Monthly Archives: March 2023

VALENTINE’S EVE (RBMC: Nashville TN #7) by Morgan Jane Mitchell

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??VALENTINE’S EVE (RBMC: Nashville TN #7) by Morgan Jane Mitchell-review??

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 10, 2023

Kingpin warned her it’d be better to lie. When she didn’t take his advice, Eve’s life went spiraling out of control. Although, that’s partly his fault. It does take two to tango, after all. But now Eve can have all she ever wanted, Hallow and a baby. All she has to do is lie. All Kingpin has to do is keep quiet. And ignore Eve being happy with another man. Besides, he already has a loving wife and twins on the way.

What could go wrong?

•••••

REVIEW: VALENTINE’S EVE is the seventh instalment in Morgan Jane Mitchell’s contemporary, adult RBMC: Nashville TN dark, erotic, MC romance series-a part of the multi-authored RBMC. This is the continuing story of thirty year old, club president Beau ‘Kingpin’ Strick, twenty-one year old Eve Newberry, and Eve’s ex-fiance Hallow, and Kingpin’s wife Sky. VALENTINE’S EVE should not be read as a stand alone as there is an ongoing premise throughout. The events of VALENTINE’S EVE cross over with, and run parallel to the events of ROYAL SURPRISE #4, and PAGAN’S CHRISTMAS #6. Eve and Hallow are first introduced in book one HALLOW’S EVE: Kingpin and Sky’s story is revealed in ROYAL ROAD and ROYAL SURPRISE-all culminating in Valentine’s Eve.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers. If you have not read any of the previous story lines, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from four first person perspectives (Kingpin, Sky, Hallow, Eve) VALENTINE’S EVE follows in the wake of the wedding that wasn’t. Hallow and Eve were supposed to get married but Eve panicked when she discovered she was pregnant then lost the baby, and went on the run to protect the MC from her murderous past. Hallow, embarrassed and humiliated, went on the proverbial war path, returning to the MC only to take out his frustrations on our story line heroine, and every other woman at the club. With his wife Sky slowly recovering from a recent attack and a pregnancy with twins, club president Beau ‘Kingpin’ Strick makes it his mission to claim Eve as his own in the wake of the disappearance of Hallow Hart but a married president with an ol’ lady meant Eve was nothing more than a piece on the side, forcing Eve to run, yet again, knowing she would always come second when it counted. Coming face to face with Kingpin, several months later, revealed the secret Eve was hoping to hide, a secret that is about to tear apart several friendships within the RBMC. What ensues is the building but tempestuous relationship between Eve and Kingpin, and the fall-out as secrets and lies begin to pull the RBMC apart, secrets that reveal betrayal, vengeance and infidelity at every turn.

The relationship between Eve and Kingpin is one of the forbidden. Kingpin is married; his wife is expecting twins but Kingpin’s relationship with his wife has spiralled out of control. Eve continues to profess her love for August ‘Hallow’ Hart, secretly hoping he will return and claim our heroine as his own but Hallow has moved on, and Kingpin is determined to make Eve his own. The $ex scenes are energetic, erotic, and intense.

There is another large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including several members of the RBMC, and club wh*res, and Kingpin’s brother, country music star Bo/Beau/Bubba Strick

VALENTINE’S EVE is a complex and detailed story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, infidelity and deception, family and friendships. The premise is dark, gritty, and dramatic; the romance is impassioned and provocative but struggles in the face of miscommunication, false hopes and lies; the characters are desperate, determined and deceitful. VALENTINE’S EVE ends on a happily ever after for now-Morgan Jane Mitchell’s RBMC couples rarely have a permanent happily ever after.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Hallow’s Eve
Kissing Irish
Royal Road
Royal Surprise
Catchin’ Levi
Pagan’s Xmas

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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USA Today Bestselling Author Morgan Jane Mitchell spent years blogging politics and health trends before she rediscovered her love of writing fiction. Trading politicians for bloodsuckers of another kind, she’s now the author of bestselling post-apocalyptic fantasy novel, Sanguis City. Her action packed series of vampires, witches, demons and zombies is paranormal romance, dystopia, urban fantasy and erotica in one bite. When Morgan Jane is not creating the city of blood or conjuring up other supernatural tales, she’s dreaming up erotic and dark romances, like her bestselling Biker Romance series, Asphalt Gods’ MC.

