Monthly Archives: March 2024

The Truth About the Devlins by Lisa Scottoline-Review & Giveaway

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The Truth About the Devlins by Lisa Scottoline-Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
TJ Devlin is the charming disappointment in the prominent Devlin family, all of whom are lawyers at their highly successful firm—except him. After a stint in prison and rehab for alcoholism, TJ can’t get hired anywhere except at the firm, in a make-work job with the title of investigator.

But one night, TJ’s world turns upside down after his older brother John confesses that he just murdered one of the clients, an accountant he’d confronted with proof of embezzlement. It seems impossible coming from John, the firstborn son and Most Valuable Devlin.

TJ plunges into the investigation, seizing the chance to prove his worth and save his brother. But in no time, TJ and John find themselves entangled in a lethal web of deception and murder. TJ will fight to save his family, but what he learns might break them first.

 

 

Review:

The Truth About the Devlins by Lisa Scottoline is a standalone crime mystery thriller that grips you from the start. The story is set in Philadelphia, centered around the Devlins, who are a family of successful lawyers, in their own law firm. The story revolves around TJ Devlin, who is the black sheep in the family, as he is a recovering alchoholic, as well as having spent time in prison.  TJ works at his family’s law firm as investigator, working hard to redeem himself to his family.

It is his father’s birthday party, when his older brother needs help, and asks TJ to come with him.  Seems John (the older successful brother) met with a client, who pulled a gun on him, and John threw a rock at the client, hitting him in the head.  John fears he killed the man, but when they get to where John left him, there is no body. When they get back to the party, the family immediately thinks that TJ was in trouble.  John tries to conceal where they went, making up a lie that TJ had a relapse, even though he has been sober for a while.  TJ is angry with John, for lying, and when he tries to explain to the family, they brush him off as he is not telling the truth.

The next day TJ learns that John’s client was dead, supposedly by suicide, due to embezzlement, at a different site. This relieves John, and he no longer worries; but TJ is suspicious because he sees he is being followed.  TJ continues his investigation, putting himself into dangerous situations.   TJ is also helping out his sister, Gabby on a pro bono case, related to illegal drugs conducted on inmates in prison by pharmaceutical companies. TJ begins to suspect that John has some issues, causing his downward spiral endangering his family.   Were both of these cases related?

I really liked TJ, who was dedicated to proving himself to his family, despite them treating him like a lost cause; which was heartbreaking at times.  Only his sister, Gabby was always believing in him; as his mother usually did.  His father was harsh to him, always believing the worst; especially with John’s lies to defend himself.  TJ also closer to the end will find the perfect woman for him, as they made a great couple.

The Truth about the Devlins is an exciting, fast-paced story in the last third of the book, with a dangerous lethal web of deception and murder. I was unable to put the book down, as it was a heart-pounding, captivating page-turner.  The Truth About the Devlins was very well written by Lisa Scottoline.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

The Reading Cafe is offering a paper copy of THE TRUTH ABOUT THE DEVLINS to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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6. Please LIKE  LISA SCOTTOLINE on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from March 25th – March 29th, 2024

 

 

 

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Play Dirty (Tempting SEALS: Triton 1) by Lora Leigh-review

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Play Dirty (Tempting SEALS: Triton 1) by Lora Leigh-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 6, 2024

She saved his life when they were kids and then he saved hers. When she became a young woman, Poppy knew she would never love anyone the way she loved Jack Lee Bridger.

But after a near tragedy, Jack left home to become a Navy SEAL and Poppy knew there wouldn’t be another like him. Not for her.

She remembered the way it felt when he looked at her with those smoldering eyes.

The way he kissed her.

Touched her…

Now it’s years later and danger is dogging her footsteps and Jack is back.

And Poppy knows that he will do anything–absolutely anything–to keep her safe. She trusts him to protect her body, but can she trust him with heart?

••••

REVIEW:PLAY DIRTY is the first instalment in Lora Leigh’s contemporary, adult Tempting SEALs: Triton erotic romance series. This is thirty-two year old, undercover US Navy SEAL Jack Bridger, and twenty-six year old Poppy Porter’s story line. There is a slight sci-fi plot line involving sentient artificial intelligence, and cybernetic organisms.

