Monthly Archives: April 2023

BATTLE OF HEARTS (Legacy of the Maguires 2) by Stella Holt-review

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BATTLE OF HEARTS (Legacy of the Maguires 2) by Stella Holt-review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 11, 2023

In a city where connections are everything, who will prevail as political and police royalties collide?

Ainsley Nash just got her big break with a story on insider trading that’s causing political elites, including her senator father, to sweat. As her story gains momentum, the threat of someone shutting her down looms. But Ainsley is headstrong, and no one is going to stop her from discovering the truth—especially not the smoking hot SWAT sergeant assigned to protect her.

Coming from a family full of cops, Rory Maguire didn’t join the D.C. SWAT team to babysit socialites. But Ainsley surprises Rory with her down-to-earth personality and drive to do what’s right. Keeping Ainsley safe from harm isn’t easy. Attempting to ignore the surge of desire he feels every time she’s within reach is an even bigger challenge.

Ainsley and Rory have enough sexual tension to light up the city, but can they let their guards down long enough to admit they’re a perfect match before it’s too late?

••••••

REVIEW:  BATTLE OF HEARTS is the second instalment in Stella Holt’s contemporary, adult LEGACY OF THE MAGUIRES romantic suspense series focusing on the Maguire siblings. This is thirty-four year old, D.C. SWAT Team leader Sergeant Rory Maguire, and investigative journalist Ainsley Nash’s story line. BATTLE OF HEARTS 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 perspective (Rory and Ainsley) BATTLE OF HEARTS focuses on the protection of New York State Senator Nash’s daughter, investigative journalist Ainsley Nash. Senator Nash has requested the services of the DC Police Force to protect his daughter in the wake of a potential threat and the attack upon his junior Senator. Orders from the top find D.C. SWAT Team leader Rory Maguire, guardian and protector of Ainsley Nash but the Senator is not forthcoming with the who, how or why. Ainsley, refusing to sit back, with the help of Rory and his brother Conner, begins an investigation only to discover the betrayal could come from someone she knows but someone in D.C. has pulled Ainsley’s security detail leaving our heroine unprotected from future harm. Refusing to leave Ainsley exposed, Rory takes time off to reconsider his own future in the wake of a new position, protecting the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Rory and Ainsley, and the potential fall-out as mutual success and promotions threaten any possibility of a happily ever after.

Ainsley Nash is all about the next big story, and there are plenty of stories in Washington D.C. but Ainsley must tread very carefully in the wake of her father’s position and possible run the Presidency. An attack against her father’s junior Senator meant someone was getting too close to the truth, and Senator Nash doesn’t want his daughter a potential target as things quickly go south. Rory Maguire comes from a law enforcement dynasty, and has been offered a new position within the DC police force but his latest assignment ‘babysitting’ the Senator’s daughter brings Rory up close and personal with a future he never considered, a future that may never come to fruition.

The relationship between Rory and Ainsley begins as an assignment, an assignment of which Rory wants nothing to do. Ainsley doesn’t want personal protection but the perceived threats become a reality when secrets reveal an informant with secrets of his own. As Rory struggles to keep his distance from our story line heroine, Ainsley believes she has found her future in Rory Maguire. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and mostly implied, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. There is no foul language.

We are reintroduced to the Maguire siblings : Charlotte Maguire and Caleb Kincaid (Last First Kiss), Undercover Detective Conner and US Navy SEAL Finn, and their parents Judge Cora and former police Commissioner Maguire, Ainsley’s father Senator Nash, as well as fellow SWAT Team members Jake and Axel. Conner’s story line is next.

BATTLE OF HEARTS is a story of power and control, politics and greed, family and relationships, acceptance, sacrifice and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and entertaining but the conflict resolution was off page so the reader is not privy to the smaller nuances of the threats against our story line heroine. The romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and determined.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one LAST FIRST KISS

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Website/ / Goodreads/ Amazon author page/ Instagram

Author of your next binge-worthy romance series, Stella has been plotting sexy, tear-jerker stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Born a Georgia peach, Stella loves all things country but calls the beach home. Most days she can be found drinking too much coffee, collecting lipstick she forgets to wear, and baking.

Stella’s first series featuring first responders debuts in 2023.

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/StellaMail

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WINGS ONCE CURSED and BOUND by Piper J. Drake-a review

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WINGS ONCE CURSED AND BOUND(Mythwoven 1) by Piper J. Drake-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 11, 2023

My wings unbound, I am the Thai bird princess
The kinnaree
And no matter the cost,
I will be free.

