Author Archives: Sandy

ZAIN (Chosen Few 3) by Samantha Wilde-review

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ZAIN (Chosen Few 3) by Samantha Wilde

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 3, 2024

He’s left everything behind, only to find himself again in the eyes of a beautiful stranger . .

He’s become one of them.

Zain Mitry has lost everything His name, his identity, and his humanity. All that’s left is a cold shell of the alias he’s become—an active member in Samad, a terrorist group.

Afghanistan isn’t for the faint of heart, but fear doesn’t reach his veins until he witnesses Samad’s leader take a woman hostage from a protest. Her electrifying blue eyes capture Zain’s and he’s spellbound by her bold, fiery nature.

Despite the distance between his heart and reality, he can’t turn a blind eye when the woman is attacked. He rushes to rescue her—and the first word she speaks to him—a word no one on this side of the world identifies him with. The only tether to his old life.

The name that will destroy him—Zain. She’s vowed to find a man she’s never met.

Ex-FBI analyst Dana McAvery can’t explain what drew her to Zain’s case. But finding the missing Green Beret soldier became her mission.

But coming face-to-face with the man who’s monopolized every spare moment of her mind shakes her. His tall, dark and formidable stare rocks her confidence. She expected to find a prisoner, a man in need of rescue—but a brutal killer stands before her.

One that places himself between her and danger. And god help her, she wants more of him. Finding Zain isn’t the issue—but with a terrorist group after them, getting them both home might be an impossible feat.

••••••

REVIEW: ZAIN is the third instalment in Samantha Wilde’s contemporary, adult CHOSEN FEW erotic, romantic suspense series, a cross-over with the author’s BLOOD BROTHERS series. This is US army soldier Zain Mitry, and former FBI analyst Dana McAvery’s story line. ZAIN 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 omniscient third person perspectives (Dana and Zain) ZAIN follows in the wake of the search and ‘rescue’ of our story line hero. Zain Mitry, is a USA army soldier / Green Beret who went missing in Afghanistan approximately three years earlier in the aftermath of an explosion that killed his entire team. When news came that Zain had been sighted, former FBI analyst Dana McAvery, now working as part of the team at Backcountry Protection Services, enacts an ill-gotten plan to rescue a man who did not need rescuing. On the run in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Dana and Zain were about to face down a familiar enemy, someone who refused to back down in the face of losing it all.

The world building focuses on the search and rescue of Zain Mitry; the revelation of betrayal from the top; and the building relationship between two people who have had enough excitement and danger to last a lifetime.

The relationship between Zain and Dana begins as a ‘rescue’, of sorts but our couple find themselves a target of some very powerful men. On the run, hopefully heading towards their own rescue, Zain and Dana find themselves facing down more than one person hoping to destroy them both. Back home, Zain and Dana take their relationship to the next level but the enemy has followed them Stateside, an enemy that won’t stop until they are both gone. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and enterprising secondary and supporting characters including Dana’s brother Taschen; Zain’s brother Rami (Chosen Few 1), August (Chosen Few 2), Toth Holmes, and their significant others; Zain’s CIA contact Maxine, and several members of some powerful terrorist groups in the Middle East. The requisite evil has many faces. Taschen’s story line is next.

ZAIN is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, murder and torture; family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is dramatic and dark; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are desperate, determined and dynamic.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

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Crystal Iris (Crystal Iris) by Blair M Shadows-review & interview

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Crystal Iris (Crystal Iris 1) by Blair M  Shadows -review and interview

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 1, 2024

Get ready to lose yourself in a world where art and magic intertwine with a blistering hot romance.

Crystal Iris: Book I is the beginning of a tantalizing magical romance series brimming with mystery, modern conflicts, and a love story that will leave you aching for more. A sexy, addictive mystical fantasy with a strong female lead, swoon-worthy book boyfriends, and plenty of spice—perfect for fans of books featured on BookTok.

Professor Iris De Loughery’s life changes on the night of her thirtieth birthday. The gift she receives from her distant father defies reality as she knows it, launching her on a journey of self-discovery alongside a dive into the spectral unknown. Shaken by her relationships, the Harvard art history professor’s struggles intensify when she meets Hoyt, another prism possessor. Controlling her feelings will be her first challenge in this wicked spicy series.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW:

“Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one.” – Stella Adler”

I love the cover. Definitely in my discreet era 😜

I wasn’t to enamoured by the blurb if I’m honest. And maybe I should have gone in blind. Sometime you are pleasantly surprised.

