Monthly Archives: June 2023

HENDRIX (Pittsburgh Titans 7) by Sawyer Bennett-a review

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HENDRIX (Pittsburgh Titans 7) by Sawyer Bennett-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 6, 2023

Hendrix Bateman is one of The Lucky Three, a trio of players who were not on the Titan’s team plane the night it crashed. Feeling as if he’s been given a second chance, Hendrix is determined to make the most out of his life, but that doesn’t mean he’s not suffering from scars that can’t be seen.

When I lost my Titan brothers in the crash, it was a mixed bag of emotions. I was devastated and grief stricken, but I was also grateful to be alive. Yeah, that might cause a little—okay, a lot of—guilt, but now I’m determined to live each day as if it’s my last.

A night out with friends puts me in the crosshairs of Stevie Kisner—the devastatingly beautiful bar owner with a sharp tongue and a fire in her eyes that lets me know she has zero tolerance for guys like me. I’ve never been one to back away from a challenge, so I’m not dissuaded by Stevie’s tough as nails attitude or her big biker dad who looks like he wants to kill me. Fueled by too many shots and the raucous urging of my teammates, I set out to show Stevie I’ve got game both on and off the ice.

While I shouldn’t be looking for anything more than a good time, I can’t help but be captivated by Stevie. She’s cool as hell and we burn hot together. But the more I get to know her, the more I can tell she’s holding something in reserve, and let’s just say I’ve got some trust issues after my last disastrous attempt at a relationship. Now I need to decide if I’m going to let my past dictate my future or if I am willing to put my heart on the line to find out if Stevie is exactly what I think she is—my everything.

••••••

REVIEW:HENDRIX Is the seventh instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult PITTSBURGH TITANS erotic, hockey romance series. This is twenty-five year old, Pittsburgh Titans player, Hendrix Bateman, and twenty-five year old, bar owner Stevie Kisner’s story line. HENDRIX can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Hendrix Bateman is one of the three original team members not on the doomed flight, and Stevie is best friends with Harlow Alston (Stone #2).

SOME BACKGROUND: Several months earlier, a devastating plane crashed claimed all but three members of the Pittsburgh Titans hockey team including owners, coaches and staff. Rebuilding the team, owner Brienne Norcross, offered positions to one-time professional and semi-pro players, including our story line hero.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Stevie and Hendrix) HENDRIX follows the building romance and relationship between is twenty-five year old, Pittsburgh Titans player, Hendrix Bateman, and twenty-five year old, bar owner Stevie Kisner. Hendrix has had enough with his current girlfriend, and dumps in a spectacular way in Jerry’s Lounge, a bar owned by our story line heroine. Several members of the Pittsburgh Titan’s are collecting money and toys for the under privileged, and Hendrix is about to meet his future in the guise of bar owner Stevie Kisner. Stevie battles between head and heart having watched the breakup, up close and personal, but a bet over a game of pool finds Stevie agreeing to a dinner together. Meanwhile, Stevie’s absentee mother, a woman who walked away from Stevie when our heroine was a child is about to upend Stevie’s life, pushing Hendrix out of the picture, and into his own spiral. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Stevie and Hendrix, and the potential fall-out as issues of trust force a wedge between our leading couple, a wedge that may be too large for our heroine to over come.

Stevie was raised by her father John ‘Bear’ Kisner, a motorcycle driving, tattoo artist whose overprotective nature threatens anyone who gets close to his only daughter but the past refuses to let go, and Stevie is about to experience the art of deception, first hand, a deception that threatens Stevie’s relationship with our story line hero.

The relationship between Stevie and Hendrix is one of immediate attraction but Stevie doesn’t have time for a relationship, and Hendrix is too ‘pretty’ for our heroine’s father ? . Stevie finds herself quickly falling for the man who is about to destroy her heart, a man who feels betrayed by the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Pittsburgh Titans Hockey club including Stone and Harlow (Stone #2). We are introduced to Stevie’s father John ‘Bear’ Kisner, and her mother, Hendrix’s aunt Rory, and his ex Tracy.