Despite her ever changing hair and her love of adventure, fine food and art, she spends most of her time enjoying the simple life with her free range chickens and ducks, 3 sons and the love of her life who happens to be the best assistant ever.

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Where The Sky Burns (Blood of Eith 5) by Gillian Grant-review

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Where The Sky Burns (Blood of Eith 5) by Gillian Grant-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 7, 2023

To save their world they must find their way back to one another.

The war rages with the underground empire of Serevadia against the entire surface world. Elven warrior Abraxas Kain had once been the champion of the God of Light. Now he’s known as the Serevadian god Catarmon, blazing his path towards a future with the Divines, no matter how many have to die. The only thing in his way are his old friends, the Wandering Sols.

Stranded apart from one another, each of the Wandering Sols faces an arduous journey, but they must survive if they are to save the world, and their old friend. Can Evren Hanali, who sacrificed the love of her life, now kill the man she promised to save so long ago? Enslaved by the man who murdered his family, can Sorin Trinity escape in time to join the battle? Arke saved his people from Abraxas before, but now challenged with a greater task, the answers he seeks could be deadly. Trapped in enemy territory, Solri Amet has lost her home, her honor, and her friends. She falls back on old skills, but something darker lurks just out of sight.

They’ve each sacrificed so much already. How much was free will, and how much is destiny?

It pains Abraxas more than he’ll admit that the Wandering Sols refuse to fight at his side. Sooner than he’s ready for, he’ll have to choose between the family he found and the Divines who abandoned him. As the final battle looms, can he find redemption in the place where the sky burns?

•••••

REVIEW:WHERE THE SKY BURNS is the fifth and (final?) instalment in Gillian Grant’s adult THE BLOOD OF EITH high fantasy, adventure series focusing on twenty-three year old, half-elf, hunter Evren Hanali of Orenlion, and her ragtag team of misfit warriors who call themselves the Wandering Sols. WHERE THE SKY BURNS should not be read as a stand alone. I recommend reading the series in order as several plot lines converge in each instalment. If you have not read the previous instalments, there may be spoilers in my review.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including graphic violence, descriptive blood-gore and death, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several third person perspectives WHERE THE SKY BURNS follows in the aftermath of Evren Hanali’s attempts to save her family, her friends in the wake of Abraxas Kain’s attacks and rage. Abraxas aka Catarmon, a former member of the Wandering Sols, has turned to the dark side having spent one-hundred years, a century enduring the solitude and deviance of war and hate. In an effort to become a god himself, Abraxas is struggling to locate the Eternity Dagger, and pairing it with a the Sword, Abraxas would become all powerful, omnipotent, and ultimately cruel, keeping the gods, the Divines in perpetual holding but Abraxas has brought his fight for control to the lives of what is left of the Wandering Sols, a family torn apart by dimensions and time. Evren’s attempt to save her friends has scattered her family into the depths of their own h*lls, and each will have to battle the demons and magical beings that are determined to take them down. A final battle for control finds the group reunited, facing down a former member, that no one, not even love, is able to save.

Most of the previous story characters and members of the Wanderings Sols are blessed or ‘cursed’ with their own battle to fight: Sorin Trinity, goblin Arke, dwarf warrior Solri Amet, the love of Evren’s life, and the woman with whom she shares a heart Gyda; Song Mei and Barrion; and Abraxas Kain.

WHERE THE SKY BURNS is another lengthy, complex, comprehensive, exhaustive and graphic story of mythological gods and goddess, the spiritual and religious beliefs of a people who have witnessed far too many atrocities and death. Gillian Grant pulls directives, analogy and correlation to Dungeons and Dragons™, Lord of the Rings ™ and most especially A Game of Thrones™. The similarities are numerous, plentiful and diverse; the non-stop action is thorough and, at times, taxing-the war and fighting never end. The energetic premise is detailed and multi-layered; the characters are numerous, desperate and determined.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Where The Shadow Beckons
Where the Night Consumes
Where The Heart Festers
Where the Light Dies

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

If you haven’t started the series, book one WHERE THE SHADOWS BECKON is currently FREE: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play /

 

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Gillian Grant was born in Texas and grew up enthralled with fantasy stories of all kinds. As she got older, she often traveled with her family and imagined wild adventures while exploring the mountains of Colorado and the glens of Scotland. Back home in Texas, she took her love of fantasy to the next level and sat a group of friends down to play Dungeons and Dragons. From there, they built the world her first novel, Where The Shadows Beckon was set in. When she’s not writing, Gillian is normally juggling too many D&D campaigns, grooming dogs, and imagining her next adventure. She still lives in Texas with her two cats.

