Monthly Archives: November 2023

Just One Tease (Dirty Dares) by Carly Phillips-review tour

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Just One Tease (Dirty Dares 5: Kingston Family 10) by Carly Phillips-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 14, 2023

He’s the last single Dare sibling standing.
She’s his lost love who disappeared.
Now she’s back, bringing secrets and danger.

Hadley Stevens is on the run with her younger sister—again—but this time, she’s in control. Zach Dare might hate her, but she knows he’d never turn away someone in need. He’s the only man she trusts. The man she’s never gotten over. Even if she left him without a word.

Zach never expected the girl he once loved to walk into his bar. The last time he saw her, he’d dropped her off after school and promised to pick her up for prom. Except she disappeared.

Now, she’s back with a new name, but the same doe eyes and pouty lips, and she’s asking for the help he would have gladly given her all those years ago.

Zach agrees to protect them, but he refuses to fall for Hadley again. But late nights working side by side give them a tempting glimpse at the life they could have had…and all the reasons he loved her come flooding back.

He’ll have to keep her safe.

Before he can convince her to stay.

••••••••••

REVIEW:JUST ONE TEASE is the ninth instalment in Carly Phillips’ contemporary, adult THE KINGSTON FAMILY erotic, romance series. This is bar owner and Private Investigator Zach Dare, and English teacher Hadley Stevens’ story line. JUST ONE TEASE 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 omniscient third person perspectives (Zach and Hadley) JUST ONE TEASE follows the second chance romance between our story line couple. On the night of their senior prom Hadley Stevens aka Mia, ghosted her boyfriend and childhood friend Zach Dare, leaving Zach wondering what happened and why. Fast forward to present day, Hadley and her sister Dani show up at Zach Dare’s bar, desperate for help in the wake of trouble back home. Coming face to face with the woman who broke his heart, Zach struggles to come to terms with Hadley’s betrayal but secrets revealed show Zach there is more to the story than he could have ever imagined, and he and Hadley are about to be thrown into a nightmare, not of their making. What ensues is the rekindling romance and relationship between Hadley and Zach, and the potential fall-out as the sins of the father threaten our story line couple.

The world building continues to focus on the Dare/Kingston extended and combined family of brothers, sisters, cousins and friends. Hadley grew to love the Dare family but betraying Zach meant betrayal the family as well.

The relationship between Hadley and Zach is one of second chances. Hadley ghosted Zach without explanation but neither one found love with anyone else. Zach battles between head and heart, struggling to forgive the woman he once loved; Hadley knows her time with Zach comes with an expiry date when all is said and done. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we met in the previous storylines.We are introduced to Hadley’s thirteen year old sister Dani, as well as their questionable and embattled parents.

JUST ONE TEASE is a story of betrayal and deceit, secrets and lies, family and friendships, forgiveness and love. The premise is riveting and captivating; the romance is impassioned; the characters are edgy and determined.

Previous Reviews and Reading Order

Just One Night
Just One Scandal
Just One Chance
Just One Spark
4.5 Just One Wish
Just One Dare
Just One Kiss
Just One Taste

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

Haven’t started the series? Book one JUST ONE NIGHT is FREE at these ebook retailers:

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

 

 

 

After a successful fifteen-year career with various New York publishing houses, and over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels published, N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips is now an Indie author who writes to her own expectations and that of her readers. She continues the tradition of hot men and strong women and plans to publish many more sizzling stories. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She’s a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers.

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The Stand-In (Single in Seattle 5) by Kristen Proby-review tour

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The Stand-In (Single in Seattle 5) by Kristen Proby-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 14, 2023

I don’t like my new boss. Not at all.

London Ambrose is a spoiled billionaire’s daughter. And now she’s the new co-owner of the Seattle football team, but that doesn’t mean that she knows diddly squat about football.

There’s nothing I hate more than having someone micromanaging me, shadowing my every move, and giving me their two cents on Every. Little. Thing. as I coach MY defensive line.

I don’t care about new team jerseys and branding or answering her million and one questions about how I do my job. But, I can’t help but come to her defense when an old flame shows up and starts harassing her. I’m a Montgomery. We don’t let anyone mess with women.

Now, I’m suddenly in a fake relationship, pretending to date the gorgeous billionaire and learning so many surprising things about this captivating woman that I just can’t seem to stay away from her.

