Monthly Archives: August 2023

Ruling Sikthand (Clecanian 7) by Victoria Aveline -review

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Ruling Sikthand (Clecanian 7) by Victoria Aveline -review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 30 2023

Sophia never thought she was unlucky until she was kidnapped by aliens. Twice…

Sophia had simple expectations for her planetary tour. She assumed she’d see the sights, meet new people, and fend off her boredom. She never thought she’d end the trip as an alien captive. But here she is, the guest of a grumpy, sexy, warrior king who looks at her like he’s not sure if he wants to kill her, or claim her as his own…

Sikthand hadn’t planned to take the stubborn little human hostage. But with political tensions at an all-time high, he had no choice. He would unflinchingly use her as a bargaining chip to secure better relations with the new Tremantian ruler. He would not, however, fall prey to her charms. No matter how tempting she might be…

When Sophia and Sikthand realize how far their enemies are willing to go to grab galactic power, they’re forced into an unlikely alliance—and possibly a marriage of convenience—to protect their people. It’s a good plan, too…if they don’t do anything irrational along the way. Like falling in love…

••••

REVIEW:Ruling Sikthand is the seventh installment in the Clecanian series by Victoria Aveline. This book can be read as a standalone, but it is recommended to read it as a series as there are characters and plot lines that make more sense with the other books’ knowledge beforehand.

Sophia and Sikthand is a kinda of alien beauty and the beast retelling, and I freaking loved it! Sophia is a survivor, she has been taken from everything she knows, literally losing her planet and plopped down on a new world where the laws on husbands are just freaky. When her circumstances change, Sophia soon becomes a prisoner to King Sikthand, the cold King and everything changes.

Ruling Sikthand is a fast paced, slow burn, alien romance that is sure to be a hit for all sci-fi romance readers. Sikthand is paranoid, cold and withdrawn, and for good reason, but when it comes to Sophia…she ignites something in him that he can’t control. Their relationship is such an interesting fun ride to read. I really enjoyed the meaning behind both Sophia and Sikthand’s tattoos, and the scenes that go deeper into the meaning of them for the pair. Sikthand has major trust issues, and because of this, he treats Sophia harsher than he means to at times. Sophia however, is stronger than she looks, she challenges him at every turn. Don’t even get me started on the spicy bits with these two, they are off the freaking charts hot! I felt so much for Sikthand towards the end of the book (no spoilers) you really see his vulnerability and how Sophia knows to treat that with care.

Way to go Ms. Author! I can’t wait to see what comes next in my favorite alien series!!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

 

Social Media: Goodreads/ Facebook / Amazon Author Page ./ Instagram/

Victoria Aveline has always enjoyed immersing herself in a good romance. Alpha males are her weakness but, while possessive dominating heroes have always been titillating, she craved something more. So she decided to create a world in which devastatingly sexy men could be aggressive and domineering but still bow down before the matriarchy.

Victoria lives with her husband, dog, and about sixty thousand badass honey-making ladies. When not writing or fantasizing about future characters, she enjoys traveling, reading, and sipping overpriced hipster cocktails.

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MINE TO SHARE (Protection #7) by Kennedy L Mitchell-review tour

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MINE TO SHARE (Protection #7) by Kennedy L Mitchell-review tour

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Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/45FbWNM

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 25, 2023

Five murders, one killer, and a chance at an unconventional happily ever after.
Two years ago, flirty FBI agent Jameson Bend was the crush I left behind.
Today, the grumpy Detective Slade is the man who stars in my dirty fantasies.

When my autopsy findings connect five recent murders committed by a single suspect, Jameson and Slade join forces to help solve the series of homicides. Toss in my emotionally abusive ex-husband stalking me, and I’ll not only need Jameson and Slade’s help to piece the clues together on the case but also to protect me from my ex’s attempts to force me back under his control.

As we work side by side in the heat of the investigation, our longing turns into desire, and soon we’re tangled in a passionate affair that could cost us our jobs—and lives. They cater to every side of me, one sweet and sensitive, the other possessive and protective. I never expected to end up with two men, but now I can’t imagine my life without them.

