Monthly Archives: April 2024

Mr. Wicked (Hooked 2) by Marni Mann-review tour

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Mr. Wicked (Hooked 2) by Marni Mann-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 23, 2024

Grayson Tanner has had better days. Coming off the successful international launch of Hooked, the hook-up app he cofounded with his two best friends, and a night with one of the sexiest women he’s ever met, he’s now in a PR nightmare. A video of him has gone viral—a toast to the indulgence of bachelorhood. It’s a bad look for the creator of the app’s marriage arm. As memberships plummet amid a media firestorm, his PR firm has a new narrative to quell the flames: Grayson has to get married. Fast.

Hello, Jovana Winters—social media influencer and Grayson’s former one-night stand. The one-night stand he has yet to move on from mentally. Their immediate connection is undeniable. In front of the camera, they’re charismatic and passionate, and social media is calling them the It couple. But off camera, Grayson doesn’t trust women or believe in commitment.

Jovana is the opposite, a believer in love who knows what she wants. Now she’s on a mission to turn this fake marriage into the real deal, even though she’s hiding the biggest secret of them all.

But with a man like Mr. Wicked, it won’t come easy.

••••••

REVIEW:Mr. Wicked is the second in the Hooked series by Marni Mann. Reading book one (Mr. Hook-Up) is recommended, while Wicked can be read alone, Grayson is part of a trio and is introduced in book one. Wicked is an alpha, billionaire romance filled with funny characters, spicy moments and a he falls first vibe.

Grayson is living the high life. The dating app he and his close friends have designed has exploded all over the internet, now it’s time to celebrate. When Grayson sees the waitress at the bar, he knows two things. 1. She is the hottest thing he has ever seen and 2.She is unlike anyone he has ever met before. When these two meet, the room is on fire with their chemistry, think of it as lust at first sight. Jovana isn’t one for hook-ups, she believes in love, but with Grayson, their lust is potent. She throws caution to the wind and puts her trust in the chemistry they have for one another, too bad that it comes to bite her in the bum. An empty bed in the morning.

Days later Grayson’s face is plastered all over the tabloids with half a dozen different women, all stating how amazing he thinks being single is. The company takes a hit, new enrollers are at a standstill, and their company’s PR is under fire to contain the issues. Their solution? Grayson must get married, and fast. Grayson isn’t one to take things lying down so you best believe the farce of a marriage the PR people are trying to peddle to him is a no go. Finally, after much conversation, Grayson is on board with the plan. Now they must find a woman willing to marry Grayson with the current situation. And of course, who is their first choice? Jovana.

What else is there to say about Mr. Wicked other than how fantastic a read it was. Grayson and Jovana were engaging and fun to read with the perfect amount of spice and character development. Grayson’s story as to why he had his issues is addressed and Jovana really does come into herself. I’m excited to see what our last bachelor has in store for us.

Click HERE for Sarah’s review of book one Mr. Hook Up

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

 

Best-selling Author Marni Mann knew she was going to be a writer since middle school. While other girls her age were daydreaming about teenage pop stars, Mann was fantasizing about penning her first novel. She crafts sexy, titillating stories that weave together her love of darkness, mystery, passion, and human emotion. A New Englander at heart, she now lives in Sarasota, Florida with her husband and their two dogs who subsequently have been characters in her books. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop working on her next novel, she’s scouring for chocolate, sipping wine, traveling to new locations, and devouring fabulous books.

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Archangel’s Lineage by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

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Archangel’s Lineage by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Raphael and Elena are experiencing their first ever year of true peace. No war. No horrors of archangelic power. No nightmares given flesh. Until…the earth beneath the Refuge begins to tremble, endangering not only angelkind’s precious and fragile young, but the very place that has held their most innocent safe for eons.

Amid the chaos, Elena’s father suffers a violent heart attack that threatens to extinguish their last chance to heal the bonds between them and make sense of the ruins of their agonizing shared history.

Even as Elena battles grief, Raphael is torn from her side by the sudden disappearance of an archangel. But worse yet is to come. An Ancestor, an angel unlike any other, stirs from his Sleep to warn the Cadre of a darkness so terrible that it causes empires to fall and civilizations to vanish.