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TEASE ME (The Kings of Hell’s Kitchen .5) by Tara Wyatt-a review

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TEASE ME (The Kings of Hell’s Kitchen .5) by Tara Wyatt

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 7, 2023

I wasn’t looking to fall for an angel. But the first time I laid eyes on Whitney Vanek, that’s what happened.

Then I found out she’s my boss’s girl’s best friend. Someone I won’t be able to avoid, even though I know I should.

Because a woman like that? Gorgeous and smart and full of life? She’s not for me. She thinks she knows me, but she doesn’t. She doesn’t know the things I’ve done. The people I’ve hurt. What these scarred hands are capable of.

So I’ll do the only thing I can. I’ll watch over her. A guardian devil, built for her protection. Like the thorns that protect the beautiful rose, I’ll be the ugly that makes anything that tries to hurt her bleed.

And if she’s ever in danger, I’ll risk everything for her.

Even my soul.

•••••

REVIEW: TEASE ME is the prequel novella in Tara Wyatt’s contemporary, adult THE KINGS OF HELL’S KITCHEN erotic, criminal underworld, romance series-a spin off from the author’s THE PRESCOTTS series. This is former Irish mob enforcer turned security specialist, forty-four year old Killian Byrne, and twenty-eight year old fantasy author Whitney Vanek’s story line. TEASE ME can be read as a stand alone but for back story I recommend reading BAD INTENTIONS (Prescott 4) for backstory.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Killian and Whitney) following several timelines TEASE ME follows the introduction of Killian Byrne to the soon to be Kings of Hell’s Kitchen. Approximately twenty years earlier, Killian’s entire family was murdered by a rival mob, and Killian sought sanctuary with Julian Prescott. Over the years Killian would become Julian’s right hand man, his enforcer and protector but always standing in the shadows, dark and alone until the day Killian meets Julian’s fiancée’s best friend Whitney, the woman who stirred something deep within our story line hero. Killian believed his work would place a target on any woman he loved so he kept his distance from Whitney Vanek. Three years would pass as Killian watched from the sidelines, knowing he would never have a chance at family and love.

TEASE ME is a bit of a teaser; a prequel that introduces some of the background and history of Killian Byrne, and his desire for a woman he cannot have. The premise is captivating and intriguing; the characters are resigned and reserved; there is no romance but for the thoughts and yearnings of two people who continue to lust after one another-from afar.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Tara Wyatt is an award-winning romantic suspense and contemporary romance author known for her fast-paced writing, humor, and sexy love scenes. She lives in Hamilton, Ontario with the cutest dog in the world and a husband who makes all of her heroes look like chumps.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website http://www.tara-wyatt.com/
Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/tarawyattauthor/
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/taradwyatt
Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/taradwyatt
Goodreads https://goo.gl/epuD3i
Amazon https://amzn.to/2Gaqehj

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High Value Target by Nicole James-review tour

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High Value Target (Tri-Star Securities 2) by Nicole James-review tour

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

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Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3S0Q34R

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 9, 2023

The Heiress to a Texas oil fortune and the bodyguard assigned to protect her–
Tinsley Wyatt is the only daughter of one of the Lone Star State’s wealthiest billionaires.
When her father’s business dealings put a target on her back, he hires Tri Star Securities’ best operative, Grady Steele.
She’s a drop-dead-gorgeous, stuck-up socialite, and he’s an ex-military, good ol’ boy with a southern accent, killer abs and soulful eyes. She’s temptation personified, intent on seducing him, but he’s just as determined to keep things professional.
They’ve both met their match.
When blackmail and intimidation turn deadly, she’ll need him more than ever, and he’ll cross any line to save her.

