Monthly Archives: November 2023

Cop Daddy Next Door / Baby, Be Mine by Taryn Quinn-reviews

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Cop Daddy Next Door / Baby, Be Mine (Crescent Cove 13 &  15) by Taryn Quinn-a review

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 22, 2023

Baby on board has a whole new meaning…
What I was looking for?
An event coordinator to help out with the busy summer season at my restaurant.

What I got?
An emergency baby delivery on my party boat during our second interview becomes a life changing moment for both of us. Now I have to convince the brand new mama that I’m forever dad material—and the man who will love her forever.

Author’s Note: Restaurant owner Mason Brooks has never believed in forever until a surprise baby and feisty new mom showed him what he was missing.

•••••

REVIEW: BABY, BE MINE is the fifteenth instalment in Taryn Quinn’s contemporary adult CRESCENT COVE erotic, romance series. This is resort owner Mason Brooks, and event organizer Emmaline Hauser’s story line. BABY, BE MINE 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 (Emma and Mason) BABY, BE MINE focuses on the building relationship between our story line couple. Emmaline Hauser is pregnant with her ex-fiancé’s baby but Emma is desperate for a job, and during her interview with Mason Brooks, our heroine goes into labor, giving birth before she was hired for the job. Desperate to prove she is capable, Emmaline begins working as Mason’s new event organizer, a position that places her in the direct line of fire from a jealous employee but all does not go according to plan when Emma realizes she needed more time, time to spend with her new born child. What ensues is the building relationship between Emma and Mason, and the potential fall-out as Emmaline struggles as a single parent, and trying to do everything by herself.

The world building focuses on Mason’s new venture as a party boat owner. Hiring Emmaline is the perfect fit but he will quickly realize Emmaline is in over her head, and her child may be caught in the fall-out

The relationship between Emma and Mason is one of immediate attraction but Mason is Emma’s boss, a boss who is falling for the woman who makes his life and business easier. The lone $ex scenes is intimate and passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting character, many of whom we met in the previous story lines. We are introduced to Mason’s hostess Gillian, as well as several employees, Emma’s brother Clint and his wife Kitty.

BABY, BE MINE is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced premise is engaging, entertaining and interesting; the characters are captivating and energetic; the romance is subtle and seductive.

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Have My Baby
Claim My Baby
Who’s The Daddy
Pit Stop: Baby
Baby Daddy Wanted
Rockstar Baby
CEO Daddy
My Ex’s Baby
Daddy Undercover
Wrong Bed Baby
Lucky Baby
Daddy on Duty
Cop Daddy Next Door
Protector Daddy

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

_______

COP DADDY NEXT DOOR
(Crescent Cove13)
by Taryn Quinn
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 15, 2022

Note to self: never ever lose your pants while at the town’s lookout point…

I’m a former bad boy turned one of the newest cops in Crescent Cove. No matter what, I’m determined to earn the respect of my fellow cops—and my law enforcement family, including my older brother Brady—as the new guy.

My new next door neighbor is also my new sister-in-law. She’s smoking hot, but her personality is as combustible as the blowtorch I use to create my ice sculptures.

I should stay far, far away.

But she’s gorgeous, funny and smart. Plus, she’s just about the only one in this town as wild as me.

We dared each other to do something crazy.

Naked crazy.

And after an unexpected night that nearly got us cited for public lewdness, now she’s having my baby…

••••••••

REVIEW: COP DADDY NEXT DOOR is the thirteenth instalment in Taryn Quinn’s contemporary adult CRESCENT COVE erotic, romance series. This is Crescent Cove police officer Maverick McNeill, and artist Vanessa Monaghan’s story line. COP DADDY NEXT DOOR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storylines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Maverick and Vanessa) COP DADDY NEXT DOOR follows the frenemies to lover relationship between police officer Maverick McNeill, and artist Vanessa Monaghan Maverick McNeill’s brother and fellow police officer Brady is about to marry the woman he loves Tabitha Monaghan, a woman who is very, very pregnant but Tabitha’s twin sister Vanessa is the bane of Maverick’s existence, and is currently our hero’s new neighbor. The sexual attraction between Vanessa and Maverick is palpable, and one night together is interrupted by the local police, and the possibility of another Crescent Cove baby. What ensues is the preparations for Brady and Tabitha’s upcoming wedding and baby, and the building romance and relationship between Maverick and Vanessa.