This time, even the Cadre itself may not be able to stop a ticking clock that is counting down at frightening speed…

••••••••

Barb’s Review:
Archangel’s Lineage by Nalini Singh is the 16th book in her wonderful Guild Hunter series. Nalini Singh continues to amaze us with another fantastic addition to this series.  It has been ten years since Lijuan died, with the destruction having been rebuilt, and peace around the world. But now all over the world, the land begins to quake under the refuge, with buildings being destroyed, and other violent natural disasters. Jessamy and Vivek work together to uncover what is happening, as they find an old ancient language that might give them answers.

When an Ancient ancestor seems to be awakening from his sleep, Raphael will meet an archangel older than any of them; Marduk. He will explain his thoughts on why the world is falling apart.  Marduk will warn Rapheal and all of the Cadre of a darkness that needs to be fixed, or the future may not survive. All the archangels must work together to find the clues left behind by the old angelic ancestors and how to fix it.

The other part of this story revolves around Elena, whose father has a major heart attack, and may not survive.  She rushes to his bedside, spending time with her stepmother, and their kids, including her own sister, Beth. Elena begins to see signs, such as Beth’s hair turning grey, and the other kids growing up, and realizes that she will outlive all her mortal family and friends.  She is in the middle of keeping an eye on her father, but also dealing with Marduk and his suggestions to stop the destruction.

I love seeing Raphael and Elena together, as I loved their spicy scenes; as well as the love they have for each other.  It was also great to see many of our favorites, such as Illium,Aodhan, Dmitri, Jessamy, Keir, Sharine, Titus, just to name a few;  not to mention all the archangels (Cadre) who must work together to save the world.  Vivek, who is working with Jessamy, seems to play a big part in finding information on the destruction, as he also has help from a very old female vampire underworld leader, Katrina.  Where will this lead in future books?

All of the Cadre, including Elena will need to find the clues for each of them that was once used all those many years before. Marduk only knows so much, but they all will need to bring the parts together, and then Elena with help from Keir to hope that they all will survive. I will not give spoilers, so not to ruin it for you.

What follows was an exciting, intense and emotional last third of the book, with everyone pulling together.  As in just about every book I read from Nalini Singh, I could not put this book down.  I loved having so much time with Elena, with her family, as well as the love between her and Raphael.  As always, Archangel’s Lineage was so very well written by Nalini.  If you are new to the series, you should start where it all began. Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, and if you are not reading her books, you need to start now.

______

Sandy’s Review: ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE is the sixteenth instalment in Nalini Singh’s adult GUILD HUNTER paranormal, urban fantasy series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE follows several pathways including the ongoing relationship between Archangel Raphael and his consort Elena, as well as the collapsing infrastructure of the Refuge; a worldwide series of environmental disasters; the early sleep of a troubled Archangel, a the awakening of another, too early in time, and crumbling bonds of Elena’s human family. ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE should not be read as a stand alone as there are numerous references to previous events and disasters.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives ( Elena and Raphael) ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE follows in the wake of a series of environmental disasters in each of the Archangel’s strongholds around the globe. It has been approximately ten years since the last war and the events of the Cascade (an event that causes massive power fluctuations and other changes among the members of the Cadre), and in this, reparations and rebuilding have been at the forefront for Raphael and Elena but a meeting of the Cadre reveals an Archangel has chosen to sleep, and another may be responsible for the chaos around the world.

Meanwhile, Elena’s estranged father has suffered a life-threatening heart attack, and our heroine is battling between heart break and remorse. Elena’s father has struggled in the years since the murder of his children, and the death of his beloved wife, and in this, Elena has felt the brunt of her father’s grief, and rejection.

The world building is complex and complicated as the story line references numerous past events, and the possible connections to the current time line. All is not well with Angelkind, and in this, the Cadre of Archangels is struggling to maintain control of the vast territories, and betrayal by some of their own.

The relationship between Elena and Raphael continues to be loving , passionate and seductive. Elena is mortal yet not-Raphael sacrificed himself to save his beloved, a sacrifice that now connects our heroine to the past. The $ex scenes are limited but intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, powerful and energetic secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in previous story lines. We are reintroduced to Elena’s extended family, as well as the introduction of Archangel Marduk.

ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, desperation and devotion, love and acceptance, family and love. The premise is dramatic, detailed, intricate and impassioned; the romance is heated and sentimental; the characters are compelling, authoritative, and dynamic.

