Monthly Archives: April 2024

EMERALD BRUISES (The Jewelry Box 2) by Pepper Winters-review

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EMERALD BRUISES (The Jewelry Box 2) by Pepper Winters-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 9, 2024

“I made a bargain with a monster.
A vow to save both our lives.
I thought our commitment would stay true.
It didn’t.”

I’ve spent my entire life alone.
I’m well used to loneliness and the endless pain of having no one.
Sure, we made a bargain. We shared our secrets and made a vow.
But I warned her not to do one tiny thing.
One very important thing.
For a while, she obeyed me.
Until the night she didn’t.
And now…the connection we shared?
That alliance we forged?
It’s broken.
I’m broken.
And by the time I’m done with her…she’ll be broken too.

Triggers on every warning possible.
This is dark and will push every possible boundary that exists.
Be warned….

••••

REVIEW: EMERALD BRUISES is the second instalment in Pepper Winters’ contemporary, adult THE JEWELRY BOX dark, erotic, series focusing on twenty-nine year old, Henri Mercer-Ward, and Ilyana Sharma. EMERALD BRUISES should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book one RUBY TEARS. Henri Ward is the half-brother to Q Mercer (Monsters in the Dark).

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

SOME BACKGROUND: A desperate need to know about the family history, and acceptance by his brother Q, Henri Mercer-Ward is tasked with infiltrating a human trafficking ring known as The Jewelry Box but Henri must first seduce a potential jewel, a woman to be trained, to be broken, to be claimed as his own.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Henri and Ilyana) EMERALD BRUISES continues to focus on the deranged, dangerous and dark proclivities of several members of humanity. The Masters indulge their sexual and perverted appetites using and abusing the slaves known as ‘jewels’ but the abuses are increasing as their appetites unfold. Henri is desperate to protect the woman to whom he lied and abused but Henri’s own appetites are fueling his need to destroy them all.

EMERALD BRUISES is another dramatic, intense, soul-sucking, heart breaking and gut wrenching story offered up by Pepper Winters-the queen of ‘alternative’ romance. EMERALD BRUISES ends on a cliff hanger -you have been warned.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
.5The Mercer Curse
1 Ruby Tears

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Pepper Winters is a multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller.

After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 Apple Books bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Romance Thriller.

Pepper currently has close to 40 books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists almost 40 times, is a self-confessed hermit, yoga convert, has a house rabbit, six horses, and a long suffering husband.

To learn more about Pepper please visit: www.pepperwinters.com where she regularly posts videos of behind the scenes writing, horses, books, and more.

STALK Pepper: Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads / Amazon Author / Instagram / Bookbub / Verve

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ON MY KNEES ( Bridge 1) by Meredith Wild-review

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ON MY KNEES ( Bridge 1) by Meredith Wild-review

ebook only 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-Release Date March 13, 2024

Haunted by the responsibility of caring for her troubled family, Maya Jacobs gave the only answer she could when Cameron asked her to marry him. Years later, entrenched in a soulless professional routine, she distracts herself from the lingering regret of her decision with a “work hard, play hard” lifestyle that guarantees no man will ever find his way into her heart again.

Cameron Bridge has spent the past five years married to the military, trying to escape the painful memory of losing Maya. After fighting his own war in the desert, he starts a new life in New York City, with his siblings, Olivia and Darren, by his side.

When fate brings Maya back to him in the heart of a city filled with its own hopes and shadows, can Cameron find the girl he once loved in the woman she’s become?

••••

REVIEW: ON MY KNEES is the first instalment in Meredith Wild’s contemporary, adult BRIDGE erotic, romance series focusing on the Bridge siblings: Cameron, Darren and Olivia. This is gym owner Cameron Bridges, and twenty-five year old, Wall Street Analyst Maya Jacobs’ story line.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Maya and Cameron) ON MY KNEES follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Approximately five year earlier, Cameron Bridge proposed to his long time girlfriend Maya Jacobs but Maya refused, pushing away the man that she loved. Fast forward to present day, Maya comes face to face with Cameron Bridge, and in the ensuing aftermath, Maya continues to spiral with memories from the past. All is not well in our heroine’s life, and in this, the fall-out threatens her relationship with everyone going forward.