“The greater the artist, the greater the doubt. Perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize.” – Robert Hughes”

But the book, the book had a few issues, but I couldn’t put it down until the last page was done. It was a little slow in places, and a few discrepancies, but it didn’t take away from the drama and storytelling.

I also liked the little quotes at the beginning of each chapter, I’m not a big lover of history (although I do read historical romance 😉) but I found the snippets the author gave us really fascinating, I felt it added something extra to the story. The MFC is a history professor, so it was a good idea that she could actually tell us a little a little it.)

“One can have no smaller or greater mastery than mastery of oneself.” – Leonardo da Vinci”

MFC is an older character (which I always like, love isn’t just for the young you know 😉) and with an established career and life already. But life isn’t always played out the way you plan it……

Iris is given a gift from an absent father (we get to find out more through the book.) At first Iris wants nothing to with her father or the gift, but curiosity wins out…..

“The artist’s world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep.” – Paul Strand”

What I liked was this book didn’t info dump on you, it gave it in easy segments, so that it didn’t overwhelm or confuse the reader. (I don’t need confusing thanks 😉)

Hoyt is also a prism holder. And that’s what connects them at first. The friendship grows and venues something more….

But we also have mystery and drama. And that’s the bit I loved. It keeps you wondering how this will turn out

There are so many questions that need answering in the book …..

What’s a prism? What’s its purpose? How does it involve Iris and Hoyt?

And do her mother’s letters hold more clues or questions?

You will have to read the book to find out if my questions are answered.

And the ending!! What a way to leave it open for the next book (which i hope is soon 🤞)

SO if you ignore the blurb and dive straight in I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Plenty of intrigue and mystery. A puzzle that needs solving (I did guess a few things pretty quick, but others completely surprised me.) it says a spicy romance, and then someone describes it as a slow burn 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’ll leave that for you to decide.

Copy supplied for review

🦋 Reviewed by Julie

TRC: .Hi Blair and welcome to The Reading Cafe. Congratulations on the release of Crystal Iris. We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself? 

Blair: I’m a mom first and foremost, and a nostalgic at heart. I love researching and reading about history and art. Having lived in a few exciting places and traveled extensively for work, I’ve gained a broad perspective on the world.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing? 

Blair: My background is in film and TV, and from a young age, I knew I wanted to be involved in telling stories. Coming from a creative family, I was always encouraged to pursue this path.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing this story?

Blair: I wish I could say the path has been smooth, but I’ve had to battle self-doubt on a daily basis—something that’s probably common when writing a debut novel. Publishing is an entirely different beast, one I’m still navigating. My mantra has always been: ‘One day at a time.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of   CRYSTAL IRIS?

Blair: Crystal Iris is a story about love—primarily self-love. It weaves in magical elements, spice, betrayals, and art, but at its core, it’s about discovering who we truly are when faced with life’s challenges.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning CRYSTAL IRIS

BLAIR: I started writing Crystal Iris about seven years ago, and the research has been my favorite part. I loved diving deeper into art history, which was my minor in college.

TRC: Is CRYSTAL IRIS part of a series? A stand alone?

Blair: It’s the first book of a series.

TRC: Do you have plans for a series/ or story for any of the secondary characters?

Blair: All the characters play an important role in the overall story, but as of now, there isn’t a specific book planned for any of them.

TRC: Do you have any interest in writing, or have you ever written for another genre?

Blair: I can see myself writing something in the horror genre.

TRC: Believability is an important factor in writing story lines .How do you keep the fantasy  story line believable? Where do you think some author’s fail?

Blair: Since Crystal Iris isn’t high fantasy, I was careful about how I introduced magical elements, especially since the story is set in the real world. I wanted to bring in the supernatural gradually, building on it with each book. I think it could lose its impact if those elements were revealed too quickly or out of context.”

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Blair: Yes, packaging matters in all products, and books are no exception.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Blair: In my case, the characters make their own choices—I’m just along for the ride.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen?  Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Blair: I think when the character drives the story, it’s much easier to connect with their emotions. When an author tries to restrain the narrative, things can feel forced.