But with the killer hiding in plain sight, I walk right into a carefully planned trap.
If my men can’t get to me before time runs out…
Our happily ever after will end before it even gets started.

•••••

REVIEW: MINE TO SHARE is the seventh instalment in Kennedy L Mitchell’s contemporary, adult PROTECTION erotic, romantic suspense series. This is FBI agent/ profiler Jameson Bend, former professional football player Detective Slade Taylor, and coroner/ medical examiner Dr. Rain Evans’ story line. MINE TO SHARE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. FBI Agent Jameson Bend was first introduced in books six MINE TO LOVE

NOTE: MINE TO SHARE features a M/F/M menage relationship between Jameson, Rain and Slade.

Told from three first person perspectives (Jameson, Slade and Rain) MINE TO SHARE follows the search for a serial killer targeting young men in Santa Coasta, California. Dr. Rain Evans is the medical examiner tasked with examining the bodies but working side by side with Detective Slade Taylor mean up close and personal with the man who stirs something deep inside but Rain never expected to come face to face with someone from her past, FBI Agent Jameson Bend, a seasoned profiler sent in to help take down the person responsible. A crappy no-tell motel, a break in at Rain’s, and a mutual attraction between Jameson, Rain and Slade pushed our trio together in an effort to amass the clues pointing a finger at a desperate killer. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Slade, Rain and Jameson, and the potential fall-out as Rain is targeted by her past, and the person responsible for a series of kills.

The world building focuses on the investigation into a possible serial killer, killings that at first do not look connected. On the surface , the young men have nothing in common but as the killings increase, the killer become more meticulous, and the team discovers a possible connection to it all.

The relationship between Slade, Rain and Jameson is a menage affair. Slade has lusted after Rain for as long as he can remember but having failed at his own previous relationships, Slade is in no condition to promise Rain a happily ever after. Jameson has had experience with menage relationships but having been the odd man out on his las affair, Jameson is looking forward to starting a life with Slade and Rain. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word.

The secondary and supporting characters include several law enforcement members including police detective, FBI and the medical examiner’s office. We are introduced to Detective Hudson Mott whose story line is next in MINE TO SHELTER.

MINE TO SHARE is a story of power and control, betrayal and obsession, revenge and murder, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing, detailed and captivating; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are determined, dynamic and strong.

 

Reading Order and Previous review
Mine to Protect
Mine to Save
Mine to Guard
Mine To Keep
Mine to Hold
Mine to Love