HENDRIX is a heart breaking story of betrayal, lies and greed, forgiveness, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is emotional and entertaining but a little bit predictable; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are desperate, determined, dynamic and captivating.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Baden
Stone
Gage
Coen
Drake
Cannon

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied for review

 

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | INSTAGRAM

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Casanova Cowboy (Montana Men 2) by Jamie Schulz-review & giveaway tour

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Casanova Cowboy (Montana Men 2) by Jamie Schulz-review & giveaway tour

CASANOVA COWBOY
Montana Men 2
by Jamie Schulz
Release Date: June 6, 2023
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

ebook only 99¢ USD 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

She’s used to the glitzy, big-city life. He hides behind country-boy charm.
Will these total opposites spark unquenchable flames of attraction?

Izabel Silva is wary of men. After escaping an awful relationship and a workplace betrayal, the talented marketer seeks refuge with an old friend in small-town Montana. And though worried she’s falling in with another control-obsessed hunk, she accepts the kindly neighbors’ invitation to stay with them and their flirtatious son.

Zack MacEntier longs to live down his reputation. With his ranch’s bank accounts at rock bottom, the one-time lady’s man isn’t ready to take on a gorgeous and strong-willed Latina. But when his mother volunteers him to show the lovely newcomer around, the loyal cowboy is secretly glad of an excuse to spend more days in the fierce woman’s company.

Taken aback by local prejudice, Izabel’s concerns over Zack’s stubborn protective streak start to fade when he comes rushing to her rescue. And even as the brave rancher fears that he has nothing to offer the beautiful outsider, their growing passion has placed them firmly in danger’s crosshairs…

Can they survive the unexpected threat and claim a scorching love?

•••••••

REVIEW: CASANOVA COWBOY is the second instalment in Jamie Schulz’ contemporary, adult MONTANA MEN erotic, romance series. This is rancher / winery owner Zack MacEntier, and marketing consultant Izabel Silva’s story line. CASANOVA COWBOY 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 omniscient third person perspectives (Izabel and Zack) CASANOVA COWBOY follows the building romance and relationship between rancher / winery owner Zack MacEntier, and marketing consultant Izabel Silva. Izabel Silva had no where to turn having lost everything when her former fiancée attempted to destroy her life. With her brother Jorge’s help, Izabel heads to Montana in the hopes of starting anew, with the friend she hasn’t seen in so very long. Zack MacEntier is struggling in the wake of starting his winery but having over invested, and a bad season of growing threatened Zack’s future in the town where he has always lived. Meeting Izabel Silva meant Zack had to be on his best behavior in the wake of a his history as the Casanova cowboy but all is not well when our couple are targeted from the outset, threatening any future they may have together. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Zack and Izabel, and the potential fall -out as Zack’s past demands everything and more.

Zack MacEntier has a reputation in the small town of Meriton, Montana, a reputation he has struggled to overcome. When his mother invites the new arrival to stay at her home, Zack suspects there is more to his mother’s invitation than a friendly welcome. Izabel Silva needs a new start, and her best friend from college, Addie Malory (Broken Cowboy #1) had always talked about Meriton, Montana. With only her clothes, and her brother’s help, Izabel is hoping to forget the past, and start a new life but the past continues to encroach on her thoughts, a past to which she compares to her new relationship with Zack MacEntier.

The relationship between Zack and Izabel begins trepidatiously when Zack’s mother invites Izabel to stay at their home. Izabel has no job and no place to live, and Zack struggles with his attraction to a woman that appears to be on the run. Izabel is desperate to fit in, and finds herself learning to ride with the man with whom she is falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters included Zack’s sister Emmy, and their parents Janice and Grant. We are reintroduced to Cade and Addie Brody (Broken Cowboy), and Cade’s brother Cord; deputy sheriff Josh, Izabel’s brother Jorge, and Addie’s friend Lana. The requisite evil has many faces.

CASANOVA COWBOY is a story of discrimination and betrayal, obsession and madness, regret and guilt, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is spirited and dramatic; the characters are guarded and dynamic; the romance is seductive and intimate.

click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one BROKEN COWBOY

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Facebook / Website / Goodreads / Amazon Author Page

Hi there! My name is Jamie and I’m so glad you stopped by!