Nalini Singh’s publisher is offering a hard copy of Archangel’s Lineage   to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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7. Giveaway is open to USA  only

8. Giveaway runs from April 23 – 27, 2024

 

 

 

 

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The Desires That Burn by Kristen Luciani-Review & Excerpt tour

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The Desires That Burn (Obsidian Knights Secret Society 2) by Kristen Luciani-review & excerpt tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 18, 2024

I have a weakness for bad boys…and my latest obsession? My father’s best friend.Gorgeous and powerful. Ruthless and deadly. Orion is the threat of death wrapped in a 6’5 tattooed package of filthy intent. He’s my new bodyguard. And my father’s trusted friend and hired gun. Lines quickly blur when he shows up to rescue me from a depraved group called the Collectors. My Internet fame got me caught in their dark and twisted crosshairs. Orion is the only one who can save me. But his method of protection quickly turns into something much more carnal when I call him Daddy.

He demands everything from me. My obedience. My submission. My body. He calls me young and spoiled, swearing he wants nothing to do with me beyond this job. Yet I’m the only one who can make him lose the control he hangs onto so tightly. Each minute we’re together makes him forget why my father sent him. Obligation turns into scorching hot passion that flares out of control. He makes my blood burn hot and passions run wild. Even though we have no future beyond this mission, we can’t stay away from each other. I want him to make me his, to claim me, to own me in every way. But when the Collectors close in to expose my biggest weakness, I have no choice but to go to them. To save my Daddy Orion. The question is, will he be able to save me?

••••

REVIEW:THE DESIRES THAT BURN is the second instalment in Kristen Luciani’s contemporary adult OBSIDIAN KNIGHTS SECRET SOCIETY dark, erotic, romance series focusing on a secret society of billionaires and assassins. This is former US Special Forces/ assassin for hire Jaxson ‘Orion’ Carter, and twenty year old social media influencer Dakota Hunt’s story line. THE DESIRES THAT BURN 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 including Daddy-kink, Dom / sub and graphic violence, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers. The author includes a list of TW in the book.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Orion and Dakota) THE DESIRES THAT BURN follows in the wake of the abduction of our story line heroine. Dakota Hunt is a social media influencer but her naivety is about to place her in the direct line of fire. Believing she has been invited to an exclusive party, our heroine’s ongoing naivety is a bitter pill to swallow. Assigned to rescue our story line heroine from a sex trafficking ring, Obsidian Knight Jaxson ‘Orion’ Carter finds himself on the defensive when he discovers Dakota’s connections to the Obsidian Knights, and his unwanted attraction to a much younger woman who is everything our hero needs and more. What ensues is the building but unconventional daddy/baby girl , Dom/sub relationship between Dakota and Orion, and the potential fall-out as Orion believes himself unworthy of love, and their time together comes to a close.

The world building is detailed and complex as the Obsidian Knights including Mercer and Smith push the proverbial buttons of our story line hero .Orion is a bit of a lone wolf, a rogue with a dark past, but a man who is struggling with his place in the Society. Obedience is rare, and his need to protect Dakota is in opposition to the orders from the people at the top.

The relationship between Dakota and Orion begins as a rescue but a rescue that becomes more dangerous with every move. A pretend Dom/sub relationship in an effort to escape becomes the catalyst that catches the eye of the people in charge.The $ex scenes are erotic, provocative and controversial including Daddy kink, Dom/sub, questionable consent

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including fellow Knights Mercer and Smith, Dakota’s friend Harley, as well as a number of deviant billionaires and businessmen. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE DESIRES THAT BURN is a dark, dramatic and intense story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, violence and aggression, acceptance and love. The premise is gritty and raw; the alternative romance is contentious ; the characters are desperate and charismatic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE SECRETS THAT KILL

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Keep reading for a look inside The Desires That Burn!