When the lines between our fake relationship and real relationship blur, and my initial distaste for her turns into desire, I find myself coaching the most important game of my life – do I let my guard down or do I let London Ambrose walk away forever?

••••

REVIEW:THE STAND-IN is the fifth instalment in Kristen Proby’s contemporary, adult SINGLE IN SEATTLE erotic, romance series-a spin off with the next generation from the author’s With Me in Seattle series . This is twenty-seven year old, football coach Drew Montgomery, and thirty-two year old, team co-owner London Ambrose’s story line. THE STAND-IN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines and original series are revealed where necessary. Drew is the son of Caleb and Brynna Montgomery (SAFE WITH ME /With Me in Seattle 5).

Told from dual first person perspectives (London and Drew) THE STAND-IN follows the building romance and relationship between our story line couple. Approximately five years earlier, Drew Montgomery’s football career ended before it began. Fast forward to present day, Drew is the quarterback coach for the Seattle professional football team, and finds himself at odds with his new boss. Enter London Ambrose, the woman with whom Drew will fall in love. The unexpected arrival of London’s ex finds Drew playing the doting boyfriend, a position that becomes all too real, rather quickly. As Drew and London’s relationship quickly turns into something more, there is always someone in the wings waiting to tear them down. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between London and Drew, and the potential fall-out when London’s family continue to interfere or struggle with the choices in her life.

The world building continues to focus on Drew’s large, close-knit extended family of rich, famous and powerful people including Drew’s parents Caleb and Brynna, and his sisters Maddie and Josie; and their cousin Lucy Williams. As per the author’s style, many of the previous story line characters are present, often controlling much of the narrative and direction of the story. We are introduced to London’s brother Rome, their father Chandler Ambrose, and their mother Adelaide.

The relationship between Drew and London begins as employer and employee but Drew witness a verbal attack against our heroine, and jumps in to protect the woman with whom he will fall in love but London is never alone, and there will always be someone waiting back home. As the relationship develops into something more, London finds herself welcomes into the family she never had. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

THE STAND-IN is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; power and control, acceptance and determination. The premise is captivating and emotional,; the characters are determined, sassy and spirited; the romance is lively and edgy.

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

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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

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Cold Curses by Chloe Neill – a Review

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Cold Curses by Chloe Neill – a Review

 

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Description:
Elisa, the only vampire ever born, is hoping all can remain quiet in the City of Chicago in the wake of a destructive attack by an ancient demon who broke the city’s defensive magic. Still, she and her friends, including shifter Connor Keene, know they need to be ready for anything.
 
Everyone is working as hard as they can to repair the city’s wards, but unwelcome creatures are slipping through and Elisa soon finds herself caught in the middle of a magical turf war with roots that go back generations. She knows she will have to take a stand, but retaliating threatens to reveal her deepest secret…

 

 

Review:

Cold Curses by Chloe Neill is the 5th book in her fantastic Heirs of Chicagoland urban fantasy series. I am a fan of Chloe Neill, having read a few of her books. I love this series, and sad to note that this book is the end (hopefully for now), loved both Elisa and Conner.  Refresher:  Elisa Sullivan, our heroine, is the only vampire child ever born, and her parents (Ethan & Merit) are the powerful leaders of the vampires that lead Chicagoland.  Connor Keen, our hero, is a werewolf and the heir apparent to the North American Central Pack Apex (Alpha). Connor and Elisa have become a wonderful romantic couple, as the chemistry between them is sizzling.

Elisa and her team, Theo, Petra are called into a demon attack that has broken the city’s defensive magic.  Chicago is now being bombarded with dangerous demons, slipping through the open wards, who think nothing of killing humans.  Everyone is working as hard as they can to repair the city’s wards, and find out who is behind the destruction. Elisa and Theo investigate someone who has taken over as a leader of the demons, with him saying there is another person who is competing against him. Elisa finds herself in the middle of a magical surf war, and early on, she fears the worst, as her bff, Lulu was seriously hurt.  Elisa is determined to get the demon to release the spell on Lulu.

Connor tries to stay close to Elisa, worries about the attacks on her, though she has handled them, despite some injuries.  All of the various groups have joined together to fight the enemies; such as Gwen, Alexei, Petra, Roger, Elisa’s parents (Ethan & Merit), Aunt Mallory, as well as Lulu after her recovery.  Elisa will discover that a surprise person is bent on destroying them all. 