Crescent Cove is all about babies and love but neither Maverick nor Vanessa had ever considered one or the other.Maverick battled his attraction to the woman who pushed all of his buttons; and Vanessa was willing to offer one night together, a night that would change their entire future.

The relationship between Maverick and Vanessa is a frenemies to lover; a reluctant attraction between two people connected by marriage and blood but an attraction that was clear and apparent to everyone. With the possibility of a baby, and the joining of two families, Vanessa and Maverick threw caution to the proverbial wind, and follow their hearts to their own happily ever after. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Several of the previous story lines couples return as secondary and supporting characters including Brady and Tabitha: Luna and Caleb; Gideon and Macy; as well as Christian and Honey whose story is told next.

COP DADDY NEXT DOOR is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is heart warming and entertaining; the romance is hot and heavy; the characters are energetic and captivating.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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FINDING THE END ZONE by Tam DeRudder Jackson -review tour

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FINDING THE END ZONE (Game Time 1) by Tam DeRudder Jackson-review & giveaway

ebook ONLY 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Apple

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 8, 2023

Never date a player.
Football god Callahan O’Reilly can keep his blazing blue eyes to himself. I have a scholarship to maintain, and I do not have time to babysit a jock through a make-or-break class project. Even if one smoldering glance from him sets my panties on fire.
Time to change her mind.
Jamaica Winslow opens her mouth and spews sass like a volcano. One look at her uptight package and I want to coax the genie from the bottle, unleash all the passion she hides beneath a mop of unruly curls and a smart-ass attitude. She’s not my type, she doesn’t know one damn thing about the game that rules my life, and I can’t stop thinking about her.
Who said anything about love?
Jamaica does her best to keep me at arm’s length, but I’m not a pro prospect because I let the plays come to me. With the game on the line, I always want the ball. When an alum with deep pockets and delusions of grandeur makes demands that threaten my NFL chances and Jamaica’s scholarship, I have no choice but to man up and do the right thing no matter the cost.
It started as fun and games. Now I’m playing for her heart—and my own.
Game Time.

•••••

REVIEW: FINDING THE END ZONE is the first instalment in Tam DeRudder’s contemporary, new adult GAME TIME erotic, romance series. This is college juniors, football tightened Callahan O’Reilly, and RA Jamaica Winslow’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Callahan and Jamaica) FINDING THE END ZONE follows the building romance and relationship between Callahan and Jamaica. Callahan O’Reilly is a college football star, and Jamaica Winslow is a fellow junior dependant upon her scholarship for survival. Forced to work together on a project for English Lit, Jamaica struggles with her attraction to a man she believes is nothing more than a jock and a player, someone she believes is cruising through life but as our couple work together, Callahan slowly breaks down Jamaica’s walls only to discover his own career will be threatened by his love for our story line heroine. Meanwhile, someone else is targeting our story line couple, making good on promises to destroy both of their lives. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Callahan and Jamaica, and the potential fall-out as secrets and lies threaten everyone concerned.

The world building focuses on the growing relationship between our story line couple. Jamaica continues to struggle with her preconceived notions about our story line hero, often becoming jealous and angry at the slightest provocation. Someone else has set their sights on Callahan O’Reilly, and in doing so, threatens his future if he will not comply. As well, the reader is pulled into the competitive world of sports sponsorship, and the threats against players who do not comply.

The relationship between Callahan and Jamaica begins acrimoniously in the face of Jamaica’s inability to drop her preconceived notions about Callahan O’Reilly. Callahan is desperate to prove he is worthy of Jamaica’s love and attention but at every turn, Jamaica is set up to believe Callahan is proving her right. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of energetic and dynamic secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Jamaica’s friend Chessley Clarke, as well as Callahna’s teammates Finn, Axel, Baxter and Drake’ professor Dair, Coach Ainsworth, Tory Miller and her group of ‘jersey chasers’

FINDING THE END ZONE is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, acceptance and love. The premise is captivating, intriguing and entertaining; the characters are numerous, determined and desperate-the mean girls and spoiled ‘heiress’ are reminiscent of young adult story lines; the romance is provocative and seductive.