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

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives (Jack and Poppy) using present day and memories from the past, PLAY DIRTY follows the childhood friends to lovers relationship between our story line couple. At seven years of age, Poppy Porter ‘saved’ the life of her best friend Jack Bridger, and several years later Jack would save Poppy’s life in return. Fast forward to present day wherein Jack Bridger has returned to his home town, a town that believes Jack is a traitor to the American people.Along with his team of former US Navy SEALs Jack goes undercover to ferret out a criminal organization with possible connections to the woman he loves.

The world building focuses on the events of the past, the abuse and betrayal of our story line hero, and the fall-out for a man who has battled all of his life. Poppy Porter has always loved the boy who had stolen her heart but Jack has returned a changed man, a man with a deadly and questionable reputation.

The relationship between Jack and Poppy is a best friends to lovers but a relationship that is currently based on secrets and lies. Jack’s return home comes with a darkness and secrets he is unable to reveal, and Poppy struggles to trust as death and destruction follow Jack in his wake. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative.

We are introduced to Jack’s US Navy SEAL team: Lucas Royce, Hayes Granger and Hank Brady: Poppy’s over protective brothers Mac-Cole, John David and Evan; Poppy’s bosses Caine Crossfield and mention of River Dawson, as well as Poppy’s friends and co-workers Sasha and Saige. The requisite evil has many faces.

PLAY DIRTY is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is intriguing, captivating and engaging; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are desperate, dynamic and charismatic. PLAY DIRTY ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Gild by Raven Kennedy – a Review

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Gild by Raven Kennedy – a Review

 

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Description:
The fae abandoned this world to us. And the ones with power rule.

Gold.

Gold floors, gold walls, gold furniture, gold clothes. In Highbell, in the castle built into the frozen mountains, everything is made of gold.

Even me.

King Midas rescued me. Dug me out of the slums and placed me on a pedestal. I’m called his precious. His favored. I’m the woman he Gold-Touched to show everyone that I belong to him. To show how powerful he is. He gave me protection, and I gave him my heart. And even though I don’t leave the confines of the palace, I’m safe.

Until war comes to the kingdom and a deal is struck.

Suddenly, my trust is broken. My love is challenged. And I realize that everything I thought I knew about Midas might be wrong.

Because these bars I’m kept in, no matter how gilded, are still just a cage. But the monsters on the other side might make me wish I’d never left.

The myth of King Midas reimagined. This compelling adult fantasy series is as addictive as it is unexpected. With romance, intrigue, and danger, the gilded world of Orea will grip you from the very first page.

 

 

Review:

Gild by Raven Kennedy is the 1st book in her The Plated Prisoner series. This is a dark fantasy inspired by the myth of King Midas; a retelling of the man who turned everything he touched to gold.

Auren, our heroine, had a rough childhood, losing her parents at a young age; having to fend for herself; but soon she is rescued by Midas, who will give her protection and kindness. 10 years later, after he became King, Auren is his favorite, with her body and hair totally gold, except for her eyes and teeth. She lives in a gilded cage, with Midas not sharing her with anyone, and pampering her; also, being a friend and lover to him.  Midas has a number of concubines whom he uses for sexual pleasures, and allowing those concubines (saddles) to enjoy the other men, but only Auren belonged solely to Midas.

Though we did not see sex scenes between Auren and Midas, even though he was her lover. I have to say this book had so many graphic non-consensual sex/rape scenes, that were really degrading for women.  Even using the “saddles” reference was terrible.  When Auren learns that Midas is offering her a one-night stand with another King, she is desperate to stop it, but Midas will eventually eliminate the other King, protecting Auren. 

When Midas takes control over the other kingdom, a war breaks out, and all the concubines & Auren are captured by pirates, with many of the soldiers killed. The pirate captain plans to make a deal to sell the concubines (after they have fun with them), to King Ravinger.  Commander Rip is the feared leader who forces the pirate captain to agree for them to take all the concubines, even though the captain wanted to keep Auren.   It was amazing though that Auren was able to use her unknown powers to save Rissa and herself.

Gild was an interesting fantasy, which from what I have discovered, will be three more books for this series.  However, I thought there was too much graphic sexual violence done to some of these women, which was extremely degrading, and most certainly for an adult audience.   The end of the book, Auren and the ladies will find themselves going to King Ravinger’s kingdom, and a new possible romance with Commander Rip, as well as Midas planning to go to war.  Gild was an intriguing story and disturbing; with the overall intriguing concept written by Raven Kennedy.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Lord Ashley’s Beautiful Alibi by Cerise Deland-review

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Lord Ashley’s Beautiful Alibi (Scarlett Affairs 1 )by Cerise Deland-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 21, 2024

He pretended he was her lover. She became his alibi…and his only love.

