Monthly Archives: January 2024

MASTER BOTOSONI (Masters of the Consulate 9) by Sylvia Black-tour

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MASTER BOTOSONI (Masters of the Consulate 9) by Sylvia Black -review tour

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GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199670621-master-botosoni

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 19, 2024

A pureblooded vampire on a mission to hunt.
An innocent psychic with the strictest of rules.
When destiny speaks, will she break all of the rules for love?

As a pureblood, I am prepared for anything the rogue vampires bring my way. I will stop at nothing to keep them from driving us into the ground.

When a dark-haired beauty can lead us to the blood-thirsty villains, it’s clear destiny has sent us another sign.

The beautiful innocent will be mine someday. The fact she is forbidden will not deter me in any way.

But when Catina’s visions lead her into a shifter filled den, there are seconds to spare.

The decision is easy—make her my queen and end the rogues together. But when she awakens, will she choose me and immortality, or follow the rules?

••••••••

REVIEW: MASTER BOTOSONI is the ninth instalment in Sylvia Black’s contemporary adult MASTERS OF THE CONSULATE dark, erotic, paranormal romance series. This is pureblood master vampire Master BOTOSONI, and twenty-one year old, seer /fortune teller Catina’s story line. MASTER BOTOSONI 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, and many of the previous story line characters and couples play a significant role.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Catina and Botosoni) MASTER BOTOSONI follows the hunt for a group of rogue vampires and shifters in and around Eastern Europe and the Carpathian Mountains. Catina is a seer, and Master Botosoni needs help to locate the creatures taking aim at the Master of the Consulate. As a seer, Catina is able to ‘see’ the future, and the future includes an attack against our story line heroine. Realizing Catina is much more than she claims to be, Master Botosoni claims Catina as his mate only to discover she may have betrayed them all. What ensues is the quick building relationship between our story line couple as Botosoni and the other Masters of the Consulate devise a plan to take down the rogues.

The world building focuses on family and tradition including Catina’s position as a proverbial pawn. As Catina continues to reveal the who, how and why of the approaching rogues including their search for three magical stones, Catina will have to face the family who have plans to use our story line heroine.

The relationship between Catina and Botosoni is one of immediate attraction but Catina knows her family has other plans for her future, to be sold to the highest bidder. As a member of what I suspect are a tribe of wandering Roma, Catina is used and abused, and her value as a woman of marrying age has past. Master Botosoni knows immediately that Catina is his fated mate but he suspects he may need approval to mate a human female. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. There are some scenes of bondage and discipline.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters many of whom were introduced in the previous instalments : Master Descallia and Lucianna: Romano and Raven: Campania and Willow: Sardinia and Madria; Lucas and Embry, as well as Botosoni’s housekeeper Clara.

MASTER BOTOSONI is a story of betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, supernatural and obsession. The premise is engaging and enchanting; the romance is fated and provocative; the characters are powerful and determined. MASTER BOTOSONI ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Sylvia Black is a master’s prepared paranormal romance author with a special love for old-world history and the folklore of Europe. A grandmother born and raised in the Baltic sea region nurtured this love and it grew more profound as a young child living for years in England and traveling extensively.

Sylvia likes to keep her readers on the edge of their seats one minute and fanning themselves as the heat rises in the next. Her novels feature handsome, dark-minded males who will stop at nothing to protect their mates.

The perfect day for Sylvia would be spent sitting on a balcony overlooking the Amalfi Coast in Italy while enjoying an espresso as she writes.

While not writing, she spends time with her husband and family, including an adorable fur-baby. She enjoys traveling extensively, especially when researching for her next novel.

She also loves to spend time interacting with you, her readers, so please feel free to connect with her on social media!

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

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Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sylviablackauthor 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21440759.Sylvia_Black 

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sylvia-black 

Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/sylviablackauthor 

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Boone (Pittsburgh Titans 11) by Sawyer Bennett-review tour

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Boone (Pittsburgh Titans 11) by Sawyer Bennett-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 16, 2024

Boone Rivers uses his fame and fortune as a professional hockey player to his advantage, but not in the way most people would think. Volunteering as often as his busy schedule will allow, Boone meets one brave young boy who turns his world upside down.

