Monthly Archives: July 2023

UNBREAK MY HEART by Jennifer Probst -review tour

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UNBREAK MY HEART by Jennifer Probst-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 17, 2023

The food critic…
Miranda Storme once gave her body and soul to Gavin Luciano, but he took her love and walked away without a word. Now he’s back. He may look even sexier than he did three years ago. His kisses may still burn in her memory. And his arrogance hasn’t changed since he states his intentions to reclaim her. In his bed. Still, as an established food critic who ends up in his restaurant, there’s only one thing on her mind. Revenge…

The restaurateur…
Gavin Luciano walked away from the family business and his lover years ago. He thought power and money would make him happy. Now he realizes his mistake and comes home to right his wrongs. He has three months to make his family’s struggling Italian restaurant successful, and a bad review is Gavin’s worst nightmare. But this isn’t just about the meal. He’s finally realized what he left behind and is determined to spend the next eight weeks proving himself to Miranda in the kitchen…and in the bedroom. This is one dish she won’t be able to refuse.

But when he learns about Miranda’s secret, will a second chance at love be too late?

•••••

REVIEW: UNBREAK MY HEART by Jennifer Probst is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, erotic, romance story line focusing on thirty year old businessman/restaurateur Giovanni ‘Gavin’ Luciano, and food critic Miranda Storme’s story line.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Gavin and Miranda) UNBREAK MY HEART follows the second chance romance and relationship between thirty year old businessman/restaurateur Giovanni ‘Gavin’ Luciano, and food critic Miranda Storme. Three years earlier, Gavin destroy Miranda Storme when he took a job overseas,leaving the woman he loved behind. Fast forward to present day, Gavin has returned home to help save the family business, an Italian restaurant that is struggling to stay afloat but Gavin’s struggle is compounded when the woman he destroyed writes a scathing review about his family restaurant, destroying any hopes of a second chance for both their relationship and the life. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Miranda and Gavin, and the potential fall-out as Gavin’s time in America comes with an expiry date, a date Miranda sees as another abandonment by the man she once loved.

The world building focuses on the rekindling romance and relationship between our leading couple, a relationship in which secrets are about to break both of their hearts. Gavin is battling between head and heart, trying to keep the family business afloat, while Amanda struggles with her attraction to the man who broke her heart. We are up close and personal with the family fight to stay open, and Gavin’s fight between his head and his heart.

The relationship between Gavin and Miranda is one of second chances; a relationship destroyed by Gavin’s need for money, power and to make it on his own but when Gavin left, he left more than he could have ever imagined. Miranda continues to struggle with issues of trust, and Gavin’s proclamation of love, also comes with the possibility of walking away, without looking back. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include the feisty Luciano family, whose patriarch is constantly quoting ‘Frank Sinatra’ songs. We are introduced to Gavin’s brother Brando, their parents, as well as Miranda’s friend Andy and Laura, and fellow food critic and foe Allison Wheaton.

UNBREAK MY HEART is a story of love and loss, family and relationships, misunderstanding and forgiveness. The fast paced premise is captivating and heart breaking ; the characters are animated and dynamic; the romance is spicy and tender.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Jennifer ProbstJennifer Probst is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of both sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her novel, The Marriage Bargain, was the #6 Bestselling Book on Amazon for 2012. Her first children’s book, Buffy and the Carrot, was co-written with her 12 year old niece, and her short story, “A Life Worth Living” chronicles the life of a shelter dog. She makes her home in New York with her sons, husband, two rescue dogs, and a house that never seems to be clean. She loves hearing from all readers! Stop by her website at http://www.jenniferprobst.com for all her upcoming releases, news and street team information.

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Kiss Me (The Donovans: Laurel Bay) by Samantha Chase-review tour

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Kiss Me (The Donovans: Laurel Bay) by Samantha Chase-review tour

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

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3V4oDMZ

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2023

Saying “I Do” to her boss seemed like a harmless solution to a potentially harmful problem.
But the only problem now is that she wants the marriage to be real.

When Marissa Barrett finds herself in a dangerous situation with her family, she needs help. Fast. Normally the queen of problem solving, this is one instance where she just can’t seem to find a solution on her own. All she wanted from her boss was help finding an attorney. But before she knows exactly how it’s happened, they’re standing in front of a justice of the peace.