Bennet Andrews represents a secret organization of supernatural beings dedicated to locating and acquiring mythical objects, tucking them safely away where they cannot harm the human race. When he meets Peeraphan Rahttana, it’s too late—she has already stepped into The Red Shoes, trapped by their curse to dance to her death.

But Bennet isn’t the only supernatural looking for deadly artifacts. And when the shoes don’t seem to harm Peeraphan, he realizes that he’ll have to save her from the likes of creatures she never knew existed. Bennett sweeps Peeraphan into a world of myth and power far beyond anything she ever imagined. There, she finds that magic exists in places she never dreamed—including deep within herself.

•••••

REVIEW: WINGS ONCE CURSED AND BOUND is the first instalment in Piper J. Drake’s contemporary, adult MYTHWOVEN paranormal, romance series focusing on a group known as the Darke Consortium, made up of several supernatural powers. This is Peeraphan ‘ Punch’ Rahttana, a Thai bird princess known as a kinnaree, and ancient vampire Bennet Andrews’ story line.

Told from several limited omniscient third person perspectives including Bennett and Peeraphan WINGS ONCE CURSED AND BOUND follows in the wake of the attempted abduction of our story line heroine. Peeraphan Rahttana aka Punch is a Thai bird princess, a mythological kinnaree, and the target of a collector of rare items, artifacts and creatures. A gift of a pair of red satin dance slippers imbued with magical yet deadly powers from an unknown benefactor finds Peeraphan beholden to her would-be rescuer, ancient vampire Bennet Andrews, as they search for a cure to the never ending dance. With the help of several members of the Darke Consortium including vampires, witches, shifters, fae and sidhe, Peeraphan must venture onto a journey of truth, a journey in which Peeraphan’s legitimacy and certainty will free her from the ‘dance of death’. What ensues is the building relationship between Bennet and Peeraphan, and the potential fall-out as the collector makes good on his desire for our heroine, and Bennet must come to terms with the past.

The relationship between Peeraphan and Bennet begins as a rescue but Bennet is gravely injured and our heroine must ‘donate’ blood in order to save his life. Connected at a visceral level, Bennet and Peeraphan must search for a remedy or fix to remove the red satin slippers that are controlling our heroine’s life. Bennet struggles in the wake of losing someone he loved, someone whose life span was limited, someone he compared to Peeraphan Rahttana. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top,sexually graphic language and text.

WINGS ONCE CURSED AND BOUND is a story steeped in Thai and Asian mythology with a large number of supernatural beings including dragons, vampires, shifters, fae and witches. We are introduced to several members of the Darke Consortium, responsible to locate and retrieve objects of myth and magic: Werewolf Thomas, witch Marie, Bennet’s personal assistant Duncan, winged Fae Ashke-the head of security for the Darke Consortium, Asamoah, and Peeraphan’s sugar gliders Toby and Cori. The requisite evil has many faces

WINGS ONCE CURSED AND BOUND is a story of power and control, obsession and greed, magic and the supernatural, acceptance and understanding. The premise is intriguing and enchanting but the early chapters were more telling than showing, often to the point of discomfort. The romance is fated and tender; the characters are edgy and spirited.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Piper J. Drake is a bestselling author of romantic suspense and edgy contemporary romance, a frequent flyer, and day job road warrior. She is often distracted by dogs, cupcakes, and random shenanigans.Connect with Piper at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google + | GoodReads | Youtube

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How Much I Need (Miami Nights 5) by Marie Force-review tour

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How Much I Need (Miami Nights 5) by Marie Force-review tour

 

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 11, 2023

She helped to bring me back to life. Now I want to return the favor.

Milo
When I open my eyes, I have no idea where I am or who I’m with. The woman beside my bed is lovely, with dark hair and eyes and a warm smile that makes me feel safe. I learn I’ve survived a major surgery that might’ve killed me after being shot in the neck, and Gianna is my nurse. She soon becomes the center of my universe as I recover. All I want is to get out of the hospital so I can really get to know her, but my recovery is slow and full of frustrating setbacks. The minute I get out of here, I’m taking her on the best date of her life.