TRC:Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Blair: I need complete silence when writing, but I love listening to music while going for walks and thinking about the story. I see my characters as real people—they have hobbies, tastes in food, and, of course, their own music preferences. There’s a playlist on Spotify for Crystal Iris Book One, in case anyone’s curious about the music vibes.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Blair: People often think being an author must be very relaxing, but I’ve found the opposite to be true.

TRC: What is something that few, if anyone, know about you?

Blair: I’m a bit of a neat freak—things only bring me stress if they’re not in the way I think they should be.

TRC: Who or what influenced your path towards a young adult, paranormal story line.

Blair: I write what I want to read; I’m basically my own audience.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Blair: Crystal Iris book two.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Blair: Thank you so much for this opportunity, I really appreciate the support.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food- Italian

Favorite Dessert– Ice cream

Favorite TV Show -Lost

Last Movie You Saw- Home alone (my son’s first time)

Dark or Milk Chocolate– Milk chocolate 

Secret Celebrity Crush -Justin Timberlake 

Last Vacation –Destination Rio, Brazil summer 2024

Do you have any pets? -Not currently 

Last book you read -Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Carl Newport

TRC: Thank you Blair for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you all the best.

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CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER (Apocalyptic Love 1) by Rose Wulf

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CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER (Apocalyptic Love 1) by Rose Wulf-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 December 20, 2024

Death was never supposed to fall in love…

Fenn had long given up on knowing the warmth of another by the day he met her.
Sienna Jacobsen.

A woman who was somehow immune to the touch of Death.

With Christmas just around the corner, Sienna was once again desperate to find someone she could bring home for the weekend.

Talk about the perfect time to finally meet the very literal man of her dreams.

He was supposed to be investigating Sienna’s death-touch immunity, but the only touch on either of their minds was the kind he’d so long been denied. And he couldn’t keep his hands off.

Her sisters had their reservations about Fenn, but it was his personal stalker that threatened to ruin the holiday

••••••

REVIEW: CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER is the first instalment in Rose Wulf’s contemporary, adult APOCALYPTIC LOVE erotic, paranormal, fantasy, mythology series. This is Death aka Fenn, and Sienna Jacobsen’s story line.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Sienna and Fenn) CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER focuses on the building relationship between Sienna Jacobsen, a woman with the ability to see the future, and Fenn, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Fenn has never known human touch or otherwise, and as one of the Four Horsemen, never expected to fall in love but the touch of a woman with powers of her own gives Fenn thoughts for a future even if only for a limited time. Sienna Jacobsen is a clairvoyant, one of three sisters with supernatural powers, and thought to be blessed by the gods, the Jacobsen sisters try to keep to themselves but a Christmas reunion forces Sienna to look for a plus-one, and Fenn is perfect for the time. Meanwhile Fenn has a stalker, a stalker who takes aim at our story line heroine, using her sisters as collateral damage.

The world building reveals some of Fenn’s history, and the introduction of the other Horsemen, as well as the deities and demi-gods seeking revenge or the ultimate prize.

The relationship between Fenn and Sienna begins by accident when Sienna touches a man who has never been touched.For years, Sienna, as a clairvoyant, has witnessed a stranger in her dreams, a stranger who is about to become her happily ever after. Falling in love was never meant to be, Sienna suspects her relationship with Fenn comes with an expiry date. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Sienna’s ‘magical’ sisters: Maya and Piper, and her best friend Sherri; as well as the other Horsemen: Cassian aka Famine, Sulien aka War, Rajan aka Famine; Florence Dossit; and Moirai Lauryn, aka Fate, and a demi-god with ulterior motives.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance,obsession and madness, acceptance and love. The premise is enchanting and intriguing; the romance is provocative; the characters are magical and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Wolf’s Chance / Wolf’s Fate by Eve L Mitchell-reviews

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WOLF’S CHANCE/ WOLF’S FATE (Shadowridge Peak 1 & 2) by Eve L Mitchell

Wolf’s Chance
Shadowridge Peak 1
by Eve L Mitchell
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal 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 November 15, 2024

Willow Harper has spent most of her life alone, after all, it’s easier to be alone when you’ve already lost everything. Content in the quiet town of Whispering Pines, she immerses herself in her art.