What follows is an exciting action filled adventure, especially in the last half of the book as the danger escalates, with threats escalating. Elisa was a fabulous heroine, and we got a glimpse of the ‘monster’ inside of her, who would help her when the danger escalated, adding more powers to her ability. Only Connor was aware of the monster.  Elisa will need to step up and use ‘monster’ to help save Chicago.

I love how Elisa and Connor were so great together, with both of them always supporting each other, constantly being by their side whenever needed; even though she was a vampire and he was a werewolf.   They were both independent, strong, savvy and very much in love, with awesome chemistry.  I will miss them, if this is the end of Heirs of Chicagoland.

Chloe Neill gives us another fantastic story, with a wonderful couple and awesome secondary characters.  Cold Curses was so very well written by Neill, with exciting, tense, nonstop action, just enough romance, and a fantastic heroine and hero.  If you haven’t read this series, you need to do so now.  Thank you, Chloe Neill for a such a wonderful series, which I do hope we get to see Elisa and Connor again.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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Code Name: Gemini by Janie Crouch & Danielle M Haas-review

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Code Name: Gemini (Zodiac Tactical/Injured Heroes) by Janie Crouch & Danielle M Haas-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 9, 2023

Tasha Volkov has been on the run for three years from a brutal cartel who want her dead.

Aka: her family.

She already paid a heavy price for crossing them, and has the scars to prove it. Her only choice is to keep running, even if the tiny town of Pine Valley feels more like home to her than anywhere else she’s ever been.

The last place Zodiac Tactical agent Andrew Zimmerman expected to find the missing Volkov sister was with his friends at the Crossroads Mountain Retreat in the mountains of Tennessee—a place for wounded law enforcement and veterans to heal.

Tasha may not have been the one who gave the order that killed his wife—and very nearly killed him and his twin baby girls—but she can lead Andrew to the man who did.

And Andrew’s willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

No matter how much Tasha’s vulnerability pulls at him. No matter if everything about her screams innocent, not guilty. No matter how his gut says to keep her safe and close to him.

He thinks he knows all her secrets. But he doesn’t.

•••••

REVIEW:CODE NAME: GEMINI is the sixth instalment in the contemporary adult ZODIAC TACTICAL romantic suspense series co-authored by Janie Crouch and Danielle M. Haas. This is yoga instructor Tasha Volkov, and Zodiac Tactical agent Andrew Zimmerman’s story line. CODE NAME: GEMINI can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: CODE NAME: GEMINI by Janie Crouch’s blends the author’s Zodiac Tactical series, and Danielle M Haas’ Injured Heroes series.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Tasha and Andrew) CODE NAME: GEMINI focuses on the take down of the man who destroyed Andrew Zimmerman’s life. Approximately three years earlier, while working undercover for the Volkov Bratva, Andrew and his family would become the targets of the man in charge, leaving Andrew a widow, raising two children on his own. Fast forward to present day wherein Zodiac Tactical believes the Volkov Bratva has returned to their old ways, and someone else may be along for the ride. Hoping to end the Volkov reign of terror, Zodiac Tactical sets their sights on Tasha Volkov, and Andrew Zimmerman is determined to destroy the woman before she destroys anyone else. What ensues is the building but struggling relationship between Tasha and Andrew, and the potential fall-out as the past returns taking aim at our story line couple.

The world building focuses on Andrew’s need for revenge. Three years earlier the Bratva destroyed his family, leaving Andrew a shell of his former self but our hero never expected to discover a ghost from the past, living and working with the people he knew. Determined to have his revenge, Andrew ‘volunteers’ to go under cover in an effort to ferret out the woman with whom he will fall in love.

The relationship between Andrew and Tasha is predicated upon a lie. Andrew is hoping Tasha knows more than she is willing to reveal, and Tasha suspects Andrew may be the beginning of the end of her peace and well-being. As the relationship develops, the assignment begins to darken, forcing Tasha to run, to save her life. 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 colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters from ZODIAC TACTICAL and INJURED HEROES bringing familiarity and cohesion between both series.