As a first-line right winger for the Pittsburgh Titans, I thrive on the thrill of the game. I live for the smell of the ice, the cheer of the crowd and the way my heart pounds whenever I step into the arena. But once I’m out of my skates, my focus is on giving back to the city of Pittsburgh.

It’s funny how life puts people in your path. I meet Aiden while visiting the children’s hospital and I’m struck by the strength and resilience of this 12-year-old kid fighting for his life. As my visits continue, we bond over video games and hockey until one day Aiden’s older sister walks into his room and I realize there might be a bigger purpose here.

Lilly Hoffman has the weight of the world resting on her slight shoulders. Aiden’s illness isn’t getting better, she’s at risk of losing her job and their father is looking for the answers to his prayers at the bottom of a liquor bottle. I find myself wanting to lessen Lilly’s burden and what starts as a simple act of friendship turns into so much more. As we grow closer, I can’t help but fall for this fiercely protective and independent woman with a tender heart and bruised but not yet broken spirit.

As we face a future of never-ending uncertainty, I vow to be Lilly’s source of strength and comfort. Lilly and Aiden have reaffirmed to me the importance of giving and receiving love unconditionally, even in the darkest of times. And no matter what happens next, no one can take that from us.

Boone contains subject matter that may be sensitive to some readers. If you would like additional details, please visit the book page for Boone on my website.

•••••

REVIEW: BOONE is the eleventh instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult PITTSBURGH TITANS contemporary, adult , hockey romance series focusing on the Pittsburgh Titans professional hockey team. This is twenty six year old Boone Rivers, and twenty-two year old, Lilly Hoffman’s story line. BOONE 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. Have tissues at the ready, you are going to need them.

SOME BACKGROUND: Several months earlier, a devastating plane crashed claimed all but three members of the Pittsburgh Titans hockey team including owners, coaches and staff. Rebuilding the team, owner Brienne Norcross, offered positions to one-time professional and semi-pro players. These are their stories.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Boone and Lilly) BOONE follows the building romance and relationship between our story line couple. Boone Rivers volunteers at the local children’s hospital where he will meet, soon to be twelve year old, Aiden Hoffman, and his sister Lilly. Aiden has acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Lilly has become his mother, father, guardian and protector. With their father struggling at the bottom of a bottle, Lilly has little time for herself. Meeting hockey player Boone Rivers gives Lilly a chance at her own happiness but with the Pittsburgh Titans entering the playoffs, her brother’s illness worsening, and their father trying to get sober, Lilly battles between head and heart with the prospects that life is about to deal another blow. As her relationship with Boone becomes something more, the reality of what is heart breaking and sad. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Boone and Lilly, and the fall-out as Aiden’s health takes a turn for the worse.

The world building focuses on dying and death, family and acceptance, grief, addiction and recovery. Boone is the personification of support and resilience, as Lilly must come to terms with what is happening and why.

The relationship between Boone and Lilly is one of immediate attraction. Aiden Hoffman is a big Pittsburgh Titans fan, and in this he is hoping for a romantic relationship between his sister and Boone. With her father in recovery, and her brother struggling with his health, Lilly’s guilt is exacerbated when she takes time for herself. 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 secondary and supporting characters including many of the previous story line couples and players we have already met. We are introduced to Aiden Hoffman, and his father Steven, as well as Boone’s parents, and his siblings Damien and Claire.

BOONE is a story of love and loss, grief and acceptance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is heart breaking and emotional; the romance is seductive; the characters are strong, determined and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Baden
Stone
Gage
Coen
Drake
Cannon
Hendrix
Camden
Bain
Van 2

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied for review

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

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On The Edge (Full Throttle 2) by K. Bromberg-review tour

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On The Edge (Full Throttle 2) by K. Bromberg-review tour

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Add to Goodreads: https://geni.us/OTEgr

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 18, 2024

Surely this can’t be the only solution to overhaul my tarnished rep – faking a romance with the good girl intern?

But that’s what my agent says. Just a few months of taming my ways—of shedding Formula 1’s party boy image—will land me a lifetime branding deal. One I desperately need.