Then Caleb Foster shows up. Tall, handsome, and annoyingly intrusive. Willow wants nothing to do with him.

Caught between curiosity and caution, Willow finds herself watching Caleb and wondering where he goes at night. He sticks out like a sore thumb during the day, but after sundown, he vanishes without a trace.

When fate throws them together, bringing supernatural threats and urban legends to life, Willow has no choice but to trust the mysterious stranger who dogs her days and hounds her dreams.

As their connection becomes increasingly difficult to ignore, they find themselves relying on each other to brave the approaching storm.

Willow didn’t ask for his help…Caleb seems reluctant to offer it.

And both are completely unprepared for what lies ahead.

••••••

REVIEW: WOLF’S CHANCE is the first instalment in Eve L Mitchell’s contemporary, adult SHADOWRIDGE PEAK paranormal, romance series- a spin off set in the author’s Blackbridge Peak series. This is wolf shifter/ rogue Caleb Foster, and twenty-six year old artist Willow Harper’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Willow and Caleb) WOLF’S CHANCE follows in the wake of Caleb Foster’s arrival in Whispering Pines. Pulled towards something unknown, Caleb Foster finds himself drawn to artist Willow Harper, a human woman but a woman who sees more than anyone could have ever imagined. Hoping for some answers, Willow and Caleb go on a journey of discovery only to find themselves on the defensive at every turn.

The world building reveals some of Willow’s background, and the health issues with which she is struggling to contend. Willow’s art has attracted the attention of several people including our story line hero, art that tells a story that should not have been told.

The relationship between Willow and Caleb is tempestuous at best.There is a definite attraction but there is no romance, and Caleb struggles with his attraction to a woman he doesn’t deserve. There are no $ex scenes.

The secondary and supporting characters include Willow’s best friend Lily Summers, and the return of Blackbridge Peak Alpha Cannon.

WOLF’S CHANCE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and discovery. The slow building premise is intriguing and captivating but very little is revealed leaving this reader frustrated. The characters are desperate and sad; there is no romance only distrust and questions. WOLF’S CHANCE ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

_______

WOLF’S FATE
(Shadowridge Peak 2)
by Eve L Mitchell
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release December 20, 2024

Willow Harper thought she was finally beginning to understand the world she’d been thrust into—a world where she’s connected to the enigmatic shifter Caleb Foster. But Caleb has vanished, leaving Willow vulnerable and alone.

The longer Caleb stays away, the more dangerous his absence becomes—not just for him, but for her. Other shifters, drawn to her for reasons she can’t explain, are closing in.

She knows severing their bond may be her only hope, yet the deeper their connection grows, the harder it becomes to let go—especially when her feelings for him are anything but simple.

Hunted by dangerous enemies and haunted by the lingering bond to a man who’s no longer there to protect her, Willow must find Caleb before it’s too late. Together, they’ll have to face the threat to her and, perhaps, confront the darkest parts of Caleb’s past.

But with each day that Caleb stays away, they risk not only losing each other—but everything they’re fighting for.

••••••

REVIEW:WOLF’S FATE is the second instalment in Eve L Mitchell’s contemporary, adult SHADOWRIDGE PEAK paranormal, romance series, a spin off set in the author’s Blackbridge Peak series. This is the continuing story of wolf shifter/ rogue Caleb Foster, and twenty-six year old artist Willow Harper’s story line. WOLF’S FATE should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book one WOLF’S CHANCE.

SOME BACKGROUND: Pulled towards something unknown, lone wolf Caleb Foster finds himself drawn to Whispering Pines and artist Willow Harper, a human woman but a woman who sees more than anyone could have ever imagined. Having spent ten years alone after the decimation of his pack, Caleb struggles with pack life, and interacting with society.

If you have not read book one, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Willow and Caleb) WOLF’S FATE picks up approximately three weeks after the events of WOLF’S CHANCE in which, wolf shifter Caleb Foster, having left Willow Harper behind under the protection of the Blackridge Peak Alpha Cannon, journeys towards the ghosts from his past . With his ‘connection’ to Willow growing stronger as he approaches his homeland, Caleb quickly realizes Willow’s life is in danger, and is desperate to protect the woman that calls to his heart. Struggling with the demons from his past, Caleb continues to spiral but with the presence of our story line heroine, Caleb’s demons begin to reveal a devastating story.