Augustine Bolton lives amid the social whirl and treachery of the stylish court of Josephine and Napoleon Bonaparte. When Gus’s dearest friend, Amber, disappears, Gus must find her before the deputy chief of police finds Amber and carts her off to his bed—or to la Force.

But Gus’s means are few and her own duties as an agent in Amber’s network mean she is also suspect. Gus needs help.

Kane Whittington is just the man for the job.

He has worked for London merchant-cum-spymaster Scarlett Hawthorne for years and welcomes Scarlett’s call to build a large espionage network in Europe. His first task is to find the missing head of Scarlett’s espionage network.

The best person to help him is the lady’s best friend whom he’s never met. But when he sets eyes on ravishing Augustine Bolton in Josephine’s salon, Kane recognizes the black-haired beauty as the one he kissed years ago on the road to Malmaison during a botched abduction of Bonaparte.

Kane must persuade the beautiful Gus to allow him to help her. He suggests the cover for their escapade is simple: They show the gossipy Parisian court they enjoy a mad love affair. Thus, Gus gains an ally—and Kane acquires an alibi.

But Gus’s ally is a darling man whose kindness thrills her. His alibi is a brave, beautiful woman he cannot give up. Can they find a way to fulfill their missions—and join together to claim their love for a lifetime?

••••

REVIEW:I’ve only ever read one of this authors books before and I throughly enjoyed it.
So as this is a new series (one book so far, but lots more promised) I thought I’d give it a go…

Kane needs a way into a spy network, and by finding the head of the network will get him where he needs to be. But finding her proves tricky, he needs a cover story……

Augustine (or Gus to her friends) needs to find and rescue her best friend before she becomes a target of the chief of police (he’s got more than his eye on her friend!!) the help she needs requires stealth and guile. But where will she find the help she needs?

Their first meeting was years ago, a stolen kiss and a fond memory of one another. But they need to work together to find Amber, and get her back. But chemistry and sneaky looks at one another soon have the mission hanging in the balance! They are only suppose to play at being in love, it’s only suppose to be a cover! Try telling that to Gus and Kane 😝

An action/adventure story set in the past with a romance thrown in for good measure. A fast paced book that had me reading late into the night, couldn’t put it down! I needed to know what went on next…

Lots of twists and turns, with a few double deals and betrayals thrown in as well. Can Gus and Kane really trust one another? Or are they the only ones they can trust?

Liked how the author spent time on details. Set just before the Napoleonic war. The couple have to decide on wether they can trust one another. Kane is thinking of using Gus to extract the information he needs. It’s nothing personal at first. But spending more and more time with her, Kane struggles with his conscience and his growing admiration and affection for this young woman who isn’t afraid of going against society.

I did like Gus. Her attitude although in the past was very modern in those times. Marriage was basically slavey for the women. And powerful men could do what they liked! So marriage was never going to be on the cards for her.

History mixed with fiction, spies and intrigue. Lots of detail. Beautifully written and well thought out.

I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

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Fighting for Reese by Katie Reus-review

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Fighting for Reese (Redemption Harbor Security 2) by Katie Reus-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 26, 2024

She’s a grumpy security expert…

Reese doesn’t do relationships. Especially not with tall, sexy men with golden retriever energy. Nope, she prefers her men brooding and silent—with no strings attached. So when she hooks up with her gorgeous coworker after their friends’ wedding, she does what any sane woman would do. She runs.

He’s a sunshine badass…

Unfortunately for her, they’ve got to go undercover at a couples’ retreat which means one room, one bed, and a simmering heat neither of them can deny. Constantine—aka Cash to his friends—has been burned before because of his wealth. But Reese wants nothing to do with his money, which only intrigues him even more. Now that they’re sharing a room, his hot-and-cold vixen isn’t getting away from him again. But he’s got to keep them alive long enough to show that what they shared is more than a one-time thing. Something that proves more difficult when people around them start dying.