Patrick Donovan would do anything to help Marissa. After all, she’s been helping him run his business for years. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t wildly attracted to her, but there was no way he would ever act on it. Plus, with his meddling family looking to see him settle down, the last thing he needed was any kind of romantic relationship. But when Marissa turns to him for help, suddenly he sees a way to do it that benefits them both.

One year of marriage. That was the agreement.
But everything’s negotiable, right?

•••••

REVIEW:KISS ME is the fifth instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult THE DONOVANS romance series. This is real estate investor Patrick Donovan, and his assistant Marissa Barrett’s story line. KISS ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary..

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Patrick and Marissa) KISS ME follows the building romance and relationship between . Marissa and Patrick are friends but Marissa’s personal life is spiralling out of control, and in an effort to protect his employee and his friend, Patrick offers up a marriage of convenience, a marriage in which our couple has set an expiry date. Patrick Donovan never thought he would ever marry or fall in love but living with Marissa makes their ‘fake marriage’ seem all too real, a reality that Marissa struggles to accept. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Marissa and Patrick , and the potential fall-out as misunderstanding threatens the growing love between our story line couple.

The world building continues to focus on the Donovan clan, and their pushy albeit determined mother who wants to see all of her children married and happy. Marissa and Patrick’s spontaneous wedding is a bit of a black mark for the matriarch to accept; and Marissa battles between head and heart knowing their fake arrangement feels all too real.

The relationship between Marissa and Patrick is a friends to lovers; a marriage of convenience in which Patrick is hoping to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. Keeping separate rooms and lives is nearly impossible, and falling for one another was ultimately in the cards. There are no $ex scenes-everything is implied.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including all of Patrick’s siblings, their significant others, as well as cousins; Patrick’s parents Kate and Shane Donovan, and uncle Ronan. We are introduced to Marissa’s brother Daren. When the Donovan clan gets together, everything is a little frenetic and frantic.

KISS ME is a story of family, relationships, greed and addiction, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is heart breaking and engaging; the characters are numerous and dynamic; the romance, once again, is subtle and sweet.

 

Reading Order and previous reviews
Dare Me
Tempt Me
Save Me
Charm Me

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Bookbub /

Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than seventy titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 30 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

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Enforcing the Rules (RBMC:Durango 4) by Nicole James-review tour

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Enforcing the Rules (RBMC: Durango CO 4) by Nicole James-review tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2023

Utah—
I’m the Enforcer for the RBMC’s Durango Chapter, hunting down the two-bit scumbag who stole from my club.
He’s a dead man walking.

The problem is a sexy little hellcat named Kate keeps getting in my way.
She’s a bounty hunter and after the same trash as me.
Only she doesn’t want him dead.
She needs him very much alive.
She plans to take him in for the reward, but his bounty doesn’t even come close to the money he owes the club.

Now she wants to offer me a bargain so we can both get what we want.
My club comes first, but I have to admit, it’s been years since I’ve met a woman half as interesting as this one.
She’s got a body that could persuade most men to do anything she asks, but I’m no fool.
If Kate wants to make me a deal, she’ll have to be part of it.

•••••

REVIEW:ENFORCING THE RULES is the fourth instalment in Nicole James’ contemporary, adult RBMC: DURANGO CO erotic, MC romance series-a part of the multi-authors RBMC world. This is club enforcer Utah, and bounty hunter Kate’s story line. ENFORCING THE RULES 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 (Utah and Kate) ENFORCING THE RULES follows in the wake of a robbery and shooting of one of the members of the RBMC: Durango. Utah is desperate to find the man that almost took the life of one of their own but in the meantime Utah will come face to face with his future in the guise of a young woman named Kate but little did he know that Kate is a bounty hunter, and is looking for the same man who robbed the RBMC. Several ‘fortuitous’ and accidental meetings places Kate and Utah in one another’s proverbial orbits, and several nights together means getting to know about one another’s lives but Utah struggles knowing that Kate’s bond runner is the same man whom the club is going to destroy, a man that Kate knows better than most. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Kate and Utah, and the potential fall-out as the sins of the father follow Kate where ever she does.

The world building follows several paths as Kate must come to terms with what is happening and why. Her sister is in trouble; her father is missing; and the new man in her life is well ensconced in the biker lifestyle. Threats against the family force Kate to keep secrets that may very well get her killed; and to Utah, the club will always come first.