I rise slowly, and then I look up.
It’s him. The man who caught my attention on the deck. Up close, he’s older than I thought… or maybe it’s his eyes that are old, like they’ve lived through different lifetimes and personally visited hell. They’re eyes that have stories most don’t want to know, but for some odd reason, I do.
For the first time I wish my talents lay in paint and brush rather than the ability to turn found objects into art.
“I thought I was alone,” I say, the words tumbling from my lips. “I’m Dakota.”
He doesn’t answer. His intense, hard gaze moves over me like he’s grazing my skin. He’s so tall, and I’m not exactly short at five foot seven, but somehow, I feel like I’m barely a foot off the ground. I swallow hard as he moves closer, reaching over the polished wood of the bar for a bottle of rum.
And though he doesn’t touch me, the whisper of air on my bare arm tingles like he licked my skin.
He opens the bottle and silently, I hand him a glass. The clear liquid fills the glass. Then he nods to the one in my hand.
“Jesus,” he mutters. The voice low, rough like gravel, the kind of voice I didn’t know I liked, the kind of voice that finds its way down deep into my soul. “Are you even old enough to fucking drink?”
“Most men here try to ply with me booze, not talk me out of it.” Another mess of words. I shrug. “Age is just a number.”
He raises a brow. I edge out from behind the bar, aware I’m wearing a skimpy bikini Amelia insisted on giving to me. It came in a cute little lacquered bag with the tags still on it, tags she ripped off before I could see the cost. I’m wearing a white gauze lounge top over the suit, and I suddenly feel completely underdressed, like I’ve just stepped into a boudoir.
The man doesn’t comment on it; he doesn’t have to. The dark light in his eyes pulls me to him, makes me want to ask what I should wear because the expression is one of both desire and disapproval. I’m a little shocked by my reaction to him, by my wanting to please him. That’s new.
I start to down my drink when he grabs my wrist.
It’s like the singe of a wild flame, that touch. His hand is huge, tattooed with something that covers the top completely and disappears up his wrist and into his shirt. From the quick glimpse, I think it’s a snarling, fang-baring snake or dragon or beast.
There are thick silver rings on his fingers. The one on his middle finger has a square black stone in the center, and the one on his thumb is inscribed. It doesn’t look like it should belong, but it does, the way he doesn’t seem to fit the vibe on the yacht, yet somehow… he makes it all his own.
“Do you like that? Men ogling, plying you with drinks?”
I swallow. He’s twisting the meaning of the words into something dirty, and a low throb of want that connects to an innate need to suddenly please undulates through me. Because I want to say I’m not the kind of girl he implies that I am.
“I just meant I can drink if I want.” I glare, my words laced with annoyance.
The slightly sullen note hangs in the air, and the look on his face is stern, almost savage, like a predator who needs to eat.
I’m not sure I like him.
But he’s beyond hot.
“You don’t need a drink,” he says.
“Neither do you.”
That earns a very slight smile. “But, little girl, I’m of age.”
Because I’ve had a couple of drinks on an empty stomach, and the courage of booze races through my veins, heating them, I slide a hand up over his chest and oh my God, it is a wall of solid, ripped muscle. I edge closer and press against him.
“I’m not a little girl, I’m not sixteen. In fact…” I don’t have to like him to flirt or to give in to the need to touch that pulsates through me. Test the boundaries. After all, there’s no one here to judge. Except for him. “I’m old enough.”
“I see.” His eyes glitter and then he moves. Fast.
My drink is pulled from my hand and set down, and then I’m flush against him, sandwiched between him and the wall.
He leans in, his tongue tracing the skin of my throat, and then he lifts his head. I’m boneless, a vortex of need that sucks all attention right to the spot where his tongue grazed.
A throbbing sensation hums between my thighs.
And I can barely breathe.
“Be very careful who you say that to,” he says. “Because a lot of the people on this overgrown boat won’t fucking stop there.”
“And you?” I whisper. “Where will you stop?”
“Playing with fire will get you the fuck burned.” He slides a large roughened palm against my cheek.
The heat of his touch burns deliciously deep.
The man licks me again, stopping at my pulse point. He sucks, making a moan slip from my lips.
He narrows his eyes at me, his lips twisting.
“Go. Now. Before…” He releases me and steps back, fire raging in his heavy gaze. “Something happens.”
I suck in a breath, my shoulders trembling. Then I cross the room, twist the door handle, and run like hell just as he commanded me to.