The key condition?

Pretend I’m madly in love with my new girlfriend. The quiet wallflower who I figured wouldn’t put me in my place. Yeah. This girl is anything but that.

Maddix Hart is defiant and intelligent. Loyal and real. Determined and sexy. And damn it to hell, before I know it, she’s in my head, in our bed . . . and if I’m not careful, she’ll see there’s more to me than the man I show the public. She’ll discover the man I hide from the world. The one who struggles to live up to the unrealistic expectations that should never have been mine.

All I have to do is make sure no one sees the truth behind our farce.

But instead, I let my heart get involved. I begin to believe the lie. And now with everything on the line—the deal, a championship, us—am I willing to risk it all to make her see what the rest of the world believes? That we belong together.

•••••

REVIEW: ON THE EDGE is the second instalment in K. Bromberg’s contemporary, adult FULL THROTTLE erotic, romance series focusing on Formula 1 drivers. This is twenty-six year old, Formula 1 driver Cruz Navarro, and twenty-four year old, PR intern Maddix Hart’s story line. ON THE EDGE 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 (Cruz and Maddix) ON THE EDGE follows the fake romance and relationship between our story line couple. Cruz Navarro’s reputation of the track is questionable at best but hours before signing a billion dollar contract, Cruz’ finds himself the topic of headline gossip, as his struggling reputation hits an all-time low. In an effort to change his public persona, Cruz is forced into a fake relationship with a woman he doesn’t know. Enter Maddix Hart. Maddix is an intern with the company that was supposed to be working with our story line hero but Maddix will quickly discover her latest assignment will be an emotional roller coaster and break her heart. What ensues is the building relationship between Cruz and Maddix, and the potential fall-out as Cruz is unable to let do the demons from his past, pushing our heroine out of his life and out of his heart.

The world building follows Cruz and Maddix as the journey around the world for Cruz’ F1 racing season. We are up close and personal with the dysfunctional family dynamics that is the Navarro family, and the resulting painful altercations with the people who should have loved Cruz the most. Maddix Hart will become the target of gossip and paparazzi but the hurt inflicted upon Cruz is about to destroy the relationship they were starting to build. Issues of trust and abandonment are the tipping point of no return.

The relationship between Cruz and Maddix begins as a fake relationship in an effort to clean up Cruz’ tattered reputation. Maddix knows her time with Cruz comes with an expiry date but she never expected to find herself pushed away with a broken heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of energetic, colorful and often questionable secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Cruz’ embattled parents Dominic and Genevieve Navarro, his sister Sofia, as well as fellow racers Lachlan Evans, Oliver Rossi, and the return of Spencer Riggs.

ON THE EDGE is a story of power and control, obsession, enthusiasm, and fixation, mistrust and forgiveness, family, friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is captivating and exciting; the romance is seductive and enticing; the characters are determined, charismatic and compelling but it took me a while to like our story line heroine-she knew her assignment but struggled to accept the parameters in the beginning.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one OFF THE GRID

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.

A mom of three, she plots her novels in between school runs and soccer practices, more often than not with her laptop in tow.

Since publishing her first book in 2013, K. has sold over one million copies of her books and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over twenty-five times.

In April, she’ll release The Player, the first in a two-book sports romance series (The Catch, book 2, will be released late June), with many more already outlined and ready to be written.

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media or sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on all her latest releases and sales HERE

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon Author | Driven Group

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Hesi-Dating by Zoe Forward – a Review

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Hesi-Dating by Zoe Forward – a Review

 

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Description:
I warn all my dates: Don’t fall for me.
I’m good for a date or two of no-strings fun, but then I’m a ghost.

Until the sheriff. He saves me from a jerky ex-date. Now I owe him a favor. Almost a decade older than me, funny, and insanely attractive, my chemistry with Seth is off the charts. His post-divorce hurt makes me want to heal his wounded soul. For the first time in ever, I say no. He doesn’t deserve my heartbreaking ways. I tell myself I must walk away since me dating law enforcement is a no-can-do. I’m not a felon, but I do have connections from my past that make it dangerous. If I’m truthful, it’s self-preservation. Seth threatens to awaken the desiccated organ inside my chest.

