Monthly Archives: July 2024

The Scenic Route by Katie Ruggle – a Review

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The Scenic Route by Katie Ruggle – a Review

 

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Description:
Why date a mountain man? Because climbing him will leave you breathless.

Felicity Pax loves her job. She craves excitement, and being a bounty hunter gives her that in spades. So when her estranged mother disappears with a small fortune in tow, Felicity chases her like she would any other skip. Too bad she didn’t barter on having increasingly infuriating (and infuriatingly hot) PI Bennett Green on her tail.

Bennett’s got a job to do, and if that means shadowing Felicity…well…he’s had worse assignments. Even if he’s 99% sure the increasingly intriguing bounty hunter is leading him on a wild goose chase through the Rockies.

If she has to drag her PI tail through endless quirky mountain towns in order to shake him, that’s what she’s determined to do…but it isn’t long before Felicity’s intended distraction turns up a mystery worth solving—and Bennett becomes the unexpected partner she never realized she needed. As things heat up, Felicity will have to decide what’s most important to staying one step ahead of the “enemy” or giving herself freedom to experience the adventure of a lifetime.

The Rocky Mountains get unBEARably hot in Katie Ruggle’s brand-new series packed with adventure, action, tall dark & scruffy heroes, and a sense of quirky humor that will be your next perfect escape.

 

 

Review:

The Scenic Route by Katie Ruggle is the 1st book in her new series, Beneath the Wild Sky. All of the 5 Pax sisters run a bounty hunter bail and recovery business; and their mother has recently stolen an expensive necklace, and has disappeared.  We meet Felicity Pax, our heroine, who loves her job as a bounty hunter, which gives her lots of excitement and fun. With her sister Molly, still searching for their mother, Felicity decides to head to Simpson, Colorado to chase a skip; and knows that her stalker continues to follow her.

Bennett Green, our hero, is a private investigator, who has been hired to find Jane Pax, and the necklace she stole.  He closely follows Felicity, as she knows he is tailing her.  When Felicty arrives in Simpson, Colorado, she stops at local coffee shop, and meets the waitress, Lou; who learns she is a bounty hunter. After a short time, Bennett walks in, and Felicity tells Lou that he is a stalker. But slowly, Bennett moves close to Felicity, helping her find the person she is looking for.  Lou excitingly calls her friends (Simpson Murder Club), to meet Felicity and join them in helping them find where the skip is hiding.  

Unable to get a room, Felicity and Bennett stay overnight in the car, and soon they discover the person they want, and end up in Las Vegas, where they team up together, as Bennett becomes the partner she really needed.    In a short time, the relationship between Felcity and Bennett escalates, as the chemistry between them was sizzling. 

What follows is an exciting, non-stop action-packed adventure with Felicity and Bennett working together, against a dangerous escaped criminal putting themselves in harms way.  I really liked the story line, and all the characters. I loved how Bennett and Felicity became a great team.  I also enjoyed Lou and her Simpson Murder Club friends, with the husbands helping them out.  It was an exciting story line, that was so much fun.

The Scenic Route was a captivating, enjoyable and heartwarming story.  Felicity, Bennett and all the endearing characters at the coffee shop were all entertaining.   The Scenic Route was a fun, exciting, action-packed story, with some very good characters.  The Scenic Route was very well written by Katie Ruggle.  I suggest you read The Scenic Route.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Thorned Vengeance & Saints Purgatory by Andi Rhodes & Lacy Rose

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Thorned Vengeance & Saints Purgatory 1-6 by Andi Rhodes & Lacy Rose-review tour

THORNED VENGEANCE
(Saints Purgatory MC 6)
by AndI Rhodes & Lacy Rose
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark,erotic, MC romance

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

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GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212093725-thorned-vengeance 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 30, 2024

There isn’t a person in the world who hasn’t committed a sin. Some sins are worse than others, but seven of them are deadly. But those seven worst of the worst? They’re what drive Saints Purgatory MC to keep fighting.

Thorn…

I joined the military to escape the demons that haunted me and the repeating nightmare I had every time I closed my eyes. After I was discharged, I had no purpose. I was lost. But salvation came in the form of two familiar faces and motorcycles. Becoming the Sergeant at Arms for Saints Purgatory MC has given me an outlet for all the rage I’ve kept buried deep for years.

People don’t realize that behind my jokester veneer is a ticking bomb ready to detonate. My brothers think they know my story, but some parts are too painful to divulge… until I cross paths with her. We’re two battered souls who find solidarity in tragedy and vengeance. But she’s too stubborn for her own good.