But, I do have some questions and concerns: it is never revealed as to why Jamaica dislikes athletes or refuses to date athletes, or has preconceived notions about our story line hero. Jamaica knew nothing about football, yet she was too eager to condemn and paint all athletes with the same accusations. There is also the issue of her extreme jealousy that manifested whenever another woman or female fan acknowledged Callahan O’Reilly. Again, there was no explanation or admissions of past betrayal, in this I felt there were too many unanswered questions.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

“Let me guess—you have a 4.0.”

“Lucky you to be paired with me, huh?” I shot him a smug grin.

A naughty smile broke over his features, and I think his voice dropped an octave. “Oh, yeah, but not for your GPA.”

Beneath the table, I crossed one knee over the other and willed myself not to react to that voice. “Exactly what’s that supposed to mean?”

Callahan leaned forward on those delicious forearms. “It means I get to study with the hottest girl in class.”

With a snort, I shook my head. “I don’t get involved with study partners, especially study partners who are also jocks.”

“I prefer football player.” He winked. “And those were your rules before you met me.”

FOLLOW: Goodreads/ Website/ Facebook/ Instagram/ Bookbub / Amazon

Tam DeRudder Jackson is the author of the paranormal romance Talisman Series and the contemporary romance Balefire Series. Her favorite “room” in her house is her back patio where she dreams up stories of romance and risk. When she’s not writing her latest paranormal or contemporary romance, you can usually find her driving around with the top down in her convertible or carving turns on the slopes of the local ski hill. The mom of two grown sons, Tam likes to travel, attend rock concerts, watch football and soccer, and visit old car shows with her husband. She lives in the mountains of northwest Wyoming where she spends most of her free time trying to read all the books. Her TBR piles are threatening to take over her office, and she’s fine with that.

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WEDDING DISASTER (Costa Crime Family 2) by BB Hamel -a review

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WEDDING DISASTER (Costa Crime Family 2) by BB Hamel -a review

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 8, 2023

Marrying my player boss was not part of the plan.Conlan Costa screwed up again. He’s rich, gorgeous, powerful, charming, and the man can’t keep it in his pants.When he bangs the wrong girl and gets in deep trouble, he turns to me for help.I’ve been Con’s personal assistant for three years, and I’ve seen the worst of vain, greedy, self-destructive, and worse.Yes, he’s got abs like a brick wall and a face that would make a Renaissance painter swoon, but he’s everything I despise in a man.All he wants is a casual marriage to help soothe some bruised egos. In exchange, he’ll pay off my debt and leave me with an enormous chunk of cash.I plan on running the first chance I get, except I start to see the man underneath all those cocky passionate, caring, devoted to his family.When he touches my wrist and whispers in my ear, my body lights on fire in a way I’ve never felt before.My new fake husband is a walking red flag.And if I were smart, I wouldn’t crawl into his bed at night seeking the safety of his arms, definitely wouldn’t kiss him when I wake up in the morning, and sure as heck wouldn’t let his hands roam places I should never let him touch.

••••••

REVIEW: WEDDING DISASTER by BB Hamel is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, erotic, romance story line focusing on hotelier and mobster Conlan Costa, and his personal assistant Isabel Flax.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Conlan and Isabel) WEDDING DISASTER focuses on the fake marriage between our story line couple. Conlan Costa is a manwh*re, and his latest one-night stand is not whom or what he expected, and Conlan finds himself in a political quandary when reputations and careers are at stake. In an effort to appease the man in charge, Conlan is forced to assume the role of a married man but the only woman he trusts is the same woman who is disgusted by his proverbial ‘revolving door’ of women. Enter Conlan’s embittered assistant Isabel Flax, the woman with whom Conlan will fall in love. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship and fake marriage between Isabel and Conlan, and the potential fall-out when Isabel discovers a secret that would have changed the course of their future together.