•••••

REVIEW:FIGHTING FOR REESE is the second instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult REDEMPTION HARBOR SECURITY romantic suspense series-a spin of from the author’s REDEMPTION HARBOR series. This is agents Constantine ‘Cash’ Pierce and Reese’s story line. FIGHTING FOR REESE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty . Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives FIGHTING FOR REESE follows the latest assignment for Cash and Reese. An employee is missing from the Kingston Wellness Spa, and her best friend is hoping the team at Redemption Harbor Security to uncover the truth. Going undercover as an engaged duo at a couple’s retreat, along with fellow agents US Marine Rowan and former CIA agent Adalyn, Cash and Reese quickly discover not all is well at the Kingston Wellness Spa. From dead bodies to the Albanian Mob, Cash and Reese find themselves facing the possibility of a serial killer who is intent to destroy them all.

The world building is detailed and intriguing. We are up close and personal with Cash and Reese as they journey towards coupledom while focusing on a potential killer who is desperate enough to make a mistake endangering everyone involved.

The relationship between Cash and Reese is co-workers to friends to fake lovers to lovers. Cash knows Reese is the woman that calls to his heart but Reese believes there is an end date to their fake affair. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are engaging and interesting. We are introduced to US Marine Rowan, and former CIA agent Adalyn; Spa owners Ben and Mila Kingston, as well as several guests, and law enforcement. The requisite evil has many faces.

FIGHTING FOR REESE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven, fast paced premise is intriguing and suspenseful; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and captivating.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one FIGHTING FOR HAILEY

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.

Connect with Katie:

Facebook | Blog| Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Website

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Pirate Trap (Clay Wolfe / Port Essex Mystery) by Matt Cost-review

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Pirate Trap (Clay Wolfe / Port Essex Mystery 5) by Matt Cost-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 27, 2024

Did Black Sam bury pirate treasure in Port Essex 300 years ago?

After finding an incredibly lucrative Spanish treasure in the Keys of Florida, Black Sam Bellamy decided to leave the pirate life and return to his true love in New England. Before being shipwrecked on the way to retrieve her, he hid his booty with the Chbo So Clan in Port Essex.

“Well, Mr. Wolfe, to get straight to the point, we want you to help us find a lost pirate treasure.”

Clay Wolfe had been slouched in the desk chair of his P.I. office, but now he straightened up and sat forward. His normally natty attire was ruffled, stubble dotted his face, and his eyes were red. “In Port Essex?”

Clay Wolfe, devastated by the death of his grandfather, is hired by an antiques dealer to find a long-lost pirate treasure and finds himself pitted against an unscrupulous sex doll businessman, a motorcycle gang, a greedy salvage boat operator, and other mysterious entities. Also recruited for this treasure hunt is Clay’s Westy, Crystal, Murphy, Cloutier, and of course, Baylee Baker.

And the spark between Clay and his partner, Baylee, finally bursts into flame…

•••••

REVIEW:PIRATE TRAP is the fifth instalment in Matt Cost’s contemporary, adult CLAY WOLFE/PORT ESSEX MYSTERY series focusing on former homicide detective turned private investigator Clay Wolfe, and his rag-tag team of wanna-bes and undercover operatives. PIRATE TRAP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as to the history of Clay Wolfe and people he calls family and friends.

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

Told from several third person perspectives including Clay Wolfe, following several intersecting paths, PIRATE TRAP focuses on the search for sunken treasure. Over three hundred years earlier, a ship suspected of carrying several trunks of stolen fire opals was reported to have gone down near Port Essex, Maine. Hired to ‘search’ for the whereabouts of the sunken treasure, a drunk and embittered Clay Wolfe and his business partner turned lover Baylee Baker begin to hunt for the truth but all is not as is appears to be when the bodies begin to amass, another treasure hunting crew takes notice, and a dangerous MC begins to target everyone involved.

Clay Wolfe has been spiralling since the murder of his beloved grandfather, and in this, our hero is struggling to move on with his life. Placing himself in danger and the direct line of fire, Clay Wolfe’s overwhelming behavior is a threat to his own safety and often the safety of others. Finding solace in his partner Baylee Baker, Clay sees an opportunity for a different future, a future involving family and friends.

Blending historical fact, fiction, and Indigenous lore, Matt Cost enlightens the reader onto a three hundred year old case referencing pirate ‘Black’ Sam Bellamy, and twelve cases of fire opals, stolen or taken from a mine in Mexico, then disappearing off the coast of Maine. Rumors abound as to what happened: from a storm at sea to a buried treasure never to be found but greed and betrayal will be at the heart of Clay Wolfe’s investigation crossing paths with another case towards a deadly betrayal.