I’ve always wanted to be a storyteller and spent countless hours dreaming up tales to entertain myself and my friends. I kept long-running, developing narratives in my head for years and knew someday I would write them all down, not only for myself but also to share with all of you.

I have so many stories still floating around the back of my cluttered mind (and haunting my hard drive as well) and they will be making their way out into the world for your enjoyment soon (I hope)!

I still live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, my family, and my fur-babies.

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour promoter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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FATEFUL HEARTS (Revel Rose Billionaires 3) by KE Osborn -review tour

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FATEFUL HEARTS (Revel Rose Billionaires 3) by KE Osborn -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 May 31, 2023

Some might see me as heartless…
Because at work, I am cold, calculating, ruthless, and I demand nothing but the best.
No exceptions.But when in fact—I’m craving the woman I can’t have.

We all know there are rules that can’t be broken.I made the mistake of wronging my business partner, Nash, once before. I won’t do it again, not if I want to keep my position by his side in this company.But my eyes are firmly set on his PA.

Zoey Zavorelli—the sassy, single mother. Sexy. Methodical. Alluring.Far too tempting.There’s only one problem— no office romance.Nash’s rules are strict.But an opportunity presents itself when Zoey’s ex tells her he’s getting married, and I can’t help myself.I tell him we’re dating, and now we have to pretend to be in a relationship for the next two weeks until his wedding.Will this be exactly what we need, or will it cause our fateful hearts to break?

Fateful Hearts is a Fake Dating/Marriage Billionaire Romance.

There is steam, angst, and the villain you will want to throw things at repeatedly. But hold on to your hats because you’ll fall in love with this cinnamon roll alpha, and how he treats Zoey’s seven-year-old daughter will melt your heart.

Immerse yourself in the world of the New Orleans billionaire lifestyle and fall in love with an alpha. HEA guaranteed.

••••••

REVIEW:  FATEFUL HEARTS is the third instalment in KE Osborn’s contemporary, adult REVEL ROSE BILLIONAIRES erotic, romance series-a spin off from the author’s NOLA Defiance MC series. This is billionaire businessman Blake Branson, and PA /single mother Zoey Zavorelli’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Blake and Zoey) FATEFUL HEARTS follows building romance and relationship between billionaire businessman Blake Branson, and PA /single mother Zoey Zavorelli. After betraying a rival, Blake finds himself working for the man in an effort to prove he is a worthy competitor (Guarded Hearts 2). As a part owner at Ensure Asset Management, Blake is aware of the strict no dating/fraternizing policy but in an effort to protect Nash’s PA Zoey Zavarelli from her vindictive ex, Blake offers to play boyfriend and lover in the wake of the ex’s upcoming wedding. Zoey struggles with the implications and the possible repercussions not only with her job but her seven year old daughter Hailee, a child who is quickly falling for our story line hero. As the wedding date approaches, Blake finds himself getting deeper into the fake family routine, a routine he is hoping to one day make permanent but all does not go according to plan when their ruse is discovered, and one or both are about the lose their jobs. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Blake and Zoey, and the potential fall-out as two families are pitted against one another in a game of winner takes all.

Zoey Zavorelli has struggled for years, both during and after, her disastrous relationship with her daughter’s father. A young single mother, gives up her life for her child, finally working her way to self-sufficiency in the wake of a debt that was never her own but her ex’s upcoming wedding is about to send Zoey into a spiral, a spiral in which she will have someone else taking the fall. Blake Branson knows all about betrayal and revenge but he isn’t about to let Zoey bear the brunt of her ex’s vindictiveness and anger. A pretend relationship quickly turns into something more, something that is about to be exposed for all the world to see.

The relationship between Zoey and Blake begins as a fake dating/romance relationship when Blake witnesses the emotional abuse first hand. Blake is desperate to protect our story line heroine but their actions may prove to be the detriment of them all. The $ex scenes are passionate, intense and erotic but our couple are often too caught up in themselves to be wary of everyone around.