FOLLOW: Website / GOODREADS / Facebook/ Twitter / Instagram/ YouTube / Bookbub/
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Kristen Luciani is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy and suspense-filled romance. She’s addicted to kickboxing, Starburst jelly beans, and swooning over dark, broken anti-heroes. Kristen is happily married to her own real-life hero of over 20 years. In addition to penning spicy stories, she also has a part-time job as her three kids’ personal Uber driver, which she manages to successfully juggle along with her other tasks: laundry, cleaning, laundry, cooking, laundry, and caring for her adorable Boston Terrier puppy.

Mafia romance is her passion…and her poison.

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Funny Story by Emily Henry – Review & Giveaway

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Funny Story by Emily Henry – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
A shimmering, joyful new novel about a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common.

Daphne always loved the way her fiancé Peter told their story. How they met (on a blustery day), fell in love (over an errant hat), and moved back to his lakeside hometown to begin their life together. He really was good at telling it…right up until the moment he realized he was actually in love with his childhood best friend Petra.

Which is how Daphne begins her new story: Stranded in beautiful Waning Bay, Michigan, without friends or family but with a dream job as a children’s librarian (that barely pays the bills), and proposing to be roommates with the only person who could possibly understand her predicament: Petra’s ex, Miles Nowak.

Scruffy and chaotic—with a penchant for taking solace in the sounds of heart break love ballads—Miles is exactly the opposite of practical, buttoned up Daphne, whose coworkers know so little about her they have a running bet that she’s either FBI or in witness protection. The roommates mainly avoid one another, until one day, while drowning their sorrows, they form a tenuous friendship and a plan. If said plan also involves posting deliberately misleading photos of their summer adventures together, well, who could blame them?

But it’s all just for show, of course, because there’s no way Daphne would actually start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex…right?

 

 

Review:

Funny Story by Emily Henry is a rom-com/dramedy novel about two opposites.   Daphne, our heroine, is a children’s librarian, who is wonderful with the kids; where she is happy and content.  To her shock, her fiancée Peter, decides to dump her (so close to her wedding) after his bachelor party, to be with his childhood friend, Petra. With no place to go, Daphne ends up sharing an apartment with Miles (Petra dumped him).

Miles is very likeable, as he is charming, caring, easy going and loves to have fun. In the early days, the roommates mainly avoided one another, but one day, they get an invitation to Peter and Petra’s wedding.  Daphne finds herself becoming comfortable around Miles, with them becoming friends. After a night out a bar, they accept the invitations.  Miles and Daphne tell their exes that they are now dating (fake), and are happy together.

Both Daphne and Miles have their own family issues, which bring them closer to each other.   Daphne’s mother lives further away, and speaks to her weekly; her divorced father she rarely sees, and to her surprise, he will show up later in the book.    Miles is close to his sister, Julia, who also decides to show up, but sooner than later. Miles is exactly the opposite of practical and socially awkward Daphne in her journey to self-discovery.  Miles goes out of his way to get Daphne out, as he takes her to different places, including where he works at a bar, where she meets other great friends of Miles. I also liked Ashleigh, a new found friend, and loved Julia, who was lots of fun.  In a short time, she finds herself falling for Miles, as he also has feelings for her.  I really loved Miles and Daphne together. What was great about Miles was his putting others before him, warm hearted, caring, and helping her to open her heart in rediscovering herself.  

What follows is a sweet wonderful story about two opposites who eventually find love. Miles was always there for Daphne, and she managed to find friendship with Ashleigh, Julia and others that Miles introduced to her.  Funny Story was a very good storyline, that kept us unable to put the book down.  Funny Story was very well written by Emily Henry.  This was a fun read, which I suggest you read Funny Story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Emily Henry’s publisher is graciously offering a hardcover copy of  FUNNY STORY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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8. Giveaway runs from April 22 to 26, 2024

 

 

 

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Lucky’s Streak / Shiner’s Light (Devils’ Riot MC 3 & 4)by EC Land

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Lucky’s Streak / Shiner’s Light (Devils’ Riot MC Tennessee 3 & 4) by EC Land-review

LUCKY’S STREAK
Devil’s Riot MC: Tennessee 3
by EC Land
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, MC romance

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 20, 2023

What happens when luck runs out and you’re left with nothing?
Lucky
I’ve always been a betting man, it’s why they call me Lucky. But lately, luck seems to be the least of my worries. Especially when it comes to my personal life. I swore to stay away, and I have, but she likes to push my buttons.

