Monthly Archives: July 2023

Montana Silence (Resting Warrior Ranch 7) by Josie Jade-review

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Montana Silence (Resting Warrior Ranch 7) by Josie Jade-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 21, 2023

Raised in a cult where opinions and freedom in women were not tolerated, Mara Greene narrowly escaped a life as a child bride—one where she would’ve been shared and owned by all the men in the compound.

Her testimony helped put the cult leader in prison, but she’s never truly gotten past the horrors inflicted on her. Her conditioning to keep silent persists even now—despite having found a safe haven at the Resting Warrior Ranch.

Here she’s safe, but still always alone and trapped in her silence.

Liam Anderson is always the first team member to crack a smile or a joke. No one—not even his Navy SEAL brothers—know about his painful past or the truth he hides behind his charming mask.

He’s captivated by fragile Mara and wants to help her heal. Watching her find her voice is the most amazing thing he’s ever known. And it doesn’t take long to realize she’s healing him just as much.

When Mara’s past resurfaces, Liam won’t let her face it alone. He’ll be her personal protector no matter what it cost.

No one is going to steal her voice again.

••••••

REVIEW:MONTANA SILENCE by Josie Jade is the seventh instalment in the contemporary, adult, romantic suspense RESTING WARRIOR RANCH series co-authored by Janie Crouch and Josie Jade. This is former US Navy SEAL Liam Anderson, and Mara Greene’s story line. RESTING WARRIOR RANCH focuses on the men and women who own and work for Resting Warrior Ranch-a spin off from Janie Crouch’s Zodiac Tactical series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Liam and Mara) MONTANA SILENCE follows the building romance and relationship between former US Navy SEAL Liam Anderson, and Mara Greene. Mara Greene was raised in a cult, and escaped to find solace at the Resting Warrior Ranch but Mara never felt safe; always felt like she was being watched; and refused to speak about what happened or why. Proclaiming himself to be Mara’s protector former US Navy SEAL Liam Anderson became Mara’s guardian when she needed him the most but all did not go according to plan when Mara discovered the man who was once in charge of the cult was up for parole, and Mara was to be the prime witness against a man who had threatened her life. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Mara and Liam, and the potential fall-out as several members of the former cult target our story line heroine.

The world building focuses on Mara’s struggle for independence, and her inability to trust in the wake of betrayal and obsession. Mara never thought she would ever fall in love but Liam made it easy for our story line heroine. When several mysterious packages threaten to push Mara over the edge, Liam knows he must step up and claim Mara as his own.

The relationship between Mara and Liam begins as friendship and security as both work at the Resting Warrior Ranch. Liam has been attracted to Mara from the first time they met but Mara continues to struggle with issues of trust, having learned that someone else may be taking control of the once powerful cult. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we have met in the previous story lines. We are introduced to new hireree at the coffee café Brynn. Mara’s attorney Claire, as well as former cult leader Malcolm Novie, and cult member Neil. Not everyone is as they present themselves to be.

MONTANA SILENCE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and fanaticism, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is heart breaking and engaging; the romance is passionate and seductive; the characters are desperate, determined and broken.

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Montana Sanctuary
Montana Danger
Montana Desire
Montana Mystery
Montana Storm
Montana Freedom

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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You Can Die (Laurel Snow 3) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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You Can Die (Laurel Snow 3) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 25, 2023

Set against the atmospheric snowy backdrop of rural Pacific Northwest, New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti’s thrilling suspense series follows FBI Special Agent Laurel Snow as she strives to navigate her complicated family life when the father Laurel never knew turns up dead as the latest victim in a series of murders targeting men in the area. But solving his murder and the rest of the killings might be harder than she antcipates if her sociopathic half-sister has any say in the matter. The Blacklist meets The Profiler meets Justified in this fast, page-turning thriller that will have readers guessing until the very end!