The secondary and supporting characters include Blake’s partners: Nash and Brianna (Hostile Hearts), Lucas and Paisley (Guarded Hearts 2), as well as Tahlee, Dane, Cleo, Asher; Zoey’s ex Kyle and his fiancee Tamara, and their daughter Hailee. The hostility between Nash and Blake continues throughout the story, a hostility which began in the previous stories.

FATEFUL HEARTS is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and entertaining but the conflict resolution is too quick and not without some concerns as to the illegalities and abilities of the man in question; the romance is provocative and seductive; the characters are a little bit immature but colorful and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Hostile Hearts
Guarded Hearts

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

With a flair for all things creative, International Bestselling Author K E Osborn, is drawn to the written word. Exciting worlds and characters flow through her veins, coming to life on the page as she laughs, cries, and becomes enveloped in the storyline right along with you. She’s entirely at home when writing sassy heroines and alpha males that rise from the ashes of their pasts.

K E Osborn comforts herself with tea and Netflix, after all, who doesn’t love a good binge?

Turn lust into love at www.keosbornauthor.com

AUTHOR LINKS

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

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Shadows of the Lost by Maxym M. Martineau – a Review

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Shadows of the Lost by Maxym M. Martineau – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
Once I was a Charmer, and the magical beasts of this world loved me. Now I’m something else. Something darker.

As a member of the Charmers Council, Gaige is able to form lasting bonds with the magical beasts of his world. At least, he used to be a Charmer…until he died and was brought back as one of the immortal assassins of Cruor. Now he’s far more dangerous.

…and something beyond the shadows lies in wait, hungry to claim him for its own.

As leader of the assassins, all Kost can do is watch as Gaige struggles with his new life day by day. He wants nothing more than to ease Gaige’s suffering–yet how can he when they both know he’s the one responsible? There is nothing left but bitter memories and hopeless longing between them. Yet when Gaige is lost to the shadow realm, Kost is the only one with any chance of bringing him back: if they can learn to trust (and perhaps love) each other again.

 

 

Review:

Shadows of the Lost by Maxym M. Martineau is the 1st book in her Guild of Night series. This series is a spinoff of Martineau’s wonderful Beast Charmer series.   Shadows of the Lost focuses on Kost and Gaige, with Oz and Caleb and many of our favorite characters playing big parts in this story.  

Gaige was a Beast Charmer, taming magical beasts, who loved him; but he died, and was brought back as one of the immortal assassins of Cruor.  Kost, is the leader of the assassins, and he sees how Gaige is struggling to handle the shadows; together with Oz and Caleb, they try to train Gaige. Though it’s been many years, Kost still has feelings for Gaige (LGBTQ), and now that he is an Undead, he finds it difficult to resist him.   Gaige fights off his nightmares with the shadows, and soon realizes there is something pulling him into those dreams.  When Gaige tells the others that it is not his shadows that is creating havoc with the beasts all over; Kost agrees there is something more dangerous. .  Leena (great to see her again) helped Gaige to be able to be with the Beasts he loved. In a short time, both Gaige and Kost succumb to their feelings, as their emotions and love proved how good they were together

When Gaige disappears, the whole team, Ozais, Caleb, Kaori, Isla, Raven realize that a very powerful old mage has taken Gaige. Kost, Ozais, Caleb and Isla enter the Shadow Realm to find and save Gaige.

What follows is an exciting, intense, action-packed adventure to find the evil mage. The villain in this story was extremely powerful, taking control of minds and absorbing them. The battles to fight were intense and intriguing, and as we raced to the climax; we were on the edge of our seat to see who will survive.  To say too much more would be spoilers, and you need to read this book in its entirety. I loved seeing so many characters from the previous series, including Noc and Leena; as well as the Beasts that we loved.

Shadows of the Lost was an amazing and epic high fantasy, wonderful romance, great characters, and mythical beasts.  This was a tale of love, danger, courage, dark shadows, monsters, camaraderie, with wonderful world building.  Maxym M. Martineau has once again given us a fantastic start to this new series, which was so very well written.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Facing Daemon/Scythe’s Grasp (Satan’s Keepers) by EC Land-reviews

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FACING DAEMON/ SCYTHE’S GRASP (Satan’s Keepers MC 5 & 6) by EC Land

 

FACING DAEMON
Satan’s Keepers MC 5
by EC Land
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, MC, romance

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 December 25, 2022

She’s mine, only she refuses to face the truth.