The world building focuses on the rekindling romance but Maya struggles with many issues including threats and manipulations at work, late night binge drinking that threaten her own safety, and secrets she refuses to reveal to the man she still loves. Maya’s take on their original break up differs greatly from Cameron’s view and heartbreak, and in this, Maya continues to place the blame on everyone else.

The relationship between Cameron and Maya is one of second chances but Maya doesn’t do relationships, and in this, her attitude lies somewhere between spoiled child and angry teen. Maya’s personality and temperament leave something to be desired, and her ongoing reactions and perspective on life, place her in the direct line of fire for all sorts of threats and heart break. The $ex scenes are intimate.

We are introduced to Cameron’s siblings : firefighter Darren, and sister Olivia, as well as their embittered and controlling parents Frank and Diane; Maya’s roommate Eli; friend Vanessa, and co-workers Jia and Dermott.

ON MY KNEES is a story of secrets and lies; power and control, betrayal, acceptance, family and love. The premise is engaging and dramatic; the romance struggles in the face of perceived betrayal; the characters are desperate and broken but from the outset of the story, Maya’s overall mindset, behavior and reactions are questionable at best, and unlikable most of the time thereby making it a struggle to enjoy the read.

Reviewed by Sandy

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THE HEROES WE BREAK (Heroes and Villains 1) by Natasha Knight

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THE HEROES WE BREAK (Heroes and Villains Duet 1) by Natasha Knight-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 9, 2024

She doesn’t belong to me.

I am the illegitimate son, unwanted and despised.

Ophelia Hart is the girl next door. I’ve watched her grow up. And rescued her countless times from my half-brother.

I’ve been gone from her life for two years and when I run into her again, she’s no longer a girl.

Only problem is, she’s wearing his ring on her finger.

But there’s always been something between us. I’ve always been her protector. Especially when it comes to him. And that pull is stronger than ever.

She no longer thinks me the hero of her story, though.

But I know something she doesn’t. A secret from her past. And she’s in danger.

She’ll fight me.

I’ll fight for her.

If she hates me for what I have to do, so be it.

Because there is no way in hell I will let my half-brother have her.

•••••••••

REVIEW: THE HEROES WE BREAK is the first instalment in Natasha Knight’s contemporary, adult HEROES AND VILLAINS dark, erotic, romance duet focusing on Ophelia ‘Phee’ Hart, and Silas Cruz.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Phee and Silas) using present day and memories from the past THE HEROES WE BREAK covers approximately ten years in the life of Phee and Silas. At twelve years of age, Ophelia Hart met her new neighbors Ethan Fox, and their housekeeper’s son Silas Cruz but from the outset all was not well between Ethan and Silas, and in the years to follow, the spiral would drive a wedge between everyone involved. Fast forward to present day, Ophelia’s world has crumbled; Ethan Fox stepped in and claimed control; and Silas vowed revenge against the people who tried to destroy his life, and take the reigns from our story line heroine. What ensues is the acrimonious relationship between Silas and Ethan, and the fall-out as Ophelia becomes a pawn in a much more dangerous game.

The world building covers approximately ten years in the life, ten years in which Ophelia becomes more of a doormat than a strong willed young woman; wherein Ethan is a puppet for someone else’s gain; and Silas is determined to take down the man whose secrets and lies have spiralled out of control.

The relationship between Ophelia and Silas is strained; is contemptuous at best in the face of the lies and control inflicted upon our story line heroine by someone else. Ophelia has lost everything: Silas is determined to give her everything and more. The lone $ex scene is fast and furious.

THE HEROES WE BREAK reveals some of the back ground, and sets up the take down of a dangerous man. Silas is no longer the boy whose life was controlled by the powers in charge, and as a man with secrets of his own, Silas is determined to reclaim the woman who has stolen his heart. The premise is dark, dramatic and intense; the characters are determined, desperate, dynamic and broken. THE HEROES WE BREAK ends on a cliff hanger-you have been told.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance, Natasha Knight specializes in dark, tortured heroes. Happily-Ever-Afters are guaranteed, but she likes to put her characters through hell to get them there. She’s evil like that.