The world building focuses on Isabel’s struggle with Conlan Costa. Any number of women come in and out of Conlan’s life, and Isabel must always bear witness to the morning after walk of shame.Disgusted by her boss’ actions and attitude Isabella battles between head and heart but our heroine is desperate for money, and Conlan’s hazard pay helps to pay the bills. Conlan Costa is caught between a rock and a hard place. Not only does he have to change the direction of his personal life but finds himself at odds with his attraction to the woman with whom he will fall in love.

The relationship between Conlan and Isabel is employee and boss turned fake marriage of convenience in an effort to appease the powerful elite. Isabel struggles with everything about Conlan and their ‘pretend marriage’, a struggle that will push Isabel to walk away from the man with whom she has fallen in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Conlan’s brothers Adler (Twisted Wedding) and Erick, party girl Allison Leyland, and security chief Damon Rambo.

WEDDING DISASTER is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, obsession and attraction, forgiveness, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic and intense but the Mafia content is virtually non-existent; the romance struggles in the face of issues of trust; the characters are desperate and charismatic but Isabel’s attitude throughout was disconcerting.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of TWISTED WEDDING

Copy supplied by Booksprout

Reviewed by Sandy

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Break’s Intent / Speed’s Ride by EC Land- reviews

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BREAK’S INTENT / SPEED’S RIDE (Inferno’s Clutch MC 14 & 15) by EC Land-a review

BREAK’S INTENT
Inferno’s Clutch MC 14
by EC Land
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, dark, MC romance

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 8, 2023

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

Intending to do one thing doesn’t always work out and you find yourself doing another.

Brake
Some things come to me easily, while others are much harder. I’ve come to terms with who I am. I’m a twin to my brother. A member of my club. A man who is different from others. I hold secrets no one knows, and I will do whatever it takes to keep them that way.

There’s more to me than anyone can understand, and I won’t have my brothers look at me differently.

I’m not surprised my secrets are brought to light the day she walks into my life again. Only can I stand judgment and the look in not just her eyes when I fight what’s between us.

Danger surrounds the club, and I made my intentions clear. I won’t let anyone else be pulled into the troubles.

••••••••

REVIEW:  BRAKE’S INTENT is the fourteenth instalment in EC Land’s contemporary, adult INFERNO’S CLUTCH MC dark, erotic, romance series. This is Brake aka Jax, Lawson and Faye O’Hara’s story line. BRAKE’S INTENT can be read as a stand alone but for back story and history, I recommend reading book thirteen LYRICA’S LASTING.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there will be triggers for more sensitive readers. BRAKE’S INTENT is a menage story line with MM /MFM/ MMF / MF sexual situations.

Told from three first person perspectives (Brake, Lawson and Faye) BRAKE’S INTENT follows in the wake of the abduction, torture, release and rescue of our story line heroine. Faye has gone missing, and her lovers Brake and Lawson are at the end of their proverbial ropes. Faye’s release comes with threats from her captors, captors that will face their own deserved demise. As Faye heals with the help of Lawson and Brake, Faye’s prior commitments come into question, commitments meant to unite two warring factions of the Irish mob. Meanwhile, Brake’s past continues to control his future and in an effort to protect the people he loves, Brake will sacrifice for the good of the whole. What ensues is the building relationship between Brake, Lawson and Faye, and the fall-out as Brake’s past destroys what’s left of our story line hero, and Faye’s family makes promises they cannot keep.

The relationship between Faye, Brake and Lawson is a menage relationship but Brake struggles with demons from the past. Believing himself unworthy, Brake is willing to walk away but Lawson and Faye are incomplete without their damaged lover. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Inferno’s Clutch MC. The requisite evil has many faces, some of who we have met in previous instalments.

BRAKE’S INTENT is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, abuse and torture, obsession and madness, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is dark, gritty and dramatic; the romance is provocative and seductive; the characters are captivating yet broken.

Previous reviews
Faith’s Tears
Lyrica’s Landing

Reviewed by Sandy

________

SPEED’S RIDE
Inferno’s Clutch MC 15
by EC Land
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, dark, MC romance

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 24, 2023

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

Looks can be deceiving, even when you see past them.

Speed

The club’s been on edge with everything going on. We’ve been through enough, and I’m not about to let us suffer more.

I take on the woman who supposedly is the key to everything we’re dealing with. Yet I don’t want anything to do with her … or so I keep telling myself.