CODE NAME: GEMINI is a story of betrayal and revenge, power and control, obsession and madness, forgiveness and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is captivating, edgy and dramatic; the romance is seductive and emotional; the characters are broken, desperate and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Rules of Dating My One-Night Stand by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward

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The Rules of Dating My One-Night Stand (The Laws of Opposite Attract 3) by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 12, 2023

Rule number one for having a one-night stand: Don’t fall for the girl.
After a lengthy dating slump, I finally met someone who sparked my interest.
Well, first the sparks flew when we argued. Later in the evening those sparks ignited into something more.
I was drawn to Devyn, in a way I hadn’t felt in a really long time.
Needless to say, I was disappointed when she abruptly left after our amazing night together.
I couldn’t stop thinking about her. But she hadn’t even given me her number.
In a city with eight-million people, I figured I’d never see Devyn again.
So imagine my surprise when I knocked on the door of an apartment in the building I lived in, and none other than my one-night stand stood on the other side.
If I thought Devyn didn’t want anything to do with me before, that was nothing compared to how she felt after finding out I was the landlord and she was about to be evicted…
And that was just the first surprise that would rock my world when it came to the mystery woman in apartment 410.

•••••

REVIEW:THE RULES OF DATING MY ONE-NIGHT STAND is the third instalment in the contemporary, adult THE LAW OF OPPOSITES ATTRACT erotic, romance series co-authored by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward, focusing on four close-knit friends : Colby, Holden, Owen and Brayden, all of whom own one-fourth of a New York apartment building. This is real estate agent Owen Dawson, and LA casting agent Devyn Marks’ story line. THE RULES OF DATING MY ONE-NIGHT STAND can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Devyn and Owen) THE RULES OF DATING MY ONE-NIGHT STAND follows in the wake of a one-night stand between our story line couple. Having spent one glorious night together, Devyn ghosted Owen , never to be seen from again. Owen, as one-fourth owner of a New York apartment was tasked to hunting down a noisy tenant whose teen-aged children were running amok but to Owen’s surprise, he will come face to face with the woman who starred in his fantasies and dreams, a woman who is currently looking after her mother’s youngest children. Believing her time in New York may come with a dead line, and her first responsibility is to her younger siblings, Devyn struggles to keep her distance for our story line hero, a man who is hoping for something more. As the relationship begin to develop, the past returns, and a surprise announcement catches everyone off guard. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Owen and Devyn, and the potential fall-out when Devyn’s ex returns, still claiming to be a part of Devyn’s life.

The world building continues to focus on the friendship between Owen, Colby, Holden and Brayden, a friendship strengthened by the death of one of their own. Having inherited a New York apartment building, the four friends will find their own happily ever afters within the walls of a forty-unit apartment building.

The relationship between Owen and Devyn begins as a one-night stand but neither one knew anything about the other. Discovering Devyn was a temporary tenant, and the woman with whom he would fall in love gave Owen a second chance at his own happily ever after but Devyn’s home was on the west coast, and her time in New York may be coming to an end. When the past returns, Devyn is forced to make a decision, a decision that will ultimately break the heart of someone else. The $ex scenes are limited and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are colorful, energetic and dynamic. We introduced to Devyn’s siblings Hannah and Heath; her ex-boyfriend and Hollywood actor Robert Valentino, as well as the return of Colby and Billie, Hayden and Laney , and Brayden.

THE RULES OF DATING MY ONE-NIGHT STAND is a fast paced, character driven yet predictable story of family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is seductive and spicy; the characters are determined, desperate and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Rules of Dating
The Rules of Dating My Best Friend

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family-friendly career. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 11-year-old girl with autism and a 9-year-old boy. Penelope and her family reside in Rhode Island.

Facebook | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads | Private Fan Group

••••••••

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is an attorney and a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today Best Selling author. Over the last three years, ten of her titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestseller lists and three on the New York Times Bestseller lists.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Pinterest

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Lucky’s Trouble(Son of Erebus MC) by Misty Walker-review tour

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Lucky’s Trouble(Son of Erebus MC: Reno NV 2) by Misty Walker-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 9, 2023

Tinleigh is a pint-sized, curvy vixen with a darkness in her eyes and a sway to her hips that has me captivated. She’s also the woman her identical twin sister trusts me to look but not touch.

So, was it smart to bring her to the club’s compound and move her into my cabin? Abso-freakin-lutely not. Did I do it anyway? Heck yeah! Haven’t I mentioned how hot she is?