But then the pranks stop and she’s done. Something’s going on with her. We all can see she’s not the same.

Now, she’s gone home, or at least that’s what she says.
To get my lucky streak back, I’ll find out what the hell she’s up to, and when I do, I know it won’t be good.

•••••

REVIEW:LUCKY’S STREAK is the third instalment in EC Land’s contemporary, adult DEVIL’S RIOT MC: TENNESSEE erotic, MC, romance series. This is Lucky and Chelsea’s story line. LUCKY’S STREAK 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 (Lucky and Chelsea) LUCKY’S STREAK follows in the aftermath of the fallout of a one-night stand between Lucky and Chelsea. Our heroine Chelsea was humiliated by the man with whom she thought she had fallen in love but in retaliation against Lucky proved more tiresome when she did not get the results she wanted, and Chelsea prepared to move on with her life but Chelsea has a secret that is about to implode, a secret that has placed a target on her back. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Chelsea and Lucky, and the potential fall-out as Chelsea struggles to trust in the face of perceived betrayal including the man whom she loves.

The relationship between Chelsea and Lucky is acrimonious at best. A one-night stand ends with Lucky ghosting our heroine, and in the ensuing aftermath Chelsea struggles to forgive and forget but threats against our story line heroine force Lucky to claim Chelsea as his own, threats that come from within and outside the club. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

Once again, we are reintroduced to several members of the Devil’s Riot MC including but not exclusive to: Storm and Blow (Blow’s Smoke 1) Nine and Meadow (Nine’s Time), Sniper and Rain, Nerd and Cara, Calyx, Scorn, and the introduced of Lucky’s brother Luka. The requisite evil has many faces.

LUCKY’S STREAK is another story of betrayal and vengeance, jealousy and obsession, power and control, retribution and retaliation, forgiveness and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is dramatic, gritty and twisted; the romance is edgy; the characters are animated, determined and impassioned.

_______

Shiner’s Light
Devil’s Riot MC : Tennesse 4
by EC Land
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, MC romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 18,2024

A light only shines bright for as long as it’s lit. The dark is always threatening to extinguish it.
Shiner
The only things that matter to me in this world are my boy and my club. I don’t need anything else. Don’t want it. I’m happy with the way my life is. At least, that’s what I thought, until she popped back into my life.
She vanished years ago, and I didn’t think I’d ever see her again. Now, she’s asking for help, and I want to turn her away, but she’s my son’s family, the only one who cared anything for him. Can I just walk away, or do I try to reignite the light that used to make her shine?

•••••

REVIEW: SHINER’S LIGHT is the fourth instalment in EC Land’s contemporary, adult DEVIL’S RIOT MC : TENNESSEE dark, erotic, MC, romance series. This is Wyatt aka Shiner and Olive Rostenko’s story line. SHINER’S LIGHT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Shiner and Olive) SHINER’S LIGHT follows in the wake of Olive’s torture and abuse at the hands of someone she knows. With a message for the Devil’s Riot MC, Olive struggles to reveal the truth but the truth is about to pull Shiner back into her life. Olive has lusted after Shiner for as long as she can remember but Shiner was into someone else, and that someone else is taking aim at our story line couple. What ensues is the building but fragile relationship between Shiner and Olive, and the potential fall-out as Olive is continuously placing herself in the direct line of fire.

The world building focuses on Olive’s recovery; the betrayal by a member of the family; and the break down of communication between our story line couple. Several weeks earlier, Olive went missing, and Shiner blamed Olive for everything that happened.

The relationship between Olive and Shiner is an enemies to friends to lovers but Olive has been in love with Shiner for as long as she can remember, even though, Shiner found himself living with someone else. Having spent most of her life on the periphery, shielding herself from the evil that continues to close in, Olive never wanted to place anyone in danger, and was willing yo let the danger come to her. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of interesting and questionable secondary and supporting characters including Olive’s sisters Sonia and Sasha: their father Rodion Kostenko; Shiner’s three year old son Milo; and several members of the Devil’s Riot MC: President Blow: VP Nines and Meadow, Lucky and Chelsea as well as the Crimson Blood Clan. The requisite evil has many faces.

