Rekindling Desire (Sinclair Duet 2) by Aleatha Romig-review tour

Rekindling Desire (Sinclair Duet 2) by Aleatha Romig-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 16, 2023

In a blink of an eye, the tables turned.
I’m Damien Sinclair, a man always in control.
I thrive on the knowledge that my word is the final—gospel.
In the millisecond I hesitated… Gabriella Crystal stepped in. I’m damn glad she did, but I will forever be in her debt.
Ella holds not only my heart, but my future, my company, and everything I hold dear in her hands. The love we once shared is palpable, a glowing ember in the dying ash. To save my world, that ember must grow, must ignite and burst into the flames of desire.
She can never know the power she holds.
It’s the only way to save all I live for.

•••••

REVIEW:REKINDLING DESIRE is the second instalment in Aleatha Romig’s contemporary, adult SINCLAIR erotic, romance duet focusing on pharmaceutical CEO Damien Sinclair, and Gabriella Crystal’s story line. The SINCLAIR DUET is set in the author’s SIN SERIES world but you do not have to read to understand . REKINDLING DESIRE should not be read as a stand alone as is picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book one REMEMBERING PASSION.

SOME BACKGROUND: Two years earlier Gabriella Crystal walked away from her position at Sinclair Pharmaceuticals having lost herself to an affair with Damien Sinclair. Working for the fraternity Beta Kappa Phi brought Gabriella up close and personal with her past when a fundraiser brought a major donation from the man she once loved. Enter Damien Sinclair who wants more from Gabriella than she could have ever imagined including working together in an effort to take control back at Sinclair Pharmaceuticals.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Damien and Gabriella) REKINDLING DESIRE picks up after the cliff hanger of book one in which Damien Sinclair is fighting for his position as CEO of Sinclair pharmaceuticals. With his struggling in the hospital, Damien comes to blows with his brother Darius, a man who is determined to prove he is the man to take control but all is not well when a surprise announcement threatens everything between Damien and Gabriella, an announcement that surprises everyone involved. What ensues is the continuing rebuilding romance and relationship between Damien and Gabriella, and the potential fall-out as Darius refuses to let go of his demands.

The world building continues to focuses on the fractured family dynamics between Damien and his brother Darius. With their father unable to direct the company, Damien steps in and steps up but Darius refuses to relinquish his demands. As the brothers go head to head, the fall-out threatens our story line heroine.

The relationship between Gabriella and Damien is one of rekindling in the wake of Gabriella’s return to Damien’s life. Damien has never stopped loving the woman who had stolen his heart but secrets and lies will reveal a threat to our story line couple. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The same large ensemble cast of interesting and questionable secondary and supporting characters return including Damien’s siblings Darius and Danielle, as well as his assistant Johnathan, and the return of Julie and Donovan Sherman (SIN series.) Darius is still on a mission to take control, and is hoping to destroy Damien in the process by revealing his association with Damien’s ex.

REKINDLING DESIRE is another story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, greed and obsession desperation and love. The fast paced premise is twisted and edgy; the characters are animated and determined; the romance is seductive and intense.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one REMEMBERING PASSION

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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The Vampire’s Hunter (Rogue Brotherhood)by Kait Ballenger-review

The Vampire’s Hunter (Rogue Brotherhood)by Kait Ballenger-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 18, 2023

Vampire mafia romance like you’ve never seen before! For fans of spicy paranormal romance comes Kait Ballenger’s action-packed Rogue Brotherhood series, featuring this dark, sexy standalone novella.