Website: https://natasha-knight.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natashaknightauthor
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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6478732.Natasha_Knight
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A TASTE OF WHISKEY : Sasha Whiskey by Melissa Foster-review

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A TASTE OF WHISKEY: Sasha Whiskey (The Whiskeys: Dark Knights Redemption Ranch 3) by Melissa Foster

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 10, 2024

Sasha Whiskey is done being the good girl. She’s ready to wrangle in the one man not looking to be caught and give him a taste of Whiskey. With any luck, one taste won’t be nearly enough. Come along for the steamy, emotional ride in this friends-to-lovers, forbidden romance.

Equine rehabilitation therapist Sasha Whiskey has everything she needs right there on Redemption Ranch—a job she’s passionate about, a loving family, and Ezra Moore, the sexy single father who went from trying to nail her as a belligerent teen to keeping his distance as a successful therapist and the person to whom she compares every other man. She’s done with comparisons. She wants the real thing. But going after what she wants means risking everything they’ve both worked so hard to achieve. If only dating co-workers weren’t forbidden.

••••

REVIEW: A TASTE OF WHISKEY is the third  full-length instalment in Melissa Foster’s contemporary, adult THE WHISKEYS: DARK KNIGHTS REDEMPTION RANCH erotic, romance series focusing on the Whiskey family- a part of the author’s numerous interconnected series. This is bank teller / horse rehabber Sasha Whiskey, and therapist/ single father Ezra Moore’s story line. A TASTE OF WHISKEY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Sasha and Ezra) A TASTE OF WHISKEY follows the friends to lovers relationship between our story line couple. Sasha and Ezra have danced around one-another since Sasha was fifteen years old but a perceived rejection by Ezra pushed Sasha into the friend zone where she has remained until present day. Now a divorced, single father on a five year old son, Ezra struggles to keep his need for Sasha a secret, a secret that could threaten both of their jobs. Redemption Ranch has a no fraternization policy between employees, and our couple are breaking all kinds of rules. What ensues is the building romance and forbidden relationship between Ezra and Sasha, and the potential fall-out when the truth is revealed.

The world building follows several paths including Ezra tempestuous relationship with his ex-wife, a woman who is more concerned about her social life than her five year old child. Working with the Whiskeys at Redemption Ranch, Ezra is part of the close-knit family, a family he wants for his son.

The relationship between Ezra and Sasha is a friends to lovers: a forbidden relationship in which our couple hide their affair behind closed doors in the wake of the potential fall-out for everyone concerned. Ezra and Sasha’s attraction to one another is no secret but their romance is about to take centre stage. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative-Ezra likes to talk dirty.

Once again, as per Melissa Foster’s style of writing, and the large number of interconnected series, and character cross-overs, the secondary and supporting characters are familiar and fun.

A TASTE OF WHISKEY is a story of secrets and lies, friendships and relationships, family, love and acceptance. The character driven premise is compelling and riveting ; the characters are sassy, animated and dynamic; the romance is seductive and spicy.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
The Trouble with Whiskey
Freeing Sully (1.5)
For the Love of Whiskey

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Readers adore Melissa’s fun, flirty, and sinfully sexy, award-winning big-family romance collection, LOVE IN BLOOM featuring the Snow Sisters, Bradens, Remingtons, Ryders, Seaside Summer, Harborside Nights, Wild Boys and Bad Boys After Dark, and the Montgomerys. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented– perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex and relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet and clean romance under the pen name Addison Cole.

Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on Facebook  or her personal website.

Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.

Find Melissa on the following sites….

Amazon | Apple | B&N | GPlay | Kobo | Audible

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads | Bookbub

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An Enchanting Case of Spirits by Melissa Holtz – a Review

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An Enchanting Case of Spirits by Melissa Holtz – a Review

 

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Description:
When a fortieth birthday celebration leads to a ghostly visitor, four friends find themselves navigating surprising mysteries and spiritual hijinks, in this clever debut from Melissa Holtz.