Then he needs a favor.
Calling in favors becomes our not-dating game.

I should have stopped helping him. I should have left well enough alone. But I just couldn’t resist. I have a connection to this guy. One that has me acting irrationally. One that snags the attention of the gang leader I wished would leave me alone.

I want to nurture our burgeoning spark, but I must protect us from the deadly dangers of my past.

Hesi-dating features a hesitant sheriff, a player girl hiding a big heart and dangerous past, a lame horse, and the world’s worst home security dog. It stands alone and comes complete with sibling meddling, an awkward naked handcuffs scene, and a sweetly satisfying happily ever after.

 

 

Review:

Hesi-Dating by Zoe Forward was a wonderful romantic story line. We meet Joley Krieger at the start, when she is trying to dump a blind date; and pretends to walk up to a boyfriend (stranger). Seth Briscoe, who happens to be the town sheriff, willingly plays the game, and helps Joley out.  He finds her attractive, and is just coming off of a divorce. Now Joley knows she owes him a favor.  Joley is a wild card, with a lot a baggage, living a dangerous life; Seth is 10 years older, but she does find him fun and attractive.  A friendship starts, with both just being friends and help each other at times. 

There were a number of subplots, with Joley and her “brothers/sister”, always flirting with danger, especially with all of them fearing Nosh, a leader of a gang.  Nosh, always protected Joley and her group during their early days in foster care; but now he keeps control of what they do. I really liked how Joley and her siblings had a bond, and always protected each other; there were a number of triggers.

There was a lot of humor between Seth and Joley, even if she was determined to not allow herself to fall in love with him.  Joley knew that if Nosh found out about her seeing Seth, it would be dangerous.  Weeks would pass, and every time one of them needed a favor, either one of them would be there.

Hesi-Dating had multiple sub-plots, with complex and serious issues, as well as a budding romance that was sweet and engaging.  I loved both Seth and Joley, as they were so much fun together.  Seth was determined to get as much information about Joley’s background and her siblings, to stop Nosh and protect them.

This was a slow burn romance, with Seth falling hard for Joley, and she doing her best to stay away, since she feared, harm will come to Seth or even her siblings.  As we reach the last quarter, the tension escalates, as lives are in danger.  Will Seth be able to save Joley?  

Hesi-Dating was very well written by Zoe Forward, with lots of action, suspense, very good secondary characters, as well as a wonderful couple we rooted hard for.  If you enjoy romance, with potential plot triggers, you should read Hesi-Dating.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied by Author

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The Bright Spot by Jill Shalvis – a Review

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The Bright Spot by Jill Shalvis – a Review

 

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Description:
Luna Wright is a lot of things, but sweet and trusting aren’t on the list. However, she’s a sucker for the underdog and a hard-luck story. Adopted at birth, with scant knowledge of her biological family, she’s created her own inner circle, a motley crew which includes her bestie Willow, to help her run the struggling but charming Apple Ridge Farm.

With a farm-to-table café as well as a menagerie of rescued animals (complete with a baby goat who keeps escaping to the pantry to eat the secret stash of decidedly not organic potato chips), it’s the best home she’s ever known. But when Silas, the owner who they secretly call The Grinch, passes away, Luna discovers the farm is now under the control of both his investment manager, the enigmatic Jameson Hayes….and her. And that Silas had many, many secrets.

Now Luna’s carefully controlled corner of the world is threatened and she—along with some of her friends—has to dig deep to find true strength and the real meaning of love and family.

 

 

Review:

The Bright Spot by Jill Shalvis is the 5th book in her wonderful Sunrise Cove series.  We meet, Luna Wright, at the start, as she runs the Apple Ridge Farm, with a group of friends and animals; who each have their own areas on the farm to be in charge of; with a farm to café atmosphere. All of the secondary characters were great, and always loyal to Luna; Willow, Stella, Chef, Milo, etc; as all of her employee’s have become her family.

 When the owner (Silas) of the farm, passes away suddenly, Luna is shocked to learn that she inherits 50% of the farm; as well as learning that Silas was secretly her grandfather (she never knew). Now she needs to meet the man who owns the other 50%. 