It should be easy to keep my hands off her body and my heart in my chest since her walls are not only up, they’re ten feet deep and lined with barbs. Unfortunately for her, I was never one for self-preservation.

Little by little, she lets me in, and I fall even more for the woman who has been protecting everyone but herself for her whole life.

Well, not anymore. Because when crap goes south with her and her twin’s sleazy abusive ex-boss, she not only has me, she has the entire Sons of Erebus MC backing her up.

Despite my reassurances though, she sacrifices herself and disappears in a desperate, last-ditch effort to protect her sister and keep me at bay.

Now it’s up to me to prove that, for better or worse, she belongs to me. And nothing and no one will stand in my way.

It’s time to go get the girl.

•••••

REVIEW:Lucky’s Trouble by Misty Walker is a different kind of dark romance, but one that I can’t wait to read again. This was a first read for this author and I was pleasantly surprised by the story and the author. Before reading, please make sure to check the trigger warnings, there is content included that may be sensitive to some readers.

Lucky is just the kind of man you think he is, tall, dark and mysterious, but he also has major golden retrieval vibes. That I didn’t see coming. Tinleigh has been through the ringer, she and her twin sister have suffered enough, but when they see a way out, they take it. However, things don’t go to plan, and Tinleigh is left behind. When said twin sends help in the form of a hot alpha biker, AKA Lucky to get her out of her situation; their spark is immediate. Lucky is smitten and Tinleigh isn’t far behind, but life isn’t that simple.

Lucky is hooked, Tinleigh is the one for him and he does everything in his power to show her the type of man he is, that he can protect her, never hurt her and keep her safe. He truly does everything in his power to show her how it can be between them. Tinleigh is slow to trust, and even slower to open herself up to Lucky, but there is something about him that calls to her. It’s a calling she doesn’t want to ignore any longer.

Tinny was vulnerable for a time in this book, but when Lucky finally makes his way through her tough outer shell, their connect sparks to light faster than anything I have seen. Their spicy level is off the charts, and their moments with twizzlers lol well let’s just say I too have a sweet tooth.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one RIGGER’S MISTAKE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

Misty Walker is a USA Today Best-Selling contemporary romance author with books in multiple subgenres including, age-gap, forbidden, biker, and gay.

​She’s been in the book and audiobook industry for many years, though she’s only been publishing since 2019.

​Misty currently resides in the high desert of Reno, NV with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys camping in her comfy travel trailer, reading, and writing.

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

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Promise Me Christmas by Gini Rifkin-review

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Promise Me Christmas (Blackthornes of Darkenwald-review

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The nights are growing longer, and the winter snows are coming—Darkenwald Castle is under siege.

Lord Guy Blackthorne is prepared to lay down his life for his children, his wife, and all who seek his protection. But as renegades, mercenaries, and political intrigue surround his ancient family stronghold, he’s forced to stay his hand against those who would dare to attack his fortress.

As supplies and hope dwindle, Lady Vespa fears Yule will not be one of good cheer, and the children shall have no gifts this year. At least she and Guy have one another, for that she is thankful. But there are few private moments to share their love, and every endeavor to satisfy their passion is interrupted when the enemy attempts to invade the castle.

On Christmas Eve, when a battle to the death begins, Guy faces his greatest challenge. Now Vespa’s wish for a happy Yule celebration turns to a prayer for her beloved’s safety.

••••••

REVIEW:PROMISE ME CHRISTMAS by Gini Rifkin is a medieval, historical romance novella focusing Lord Guy Blackthorne and his Lady Vespa.

Told from omniscient third person perspectives (Guy and Vespa) PROMISE ME CHRISTMAS follows in the wake of the siege of the Darkenwald Castle. In December 1264, with the approach of Christmas, the Darkenwald Castle is surrounded by an unknown enemy, an enemy that is threatening the lives of those who live within. With supplies and food running low, fearing for the lives of his wife Vespa, and their children, Lord Guy Blackthorne must consider his path going forward but at every move, the enemy is always one-step ahead. Preparing for the possibility of no celebration of Christmas, Vespa and the women forage for supplies, while the men face down an enemy threatening their lives.