It’s an especially deadly winter in the Pacific Northwest, as rising star FBI profiler Laurel Snow hunts down a serial killer with a chillingly bitter M.O., in New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti’s edgy thriller . . .

Men are dying in the Pacific Northwest, their bodies found near churches, charities, and counseling centers–each with valentine candy hearts shoved down their throats. They’re good men with families and community ties–or so they seem until Laurel Snow and her team begin to investigate. Then the case takes a shockingly personal turn when the father she’s never met, a former pastor, turns up among the dead.

Now, besides solving her father’s murder, Laurel is on the hunt to discover the truth of his past. Complicating things is Laurel’s troubled half-sister, Abigail, a brilliant sociopath determined to prove that they’ve both inherited their father’s malignant narcissism.

Assisting Laurel is Washington Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers, a dangerous loner whose reliance on gut instinct puts him at odds with Laurel’s coolly analytic approach. But the choice may be moot when the killer hones in on Huck’s own dark secrets–putting him and Laurel squarely in the crosshairs.

••••••

REVIEW:YOU CAN DIE is the third instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult LAUREL SNOW suspense thriller focusing on FBI Special Agent Laurel Snow. YOU CAN DIE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there 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 several omniscient third person perspectives including Laurel YOU CAN DIE follows FBI profiler Laurel Snow as she begins to investigate another possible serial killer, someone who is making the killings personal, leaving Valentine candy hearts in their wake but as Laurel begins to ferret out the clues, a connection to the past merges most if not all of the murder victims to a local attorney’s office. Meanwhile, Laurel Snow continues to suspect her half-sister Abigail is somehow involved in another string of murders, as her sister’s proclivities are questionable at best. As Laurel and her team, including Washington Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers, amass a list of potential suspects, sins of the past force Laurel to navigate a potential minefield of betrayal and madness.

While our heroine Laurel Snow appears to be on the autism spectrum, a woman with several degrees and doctorates who struggles with basic day to day interactions, her half-sister Dr. Abigail Cane’s degrees and doctorates hide a psychopathic and narcissistic personality, rife for manipulation and murder.

The relationship between Laurel and Captain Huck Rivers is both professional and personal. Captain Rivers is often involved in the murder investigations as the locations and sites are in his jurisdiction but after hours Huck and Laurel spend their time commiserating out the days’ events, and talking about a future together.

YOU CAN DIE is a story of dysfunctional family beliefs in opposition to Laurel’s sense of duty and honor; betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, and retribution for sins of the past. The premise is detailed, intriguing, dramatic and intense; the characters are dynamic, purposeful, questionable and lost.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

You Can Run
You Can Hide

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes contemporary romances, dark paranormal romances, and romantic suspense novels.
Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day—or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

Website  * Facebook * Amazon * Goodreads

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Killer Wolf / Captured Wolf by Karina Espinosa-review tour

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Killer Wolf / Captured Wolf (Sevyn Rose 1 & 2) by Karina Espinosa-review tour

KILLER WOLF
Sevyn Rose 1
by Karina Espinosa
Release Date: May 5, 2023
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

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I’m known as the Grim Reaper of Chicago.
But to those closest to me, my name is Sevyn Rose.
As an assassin for the mafia, I’ve amassed a lot of enemies over the years. I’ve been on my own for eight years with one goal in mind—find my missing mother. She left me with simple instructions: leave the pack and contact the mafia. So I did just that.
Everything is going fine until I’m handed the name of my next target. Christian Ellis is the son of the pack leader and my most hated frenemy. Going after him could change the course of my life completely. And worse, it would get me involved with the pack again.
To top things off, a vampire shows up at my door with information on my missing mother—but that information comes at a price. If I want the truth, I have to help him take down the city’s vampire clan leader. Not only putting my life on the line, but that of the local pack.
Trouble is brewing in the city of Chicago. And I’m right at the center of it.

•••••

REVIEW:Book one in a new series /author that I’ve not read yet.