The relationship between Kate and Utah begins accidentally but with their paths crossing several times, Utah and Kate begin to imagine there is something else going on to push the coupe together. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large secondary and supporting cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including the appearance of several members of the RBMC. We are introduced to Kate’s father Ray Baker, his wife Davina, and their daughter Bethany. The requisite evil has many faces.

ENFORCING THE RULES is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The fast paced premise is dramatic and intense; the romance is seductive and steamy; the characters are desperate and dynamic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book three KEEPING THE THRONE

Copy supplied for review

reviewed by Sandy

 

Nicole James is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author who loves writing about hot alpha men who’ll do anything for the women they love! Her stories are filled with struggle, conflict and real human emotion. She is the author of the Evil Dead MC series, the Brothers Ink Tattoo series and more.

Nicole loves to hear from her readers! You can contact her via e-mail, her website contact form or on her social media accounts.

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nicole_James1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authornicolejames

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nicole-james

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6571986.Nicole_James

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WICKED AND BARE (Matt and Madison Pt 2) by Shayla Black-review

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WICKED AND BARE (Matt and Madison Pt 2) (Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire 8) by Shayla Black

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Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3SHac0a

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2023

He’d give his life to protect her…but he’ll demand everything from her in return.

Madison Archer-Pershing fled her murderous, soon-to-be ex-husband, running straight to operative Matt Montgomery, despite the fact he once broke her heart. Under his protection and in his arms, she can’t help but fall for him again. Then her husband discovers them together and coerces her back to his glittering, dangerous world of politics, greed, and deception. But Madison knows his deepest secrets…just like she knows he’ll try to silence her forever.

Matt knows he’s bad for good-girl Madison. He’s too rough, too commanding, but he can’t resist the woman who still owns his heart. Though he’s determined to keep her safe at any cost…he can’t protect her from his own dark desires. As she melts in his embrace, shocking revelations rock them. Peril lurks around every corner. And when he’s confronted with the most wrenching decision of his life, will he rip out his heart to save her or risk everything to claim her forever?

•••••••

REVIEW: WICKED AND BARE is the second instalment in Shayla Black’s contemporary adult duet, and the eighth instalment in the author’s WICKED LOVERS: SOLDIERS FOR HIRE erotic, romantic suspense series. This is the continuing story of thirty-three year old, security specialist Matt Montgomery, and twenty-seven year old, primary school teacher Madison Archer. WICKED AND BARE should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of WICKED AS SECRETS.

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

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Madison and Matt) WICKED AND BARE follows in the aftermath of our heroine’s witness to a murder, and her desperate attempts to flee the people involved. Married into a political dynasty, Madison has sold her soul to the devil but every attempt to leave is circumvented by the power elite. With the help of her former lover Matt Montgomery, Madison goes into hiding but threats against her family find Madison and Matt agreeing to a deal, a deal that would see Madison in the direct line of fire. What ensues is the ongoing relationship between Matt and Madison, and the potential fall-out as Matt’s past is revealed, and Madison struggles to trust the man with whom she has fallen in love.

The world building continues to focus on the political fight for power and control. Madison is arm candy; a trophy wife meant to give voters the image of stability but Madison’s life is on the line every time she is trapped behind closed doors. The Pershing family is a political dynasty where the dark and dangerous secrets, if exposed, would destroy everything. Madison is caught in the middle, when threats against her own family mean bowing to the people in charge.

The relationship between Madison and Matt is one of second chances but Madison struggles with issues of trust, and Matt suspects there is more going on behind the scenes than he could have ever imagined. With the assistance of the team at EM Security Management, Matt begins to unravel the true nature of the people in charge. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense with some light bondage and discipline.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of powerful, questionable and dynamic secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we have met in the numerous Wicked Lovers instalments. We are re-introduced to several members of the EM Security Management Team including Nash Scott, Ethan Garrison, Pierce ‘One Mile ‘ Walker; Madisons’ best friend Haisley; as well as Madison’s soon to be ex-husband and inlaws .