Her shyness gets to me each time I look at her. There’s something about her that screams ‘protect me’ and, for some reason, I want to be the person who protects her. But at what cost?

Life and death is a ride we’re all on, but it’s up to us whether we’re gonna take control. Am I ready for what’s to come and what I could end up losing?

•••••

REVIEW: SPEED’S RIDE is the fifteenth instalment in EC Land’s contemporary, adult INFERNO’S CLUTCH MC dark, erotic, MC romance series. This is Speed aka Tyrese, and Lily’s story line. SPEED’S RIDE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Speed and Lily) with a chapter each from Angelina and Lynch SPEED’S RIDE follows in the wake of the arrival of Lily at the Inferno’s Clutch MC. Weeks earlier it was discovered Lily was planted as a mole with the Devil’s Riot MC but Lily became a guardian and protector, and paid the price . Now, living in a safe house with the Inferno’s Clutch MC, Lily will discover she has been claimed by our story line hero, a claim meant to protect and defend the woman with whom Speed will fall in love but all is not well as Lily’s past is determined to take back his property, property that has been used and abused since the age of five. What ensues is the building relationship between Lily and Speed, and the potential fall-out when the MC is targeted for sins of the past.

The world building is detailed and complex. The reader is up close and personal with the backstories and histories of our leading couple. Having both suffered at the hands of the people in charge, it is Lily’s past that refuses to let go, a past that runs deep, and close to several members of the Inferno’s Clutch MC.

The relationship between Lily and Speed begins as an assignment in which Speed is assigned to ‘babysit’ our story line heroine. Lily is in recovery having suffered for protecting the youngest members of the Devil’s Riot MC. Speed sees something different in our story line heroine; a bit of a kindred spirit with dark demons buried deep but Speed also is desperate to claim Lily as his own, knowing she is the one to claim his heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative .

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including several members and their ol’ladies from both the Inferno’s Clutch and Devil’s Riot MC: as well as attorneys, people in power and questionable acquaintances. The requisite evil has many faces.

SPEED’S RIDE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, abuse and torture, murder and mayhem, acceptance and love.The fast paced premise is intriguing, heart breaking and emotional; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are broken, determined and trying to heal.

Copies supplied by Booksprout

Reviewed by Sandy

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Naughty-ish (Holiday Hotties 2) by LB Dunbar-review

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Naughty-ish (Holiday Hotties 2) by LB Dunbar-review

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 21, 2023

With the name Holliday, you’d think I’d be all about the Christmas season. Most years, I am, but this one not so much. Between my ex being a real Scrooge-in-the-backside, re-entering the workforce, wrangling my two children, and evading my eight-year-old’s questions about Santa’s existence, I’m struggling to believe in the magic myself.

Enter Nick, my next-door neighbor. My very hot, single, fireman neighbor. He’s full of the seasonal spirit from hanging my outdoor Christmas lights to playing Santa for the local church breakfast.

Funny thing about Nick, he kind of resembles the man in red, in a younger, sexier, silver fox way, complete with snow in his beard but rather tight abs suggesting cookies are not part of his diet when they are a staple of mine.

Anywho, he’s sweet in a rugged sense, and if he were the man making a list and checking it twice, I’d like to be in his naughty column. Because something tells me being a little naughty-ish with Nick from next door might bring me tidings of comfort and restore my joy in this season.

When he discovers I have a seasonal list myself, he’s determined to help me accomplish all the to-dos, only falling in love with my next-door neighbor wasn’t one of them.

•••••

REVIEW:Naughty-ish by LB Dunbar was such a great read to start off the Christmas season.

A steamy, small town, Grumpy/sunshine, Christmas romance that readers are sure to love. Holliday is a newly single Mom after her cheating ex leaves, and Christmas is another thing on her list. Her ex isn’t there for their kids, and they are struggling.

But who comes to the rescue? Santa? No, a much younger, hotter and much more single firefighter neighbor; Nick. He is all about Christmas and makes it his new duty to bring Christmas joy to her household. He is checking his list twice.

