Author Archives: Sandy

The Truths That Deceive by Kristen Luciani-review tour

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The Truths That Deceive (Obsidian Knights Secret Society #4) by Kristen Luciani-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 14, 2024

My beautiful captive played the wrong hand when she tried to escape me… My latest assignment should have been easy. Find ex-hacker/rogue CIA agent Calista Price and hand her over to the US government for treason. But Calista is nothing like the desk jockey I expected. She’s a wild card, fiery, seductive, and she feeds into every one of my primal play urges.

Chasing her is addictive. Wrong. She’s young enough to be my daughter, and my mission is to capture her, not ravage her.

None of that stops me from craving her at my deepest levels. Calista infects my blood. She’s got an appetite for the same dirty, twisted games that I do. And she loves being hunted.

But time is short with my shiny new toy. She’s a target for more than just the CIA and others are closing in fast. At the end of the line, there are only two outcomes for Calista.

Prison…or death.

As we fall deeper into our dark, depraved games, I know I can’t give her up. I want all of her – body, mind, and blackened soul that matches my own.

And I’ll destroy anyone who tries to take her from me.

••••••

REVIEW:THE TRUTHS THAT DECEIVE is the fourth instalment in Kristen Luciani’s contemporary, adult OBSIDIAN KNIGHTS SECRET SOCIETY dark, erotic, romance series focusing on a secret society of billionaires and assassins. This is thirty-eight year old, former CIA operative Smith Hunt, and twenty-four year old CIA hacker Calista Hendrix’s story line. THE TRUTHS THAT DECEIVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary . Smith Hunt is Dakota Hunt’s estranged father (The Desires That Burn).

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including light Dom / sub and graphic violence, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers. The author includes a list of TW in the book.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Calista and Smith) THE TRUTHS THAT DECEIVE focuses on the hunt and take down of our story line heroine. Calista Hendrix is on the run having uncovered some information on the dark web. The CIA believes Calista is a traitor, and Smith Hunt is tasked with bringing her home but all is not as it appears to be when the truth reveals a much darker scenario including a need for vengeance for our story line heroine.

Once again, the world building is comprehensive and intricate. Calista is keeping the truth of her ‘supposed betrayal’ in the hopes of destroying the people who destroyed her life. As Smith struggles to keep Calista under control, our heroine refuses to sit back watching the world go by. At every opportunity Calista attempts an escape, often placing both of their lives in the direct line of fire.

The relationship between Calista and Smith begins as an assignment but Calista refuses to go quietly, and within hours is forcing Smith’s hand. Calista is not naïve to the in which she works and is currently under watch but she refuses to remain safe when the bad guys are always getting away. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and provocative but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word liberally throughout.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and questionable secondary and supporting characters including many of whom we met in the previous instalments: Mercer, Orion, Malone, Black Widow and Jones, as well a number of CIA operatives and mentors who actions and roles are ambiguous and dubious.

THE TRUTHS THAT DECEIVE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, exploitation and trafficking, acceptance and love. The premise is detailed, dark, dramatic and intriguing; the romance is aggressive and steamy; the characters are desperate, determined and energetic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Secrets That Kill
The Desires That Burn
The Sins That Ruin

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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

Mafia romance is her passion…and her poison.

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My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely-review tour

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My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 12, 2024

Wanted: hot billionaire to pose as my Christmas boyfriend. Must be willing to make my cheating ex jealous by kissing me under the mistletoe at holiday parties. Bonus if you make him cry.

To my surprise my billionaire boss is more than up for the challenge of coming down the chimney as my holiday boyfriend. The sexy single dad desperately needs a plus one at a Christmas Eve wedding, where he’s the best man and I’m the maid of honor.

And since my ex is in the wedding party too, my boss and I team up as a pair of insta-lovebirds for the holiday season, including during the annual week-long Christmas competition leading up to the snowy destination wedding.

But soon staying up late to string the best popcorn balls ever turns into a scorching night in his arms where the chestnuts aren’t the only thing roasting on the open fire.

