismatic and dynamic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one PLAYING HARD TO GET

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and Harper Collins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she’s not writing, she’s reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She’s a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

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FINAL SHOT (Crimson Point Protectors 6) by Kaylea Cross-a review

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FINAL SHOT (Crimson Point Protectors 6) by Kaylea Cross-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 28, 2023

Neither of them were looking for love.

After suffering devastating loss, physiotherapist Everleigh is rebuilding her life in the picturesque seaside town of Crimson Point. She’s even made a list of new things she wants to try—and it doesn’t include men. But when unexpected sparks fly between her and a friend, her life is turned upside down all over again. Grady is taking a new job in another state soon, and her instinct is to guard her heart—but she decides to take a risk on him anyway. She knows better than anyone how short life is, and would rather risk more pain than miss out on the chance for something real. Then evil strikes without warning, shattering her newfound happiness and plunging them both into a desperate fight for survival.

It finds them anyway.

For the past few years pararescueman Grady Mendoza has focused on his career in the military and set everything else aside, including relationships. Until Everleigh. She’s been off limits until recently but when mutual attraction flares hot between them, it’s game on. Now he can’t stay away, and soon she’s making him question everything he thought he wanted out of life. Because time is running out for them, and the thought of walking away from her is tearing him up inside. And when they’re suddenly thrust into the middle of a deadly maelstrom, Grady is prepared to give up everything to save her—including his life.

•••••••

REVIEW: FINAL SHOT is the sixth instalment in Kaylea Cross’ contemporary, adult CRIMSON POINT PROTECTORS romantic suspense series-a spin off from the author’s Crimson Point series. This is former parajumper/ combat medic/critical care nurse Grady Mendoza, and physiotherapist/widow Everleigh Manning’s story line. FINAL SHOT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from third person perspective FINAL SHOT follows in the aftermath of the car accident that killed Everleigh Manning’s husband, and her unborn child. With the support of her friend and critical care nurse Grady Mendoza, Everleigh battles in the wake of the devastating news that all but destroyed her life. Fast forward several months, Grady Mendoza is injured during a rescue mission at sea, an injury of which he is hoping Everleigh Manning is able to help but Grady’s injuries were beyond the scope of Everleigh’s practice, and Everleigh suggests the help of someone else. Months have passed since the death of her husband, and Grady is hoping to entice Everleigh into something more but Grady’s time in Crimson Point may be coming to an end when he applies for a rescue position somewhere else. All is not well behind the scenes when a former neighbor sets his sights on our story line heroine but not before becoming involved with something more dangerous and dark. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Grady and Everleigh, and the potential fall-out when a domestic terror organization takes aim at the innocent and unaware.

Grady Mendoza has always wanted to work with SOST- a Special Operations Surgical Team-with medical and tactical training yet the injury to his knee may affect his career going forward but not before falling for the woman that now controls his heart. Everleigh Manning has struggled in the wake of her husband’s death and the loss of their child, and battles between head and heart with the more-than-friendship relationship with Grady Mendoza. Everleigh is aware that Grady’s time in Crimson Point has a potential end-date but with the urging of her friends, Everleigh continues to look to the future while pushing down the past.

The relationship between Grady and Everleigh is a friends to lovers; Grady fell in love the day Everleigh asked for his help and support in the hospital ER, but Everleigh never expected to fall in love with someone else. A slow building relationship culminates with Grady’s need to claim Everleigh as his own but the arrival of a domestic terrorist group threatens the lives of everyone they love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Travis Masterson (Falling Hard), Jaia Sidhu (Cornered), Mia and Groz (Sudden Impact), Donovan Myers (Protective Impulse), Walker, and his daughter Shae, Nadia and Callum Falconer (Unsanctioned); Crimson Point PA Kerrigan, Everleigh’s friend Marley, and former neighbor Warren. Walker and Ivy’s story line is next.