Alyssa Mann isn’t adventurous, not since her husband died and she found herself the single mom of a teenage daughter. But there’s no way to avoid celebrating the big 4-0, so when her best friends drag her out for drinks and a tarot reading, she throws caution to the wind and decides to see what the spirits have to say. It’s all fun and games, until she wakes up the next morning with a wicked hangover—and a ghost perched on the edge of her bed.

Sheer panic sends her running to get help from Nick West, the (very attractive) detective who lives next door. When he finds no one inside, Alyssa has to accept that she really did see a ghost. As the dearly departed keep appearing, Alyssa and her friends do their best to learn how to control her newfound power. Trading insults with ghosts, tracking down family heirlooms, and getting closer to the skeptical but helpful Nick is more fun than Alyssa imagined. But when looking into one ghost’s past reveals unexpected—and unwelcome—facts about Alyssa’s late husband’s death, she discovers she just may be in over her head.

 

 

Review:

An Enchanting Case of Spirits by Melissa Holtz is an enchanting debut with a mystery and romantic story. We meet Alyssa Mann, our heroine, who has just turn 40, with a teenage daughter; and still grieves over the accidental death of her husband.  Her two best friends (Lanie and Nina) drag her out for drinks, and they end up visiting a psychic medium for fun. They are all shocked when a ghostly event occurs, connecting Alyssa and the medium, Collette. The following morning, Alyssa wakes up with a hangover and a ghost sitting on the edge of her bed. At first, she is scared and upset, but she quickly realizes that whatever happened the night before, she now has the ability to see and talk to ghosts.

Alyssa realizes she now can see ghosts, who come to her to help them move on; and in a short time, she knows that the ghosts are in limbo and need help to cross over to the other side.  So, Lanie and Nina, as well as Collette work together with Alyssa to solve why the ghosts cannot move on. With the first ghost still hanging around, two more ghosts will eventually appear; especially with ladies working hard to discover how the three deaths (which could include her husband’s accident) are connected.

Alyssa tries to explain to her neighbor, Nick West, who is a detective (and a hunk), about some clues the ladies have discovered, with help from the ghosts.   Nick, who is attracted to Alyssa, refuses to listen to her suggestions, as he doesn’t believe that she knows something.   But after he gets some facts about those deaths, Nick will slowly begin his own investigations, which will lead him to realize that she does see the dead.  Nick will get his partner to research the deaths of four people locally, which will include the mayor.

What follows is Alyssa, Collette and even Lanie/Nina have a new purpose in their lives, in helping those to move on.  Alyssa and Collette learn to control their power, and their interactions with ghosts were lots of fun; with lots of witty banter with the mischievous spirits. There was a number of intriguing twists and turns, which will also have her discover the truths that also include her husband’s death. To say too much more, would ruin the fun, which you need to read.

An Enchanting Case of Spirits was a fun, delightful, humorous, emotional mystery, with a paranormal element. I also enjoyed the romantic slow build relationship between Alyssa and Nick.  I loved her friends, Lanie, Nina and Collette.  An Enchanting Case of Spirits was so very well written by Melissa Holt.  I really enjoyed reading this book, as it was fun, easy to read and entertaining.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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A Promise of Peridot by Kate Golden – Review & Giveaway

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A Promise of Peridot by Kate Golden – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
A prophecy of death. A weapon of hope. A sacrifice of love.

Arwen Valondale is sailing for the mysterious Kingdom of Citrine after the battle of Siren’s Bay. Reeling from shocking revelations and her newfound powers, Arwen directs all of her pain and rage toward the man who betrayed her: King Kane Ravenwood.

Kane’s presence is unavoidable as he travels with Arwen and her friends to seek the Blade of the Sun, a legendary weapon inextricably tied to her fate and the future of the realm. Even an uneasy truce proves difficult as Arwen fights against her unresolved feelings for Kane, who is willing to become darkness itself to protect her.