When human waitress, Dani Harper, escaped her abusive, supernatural ex, she thought she’d never return to the Cosa della notte syndicate, until a twist of fate sends her running back into their vicious, glittering world, and straight into the arms of a wicked vampire, who once broke her heart…

Vampire mafia boss, Corbin Blackwell, is out for revenge against the monstrous vampire who sired him long ago, and with stunningly beautiful Dani playing the role of his fake mistress on his arm, he may just pull this hit off. Except Corbin doesn’t account for the very real feelings he has for Dani, and when push comes to shove, Corbin finds himself forced to choose between the woman he loves, and the plot for revenge which consumes him…

••••

REVIEW: THE VAMPIRE’S HUNTER is a contemporary, adult stand alone, paranormal romance novella in the author’s ROGUE BROTHERHOOD, a spin off, set in the EXECUTION UNDERGROUND world. This is vampire Mafia boss Corbin Blackwell, and waitress Dani Harper’s story line. THE VAMPIRE’S HUNTER can be read as a stand alone, you do not have to have read the previous series.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Corbin and Dani) THE VAMPIRE’S HUNTER follows the search for Lucien, a vampire trafficking humans, a vampire who destroyed Dani’s life. Dani’s brother Quinn works for Execution Underground, and our heroine has experienced with worst of the worse. Hoping to get information on the vampire, Quinn pushes Dani to seek out the one man that controls her heart. Enter vampire Mafia boss and head of the Cosa della note syndicate Corbin Blackwell, and the man with whom Dani has fallen in love. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Corbin and Dani, and the potential fall-out as their need for revenge threatens the life of our story line heroine.

The relationship between Dani and Corbin is one of unrequited love. Dani has been in love with Corbin for as long as she can remember but believes Corbin wants nothing to do with her love. Corbin has loved and lost, and in this refuses to place Dani in the face of danger but their need for revenge against the vampire that destroyed Dani’s life is about to implode, and Corbin is forced to claim Dani for all time. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced Corbin’s right-hand vampire Kharis; Mafia vampire boss Angelo, siren Cassandra, vampire Lucien, as well as Dani’s brother Quinn,.

THE VAMPIRE’S HUNTER is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is enchanting and inviting; the romance is spicy; the characters are desperate and wounded.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

BIO: Kait Ballenger is a full-time paranormal romance author, wife, bellydancer, graduate student, and soon-to-be-professor. She is the multi-published, award-winning author of the Execution Underground paranormal romance series. With a B.A in English from Stetson University, Kait is currently earning an M.F.A in Writing. Kait believes anything is possible with hard work and dedication. One day, she hopes to be a bestseller and to see her novels on the big screen. Look for the next two books in her page-turning Execution Underground series: Twilight Hunter, book one (August 2013) and Immortal Hunter, book two (January 2014). For more information, please visit www.kaitballenger.com or follow her on Twitter @kait_ballenger.

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Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster-review & giveaway

Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster-review & giveaway

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 17,2023

Who buys a cottage in a New England fishing village on a whim? A stressed-out, twice-divorced romance writer and single mother looking for a fresh start, that’s who. Despite what my besties say about my three-year dry spell, I’m not looking for a man. Or drama. Or sex. I’ve got enough on my plate with writer’s block and a daughter who refuses to grow up. Community. That’s what I need. Unfortunately, it seems the universe has other ideas. Either Chatemup, Massachusetts, has a serious shortage of single women, or I’ve become a hot mess magnet for the male species.

At least I’ve found one funny, good-hearted friend: fish peddler Declan Miller, my brainstorming adventure buddy who stirs my creative juices. I’m his Writer Girl. He’s my Dimple Dude. Just scruffy, granite-chested, deep-voiced, ex-military brawn who happens to be—oh, Nicole, what are you doing to yourself?—stoking a long-neglected fire without even trying.

A self-confessed hot mess, divorced single dad Declan is too old for relationship games. Not interested. Same here. So why do I keep thinking about him? Preferably naked. Because I’m a hot mess, too? At least he’s inspiring me to write. If only real life were like one of my novels. At least then I’d have a better idea of how this was going to end.

••••

REVIEW:HOT MESS SUMMER by Melissa Foster is a contemporary, adult, romance stand alone focusing on thirty-eight year old, divorcee and author Nicole Ross, and forty-eight year old, divorced father of three, fisherman Declan Miller.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Nicole and Declan) HOT MESS SUMMER follows the building romance and relationship between our story line couple. Nicole Ross is a romance writer who bought herself a summer vacation home in New England. Hoping to make new friends and forget about the mess back home, the twice divorced Nicole will come face to face with her future in the guise of fisherman Declan Miller. Declan doesn’t want anything permanent, and Nicole is quick to agree but as the summer slowly turns into fall, our couple will discover the heart wants something more than the brain is willing to accept. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Declan and Nicole, and the potential fall-out as the reality of their own lives may be too much to handle.