When she refuses the club’s help, she finds herself in extreme danger, and I vow that the sinner plaguing her will have the beast inside me to deal with.

Delaney…

My life was perfect… until it wasn’t. That night was supposed to be a celebration, a party, but it became a nightmare that’s forever etched on my brain. What happened to my sister will never happen again because I’ve made it my life’s mission to see that it doesn’t.

There isn’t a person or thing that can stop me from getting the vengeance I crave because my nemesis will never see me coming. I’ve made sure of this over the years, but then a man foils my plans. We have the same agenda, but I refuse to give him my kill.

My life might be in jeopardy, but death would at least put an end to my pain. But now that I’ve met him, can I put aside my bloodthirst and accept the connection he offers?

He is Saints Purgatory, and he’s a sinner who takes out the sinful.

••••••

REVIEW: THORNED VENGEANCE is the sixth instalment in the contemporary, adult SAINTS PURGATORY dark, erotic, MC romance series co-authored by Andi Rhodes and Lacy Rose. This is Saints Purgatory MC SAA Kyle ‘ Thorn’ Gruber, and graphic designer Delaney Jefferson’s story line. THORNED VENGEANCE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from three first person perspectives (Thorn, Delaney, killer) THORNED VENGEANCE follows the search for a serial killer. Approximately ten years earlier Kyle Gruber’s high school girlfriend was murdered in what would be the first of many victims for a serial killer dubbed the Phantom Strangler. Five years later Delaney Jefferson’s twin Daphne would be killer by the same person, and in the ensuing years our heroine would begin her own search for the man who destroyed her life but Daphne never expected to come face to face with both the past and her future when a concert for Apple Caldwell (Wrathful Malice 2) would reveal the identity of the Phantom Strangler when he attacks our story line heroine. Teaming up with the Saints Purgatory MC, Delaney would discover Thorn’s connection to the past, and in doing so, finds herself falling for a man with more demons than she could have ever imagined. What ensues is the building relationship between Thorn and Delaney, and the potential fall-out when Delaney falls victim to a demented mind.

The relationship between Delaney and Thorn is one of mutual grief, and immediate attraction. Delaney is desperate to find her sister’s killer, while Thorn is determined to get revenge for the woman he once loved. Delaney believes she is prepared for anything but never expected to fall in love. The $ex scenes are impassioned and provocative without the use of over the stop, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and over protective secondary and supporting characters including all of the members of the Saints Purgatory MC and their spouses. Speaking of the women, when vengeance is dispensed, the partners are determined to take part, one way or another.

THORNED VENGEANCE is a story of power and control, madness and vengeance, determination and strength, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are determined, stubborn and strong-willed

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

_____

UNHOLY SOUL
Saints Purgatory 1
by AndI Rhodes & Lacy Rose
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark,erotic, MC romance

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

Release Date: April 28, 2023

REVIEW: UNHOLY SOUL is the first instalment in the contemporary, adult SAINTS PURGATORY MC dark, erotic, MC romance series co-authored by Andi Rhodes and Lacy Rose. This is club president Matt ‘Soul’ Hodges, and twenty-four year old business woman Cece Parker’s story line.

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

Told from several first person perspectives including Cece and Soul, using present day and memories from the past, UNHOLY SOUL follows in the wake of the introduction between our story line couple. Cece Parker is a business woman who owns and operates a lingerie store. Her most prolific client is a woman she knows only as Mary but Mary is a woman with connections to the Saints Purgatory MC but life is about to throw Cece several curve balls, and Soul, and the Saints Purgatory MC will become Cece’s guardian and protector when her life begins to spiral out of control. What ensues is the building relationship between Cece and Soul, and the potential fall-out when Cece becomes the target of a vengeful and rotten mind.

The world building introduces the who, what and why of the Saints Purgatory MC. As young boys, Matt, Mark, Paul and John would find themselves the victims of the Catholic Church, and in the ensuing years Soul, Malice and Grim would become the judge, jury and executioner of those deemed to be sinners.

The relationship between Cece and Soul is one of mutual attraction but Cece is a businesswoman, and Soul doesn’t believe he is worthy of love but when Cece’s life begins to spiral, Soul is determined to claim the woman that calls to his heart. Cece is strong, independent woman who knows what she wants but struggles in the face of incompetence and betrayal. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

We are introduced to several interesting and intriguing characters including several members of the Saints Purgatory MC: Malice, Grim, Abyss, Thorn, Rogue; Soul’s sister Mary aka Jez, as well as Malice’s brother Mark, and his friend Apple. The requisite evil has many faces.