Can all these winter wonderland nights seeking revenge turn into the real thing when we return to the office? Or are we destined to go the way of a Christmas tree on New Year’s?

••••••••

REVIEW:MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE by Lauren Blakely is a contemporary, adult, erotic, holiday romance story line set into the author’s LOVE AND HOCKEY series. This is Designer Fable Calloway, and billionaire real estate magnate and football team owner Wilder Blaine’s story line. MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Fable was first introduced in The Boyfriend Goal and The Romance Line, books one and two of the author’s LOVE AND HOCKEY SERIES.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Fable and Wilder) MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE follows the fake relationship between designer Fable Calloway and billionaire real estate magnate / single father Wilder Blaine. At the Wilder’s annual Thanksgiving celebration Fable Calloway will discover Brady, her boyfriend of four months found something better to do, the party caterer Iris, and with the hope of not embarrassing those in attendance, Fable keeps the information to herself when at the same Thanksgiving dinner Fable and billionaire Wilder Blaine are asked to be the maid of honor and best man at Charlotte and Leo’s wedding.Working for billionaire Wilder Blaine comes with many perks including an invitation to the Evergreen Falls Annual Best in Snow Winter Competition in Lake Tahoe at Wilder’s Lake Tahoe resort wherein the wedding of Leo and Charlotte will take place but both Wilder and Fable are in need of a plus one, and refusing to be set up or going alone, Wilder and Fable agree to a fake relationship, a relationship that will become all too real with their days and nights spent together. As the wedding and Best in Snow Winter Competition draws near, Wilder and Fable find themselves fake dating, facing an end date, and the reveal of their mutual lie.

The world building follows the fake but building romance and relationship between Wilder and Fable. Wilder is a single father, a billionaire real estate magnate and football team owner who hasn’t had a real relationship in years. With his aunt Bibi always angling to find Wilder someone to love, Wilder is desperate, and makes Fable an offer in the face of her recent break up with Leo’s cousin. Fable is a designer, and is hoping to one day set up her own jewelry store but Fable refuses to let a little heart break stop her forward momentum including falling for our story line hero.Meanwhile Wilder is struggling with his father’s life choices, choices that are costing Wilder both money, and respect from the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The relationship between Fable and Wilder begins as a business arrangement as Fable ‘works’ within Blaine Enterprises, designing merchandise for the football team but Fable is unaware that Wilder has already lost his heart to our story line heroine refusing to cross the invisible line of workplace romances. As one another’s plus ones , Wilder and Fable are required to ‘team up’ for the Best in Snow Competition, a competition that will bring out the competitive nature of everyone, including our story line couple. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced Fable’s sister Charlotte and Wilder’s best friend Leo, Wes and Josie (The Boyfriend Goal), Max and Everly (The Romance Line); Wilder’s eleven year old daughter MacKenzie; Wilder’s aunt Bibi; Fable’s ex and Leo’s cousin Brady, caterer Iris, and several close members of Wilder and Fable’s extended yet somewhat dysfunctional families.

MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is impassioned, encouraging and inviting; the romance is hopeful, sexy and spicy; the characters are quirky, and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Boyfriend Goal
The Romance Line

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

“Bossy,” she mutters.
I smirk. “Does this surprise you?”
“Not in the least.” Then she murmurs under her breath, a little sensually, “Sir.”
Well, then. That’s a whole lot of info delivered in that tone. I can’t not ask: “So not only does it not surprise you, it sounds like you don’t mind it either?”
She tips her chin up at me, challenging me with, “What do you think?”
I don’t think. I do. I slide my thumb along her pretty chin. God, it feels so good to touch her again. “That you like to give me hell. That you like to keep me on my toes. And that you love to give me a hard time.”
She leans into my touch, almost like she’s saying with her body don’t stop. “And I think you love all those things too,” she says in a husky voice that gives a little hint of her desire.
My thumb travels up to her cheek. She moves with me, her breath gusting across those gorgeous lips. “You’d be right,” I say, heat flaring inside me.