PROMISE ME CHRISTMAS is a quick read; a fast paced, simple yet sweet storyline of love and determination, betrayal and vengeance. The premise is entertaining and captivating -an easy read with limited medieval language and text; the relationship between Vespa and Guy is subtle yet passionate-the $ex scenes are mostly implied; the characters are determined and dynamic

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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INFLAMED TOUCH & De Luca Crime Family 3-5 by EC Land-review

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INFLAMED TOUCH  and the De Luca Crime Family 3-5 by EC Land-review

INFLAMED TOUCH
De Luca Crime Family #5
by EC Land
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, dark, crime, romance

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 7, 2023

Broken hearts heal with time, but it never forgets the pain.

Diego

I broke her heart years ago. But there’s a reason for it. One I try not to think about. I put the past behind me and I don’t look back. That is until I get a call from her asking for help.

Now I’m back and there’s unfinished business to settle. It becomes a game of push and pull, trust and betrayal.

Questions are asked and I refuse to answer. I’ll do what I came here for and hope to win her over or I might just have to sacrifice everything all over again . . . for her

••••••

REVIEW: INFLAMED TOUCH is the fifth instalment in EC Land’s contemporary, adult DE LUCA CRIME FAMILY dark, erotic, romance series. This is thirty-two year old, De Luca enforcer Diego Fernandez, and twenty-eight year old, grade school teacher Nadia Reed’s story line. INFLAMED TOUCH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order, or at the very least book four, FIERY AFFECTION for back story and cohesion.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Diego and Nadia) INFLAMED TOUCH focuses on the rebuilding romance and relationship between Diego and Nadia, and the protection of Nadia and her sixteen year old nephew Jay. Years earlier, Diego Fernandez left the small town of Enders Ridge, including the woman he once loved. His family in shambles, and the town dying a slow death, forced Diego to start anew but he never expected a call for help from our story line heroine. Nadia Reed’s young nephew is in trouble, and the trouble has landed at Nadia’s front door. Enders Ridge is overrun with gangs, underworld crime and corrupt politicians, and Nadia believes she is capable of saving the town, one troubled teen at a time. What ensues is the second chance relationship between Diego and Nadia, and the potential fall-out as the problems in Enders Ridge are bigger than anyone could have imagined.

The world building focuses on the corruption that is destroying Enders Ridge. From mobsters, to Mafia, to the Lowlanders and the El Cabeza Gang, Enders Ridge has become a safe haven for illegal activities, and our heroine is hoping to save everyone involved.

The relationship between Diego and Nadia is one of second chances. A perceived betrayal pulled our couple apart, but Diego could no longer remain in the town that was destroying his life, and Nadia refused to leave her family behind. Their reconnection is angry and intense but Diego is making no promises for a future together. Nadia is naïve and blind to the problems destroying Enders Ridge, and with it comes the determination to make everything right. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, powerful and struggling secondary and supporting characters . We are introduced to Nadia’s problematic nephew Jay; her ex boyfriend Riff; the local Irish mob, several members of numerous gang bangers, as well as the return of Theo and Nicolo. The requisite evil has many faces.

INFLAMED TOUCH is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, forgiveness and love, struggle and acceptance. The premise is gritty, edgy and tragic; the romance is provocative and impassioned; the characters are desperate, animated and dynamic. INFLAMED TOUCH ends on a happily ever after-for now. The overarching conflict has yet to be resolved.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Frozen Kiss
Heated Caress

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

______

SIMMERING EMBRACE
(DeLuca Crime Family 3)
by EC Land
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, dark, crime, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 24, 2023

To get what I want, I’ll do whatever it takes.

Leo

Being head of the De Lucas is not all sunshine and rainbows. I must make decisions, some of them harder than others, and I don’t regret any of them. I learned a long time ago never to do that.

When the family name is threatened and what we claim is put at risk, I’ll take matters into my own hands. What I don’t expect is what comes next.