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Maybe Josh was right that he was the only one who would put up with my increasing level of crazy.
Elbows pressed onto the cool counter, I smacked my face into both palms and raked my fingers back until they tugged through my loose strands.
No. Josh was not right. He was a manipulating asshole who made me dependent on him by making me feel unwanted and unlovable.
Though it was difficult to not see a sliver of truth in his blunt words. Who would want to put up with someone like me long term? My mental state most days was the definition of a shit show, not a hot mess. Looking back, I knew that was why I’d settled for Josh—I thought he was the best someone like me could do.
After that first time he cheated on me, then blamed me, claiming he did it because I worked too much and was never home, I should’ve left. But by that point, I believed his lies, questioning myself and what I had to offer anyone else.
Until a smirking, good-looking detective strolled into the morgue one day.
The man who helped me see through Josh’s lies and manipulations was now back in my life, this time as an FBI agent here to help identify a serial killer. Back then, Jameson was casual about uncovering the issues in my marriage that I wanted to keep hidden. Not sure how he put everything together, but he did. Six months after we first met, our innocent flirting turned pointed, even uplifting in a way. He would constantly build me up, telling me over and over that I was enough.
Not enough for him or anyone else, but for me.
In his own unique way, Jameson gave me the strength to be okay with loving myself just the way I am, quirks and all. I didn’t have to conform to Josh’s needs or wants if they didn’t align with my own—which they never did.
And now that amazing man was here.
My past crush working side by side with my current one.
“Fuck,” I muttered to my reflection. “I can’t even keep my heart rate normal with Slade in the room. I’ll turn into a puddle of mush when it’s both of them.” One hand slipped down my neck, fingers wrapping around the base of my throat. “Both of them,” I whispered, licking my lips. “Me between them—”
The familiar vibration of an incoming text jerked me out of losing myself to the very dirty fantasy. Pulling out my cell, I skimmed the text letting me know the body was back at the morgue and waiting for me. Time to get back to work now that I knew for certain my house wouldn’t turn into ground zero for setting the entire state of California on fire.
As I turned to head for the door, my fingers shifted along a texture different from my smooth cell phone case. Pausing, I rotated my hand to see what was stuck back there.
The note.
What if all my worrying projected into the universe and this was from a neighbor wanting to get to know me? Which could be great, but my nose wrinkled at the thought of all the effort it took to build friendships. An extrovert I was not, so starting a flimsy acquaintance with this unknown neighbor sounded exhausting.
Preparing for the worst, I unfolded the notebook paper.
Three words.
That was all it took to erase all concerns of the hypothetical neighbor friendship, douse the smoldering flames the thoughts of Slade, Jameson, and me together stoked, and make me forget all about the dead body waiting for me at the morgue.
I found you
“Damnit,” I whispered, the paper shaking between my fingers.
Was my dad right about being worried for my safety?
Was I in danger?

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

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Brave Enough (Love in Montana 3) by Kelly Elliott -review tour

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Brave Enough (Love in Montana 3) by Kelly Elliott -review tour

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

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3CWtfwJ

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 29, 2023

Hunter Shaw is handsome, charming, and a minor celeb on the collegiate team roping circuit. Not to mention, he looks damn fine in a cowboy hat. So it’s no surprise when he’s ardently pursued to be the star on a new streaming network’s debut program—a reality dating show. The money on offer would do wonders for his family’s charity, but it’s only after catching a glimpse of the show’s host that he’s all-in. The former Ms. Montana catches his eye and his interest…inconvenient, to say the least, when he’s about to date twenty women on national television.

Kipton Howse also desperately needs the money from hosting Swipe Right, but for different reasons. With barely a glance at the contract, she signs on for the two-month shoot. She’ll do her job, collect her payment, then put Shaw Ranch in her rearview. Of course, she didn’t count on loving the place so much…or the entire Shaw family…or Hunter himself. From the moment they meet, sparks fly, and they only get hotter as the show continues, despite a houseful of women vying for his attention.

Sexual tension is at an all-time high when things take a dramatic turn, both on and off the cameras, thanks to the show’s rabid fans—who vote to shake things up in a way no one saw coming. It’s safe to say Kipton and Hunter’s sizzling attraction is no longer a secret. But at least one contestant isn’t ready to admit defeat.

After all…what’s reality TV without a bit of drama?

••••

REVIEW:BRAVE ENOUGH is the third instalment in Kelly Elliott’s contemporary, new adult LOVE IN MONTANA romance series-a spin off from the author’s MEET ME IN MONTANA series. This is twenty-two year old, college students, roper/rancher Hunter Shaw, and Kipton Howse’s story line. BRAVE ENOUGH 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 (Hunter and Kipton) BRAVE ENOUGH follows the building but forbidden relationship between Kipton and Hunter. Hunter Shaw is a minor celebrity on the rodeo circuit and has been approached to star in a ‘Bacheloresque’ style reality show called ‘Swipe Right’, wherein Hunter would swipe left or right after a series of dates with twenty desperate but beautiful women. Hoping to donate the money to his father’s charity, Hunter agrees to the show but continues to struggle with unreality of reality tv. Meanwhile, former Miss Montana Kipton Howse has been hired to be the official host of ‘Swipe Right’, a host who is about to attract the attention of our story line hero. Weeks before the studio commences the show, Hunter will be introduced to Kipton Howse, and the sparks will fly between our story line couple. As the show and contestants begin to spiral out of control, someone new and familiar is thrown into the mix. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Kipton and Hunter, and the potential fall-out as everything becomes too much, too soon and too real.