For a novella, Naughty-ish is a well written, enjoyable read that brings all the Christmas feels.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

Social Media: Goodreads/ Newsletter/ Website/ Facebook / Instagram/  Pinterest / Amazon Author Page

L.B. Dunbar loves sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns. If you enjoy older characters in your romance reads, including a hero with a little silver in his scruff and a heroine rediscovering her worth, then welcome to romance for those over 40. L.B. Dunbar’s signature works include women and men in their prime taking another turn at love and happily ever after. She’s a USA TODAY Bestseller as well as #1 Bestseller on Amazon in Later in Life Romance with her Lakeside Cottage and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox.

To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her monthly newsletter, Love Notes.

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Enemies in Ruin/Redemption in Cruelty by Vi Carter & ER Whyte

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ENEMIES IN RUIN / REDEMPTION IN CRUELTY (Sons of the Mafia 2 & 3) by Vi Carter & ER Whyte-reviews

Enemies in Ruin
Sons of the Mafia 3
by Vi Carter & ER Whyte
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, Mafia, romance

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 15, 2023

The ink isn’t dry on the contract for my arranged marriage when my first and only love comes back to town.

The Pits demand five souls, turning men into monsters. I know this, as it took away my humanity when I was forced to kill my best friend.
It wasn’t just his life that ended that day but mine, too. I lost not only him, but his sister and my lover—who can never discover the truth of her brother’s death.
I swore before I snapped his neck that I would find out who runs the Pits and bring them to their knees.

I become an Untouchable, working in the shadows with law enforcement. The punishment for such betrayal is death.

I have nothing to lose, though. Nothing, that is, until Carina comes back to town.
She left as a girl and returned as a woman, rising beautiful and strong and a mafia queen in her own right.
Even as I crave her touch, my secrets are choking me along with the marriage contract I just signed to another woman.
But no matter how hard I try to stay away; Carina will always be the inescapable lure. The closer we get, the more danger we are in, until a hit on Carina forces my hand.

I have two choices.

Stay loyal to my family and let Carina die.
Or f*ck my family’s legacy and save the woman I love.

•••••

REVIEW: ENEMIES IN RUIN is the second instalment in the contemporary, adult SONS OF THE MAFIA dark, erotic, romance series. This is the west coast General-Queen Carina Scarpetta, and heir to the Marzano famiglia Luca Marzano’s story line. ENEMIES IN RUIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from 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 (Luca and Carina), using two timelines, and Carina’s journal entries, ENEMIES IN RUIN follows the return to New York of Carina Scarpetta, the ‘disgraced’ daughter of Agostina Scarpetta. Following the death of her beloved twin Francis, and the humiliation at the hands of the man that she loved, Carina left to become someone more powerful than anyone could have imagined but her return came with the realization that the man she once loved has been promised to someone else, and Carina is determined to get her revenge for sins of the past. All is not well within the Five Famiglias of New York, and a war is about to encroach on everyone concerned. From the fighting pits to the contract on our heroine’s head, secrets reveal a heart breaking betrayal near the top of the chain. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Carina and Luca, and the potential fall-out as our couple are targeted, standing in the direct line of fire.

The world building continues to focus on the fight for control; the battle for power, for cities, for money and influence. With Carina’s return comes a contract for her life, a life Luca is determined to protect with his own.

The relationship between Carina and Luca is one of second chances but a relationship that destroyed our heroine’s heart. Pushed aside, and left on her own, Carina would become one of the most powerful women on the West coast, a woman who is going to prove she is willing to risk it all for vengeance against those who destroyed her life. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative but I am not a fan of the use of a certain four-letter word.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, questionable and powerful secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to the new head of the Irish mob Evie O’Hanlon, Commission Valachi Don Angelus, as well as several members of the Irish and Italian mob families and soldiers; and Carina’s father Agostina Scarpetta Not everyone can be trusted, most are trying to secure their own paths to the top.

ENEMIES IN RUIN is another tragic and dramatic story of power and control, danger and death, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, murder and mayhem, forgiveness and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing, intense and edgy; the romance is a chance at forgiveness and forever; the characters are desperate, determined, dynamic and animated.