Jameson Hayes, our hero, arrives the following morning to meet Luna; as he is a financial advisor, who will try to salvage any debts on the farm, reviewing all the books.  Jameson is immediately attracted to Luna, but knows that the farm is in a dire financial situation, with Luna thinking she can fix things.  Jamesson tries to find ways to cut things, but Luna is adamant to leave things as they are. Together they must learn to trust each other and find a way to save the farm.

I got a kick out of the cute animals, on the farm that Luna rescues, especially Dammit Ziggy, a baby goat, who in a short time loves Jameson. There are so many other cute animals, that made the story fun. I loved how Luna not only took care of the animals, but she made sure that all her employees were part of her found family, as she was totally loyal to all of them.

Both Luna and Jameson knew they needed to come up with various idea to save the farm. Jameson was smart and resourceful, always willing to listen to some ideas from Luna. They both learned to trust each other, not to mention their sexy romance escalating.  I really loved Luna and Jameson together, as they had such great chemistry between them.

The Bright Spot was a sweet wonderful romance, with some angst, drama, family, fun banter, and laughter.  The ending was great, as the whole family joined in to win the battle.  The Bright Spot was so very well written by Jill Shalvis. If you love romance, look no further then Jill Shalvis.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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Scorned Vows (Scorned Fate 2) by Victoria Paige-review tour

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Scorned Vows (Scorned Fate 2) by Victoria Paige-review tour

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Goodreads: https://geni.us/VPaigeScornedVowsGR

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 16, 2024

He was the perfect husband until she got pregnant.

An arranged marriage was always in Natalya Conte’s future.
Luca Moretti is charming and considerate.
Handsome like the devil, he dotes on her and spoils her.
But when two pink lines should have brought them unbridled joy, her husband ices her out.

An arranged marriage gives Luca great power.
To cement that power, he needs an heir.
The quickest way to do it is to make Natalya fall madly in love with him.
He will have her loyalty without risking his heart because love to him means weakness.

Natalya needs Luca to love her.
Because she has secrets that will put them all in jeopardy.
Her heart shatters when Luca shows her exactly how little she means to him.
But it isn’t until she sees evidence of the unforgivable that she loses all hope for a happily ever after.

•••••

REVIEW:SCORNED VOWS is the second instalment in Victoria Paige’s contemporary, adult SCORNED FATE dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is twenty-two year old, computer IT hacker Natalya Conte, and Luca Moretti’s story line. SCORNED VOWS 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 (Natalya and Luca) following two timelines SCORNED VOWS focuses on the arranged marriage between our story line couple. Natalya Conte was a pawn in the world of the Mafia, a pawn meant to merge two powerful families. A romantic honeymoon in Paris results in a pregnancy, and our heroine is all but forgotten by the man whom she married. Weeks and months pass, Natalya gives birth, and our heroine continues to grow more despondent with the many absences of her husband but Natalya has a secret that is about to place everyone in jeopardy, a secret that will threaten the lives of Natalya’s growing family. What ensues is the building but fractious relationship between Natalya and Luca, and the fall-out as Natalya is targeted for sins of the past.

The world building is detailed and dark. Luca had convinced Natalya that their marriage was real but his actions would prove to be our heroine’s downfall. Time would pass bringing more secrets and lies, heart break and pain to a young woman who no longer recognizes the man she once loved, a man who realizes his own secrets pushed his wife a little too far.

The relationship between Natalya and Luca begins acrimoniously. An arranged marriage between two powerful families, where manipulation and control is disguised without remorse. Natalya’s heart break and grief are but the jump off point for our story line hero who believes he has lost everything including the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of powerful, questionable and dynamic secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Luca’s large crew and security team, and family as well as Natalya’s parents, as well as the return of Luca’s niece Seraphina and her husband Matteo (Scorned Fate 1). The requisite evil has many faces.

SCORNED VOWS is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, forgiveness and love. The premise is dramatic, dark and impassioned: the romance is provocative ; the characters are broken but determined and desperate.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one SCORNED HEIR

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Website/ Twitter/ Instagram

Victoria Paige writes smart, edgy, seductive romance.