A Paranormal Romance that is occupied by a strong female main character. An assassin for hire! She’s at the top of her field of expertise. A wolf shifter that’s gone rogue with her pack! But Sevyn is happy where she is….. Until it brings Christian back into her life!!
Mates that can’t stand each other, but if in the same proximity, are drawn to each other!

An assassin that’s also now been pointed in the direction of her pack! Her new job is to assassinate the pack leaders son (who is none other than her mate Christian!)
Can she really kill the wolf shifter that is her fated mate? And why would an ancient vampire want to start a war with the wolf shifters? It could draw attention from the humans (who know of their existence, but both keep a low profile anyways!) but the vampire has information that could help her uncover what happened to her mother.

It’s a fast paced action/mystery book, with a fierce female in the lead role.
Nicely written with just Sevyn’s point of view. We also get flashbacks of her growing up with her mother (who was also the pack protector/enforcer) they didn’t have a real close relationship, it was all about survival and training! We also get to see Christian and Sevyn fight the bond when it clicks on at eighteen (both claim it’s only a bond that neither really wanted!)

It’s also a nice change to read about a bond that neither Christian or Sevyn want, the hate and the longing looks both give one another when no one is looking. The banter and the comebacks that Sevyn did have me chuckling. It’s also nice to see she can look after herself and handle anything that gets thrown at her. A quick mind and super fast reflexes helps her in her work. And I liked the fact Christian is a cop, Sevyn is a killer, so we have that vibe going on too (will he arrest her if she’s caught killing?)

Side characters are a mixture of love and hate for me. Her boss is mixed up with human mafia (those are the kills she’s sent out to do). The vampire leader knows more than he’s letting on too! And the pack she left don’t exactly like her either!

And there is a cliffhanger to contend with also!!

But a really good read. And I’m looking forward to the next book.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

____________

CAPTURED WOLF
Sevyn Rose 2
by Karina Espinosa
Release Date: July 21,2023
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

Amazon.US / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

In the captivating world of supernatural factions, Sevyn Rose emerges from years of obscurity, catching the attention of everyone around her. The key to their relentless pursuit lies in her elusive mother, whose sudden phone call sparks Sevyn’s curiosity to uncover the truth behind her disappearance.

Amidst the ensuing chaos, Sevyn becomes the target of vicious attacks by the witches, only to be repeatedly rescued by an enigmatic figure shrouded in mystery. Although this stranger refuses to reveal his motives, Sevyn finds solace in his unwavering protection, even if his presence borders on stalking.

Complicating matters further, Sevyn’s relationship with Christian, her mate, is strained and hanging by a thread. Together, they must confront a crucial decision: should they preserve or sever their mating bond?

Caught in a perilous tug-of-war between witches, mages, and vampires, Sevyn embarks on a relentless quest to find the answers she desperately seeks. Will she unravel the mysteries surrounding her mother’s disappearance? And, in the ultimate test of resilience, will Sevyn ultimately reunite with her long-lost mother?

••••••

REVIEW:Second book in the Sevyn Rose Series, and I’m totally here to see what happens next….
Book two takes up the story where book one left it….

Sevyn is being chased by a whole crew of people that want her (or is it her mother they really want?)

After saving Christian in the last book, she’s living with the pack for the moment. That’s awkward to say the least! No one really wants her there! And she doesn’t really want to be there either! Too many memories of her mother (and also the warning that if she didn’t come home, she was to leave the pack and find her boss Nicholas) and the unwelcome vibe she seems to be feeling!

Lots going on in this book, lots of stuff I don’t want to tell you about either. (Hate when too much is given away) lots of secrets that Sevyn is slowly uncovering. Plenty about her parents (even though her mother claimed her father died before she was born!) the human mafia still want her to kill Christian and the alpha of the group, but she’s also being targeted by them! The vampire leader is pushing for a kill too! And a rogue alpha is challenging both the alpha and Christian for their pack! And a mysterious stranger that turns up when Sevyn is in need! (See told you there was lots going on ?) oh and throw in a coven of witches!!