Daemon

I didn’t see her coming. Not until it was too late. My life was good, and I had it all. My son means the world to me, and he has a good relationship with his mom. What I didn’t need was the collision course of what crashes into me. She’s been around the club. I know how she is and what she tastes like. What I don’t know is why she’s fighting me? I’ll find the truth and make her face her demons by first facing me.

•••••

REVIEW: FACING DAEMON is the fifth instalment in EC Land’s contemporary, adult SATAN’S KEEPERS erotic, MC romance series. This is club members Hendrick ‘Daemon’ Masons, and OB/Gyn nurse Everleigh’s story line. FACING DAEMON can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as their is an ongoing plot line throughout.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Daemon and Everleigh) FACING DAEMON follows in the wake of threats against our story line heroine. Everleigh has a past Daemon knows nothing about and that past has caught up with our story line heroine. On the run to protect the people she loves, Everleigh walked away from Hendrick Masons only to come face to face when he made her an offer she could not refuse, an offer that will hopefully protect Everleigh from the past she is unable to outrun. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Everleigh and Daemon, and the potential fall-out as the past demands Everleigh’s return, a return that will see Everleigh facing down the real demons that have destroyed her life.

Hendrick ‘Daemon’ Masons has yet to claim Everleigh as his own. Everleigh is hiding a past that is controlling her life, and in this, Daemon is determined to uncover the truth before it destroys the woman he loves. With the help of his fellow Satan’s Keepers brothers, Daemon goes on the offensive, protecting Everleigh from the past.

The relationship between Everleigh and Daemon has already been established but Everleigh refuses to get too close. Daemon already has a family, a son by a previous relationship, and Everleigh refuse to cross a line between father and son. With Daemon’s love, Everleigh is hoping to overcome the past but the past refuses to let go, revealing a more sinister secret than anyone could have ever imagined. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several members os the Satan’s Keepers MC, their wives and ole’ ladies, as well as people threatening our story line heroine.

FACING DAEMON is a story family and betrayal, relationships and friendships, desperation, power and control, acceptance and love. The premise is interesting, intriguing and entertaining; the romance is provocative; the characters are desperate, determined and broken.

________

SCYTHE’S GRASP
Satan’s Keepers MC 6
by EC Land
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, MC, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 8, 2023

Nothing is worth grasping unless it’s something you’d die for.

Scythe

There’s not much I care for in this life. My club. My brothers. My blood. All the rest of it blurs together. The only feeling I get is when I’m doing things, I’m not proud of. I’m stained and that’s the way it’ll stay. Nothing can change the past or present.
Not even her.
She’s been around and I’ve seen her staring, but I refuse to go there. She’s pure and innocent. She doesn’t deserve what I have to give.
With the war we’re dealing draws her in, I’ll do what it takes to protect her and keep her out of the enemy’s grasp.
She’s mine whether I want her to be or not.

•••••••••

REVIEW:SCYTHE’S GRASP is the sixth instalment in EC Land’s contemporary, adult SATAN’S KEEPERS MC erotic, MC romance series. This is Aaron aka Scythe, and salon stylist/motocross biker Josephine Sexton’s story line. SCYTHE’S GRASP 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, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from third first person perspectives including Scythe and Josephine SCYTHE’S GRASP follows the building relationship between Aaron aka Scythe, and salon stylist/motocross biker Josephine Sexton. Josephine Sexton is friends with a number of the Satan’s Keepers MC ol’ ladies but the man Josephine wants, wants everyone but our story line heroine. A few dates with someone else places Josephine in the crosshairs until the time comes that Scythe claims our heroine as his own. Josephine Sexton has a stalker, and with her brother’s return , secrets reveal a possible problem and connection to the Scarlett Needles and a human trafficking ring. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Scythe and Josephine, and the fall-out as Josephine’s stalker gets up close and personal, threatening the life of our story line heroine.