WICKED AND BARE is a story of the political elite, power and control, secrets and lies, acceptance and forgiveness, betrayal and revenge. The dramatic character driven premise is haunting, tragic and edgy; the romance is provocative and emotional ; the characters are spirited, determined and destructive.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Wicked as Sin
Wicked Ever After
Wicked as Lies
Wicked and True
Wicked as Seduction
Wicked and Forever
Wicked as Secrets

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels. For over fifteen years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold well over a million copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

➣ Follow Shayla Black on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shayla-black

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter  I  NEWSLETTERI I PINTERESTIYOUTUBE

 

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The Setup (Single in Seattle 4) by Kristen Proby-review tour

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THE SETUP (Single in Seattle 4) by Kristen Proby-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2023

I’m a sucker for pretty things. Give me a roaring engine in a souped-up vintage muscle car with cherry red paint and brand-new leather interior, and that’s about as pretty as anything I could ask for. I’m a simple man, who doesn’t need or want the kind of wild celebrity that my father has. I restore one-of-a-kind vehicles and sell them to the highest bidder. Usually, that bidder just also happens to be a celebrity.

But no matter how often my cars steal the spotlight, staying out of it is my number one priority.

Which is why Sydney Sterling is absolutely out of the question.

She’s a country music superstar. She’s in the spotlight. People can’t get enough of her.

It doesn’t matter that our one night together was hotter than a full throttle muscle car, or that she’s the most incredible woman I’ve ever met.

I. Need. To. Stay. Away.

And I was doing a great job of just that until our friends set us up on a blind date, and now here I am, sitting across from the only woman who made me want more. How am I going to handle the fact that the rest of the world wants her almost as much as I do?

And do I even have a choice in the matter?

•••••

REVIEW: THE SETUP is the fourth instalment in Kristen Proby’s contemporary,adult SINGLE IN SEATTLE erotic, romance series-a spin off with the next generation from the author’s With Me in Seattle series. . This is country music star Sidney Sterling , and classic car restorer Keaton Williams’ story line. THE SETUP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines and original series are revealed where necessary. Keaton is the son of Luke and Natalie (Come Away with Me/ With Me in Seattle 1); and Sidney is the sister of Gray Sterling (The Scandal).

Told from dual first person perspectives (Sidney and Keaton) THE SETUP follows the friends with benefits relationship between country music star Sidney Sterling , and classic car restorer Keaton Williams. Sidney Sterling’s career has imploded, and she has returned home to Seattle to be with family and friends but never thought she would find herself in a relationship with Keaton Williams, a man who wants nothing more than a friends with benefits relationship. An opportunity will present itself for our story line heroine, an opportunity of which Keaton wants nothing to do. Keaton and his family grew up in the spotlight, and Keaton knows that fame is nothing more than heart break and pain. What ensues is the building relationship between Keaton and Sidney, and the potential fall-out as Keaton is willing to lose the woman he loves than face down the vultures who all but destroyed his life.

The world building continues to focus on the large extended Montgomery-Williams family, all of who are rich, powerful, famous and friends. From Hollywood, to Nashville, to the gridiron of the NFL, The Montgomery -Williams clan are supportive of one another, forgiving and under control.

The relationship between Keaton and Sidney is one of immediate attraction; a friends to lover, a friends with benefits relationship in which Keaton is willing to risk his friendships with Sidney to stay out of the spotlight while Sidney’s star is on the rise. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

THE SETUP is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; a story of betrayal and acceptance, forgiveness and happily ever after. The character driven premise is fast paced, emotional and edgy; the romance is seductive and steamy; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
The Secret
The Surprise
The Scandal
The Scramble
The Score

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Bookbub / Goodreads / Website /

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen lives in Montana with her husband and their four pets, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

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ONLY GOOD ENEMIES by Jennifer Estep-dual review & giveaway

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ONLY GOOD ENEMIES by Jennifer Estep-dual review & giveaway

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2023

A WOMAN ON A MISSION . . .

My name is Vesper Quill. I used to be a lowly lab rat, toiling away in obscurity developing brewmakers and other household appliances. But thanks to my seer magic and my own ingenuity, I’m now a Regal lady and the head of a successful corporation.

My mission? To destroy the Techwave, the dangerous group that has stolen my designs and plans to weaponize them against the Imperium. But when my mission takes an unexpected turn, I’m once again surrounded by enemies and fighting for my life.