Sevyn is still a bada$$ character. I worry sometimes when a second book comes out, the character becomes a weak and clingy female… But she’s still as resourceful as ever, still sharp witted and full of snappy comebacks. Her main priority is still finding clues to her mother’s disappearance, and just when you feel like she’s getting somewhere, someone or something gets in her way!

And the bond between Christian and Sevyn? If she carries on behaving the way she does, then it’s going to snap!!! ? it’s a decision that both Christian and Sevyn really need to think about (and a refreshing change to see not all bonds are instant and forever) so they really want to be together?

And this stranger that appears and disappears is intriguing, who is he? Friend? Or someone with an agenda?

So are we any closer to finding what happened to her mother? Are Christian and Sevyn going make a go of their bond, or just break it and move on? Who is our masked figure, and what does he want?

Cliffhanger that I did not see coming!!!!

And now we wait for book three in this fast paced action filled story. I’m left with more questions. I also liked this one better than the first one.

You definitely need to read book one before picking up book two.

A highly recommended read ??

Copy supplied for review

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Karina Espinosa is the Urban Fantasy Author of the Mackenzie Grey novels and The Last Valkyrie series. An avid reader throughout her life, the world of Urban Fantasy easily became an obsession that turned into a passion for writing strong leading characters with authentic story arcs. When she isn’t writing badass heroines, you can find this self-proclaimed nomad in her South Florida home binge watching the latest series on Netflix or traveling far and wide for the latest inspiration for her books.

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A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

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A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
Only his memories can save her…

A great primal power has risen. The Queen of Flesh and Fire has become the Primal of Blood and Bone—the true Primal of Life and Death. And the battle Casteel, Poppy, and their allies have been fighting has only just begun. Gods are awakening across Iliseeum and the mortal realm, readying for the war to come.

But when Poppy falls into stasis, Cas faces the very real possibility that the dire, unexpected consequences of what she is becoming could take her away from him. Cas is given some advice, though—something he plans to cling to as he waits to see her beautiful eyes open once more: Talk to her.

And so, he does. He reminds Poppy how their journey began, revealing things about himself that only Kieran knows in the process. But it’s anybody’s guess what she’ll wake to or exactly how much of the realm and Cas will have changed when she does.

 

 

 

Review:

A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the 5th book in her wonderful Blood and Ash series.  Poppy has now become the Primal of Blood and Bone, the true Primal of Life and Death, with the gods beginning to awaken. But A Soul of Ash and Blood is mostly in Cas’s POV, especially when Poppy is now in stasis completing the culling. At the start, both Cas and Kieran knew something was not right with Poppy; Cas and Kieran are told to let her rest, but they were also told there is a possibility she may not remember them., when she wakes. Nextas gives them advice, when watching over her, Cas needs to talk to her, which brings us very much in the past. 

For most of the book, Cas reminds Poppy about their journey to what she has become, and their wonderful love for each other. I did enjoy the retelling from the past, as well as in the present when Kieran and Cas remembered things, while they talked to the sleeping Poppy.  It brought back such wonderful memories, which was fun to read, but also intriguing; as well as learning some new things.

I loved seeing in the past, with Poppy and Hawke. It was great to spend time again with so many of our favorite characters.  Kieran played a big part, especially when he worried about Cas falling for Poppy; I loved how Delano always followed Poppy and was so loyal to her. It was great to see many of the others; Vikter, Tawny, Emil, Naill, just to name a few.   

What follows is an in depth look in Cas’s POV, with so many memories from when Blood and Ash all started. The cliffhanger at the end left us holding our breath, especially with Cas desperately trying to save Poppy, and the final scene.  I know people are saying they can’t wait for the next book, but in February 2024, JLA is releasing the 6th book, Visions of Flesh and Blood: A Blood and Ash/Flesh and Fire Compendium.  My question, when do we get the real book 6?