The world building continues to focus on the tight-knit Shaw family: the relationship dynamics, the love, the friendships and the source of support for our story line couple. Everyone, including the production staff, recognize there is a definite spark between Hunter and Kipton, a spark that does not go unnoticed by everyone concerned.

The relationship between Kipton and Hunter begins as working acquaintances to friends to lovers but both have signed contracts and agreed to follow the rules of the show. With Hunter’s parents and family aware of the couple’s mutual attraction, a secret rendezvous is set into motion to push our couple together. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a very large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic, interesting and familiar secondary and supporting characters including both Kipton and Hunter’s extended families; the crew and cast of ‘Swipe Right’, and the introduced of twenty female contestants..each of whom garnered an appearance throughout the story.

BRAVE ENOUGH is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; support and comfort, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is amusing, inviting and realistic; the characters are sassy, sexy and sensitive; the romance is spicy and emotional.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Lost Love, and Never Enough, to name a few.

Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, Gus, her chocolate lab, four cats, and endless wildlife creatures. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.
www.kellyelliottauthor.com

Connect with Kelly

Website | https://www.kellyelliottauthor.com

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Amazon | https://amzn.to/2Efkcwa

Facebook | https://bit.ly/32jyBPP

Facebook Group | https://bit.ly/2ElCLyG

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Newsletter | https://bit.ly/32gz70W

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The Hike by Lucy Clarke – a Review

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The Hike by Lucy Clarke – a Review

 

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Description:
No help.
No cell coverage.
No one to hear them scream.

Burned-out by both her marriage and work, Liz is desperate for an escape. More than that, she craves an adventure, a total reset. So, when she plans a vacation with her three best friends, she persuades them to spend four nights camping in the stunning mountains of Norway. Following a trail that climbs through lush valleys, towering peaks, and past jewel-blue lakes, Liz is sure that the hike is just what they need.

But as they stride farther from civilization, it becomes clear that the women are not the only ones looking to lose themselves in the mountains. The wilderness hides secrets darker than they could ever have imagined, and if they’re not careful . . . not all of them will return.

 

 

Review:

The Hike by Lucy Clarke is an excellent stand-alone thriller, set in the wilderness of Norway. Four best friends (Liz, Helena, Maggie, Jodi) get-together annually for a long weekend getaway, which usually is beach oriented.  But, since this is Liz’s choice to pick, she decides on going hiking in the mountains of Norway.  Both Maggie and Helena were not thrilled with the idea of hiking in the Norway wilderness, but they will embark on their trip.  Jodi, a famous singer, decides in the last minute, she needed to get away from her band, and arrives in Norway surprising her friends that night.

They do receive some warnings from various villagers, about the bad weather coming, a missing girl, and the dangerous mountain climbing; as well as someone possibly following them. Once they get past the first day, things slowly change, especially when the weather changes, and they have to find safety in a cave. What they find in the cave will open the doors to someone who is determined to stop them. The tensions between them rises, with arguments, secrets revealed, some injuries, and not knowing which of the men they run into is the bad man.  The danger escalates threatening their lives.  Who will survive?

The Hike was an exciting, tense, suspenseful, edge of your seat thriller.  In the last half, I could not put the book down. I do not want to give spoilers, as the rest of the way was a mind-bogging thriller. I like all four of the ladies, their friendship, despite some of the trauma and anger between them.  The Hike was very well written by Lucy Clarke.  If you like psychological thrillers, I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Wedding Bells Brew Murder by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

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Wedding Bells Brew Murder by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

 

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Description:
With all the guests at Sara and Sean’s wedding suspected of murder, her walk down the aisle will need to wait…

Everything is going perfectly on the big day until Sara opens the door of her bridal suite. Darlene Day, who made the wedding cake, falls into the room, a serving knife plunged into her back.