UNHOLY SOUL is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, abuse and murder, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, dramatic and edgy; the romance is fated; the characters are strong-willed, animated and unconventional.

_______

WRATHFUL MALICE
(Saints Purgatory MC 2)
by Andi Rhodes & Lacy Rose
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark,erotic, MC romance

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

Release Date: July 28, 2023

REVIEW: WRATHFUL MALICE is the second instalment in the contemporary, adult SAINTS PURGATORY dark, erotic, MC romance series co-authored by Andi Rhodes and Lacy Rose. This is Saints Purgatory MC VP Malice aka Paul Grandon, and singer/songwriter Apple Caldwell’s story line. WRATHFUL MALICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from several first person perspectives including Malice and Apple, using present day and memories from the past WRATHFUL MALICE follows Apple Caldwell on her rise to the top of music stardom. Along with her best friend Mark Grandon, Apple hits the club circuit only to find herself sick and in desperate need of help. With only one alternative, Mark contacts someone from the past, a past he was hoping to forget. Enter Mark’s brother Paul ‘Malice’ Grandon, the man with whom Apple will fall in love. As Apple begins a slow recovery with the help of the Saints Purgatory MC, Malice must come to terms with the brother he once tried to protect, a brother whose hatred for Malice is equal to the hatred Malice has towards his only brother Mark. As Apple’s career begins to take off, someone else is determined to destroy our story line heroine.

The relationship between Malice and Apple is tempestuous at best but Apple doesn’t take any crap from the members of the Saints Purgatory MC, and is willing to go toe to toe in an effort to protect her friend, her career, and the man with whom she will fall in love. Malice doesn’t do relationships having suffered at the hands of people in control. The $ex scenes are limited but provocative and intense.

WRATHFUL MALICE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, abuse and recovery , family friendships, forgiveness and love. The premise is captivating and emotional; the romance is seductive but struggles with Malice’s inability to let go of the past; the characters are determined and desperate.

_______

GRIM’S HELL
Saints Purgatory 3
by Andi Rhodes & Lacy Rose
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark,erotic, MC romance

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

Release Date: November 20, 2023

REVIEW: GRIM’S HELL is the third instalment in the contemporary, adult SAINTS PURGATORY dark, erotic, MC romance series co-authored by Andi Rhodes and Lacy Rose. This is deaf enforcer John ‘Grim Reaper’ Dunn, and Violet Simpson’s story line. GRIM’S HELL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from three first person perspectives (Grim, Violet, Brad) following two time lines, GRIM’S HELL focuses on the rescue and protection of our story line heroine. Violet Simpson is a televangelist’s daughter, and her future has been decided without her consent but when her new fiancé becomes dangerously violent, Violet finds herself under the protection of the Saints Purgatory MC, and the woman with whom she will fall in love. Enter John ‘Grim’ Dunn. Grim is an enforcer for the MC; deaf since birth, and a man with demons he is unable to purge but Grim is determined to protect the life of our story line heroine, even if is mean taking down the people who were once part of her life. What ensues is the building relationship between Grim and Violet, and the potential fall-out as Violet’s past refuses to let go, and her parents’ betrayal that set everything into motion.

The slow building relationship between Grim and Violet begins as a rescue but Violet refuses to accept the notion of an escape. With Grim as her protector, Violet begins to find a place she can call home but someone else is working behind the scenes to reclaim what doesn’t belong. Grim doesn’t believe in love having lost everything as a child to a abusive man but Grim knows that Violet will be the only woman to call to his heart, a heart he struggles to free to love. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

GRIM’S HELL is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, greed and madness, family, relationships, desperation and love. The premise is dramatic, edgy and emotional; the romance heart breaking; the characters are struggling guarded and tragic.

_____

SHADOWY ABYSS
Saints Purgatory 4
by Andi Rhodes & Lacy Rose
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark,erotic, MC romance

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

Release Date : February 27, 2024

REVIEW:  SHADOWY ABYSS is the fourth instalment in the contemporary, adult SAINTS PURGATORY dark, erotic, MC romance series co-authored by Andi Rhodes and Lacy Rose. This is physician William ‘Abyss’ McKay, and attorney Carmella Lopez’ story line. SHADOWY ABYSS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Carmella is Cece’s best friend.