PIRATE TRAP is an action packed story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, power and control, violence and murder, friendships and relationships. The premise is detailed, gritty and intriguing; the characters are captivating and suspenseful; the romance is limited but encouraging.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Wolfe Trap
Mind Trap
Mouse Trap
Cosmic Trap

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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Over the years, Cost has owned a video store, a mystery bookstore, and a gym. He has also taught history and coached just about every sport imaginable.

Cost now lives in Brunswick, Maine, with his wife, Harper. There are four grown children: Brittany, Pearson, Miranda, and Ryan. A chocolate Lab and a basset hound round out the mix. He now spends his days at the computer, writing.

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Restless / Relentless:Death Dwellers MC by Kathryn C Kelly

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Restless / Relentless: The Legacy  Rises: Next Generation (Death Dwellers MC 3 & 4) by Kathryn C Kelly-reviews

RESTLESS: The Legacy Generation
(Death Dwellers MC : Bridge Series 2)
by Kathryn C Kelly
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, MC,

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 5, 2023

In the gripping second installment of the Death Dweller MC’s Legacy Series, “Restless,” CJ Caldwell finds himself facing more challenges and heartbreak than ever before.

Still grappling with a devastating family tragedy, CJ is now also dealing with the fractured relationship between him and his once-best friend, Harley. Her erratic behavior has not only destroyed their friendship, but it also threatens to unravel other important relationships in CJ’s life.

As CJ’s parents struggle with their own personal issues, the weight of responsibility falls heavily on CJ’s young shoulders. He must step up and take care of his siblings while navigating the complex dynamics of a broken family. But little does he know, danger lurks in the shadows, ready to pounce when he least expects it.

•••••

REVIEW: RESTLESS is the second instalment in Kathryn C Kelly’s contemporary, adult DEATH DWELLERS MC : THE LEGACY GENERATION dark, erotic, series focusing on the multi-generational membership in the Death Dwellers MC-a spinoff from the Death Dwellers MC. Most of the original couples and characters from the Death Dwellers MC series play significant role in the current timelines. I recommend reading the original series as well as RECKLESS book one of The Legacy Generation.

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

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives using present day, memories from the past , divided into Acts and Interludes RESTLESS follows several intersecting paths focusing on the dark and acrimonious relationships between family, friendships and the Death Dwellers MC. Although several of the characters are under sixteen years old, the entirety of the premise is intended for mature readers. While CJ Caldwell is torn between friendships and family, his story line bleeds and blends into the overarching premise, as the originals, the members, and the legacy fight for control at the top.

Secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, murder and abuse, obsession and madness are but a few of the significant conceptualizations throughout the story, in the end, deception and dishonesty are but the tip of the proverbial iceberg as club president Christopher ‘Outlaw’ Caldwell struggles to regain control. The detailed and complex premise is gritty, dark, raw. dramatic and tragic; the characters are numerous, flawed, destructive-there is nothing likeable about the majority of the characters; there is no romance to be found. RESTLESS ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Heed the trigger warnings-they are graphic and numerous.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one RECKLESS

__________

RELENTLESS: The Legacy Rises
(Death Dwellers MC, Bridge Series 3)
by Kathryn Kelly
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, MC,

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 14, 2024

In the gripping sequel to “Restless,” Christopher “Outlaw” Caldwell’s transformation into a devoted family man is put to the ultimate test. Once feared for his ruthlessness, he finds himself drifting further away from his notorious MC leader persona as he navigates the aftermath of his youngest child’s turbulent entrance into the world.

As Jo experiences a new set of challenges, he only spirals further, affecting everyone around him. Most especially his wife, Megan, who struggles to traverse her grief as she enters a new stage in her life while dealing with a hard-headed bully.Amidst this chaos, CJ, Outlaw and Meggie’s son, struggles to hold everything together as his parents falter. He has a hard time recognizing his developing feelings for a girl who isn’t Harley Banks, causing further complications in his already tumultuous life.

Meanwhile, Bash still lurks, and as his reign of terror continues, the kids of the MC learn what it means to be a Death Dweller. In this gritty and emotionally charged sequel, “Relentless” delves deeper into the complexities of family, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life within the MC world. Will Outlaw’s transformation be enough to protect those he loves, or will the past catch up with him, threatening to tear everything apart?