As the organists start to play “Here Comes the Bride,” Sara calls a pause to the proceedings. There’s a murder to solve, and the motive may be in the icing.

Darlene wasn’t the most loved person in the small town of Cotton Spring Falls, but rumor has it that she refused the offer of a big franchise to buy her bakery. Did they go so far as murder to put her out of business?

But when it’s discovered their wedding cake was poisoned, Sara and Sean could have been the intended victims all along. Did Darlene stumble upon the killer’s conspiracy and they silenced her before she could reveal their secret? Is it someone on the invitation list or the mysterious wedding crasher?

As long as the coffee is hot, and Sara has Sean and her beagle, Magnum, at her side, she isn’t going down in a heap of tulle and lace.

 

 

Review:

Wedding Bells Brew Murder by Carolyn Arnold is the 2nd book in her Sara and Sean Cozy Mystery series. I am a big fan of Carolyn Arnold, having read all her different series; and I am happy to say I have been enjoying Sara and Sean Cozy Mysteries.

Sara and Sean are getting married, with Sara, her mother, and bridesmaids ready to move out of the dressing room, when Darlene, the wedding cake baker pushes through the door.  She stumbles and collapses, with a knife in her back, crying “icing” and dies.  Of course, the wedding is now on hold, with 400 guests locked in the venue, while the police arrive and begin their investigation.

Sara and Sean decide to do some of their own investigation, since it was their wedding and the victim was a friend.  The detective in charge, Ryan, who used to work with Sara, was very belligerent, threatening them to be arrested, if they tried to do their own sleuthing. In time, Ryan and his partner agree to let them help with the investigations, especially with so many suspects.  Darlene, it seems had enemies, since a company was pushing to sell her bakery to them, and many townsfolk wanted her to sell, so that it will help promote the town better. We learn that another person was also out to hurt Sean from a past case.  Who poisoned the icing on the wedding cake? Who killed Darlene and was the person trying to kill Sean part of the murder?

There were so many suspects, with Sara and Sean looking at every angle; Darlene’s niece, Mercer the bad guy after Sean, Bakery company owner who wanted her to sell, a wedding crasher and other suspects along the way. I really loved Sara and Sean together, as they made such a great couple.  I adored their dog, Magnum (a beagle), and their ex-Sargent, Jimmy was a great help.

What follows is an exciting, suspenseful, entertaining, and fun story. Both Sara and Sean manage to find a number clues with some twists, that will help find the real killer. To say too much more would be spoilers, especially with so many suspects that keep you on the edge of your seat.  Wedding Bells Brew Murder was a wonderful murder mystery, in a small town, dangerous killers, as well as a fun romance. Wedding Bells Brew Murder was very well written by Carolyn Arnold. This is a fun series, which I suggest you start to read with the first book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

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The Love Plot by Samantha Young-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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The Love Plot by Samantha Young-review, excerpt & giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 29, 2023

Star Shine Meadows is all about freedom, thanks to the hippie parents who raised her. Juggling her jobs as a professional costume character actor and a line sitter, she believes in no expectations, no stressful ambitions, and no-strings-attached relationships. So when she meets a birthday girl’s grumpy uncle while working a princess party, she can’t help but needle him. She’ll never see him again, and honestly, he’s pretty hot.

Rafe Whitman may be a veterinarian with a great bedside manner, but that doesn’t mean his patience extends to anyone with opposable thumbs. His family will not stop nagging him about finding “the one,” so when he runs into obnoxiously cheery Star again, he makes her an offer: He’ll pay her more than she would make doing her odd jobs if she’ll pretend to be his girlfriend at family gatherings. She can stop sitting in line waiting for someone else’s new phone, and he’ll get his family off his back.

When the tension between them heats to a breaking point, Star’s desire for “no strings” is tested against Rafe’s staunch stability. They say opposites attract, after all.