The world building focuses on family and friendships, new friendships that accept our story line heroine without a thought but Nicole and Declan will both struggle with issues of family and doubt, and in this, their relationship may not last the course of a summer affair.

The relationship between Declan and Nicole is one of mutual attraction. Nicole’s ‘accidental’ first meeting with Declan becomes fodder for her friends but a welcome party set into motion a summer love that ends all too soon. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and fun secondary and supporting characters including many of the locals, both Nicole and Declan’s family and extended families, as well as Nicole’s daughter Kenzie, and Declan’s embattled father Rick.

HOT MESS SUMMER is a story loosely based on the author’s own summer affair; a story of fun and adventure, happiness and acceptance. The premise is entertaining and inviting; the characters are animated, quirky and charming; the romance is spirited and moving.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance and new adult romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex relatable issues.Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name Addison Cole.Melissa enjoys chatting with readers and book clubs. Send her an email invitation to your next event!

Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.
Find Melissa on the following sites….
The Reading Cafe is offering a paper copy of HOT MESS SUMMER  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).

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

3. Please LIKE/FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from October 15-19, 2023

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HOW TO FAKE A FIANCE (How To 2) by Mallory Black -a review

HOW TO FAKE A FIANCE (How To 2) by Mallory Black -a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 12, 2023

My one-night stand needs a fake fiancé, but she’ll find out I play for keeps.

Kami

Commitment? Hell no. Relationships are a myth, and guys only want one thing. But a scorching hookup with a seductive bar owner got to me, and now I’m questioning everything. Worse, he resurfaces and tells me he’s determined to win my heart. I avoid him—until my demanding mother insists I bring the fiancé I’ve been lying about home for the holidays. Unless I want to confess, I have to let the hot stud relentlessly pursuing me play the part…temporarily.

Ian

Love? I’m all in. After years of sacrificing for my family, I’m eager to jumpstart my happiness. When a chance encounter leads to mind-blowing passion, I’m determined to make the spicy beauty mine…even if I didn’t quite catch her name. Then she walks into my bar. Fate is on my side when I overhear that she needs a fake fiancé, and I seize the opportunity. As our pretend relationship unfolds, I’ll use every means—fair or filthy—to convince her to take a chance on me and become my fiancé for real.

••••••

REVIEW: HOW TO FAKE A FIANCE is the second instalment in Mallory Black’s contemporary adult HOW TO erotic romance series. This is tech expert Kami Hernandez and bar owner Ian Brown’s story line. HOW TO FAKE A FIANCE can’t 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 (Kami and Ian) HOW TO FAKE A FIANCE follows in the wake of a dating app, one-night stand between our leading couple. After a night of wild $ex, Ian Brown is ghosted by the woman whose name he didn’t know but get together at his family owned bar brings Ian up close and personal with the woman who ran. Enter Kami Hernandez, the woman with whom Ian will fall in love . Kami Hernandez doesn’t do relationships having been burned by ALL of the men in her life but Kami is desperate and Ian offers up his name and body when Kami needs a boyfriend to take home to her mother. What ensues is the building relationship between Kami and Ian, and the potential fall-out as Kami refuses to give her heart to any man, including the man with whom she is falling in love.

The relationship between Kami and Ian begins as a one-night stand in which Kami runs out early the next morning. Ian struggled with his insta-lust and love for a woman who wanted nothing more, but Ian knew Kami was the woman to claim his heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Ian’s brother Matt, and their mother Jenny; Kami’s mother Maria, and her sister Sofia, as well as the return of Johnathan Knight and Keira Young (How to One Night Stand), Jake and Mia.

HOW TO FAKE A FIANCE is a fast paced story of denial and desperation, friendships and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate , determined and charismatic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one HOW TO ONE NIGHT STAND

Copy supplied for Booksprout

Reviewed by Sandy

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Rough Diamond / Conflict Diamond by Alix Key-reviews

Rough Diamond / Conflict Diamond by Alix Key-reviews

ROUGH DIAMOND
Diamond Ring Kidnapped Trilogy 1
by Alix Key
Date: September 23, 2023
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, romance

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

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK:

I thought I found heaven, but now I’m in hell.