As Arwen faces creatures, foes, and magic beyond her wildest imaginings, she must discover the secrets of her past to defeat the monstrous Fae king Lazarus. But finding the light within might mean the death of her and everyone she loves.

 

 

Review:

A Promise of Peridot by Kate Golden is the 2nd book in her The Sacred Stones series. After the climatic ending from A Dawn of Onyx, Arwen, Kane, Griffin, Mari and the rest of their group escape to find a sanctuary, which leads them to Citrine, in hope of finding some allies to defeat the Fae King Lazarus.  Arwen and Kane are both emotionally destroyed, after shocking revelations with Arwen discovering her new found powers, and her angry at Kane’s betrayal.  Arwen (the last full fae blooded born) who is destined to kill Lazarus, accepting her fate in a prophecy meant to be her doom.

Arwen has no choice to travel with Kane, since she is with the remaining group; Kane continues to protect Arwen, always able to handle her anxiety and keeping her calm. They do have an uneasy truce, with the prophecy on the horizon, and the group determined to find the Blade of the Sun; which is a weapon that would be able to use to kill King Lazarus.

The truce between Arwen and Kane is difficult for both of them, as Kane still has strong feelings for Arwen, including protecting her; she fights against her unresolved feelings for Kane.  In a short time, with the danger escalating when they cannot find the Blade, the chemistry and heat between them eventually opens their true feelings of love.  The side characters were very good, equally as good as Kane and Arwen. I did love Kane and Arwen together, but I also like Griffin and Mari together.

What follows is intense, non- stop action, as they travel through other kingdoms in the hunt for the Blade; including the journey through the cave and island. The last third of the book was full of adventure, danger, intrigue, fast-paced, twists and turns.  I was unable to put the book down, as it kept my attention throughout. It was also emotional, as well as steamy; with Kane and Arwen finally being together.

As we reach the last ¼ of the book, Arwen and Kane’s last battle was epic, with another betrayal that changes things.  The epilogue was wild and crazy, with a cliffhanger that was complex and an ending that threw us for a loop.   A Promise of Peridot is an exciting, non-stop action filled, with twists that had me unable to put the book down.  A Promise of Peridot was so very well written by Kate Golden. With that intense and wild ending, I can’t wait to read the final book in this trilogy.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

The Reading Cafe is offering a paper copy of A PROMISE OF PERIDOT 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. Giveaway is open to USA only

7. Giveaway runs from April 10th – 14th, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

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CRUEL SAINT (Saint Trilogy 1) by TK Leigh -a review

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CRUEL SAINT (Saint Trilogy 1) by TK Leigh -review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 11, 2024

Gideon:
For the past five years, all I’ve thought about is revenge.

Shot and left for dead by the people I trusted, only to be taken to an even worse hell, I vowed to make them pay.
To make them suffer as I once did.
To listen to their pleas for mercy as they draw their final breath.

But to do that, I need her.

Which comes with its own risks.

I may be able to fool everyone else, but if anyone might see past my changed appearance, it’s the woman I once planned to marry.
Imogene:

I moved to California for a fresh start. After the past five years, I was desperate to finally leave the past behind me. What better place to do that than Southern California?

Until I’m attacked and nearly killed in a dark alley.

I would have been if he hadn’t intervened.

Gideon Saint. Mysterious. Dangerous. Lethal.

And possessing eyes that look far too much like the man I lost all those years ago.

But that’s impossible. Samuel Tate is dead. Apart from those haunting blue eyes, he bears little resemblance to the man I once gave my heart.

At least that’s what I try to tell myself. Because if he is Samuel, where has he been the past five years?

And why did he make the world believe he was dead?