A Soul of Ash and Blood is a wonderful look into this fabulous series, with us falling in love with Cas and Poppy all over again. There is a cliffhanger, as Poppy’s powers continue to grow to become the Primal of Life and Death.  If you are a fan of high fantasy, you would need to start with the first book, but for all of us who continue to followed JLA, we wait anxiously.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy purchased

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Last Comes Fate (Silver Spoon 3) by Nicole French-review tour

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Last Comes Fate (Silver Spoon 3) by Nicole French-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 19,2023

No one expects a surprise pregnancy from a one-month fling.
Just like no one expects to make the same mistake twice.

Five years after we first met and I had his baby, Xavier Parker’s knocked me up again.
And this time I won’t be keeping it a secret.

My ex-boyfriend is perfectly aware we’ve got a baby on the way.
Only problem?
He has no interest in being an ex.

See, Xavier Parker is used to getting his way.
Girlfriend? Forget it.
Now this brooding duke wants me to be his wife.
And he won’t take no for an answer.

Can I forgive the past and give this father-to-be a chance at a happy ending?
Or will my heartbreak prove too much to forget and spell disaster for us both?

•••••

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

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Francesca and Xavier) LAST COMES FATE follows in the aftermath of a misunderstanding forcing Francesca to walk away from the man that she loved but Francesca had just discovered she was pregnant with their second child, and Xavier was refusing to walk away from his newly discovered birthright. Refusing to force Xavier to choses sides, Francesca walks away without looking back but all is not well in Xavier’s fight for the ‘crown’, and Francesca continues to be the target of jealousy and greed. As Francesca and Xavier’s struggling relationship continues to grow, our heroine will discover the truth about Xavier’s past.

The world building continues to focus on Xavier’s birthright; his royal blood; the fight for the title, money and home; as well as Xavier’s need to claim Francesca and their daughter as his own. As Xavier’s extended family continues to throw fuel on the proverbial fires of greed and lies, Francesca must come to terms with the betrayal from one of her own.

The relationship between Francesca and Xavier continues to be contentious. Francesca is stubborn, and refuses to accept Xavier’s proclamations of love. Xavier is about to offer our heroine the world but her inability to move beyond her ‘butt-hurt’ feelings, places everyone in the direct line of fire. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful, questionable, envious and twisted secondary and supporting characters most of whom we have met in the previous instalment. Most of the people in Xavier’s life are out for themselves, while the majority of Francesca’s extended family are supportive and protective of our story line heroine.

LAST COMES FATE is a character driven story of power and greed, secrets and lies, fate and family, relationships and love. The premise is dramatic and intense ; the characters are animated and spirited but Francesca’s attitude often left something to be desired. The romance is tender and provocative.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
First Comes Love
Then Come Lies

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Nicole French is a East Coast/West Coast hybrid creature, Springsteen fanatic, hopeless romantic, and total bookworm. When not writing fiction or teaching writing classes, she is hanging out with her family, playing soccer with the rest of the thirty-plus crowd in Seattle, or going on dates with her husband. In her spare time, she likes to go running with her dog, Greta, or practice the piano, but never seems to do either one of these things as much as she should.

Sign up for Nicole’s monthly newsletter for giveaways and exclusive excerpts from upcoming works!  www.nicolefrenchromance.com

For more information on Nicole and her books visit here

WEBSITE| NEWSLETTER| FACEBOOK |  FACEBOOK GROUP

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The Bitter Past (Porter Beck 1) by Bruce Borgos-a review

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The Bitter Past (Porter Beck 1) by Bruce Borgos-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2023

Porter Beck is the sheriff in the high desert of Nevada, north of Las Vegas. Born and raised there, he left to join the Army, where he worked in Intelligence, deep in the shadows in far off places. Now he’s back home, doing the same lawman’s job his father once did, before his father started to develop dementia. All is relatively quiet in this corner of the world, until an old, retired FBI agent is found killed. He was brutally tortured before he was killed and clues at the scene point to a mystery dating back to the early days of the nuclear age. If that wasn’t strange enough, a current FBI agent shows up to help Beck’s investigation.