The world building reveals Caleb’s past and the destruction of his pack and the people he loved. The ghosts continue to haunt our story line hero but the past takes aim at our story line couple.

The relationship between Caleb and Willow continues to be turbulent and aggressive as Willow struggles to understand the man Caleb is becoming, and the wolf who is desperate to avenge the past. Caleb and Willow are apart for a good portion of the story line -Caleb on the run towards his darkness, and Willow searching for the man with whom she is falling in love. The lone $ex scene is limited but impassioned without any true resolution.

The secondary and supporting characters include the return of the Blackridge Peak wolf pack including Alpha Cannon, Doc, Royce and a visiting Shaman.

WOLF’S FATE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, magic and power, family and loss. The premise is enchanting and entertaining; the characters are broken and magical; the romance is limited as Caleb struggles with his attraction to our story line heroine. WOLF’S FATE ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Turmoil’s Target / Doc’s Decision by Elizabeth Knox -review

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Turmoil’s Target / Doc’s Decision (Reaper’s Rejects MC: Second Generation 2 & 3) by Elizabeth Knox -review

TURMOIL’S TARGET
(Reapers Rejects MC: Second Generation : Nevada 2)
by Elizabeth Knox
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 October 31, 2024

She was meant to be a job, not the woman I couldn’t live without.

Turmoil

They were f***ing with the club’s money and we were tied of dealing with it. The moment Damon asked for one of us prospects to volunteer, I jumped at the opportunity. I was itching to prove myself to the club and this was my way to do that.

The task? Go undercover and get close to Seraphina Bernard—find out what her and family’s plans were with the club, and stop them before they got the chance to do anything else.

The problem? Seraphina got under my skin. She was cocky, privileged, and had the world at her fingertips. Getting her to want to be around me was one thing, but eventually, I proved myself to her.

Not long after knowing her, our relationship shifted. It started out as a friends with benefits situation, and one night at a club with her, someone tried to attack her. I intervened and that’s when it shifted. I crossed a line I shouldn’t have that night. I knew better, and somehow I was now in a fake relationship with her.

I had a duty to the club and I would fulfill my obligations, but after a time, I realized Seraphina was in the dark more than we anticipated.

As the truth came to light, my feelings for Seraphina grew, but how would she handle it when she found out the club sent me here to spy on her?

Would she forgive me, or would she view herself as nothing more than a target?

•••••

REVIEW: TURMOIL’S TARGET is the second instalment in Elizabeth Knox’s contemporary, adult REAPERS REJECTS MC: NEVADA Second Generation erotic, MC romance series, set in the author’s Reapers Rejects MC world. This is prospect Abram ‘Abe’ Morozov aka Turmoil, and heiress Seraphina Bernard’s story line. TURMOIL’S TARGET can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading Spark’s Inferno for background.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Turmoil and Seraphina) TURMOIL’S TARGET follows the undercover operation into the who, how and why of the people taking aim at the Reapers Rejects MC. Someone is targeting the MC for sins of the past, and at every opportunity, are one step ahead of the Reapers Rejects. Desperate, the Reapers Rejects send in two undercover prospects to ferret out information in an effort to put an end to what is happening and why. Enter Abram ‘Turmoil, Morozov. Turmoil is expected to seduce heiress Seraphina Bernard, a young woman with connections to the MC past but a woman caught in a spiral not of her making. As Turmoil’s seduction gains momentum, the possibility of a mole forces the club to look inward.

The world building continues to focus on the business ‘attacks’ against the Reapers Rejects MC. Someone is outbidding and ensuring the MC’s business plans and success begin to fail, and in this, prospects Turmoil and Jolt are assigned to find out the who, how and why. Seducing heiress Seraphina Bernard was easy but falling in love was never in the plans.

The relationship between Seraphina and Abe aka Turmoil begins as an assignment; a seduction to uncover information but Abe found himself falling for his mark, a fall that threatens the future of the Reapers Rejects MC. Seraphina has no idea she is a pawn in a dangerous game but a game where she will discover all is not right in her well orderly world. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters include several OG members of the Reapers Rejects MC including club prez Damon and VP Dixon, as well as prospect Jolt, Doc, Shiver; Seraphina’s mother Sally Bernard, her grandfather, and her best friend Rita.