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

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Magic Unmasked/ Magic Undaunted (The Grimm Files) by Delta James

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MAGIC UNMASKED/ MAGIC UNDAUNTED (The Grimm Files 5 & 6) by Delta James

Magic Unmasked
The Grimm Files 5
by Delta James
Genre: adult ,contemporary, erotic, paranormal, fantasy romance

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 23, 2024

A ruthless fae enforcer and a shifter must unite to save their worlds—even if it means crossing enemy lines.

Lillith Silverwing is a formidable fae enforcer sent by the High Council to retrieve the elusive Duvall sisters—four powerful fae warriors whose magic could alter the fate of realms. Her mission should be simple, but everything changes when she crosses paths with Ronan Rousseau, a brooding sabretooth shifter scarred by a past marred by fae treachery.

As the last of his lineage, Ronan harbors a deep-seated hatred of the fae. Yet, an unexpected spark ignites between him and Lillith, challenging everything he thought he knew. When Lillith uncovers a rebellion that threatens to unleash chaos upon both the fae realm and the mortal world, she realizes that Ronan might be the ally she desperately needs. Together, they form an uneasy alliance to protect the sisters and unravel a conspiracy that runs deeper than either of them imagined.

Torn between her loyalty to the High Council and her growing feelings for Ronan, Lillith must choose where her true allegiance lies. Can she defy centuries of duty to follow her heart? And can Ronan overcome his prejudices to embrace a love that could heal his wounds?

••••••

REVIEW: MAGIC UNMASKED is the fifth instalment in Delta James’s contemporary adult THE GRIMM FILES paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is fae enforcer Lilith Silverwing, and sabre tooth tiger shifter Ronan Rousseau’s story line. MAGIC UNMASKED can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspective (Ronan and Lilith) MAGIC UNMASKED continues to focus on Fae High Council’s determination to take down the powerful Duvall sisters-four fae warriors whose magic and power are considered dangerous and in demand. Hired to bring in the Duvall sisters, fae enforcer Lilith Silverwing finds herself with an unwanted partner, sabre tooth tiger shifter Ronan Rousseau, who is also, taking aim at the magical fae but all is not as is appears to be, and our couple will quickly discover there is corruption within the Council, and the attacks against the Duvalls may be a bi-product of power and control.

The relationship between Ronan and Lilith begin when both are targeting the Duvall sisters. Ronan will soon realize Lilith is his fated mate but Lilith refuses to accept the shifter as her happily ever after. The $ex scenes are limited but provocative.

The secondary and supporting characters include the Duvall sisters-Geneva, Savannah, Phoenix, Catalina, their aunt Maeve, as well as Fae leader Zephyr Windchaser, High Councilor Oberon Whisperwind and Morrigan.

MAGIC UNMASKED is a quick read; a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, magic and mates, acceptance and love. The fast paced story is enchanting and entertaining; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are magical and desperate.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Magic Unleashed
Magic Unbound
Magic Unrestrained
Magic Unlimited

Copy supplied for review

__________

MAGIC UNDAUNTED
(The Grimm Files 6)
by Delta James
Genre: adult ,contemporary, erotic, paranormal, fantasy romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 6, 2024

She’s the realm’s most wanted rebel. He’s her ex and the High Court’s most formidable enforcer. He’s decided he wants her back.

In the mystical outskirts of New Orleans, where the Whispering Woods guard ancient secrets, Elyria leads a daring rebellion against the tyrannical High Court of the fae. Once a princess of this opulent realm, she now fights to protect the lesser fae from a sinister threat—mysterious disappearances that hint at dark magic and treachery within the Court itself.

Stryker patrols the borders of Luminara with growing unease. Disturbed by traces of forbidden magic and haunted by memories of Elyria—the fiery rebel who once held his heart—he begins to question the very orders he’s sworn to uphold.