•••••

REVIEW:THE LOVE PLOT by Samantha Young is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, romance story line focusing on Star Shine Meadows, and thirty-three year old, veterinarian Dr. Rafe Whitman.

Told from first person perspective (Star) THE LOVE PLOT follows the fake relationship agreement between Star Shine Meadows, and thirty-three year old, veterinarian Dr. Rafe Whitman. Star Meadows grew up with unconventional parents, in an unconventional life style, has two unconventional jobs, and a tight knit group of unconventional friends. A job posing as a Disney princess finds Star face to face with Dr. Rafe Whitman, the birthday girl’s uncle, and a man whose family is desperate to find him a wife. Butting proverbial heads from the outset, Rafe offers Star a six month, financially exclusive contract as his ‘fake girlfriend’ in which Star will discover her unconventionality does not fit well with the Whitman side of life. As Star slowly falls for the man in question, his family is slowly changing our story line heroine. What ensues is the building relationship between Star and Rafe, and the potential fall-out as Star begins to lose herself in an effort to support the man with whom she has fallen in love.

The relationship between Star and Rafe begins acrimoniously. Rafe is troubled by Star’s methods of employment but desperate times force Rafe to offer Star another ‘unconventional’ contract, a contract to play the loving girlfriend of a man who is struggling in his personal life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Star’s friends, and her Bohemian parents, as well as Rafe’s extended family of rich snobs and questionable friends.

THE LOVE PLOT is a ‘sunshine-grumpy’ story line of desperation and determination, friendships and family, acceptance and love. The premise is entertaining, engaging and inviting; the characters are flirty, sassy and lively; the romance is edgy, tender and emotional.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Excerpt supplied by the publisher

I was shocked to find Rafe striding determinedly in my direction again. His broody face was more brooding than usual, so I braced myself.
Rafe Whitman drew to a stop before me and blurted out, “You’ll literally do anything for money?”
Anger flared in an instant from the tips of my toes to the ends of my hair, so I didn’t hear the tone in which the question was asked. I threw back my shoulders. Taller than average height at five-seven, I was still a good seven or eight inches shorter than this arrogant Manhattanite, but I was prepared to take him. Anyone who knew me knew I was a patient, laid-back kind of person . . . but Rafferty Whitman had crossed the line!
“What the hell does that mean?” I seethed. “Are you suggesting I charge money for sex?”
Rafe’s blue eyes flashed with indignation. “No, I am not,” he hissed at me, eyes darting around. “And lower your voice.”
“I will not lower my voice.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “I like most people, but you sure do make it difficult, Whitman. It’s like you get off on being as insulting as possible.”
He mirrored me, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’m not insulting you. If you’d paid attention, you’d realize the question was not meant to be untoward.”
“Untoward?” I grimaced. “What, are you from the nineteenth century? Is that why you hate phones? Because if the technology is difficult for you to grasp, I can teach you how to use a phone.” I was being a little shit now, but he brought it out in a person.
Rafe sneered. “How much will that cost me?”
Argghhh! I narrowed my eyes but smiled. “Oh, for you . . . twice as much as I’d charge anyone else.”
“I see. Well.” Rafe uncrossed his arms to reach into his back pocket. He removed his wallet and then a business card from that. Holding it out to me, he continued, “I guess you stand to make a lot of money for doing very little. If you’re interested, call me.”
Flummoxed, I took the card. “Um . . . doing what?”
But he was already walking away.
“Doing what, Whitman?” I yelled after him.
He didn’t answer, just casually strolled off. His suit pants molded perfectly to his sculpted ass. So unfairly physically perfect.
“Are you going to call him?”
I looked up from the business card that read Whitman Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Rafferty Whitman.
His vet clinic was on the busy, tree-lined Columbus Avenue. Nice location, Dr. Rafe.
There was his phone number right beneath the address.
Yvonne grinned at me, and I answered her question. “Nah.”
Her eyes bugged out of her head as her friends gaped at me in shock. “Uh, Clark Kent just asked you to call him, Star. You don’t turn down Clark Kent.”
“You do if he’s an asshole. Life lesson, girls: an attractive face should not sway you if a pompous, arrogant, insulting, offensive turd lurks behind it.”
Yvonne chuckled. “You did yell at him and try to embarrass him with the peanut butter and jelly stuff. That’s not true, is it?”
I rolled my eyes. “No, it’s not true.” But she was right. I had antagonized him.
“You should make it true. I’d roll in a bathtub of jelly with that man.”
Slipping the card into my purse, I shrugged. “Impossible. His ego would take up the whole tub. No room for jelly. Or me—I mean you.”
“You’re not the least bit curious to find out what he wants to pay you to do?”
“Considering how that sounds, nope. Not at all. Ooh, look, the line is moving. Yay.”
But as the girls turned to move with the line, I knew I was lying.
I was so curious, my heart still raced from my encounter with Rafe.