Further complicating matters is Kyrion Caldaren, an arrogant Regal lord whose fate is bound to mine. Kyrion doesn’t realize the two of us still have an unwanted connection that puts us both in grave danger . . . or does he?

A MAN SURROUNDED BY ENEMIES . . .

My name is Kyrion Caldaren. As the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force, I’ve been tasked with tracking down and destroying the Techwave before they seize control of the Archipelago Galaxy.

My other mission? Find a way to assassinate Lord Callus Holloway, the Imperium ruler who wants to take my psion power for his own. Holloway is also a threat to Vesper Quill, who haunts my thoughts, despite the broken bond and distance between us.

When I realize Vesper is in danger, my priorities change, and I vow to use all my telepathic, telekinetic, and other abilities to help her. I will save Vesper from her enemies and mine—even if I have to burn down the whole bloody galaxy.

•••••

Sandy’s Review: ONLY GOOD ENEMIES is the second instalment in Jennifer Estep’s adult GALACTIC BONDS sci-fi, space opera focusing on thirty-seven year old R&D tech specialist Vesper Quill, and thirty-eight year old, leader of the Arrows Kyrion Coldren’s story line. ONLY GOOD ENEMIES should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book one ONLY BAD OPTIONS.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kyrion and Vesper) and a final chapter from Zane, ONLY GOOD ENEMIES continues to follow the building relationship between thirty-seven year old R&D tech specialist Vesper Quill, and thirty-eight year old, leader of the Arrows Kyrion Coldren in the aftermath of betrayal from the top. Vesper Quill saved millions of lives when she discovered someone had sabotaged a new fleet of spaceships, and when she survived her forced imprisonment on another planet, Vesper finds herself in charge of the former Kent Corp starcruiser plant but someone else is desperate for more power, and has targeted Vesper and Kyrion Coldren for who they are, and their connection to one another.

Meanwhile, Vesper, having believes herself an orphan, had previously discovered a past betrayal, and Kyrion is about to reveal, someone else whose DNA is matched to our heroine’s.

ONLY GOOD ENEMIES is another space-opera-esque, Cinderella-esque storyline and series similar in presentation, format, characters and plot lines to many of Jennifer’s other series. Once again, a dysfunctional family bloodline, the fight for power and control, the use of magic, minerals and stones, attraction and fated mates blend seamlessly such that the reader is pulled into a suspenseful and imaginative tale. ONLY GOOD ENEMIES focuses on betrayal and vengeance, obsession and a power hungry person in charge, who is determined to take everything, at everyone’s expense. The fast paced premise is imaginative and entertaining; the characters are magical, powerful and energetic; the romance is passionate and fated.

 

Barb’s Reviews:
Only Good Enemies by Jennifer Estep is the 2nd book in her Galactic Bonds series.  As noted, many times, I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, having enjoyed all her fantastic series.  I was thrilled to learn that she was starting a different kind of new series, and after reading this second book, I can’t wait for more.

Vesper Quill, our heroine, is now a Regal Lady, who runs a successful corporation, and has amazing abilities using her seer magic. She is determined to stop the evil Techwave, especially trying to prevent her own inventions from becoming lethal weapons.  But she is kidnapped by Techwave, as they want her to fix her inventions that would kill innocent people.  Vesper is fighting for her life, as they torture her, which alerts Kryrion, showing him that they still have a bond between them.  He races to save Vesper, before Techwave kills her.

Kyrion Caldare, our hero, is the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force, and does everything in his power to save Vesper. Kyrion will use all is abilities, (telepathic, telekinetic, psion and other powers) to rescue her. Once they get away, they go to Erzton, to help Lady Asterin stop Techwave who are planning on killing all the people in her land, but when they are able to stop most of the attack, Vesper is once again kidnapped.  This time heading for Lord Callus Hollowy, who plans to take all her psion powers for his own, and also do the same to Kyrion, killing them both, since they are bonded.

What follows is an exciting, non-stop action filled, suspenseful story that kept me unable to put the book down. Vesper continued to be a terrific heroine, smart, savvy, with amazing abilities, as well as being able to see Kyrion in the beyond. I loved seeing Vesper & Kyrion work together to fight against their enemies, with a slow burn romance and partnership. The last third of the book was extremely tense and exciting, with some twists and surprises along the way.