In a case that unfolds in the past (the 1950s) and the present, it seems that a Russian spy infiltrated the nuclear testing site and now someone is looking for that long-ago, all-but forgotten person, who holds the key to what happened then and to the deadly goings on now.

•••••

REVIEW:THE BITTER PAST is the first instalment in Bruce Borgos’ contemporary, adult, mystery suspense, crime thriller series focusing on Nevada Sheriff Porter Beck.

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

Told from dual time lines (1957 and the present), using first person (Porter) and third person (Freddie) THE BITTER PAST follows several converging paths. In the past, the reader is up close and personal during the Cold War between the US and Russia, and the fight for nuclear domination. In the present, Sheriff Porter Beck must contend with the suicides of or potential murders of several local elderly gentlemen, murders that have brought in the FBI. Meanwhile, a young seventeen year old LDS woman, a newly married wife goes missing, and Porter’s team must decide whether she is on the run, or a victim of foul play but as his team searches for both the missing woman, and the people responsible for a string of elderly murders, the FBI reveals the Cold War between Russia and the US has now taken control in the present, as the murder victims are all connected to the same time period of 1957.

The world building focuses on two time lines. We are up close and personal with a physicist in 1957 who works security within and around the nuclear testing zone but said physicist is not whom he presents himself to be, and finds himself caught in a life and death struggle with the people in charge. Fast forward to present day, and the Russians have begun cleaning house, taking down anyone connected to the 1957 nuclear fiasco.

We are introduced to Porter Beck’s team of deputies and investigators, as well as his sister / arms specialist Brinley Cummings, his father Joe Beck, and Agent Sana Locke. The requisite evil has many faces. As the characters begin to reveal themselves, covert agents and spies, infiltrate what was and what is.

THE BITTER PAST is a story of secrets and lies, twists and turns, power and control, murder and mystery, espionage intrigue and suspense. The premise is detailed, complex, twisted and tangled; the characters are energetic, determined and dynamic but all are not whom they present to be.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

Bruce Borgos lives and writes from the Nevada desert where he works hard every day to prove his high school guidance counselor had good instincts when he said “You’ll never be an astronaut.” He has a lifelong obsession with words and stories and a fascination with how telephones work. When not writing, you can usually find him at the local wine store.

Visit his website at: https://www.bruceborgos.com/
or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BruceBorgos
or catch him on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/bruceborgos….

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BROKEN PROMISE/ BROKEN TRUST by Nana Malone & M. Malone-review tour

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BROKEN TRUST / BROKEN PROMISE (Broken 1 & 3) by Nana Malone & M. Malone

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 20, 2023

I am the ghost that haunts your dreams. I am a liar, a protector … a killer… I am death.

You think you know my story, but you have no idea. My death was just the beginning. In the years since I escaped the shadow organization that owned me, my vow to protect my family is the only thing keeping me alive.

Until I meet her.

Too bad I need the monster to protect her from the demons of her past.

Too bad she’s not that innocent.