SHINER’S LIGHT is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, power and control, obsession and madness, family, relationships, acceptance and love .The fast paced premise is intriguing, dramatic and dark; the romance is provocative; the characters are colorful but struggling and broken.

Previous Review
Nines’ Time

Copy supplied by Booksprout

Reviewed by Sandy

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OFFICE MATE by Rachel Van Dyken-review tour

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OFFICE MATE by Rachel Van Dyken- review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 16, 2024

I liked to think things happened in threes:
1. My girlfriend ghosted me and changed her number.
2. I got promoted, but I worked for Satan.
3. Months later, said girlfriend was back in my life, working underneath me as an intern.
Ah, the universe had jokes, ha, ha, hilarious.
All I had to do was survive the fourth annual Emory Games, a ridiculous office bonding game that Max Emory, our CEO, put on every year to help boost company morale and encourage the new interns.
Yeah, just ask me if they felt encouraged after diving into shark-infested waters. Don’t worry… only one person got hurt, and the accidental death paperwork was sound.
I had to work with her as my partner for a full week, and then I could bounce back to my department, pretend that she hadn’t broken my heart, and run me over with my own truck for good measure.
I should have been focused on the games, except again, things happened in threes…
1. She’s my partner.
2. She’s hiding something.
3. I may have fallen on her and kissed her. It’s a thing, it actually happens in real life—people just fall, and mouths meet, and what are you going to do?
Hi, my name is Ace Harley, and I was two point five seconds away from marching down to HR and begging for therapy.
Being an adult sucked balls.

••••••

REVIEW: OFFICE MATE by Rachel Van Dyken is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, romance story line focusing on businessman Ace Harvey, and PA Bri.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ace and Bri) OFFICE MATE follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Several years earlier, Bri was struggling with her life until she met our hero and fell in love but all was not well, and believing Ace wanted someone and something different Bri walked away, losing everything and more. Fast forward two years, Bri is one of ten new interns at Emory Hotels, and the CEO is about to put everyone through the Emory Games Maze to learn about their weaknesses and strengths but Bri never expected to come face to face with her past, a past she was hoping to forget. Enter Ace Harvey, the man with whom Bri is still in love. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Ace and Bri as they are paired together in the Emory Games Maze events.

The relationship between Bri and Ace is one of second chances. Bri ghosted Ace in the face of perceived betrayal but Bri was struggling and refused to pull Ace into her downward spiral. Rekindling her relationship with Ace is either prophetic or fate but working together means a second chance at happily ever after. There are no $ex scene, everything is implied.

The secondary and supporting characters including CEO Max Emory, and his assistant Dustin, a young man who bears the brunt of Max Emory’s quirks and eccentricities.

OFFICE MATE is a fast paced, quick read; a novella length story of second chances. The premise is entertaining and captivating; the romance is fated; the characters are energetic-their back and forth frenetic and fast.

Previous reviews
Office Hate
Office Date

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Website / Facebooks / Goodreads / Twitter /  Instagram

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

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SATIN EMPIRE (Rossi Crime Family 4) by BB Hamel-review

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SATIN EMPIRE (Rossi Crime Family 4) by BB Hamel-review

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: April 16, 2024

I accidentally stripped at my arranged fiancee’s club.
It lasted ten seconds before he dragged me off stage.
But his possessive jealousy woke something in me…

I wasn’t born into the mafia world.
My stepfather is forcing me to marry Carlo Rossi, the gorgeous, vicious son of the powerful Rossi Famiglia.
Carlo is handsome in a way that makes my brain do stupid things, but I never wanted this life for myself.
Everyone thinks Carlo is some smiling, happy guy, except I’ve seen the ugly darkness hiding under his surface.
And he doesn’t seem interested in letting me escape now that he’s gotten his first taste.

I just might escape this nightmare of a marriage in one piece if I can resist his toxic control and intense touch.
But all Carlo really wants is me.