Only Good Enemies was a non-stop adventure from start to finish, that was intriguing, with violence, torture, kidnapping, spaceships, and seer/psion magic.  Only Good Enemies was very well written by Jennifer Estep.  I loved both Vesper and Kyrion, they were great characters. Can’t wait for what Estep has for us in the next book.  I suggest you read Only Good Enemies, as I fully enjoyed it.

 

Click HERE for the reviews of book one ONLY BAD OPTIONS

Copy supplied for review

 

Jennifer is graciously offering a $10 Amazon Gift card to ONE (1) lucky commenters  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.

NOTE:  If you are having difficulty commenting after logging into the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook

4. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on TWITTER

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

6. FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from July 18 – 21,  2023

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MALICIOUS WEDDING (Crowley Mafia Family 2) by BB Hamel- review

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MALICIOUS WEDDING (Crowley Mafia Family 2) by BB Hamel

ebook only 99¢ USD for a limited time

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 29, 2023

An obsession spanning decades. A ghost from my past.
I turned away from the darkness—but Carson wants to drag me back.

I thought my life was charmed. I own a bar, have great friends, and things always seem to work out in my favor.

At least until Carson Crowley comes storming back into my world.

He’s a mafia prince, the kind of man that smolders whenever he enters a room. I’ve always been drawn to him—and equally repulsed by his violent lifestyle.

Now my brother’s in trouble, my father’s been killed, and I’m next, unless I marry Carson.

His protection feels like possession.

Things only get weirder. The moment I put his ring on my finger, he acts like he’s completely enamored with me.

Gifts, attention, praise, physical affection. He showers me with his love, and it’s completely overwhelming.

It doesn’t make sense. I thought this was a business arrangement.

Until one night, Carson shows me the truth—and I find out how deep obsession can go.

•••••

REVIEW: MALICIOUS WEDDING is the second instalment in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult CROWLEY MAFIA FAMILY dark, erotic, organized crime series focusing on the Crowley Irish crime family. This is heir to the title Carson Crowley, and bar owner Ashlyn Locke’s story line. MALICIOUS WEDDING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information to the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Carson and Ash) MALICIOUS WEDDING follows in the aftermath of the shooting of Ashlyn’s brother Iain, a soldier in the Crowley organization. Iain is missing; Ashlyn’s family has been wiped out, and Carson offer to marry Ashlyn, in an effort to protect her against those taking aim but all is not well, and Ashlyn is about to discover that her brother’s mistakes do not compare to the secrets Carson is about to reveal. What ensues is the building but tempestuous relationship between Ash and Carson, and the potential fall-out when Ash walks away, without looking back.

The world building focuses on Carson’s obsession with our story line heroine. Carson, and Ashlyn’s brother Iain have been best friends since a young age but Carson’s obsession and need for Ashlyn is more than anyone could have imagined. As Ashlyn struggles with the truth, Carson must come to terms with losing the only woman he has ever loved.

The relationship between Ashlyn and Carson is a best friend’s younger sister in which Carson is unable to walk away from his best friend’s sister. As the next in command to one of the most powerful families in organized crime, Carson is determined to prove he is worthy of Ashlyn’s love but goes about doing so, in the worst way possible. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Carson’s brothers Finn (Marriage of Sin 1), Nolan and Liam, their parents, and Carson’s drive/security Fitzgerald; Ashlyn’s brother Iain, and her co-workers and employees. The Crowley family is well aware of Carson’s ‘obsession’ with our story line heroine, an obsession that make them question Carson’s ability to lead in the event of their father’s death.

MALICIOUS WEDDING is a fast paced story of want and need, obsession and desire, power and control, family and relationships, friendships and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, twisted and thought-provoking; the romance is unconventional and intense; the characters are desperate and determined although Ashlyn’s stubbornness and pride place would have placed her in danger if not for the obsession of the man with whom she would fall in love.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one MARRIAGE OF SIN

Copy supplied by Booksprout

Reviewed by Sandy

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RESONANCE SURGE by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

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RESONANCE SURGE by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
StoneWater bears Pavel and Yakov Stepyrev have been a unit since birth, but now Pavel’s life is veering in a new direction, his heart held in the hands of Arwen Mercant, a Psy empath—and the only man who has ever brought Pavel to his knees.

This is it. A point of irrevocable change. For Pavel . . . for Arwen . . . for Yakov . . . and for another pair of twins whose bond has a far darker history.