TURMOIL’S TARGET is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, determined and desperations, family and relationships. The character driven premise is dramatic and engaging but the seven month jump leaves too many unanswered questions; the romance is fated and flawed; the characters are stubborn and daring. TURMOIL’S TARGET ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of SPARK’S INFERNO

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

_________

DOC’S DECISION
Reaper’s Rejects MC: Second Generation 3
by Elizabeth Knox
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, MC, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 30, 2024

She stepped up when she didn’t need to, and that was the moment she belonged to me.

Doc

With the immediate threat dealt with, the club could finally rest. At least, that’s what I thought at first. I thought we’d all get a break, that we’d enjoy the few moments of peace we had.

But, I was wrong.

Sassy delivered my son and I was accepting the truth—a clubwh*** had my baby. I was going to try to coparent with her, and I wasn’t opposed to the idea of trying to make an honest woman out of her.

I wasn’t going to be a jerk about it. I was going to be mature. I had my mind made up. I just never thought Sassy would leave a note in her room saying she wasn’t coming back and that I could have him.

I went from thinking my son would have a mother in his life, that he wouldn’t be raised in the same turmoil I was. Sadly, that wasn’t the case. The club stepped up, though. All of the ladies were there for my little man, but there was one woman who showed up more than the rest—Mandy.

I’d become good friends with her over the last year and seeing her with my son sparked something inside me. I don’t know when I made the decision, but I knew then I’d make her my ol’ lady.

I wasn’t going to let this magnificent woman slip through my fingers.

••••••

REVIEW: DOC’S DECISION is the third instalment in Elizabeth Knox’s contemporary adult REAPER’S REJECTS MC: Second Generation erotic, MC romance series-a spin off set in the author’s Reaper’s Rejects world. This is MC member /medic Darren ‘Doc’ Nixon, and Amanda “Mandy’ Blake’s story line. DOC’S DECISION can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion, as there is an ongoing premise throughout. Mandy was first introduced in book one Spark’s Inferno.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Doc and Mandy) DOC’S DECISION follows the building relationship between our story line couple. Darren ‘Doc’ Nixon is a single father who is struggling with his newborn son. Mandy Blake, adult internet entertainer, steps in to help which only adds to her attraction to our story line hero. Doc has lusted after Mandy from afar but all bets are off when Mandy’s past returns, while Doc claims our heroine as his own.

The world building follows several pathways including Mandy’s past, and Doc’s personal struggle with his ailing mother. When Mandy’s past returns, our heroine and the club become a target, a target of a sick and twisted mind.

The relationship between Mandy and Doc has been simmering for a long time but Doc’s new found fatherhood found our hero struggling but with Mandy’s help, Doc sees a potential future with the woman with whom he will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative including some scenes of Daddy kink.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Reaper’s Rejects MC, as well as Zoe and Spark, Turmoil and Seraphina. Seraphina figures prominently in the current time line.

DOC’S DECISION is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, madness and obsession, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and dramatic; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate and charismatic.. DOC’S DECISION ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Graham (Austin Fusion 2) by Samantha Lind -review tour

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💙 Graham (Austin Fusion 2) by Samantha Lind -review tour 💙

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 20, 2024

Stay away from puck bunnies – easy.
When it comes to my best friend’s little sister…
That’s far more complicated.
I’ve spent my entire career focused on what happens on the ice.
Yet now that I’m nearing retirement, the beautiful Savannah Rhodes offers me something I never realized I wanted.
A future.
Our ten-year age difference doesn’t matter.
Even the risk to my friendship with her brother can’t extinguish the inferno of need that ignites with every touch.
There isn’t anything I crave more than her.
But when our secret is revealed and life takes a painful turn…
It threatens to change everything.
She’s all I want.
I just need to convince her that I’m worth the risk.