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

Told from three first person perspectives (Abyss, Carmella, stalker) using present day and memories from the past, SHADOWY ABYSS follows in the wake of a one-nght stand between our story line couple. Abyss and Carmella hooked up at Cece and Soul’s wedding but Carmella ghosted Abyss the next morning. Fast forward to present day wherein an important case garners Carmella a partnership position, a position that has made Carmella a target of someone unknown. With the unwanted help of the Saints Purgatory MC, Carmella continues on with her life, often walking straight in to danger, refusing the protection of the man with whom she will fall in love. What ensues is the contemptuous relationship between Abyss and Carmella, and the potential fall-out as Carmella is continuously targeted, taking Abyss along for the ride.

The relationship between Carmella and Abyss is one of second chances, sort of. Carmella and Abyss’ one night stand left Abyss wanting more but Abyss’ reputation with the ladies kept Carmella at a distance, a distance that would threaten her life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

SHADOWY ABYSS is a story of second chances; of power and control, jealousy and murder, betrayal and vengeance, family and love. The premise is dramatic and edgy; the romance is provocative; the characters are determined and animated by Carmella is often TSTL (too stupid to live), and in this, she was a frustrating character.

________

ROGUE’S CROSS
Saints Purgatory 5
by Andi Rhodes & Lacy Rose
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark,erotic, MC romance

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

Release Date: April 26, 2024

REVIEW:  ROGUE’S CROSS is the fifth instalment in the contemporary, adult SAINTS PURGATORY MC erotic, romance series co-authored by Andi Rhodes and Lacy Rose. This is club treasurer / bar owner Rogue and bartender Skye Summers’ Dom/sub story line. ROGUE’S CROSS 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 three first person perspectives (Rogue and Skye, unknown) ROGUE’S CROSS follows Skye Summers as she is set up to take a fall. Skye works as a bartender at the club owned Purgatory Bar but money has gone missing, and someone is pointing the finger at Skye. Rogue struggles to trust our story line heroine but the ol’ ladies and girlfriends are determined to prove Skye has been framed to take the fall. What ensues is the building but tempestuous relationship between Skye and Rogue, and the potential fall-out as Skye becomes a pawn in someone else’s game.

The relationship between Skye and Rogue begins as a business arrangement. Rogue keeps his distance in the face of boss and employee but the accusations against Skye bring out the protective nature of Rogue, as the man claims the woman who may be destroying them all. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

ROGUE’S CROSS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, forgiveness and acceptance, family and love. The character driven premise is intriguing and engaging; the romance is seductive-the Dom/sub scenarios are limited; the characters are energetic and determined.

Andi Rhodes

Andi Rhodes is an author whose passion is creating romance from chaos in all her books! She writes MC (motorcycle club) romance with a generous helping of suspense and doesn’t shy away from the more difficult topics. Her books can be triggering for some so consider yourself warned. Andi also ensures each book ends with the couple getting their HEA! Most importantly, Andi is living her real-life HEA with her husband and their boxers.

For the most up-to-date information on releases, preorders, signings, and all things Andi Rhodes, visit her website at www.andirhodes.com.

Website: http://www.andirhodes.com 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07Y9CM6XV 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorandirhodes 

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/author.andi.rhodes 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19724686.Andi_Rhodes 

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/andi-rhodes 

TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@authorandirhodes 

•••••••

Lacy Rose

Lacy Rose is an author who loves to write gritty MC (motorcycle club) romance. Lacy loves multiple genres and can be found reading almost anything in her free time. She lives with her husband of 23 years and two children. When she isn’t writing, her life is often filled with mayhem from kids’ school activities, so she reads and writes in her free time to escape reality. Lacy enjoys sharing her stories with others, and they always have a HEA.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/lacyrose 

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17698333.Lacy_Rose 

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The Ruined (Hideaway Springs 2) by Roxanne Tully-review tour

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💛The Ruined (Hideaway Springs 2) by Roxanne Tully-review tour💛

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 30 ,2024

Have you ever tricked a man into bed with you?

Neither have I.
Wouldn’t dream of it—I’m a girl with class.

Except when it comes to my ex-boyfriend Noah.
Three years ago, I ruined any future with him and I’m done trying to win him back.
Better off. He’s Grumpy Gorgeous and I’m Sunshine Plain Jane.

With nothing left to keep me in our small town, and my best friend’s wedding to his brother looming, I make my amends. Call a truce so we don’t accidentally cause a scene during their big day.

The trick? Noah thinks my imaginary date to the wedding is my ticket to losing my V-card. And…I might have let him believe it.

A spark I thought was long gone ignites and suddenly he’s determined to prove I’m not ready. By volunteering himself to demonstrate.

It’s one dangerous game I agreed to, but it’s all I ever wanted. I only hope that when the truth comes out, we won’t be completely and unforgivably ruined.