The relationship between Scythe and Josephine is one of unrequited love. Scythe watches Josephine from afar but refuses to cross the line. Josephine has fallen for our story line hero but Scythe continues to get his fill with everyone else. As Josephine struggles in the wake of an attack, our heroine does not remember the man with whom she is falling in love. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and dynamic secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples. We are reintroduce to Beast who is hoping to claim a woman who is struggling with an attack herself, as well as Josephine’s brother Jamie, and Scythe and Styxx’s cousin Finnegan, a member of a Deep Ops group who clean up when no one else is able.

SCYTHE’S GRASP is a story of obsession and madness, love and acceptance, retribution and forever. The fast paced premise is haunting and tragic; the romance is intense; the characters are desperate and spirited

Copies supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison – Review & Giveaway

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Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison – Review & Giveaway

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
Two best friends fake date to reach their holiday happily ever after in this first romantic comedy in the Lovelight series.

A pasture of dead trees. A hostile takeover of the Santa barn by a family of raccoons. And shipments that have mysteriously gone missing. Lovelight Farms is not the magical winter wonderland of Stella Bloom’s dreams.

In an effort to save the Christmas tree farm she’s loved since she was a kid, Stella enters a contest with Instagram-famous influencer Evelyn St. James. With the added publicity and the $100,000 cash prize, Stella might just be able to save the farm from its financial woes. There’s just one problem. To make the farm seem like a romantic destination for the holidays, she lied on her application and said she owns Lovelight Farms with her boyfriend. Only…there is no boyfriend.

Enter best friend Luka Peters. He just stopped by for some hot chocolate and somehow got a farm and a serious girlfriend in the process. But fake dating his best friend might be the best Christmas present he’s ever received.

 

 

Review:

Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison is the first book in her Lovelight series. Stella Bloom, our heroine, is the owner of Lovelight Farms. She loves the farm, and she has two great people in charge of various areas, Beckett and Layla; but of late, due to someone sabotaging the farm, Stella is having financial problems.  A number of dead trees, damaged fence, raccoons, pumpkins and decorations have been destroyed, and shipments stolen. Stella keeps her problems to herself, not to worry her friends on the farm. She enters a contest, with a $100,000 cash prize, and she lied on the application, noting that her boyfriend is part owner; but Stella has no boyfriend.

Luka Peters (hero) is Stella’s best friend for over 10 years, and now that she is desperate, she asks Luka if he will pretend to be her boyfriend for the week when the famous influencer Evelyn St. James, arrives to check out Lovelight Farms. She worries, since she wants to keep their close-knit friendship safe.  What follows is a sweet friend to lovers’ relationship between Stella and Luka. It was great to watch Luka and Stella slowly begin to feel their amazing chemistry, as well as the fun and sexual banter.

Stella was a fantastic heroine, as she was sweet, independent, and caring.  Luka was not only very handsome, but kind and helpful with everyone; you can see the love he had for Stella.  She was feeling strong vibes for Luka, but she feared to lose their friendship.  The secondary characters were all so great, especially Layla and Beckett, who were more like partners with Stella; Dane the police chief was also good, and he discovered to the person sabotaging the farm. 

Lovelight Farms was a fun, cute, sweet romance, with wonderful characters.  The epilogue was very good at the end.  Lovelight Farms was so very well written by B.K. Borison. There are two or three books still to come in this series, with Beckett and Layla to each get their own story line.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

B.K. Borison’s publisher, Berkley Romance is offering a paper copy of LOVELIGHT FARMS to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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7. Giveaway runs from June 7th to 10th, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

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High Proof: A Moonlight & Moonshine Novel by Deanndra Hall-review tour

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High Proof: A Moonlight & Moonshine Novel (Bluegrass Dynasty 17) by Deanndra Hall-review & excerpt 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 June 6, 2023

A wounded warrior. A married man. And the passion that consumes them …

Military veteran Drew Anderson cannot catch a break. Everything in his life is tragic. After a terrible childhood full of grief, and losing a leg in combat, he feels like his life is over. But when he lands a job and a place to live at the town’s new distillery, Drew feels optimistic.