Gianna
He’s the nicest man I’ve ever met, but I’ve learned to be wary of nice men. They tend to talk a big game, but when it comes down to it, they’re all the same. The longer Milo is under my care, however, the more I like him—and his big, overly involved family. Since my parents died and left me to finish raising my two younger brothers, family has been in short supply in my life. The Giordinos are right out of a TV show, and I find myself as interested in them as I am in Milo, despite my reservations. He’s promised me the best date of my life. We’ll see if he can deliver.

••••

REVIEW:HOW MUCH I NEED is the fifth and final instalment in Marie Force’s contemporary, adult MIAMI NIGHTS erotic, romance series focusing on the Giordino family. This is twenty-six year old, computer coder Milo Giordino, and registered nurse Gianna Lombardi’s story line. HOW MUCH I NEED can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order as the events of the current time line are as of a direct result of book four HOW MUCH I WANT (Nico and Sofia).

NOTE: If you have not read book four HOW MUCH I WANT, there may be spoilers in my review.

SOME BACKGROUND: In book four, Sofia Diaz’s abusive ex husband refused to accept that Sofia had walked away, and in doing so placed a target on Nico’s life. To protect his brother, Milo Giordino took the bullet meant for his brother, a bullet that could have ended his life.

Told from several first person perspectives including Milo and Gianna HOW MUCH I NEED follows in the wake of the shooting of our story line hero. Struggling in his recovery, Milo would befriend Gianna Lombardi RN, a friendship that would eventually become something more but Gianna would battle between head and heart in the wake of a lifetime of broken promises and loss. As Milo worked on his recovery and rehab, Gianna would be brought into the family as one of their own. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Milo and Gianna, and the potential fall-out as Gianna continues to struggle with the past fearing betrayal from the man with whom she is falling in love.

The relationship between Milo and Gianna begins in the hospital. Milo is immediately attraction to our story line heroine but no attempts are made at a relationship until Milo has been discharged on his way to rehab. Gianna has been hurt in the past, not only by family but by an ex who left her standing at the altar, and in the wake, Gianna struggles with what was and what will never be. Milo knows Gianna is the one that calls to his heart but convincing Gianna mean convincing a woman who is about to run. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

All of the previous story line couple return as secondary and supporting characters including Milo’s parents, Elena and Lorenzo Giordino. We are up close and personal with each couple, weddings and children, and the birth of the next generation. A welcome conclusion to a wonderful series.

HOW MUCH I NEED is a story of recovery and loss, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is captivating, engaging and inviting; the romance is spirited and intimate; the characters are sassy and spirited.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book four HOW MUCH I WANT

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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Marie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and erotic romance. Her series include Fatal, First Family, Gansett Island, Butler Vermont, Quantum, Treading Water, Miami Nights and Wild Widows.

Her books have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Spiegel bestseller in Germany.

Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.

Join Marie’s mailing list  news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook and on Instagram. Join one of Marie’s many reader groups. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.

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Fluke (Carmichael Family 3) by Adriana Locke-review tour

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Fluke (Carmichael Family 3) by Adriana Locke-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 10, 2023

SEEKING AN EX-HUSBAND

I need a fake ex-husband.

Let me explain …

I may have let it slip to my new co-workers that I have an ex-husband. Now they’re fascinated with the details, specifically with him.

Why wouldn’t they be? He’s gorgeous, has exceptional skills in the bedroom, and is determined to win me back.

But there’s a problem. He doesn’t exist.

The bigger problem? I have to produce him to save my job.

This is where you come in.

I’m seeking someone to play a smitten ex-husband for two weeks. You’ll need to remember our love story—details matter when it comes to romance! Please be prepared to travel in-state at a moment’s notice. We may be in close proximity and sharing a bed may be required.

One more thing—kisses are essential for optics as necessary.

If this sounds interesting or, at the very least, entertaining, let me know.

Signed,

Your Future Ex-Wife

•••••

REVIEW:The Carmichael family is back at it again and the next debacle is even funnier than the last. As always, I recommend reading a series in order, even more so for this author because she is amazing, Fluke however can be read as a standalone.

Ms. Addy teases us with Jess and Pippa in the previous books and now that his story is finally here, I’m so sad that it is over! Jess and Pippa are childhood friends, who like so many of us, grew apart as they got older. Jess has been half in love with Pippa for years, but because of her parents, Pippa is weary when it comes to relationships. When Pippa puts her foot in her mouth and finds that she now needs an ex-husband, she thinks the world is crashing down around her. Just when all hope is lost, Jess is there for a perfect moment to save her. When Jess offers to be this fake ex-husband, she is over the moon for the help. However, Jess has a few conditions of his own that she needs to meet.