When their paths cross once more, Elyria and Stryker uncover a rogue human mage’s devastating plan to wield a weapon capable of unraveling the fae realm’s very fabric. Forced to join forces, their simmering attraction reignites, blurring the lines between past and present.

As battles rage and alliances crumble, Elyria must confront her past and make an impossible choice: trust the man who could betray her or risk losing everything to save a world that has forsaken her.

•••••••

REVIEW: MAGIC UNDAUNTED is the sixth instalment in Delta James’s contemporary adult THE GRIMM FILES paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is former fae warrior of Celestia Elyria Knightshade, and griffon shifter/ warrior for the Fae Stryker Landry’s story line. MAGIC UNDAUNTED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Elyria and Stryker) MAGIC UNDAUNTED follows the search for the truth. Approximately one year earlier, Fae Warrior Elyria Knightshade was banished from the Fae realm of Celestia but she has never stopped hunting those determined to hurt the Fae but when she comes face to face with the man she once loved, Elyria is determined to prove she is not the betrayer the Fae Council has led them to believe. Enter griffon shifter and warrior Stryker Landry. Stryker has been assigned to search for the source of the powerful black magic, magic that is using and abusing the Fae but working alongside the woman he loves forces Stryker to prove he can be trusted in the face of perceived betrayal to our story line heroine. As Stryker and Elyria begin their search to uncover the source of the magic, old feelings pull our couple together in the face of darkness and death.

The world building continues to focus on black magic, and a possible betrayal from within the Fae Council. Someone is wreaking havoc, taking aim at the Fae on Celestia, all the while aiming for a complete control.

The relationship between Elyria and Stryker is one of second chances but Elyria struggles in the face of her banishment and the lack of support from the man she once loved. Stryker has faithfully stood by the Fae Council but within days of reconnecting with Elyria, the blinds are slowly lifted revealing a darkness no one suspected. The $ex scenes are intimate and impassioned without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to several members of Elyria’s rebel alliance including her second in command Finnian, as well as the return of Lord Oberon; and Savannah, Phoenix, Geneva and Catalina Duvall, banished members of the Fae.

MAGIC UNDAUNTED is another story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, magic and mayhem, forgiveness and love. The fast paced premise is dramatic; the rekindling romance is impassioned; the characters are dynamic and desperate.

Copy supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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Wild Bliss (Nights in Bliss Colorado 14)by Lexi Blake-review tour

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Wild Bliss (Nights in Bliss Colorado 14)by Lexi Blake-review tour

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Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3S7yWzS

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 12, 2024

Sabrina Leal moved to Bliss looking for a new start. She’s in charge of building a school system from scratch and is excited about the challenge. What she didn’t count on was the surliest bar owner she’s ever met. Sawyer Hathaway gets under her skin in the most annoying way. He’s arrogant and sometimes rude, and she can’t stop thinking about him. It’s easier to ignore him when it’s only Sawyer. But when she meets his best friend, Wyatt, he’s light to Sawyer’s darkness, and the combination calls to Sabrina in a way she might not be able to deny.

Sawyer likes things the way they are. Alone. No serious connections. Just him simmering in his own unresolved trauma. Like a real man should. But the new schoolteacher is making it hard. And the reappearance of Wyatt in his life isn’t helping. Years before, Sawyer had joined an outlaw MC when his brother had gotten in trouble. Wyatt had been a true friend, and when he needs a short-term place to stay, Sawyer can’t turn him out. Short term turns way longer, and the baddest man in Bliss has to admit it’s not terrible to have a friend. But there’s no way he’s getting involved with the sweetest thing he’s ever met.

Wyatt wants Sabrina the minute he sees her. He’s spent his whole life in the equivalent of a criminal, violent cult, and he wants some softness. He wants the white picket fence dream of Bliss. His best friend. Their wife. Throw in a super-cute rescue dog and a couple of kids and Wyatt would be in heaven. When his scheming gets all of them snowed in together, he knows he’s got his shot at making this work.