FINAL SHOT is a story of betrayal and madness, obsession and hatred, racism and discrimination, love and understanding. The fast paced premise is intriguing and fascinating; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are energetic and charismatic.

I want to reinforce the trigger warning for more sensitive readers.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Falling Hard
Cornered
Sudden Impact
Unsanctioned
Protective Impulse

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.

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So Close (Blacklist 1) by Sylvia Day-Review & Giveaway

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So Close (Blacklist 1) by Sylvia Day-Review & Giveaway

Amazon / Amazon Paper / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 28,2023

You can’t believe all of them, but can you trust any of them?

Widower Kane Black is still ruinously married to his late wife, Lily. Grief has hollowed him… until he sees a woman with his wife’s inimitable beauty on the streets of Manhattan. He whisks her up to his towering penthouse, protectively under guard, nestling her in dark opulence where Lily’s memory is a possessive beguiling force.

Aliyah, Kane’s mother, deals in science. There are too many questions, too few answers, and too much at stake. “Lily” has dangerous control over Kane and there can be only one queen on the throne.

Amy, Kane’s sister-in-law, has been bloodied by deceit and betrayal, and she’s devolving into murderous rage. She’s paid too high a price and now intends to claim what she’s owed.

Three women, linked by buried secrets, circle the man who unquestioningly accepts the return of his beloved long-dead wife. Kane is happier than he’s ever been, and he’ll do anything to stay that way.

••••••

REVIEW:SO CLOSE is the first instalment in Sylvia Day’s contemporary, adult BLACKLIST dark, erotic, suspense, thriller set in the author’s CROSSFIRE world. This is thirty-two-year old, billionaire businessman Kane Black and his wife Lily’s story line.

Told from four first person perspectives (Witte, Amy, Aliyah, Lily) and second person (Lily) SO CLOSE follows the dysfunctional Black / Armand family as they battle one another for control of the family fortune and businesses, businesses built with someone else’s money. Six years earlier, Kane Black’s wife Lily, disappeared and thought to have drowned a few days after their wedding, and in the interim, Kane Black struggled with what happened and why. Six years searching the faces of nameless women who looked like the woman he continued to love ended with the ‘return’ of his wife, a hit and run, and weeks of recovery and rehab. All is not well, Lily is not the woman Kane Black remembers, and the family must now battle someone else for control of Baharan Pharmaceuticals, ECRA+ (Cosmeceuticals) and the Social Creamery Management Agency.

Kane Black has romantacized and idolized his missing wife so much so that no other woman could compare. Women tried, including those he considered family and friends, but the memory of his wife, his Lily, could never be erased, no matter how anybody tried. The unreality of perfection was paramount, her existence was thought to be the madness of a fractured mind. Lily is an enigma-Kane’s obsession a mystery and bewilderment but with her return, more questions arise for everyone involved.

The secondary and supporting characters play a major role throughout the story line often taking the lead perspectives: Kane Black’s siblings Darius Armand and his wife Amy, brother Ramin Armand, and their sister Rosana Armand; their mother Aliyah; Kane’s majordomo and security specialist Nick Witte; Tech specialist Ryan Landon of LanCorp; Drs Goldstein and Hamid, and the return of Gideon and Eva Cross.

Throughout the story Lily talks to herself, about Lily in third person but addresses Kane (to the reader) in second person point of view. We are up close and personal with Lily, Amy, Aliyah and Witte’s thoughts and thought processes-Lily’s thoughts reveal a darkness, an unknown, a secret past that is about to return. Kane Black’s persona and power are revealed through his interactions with, and observations by other characters- Kane’s perception and knowledge all come from second-hand information.