When I spent the most incredible night of my life with a stranger, our scorching one-night stand healed broken places in both of us. Overwhelmed, I fled before midnight.

Before I could make things right, my twin brother betrayed me, selling me into slavery to cover his debts. Now, a madman has broken my mind and my body, forcing me to do terrible things night after night.

Even if my prince finds me, I’ve become the thing he despises most in the world. I don’t know how much longer I can last, but for him—for both of us—I have to try.

••••••

REVIEW: ROUGH DIAMOND is the first instalment in Alix Key’s contemporary, adult DIAMOND RING: THE KIDNAPPED dark, erotic, romance trilogy focusing on twenty-nine year old businessman Travis ‘Trap’ Prince, and twenty-six year old PHD student Alix Key.

–There is a prequel novella DIAMOND SOLITAIRE available at Bookfunnel which may be accessed via a link at the beginning of the book.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise there WILL BE many triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Alix and Trap) ROUGH DIAMOND follows in the wake of the abduction and abuse of our story line heroine. Alix’s brother Leo is in trouble, and has sold his sister to a dangerous man. A one night stand with Trap Prince ends with Alix’s kidnapping, and three years will pass before Trap is able to rescue the woman that calls to his heart but three years has changed our story line couple, and Alix is no longer the woman she was hoping to be. The rescue of our heroine brings with it some closure to her ordeal but someone else is waiting to destroy them both. What ensues is the re-building relationship between Trap and Alix, as Alix must come to terms with what happened and why.

The world building is dark and gritty. The reader is up close and personal with the horrific abuse and assault against our story line heroine, three years as a sexual slave as payment for a debt. As Trap Prince struggles to locate his one-night stand, he is unaware of the potential for future harm.

The relationship between Trap and Alix begins as a one-night stand. Alix and her twin brother Leo are about to celebrate their twenty-sixth birthday but Alix will quickly discover that her brother’s betrayal is about to cost her dearly. Meeting Trap Prince gave Alix hopes for a future a future that ended at midnight, like Cinderella’s ball. The $ex scenes are aggressive and intense.

We are introduced to Alix’s brother Leo, his father and step-mother, as well as several associates and security working for Travis Prince. The requisite evil has many faces.

ROUGH DIAMOND is a story of betrayal and vengeance, abuse and addiction, power and control, forgiveness and acceptance. The premise is dark, gritty, raw and tragic; the characters are broken, desperate and flawed; the romance is edgy and traumatic.

Heed my trigger warning-there are many, graphic and detailed, often unnecessary and over the top.

But…I am not a fan of authors who use their own name as the lead in their story line. I am going to presume the author’s name is pseudonym, linking to her trilogy, but it wreaks of self interest and arrogance. ON that note, the author suggests the Kidnapped Trilogy is based in reality, a look at the author’s own life.

ROUGH DIAMOND ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.,

Copy supplied for review

_______

CONFLICT DIAMOND
Diamond Ring Kidnapped Trilogy 2
by Alix Key
Date: October 12, 2023
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

What if your worst moment was caught on video forever?

When I escaped the madman who kept me as his slave, I thought I could begin to heal. But now I’m being blackmailed.

I torture myself every day, thinking about the things I was forced to do. I’m not sure I’m strong enough to trust the one man who can heal me.

He’s given me a new wardrobe, trips to Europe, and the fastest car money can buy. But what I really need is a way to forget my tortured past—even if that means breaking every law in the books.

______

REVIEW: CONFLICT DIAMOND is the second instalment in Alix Key’s contemporary, adult DIAMOND RING: THE KIDNAPPED dark, erotic, romance trilogy focusing on twenty-nine year old businessman Travis ‘Trap’ Prince, and twenty-six year old PHD student Alix Key. CONFLICT DIAMOND can not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book one ROUGH DIAMOND.