Jess gives off such golden retriever vibes! He’s loyal, funny, kind and always willing to help others. Watching these two and their romance bloom was moving and warm. Pippa was interesting, the issues that her parents caused were heartbreaking and then later as she learns to love herself and really open her heart, well it was just amazing. Jess was like a balm and a shield, both she needed to really thrive. The Carmichaels are a loving, crazy bunch of brothers that readers are going to love.

Ps. Banks is a nut and I need that story!!!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Flirt
Fling

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys dreamed up by other authors, she decided to create her own. She is the author of Tumble, the first novel in her Dogwood Lane series; the Exception series; the Gibson Brothers series; and the Landry Family series.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, her sons, two dogs, two cats, and a bird. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice, and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket. Besides cinnamon gummy bears, boxing, and random quotes, her next favorite thing is chatting with readers. She’d love to hear from you! Look for her at www.adrianalocke.com.

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The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton-a review

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The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 11, 2023

In 1934, a luxury cruise becomes a fight for survival as two women’s pasts collide on a round-trip voyage from New York to Havana in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s page-turning new novel inspired by the true story of the SS Morro Castle.

New York heiress Catherine Dohan seemingly has it all. There’s only one problem. It’s a lie. As soon as the Morro Castle leaves port, Catherine’s past returns with a vengeance and threatens her life. Joining forces with a charismatic jewel thief, Catherine must discover who wants her dead—and why.

Elena Palacio is a dead woman. Or so everyone thinks. After a devastating betrayal left her penniless and on the run, Elena’s journey on the Morro Castle is her last hope. Steeped in secrecy and a burning desire for revenge, her return to Havana is a chance to right the wrong that has been done to her—and her prey is on the ship.

As danger swirls aboard the Morro Castle and their fates intertwine, Elena and Catherine must risk everything to see justice served once and for all.

••••

REVIEW: THE CUBAN HEIRESS by Chanel Cleeton is an adult, historical fictionalized account of the 1934 disaster near Asbury Park for the cruise ship The SS Morro Castle. THE CUBAN HEIRESS focuses on New York Heiress Catherine Dohan and her fiancé Raymond, Cuban born Elena Palacio, and passenger Harry.

Told from first person (Catherine) and third person (Elena), THE CUBAN HEIRESS follows four passengers on a cruise ship heading to Cuba: New York Heiress Catherine Dohan and her fiancé Raymond, Cuban born Elena Reyes, and passenger Harry but all is not well in the lives of the foursome, as a series of mishaps and problems begin to spiral out of control. Catherine Dohan is engaged to wealthy businessman Raymond after a whirlwind romance but Catherine isn’t whom she claims to be. Her fiancé Raymond leaves Catherine to her own devices but a series of mysterious events including an attack on her life pushes Catherine into the arms of someone else. Meeting a sympathetic stranger who clearly knows the type of man Catherine is about to marry begins to reveal some secrets she knew nothing about.

Meanwhile, Cuban born Elena Palacio is looking for revenge against the man that all but destroyed her life. Believed to have died in a house fire, Elena is desperate to retaliate and take back her life but she will need the help of people on board. Having stowed away on the SS Morro Castle, Elena sets into motion her plans for vengeance and survival.

THE CUBAN HEIRESS is a fictionalized account of the fire and destruction of the SS Morro Castle. The characters and events are from the mind of author Chanel Cleeton set on the ill-fated journey of a ship with some questionable history including the unexplained death of the captain at sea. We are pulled into a story of mystery and suspense, theft and murder, fire and destruction, survival and loss. The dramatic premise is intriguing and entertaining; the characters are animated, tragic and impassioned.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Broken Ties by Nana Malone & M. Malone-review tour

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Broken Ties (Broken Series 2) by Nana Malone & M. Malone-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 11, 2023

I was the hero once, until I was betrayed.

Now I’m something else. I am the shadow that haunts the night. I am a hunter, a protector. I am Jonas Castillo.

For years I’ve existed on the edge of the dark, protecting innocents who can’t protect themselves. Until… her. Jessica JJ Jones. The bane of my existence. A bright light in the dark. The crack in my armor. A loud, argumentative beautiful crack in my armor.

But first, there’s a more immediate concern. JJ is running scared. And to protect her I might have to break the vow I made years ago.