••••

REVIEW:The Ruined is the second installment in the Hideaway Springs series by Roxanne Tulley. Each book can be read as a standalone, but as always I recommend reading the series in order to get the most of the story. I really enjoyed the small town, grumpy sunshine romance feel of this story, the plot moves quickly but the characters are what keep the reader engaged.

We meet Noah in book one, and the story continues around Pepper and Chase’s wedding. Charlie and Noah don’t like either other…actually, let’s be honest, they hate each other. Charlie has been branded a cheater, everyone knows about it and won’t let her live it down. This really confused me, she clearly didn’t sleep with anyone and nothing happened, except for a kiss. A kiss that ruined her life. Noah reacts like a nutcase in my opinion, but with this book, the storyline expands and things are made clear to Noah.

Noah was not my favorite person when I first started reading, don’t get me wrong, their chemistry was Chef kiss, but the beginning of their story really didn’t make me like him. As the plot progresses and Noah learns that he was a big dummy, the couple comes to terms with the mistakes of their past and move on to a brighter future together.

Overall a wholesome, spicy summer read that I enjoyed and would recommend to fellow readers.

Click HERE for Sarah’s review of THE RUNAWAY

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

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Roxanne writes contemporary romance with strong realistic heroines and a healthy dose of angst. When she’s not writing, she enjoys hiking, baking and traveling with her real-life male hero.

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Sanctuary by Ilona Andrews – a Review

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Sanctuary by Ilona Andrews – a Review

 

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Description:
It’s not easy serving the Chernobog, the God of Destruction, Darkness and Death…especially during the holidays; and especially when you’re out of eggnog and one of your pesky, freeloading mythic creatures has eaten your last cookie.

Roman would like nothing more than to be left alone, but when a wounded boy stumbles into his yard and begs for sanctuary, Roman takes him in. Now elite mercenaries are camped out on his property, combat mages are dousing the house with fire, and strange priests are unleashing arcane magic. They thought Roman was easy pickings, just a hermit in the woods, but they chose the wrong dark priest to annoy. For while Roman might be patient, he is the Black Volhv, filled with the love of his terrible god. For his adversaries, it’s a fight to the death, but for him, it’s just another day in the neighborhood.

 

 

Review:

Sanctuary by Ilona Andrews is a standalone novel in the World of Kate Daniels. We did meet Roman (hero), in previous Kate Daniels books. Roman is the priest of Chernobog, who is the God of Destruction, Darkness and Death, and in Sanctuary, we learn more about his backstory, which includes his chaotic family, as well as becoming Chernobog’s Black Volhv.   Roman is depressed, wanting no company during the winter holiday, and to his surprise, a boy races to his house and begs for Sanctuary.

Almost immediately, elite mercenaries appear on his property, wanting the boy and his puppy; with them thinking this was going to be easy, with the hermit in the house.  Of course, little did they know he was a powerful dark priest.  Besides the mercenaries, they are also attacked by mages, strange priests, unleashing magic and trying to douse the house with fire. Roman collects a hoard of witchy pets and demonic beasties, which he manages to bring out in the fight to death against those who want the boy at any cost.  While the attacks continue, Roman teaches Finn what not to use and what is safe.

We learn a lot about Roman in his early years, especially with his perfect older brother. His father was Volhv with Chernobog, during those years, and always pushed for the older son to follow him.  Roman was lonely and felts ostracized from his family.  But when he got older, the choice to replace the father, was a complete surprise as to who Chernobog chose. In the current time, Roman’s dreams show him dragging a tree to give to Morena (Chernobog’s wife), where he sees Andora, a girl he knew when they were very young; he also sees Farhang (the mage) who is in the dream and Finn, who is in for the ride.

What follows is an exciting and intriguing story, with Roman tied to the Slavic gods in this world, with magical siblings; not to mention his wonderful menagerie. Finn was a very good addition, and Andora, a childhood friend, who may become a potential romance.  It was fun to learn about his younger years, being lonely with his meddling family.  I look forward to seeing the possibility of a full novel upcoming. Once again, Ilona Andrews, our illustrious duo, gives us another wonderful masterpiece.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

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HIS DARK DESIRE by Brooke Summers/ Stella Bella-review

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HIS DARK DESIRE by Brooke Summers/ Stella Bella-review

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 29, 2024

Denver’s most notorious mafia man, “The Snake’ is ready to hang up his title.

What happens when he finds a woman who turns his world upside down?

Is leaving the world he created behind the best way forward?

Or will he end up losing everything he loves in the process?