-There is a prequel novella DIAMOND SOLITAIRE available at Bookfunnel which may be accessed via a link at the beginning of the book.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise there WILL BE many triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Alix and Trap) CONFLICT DIAMOND follows in the aftermath of the arrival of an email, an email blackmailing our story line couple. Alix spent three years as a sexual slave to three German nationals but everything continues to spiral out of control when Alix receives an email with damning evidence that could destroy them all. As Alix and Trap rekindle their relationship, Trap struggles to find the people responsible only to be betrayed by someone he trusted. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Alix and Trap, and the potential fall-out as the past returns to finish the job, and someone close is revealed as the ultimate betrayer.

The world building focuses on the search for the people responsible for breaking our story line heroine. Alix is struggling to recover but the past refuses to let go, and in the end, she believes she is no longer worthy of protection or love.

The relationship between Alix and Trap is one of healing and rebuilding. Trap is desperate to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love but Alix battles with the memories that refuse to let go. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and edgy.

The secondary and supporting characters include private investigators, Trap’s professional assistant Susan Richards, as well as a security team, several members of Trap’s Diamond Ring Investment club, and the owner of the $ex club Kynk, Gage Rider. The requisite evil has many faces.

CONFLICT DIAMOND is another emotional story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and healing, love and understanding. The premise is edgy and dark; the romance is provocative and intense; the characters are broken, struggling and desperate. CONFLICT DIAMOND ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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The Vampire’s Thirst (Blood Coven 4) by TM Smith-review

The Vampire’s Thirst (Blood Coven 4) by TM Smith-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 31, 2023

When Chiara Lopez was age ten, she was rescued from a fiery car crash by a vampire.

Now, enemies pursue a Firebrand warrior from his realm to Earth where they leave him for dead. Rescuing him, Chiara recognizes Dax as her savior from the crash long ago.

But he’s not the hero she dreamed of her entire life. He’s surly, aggressive, thirsty, and opposed to any relationship. While Dax sabotages their rocky romance, he and Chiara are on the run from his enemies and hers.

••••••

REVIEW:THE VAMPIRE’S THIRST is the fourth instalment in TM Smith’s contemporary, adult BLOOD COVEN erotic, paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is Firebrand Warrior, vampire scion from the Bludclan Mortus, and Chiara Lopez’ story line. THE VAMPIRE’S THIRST can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

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

SOME BACKGROUND: Thousands of years earlier, a powerful group of witches and warlocks, in an effort to protect the human race, divided the world creating three realms: Earth, Scath and Darque. The Blood Coven series focuses on the fight to keep the worlds physically separated in the face of some powerful people hoping to control one or all. The Aeternals are the overarching collection of breeds and supernatural species that inhabit the Scath and Darque realms, and the Alliance are the group of humans that monitor all supernatural activity on Earth.

Told from numerous third person perspective, following several paths, and a recitation of journal entries, THE VAMPIRE’S THIRST continues to focus on the search for the Blood Coven descendants. Having returned to Earth through a portal from Scath, Firebrand Warrior, vampire Dax has been left for dead by the group known as Arisen Dawn, and with the help of Chiara Lopez ,Dax is mended back to health but Chiara will remind Dax there is a mutual past between herself and the vampire, a past may have triggered the reveal of Chiara’s true nature. Chiara Lopez is a witch, and a direct descendant of the Blood Coven Witches. Trying to protect the woman with whom he will fall in love, Dax refuses to accept they are fated mates, as they journey towards the Firebrand stronghold. Meanwhile, Firebrand Tyr rescues another descendant Jace De Vries, but Jace is determined to find her friend who has been captured by Arisen Dawn.

The relationship between Chiara and Dax is one of rescue and recovery but Dax doesn’t do relationships, and in this, his treatment of Chiara is often heart breaking and sad. Chiara has been in love with Dax since he rescued her years before but Dax is determined to never fall for the woman that calls to his heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

The world building is detailed, complex and multi-layered bouncing between several realms -Earth, Scath and Darque, the past and the present, good and evil, and numerous omniscient points of view. Once again, the Firebrands are but one of the groups searching for the Blood Coven Descendants, in an effort to take control of the portals between all three realms.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and powerful secondary and supporting character many of whom we have me in the previous story line. Each has an ongoing story and involvement with the Firebrand Warriors or Arisen Dawn, and with this, the story line continues to be elaborate.