The Reading Cafe and Berkley/Random House are graciously offering a paper copy of THE LOVE PLOT 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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9. Giveaway open to USA only

10. Giveaway runs from August 29-September 4, 2023

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Shattered Truths (Lies Hearts & Truths 3) by H. Hunting-review

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Shattered Truths (Lies Hearts & Truths 3) by H. Hunting-review

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 28, 2023

The first time I met Winter Marks, I almost took her out with my Jeep.
To be fair, she came out of nowhere.

I flirted with her, and she flipped me off and disappeared into the woods on her bike.
But she left me a souvenir: a single hockey skate.

Seemed to me that divine intervention shouldn’t be ignored.

She was my icy Cinderella and I would be her Prince Not-So-Charming.

Winter was more than just a sassy, badass hockey-playing hottie.
She’s stuck in a prison of a life. And I’m the perfect escape.

Neither of us expected to fall.
Or for the truth to shatter us.

••••••

REVIEW: SHATTERED TRUTHS is the third full-length instalment in H. Hunting’s contemporary, new adult LIES, HEARTS AND TRUTHS erotic, romance series, a spin off/next generation from the author’s PUCKED and ALL IN series. This is twenty-one year old, figure skater Randall BJ Ballistic Jr, and twenty year old, hockey player Winter Marks’ story line. BJ is the son of Lily and Randy Ballistic (PUCKED OVER by Helena Hunting).

Told from dual first person perspectives (Winter and BJ) SHATTERED TRUTHS follows the building romance and relationship between is twenty-one year old, figure skater Randall BJ Ballistic Jr, and twenty year old, hockey player Winter Marks. The day Randall BJ Ballistic Jr ‘accidentally’ met Winter Marks changed everything for our story line couple. BJ is one-half of a pairs figure skating team, a figure skating coach, and a young man with a reputation among the opposite $ex. Winter Marks is a twenty year old, ice hockey player whose home life is about to come crashing down, leaving Winter struggling with a direction going forward. Coming from an abusive home, Winter battles between head and heart but an attack against someone she loves will force Winter’s choice, a choice that will change everything for our story line couple. As Winter comes to terms with her life at home, an opportunity of a lifetime will alter her future but another ‘accident’ threatens the man with whom she has fallen in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Winter and BJ, and the potential fall-out as jealousy and betrayal threaten the lives of our story line couple.

The world building continues to focus on the next generation of hockey players and athletes. We are up close and personal with the children of the characters first introduced in the author’s PUCKED and ALL IN hockey romance series. As the young adults come into their own, life is about to throw everyone a proverbial curveball.

The relationship between Winter and BJ begins by ‘accident’ but BJ is rapidly falling for a woman whose home life is questionable and dark. Winter struggles to keep afloat both at home and on the ice, while BJ’s life is the opposite of everything Winter has known. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including the second generation children of the couples we met in the original series, as well as the return of said original couples. We are introduced to Winter’s embittered and embattled parents, as well as BJ’s skating partner Adele.