Her heroes are badass alpha males and her smart, strong-willed heroines can hold their own against a bossy hero. Her books are sexually explicit and may contain dark themes, morally ambiguous choices, and disturbing situations as she injects realism into her stories and gives them her own twist.

Victoria lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband and playful German Shepherd Dog, Loki.

Sign Up for Victoria’s newsletter HERE

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Always Remember by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Always Remember by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Lady Jennifer Arden and Ben Ellis know that a match between them is out of the question. Yet their hearts yearn for the impossible.

Left unable to walk by a childhood illness, Lady Jennifer, sister of the Duke of Wilby, has grown up to make a happy place for herself in society. Outgoing and cheerful, she has many friends and enjoys the pleasures of high society—even if she cannot dance at balls or stroll in Hyde Park. She is blessed with a large, loving, and protective family. But she secretly dreams of marriage and children, and of walking—and dancing.

When Ben Ellis comes across Lady Jennifer as she struggles to walk with the aid of primitive crutches, he instantly understands her yearning. He is a fixer. It is often said of him that he never saw a practical problem he did not have to solve. He wants to help her discover independence and motion—driving a carriage, swimming, even walking a different way. But he must be careful. He is the bastard son of the late Earl of Stratton. Though he was raised with the earl’s family, he knows he does not really belong in the world of the ton.

Jennifer is shocked—and intrigued—by Ben’s ideas, and both families are alarmed by the growing friendship and perhaps more that they sense developing between the two. A duke’s sister certainly cannot marry the bastard son of an earl. Except sometimes, love can find a way.

 

 

Review:

Always Remember by Mary Balogh is the 3rd book in her wonderful Ravenswood series.  I have been a big fan of Balogh and her wonderful Historical romances, especially the epic Westcott series. Always Remember focuses on Lady Jennifer Arden (sister of Lucas, Duke of Wilby from Remember Me) and Ben Ellis (half-brother to the Ware family, with Devlin, now the Earl of Stratton from Remember Love).  

Ben, having become part of the Ware family at the age of three, when his mother died, and his father (the Earl of Stratton) brings him to Ravenswood, where he grew up with his wonderful half brothers and sister. Clarissa, his father’s wife, opened her arms and accepted him from the start, and his family all loved him.   Now in the present time, Ben has a young daughter, as his wife died due to an illness, and he took care of Joy; he decides to go the Ravenswood, where his brother and best friend, Devlin and his wife are throwing a summer party; with all the Ware family, as well as the Wilby family.

Lady Jennifer, has been disabled since being affected with a childhood illness, always needing a wheelchair to get around.  She is blessed with a wonderful and loving protective family: always cheerful and outgoing, with everyone loving her, with her having a happy place in high society. One day, Ben notices that Jenny was trying to practice walking in private, and the next day Ben created a special cushion for Jenny to help her get around easier, as well as coming up with other ideas (special shoes, crutch and different wheelchair). In a short time, they both become friends, not to mention his daughter Joy adoring Jenny. I really enjoyed watching Ben teaching her how to drive a carriage, and many other things. The relationship between Ben and Jenny is a slow burn, since Ben knows the families are alarmed by their growing friendship, as a match between them is not considered acceptable. 

What follows is Jenny finds herself becoming enamored by Ben, with his wonderful ideas, as well as becoming very close to Joy, who calls her Mama.  Jenny knows that Ben is considering finding a woman to marry to help with Joy, and perhaps have more children; as she knew he was an amazing father.  Ben was always charming, funny, kindhearted and would be the perfect husband for her.  But will both families allow Ben to marry Jenny?