SO CLOSE is a slow building story line; a complex and detailed tale involving many moving and hidden parts following several intersecting pathways and channels. Think ‘SUCCESSION’ but more dysfunctional, darker and dangerous with assassins, espionage, and organized crime, hidden and blatant desperation, infidelity, jealousy and greed, secret lives, obsession and betrayal. The narcissism is strong; the hate is vitriolic and acerbic; the desolation and misery are flagrant; the power and control are dominant. The premise is heavy and intricate; the romance is bewitching; the characters are desperate, determined and dynamic. SO CLOSE ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Sylvia Day is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, #1 Sunday Times, #1 Der Spiegel, and #1 international bestselling author of over twenty award-winning novels sold in more than forty countries. She is a #1 bestselling author in twenty-eight countries, with tens of millions of copies of her books in print. Visit the author at www.sylviaday.com.

Smith Publicity is graciously offering a paper copy of SO CLOSE by Sylvia Day to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Reckless Beat (Black Halo Novella) by Madelynne Ellis-review tour

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Reckless Beat (Black Halo Prequel Novella) by Madelynne Ellis-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date MARCH 28, 2023

She didn’t mean to kidnap a rock star! Now the only thing standing between her and handcuffs is a hot, tattooed stranger.

Jodi Castle’s life is on a downward spiral. Yes, she lost her job. Yes, she borrowed a bus. No, she did not intentionally kidnap a rock star.

When Black Halo’s bass-player, Paul “Rock Giant” Reed finds himself stranded in the middle of a river, on a sinking bus with a charismatic carjacking kleptomaniac his instincts aren’t to hand her over to the authorities, but to protect her from the repercussions of her own folly. First though, they need to not go down with the bus. Good thing he’s a resourceful chap.

River adventures, kitten rescues, and spicy shenanigans ensure, but can the pair navigate their way out of trouble before the rest of the band find them and insist on having Paul’s sexy new playmate arrested?

Reckless Beat is a light-hearted prelude novella in the world of Black Halo. If you like quirky characters, rescue kittens, and warm-hearted, tattooed bad boys, then you’ll love this sexy rockstar romp.

••••

REVIEW: RECKLESS BEAT is the prequel novella in Madelynne Ellis’ contemporary, adult BLACK HALO erotic, rock romance series. This is bassist Paul ‘Rock Giant’ Reed, and thief Jodi Castle’s story line. RECKLESS BEAT can be read as a stand alone as it introduces the members of the rock band Black Halo.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jodi and Paul) RECKLESS BEAT follows in the aftermath of the firing of Jodi Castle from her job at a local fast food outlet, and the hijacking of the Black Halo tour bus. Most of the musicians needed a break and some food, so the bus stopped at a local restaurant but in the wake, the tour bus disappeared along with bassist Paul ‘Rock Giant’ Reed inside. Jodi Castle, a kleptomaniac without the ability to resist stealing, a young woman who ‘steals’ the bus with our hero inside sends the tour bus into a river wherein Paul and Jodi struggle to make sense of what is happening and why. An inflatable raft, a couple of oars, a bag of abandoned kittens, an empty pub, and one night together ends with our heroine ghosting our hero, and the band rescuing Paul ‘Rock Giant’ Reed from his solo adventure.

RECKLESS BEAT is a quick read a fast paced story of one woman’s over night introduction to a rock star, and the rock star’s introduction to a woman whose impulses got them both in trouble. The premise is entertaining; the characters are interesting and colorful; the $ex scene is provocative and intense. Paul and Jodi’s story continues in ROCK GIANT.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Come Undone
All Night Long
All Fired Up
All Right Now

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Madelynne is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author. She wrote her first novel after discovering Black Lace Books in the 1990s. Having escaped the Hotel California, she dived into storytelling full-time. Her books are filled with bisexual bad boys who like to get down and dirty, and stories so angst-filled you know they’re going to hurt.

She lives in the UK near the Welsh border, where you can find her surrounded by books, drinking rapidly cooling decaf coffee, and listening to loud music. Her family still haven’t grasped that noise-cancelling headphones really do mean she can’t hear them.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website: https://www.madelynne-ellis.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadelynneEllis1 

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Madelynne.ellis.readers 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/271150.Madelynne_Ellis 

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/madelynne-ellis 

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ONE MORE CHANCE (Band on the Run 4) by Samantha Chase -review

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ONE MORE CHANCE (Band on the Run 4) by Samantha Chase -review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 28, 2023
Twenty-three years ago, he hopped on a bus to pursue his dreams in the music business.
But that meant leaving behind the girl who could never really be his.