••••••

REVIEW: HIGH VALUE TARGET is the second instalment in Nicole James’ contemporary, adult TRI-STAR SECURITIES erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the team at Tri-Star Securities, a group of former US Special Forces soldiers. This is Grady Steele, and twenty-five year old heiress Tinsley Wyatt’s story line. HIGH VALUE TARGET 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 third person perspectives (Grady and Tinsley) HIGH VALUE TARGET focuses on the security protection of oil heiress Tinsley Wyatt. Tri-Star Securities specializes in high risk rescues, and private security, and in this Grady Steele finds himself guardian and protector of twenty-five year old, oil heiress Tinsley Wyatt in the wake of threats against her billionaire father but Tinsley wants nothing to do with personal security, and sets about to make Grady’s life a living h*ll. All does not go according to plan when Tinsley, who is promised to someone else, finds herself alone with our hero, a time when she will discover that she doesn’t like the current direction of her personal life but someone is blackmailing Tinsley’s father, and our heroine is the prize in winner takes all. What ensues is the building relationship between Tinsley and Grady, and the potential fall-out as explosions, murders and kidnappings force Grady to reconsider his attraction to a woman, out of his league.

Tinsley Wyatt doesn’t like her boyfriend, or his aspirations for political power but Tinsley has been born and raised to be the good-little wife, and in this, our heroine struggles with her attraction to Grady in the wake of a possible engagement to someone else. Grady Steele has loved and lost, and has no desire to settle down but something about Tinsley draws Grady like a moth to a flame, a flame that will burn our hero when he isn’t looking.

The relationship between Grady and Tinsley is one of immediate attraction but Grady has been hired to protect Tinsley Wyatt, and Tinsley’s stubborn and spoiled attitude is constantly forcing Grady to take control. Grady suspects that Tinsley’s relationship with her boyfriend may all be a ruse but someone is desperate to take down everyone involved. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Grady’s teammates: CEO of Tri-Star Chris Draper; Stan Ravenowitz; and Big Al; Tinsley’s parents JD and Loretta Wyatt, and her brothers Jed and Bodie; her best friend Kiley; as well as Tinsley’s boyfriend Palmer, and his brother Perry.

HIGH VALUE TARGET is a story of money, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, greed and blackmail, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is fast paced and edgy ; the characters are impulsive, flirty and lively; the romance is tender and provocative.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Nicole James is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author who loves writing about hot alpha men who’ll do anything for the women they love! Her stories are filled with struggle, conflict and real human emotion. She is the author of the Evil Dead MC series, the Brothers Ink Tattoo series, The Devil Kings MC series, and more. Join her mailing list to be the first to receive cover reveals, release information, giveaways and more!

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The Reading Cafe 11th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway Winners

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The Reading Cafe 11th Anniversary Celebration Giveaway Winners

The Reading Cafe 11th Anniversary Celebration Winners

All of us at The Reading Cafe want to take this time to thank everyone for helping celebrate our eleventh full year on the web. The month long Anniversary Celebration is now over, and the winners selected and notified. We have been amazed at how close our small community truly is and have enjoyed being able to offer such great giveaways to all of our members.

2022 was a troubling year for many, and also a year of new beginnings. Some of us lost family and friends, and many continue to struggle in their daily lives. 

We want to thank all of the publishers  who have graciously donated the wonderful prize packages.

We have been blessed to have been able to meet many wonderful people along the way, as well as to read so many fantastic books from new and established authors, post interviews and offer giveaways from the publishers and authors.

From Barb, Sandy and all of our contributors, we THANK YOU for being a part of The Reading Cafe. As we head into our twelfth year, we hope to see you and invite you back to participate in all of our promotions and giveaways. We love introducing new authors to old friends.

The Reading Cafe Team-Sandy, Barb, Vickie, Julie B,  Marcie, Erin, and  Sarah 

••••••••••••

NOTE: ALL of the winners have been notified, and have responded.

FOREVER PUBLISHING

DREAMING OF A HEART LAKE CHRISTMAS by Sarah Robinson
WISHING ON A COWBOY CHRISTMAS by Sara Richardson
LUNAR LOVE by Lauren Kung Jessen
THE HOUSE ON MULBERRY STREET by Jeannie Chin
THE GODPARENT TRAP by Rachel Van Dyken
JUST THE TWO OF US by Jo Wilde
THE DATING PLAYBOOK by Farrah Rochon
THE GOOD LUCK CAFE by Annie Raines
SUMMER AT HOPE HAVEN by Kristin Harper
A THOUSAND MILES TO GRACELAND by Kristen Chase
STARTING OVER AT SUNSHINE CORNER by Phoebe Mills

WINNER: Pat L.