THE VAMPIRE’S THIRST is a story of obsession, power and control, magic and mayhem, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love. The premise is long, detailed and somewhat complicated; the characters are numerous, energetic and edgy; the romance is provocative and seductive.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Firebrand
The Demon’s Fire
The Satyr’s Guilt

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Social MediaWebsiteFacebookInstagramAmazon Author/

A master’s degree in English and a doctorate in administration led me to education. After retiring from my career as a teacher and principal, I settled in to write something more creative than lesson plans on split infinitives and inner-school memos on noise in the hallway.

My first novel was the romantic mystery comedy romp Affection for Crime. My plans were to make this Maggie Hall book the first in a series about a quirky columnist and her friends and lovers. That may still happen, but interest in a different genre has changed my direction.

I am now living with vampires, demons, ylves, mages, and other magical beings who keep me awake at night with their tales of love and adventure. Taking great interest in their lives, I began a paranormal romance series with alpha males who aren’t always nice and females who have no problem keeping them in line.

I have learned much about the difference between writing a series and writing a stand-alone book. First, get a fantastic writing software program. Second, keep great notes. And third, do not think book one is complete until you have finished book five. These have been hard-learned lessons, but I am a hardheaded author.

Here are more orts, scraps, and fragments from my life. (Thank you, Virginia Woolf and Shakespeare.) I moved from sunny Las Vegas to the less-than-sunny Pacific Northwest. Here I have adventures with my daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters who also moved to the area. I also enjoy my membership at Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN), a local organization that supports the arts and offers classes and events with eleven different studios where a welcoming community of artists praise each other’s efforts. It was at BARN where my critique group began. With equal time given to in-depth comments on each other’s works, snarky remarks, and laughter, we have now been together over five years. (from the Author’s website)

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Love at First Bark by Michelle Major – a Review

Love at First Bark by Michelle Major – a Review

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

 

Description:
Sometimes love happens in the most re-bark-able way.

Cassie Raebourn’s love life has gone to the dogs—literally. A childhood trauma inspired her career as a veterinarian where she indulges her special fondness for dogs. Then, Aiden Riley unexpectedly walks into her clinic and steals her heart. The reckless rodeo star was at the center of the trauma all those years ago. Cassie knows Aiden feels the attraction too. Can they bury the past and find the courage to let each other in?

 

 

Review:

Love at First Bark by Michelle Major is the 12th book in her Crimson, Colorado series.   I have not read the earlier books of this series, not really knowing about it.  I have become a fan of Michelle Major having loved her Carolina Girls, Magnolia Sisters series. 

We meet Cassie Raebourn and Aiden Riley at the start, when they were young teenagers; in a heartbreaking scene where Aiden’s dog was brought to the veterinarian clinic in hope to save his dog, who was brutally beaten by Aiden’s abusive father.  Cassie worked part time to help at the clinic.  The dog died, and Aiden left Crimson, with his mother and sister, getting away from the terrible father/husband.

Twenty years later, Cassie also returns to Crimson to be near her mother, and fills in at the same veterinarian clinic where she volunteered as a youngster. Cassie has always been an animal lover, is hoping to become a partner at the clinic; with one vet she was close to and the other vet, very unlikeable.  Residents who come to the clinic love Cassie, with her sunny personality and wonderful care and compassion of the animals. Cassie is surprised to see Aiden again, after all the years, as he arrives at the clinic with his nephew, George, who is carrying an injured puppy.

Aiden came back to his home town to help out his sister and nephew, as his sister Lila recently lost her husband.  He is surprised when he sees Cassie, who is now a veterinarian, come out to look at the dog, Spud. He was happy to see her again, but because of his terrible past, Aiden comes across as difficult, telling his nephew that they will not take care of the dog. Other then his sister and nephew, Aiden has closed any feelings for anyone.  He doesn’t plan on staying long, especially remembering all those bad memories. Cassie having witnessed the horrible time years ago, understands how Aiden has shut himself down, with the exception of his sister and nephew.  