Now older, wiser, and insanely successful, Mick Tyler has achieved everything he ever wanted, but he’s never been more miserable. Feeling a little disenchanted and introspective, Mick can’t help but let his mind wander through all of life’s “what if” moments. The biggest what if? The girl he walked away from—the one who was too young and had dreams of her own. And now that he’s thought about her once, he can’t stop wondering.

Sienna Ashley is desperate for a little excitement. As thrilling and satisfying as her pursuit of scientific research has been for her intellect, it’s left her heart feeling a little neglected. For years she dreamed of finding someone who not only understood her brains but accepted her and all her quirks. Once upon a time she thought she’d found that someone, but it’s been over two decades since he walked out of her life.

Past and present collide when Mick and Sienna unexpectedly come face to face. Together, they decide to see what could have happened had they chosen a different path all those years ago. But they’ve given themselves a deadline. Two weeks. Two glorious weeks to either work each other out of their systems, or to embark on the love of a lifetime.

••••••

REVIEW: ONE MORE CHANCE is the fourth (and final ?) instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary,adult BAND ON THE RUN romance series focusing on the band Shaughnessy. This is forty-two year old, agent/rep/promoter Michael ‘Mick’ Tyler, and thirty-nine year old neuropsychologist Sienna Ashley’s story line. ONE MORE CHANCE 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 (Mick and Sienna) ONE MORE CHANCE follows the second chance romance and relationship between forty-two year old Michael ‘Mick’ Tyler and thirty-nine year old Sienna Ashley. Twenty-three years earlier a then sixteen year old Sienna Ashley professed her love for her brother’s best friend, nineteen year old Michael Tyler as Michael readied himself for the next chapter of his life. Michael knew Sienna was too young and her future had yet to be set in stone, so Michael walked away, leaving a heart broken Sienna in his wake. Fast forward to present day, Michael, now known as Mick Tyler, talent agent extraordinaire, will come face to face with his past in the guise of neuropsychologist Sienna Ashley. Sienna Ashley was in New York for a medical conference and wanted to reconnect with her older brother but Sienna never expected to see Michael Tyler, the man who stole her heart years before. With both in need of a much deserved vacation, Michael and Sienna agree on two weeks together, two weeks in which Michael makes good on everything on Sienna’s bucket wish of things to do. Reconnecting with one another opened their eyes and their heart to a possible future but bad news from home sends Sienna into a spiral, a spiral that Michael cannot fix. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Michael and Sienna as our couple must navigate two successful careers, burgeoning friendships, and a love that has crossed more then twenty-three years.

The relationship between Michael and Sienna is a second chance, rekindling romance in which neither has forgotten the one that got away but Michael knew Sienna was too young, and our hero had yet to become the successful agent he is today. Sienna’s heart broke the day Michael Tyler walked out of her life but two weeks together only proved the heart still wanted what it lost years before. Neither one had married or started a family, and the next chapter of both of their lives was about to begin. Michael knows their time together is coming to a close but our hero is hoping for something more. There are no $ex scenes, everything is implied.

The secondary and supporting characters include most of the members of the band Shaughnessy; Mick’s assistant Lynn; Sienna’s brother Jason, and her best friend Professor Eleanor Stefani.

ONE MORE CHANCE is a story second chances, lost love, family and friendships, and a happily ever after. The premise is emotional and engaging; the romance is passionate and dream-worthy; the characters are energetic and fun. ONE MORE CHANCE is a heart warming and captivating story of eternal love.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
One More Kiss
One More Promise
One More Moment

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Haven’t started the series? Book one-ONE MORE KISS is currently FREE at AMAZON:

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Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon UK/ Amazon AU /

 

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Samantha ChaseNew 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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