Business owner Kevin Slaughter is everything Drew has ever wanted in a man. He’s strong, charming, and stable. But Kevin’s married—to a woman—and has a devout Baptist upbringing. Neither man can deny his feelings for the other. As they grow closer, it’s clear someone is determined to tear them apart—and destroy their reputations. With danger setting in and Drew’s life on the line, Kevin is torn between his desire and his place in the community. Can the wounded veteran find a way to heal from all the pain of his past and battle his present enemies while building a future with the only man he’s ever really loved?

••••••

REVIEW:HIGH PROOF by Deanndra Hall is a contemporary adult, erotic, LGBTQ, MM, romance story line found in the author’s MOONLIGHT AND MOONSHINE series set in the Bluegrass Dynasty world. This is US military veteran and Master brewer Drew Anderson, and granary owner Kevin Slaughter’s story line. HIGH PROOF can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: HIGH PROOF focuses on a same $ex relationship with same $ex scenarios, as well as homophobia and related behaviors.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Drew and Kevin) HIGH PROOF follows the building romance and same $ex relationship between US military veteran and Master brewer Drew Anderson, and granary owner Kevin Slaughter. Drew Anderson works as the Master brewer for Carson O’Malley’s moonshine operation but Drew is lonely, and is looking for a connection but every attempt is either rebuffed or quickly fizzled until Drew meets Kevin Slaughter, a married man with deep ties to the Baptist church. As Drew struggles with Kevin’s closeted lifestyle, Drew’s past comes looking for a second chance. Kevin Slaughter has yet to come out having spent his life believing the preachings of his Baptist father. Married with children Kevin battles between head and heart, having fallen in love with Drew Anderson, yet unable to walk away from the only life he has ever known. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Kevin and Drew, and the potential fall-out as Drew refuses to be Kevin’s dirty secret, and the past comes back tearing Kevin and Drew apart.

The relationship between Kevin and Drew is one of immediate attraction, that quickly turns from lust to love but Kevin worries about losing everything when the truth is revealed, and Drew is about to destroy his relationship with Kevin when the past comes back looking for a second chance. Drew is unable to remain committed to the man that he loves, often TSTL (too stupid to live), forcing Kevin to walk away, beginning a new life on his own. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate

The secondary and supporting characters includedDrew’s boss Carson O’Malley (Kindred Spirits), and his wife Marilee, two people who support Drew’s relationship yet worry their friend is about to get hurt. We are introduced to Drew’s ex AshLyn, as well as Kevin’s wife Becky, and his father Bro. Slaughter.

HIGH PROOF is a story of betrayal and greed, deceit and desperation, forgiveness and love. The premise is interesting and intriguing; the romance is provocative ; the characters have questionable behavior, determined and desperate.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of KINDRED SPIRITS

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

Drew stared out over the water as he spoke, thinking about his life, how lucky he was that he could be himself, and how so many guys in his position couldn’t do that. He was surprised when Kevin leaned toward him and rested his head against Drew’s shoulder.
“Drew?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you think there’s any hope for me?”
Drew chuckled. “Sometimes I wonder if there’s any hope for me. But I’m still breathing, and you know what they say—where there’s life, there’s hope.”
“Yeah. Hope.” Kevin got quiet, and Drew waited. “I’ve got to find some hope,” he finally said.
“What do you want your hope to look like?” Drew asked, wondering what Kevin would say.
In a voice that was almost a whisper, Kevin said, “Oh, I dunno. Six feet two inches, light brown hair, and pale blue eyes, all in the best-looking package I’ve ever seen. And a heart as big as Texas.”
Something clicked in Drew’s chest, and he turned and took Kevin’s face in his hands, then kissed him. At first, Kevin seemed surprised, but then he moved into Drew and kissed him back.
Drew wanted that kiss to go on forever. It was without a doubt the most passionate kiss anyone had ever given him, and it was delicious and warm and sweet. He could feel his pulse throbbing in his temples and his heartbeat quickening, and all he could think about was Kevin naked in his bed, skin against skin and their arms locked around each other.


 

Deanndra Hall is a working author living in the far western end of the beautiful Bluegrass State with her husband of over 35 years and small menagerie of weird little dogs. When she’s not writing, she’s editing. When she’s doing neither of those two things, she’s having dinner with friends, spending time with family, kayaking, eating chocolate, drinking beer or moonshine, or looking for something that she put in the wrong place and can’t seem to find (which is pretty much everything she owns).