••••

REVIEW: BROKEN TIES is the second instalment in the contemporary, adult BROKEN erotic, romantic suspense series co-authored by Nana Malone and M. Malone. This is former police detective turned security specialist Jonas Castillo, and make-up artist Jessica ‘JJ’ Jones’ story. Jessica Jones is Lucia DeMarco’s best friend (Broken Trust). BROKEN TIES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading book one BROKEN TRUST for back story as many of the events are referenced throughout the current timeline.

Told from three first person perspectives (Jonas, JJ, Matthias) BROKEN TIES follows in the wake of a series of sightings of a man from Jessica’s past. Jessica and Jonas have been dancing around one another for a couple of years but a recent spate of sightings has Jessica worried but our heroine has yet to reveal the truth to the man that she loves, a truth that is about to threaten everyone involved. As the threats mount, and the danger becomes more deadly, Jessica is willing to sacrifice herself to protect everyone else. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Jessica and Jonas, and the potential fall-out as the Jessica’s past refuses to let go.

Jessica Jones works and volunteers at a shelter for women, and knows the true extent to which everyone has suffered but the return of her demons threatens the people she has come to call her own, demons that continue to destroy everything in its’ wake. Jonas Castillo works for his best friend at Blake Security but never expected to fall in love with Noah’s wife’s best friend. Hoping to claim Jessica as his own happily ever after, Jonas and the team are blindsided when everyone is targeted, no matter how small.

The relationship between Jessica and Jonas is a friends to lovers relationship in which Jonas continues to push every one of Jessica’s buttons. Constantly chattering and chirping one another, the palpable sexual tension is obvious to everyone but the couple involved. The $ex scenes are passionate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom were introduced in the previous story line: Noah and Lucia, Lucia’s brother Rafe DeMarco, ORUS member Matthias, Oskar, Ryan Delaney, Dylan, and Lucia’s Nonna. The requisite evil has many faces.

BROKEN TIES is a story of betrayal and vengeance, madness and obsession, power and control, love and acceptance. The fast paced, character driven premise is dramatic and impassioned; the romance is provocative; the characters are powerful and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Nana Malone

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USA Today bestseller Nana Malone’s love of all things romance and adventure started with a tattered romantic suspense she “borrowed” from her cousin.

It was a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana, and Nana was a precocious thirteen. She’s been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.

While she waits for her chance at a job as a ninja assassin, in the meantime Nana works out her drama, passion, and sass with fictional characters every bit as sassy and kick butt as she thinks she is.

M. Malone

Follow :Goodreads/Website/Instagram/Tik Tok/Twitter/ Bookbub/ Facebook/

M. Malone is a RITA® Award winner and a NYT & USA Today bestselling author. She lives with her husband and their two sons in the picturesque mountains of Northern Virginia even though she is afraid of insects, birds, butterflies and other humans.

Since starting her indie publishing journey in 2011,  she has sold over a million books and her titles have hit the NYT and USA Today bestseller lists more than a dozen times. 

She also holds a Master’s degree in Business from a prestigious college that would no doubt be scandalized at how she’s using her expensive education.

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Bowled Over Americano by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

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Bowled Over Americano by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

 

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Description:
Sara Cain isn’t your typical thirty-two-year-old woman. Murder detective by day, writer and… sleuth by night? Just as long as there’s enough coffee to keep her going…

When her first novel gives her trouble, Sara goes for a walk to clear her writer’s block and ends up stumbling right into a real-life murder mystery. Magnum, an adventurous beagle, comes running off leash toward her in the local park, and she returns him home only to find his master dead on the entry floor.

Cliff Cunningham was a championship bowler with a mean streak and a temper, and police are pegging his Golden Pin bowling trophy as the murder weapon. While any number of people could have clocked a strike by knocking him on the noggin, the prime suspect is a friend of Sara’s mother—and she expects Sara to prove the woman’s innocence. A tall order, as the case isn’t officially hers and belongs to a rival detective.

But a promise is a promise, and Sara soon finds herself sleuthing undercover—and off the clock—in a world of polyester shirts and rental shoes. It’s not all bad, though, as she’s taking her friend and partner Sean McKinley along for the ride. They are better together than they’ve ever been split, and they’re not amateurs at finding killers.

Despite being up against small-town hijinks and colorful characters who threaten to roll their efforts into the gutter, they are having fun. That is, until they get close to the killer and a dangerous twist puts their lives at risk.