Copy supplied by Booksprout

Reviewed by Sandy

________

REDEMPTION IN CRUELTY
Sons of the Mafia 3
by Vi Carter & ER Whyte
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, Mafia, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK : Release Date November 14, 2023

They say she is a mafia princess. But when Evie O’Hanlon’s precious feet land on Irish soil, I realize everyone is wrong. She’s not a princess but a Queen.

A Queen I want to capture, play with, and then kill.

You can’t have competition, no matter how pretty the package is. And the package is very f*ucking pretty—so much so that my plan to kill her weakens the closer I get.
But my Queen isn’t exactly innocent. She weaves her own dark and dangerous web for me, one she freely admits to.
Together, we are gasoline and flame—explosive.
When we decide that we’d rather work together than against each other, our allies turn on us, and soon every move we make is marked by danger and death.
But every time they hurt us, they push us closer together.
So close that we ignite and burn the world around us to the ground.
Revenge is sweet. Loving Evie is sweeter.

•••••••

REVIEW: REDEMPTION IN CRUELTY is the third instalment in the contemporary, adult SONS OF THE MAFIA dark, erotic, romance series co-authored by Vi Carter and ER Whyte. This is Irish Mob Queen / Italian Mafia heir Evie O’Hanlon, and the head of the O’Rourke Mob Cassidy O’Rourke’s story line. REDEMPTION IN CRUELTY can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Evie and Cassidy) REDEMPTION IN CRUELTY follows in the wake of Evie inheriting control of both the O’Hanlon and Papparado crime families. The death of her parents and her brothers has left Evie in charge wherein a trip to Ireland to regain control finds Evie confronted by Irish mobster Cassidy O’Rourke. Cassidy has plans for our story line heroine but betrayal from both sides push Cassidy and Evie to work together, in an effort to stay alive in the face of treason, murder and a fight for control. What ensues is building of both a sexual and professional relationship between Cassidy and Evie, and the potential fall-out as our couple are caught in a war in which very few will survive.

The world building is detailed and complex as several different and warring factions of the Irish mob want to rip control from the other side. The O’Hanlon’s blame the O’Rourke’s, and vice versa, and in this there is quite a bit of truth to the deceit and duplicity of everyone involved.

The relationship between Evie and Cassidy is one predicated upon a need for vengeance but with every opportunity for retribution Cassidy finds himself falling for a woman whose family he blames for everything that went wrong. Time spent together brings the couple closer but their closeness is the fodder that will make them a target of those who believe they have been betrayed. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and determined secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Cassidy’s siblings Mark, Derek and Rowan, as well as Evie’s housekeepers John, Meredith and their son Tadgh. The requisite evil has many faces-not everyone will survive.

REDEMPTION IN CRUELTY is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, murder and mayhem, determination, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, gritty, heart breaking and captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate, broken, and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Sins of the Mafia
Vengeance in Blood

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Haven’t started the series? The prequel novella-SINS OF THE MAFIA is FREE at these retailers: –>  Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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Flame (Carmichael Family 5) by Adriana Locke-review tour

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Flame (Carmichael Family 5) by Adriana Locke-review tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 20, 2023

RSVP to my Marriage of Convenience

I swore I would only get married if my life depended on it. Oh, the irony.

Many things have happened over the past few weeks that I didn’t see coming. My family imploded. Our business was turned upside down. And someone threatened to harm me if I didn’t make good on my father’s promises.

But the biggest thing I didn’t see coming?

Foxx Carmichael demanding marriage.

He’s doing it out of loyalty to my brother. I know that. But I can’t help but think if, through that deliciously hot, grumpy exterior, my bodyguard doesn’t have ulterior motives.

There’s no denying the fire in his touch or the heat in his blue eyes. He protects me with a ferocity that leaves me breathless. He makes me rethink many things I thought I knew for sure—like my position on marriage.

But how we dance around our fake relationship makes me wonder what part of this is pretend. None of it matters if he doesn’t admit he feels the same way.

Our sham wedding will fall apart as soon as the threat is contained. But what happens if the flames between us burn everything to the ground first?

••••

REVIEW:Flame is the fifth installment of the Carmichael Family by Adriana Locke. Each book can be read as a standalone, and no real need is made in the story line to read them in any order. Fame is a traditional contemporary romance and marriage of convenience trope.