•••••

REVIEW: CRUEL SAINT is the first instalment in TK Leigh’s contemporary adult SAINT dark, erotic, romance trilogy focusing on billionaire Gideon Saint, and athletic trainer Dr. Imogene Prescott.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Gideon and Imogene) CRUEL SAINT follows building romance and relationship between our story line couple. Five years earlier, Imogene lost the love of her life to a fatal gun shot wound but a new job and a move to the west coast would bring Imogene up close and personal with billionaire investor Gideon Saint. From the outset Imogene struggles with the guilt of moving forward but something about Gideon pulls at our story heroine but all is not as it appears to be, and Gideon is a man set on claiming our heroine, while exacting revenge for everything he has lost. What ensues is the building relationship between Gideon and Imogene, and the potential fall-out as secrets and lies threaten their burgeoning romance.

The world building is detailed and intriguing. We are up close and personal with Gideon’s need to avenge; to seek revenge against those who destroyed his life, and claim the woman who has stolen his heart.

The relationship between Gideon and Imogene is one of immediate attraction but a relationship predicated upon secrets and lies. Something about Gideon is familiar to our story line heroine but Gideon is a man determined to prove Imogene is worthy of love. The $ex scenes are intimate and aggressive-Imogene likes it rough in the bedroom.

There is a large ensemble cast of interesting and dynamic secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Imogene’s best friends billionaire Liam Pierce, Melanie, and Melanie’s parent Alexander and Olivia Burnham; Imogene’s mother Julia, and step father Lachlan Hale, and Gideon’s best friend Henry Fontaine. The requisite evil has many faces.

CRUEL SAINT is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships. The premise is dark, intriguing and dramatic; the romance is provocative and intense; the characters are determined and charismatic. CRUEL SAINT ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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THE HOUSE ON BISCAYNE BAY by Chanel Cleeton-review

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THE HOUSE ON BISCAYNE BAY by Chanel Cleeton-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 9, 2024

With the Great War finally behind them, thousands of civilians and business moguls alike flock to South Florida with their sights set on making a fortune. When wealthy industrialist Robert Barnes and his wife, Anna, build Marbrisa, a glamorous estate on Biscayne Bay, they become the toast of the newly burgeoning society. Anna and Robert appear to have it all, but in a town like Miami, appearances can be deceiving, and one scandal can change everything.

Years later following the tragic death of her parents in Havana, Carmen Acosta journeys to Marbrisa, the grand home of her estranged older sister, Carolina, and her husband, Asher Wyatt. On the surface, the gilded estate looks like paradise, but Carmen quickly learns that nothing at Marbrisa is as it seems. The house has a treacherous legacy, and Carmen’s own life is soon in jeopardy . . . unless she can unravel the secrets buried beneath the mansion’s facade and stop history from repeating itself.

••••••

REVIEW: THE HOUSE ON BISCAYNE BAY by Chanel Cleeton is a stand alone, adult, historical, mystery thriller focusing on the Maribrisa, a grand mansion in Miama built as a birthday gift by a man for his much younger wife.

Told from dual first person perspectives, and dual time lines (Anna -1918, Carmen-1941) THE HOUSE ON BISCAYNE BAY focuses on deaths or perceived murders of the women of Maribrisa. In 1918, Robert Barnes, tired of New York society, moved his beloved wife to Miami, Florida where he gifted her with one of the most magnificent homes to be build in Florida but from the outset all was not as it appeared to be as cracks in the marriage began to reveal a disheartening reality.

Fast forward to 1942, businessman Asher Wyatt and his wife Carolina, the new owners of the refurbished Maribrisa home, find themselves with an unexpected houseguest in the guise of Carolina’s younger sister, following the tragic drowning of both of their parents. Similar to the 1918 timeline, Maribrisa holds too many deadly secrets, and when Carmen begins to investigate the truth, suspicion and rumors begin to spiral out of control when death and destruction, murder and infidelity mirror one another in two different timelines.

THE HOUSE ON BISCAYNE BAY is a story set in a gothic mansion, a mansion that keeps its’ secrets buried deep within the walls. Jealousy and envy, secrets and lies, infidelity and obsession blur as the investigation takes a twist no one expected. The premise is intriguing and enthralling; the characters are edgy, broken and struggling. Not everyone will get their happily ever after, and those that will, reveal a surprising and impassioned love.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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