A completely addictive caper full of twists that offers up a serving of murder, a dollop of romance, and a dash of humor. This perfect blend of robust and sweet is bound to hit the spot with readers who are fans of Verity Bright, Tonya Kappes, and Agatha Frost.

 

 

Review:

Bowled Over Americano by Carolyn Arnold is the first book in her new Sara and Sean Cozy Mystery series.  I am a big fan of Carolyn Arnold, having read all her different series; and I looked forward to this new cozy mystery.

We meet Sara Cain, our heroine, who is a homicide detective with the Albany police department.  She is a detective by day, and writes a mystery novel at night; one night she decides to take a walk and finds a loose dog she recognizes. When Sara brings the dog, Magnum back to his home, she finds the owner of the dog dead.  Another detective is assigned to the murder of Cliff Cunningham, a famous bowler; but when Sara’s mother asks her to investigate the murder, because her friend was arrested, Sara decides to be a sleuth at night.  Her partner Sean McKinley is currently working with Sara, on another case, searching for the killer of Aubrey Southgate; but he agrees to help her with looking into this other case, without letting their boss know.

We learn quickly that Sean has a strong crush on Sara, though she likes him, but she won’t let any possible romance happen between them, since it against the rules.  I really liked Sara and Sean together.  Sara is smart, savvy, independent, fun and is a coffeeholic; Sean is the opposite, more skeptical, but very charming.  It was great to watch how both Sara and Sean work on the two different investigations. The third partner is Magnum, the cute beagle, who Sara brought home, and occasionally helps.

What follows is an exciting, suspenseful, entertaining, and fun story. Both Sara and Sean manage to find clues with some twists, that will help find the real killer in their case, including discovering the person behind the wrongful arrest of Sara’s mothers friend.  To say too much more would be spoilers, as once you get to the second half of the book, you really need it all. Detective Davenport was not a good cop, and totally bad news with his minimal quick investigations, thankfully Sean and Sara will discover the truths. Bowled Over Americano was a wonderful murder mystery, in a small town, dangerous killers, as well as a fun romance and some humor.   Bowled Over Americano was very well written by Carolyn Arnold.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

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RAVISHING REIGN (Royal Reflections 3) by Aleatha Romig-review

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RAVISHING REIGN (Royal Reflections 3) by Aleatha Romig-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 11, 2023

“If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

Buried beneath the surface where Princess Lucille’s world is turned upside down, she must make impossible choices. Truth or deception, life or death, loyalty or love.
Who will survive?

Have you been Aleatha’d?

From New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a brand-new contemporary romantic-suspense series, Royal Reflections, set in the world of the royal elite, where things are not as they appear.

•••••••

REVIEW: RAVISHING REIGN is the third instalment in Aleatha Romig’s contemporary, adult ROYAL REFLECTIONS romantic suspense series focusing on Princess Lucille, and the crown prince of Molave Roman Godfrey aka Oliver Honeywell. RAVISHING REIGN should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book one RESILIENT REIGN

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lucille and the Crown Prince) RAVISHING REIGN picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book two in which crown prince Roman Godfrey faces down his immortality against the past and the present. As the royal ruse continues for the people of Molave, Roman and Lucille must come to terms with the secrets and lies that are weighing heavy on the shoulders of those in the know. Desperate for an heir, the royal family will do anything to keep the line of succession to the first born son, but there is always someone else waiting in the wings for a chance at the throne. As the lies begins to spiral out of control, prisoners are taken, secrets are revealed,and a bombshell is dropped on our leading couple.

RAVISHING REIGN continues to focus on power and control, secrets and lies, deceit and betrayal, obsession and madness, loyalty and love. All is not well within the myriad of small kingdoms and principalities of royal life-the fight for power continues to focus on the patriarchal power structure of ruling families, and the lengths to which those in control will stake their claim.

Aleatha Romig pulls the reading into the continuing story of desperation, murder and madness, deception and fraud, acceptance and forgiveness, love and understanding. The character driven premise is intriguing and compelling; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are desperate, determined and dynamic. RAVISHING REIGN ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Riled Reign .5
Ruthless Reign
Resilient Reign

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams and bring your imagination to life!

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha’s twisted style with an increase in heat.

In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.

In the spring of 2017, Aleatha released her first stand-alone, fun, and sexy romantic comedy with PLUS ONE, followed by the sweet stand-alone, ONE NIGHT.

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America.  She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

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