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A Little Ray of Sunshine by Kristan Higgins – a Review

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A Little Ray of Sunshine by Kristan Higgins – a Review

 

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Description:
A kid walks into your bookstore and… Guess what? He’s your son. The one you put up for adoption eighteen years ago. The one you never told anyone about. Surprise!
 
And a huge surprise it is.
 
It’s a huge surprise to his adoptive mother, Monica, who thought she had a close relationship with Matthew, her nearly adult son. But apparently, he felt the need to secretly arrange a vacation to Cape Cod for the summer so he could meet his birth mother…without a word to either her or his dad.
 
It’s also a surprise— to say the least—to Harlow, the woman who secretly placed her baby for adoption so many years ago. She’s spent the years since then building a quiet life. She runs a bookstore with her grandfather, hangs out with her four younger siblings and is more or less happily single, though she can’t help gravitating toward Grady Byrne, her old friend from high school. He’s moved back to town, three-year-old daughter in tow, no wife in the picture. But she’s always figured her life had to be child-free, so that complicates things.
 
When Matthew walks into Harlow’s store, she faints. Monica panics. And all their assumptions—about what being a parent really means—explode. This summer will be full of more surprises as both their families are redefined…and as both women learn that for them, there’s no limit to a mother’s love.

 

 

Review:

A Little Ray of Sunshine by Kristan Higgins is another one of her wonderful stand-alone novels. Harlow runs a bookstore in her home town of Cape Cod, close to all her family.  She is 35 years old, happily enjoying her quiet life, with friends and siblings; she does have a secret that only her bff knew about.  When she was 17 years old, a freshman in college, she was pregnant and secretly found a family who she thought would be the perfect couple to adopt. She never told anyone in her family.   Now 18 years later, when she sees a familiar face (the father who adopted her son) walk into the book store, with the boy she gave up (who is the spitting image of her younger brother). Harlow panics and faints, her life is about to change.

Monica, the adoptive mother, panics when she hears that her son, Matthew, manipulated them when planning a vacation in Cape Cod.  She always had a close relationship with Matthew, and was shocked when her husband told her Matthew walked into the book store to meet his birth mother. Sanjay (the husband) and Matthew had gone ahead to Cape Cod, with Monica and her daughter following a couple of weeks later; but with this news, Monica makes plans to leave immediately.

Harlow is happy to see her son, who hugs her and is close to his 18th birthday; Matthew wants to know more about his birth mother and her family.  Once she gets over the shock, Harlow knows she needs to face her family and tell them the truth; her bff Rosie flies to Cape Cod to be there for Harlow.  All hell breaks loose, as Harlow’s parents are upset, she never told them, as well as her siblings who were shocked.  Harlow will bring Matthew to visit her family, and shortly after, bring Monica, Sanjay and Meena (sister) to meet everyone.  Harlow is thrilled to spend time with her son, but Monica tries to be supportive, though she is concerned and apprehensive. Matthew is loving spending time with Harlow’s family, especially the brother Robbie.

What follows is an emotional and informative story showing both sides of adoption, with perspectives of the birth mother, the adopted mother and family. I loved how Harlow reacted so beautifully to Matthew, and his determination to learn everything about her and her family.  We also get to see Monica reactions to Matthew’s behavior and her fears. I also loved seeing all of Harlow’s family, how they opened their hearts to Matthew, as well and Monica, Sanjay and Meena. The secondary characters were very good, including Rosie, Harlow’s grandfather, Robbie were great.

Harlow slowly begins to have feelings for Grady Byrne, old friend from school, having moved back to Cape Cod, who is divorced and has a three-year-old daughter. Will she be able to become serious with Grady, being used to a child-free life? So say too much more wouldn’t be fair, as you really need to read this book from start to finish.  It is that good, as well as very emotional.

A Little Ray of Sunshine was a wonderful, heartwarming and emotional story, that was so very well written by Kristan Higgins. This story also gives you a look at the complex lives of family, adoption, life changing, healing and a few surprises.  I wholly suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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