•••••

4 book prize package

Ali Hazelwood – Loathe to Love You
Ali Hazelwood- Love on the Brain
Jen DeLuca – Well Travelled
Amanda Elliot -Sadie on the Plate

WINNER: Mary McCoy

•••••

4 books prize package

Samantha Verant -The Spice Mast at Bistro Exotique
Samantha Young -A Cosmic Kind of Love
Denise Williams – Do You Take This Man
Amy E. Reichert -Once Upon a December

WINNER: Sue Galuska

•••••

3 book prize package

Passion on Park Avenue- Lauren Layne (2)
Love on Lexington Avenue-Lauren Layne (2)
Lucky Streak -Tif Marcelo (2)

WINNERS (2): Angel Key / Evelyn S.

••••••

4 book prize package

Jane Igharo Where we End and Begin
Jackie Lau The Stand-Up Groomsman
Lynn Painter Mr. Wrong Number
Rochelle Bilow-Ruby Spencer’s Whiskey Year

WINNER: E. (Aylah)

••••••

3 book prize package

Mimi Matthews The Belle of Belgrave Square
India Holton The League of Gentlewomen Witches
Kerry Rea Lucy on the Wild Side

WINNER: Kim C

••••••

4 book paranormal prize package

Katee Robert- Court of the Vampire Queen
Nalini Singh- Archangel’s Resurrection
Brian Feehan – Harmony of Fire
Ruby Dixon- Barbarian Mine

WINNER: Remi

••••••

2 book hard cover package

Mary Balogh -Remember Love
Amanda Quick – When She Dreams

WINNER: Judy Hudgins

••••••

Christine Feehan prize package

Shadow Fire
Phantom Game
Red on the River
Dark Whisper
Recovery Road

WINNER: Dawn Blankenship

••••••

2 book prize package

Deanna Raybourn Killers of a Certain Age
Jayne Ann Krenz Sleep No More

WINNER: Latesha B

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Don’t Back Down by Sharon Sala – a Review

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Don’t Back Down by Sharon Sala – a Review

 

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Description:
Army veteran Cameron Pope arrives back in Jubilee, Kentucky, for the first time in years. He barely has time to catch his breath when he becomes embroiled in a race of life or death for his little niece and a deadly hunt for the human traffickers who are destroying the peace of his mountain town. When he’s reunited with Rusty Caldwell—a woman from his past who he’s never stopped thinking about—he wants to believe they can finally be together. But Cameron is shocked to find out that Rusty belongs to one of the rich families in Jubilee—the same rich folks who scorn the rural families living on the surrounding mountainside, in spite of knowing nothing about them. With their community in the crosshairs, Cameron and Rusty will have to find a way to end the feuding and take down the human trafficking ring if they’re to have a chance at happiness.

 

 

Review:

Don’t Back Down by Sharon Sala is the first book in her new romance suspense series, Jubilee, Kentucky.  I am a fan of Sharon Sala, having read and loved her previous series; and this first book was great.  The story started 5 years ago, when our heroine/hero met at a bar, and had a night of passion, as he was shipping out to Afghanistan. Both of them still dream about that night, sorry they didn’t give out their names.

We jump to 5 years later, Cameron Pope, has returned to Jubilee, Kentucky after completing two tours, and is happy to be home near his family.  One night he gets a desperation call from his sister, Rachel, about her daughter being kidnapped.  Cameron, with his service dog, Ghost, become embroiled to find his niece.  Ghost, who spent years in Afghanistan with Cameron, managed to find her, and Cameron rescues little Lily. 

Rusty Caldwell, our heroine, is a top-rated FBI agent, who solves a crime, and is currently recovering from injuries.  She is approached by Agents who have been trying to stop human traffickers, and since she has family in Jubilee, she agrees to visit family members she has not seen in many years; using the guise of visiting while on leave to recover.  When the FBI learns that Cameron is a Military Veteran, whose credentials were top notch, and they inform Rusty to work with him. 