••••

REVIEW:GRAHAM is the second instalment in Samantha Lind’s contemporary, adult AUSTIN FUSION erotic,hockey romance series. This is thirty-six year old, Austin Fusion player Graham, Webber and twenty-six year old, teacher for the deaf Savannah Rhodes’ story line. GRAHAM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. There is a slight cross over with the author’s San Francisco Shockwaves, and Indianapolis Eagles Hockey series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Savannah and Graham) GRAHAM focuses on the building romance and relationship between Graham Webber and Savannah Rhodes. Graham Webber is best friends with Savannah’s brother Lucas Rhodes but Graham hasn’t seen Savannah in several years. Discovering Savannah now lives in the same city where Graham’s hockey team is based, Graham goes in search of our heroine at a local fund-raiser at the school for the deaf. Reconnecting brings with it memories from the past, and the added attraction of unrequited lust and hope for the future. As their relationship builds, Savannah finds herself reconsidering her future, a future that involves our story line hero.

The world building focuses on the issues of injuries and aging in the game of professional sport. Savannah has found someone to love, a man whose own career is nearing the end of its’ cycle.

The relationship between Savannah and Graham is a best friend’s younger sister, friends to lovers relationship in which there is little to no conflict except the potential for Lucas Rhodes to not accept his best friend’s choice. As Savannah and Graham quickly find themselves falling in love, Graham believes it is time to claim our heroine as his own. The $ex scenes are provocative and impassioned without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are familiar and dynamic including the return of teammate Zack Blackburn; Ryker and Tori Fox (San Francisco Shockwaves), Austin and Reece (Indianapolis Eagles). We are introduced to Savannah’s brother Lucas and his wife Carly, as well as the return of some of the players on the Austin Fusion.

GRAHAM is a story of family and friendships, professional sports and injury, romance and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is passionate and seductive; the characters are determined and charismatic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one ZACK

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Samantha Lind is a USA TODAY Bestselling contemporary romance author. When she’s not dreaming up new stories, she can often be found with her family, traveling, reading, watching her boys on the ice, or watching her favorite professional hockey team (Go Knights Go!), and listening to country music.  She can be contacted by email or found on Facebook.

Keep up with Samantha Lind and subscribe to her newsletter: http://bit.ly/FDSLNL

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Wrong Twin (Hockey Romance) by Roxanne Tully-review

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Wrong Twin (Hockey Romance) by Roxanne Tully-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-release Date December 5, 2024

August

When my pro-hockey-playing twin brother tanks at the season opener and drops off the grid—I’m left picking up the pieces. And his hockey stick.
I haven’t played since high school. These days I’m more about hedge funds and suits than pucks and bunnies. But I’m far from rusty.
Then she shows up. Harper Maxwell—smart, driven, gorgeous— here looking to even the score after my brother humiliated her on prom night. Troy never deserved her, not for the minute and a half they dated and certainly not now.
When she mistakes me for him and kisses me like she’s been waiting her whole life to do it, I don’t stop her. In fact, there’s not much I have but respect when she locks me in the men’s room and takes off with my clothes.

Harper

Grumpy, gorgeous and green eyes that stare at me like I’m the only girl in the room, my ex is nothing like the arrogant narcissist I remember. What I see is a guy whose diction is as sharp as his speed across the ice. Who’s bulging biceps, chiseled jaw and crooked smile make me forget I’m here for revenge. He’s protective and impulsive in a way that makes my skin sizzle.

It’s like I’ve got the wrong guy.
Or maybe—the wrong twin.

•••••

REVIEW: What a perfect title for this book! The Wrong Twin is a standalone, sports romance with the added kick of a misidentity.

Harper Maxwell wants one thing. Revenge. Revenge for the heartbreak, the tears and the pain that Troy caused. Troy, the guy she thought loved her, the one that she trusted, the one that she thought would never leave her.Little does she know her revenge is going to take a different turn that the one she thinks. That turn takes the form of August. Troy’s twin brother. The twin brother that might just mean more to her than her own revenge.

August and Harper are two of the most interesting main characters I have read before. Their past brings chaos, tension and jealousy to their relationship, not to mention passion and forgiveness. For such a short book, I really enjoyed the banter between the main leads as well as the fast paced plot. For a sports romance, I expected a little more sports, but otherwise, I am very happy with the book.

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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Twice in a Lifetime (Second Hope 3) by Jessica Prince-review

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Twice in a Lifetime (Second Hope 3) by Jessica Prince-review

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 17, 2024

When I moved away from Hope Valley at eighteen years old, I told myself it was for good. There were too many unpleasant memories, too much history, and too many reminders of the boy who had broken my heart.