His Dark Desire is a crossover between the Made Series by Brooke Summers and The Temptations series by Stella Bella

They live in the shadows and have their own moral compass that guides them. These men and women don’t follow your rules. They make their own. When they meet their perfect partner, nothing else matters. They’ll do whatever it takes to win the owner of their Dark Hearts.

••••

REVIEW: HIS DARK DESIRE by Brooke Summers (Stella Bella) is a contemporary, adult, stand alone, erotic, Mafia romance story line set in the author’s MADE series. This is fifty-five year old, Mafia kingpin turned businessman Joe Raineri, and twenty-three year old, PA Hazel’s story line. HIS DARK DESIRE fills in some of the missing background and history regarding our story line couple. Joe Ranieri is Gabriella Sanchez’ father (OBSESSIVE UNION Made 9).

Told from dual first person perspectives (Joe and Hazel) covering several years HIS DARK DESIRE reveals some of the background information about Gabriella’s father: his Mafia connections; his estranged marriage to his first wife; the conception of his daughter; and the woman with whom he will fall in love. Joe Raineri is a Mafia kingpin but wants to go legitimate in the wake of his personal life spiralling out of control. Meeting and hiring PA Hazel stirred something deep within our story line hero but Joe’s personal life refuses to go quietly, and in this Hazel finds herself on the outside looking in. What ensues is the building but embattled relationship between our story line couple, and the potential fall-out as Hazel struggles with the possibility of losing the man that she loves.

The world building follows several years, briefly mentioning some important events in Joe Raineri’s life, events that cross over with the author’s MADE series and characters. As Joe battles with the past, the past takes aim at everyone he loves.

The relationship between Joe and Hazel begins as a professional arrangement. Joe is Hazel’s boss but his attraction to Hazel is threatened by a personal life he has yet to let go. A back and forth affair finds Hazel walking out of Joe’s life, a life that is about to become much more complicated with events back home. The $ex scenes are limited but intimate ..

The secondary and supporting characters include Joe’s soon to be ex Christina: his daughter Gabriella, as well as Hazel’s best friend Briar.

HIS DARK DESIRE is a fast paced, quick read: a novella length story of secrets and lies, power and control, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and edgy but felt a little bit rushed; the characters are stubborn and determined ; the age-gap romance is seductive but too many timeline skips results in missing details but such is the nature of the novella.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA Today Bestselling Author Brooke Summers is a Mafia Romance author and is best known for her Made Series.

Brooke was born and raised in South London.   She lives with her daughter and hubby. Brooke has been an avid reader for many years.She’s a huge fan of Colleen Hoover and Kristen Ashley.

Brooke has been dreaming of writing for such a long time. When she was little, she would make up stories just for fun. Seems as though she was destined to become an author.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website: https://www.brookesummersbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrookeSummersAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_brookesummers
Newsletter: https://www.brookesummersbooks.com/newsletter
Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/brookesummers
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/brooke-summers
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookesummersauthor

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That Prince is Mine by Jayci Lee – a Review

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That Prince is Mine by Jayci Lee – a Review

 

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Description:
A love-averse Korean royal court cuisine instructor in search of a perfect-on-paper husband is waylaid from her practical, heartbreak-proof plan when she meets a gorgeous professor—and prince in disguise—who will do anything to prove to her that love and happily ever after can be theirs.

Emma Yoon runs a small business as a culinary instructor in Los Angeles teaching Korean royal court cuisine to young ladies striving to marry into the exclusive upper crust Korean families. She has built her business alongside her renowned Korean matchmaker godmother, which brings her one step closer to her dream of opening up a culinary school on her own. But when her godmother’s fellow matchmakers decide to meddle in Emma’s love life in a bid to sabotage her godmother, and indirectly push Emma’s dream out of her reach, she must go on a series of arranged first dates and find herself the perfect-on-paper husband to help save both, her godmother’s reputation and her dream–even if she’s not ready for love. But when she meets Michel Aubert, a professor at USC, after a series of disastrous first dates, she wonders if she might reevaluate her position on love.

Prince Michel Aubert is bound by duty and responsibility to his country, but an arranged marriage is the last thing he wants. If he is going to spend the rest of his life in service of his people, then he at least wants someone he loves and trusts by his side while doing it. He needs to find a woman who loves him for who he is before his engagement to his handpicked bride is announced. Emma Yoon might be just the woman he is looking for.