Cameron is shocked when he meets Rusty, as she was the woman he constantly dreamed of.  Rusty, doing research, recognizes Cameron, and couldn’t wait to meet him again and work together. They both worked closely together, investigating a number of people in Jubiliee that were involved, but most of all to find the head honcho who was behind the human trafficking.  Rusty, Cameron and Ghost made a fantastic team.

What follows is an exciting, tense story that held my breath throughout; with many people part of the human trafficking. Just when they think they have discovered the Boss, things change rapidly.  Though this was an exciting mystery, I oved the romance between Cameron and Rusty; they made such a great couple, and the chemistry between them became ultra-steamy.  Their romance throughout was a major part of this story.  I loved Ghost, who was a fantastic dog, and a major part of the rescue/investigation. 

Don’t Back Down was so very well written by Sharon Sala.  I loved the characters, the town, and especially our couple, and dog.  I can’t wait to see what Sala has next.  If you like exciting suspense, and romance, I suggest you read Don’t Back Down.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Hidden by the Doctor by Kennedy L Mitchell-review tour

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Hidden the by Doctor (In Clear Sight 4) by Kennedy L Mitchell-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 8, 2023

Miller
Being a single father in witness protection isn’t ideal, but it’s the only option to keep the baby I technically stole safe. Staying hidden is simple until the night I beat down the door of the only doctor in town, demanding help, and I meet the woman who changes everything.
I’m danger and violence; she’s innocent and caring. I’ll corrupt her, and potentially bring the threat of the MC after me to her doorstep.
Too bad for Dr. Caradee Blacksmith, I’m too selfish to care.
Because I want her no matter the risk.

Caradee
I should be terrified of the massive stranger with tattoos covering every inch of skin and penetrating gray eyes that conjure dirty thoughts I have no right to think. But there’s a sick baby in his arms. He’s not what I expect, throwing my perfectly controlled life into a type of chaos I had no idea I needed. He’s everything I never knew I wanted, making me feel alive with every flaming touch.

But when men who look like him come to town wearing leather vests with hate and violence behind their eyes, I have to decide if this new way of living is one I’ll fight for or if I’ll turn my back on the man who showed me how amazing it is to be obsessively loved.

••••

REVIEW:HIDDEN BY THE DOCTOR is the fourth instalment in Kennedy L Mitchell’s contemporary, adult, IN CLEAR SIGHT erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on Grandger Texas, and a small community of people living in the WITSEC program. This is former MC member Miller, and doctor Caradee Blacksmith’s story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including violence, murder and strong language, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Miller and Caradee) HIDDEN BY THE DOCTOR follows Miller in the aftermath of a massacre between rival MCs. On the order of his MC president aka his father, Miller found himself at a crossroads when he discovered he was being tested and his assignment was to kill every man, woman and child but upon his arrival, everyone was already dead, and the only survivor was an infant child, a child Miller knew he had to save. In the WITSEC program for turning evidence against his former MC and his father, Miller and baby Carlie were now in Grandger Texas, where Miller would come face to face with Dr. Caradee Blacksmith, the woman with whom Miller would fall in love. As Miller and Carlie navigated the ins and outs of their new relationship, Miller knew it was only a matter of time before his past discovered his whereabouts, threatening the woman with whom he was falling in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Miller and Caradee, and the potential fall-out as the Blazing Skulls MC sets their sights on our story line couple.

The relationship between Miller and Caradee is one of immediate attraction but neither one is in any position to start something new. Caradee continues to struggle with a lifetime of betrayal, and Miller needs to protect the small child he has claimed as his own but time spent together felt like the family both had been missing, a family that was about to be destroyed in an act of betrayal and vengeance. The $ex scene are intimate, erotic and aggressive but I dislike the liberal use of a certain four-letter word throughout the story.

The secondary and supporting characters include several members of the Blazing Skulls MC-the prez, Stetson and Beast). We are reintroduced to Max and Rachel (Guarded by the Officer 1), Grayson and Anne (Cherished by the Agent 2), Shade, Trap and Georgia (Saved by the Officers 3)l Caradee’s mother, baby Carlie, and Caradee’s ex fiancé Kurt.

HIDDEN BY THE DOCTOR is a story of power and control, murder and madness, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is gripping and riveting; the characters are determined and energetic; the romance is seductive and provocative.