The plot and story is what I have come to expect with AL and the Carmichael family, however I think Flame was lacking … .sparks between the main leads. Foxx and Bianca have known each other for some time by the time we get their story, but it didn’t feel like there was much of a build up to them as a couple. Foxx was Bianca’s brother’s best friend as well and that I think played a part in the “slow get together”.

Foxx and Bianca work together, and when it comes to light that someone wants to hurt Bianca, Foxx is on the ball to protect her, and thus their romance begins. There wasn’t much chemistry between them in my opinion, and what there was felt forced, almost like a bad first date. Then when the marriage of convenience happens, they magically decide to act on their feelings.

Overall, I was a little disappointed in Flame, not what I have come to expect from this author. I love the Carmichael’s and was super excited for Foxx’s romance, but it just felt forced and rushed. For fellow AL fans, I’m sure you will like Bianca and Foxx.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Flirt
Fling
Fluke
Flaunt

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys dreamed up by other authors, she decided to create her own. She is the author of Tumble, the first novel in her Dogwood Lane series; the Exception series; the Gibson Brothers series; and the Landry Family series.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, her sons, two dogs, two cats, and a bird. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice, and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket. Besides cinnamon gummy bears, boxing, and random quotes, her next favorite thing is chatting with readers. She’d love to hear from you! Look for her at www.adrianalocke.com.

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Duties and Dreams (Second Chance 3) by John A Heldt-review

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Duties and Dreams (Second Chance 3) by John A Heldt-review

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 9, 2023

As World War I rages in Europe, the Carpenters and the Lees make a home in Southern California. Bill and Cassie add to their family. Andy and Annie start one of their own. Paul, a bachelor, enters the world of business. All find peace in a turbulent time. Then draft notices arrive, illness strikes a child, and life for two intertwined families takes a troubling turn.

Thirty years later, Emilie Perot, a beautiful resistance fighter, and Steve and Shannon Taylor, an American couple with ties to Paul Carpenter, conspire to escape Nazi occupation. Each seeks freedom and a new life in France’s Vosges Mountains, home of a legendary fountain of youth that can restore health and send visitors through time.

As events unfold in the different eras, the participants march on. All are unaware of the forces that seem determined to throw them together.

In DUTIES AND DREAMS, the epic conclusion of the Second Chance trilogy, several young adults find love, heartbreak, and redemption in a world of war, pandemics, and social unrest.

•••••

REVIEW:DUTIES AND DREAMS is the third and final instalment in John A Heldt’s adult SECOND CHANCE time-travel trilogy focusing on the Carpenter siblings-Paul, Bill and Annie.

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

SOME BACKGROUND : The Second Chance series focuses on the search for the Fountain of Youth. In May of 2022, 81 year old William Carpenter is a retired professor of folklore, who learns the mythology about the Fountain of Youth may be the reality of which he and his siblings are looking. Having just buried his wife, William believes he has nothing more to lose, and convinces his siblings Paul 75, who has terminal cancer, and Annie 72, a paraplegic, to test the proverbial magic waters in La Paz, Mexico but the myth comes with the caveat of time travel, a caveat wherein the siblings have no idea where in the world or when they will land.

Told from numerous omniscient third person perspectives and several timelines (1918, 1944, 1961) DUTIES AND DREAMS, advances the series approximately seven years. The year is now 1918, and the siblings, now all in their twenties and thirties, two with their respective spouses and growing families, have travelled to an era wherein war and a pandemic are about to ravage the world’s population. When Paul, and his new brother in law Andy are conscripted into the US Army, they know their futures are no longer set in stone. Sent to Europe as marksmen, both men would come under fire: one would be injured, while the other is MIA.

Meanwhile back home in America, the pandemic aka Spanish Flu is gaining momentum but William’s small family is about to learn of the helplessness of medicine in the early 1900’s. Their only hope is to jump to the future, a future wherein one of the siblings may remain lost to the past.

DUTIES AND DREAMS is the culmination of three story lines, several real-world and fictionalized histories and historical events, and the reborn lives for the Carpenter siblings. Having lived through several timelines each sibling will find his or her new happily ever after, with new loves, new lives, new families and new friends. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the romances are subtle; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Fountain
Annie’s Apple

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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