Years passed and I built a life and a family with a man I loved. Then, in the blink of an eye, that life was ripped away from me, and the secrets he’d kept from me refused to follow him into his grave.

Now I’m back in my hometown, a shell of my former self, trying to pick up the pieces of my shattered life and fit them back together. My heart has been broken for the second time in my life, but I have to put on a brave face and fake it for the sake of my kids and the people I love.

I thought I was doing a pretty good job of hiding the pain, but there is one person I’ve never been able to fool. One person who was always able to see through the masks I tried to wear, and he is determined to chase my shadows away.

Rhodes Bradbury is all grown up now. The boy who had been my first love is now all man. And to make matters worse, my body still reacts to him the same way it did all those years ago. My heart still races in his presence, and a single look from those deep, dark eyes is enough to make my skin tingle. The voice in the back of my head is screaming at me to steer clear, but there’s just one problem.

The boy he was might have broken my heart, but the man he is now wants a second chance. He isn’t afraid of my baggage. In fact, he wants nothing more than to carry it for me.

I’m trying my hardest not to repeat the mistakes of the past. But he’s doing everything in his power to convince me that most people aren’t lucky enough to have what we had even once, let alone twice in a lifetime.

•••••••••

REVIEW: So worth the wait!!!

Twice In A Lifetime is the third installment of the second generation of the Hope Valley series. For those that have not read the Hope Valley series, I 100% recommend reading it and the previous two books in the series before enjoying this book.

We meet Blythe in the previous book and learn a little of her story there. A Hope Valley native and the daughter of Nona and Trick (The Best Of Me: Hope Valley Book 3) Blythe has returned to her home town after the loss of her husband, with the help of her brother Tristian, Blythe and her three rug rats start to adjust to their new normal. When her husband dies, he left more questions than answers, and those questions are haunting her more and more everyday. Finally, Blythe turns to the one person she knows can help her. A long time family friend and the owner of Alpha Omega, the top Private Investigator firm in Hope Valley. With Linc’s help Blythe hopes to uncover the answers to the questions her late husband left to her. Just when Blythe thinks life can’t get more complicated, in walks the one man who has always owned her heart, but broke it in two all those years ago.

Rhodes.

Rhodes (Gypsy’s brother from Wrong Side of the Tracks; Hope Valley book 4) has life’s half a life since leaving his heart behind with Blythe. She has always been his only love, no other woman could ever take her place. Not that he ever tried, he found his Angel at 17, and then broke both their hearts when he left for the military. Now, twenty years later, Blythe is back in Hope Valley, nursing a broken heart and searching for answers. When she comes into his job at Alpha Omega, he can’t help but try for a second chance with her. Slowly, Rhodes, Blythe and her kids form a bond of trust and second chances. Secrets come to light, hearts are broken and truths are uncovered. -Blythe’s ex, didn’t see that coming for sure-

I can’t say enough how much I freaking love Hope Valley! Rhodes and Blythe were such a treat to read, I wanted more and more as the plot progressed. The heartbreak between these two felt so raw, their emotions so close to the surface. Blythe was the one for Rhodes and even though he knew he was the who broke them apart, he also knew he would never love another woman. That’s what romance books are! Rhode’s is a protective, sweet alpha who wants to love Blythe and her children, and Blythe, she has her own hangups, but once she learned to trust her own heart again, she knew Rhodes was it.

I can’t wait to see what else comes from the New Hope Valley series!!

Previous reviews and reading order
The Little Things
Tangled Up with You

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

Born and raised around Houston Texas, Jessica spent most of her life complaining about the heat, humidity, and all around pain in the ass weather. It was only as an adult that she quickly realized the cost of living in Houston made up for not being able to breathe when she stepped outside. That’s why God created central air, after all.

Jessica is the mother of a perfect little boy–she refuses to accept that he inherited her attitude and sarcastic nature no matter what her husband says.

In addition to being a wife and mom, she’s also a wino, a coffee addict, and an avid lover of all types of books–romances still being her all time favs. Her husband likes to claim that reading is her obsession but she just says it’s a passion…there’s a difference. Not that she’d expect a boy to understand.

Jessica has been writing since she was a little girl, but thankfully grew out of drawing her own pictures for her stories before ever publishing her first book. Because an artist she is not.

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