•••••••

REVIEW: BROKEN PROMISE is the third instalment in the contemporary, adult BROKEN erotic romance suspense series co-authored by M. Malone and Nana Malone. This is former assassin/former FBI agent turned security specialist Rafe DeMarco, and Diana Renquist-Vandergraff’s story line. BROKEN PROMISE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading book one BROKEN TRUST for back story.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Diana and Rafe) BROKEN PROMISE follows the building relationship between Rafe DeMarco and Diana Rehnquist, a relationship predicated upon a number of lies. Ten years earlier Diana lost everything, and blames Rafe DeMarco for it all. Having set a plan into motion to destroy our story line hero, Diana lies about who she is, in an effort to get up close and personal with Rafe DeMarco but Diana never expected to fall in love. As Diana and Rafe’s relationship becomes more serious, Diana begins to execute her plan only to come face to face with people intending to destroy them all. What ensues is the building relationship between Rafe and Diana, and the potential fall-out as the past collides with the present; secrets and lies are revealed; and Rafe finds himself in an impossible situation when he discovers the truth about the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The world building continues to focus on past assignments and contracts, and the vengeance wreaked by those who have been betrayed. Rafe DeMarco is no longer an assassin for hire or an agent with the FBI but he is unable to let go of the past when the past continues to haunt his days and nights.

The relationship between Diana and Rafe is predicated upon a lie. Diana needs revenge for sins of the past but the sins may not be Rafe’s alone. Never expecting to fall in love, Diana struggles between head and heart knowing her time with Rafe is nothing more than a mission to take down the man she blames for her broken heart. Rafe, for all intents and purposes, is easily manipulated by our story line heroine, and finds himself at a disadvantage on more than one occasion. The $ex scenes are numerous, provocative and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and determined secondary and supporting characters most of whom play a role, past and present in our hero’s life. We are reintroduced to the team at Blake Security: Noah and Lucia, Jonas, Oskar, Ian and JJ, as well as Interpol Agent Emelie Durand.

BROKEN PROMISE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, family, friendships, forgiveness and acceptance. The fast paced, character driven premise is detailed and intriguing; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are dynamic and desperate.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book two BROKEN TIES

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

_______

BROKEN TRUST
(The Broken Series 1)
by M. Malone & Nana Malone
Genre:adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-release January 24, 2023

I’m what some people call the bogeyman. Most people have the good sense to be afraid of me. Unfortunately, my best friend’s little sister is NOT most people.

She’s not afraid of me at all. But she should be. She doesn’t know the secrets I’m hiding.

Look, Lucia Demarco is a handful. She’s stubborn, gorgeous, a magnet for trouble, and sets my blood on fire.

Ignore that last part. I can’t have her. I promised my best friend on his deathbed that I’d always take care of her. And I have…never you mind about the thoughts that plague me at night

The point is, she’s been poking her head where it doesn’t belong and now some idiots are about to find out why they call me the reaper.

I hear former hitmen make the best bodyguards. True story!

I’ll keep my word and keep Lucia safe. And I absolutely refuse to give in to her sunny smile or sharp wit.

I can be strong. Or will I risk just one taste?

•••••

REVIEW: BROKEN TRUST is the first instalment in the contemporary, adult BROKEN erotic, romantic suspense series co-authored by M. Malone and Nana Malone. This is security specialist Noah Blake, and twenty year old fashion designer Lucia DeMarco’s story line.

NOTE: BROKEN TRUST is a revised and expanded story line originally released in the Shameless Series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Noah and Lucia) BROKEN TRUST follows the building but tempestuous relationship between security specialist Noah Blake, and twenty year old fashion designer Lucia DeMarco. Six years earlier Lucia’s brother and Noah’s best friend Rafe DeMarco was gunned down on assignment, and in the ensuing years Noah has vowed to protect Lucia with his life but all is not as it appears to be, and Lucia will find herself the target of an assassin, and a pawn between the past and the present. What ensues is the building relationship between Noah and Lucia, and the potential fall-out as a contract targeting Lucia reveals a past shrouded in betrayal and deceit.

The world building is detailed and complex focusing on secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, Dark Ops, secret organizations, government spies, double crossing, double agents, and triple threats. There are code names, undercover operatives, IT specialists, and international systems of espionage and threats. There is a blurry line between right and wrong.