SHATTERED TRUTHS is a story of betrayal, abuse, addiction and forgiveness; family and friendships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is edgy, heart breaking and emotional; the romance is intimate, seductive and impassioned; the characters are flirty, fun and inspiring.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one LITTLE LIES

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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FOLLOW: NYT and USA Today Bestselling author of The PUCKED Series, Helena Hunting lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. Helena writes everything from contemporary romance to romance comedy, sports romance and angsty new adult romance.
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Back in Black (Black Knights Inc: Reloaded) by Julie Ann Walker

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Back in Black (Black Knights Inc: Reloaded) by Julie Ann Walker-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 29, 2023

A secret identity mixed in with forced proximity on top of red-hot chemistry? What could go wrong?

The Black Knights are back and better than ever!

FBI agent Grace Beacham is on the run. After an operation to bring down a Russian disinformation campaign goes sideways and ends in her partner’s death, the Kremlin has sent its most notorious assassin to kill her. Not knowing who to trust inside the Bureau, Grace is forced to call on the one man who might be able to save her. The one man she hasn’t been able to forget.

BKI operative Hunter Jackson walked away from Grace Beacham three years ago. And he hasn’t looked back. But when his cell phone suddenly jangles to life with Grace on the other end begging for his help, he doesn’t hesitate to ride to her rescue.

Grace is no stranger to men like Hunter. Men who are devastatingly attractive and in love with their perilous professions and no-strings-attached lifestyles. As the two of them go off-grid to uncover the truth behind what happened on her last assignment, she fears her life might not be the only thing on the line. With Hunter, her heart could be in danger too.

•••••

REVIEW:BACK IN BLACK is the first instalment in Julie Ann Walker’s contemporary, adult BLACK KNIGHTS INC: RELOADED erotic, romantic suspense series-a spin off from the author’s BLACK KNIGHTS INC. This is FBI agent Grace Beacham, and BKI Operative Hunter Jackson’s story line. BACK IN BLACK can be read as a stand alone. You do not have to have read the original series to understand.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Grace and Hunter, BACK IN BLACK follows in the wake of the murder of Grace Beacham’s FBI partner. While investigating a Russian disinformation campaign, Grace and her partner find themselves target of a man calling himself Orpheus, an assassin who is about to throw Grace to the wolves. As the prime suspect, Grace is desperate for help, and calls the last man she ever thought she would have to call. Enter BKI operative Hunter Jackson, former US Green Beret, and the man with whom Grace will fall in love.Three years earlier, working an assignment together, Hunter and Grace crossed a personal line, a line neither one has been able to forget. On the run, Hunter and Grace begin a dance of seduction while the team at BKI search for the truth.

Meanwhile, BKI Agent Sam Harwood needs help to track down a possible mole in the US government, and contacts the only person he knows with enough experience and capabilities to hack the people in charge. Enter Hannah Blue, his ex-girlfriend’s younger sister, and the woman whose heart Sam is about to break.

The world building takes the reader back into the world of the Black Knights Inc. A new team has been assembled as the original team members have moved on with their lives but the occasional cameo and return of a familiar name adds cohesion to the new story line arc.

The relationship between Grace and Hunter is one of friends to lovers whose previous encounter turned personal but Grace and Hunter moved on with their lives, and when Hunter offered his phone number in case of emergencies, Grace never expected to come face to face with the man who called to her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to the new team of agents at BKI including secretary Eliza Meadows, Sam Harwood, and hacker Hannah Blue. Hannah and Sam’s story line is next.

BACK IN BLACK is a story of power and control, espionage and murder, second chances and loves. The fast paced, action packed premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are desperate and powerful.

 

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW Julie: Facebook / Goodreads / Website / Twitter /  Bookbub | Instagram | Newsletter

Julie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of award-winning romantic suspense. She has won the Book Buyers Best Award, been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award. Her latest release was named a Top Ten Romance of 2014 by Booklist. Her books have been described as “alpha, edgy, and downright hot.” Most days you can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission.

Be sure to sign up for Julie’s occasional newsletter at: http://julieannwalker.com

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