A low-gradient Psy, Theodora Marshall is considered worthless by everyone but her violently powerful twin, Pax. She is the sole person he trusts in their venomous family to investigate a hidden and terrible part of their family history—an unregistered rehabilitation center established by their grandfather.

Places of unimaginable pain designed to psychically wipe minds, leaving the victims shells of their former selves, the Centers are an ugly vestige of the Psy race’s Silent past. But this Center was worse. Far, far worse. And now Theo must uncover the awful truth—in the company of a scowling bear named Yakov who isn’t about to take a Marshall at face value . . . especially a Marshall who has turned his dreams into chilling nightmares.

Because Yakov is the great-grandson of a foreseer . . . and he has seen Theo die in an unstoppable surge of blood. Night after night after night . .

 

 

 

Review:

Resonance Surge by Nalini Singh is the 7th book in her Psy-Changeling Trinity series. As I have noted many times, Nalini Singh continues to be one of my musts read go to authors, always loving her Pys-Changeling and Guild Hunter series.  She never fails to give us fantastic stories, great couples and fabulous secondary characters; not to mention her amazing ability to make sure her continued world building is totally flawless.

We meet Theodora (Theo) Marshall, our heroine, who has been tortured as a young child, by her grandfather, who was evil; since she was considered a low- gradient Psy.  Theo has a twin brother, Pax, who with the current death of Marshall Hyde (the grandfather who separated them), assumes control of the Marshall family.  Many years had passed when Pax and Theo were separated, but now that Pax is in charge, he only trusts his twin, who is assigned to check out an unregistered rehabilitation center that their grandfather controlled, and work with the Stonewater clan to discover who is still controlling the center.

Yakov Stepyrev, our hero, has had nightmares since he was young, and now recently the nightmares have come back.  Yakov (Yasha) has been assigned by Valentin (Stonewater leader), to meet Theo Marshall, and work with her to find the answers of who is killing innocent people, as well as who is controlling the center, that was created by the deceased Marshall Hyde.  When Yasha meets Theo, he is shocked to see that she is the woman in his nightmares, and his inner bear knows she is their mate. Yasha is determined to protect Theo, as well as prove to her that she is not a monster (since her grandfather did horrible things).

Yasha and Theo arrive at the center compound, searching for clues as who is behind the what is still happening at the center.  Theo cannot remember much of what the experiments her grandfather did to her, and when she sees the site, she has a panic attack, which brings forth rages in her body.  Yasha finds a way to help her out of the attack, and in a short time, as they are always together, the attraction between is very strong; Theo begins to trust Yasha, especially since their chemistry and bond were amazing..

Pavel (Yakov’s twin ) and Arwen Mercant have been together over a few books, and their relationship has made them a great couple.  Arwen, being an E psy and the heart of the Mercant family, plays a big part in helping Theo overcome her panic attacks and open her heart to Yasha. I really like Pavel and Arwen together.  Pax, Theo’s twin, is slowly feeling his life ending soon, due to the Scarab Syndrome; which I hope will resolve in the next book.

What follows is an exciting, suspenseful, intriguing and action-packed story, with me unable to put the book down. Resonance Surge was an emotional love story between Yasha and Theo, who was damaged, with a bond that will bring them totally together. The romance between them was wonderful and I love how the Stonewater bears accepted Theo into their clan. I really enjoyed Yakov and Theo’s story.  I also loved seeing many of our previous heroes, such as, Valentine, Silver, Kaleb, Ena, Pavel, Arden, and the rest of the Stonewater Bears.  

Nalini Singh once again gives us another wonderful story in Resonance Surge, which was so very well written by Nalini Singh, which has always been the norm. She never fails to captivate me with her engaging creative stories, fantastic plots, and seamless world building; wonderful couples in each and every story; super secondary characters and fantastic world-building.   I loved every moment of Resonance Surge.  As I have noted many times, if you have not read Nalini Singh, you are missing a gem of an author.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Nalini Singh’s publisher is offering a hard copy of RESONANCE SURGE   to ONE (1) lucky 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.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

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3. Please LIKE and follow THE READING CAFE on FACEBOOK .

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7. Giveaway is open to USA  only

8. Giveaway runs from July 17 – 21, 2023

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