••••••••••

REVIEW:  SATIN EMPIRE is the fourth instlament in BB Hamel’s contemporary, adult ROSSI CRIME FAMILY erotic, Mafia romance series. This is thirty-six year old capo Carlo Rossi, and twenty-one year old Alana Milano’s story line. SATIN EMPIRE 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 (Carlo and Alana) SATIN EMPIRE follows in the wake of the arranged marriage between our story line couple. Alana’s step-father has ‘sold’ Alana it the Rossi Crime Family in return for a merger and mutual support but Alana refuses to be her step-father’s pawn, and goes in search of the man to whom she will be betrothed. Carlo Rossi is a capo in the Rossi Crime Family but a man whose skills are only used to take down and clean up anyone who targets the Famiglia. An arranged marriage was never in the cards but meeting Alana Milano meant a chance at a future with family and love but as Carlo continues to be the family enforcer, our hero is hoping for something more. A war with the Russians threatens the safety of everyone concerned but our heroine will be caught in the cross-fire when she steps out on her own.

The world building focuses on the building romance and relationship between our story line couple as Carlo struggles with his place in the family. Hoping for something more, something to call his own, Carlo is looking to strike out on his own but the Russians are about to interfere with Carlo’s plans for the future.

The relationship between Carlo and Alana is an arranged Mafia marriage , a marriage of which neither Carlo nor Alana are looking forward. There is no major conflict between our story couple although our heroine’s lack of maturity may be her downfall. As the relationship grows, Alana steps up to support the man with whom she is falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

The energetic secondary and supporting characters include Carlo’s siblings, their spouses and growing families, as well as Alana’s step father Orsino Milano, her brother Niccola, and her cousin Noah. The requisite evil has many faces.

SATIN EMPIRE is a story of power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, intriguing and captivating ; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Previous reviews and reading order
Velvet Kingdom
Iron Rings
Steel Promise

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Wingman Score (For Puck’s Sake 5) by Crea Reitan-review tour

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🩵🏒Wingman Score (For Puck’s Sake 5) by Crea Reitan-review tour🩵🏒

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 18, 2024

It’s time to score.

Zak

When you fight for so long, sometimes it’s just easier to give in. I want to give in to the god before me. Sent to me from the heavens, Owen is the very definition of divine perfection. But he doesn’t know my truth. If he did, he’d know that I don’t belong in his world.

The shame of seeing the disgust on his face when he figures it out keeps me running from him. Even though fate or destiny or something cruel keeps throwing us together. Maybe he’s the motivation I need to get my shit in order.

But can I do it before he figures out I’m nothing but a street rat?

Owen

The person who was made for me turns up at the New Year’s Eve party I didn’t want to go to. We’ve been serendipitously thrown together a handful of times since and though I know Zak wants me, he keeps walking out my door and refusing to call.

I can’t figure out why and it’s driving me insane. When I can’t take it anymore, I chance him thinking that I’m a stalker and show up at the address I dropped him off at last. Zak doesn’t live there but I finally learn his secret.

Now all I have to do is figure out how to convince Zak that I’ll give him the world if he’ll let me. Should be as easy as winning that elusive Stanley Cup.

••••••

REVIEW:Reading the blurb had me wondering if this would be as good as the rest of the series. Let me tell you it was, it took me a little longer than usual to warm up to the characters, but as usual the author puts so much into these stories, it’s hard not to fall in love with them and their story.

Zak hasn’t got two cents to rub together, sleeping on his friends couch and ducking into parties that he can’t afford! He’s not lazy, he wants a better life for himself, but as a struggling fashion designer, he knows he’s never going to make it big! He just needs motivation or a chance….

Owen is a god amongst his peers (well that’s what all the media says!) he’s loved and lived his best life to the fullest so far. But not having anyone to share it is becoming boring. But people are only usually nice to him because of his status.

Fate puts them in the right place. And are struck by how right they are together, but Zak can’t get past the fact they are from two different worlds …. Owen has money behind him, and Zak feels he just isn’t good enough to be with Owen! I loved Owen such a caregiver. He never let Zak think any less of himself. If he could he would have given him the world.

The angst comes mainly from Zak, his inability to let go of his inadequacies, not thinking more of himself. Owen never gives up, but it does get a little close at times!

And seeing Orson again 😊 that brings back happy memories, and a few of the other characters have books (look them up and give them a read, you won’t be sorry 😉)

So can Owen convince Zak to give them a chance? Or will Owen not be able to give his trust and love to the only man who will love him back unconditionally?

Again another original story that will have you thinking of Owen and Zak long after you put them down.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Shiver
Starting Line
Lucky Shot
The Crease

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Author Links:

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