 

 

Review:

That Prince of Mine by Jayci Lee was a sweet wonderful romantic novel.  Emma Yoon, our heroine, is a culinary instructor teaching her love of Korean food to young ladies who want to learn all things Korean. Emma is determined to own a Korean royal court cuisine cooking school. Her Godmother Auntie Soo is a matchmaker, and constantly tries to find a match for Emma; but she doesn’t seem to find the perfect man, who is compatible, has morals and respect, not to mention love.

Michel Chevalier, our hero, is a visiting professor at USC, who is spending three months in the United States.  Michel is secretly the Crown Prince of Rouleme, and is determined to find someone to spend his life with, instead of being stuck in a loveless arranged marriage. His father, the King, plans to abdicate from the throne in favor of retirement, with Michel taking the throne. 

While at a restaurant, Emma notices a charming, handsome man who is watching her on a blind date.  Michel stops at the local café a number of times, as he watches as she continually parts ways with her dates: he finds himself being attracted to her, and decides to ask her to go out with him on a date; as Emma herself is totally attracted to this gorgeous charming man.  The banter and wit between them were fun and very enjoyable.  It was a delight to see them falling in love, as they both were perfect for each other.  I loved all the wonderful Korean cuisine that Emma showed Michel, and his bodyguard, Sophia.  I really loved all the characters, such as Emma, Michel, Sophia, Gabriel, Auntie Soo, her father, etc.  I also liked that Sophia and Gabriel were avoiding a long-time friendship, and would also end up together.

That Prince is Mine was a wonderful, lighthearted, heartwarming, fun, cute, charming, engaging royal romance, with a bit of spice along the way. That Prince is Mine was so very well written by Jayci Lee. If you enjoy modern royal romances, you should be reading That Prince is Mine.  I totally enjoyed the book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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FOREST OF OBSESSION (Alexis Forrest:FBI Thriller 5) by Kate Gable

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FOREST OF OBSESSION (Alexis Forrest: FBI Mystery Thriller 5) by Kate Gable-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 31, 2024

Forensic psychologist and FBI agent Alexis Forrest is on the hunt for a serial killer who has been terrorizing New England for decades. Years ago, her teenage sister fell victim to this predator, but the wrong person was convicted and sent to prison and the real killer is still out there.

The eerie calm of Broken Hill, Alexis’s hometown, is shattered when a string of brutal killings resurfaces, echoing the nightmare of her past.

For years, everyone thought he was gone and then he strikes again.

After her father’s house is burned down and her mother receives threats, Alexis knows she’s running out of time.

The killer has set his sights on her.

With her own life on the line, she must confront her deepest fears in order to uncover the true identity of the illusive murderer before it’s too late.

Teaming up once again with her former flame and partner, Mitch, Alexis plunges into a desperate race against time. But as the body count rises and the killer’s taunts grow bolder, Alexis realizes she’s facing someone who knows her every move.

With each step bringing her closer into the killer’s twisted game, Alexis grapples with the chilling realization that the key to stopping the bloodshed may lie in the darkest corners of her own past.

Can she stop him in time or will she become just another one of his victims?

•••••••••

REVIEW: FOREST OF OBSESSION is the fifth instalment in Kate Gable’s contemporary, adult ALEXIS FORREST: FBI MYSTERY THRILLER series focusing on Forensic Psychologist FBI Agent Alexis Forrest. FOREST OF OBSESSION should not be read as a stand alone as the events of the current timeline are as of a direct result of the previous four instalments.

SOME BACKGROUND: Twenty years earlier, Alexis’ older sister Maddie was abducted and murdered, destroying the Forrest family in the process. With her return to Broken Hill to investigate a series of similar abductions, Alexis will reconnect with family, and the man who once held her heart.

Told from three first person perspectives (Alexis, Mitch, Tyler) FOREST OF OBSESSION continues to focus on FBI Agent Alexis Forrest’s search for her sister’s killer. As Alexis‘ investigation begins to gain traction, our heroine will discover there may be more than one person responsible for close to thirty years of death and destruction. Refusing to sit back and wait, Alexis places herself in the direct line of fire, often at the risk of her own life and the lives of the people she loves. As the picture begins to coalesce for our story line heroine, someone else continues to pull the strings, pulling our heroine head first into a game of cat and mouse.

Meanwhile, Alexis’ relationship with Mitch Dutton is about to be tested when Alexis’ obsession with a serial killer threatens any potential happiness or trust for our story line couple. Unable to let go, Alexis unwittingly pushes the man that she loves to reconsider their lives going forward but Mitch is the stabilizing foundation for our story line heroine.