•••••

REVIEW: RELENTLESS: The Legacy Rises is the third instalment in Kathryn C Kelly’s contemporary, adult DEATH DWELLERS MC : BRIDGE SERIES dark, erotic, series focusing on the multi-generational membership in the Death Dwellers MC-a spinoff from the Death Dwellers MC. Most of the original couples and characters from the Death Dwellers MC series play a significant role in the current timelines. I recommend reading the original series as well as RECKLESS, and RESTLESS books one and two of The Legacy Generation.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including graphic violence and language, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers. Although several of the characters are under sixteen years old and control a major portion of the story line premise and conflict, the entirety of the premise is intended for mature readers.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives using present day and memories from the past, several acts and interludes, RELENTLESS, as did the previous instalments, continues to follow several intersecting paths focusing on the acrimonious friendships and relationships between the extended families, and members, of the Death Dwellers MC. As Christopher ‘Outlaw’ Caldwell and his wife Meggie continue to struggle with their own relationship since the early birth of their youngest daughter, there are many people behind the scenes focusing on taking the couple down but ultimately Meggie Caldwell for her connections to the past. Greed and jealousy are but the tip of the proverbial iceberg: no one is safe, betrayal is rampant and disheartening.

RELENTLESS is a dark, graphic, complex and detailed story focusing on many issues including graphic violence, discrimination, racism, mental instability and illness, psychotic breaks, emotional and physical infidelity. There is madness, anger, resentment and loss; betrayal, abuse, incest, vengeance and jealousy; mistrust and misunderstanding-most manipulated by actors behinds the scenes resulting in any number of fall-outs and accusations. The dysfunctionality of the Death Dwellers MC family is rife with any number of psychological terrors-the selfishness, secrets, lies and manipulations threaten the sanity of everyone involved.

A major portion of the story line follows the under eighteen (most under sixteen) extended family members-the legacy generation who are straddling the line between madness and mania. No one is likeable from child to adult, the amount of deceit is dangerous and alarming.

Once again, Heed the trigger warnings-they are graphic and numerous.

Copies supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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MONSTER BULLY by Sam Crescent-a review

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MONSTER BULLY by Sam Crescent-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 12, 2024

From the moment Grim looks at Eve, he knows he wants her. All of his life, he has only known true evil. It was why he was able to rise the ranks and become the man that he is today. No one dared to betray him. If they did, they only knew him to be cruel, a true monster—a bully.All she did was help a stranger. A man with a flat tire. One date turned into another, and now, she is married to the love of her life. Only, Grim is not who he says he is.

One year, Eve thought she was married to a respectable business man called Graham. He’s called Grim, and there is nothing good about him. She now knows the truth. He is a dangerous man, and she wants a divorce. The only problem is, she is still in love with him. He is no different from the man she married. Grim will not let her go without a fight. But while focusing on his wife, an enemy has risen up. When they threaten his wife, there is no holding back. He promised his wife he would protect her. Anyone who threatens her, will be dead.Will Eve be able to forgive and finally accept who her husband is?

•••••

REVIEW: MONSTER BULLY by Sam Crescent is a stand alone, dark, contemporary, adult, erotic, romance story line focusing on Grim and Eve.

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

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Eve and Grim) MONSTER BULLY follows the building relationship between our story line couple. Approximately one year earlier, Eve met Grim on the side of the road when his car broke down. Fast forward to present day wherein Eve is now married to the man she knows as Graham, a man with a dark past, and even darker secrets. A virtual prisoner of the man she loves, Eve struggles with her love for a man who lifestyle is questionable at best, and illegal at worst. What ensues is the rebuilding but contemptuous relationship between Grim and Eve, and the fall-out when Eve is targeted for Grim’s vigilante ways.

The world building is limited but there is enough detail to reveal the truth behind Grim’s actions and power. A crime lord/a killer/ a dealer and a savior, Graham aka Grim is a man of many titles but first and foremost, the man that Eve still loves.

The relationship between Eve and Grim begins with attraction and need but Eve is unaware of the reality of the situation, and that Grim is still controlling most of her life. Having fallen in love with a killer, Eve struggles with what was and what continues to be. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

The secondary and supporting characters are limited as their roles reveal the true nature of Grim’s work and persona.

MONSTER BULLY is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is thought-provoking and haunting; the romance is intense; the characters are desperate and edgy.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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