Always Remember was another great addition to this series, so very well written by Mary Balogh.  I did love both Jennifer and Ben, rooting hard for them to find a way to be together; and adored Joy.  I loved the all the wonderful Ware family, especially Devlin, Gwyn. Lucas, Stephanie, Pippa, Nicolas and Owen, as well as the many other members of the both the Ware/Wilby family. I will say that throughout a lot of the story, there were so many secondary characters, which was a bit overboard. Always Remember was a wonderful and emotional story.  If you enjoy historical romances, you can never go wrong reading anything my Mary Balogh.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The MacLee Chronicles 1-3 by Jina S Bazzar-reviews

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The MacLee Chronicles 1-3 by Jina S Bazzar-reviews

SPLENDOR’S ORBIT
(MacLee Chronicles 1)
by Jina S Bazzar
Genre: adult, sci-fi, adventure

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 21, 2023

Ten years ago, Captain Colderaro was the star of the Confederacy Task Force. And then she went missing.

Now, presumed dead, she prefers to keep a low profile. Working as a pilot on a freighter ship, she occasionally accepts the odd refugee passenger to appease her humanitarian conscience. But things go downhill when her cargo turns out to be none other than the princess of an alien race and her two bodyguards.

Embroiled in a galaxy-wide conspiracy, Captain Colderaro finds herself dodging the Confederacy Task Force, fighting space pirates, and evading mercenaries intent on capturing the princess.

Can she make it to the alien planet without losing or damaging her cargo while still keeping her real identity a secret?

••••

REVIEW: SPLENDOR’S ORBIT is the first instalment in Jina S Bazzar’s adult MACLEE CHRONICLES sci-fi, adventure trilogy focusing on Captain Colderaro aka Captain Leann Smith and Lord Ravi Drax aka Madrovi Fidraxi.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Captain Leann and Ravi Drax) SPLENDOR’S ORBIT follows Captain Lee as she is coerced by Kroz warriors Ravi Drax and his second in command Thern, into saving the life of a young girl she only knows as Felicia, by escorting her back to the Krozalia planet. From the outset, everything goes wrong; nothing goes according to plan when several attempts to kidnap Felicia are followed by numerous attempts on their lives. When the Confederacy Task Force discover Captain Lee’s true identity, Leann, Ravi, Thern and Felicia will have an escort, an escort of which Leann no longer trusts. As the Splendor and her crew fly closer to Krozalia, deception from within reveals betrayal at the heart of the attacks against Captain Lee, and her darkest secrets may get her killed. Captain Leann Smith is not as she appears to be, and in this, she will be targeted by the people she thought she could trust. Searching for the people who destroyed her life, Leann must endeavor to continue her search as she falls in love with a man she barely knows.

The secondary and supporting characters are energetic and dynamic. We are introduced to Leann’s AI advisor Mac; Ravi’s second in command Thern, princess Dolenta Tsakid, and several members from Captain Lee’s former military unit: Cassandra, Lorenzo and Sargent Sullivan. Betrayal came from home, abandonment resulted in someone Leann no longer knew.

SPLENDOR’S QUEST is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, friends and foes. From AI to cyborgs, space pirates and mercenaries, supercharged weaponry, spaceships and deceit, SPLENDOR’S QUEST is a tale of action and adventure into space, galaxies and planets, akin to Star Trek™ and Star Wars™ with a large assortment of intergalactic beings. The fast paced, multi-layered premise is fascinating and exciting yet I have read a similar story line and series in the past; the characters are desperate, determined and charismatic; there is a romance blossoming between Leann and Ravi. SPLENDOR’S ORBIT ends on a bit of a cliff hanger.

Reviewed by Sandy

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IMPERIAL STARDUST
(MacLee Chronicles 2)
by Jina S Bazzar
Genre: adult, sci-fi, adventure

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 22, 2023

Captain Lee thought she had faced the most challenging trials the galaxy had to offer. She was wrong.

Now she’s on the stunning planet of Krozalia, a world on the brink of chaos following the failed assassination attempt on the princess and the rising of a lethal rebellion.

Alliances are crumbling, loyalties are shifting, and Leann has no intention of waiting for the results. Staying might cost her more than she’s willing to pay, but leaving is no longer as simple as jumping into space.

So when the rebellion leaders make their move, Captain Lee finds herself in the thick of it all—and to save those she loves, she’ll need to use everything in her power, including the forbidden technology she’s worked so hard to hide.