It is Cassie’s mother and Lila (Aiden’s sister) who work toward pushing Aiden to open himself up, as well as Cassie to try to get Aiden to allow for Spud to be adopted.  Cassie is wonderful vet, so caring, and a few times, she gets Aiden to help injured animals, and eventually he will adopt another dog, who lost his leg in an accident.  Though at the start, Aiden and Cassie do feel some sparks, but both are not in the best situation in their lives.  In a short time, we can see a romance forming between them, but Cassie who finds herself eventually falling for Aiden, recognizes the difficulty of getting Aiden to open his heart. Will Cassie succeed in winning Aiden over and staying in Crimson?

Cassie is also dealing with Dr. Smith, who is mean, heartless and not a caring vet, and he is determined to fire her, since everyone likes her.  His constant demeaning attitude against Cassie was terrible. Aiden will come forward a few times to defend Cassie. Lila, to her happiness, receives an offer to sell the land, as she could not handle it.

Love at First Bark was a wonderful story, revolving around family, animals and love. It was nice to see Cassie and Aiden slowly finding love along the way.  I loved all the dogs, especially Spud and Rosie, who were so great to watch. The epilogue at the end was great.   I really enjoyed the book, which is no surprise, as I enjoy Michelle Major’s books.  If you like a slow burn romance, great secondary characters and wonderful dogs, you should read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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FORGED FROM ICE (Ice Breakers:Cold Case 6) by Cynthia Eden-review

FORGED FROM ICE (Ice Breakers: Cold Case 6) by Cynthia Eden-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 19, 2023

You can’t run from him. He will find you.

U.S. Marshal Titan Everett never loses his prey, and he always stays mission oriented. His latest mission? He’s working with a group of cold case solvers called the Ice Breakers—he’s chasing down a runaway witness, a woman who may be the key to solving a string of unsolved murders. Seems like a simple enough job. After the hell he’s seen, locating one Cassidy Jacobs, former kindergarten teacher, should be a walk in the park.
She doesn’t want to be found.

When you manage to escape from a twisted killer—who happened to be your boyfriend—you grab life by both hands and you hold on tight. You run like mad from danger, you reinvent yourself over and over, and you don’t look back. Ever. Unless, of course, the past comes barreling at you in the form of one truly massive and strong U.S. marshal.

Titan is big, dangerous, and determined to bring Cassidy back home. He also has the most incredible eyes she’s ever seen and a voice that makes her whole body ache with longing…Problematic. Very. Because the last time she fell hard for a sexy stranger, he wound up being a monster.

•••••

REVIEW: FORGED FROM ICE is the sixth instalment in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary, adult ICE BREAKERS: COLD CASE romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Ice Breakers, an online team of crime solvers whose goal is to solve cold cases. This is US Marshal Titan Everett, and waitress Cassidy Jacobs’ story line. FORGED FROM ICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Cassidy and Titan FORGED FROM ICE follows the search for a serial killer. Cassidy Jacobs is on the run, hiding from her former ex boyfriend, a man the authorities have labelled a serial killer. Cassidy is a witness to one such crime, and US Marshal Titan Everett is hoping to protect our story line heroine suspecting the killer will targeting her next. A cross country journey together brings a killer out of hiding, a killer who is determined to destroy them all. What ensues is the building relationship between Cassidy and Titan, and the potential fall-out as a serial killer takes aim at our story line couple.

The world building focuses on the protection of Cassidy Jacobs. Titan Everett never intended to fall for the woman he has been hired to protect but Cassidy sees beyond the surface, and falls for the man who is struggling with himself. 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 FBI Special Agent Oliver Foxx, as well as several locals, and victims of a dangerous killer.

FORGED FROM ICE is a story of power and control, obsession and madness, protection and acceptance, love and understanding. The fast paced premise is character driven and tragic; the romance is spirited and passionate; the characters are determined and wounded.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Frozen in Ice
Falling for the Ice Queen
Ice Cold Saint
Touched by Ice
Trapped in Ice

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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