••••••

REVIEW: SIMMERING EMBRACE is the third instalment in EC Land’s contemporary, adult DELUCA CRIME FAMILY dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is head of the DeLuca Crime Family Leonardo DeLuca, and twenty-three year old, Mafia princess Scarlett Russo’s story line. SIMMERING EMBRACE 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 (Leo and Scarlett) SIMMERING EMBRACE follows in the wake of threats against the DeLuca family. Leonardo DeLuca wants to take down the person in charge, but Scarlett Russo is an enigma; very little is known about the Mafia princess, and her whereabouts are currently unknown until a deep dive sends Leo to New York, to a small dive bar where he will come face to face with Scarlett Russo, a young woman who may or may not be connected to her criminal family. Scarlett has been targeted; a stalker threatening our heroine but Scarlett is unaware that the bigger danger may be the man she has let into her heart. A prisoner of Leonardo DeLuca, Scarlett must come to terms with the probability of her life forfeited for the family in exchange for power and control. What ensues is the acrimonious relationship between Leo and Scarlett, and the potential fall-out when Scarlett discovers she is a pawn, bait to be used for the greater gain.

The relationship between Leo and Scarlett is an enemies to lovers; a forced proximity; captive and captor, wherein our hero will fall for a woman who could break his heart. Scarlett Russo doesn’t trust anyone including every member of her extended family but Scarlett was about to face betrayal from the men her in life. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters include Theo ‘Frozen’ De Luca, and Blake Bandoni (Frozen Kiss), Christian Bandoni, and Mia De Luca (Heated Kiss), as well as assassin for hire Wilder, mob security Nicolo and Diego, as well as Scarlett’s brothers Jeremiah and Micah, and Eddie. The requisite evil has many faces.

SIMMERING EMBRACE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, desperation and distance, acceptance and love. The premise is gritty and dramatic; the romance is provocative and intense; the characters are powerful, desperate and determined.

Copy supplied for review

______

FIERY AFFECTION
(DeLuca Crime Family )
by EC Land
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, dark, crime, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 25, 2023

Things aren’t always what they seem.
Nicolo
Doing a favor asked of me, I didn’t know what I would uncover. And I didn’t think I’d want her . . . but I do. She doesn’t know who I am, and I can’t tell her without bringing war to my family.
Not after what I discovered.
My loyalty is to the De Luca Crime Family and always will be, but there’s something about her
that draws me in, and I can’t let it go. I must protect her from what’s to come.

•••••••

REVIEW: FIERY AFFECTION is the fourth instalment in EC Land’s contemporary, adult DE LUCA CRIME FAMILY dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is thirty-four year old, De Luca enforcer Nicolo Abruzzi, twenty-three year old bartender/photographer Avah Morgan’s story line. FIERY AFFECTION 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 may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Avah and Nicolo) FIERY AFFECTION follows in the wake of a possible stalker. Avah Morgan have been receiving anonymous gifts and notes, and without her knowledge her friends have tasked Nicolo Abruzzi with her protection but all does not go according to plan as Avah refuses to listen to Nicolo Abruzzi, suspecting he is part of the local Mafia, something of which she wants nothing to do. Avah Morgan is a little bit TSTL, and struggling to accept her life is in danger, is constantly placing herself in the direct line of fire. As Nicolo and his ‘associates’ begin to search for the truth, connections to her father’s past, the Lowlanders and the El Cabeza Gang, begin to form a pattern. What ensues is the quick and highly sexual relationship between Nicolo and Avah, and the potential fall-out as, once again, Avah refuses to accept she is the target of some powerful men.

The relationship between Avah and Nicolo begins when Nicolo finds himself at the bar where Avah works. Avah is in trouble but refuses to accept the danger is darker than Nicolo warns but in an effort to prove she is independent and old enough to be on her own, Avah finds herself struggling to survive. Nicolo Abruzzi doesn’t do relationships but he is desperate to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. Having to claim Avah as his own, Nicolo must not only face the wrath of her father, but the people taking aim at our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Theo and Blake (Frozen Kiss), Mia and Christian (Heated Caress) and Scarlett De Luca (Simmering Embrace), as well as Avah’s bosses Rhett, and Gregory. The requisite evil has many faces.

FIERY AFFECTION is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, obsession and madness, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is gritty and intriguing; the romance is limited to $ex and protection; the characters are dangerous and dark.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Download the FREE prequel

❤️Frozen Valentine (De Luca Crime Family Prequel)❤️

https://BookHip.com/QHDRDBC

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E.C. Land grew up in the country and has it deep in her bones. As she grew up, if she wasn’t out on the ball field or playing in the woods, she had her nose stuck in a book. Now she writes romantic suspense stories, specializing in MC (motorcycle club) romance. She plans to broaden her writing horizons in the near future and move into other forms of romantic suspense. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her husband, three kids, and fur babies. 

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