•••••

REVIEW: IMPERIAL STARDUST is the second instalment in Jina S Bazzar’s adult MACLEE CHRONICLES sci-fi, adventure trilogy focusing on focusing on Captain Colderaro aka Captain Leann Smith and Lord Ravi Drax aka Madrovi Fidraxi. IMPERIAL STARDUST should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book one SPLENDOR’S ORBIT.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Captain Leann and Ravi Drax) IMPERIAL STARDUST picks up immediately after the events of book one. Captain Leann has successfully returned Princess Dolenta to her home planet but a rebellion is about take aim at the ruling family. As her human companions begin to negotiate a deal with the Krozalian ruling party, our heroine finds herself under scrutiny for who she is and what she knows. Meanwhile, Ravi Drax has made his intentions known to claim the woman who has captured his heart but Leann is determined to find the people who destroyed her life.

The world building continues to focus on the Krozalia people, their political system, and a rebellion meant to remove the royal family but Leann has much bigger plans, plans that will pulls her away from the man with whom she is falling in love.

The relationship between Leann and Ravi is declared as one of life-mates but Leann struggles in the face of past betrayals, loss and grief. Leann and Ravi are separated for most of the current time line but an attack pushes our couple together, in the wake of survival and another betrayal. There are no $ex scenes, everything is implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters as the crew and passengers of the spaceship Splendor come face to face with Krozalia’s royal family, ruling parties, security details and military soldiers. The requisite evil has many faces.

IMPERIAL STARDUST is another story of action and adventure, space travel, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family, relationships, and fated love with AI and Cyborgs, deceit and rebellion. The premise is thought provoking, animated and twisted; the characters are powerful, magical and complex; the romance is fated but subtle. IMPERIAL STARDUST ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Reviewed by Sandy

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ECLIPSED CROWN
The MacLee Chronicles 3
by Jina S Bazzar
Genre: adult, sci-fi-adventure

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

RELEASE DATE: January 12, 2024

Krozalia’s fragile stability rests on Leann’s ability to protect Dolenta—the very same cargo she once ferried across the stars. With the Tanue untethered and the emperor dead, Captain Leann has less than three days to help the princess claim the throne. But this time, the captain’s long-buried goals entwine with a decades-old scheme, unveiling a truth that will reshape the destiny of Krozalia and the galaxy itself.

In the conclusion of this action-packed science fantasy trilogy, readers will be on the edge of their seats as they follow Captain Leann’s journey through a galaxy where danger lurks at every turn and the line between friend and foe blurs in the midst of a galaxy-altering conspiracy.

••••••••

REVIEW:ECLIPSED CROWN is the third and final instalment in Jina S Bazzar’s adult THE MACLEE CHRONICLES sci-fi, adventure trilogy focusing on Captain Colderaro aka Captain Leann Smith and Lord Ravi Drax aka Madrovi Fidraxi. ELCLIPSED CROWN should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book two IMPERIAL STARDUST.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Captain Leann and Ravi Drax) ECLIPSED CROWN picks up immediately after the event and cliff hanger of book two IMPERIAL STARDUST. At the end of book two, our heroine Captain Leann Smith was injured, trying to save the life of the princess Dolenta in the wake of the murder of her beloved father. Several more attempts on the princess’ life, a rebellion of rogue warriors determined to take control, and a senscient creature connected to the royal family find Leann and Ravi on the run, looking for help from whomever they could trust. A ghost from the past is a reminder to Leann that not everyone and everything is who they appear to be but betrayal, vengeance, and a fight for power threaten Leann and her misfit band of warriors and cyborgs such that they will either become outlaws or die trying. In order to protect the princess, and the future of the royal line, Dolenta will merge with her future, to return ten years to take the throne.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and complicated characters many of whom have ulterior motives. Friends will betray friends, trust must be earned, and throughout it all, Leann knows her time with Ravi will come to a close.

The relationship between Ravi and Leann become something more. Ravi has mate-bonded to our story line heroine but their separation and her need to run threatens the life of the man that she loves.

ECLIPSED CROWN is another story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, tragedy and grit. The fast paced, character driven premise is detailed, complex and entertaining; the characters are powerful and determined; the romance is subtle and passionate.

Reviewed by Sandy

Copies supplied for review

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