FOREST OF OBSESSION is the culmination of five instalments wherein FBI Agent Alexis Forrest often deviates from her daily routine and assignments in an effort to bring down a man who has taken the lives of so many. FOREST OF OBSESSION is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal, power and control, obsession and madness, forgiveness and acceptance. The premise is edgy and dramatic; the characters are determined and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Forest of Silence
Forest of Shadows
Forest of Secrets
Forest of Lies

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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A BOND IN FLAMES (The Thornheart Trials 6) by Sherilee Gray-tour

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🔥 A BOND IN FLAMES (The Thornheart Trials 6) by Sherilee Gray 🔥

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 26, 2024

Zinnia

No one escapes Death. Especially when you’re his consort.

Thankfully, the powerful god has mostly ignored me; we struck a bargain that allows me to travel between home and Limbo, then I’m his for eternity. I thought I had more time…except I just returned to find him without the cloak he always wears, and now everything has changed. I was forced to served him. Now, I burn for him.

Death sees all and demands my attention. But the unpredictable god cannot decide if he desires or despises me, and soon we’re forced to journey to the Night Realm to save his brother. I’m swarmed with visions I can’t explain and must uncover secrets that Death won’t share. The longer I take, the angrier he becomes…yet my soul comes alive when he touches me.

However, the shadows are gathering and it’s a race to uncover the truth. I must fight my way back to Death—or face a terrible evil that could tear my world apart.

•••••

REVIEW: A BOND IN FLAMES is the sixth and final instalment in Sherilee Gray’s contemporary adult THE THORNHEART TRIALS erotic, paranormal, fantasy series focusing on the Thornheart females. This is twenty-eight year old witch Zinnia Thornheart, and Mors aka Death’s story line. A BOND IN FLAMES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Some of the events of A BOND IN FLAMES crosses over with some of the events of book three A TRIAL BY BLOOD.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Death and Zinnia) A BOND IN FLAMES follows the building but acrimonious relationship between our story line couple. Approximately thirteen years earlier, the god Death appeared to Zinnia in a dream, claiming our heroine as his consort, his intended mate but Zinnia refused his proclamations and in doing so, damned her life for all eternity. Fast forward to present day, Death comes to collect Zinnia’s cousin Rose, believing Rose is his intended mate until Zinnia reveals the sacrifice she made to protect herself. Agreeing to go with Death, albeit with some caveats, bargains and exceptions, Zinnia enters the Underworld to be forever bound to a man known as Death but someone else is working behind the scene s to ensure Death is alone for all eternity, and with it, the secrets reveal Zinnia’s true connections to our story line hero. What ensues is the building relationship between Zinnia and Death, and the potential fall-out as Death’s past refuses to let go, threatening our heroine in the process.

The world building is complex, detailed and dramatic. Zinnia must uncover the truth about her connection to Death, and in doing so, release the pain and suffering for the man with whom she is falling in love.

The relationship between Death and Zinnia is one of fated mates although Zinnia has the option of walking away but walking away would curse Death to a lifetime of pain and suffering, cursed by someone else. As Death and Zinnia’s relationship slowly turns into something more, Death must come to terms with his past, the potential loss of his brother, and the woman that has the ability to destroy his heart. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of powerful and sometimes questionable secondary and supporting characters. Most of Zinnia’s sisters and cousins return, as well as introduction of Death’s brother Somnus (god of dreams), their mother Nox, Death’s servant Egon, and Zinnia’s familiar Hemlock. The requisite evil has many faces.

A BOND IN FLAMES is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, magic and mayhem, gods and goddesses, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is haunting, twisted and edgy yet I easily guessed the who, what, how and why; the characters are enchanting, impassioned and magical; the romance is fated and seductive.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
A Curse in Darkness
A Vow of Ruin
A Trial by Blood
An Oath at Midnight
A Promise of Ashes

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Website / Goodreads  / Facebook / Instagram / Amazon Author

Sherilee’s always had a big (some say warped) imagination, and as a kid scared herself conjuring up horror stories full of ghosts and other terrifying creatures. She never dreamed of actually writing down any of those wonderful imaginary people or places, not until many years later when her sister introduced her to the wondrous world of romance novels, and her very large book collection.

She’s pleased to say, she still has the big imagination… only now her characters are chasing their happily ever after.

Sherilee Gray is a kiwi girl and lives in beautiful New Zealand with her husband and their two children. When she isn’t writing sexy, edgy contemporary and paranormal romance, searching for her next alpha hero on Pinterest, or fueling her voracious book addiction, she can be found dreaming of far off places with a mug of tea in one hand and a bar of Cadburys Rocky Road chocolate in the other.

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