My only complaint is the whereabouts and condition of two secondary characters including Stetson and Miller’s sister Megan.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Guarded by the Marshal
Cherished by the Agent
Saved by the Officers

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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Kennedy lives in Dallas with her husband, son, and 80lb Goldendoodle who still believes he’s a lap dog. A bookworm at heart, Kennedy loves to snuggle up in bed or by the campfire with an unputdownable book. She began writing two years ago with Falling for the Chance and has no plans of stopping. Her novels are witty, action-packed, and offer enough steam for a great facial. If you like strong heroines and sexy, tattooed men who can’t keep their hands off them, then this author is the one for you.

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Hockey with Benefits by Tijan-review tour

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Hockey with Benefits by Tijan-review tour

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

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3lqdR69

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 7, 2023

Hockey with benefits. That was what Mara proposed, and I was down.

She said no feelings and she meant it.

Just benefits. No strings attached. Nothing else. Not even friendship.

College was her escape, including us.

I didn’t have time for a girlfriend.

I had classes, the team, my family, and the game.

It was all working too…

Until somewhere down the line, things got messy.

Until somehow we were dealing with threats, secrets, rivals, and so much more.

Until I began to want her in ways that weren’t part of the deal.

Our agreement didn’t just get checked into the wall, it got obliterated.

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REVIEW:HOCKEY WITH BENEFITS by Tijan is a stand alone, contemporary, new adult, erotic, college romance focusing on college hockey player Cruz Styles, and Mara Daniels. HOCKEY WITH BENEFITS is set in, and is interconnected with the author’s Fallen Crest series.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including mental illness and acquaintance r@pe, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Cruz and Mara) HOCKEY WITH BENEFITS follows the unconventional relationship between college hockey star Cruz Styles, and Mara Daniels. Mara and Cruz are not quite friends with benefits but have an understanding to be one another’s intimate, sexual partners. Keeping their relationship a secret means the unwelcome scrutiny of, and questions from so-called friends, roommates, other students and bullies. Cruz has caught the eye of every female puck bunny, and Mara must deal with the sl^t shaming and vitriol of the jealous fans but all is not well in the lives of our story line couple as issues of fractured family dynamics and mental illness are slowing destroying the psyche of two young people whose entire lives are still ahead. What ensues is the building but atypical romance and relationship between Mara and Cruz, and the potential fall-out as Mara’s life begins to spiral out of control, wreaking havoc on anyone who has crossed her path.

Mara Daniels has many friends and supporters within the college community but Mara’s secrets are known only by a few. It is these secrets that are about to destroy the strained relationship Mara has with those who have only surmised about the real Mara Daniels, and with it, the spiral that continues to affect her private and personal life. Cruz Styles doesn’t want a girlfriend, and his ‘arrangement’ with Mara is perfect such that no heart will be broken until the heart wants something more than the head is willing to accept. Life as a star; a member of the popular crowd means exposing both the good and bad for our story line couple but no one ever expected that Mara would be thrown to the wolves in the wake of protecting someone else.

The relationship between Mara and Cruz begins as a sexual agreement; a ‘friends with benefits’ type of relationship but a relationship that supposedly starts and ends in the bedroom. Mara never thought she would find someone that would accept the emotional scars that have affected her ability to trust, and Cruz knew his position on the hockey team meant he couldn’t always trust the people who wanted something more than he was willing to give. The $ex scenes are passionate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and wild secondary and supporting characters including several members of the hockey team, roommates, friends, frenemies, rivals and family.

The world building focuses on issues of mental health, and the resulting consequences and ramifications for those standing in the direct line of fire. Until one has lived or experienced the true depth of the pain and heart ache of such an illness, there is always someone waiting to tear you down.

HOCKEY WITH BENEFITS is a story of fractured family dynamics, friendships and relationships, betrayal and mental illness, acceptance and love. The premise is emotional, heart breaking and unique; the characters are broken, damaged yet brave; the romance is seductive and provocative.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Tijan is a New York Times Bestselling author that writes suspenseful and unpredictable novels. Her characters are strong, intense, and gut-wrenchingly real with a little bit of sass on the side. Tijan began writing later in life and once she started, she was hooked. She’s written multi-bestsellers including the Carter Reed Series, the Fallen Crest Series, and the Broken and Screwed Series among others. She is currently writing a new YA series along with so many more from north Minnesota where she lives with a man she couldn’t be without and an English Cocker she adores. 

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