The relationship between Noah and Lucia is a best friend’s sister relationship in which said best friend is dead and gone. Noah has promised to protect the woman he has always loved, a woman who begins to suspect there is more to her brother’s death than she is acutely aware. At every turn Noah hopes to be one-step ahead of our story line heroine but someone else is targeting Lucia, and there is more than one player in the game. The $ex scenes are intimate, provocative and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, strategic and powerful secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Noah’s team at Blake Security: Jonas, IT specialist Matthias and Oskar; Noah’s former handler Ian, as well as Lucia’s best friend and designer Jessica JJ Jones, and Lucia’s Nonna DeMarco. JJ and Jonas’ story line is next.

BROKEN TRUST is a story of secrets and lies, espionage, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, forgiveness, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is captivating, twisted and elaborate; the characters are numerous, dynamic and spirited; the romance is seductive, tender and consuming.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Nana Malone

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

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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One Kiss (Riverbend: Lighter Ones 6) by Aleatha Romig-review tour

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One Kiss (Riverbend: Lighter Ones 6) by Aleatha Romig-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 19, 2023

A small town, best friend’s sister, age-gap, grumpy, sunshine, contemporary standalone

Confirmed bachelor—that’s what I’ve become.
Life is safe and predictable. After all, Riverbend doesn’t exactly have a roaring social life or an influx of women looking to be the wife of a farmer.
Hold on.
I’m not looking for a wife—or even a girlfriend.
When my best friend tells me that his little sister, Devan, is moving back to Riverbend to teach science, I envision the little girl with pigtails, freckles, and an annoying urge to be wherever her older brother was. Of course, that was twelve years ago when she was ten years old.
Newsflash. Devan is no longer a child.
Imagine my shock when I learn that she is the woman who disappeared after one passionate kiss—one I couldn’t get out of my head.
Once I realize Devan is my mystery woman, I can’t walk away.
The problem is that she’s my best friend’s little sister, ten years younger than me, and definitely off-limits.

•••

REVIEW:ONE KISS is the sixth instalment in Aleatha Romig’s contemporary, adult RIVER: LIGHTER ONE romance series set in Riverbend, Indiana. This is thirty -two year old farmer Justin Sheers , twenty-two year old teacher Devan Dunn’s story line. ONE KISS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Justin and Devan) ONE KISS follows the best friends, younger sister relationship between thirty -two year old farmer Justin Sheers , twenty-two year old teacher Devan Dunn. Devan Dunn never thought she would return to Riverbend, Indiana but an offer to teach at the local school finds Devan interviewing for a teaching position. A night out with friends finds Devan in the arms of her brother’s best friend Justin but Justin has no idea as to the identity of the woman he cannot forget. Weeks will pass before Justin comes face to face with our heroine, and in the ensuing weeks, Justin will fall in love with his best friend’s younger sister. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Justin and Devan, as our couple navigate a rapidly building love, and a future together.

The world building focuses on plans for the future. Devan’s parents want to retire, and a developer has offered a large sum of money for the land but Justin is hoping to expand his family’s farm, and the developer is about to threaten his business agenda.

The relationship between Justin and Devan is a best friend’s, younger sister, insta-love romance in which Justin knows Devan is the one. Trying to circumnavigate his friendship with Devan’s brother Ricky, a friendship that may be threatened by his attraction to and growing love for our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters include Devan’s brother Ricky Dunn, their parents Jack and Janet; Devan’s friends Jill and Marilyn; Justin’s sister Kandace and her husband Dax (Quintessentially the One) , and their parents Bridget and Randy, as well as several townies and friends.

ONE KISS is a story of family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is heart warming and entertaining-the conflict is limited. The characters are real and spirited; the romance is tender and stirring.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book four QUINTESSENTIALLY THE ONE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

NEWSLETTER | WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | GOODREADS
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | PINTEREST

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.

Sign up today to receive her monthly newsletter  and /or text message alerts stay informed.

And if you’re new to ALEATHA, check out her FREE books.

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