But the MC isn’t done with Wyatt or Sawyer, and Sabrina is exactly the bargaining chip they need…

••••

REVIEW:WILD BLISS is the fourteenth instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary adult NIGHTS IN BLISS, COLORADO erotic, revers harem romance series. This is elementary school teacher Sabrina Leal, bar owner Sawyer Hathaway, and bartender Wyatt Kemp’s story line. WILD BLISS 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 including a MFM menage sexual relationship , there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives WILD BLISS follows the building romance and relationship between elementary school teacher Sabrina Leal, bar owner Sawyer Hathaway, and bartender Wyatt Kemp. Approximately one year earlier, Sabrina Leal watched as Sawyer Hathaway all but ran from our story line heroine. Fast forward to present day Sabrina is the new elementary school teacher for the children of Bliss Colorado, but an electrical issue with her cabin finds Sabrina facing down Sawyer Hathaway and his roommate Wyatt Kemp. Wyatt knows immediately he wants Sabrina as his own but is willing to share with Sawyer Hathaway but Sawyer struggles with his ‘criminal past’, and Wyatt’s past with the Colorado Horde MC threatens the safety of everyone concerned and both men are willing to walk away to protect the woman he loves.

The world building focuses on several paths including Wyatt’s struggles to escape his past, a past that refuses to let go. From the outset, Sawyer believes himself unworthy and a fear of abandonment continue to threaten his sent of self-worth, and Sabrina has fallen to two men who believe she is unable to protect herself.

The relationship between Sabrina and Sawyer begins tempestuously due to Sawyer’s belief he is unworthy of love. As Sabrina and Wyatt’s relationship becomes something more, Sawyer reconsiders his future with the woman he loves. the $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar, entertaining and sassy characters most of whom we have met in the previous story lines.

WILD BLISS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, dysfunctional family values, acceptance and love. The premise is captivating, dramatic and gritty; the romance is provocative and impassioned; the characters are determined, broken and charismatic.

Previous Reviews

Pure Bliss
Up All Night in Bliss 6.5
Chasing Bliss
Once Upon a Time in Bliss
Back in Bliss
Sirens in Bliss
Happily Ever After in Bliss
Far From Bliss
Unexpected Bliss

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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Relentless Sinner (Empire of Sinners 4) by Faith Summers-review

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Relentless Sinner (Empire of Sinners 4) by Faith Summers-review

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RELEASE DATE: October 31, 2024

My father forced me to marry the most notorious man in the city. A man people call the beast.
Jaxon Bortsov is a beautiful devil—cruel and cold, relentless and vicious.
Next in line to claim the throne of the Vysotsky Bratva, he commands with an iron fist and a heart of ice.

We began with a cursed contract. One my sister was supposed to sign.
But when she fell pregnant and ran, I was left to honor the deal in her place.
I tried to escape, to sever the binds of fate, only to be captured by enemies.
But Jaxon stole me back like a thief in the night, and now he refuses to let me go.

Jaxon is not a man who takes no for an answer, nor one easily deceived.
When he discovers my secret, I have no choice but to surrender and become his Belle.
I tell myself there’s still a way out.
Yet with each stolen kiss and forbidden touch, I feel myself slipping deeper into his darkness.

The moment I take his name, I’m lost—addicted to the way he calls me his wife.
Each kiss melts the walls around my heart. Every touch pulls me further into his twisted obsession.
Soon, I forget the danger that lurks behind our vows.

In Jaxon’s world, truth is as dangerous as the love that binds us.

••••

REVIEW:RELENTLESS SINNER is the fourth instalment in Faith Summers’ contemporary, adult EMPIRE OF SINNERS dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is thirty six year old Pakhan Jaxon Bortsov, and twenty-four year old Gabriella De Costa’s story line. RELENTLESS SINNER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jaxon and Gabriella) RELENTLESS SINNER follows in the wake of the rescue of our story line heroine. Salvatore De Costa arranged a marriage between his daughter Natasha and Jaxon Bortsov but Natasha ran leaving Salvatore to offer up his youngest daughter Gabriella in her stead but Gabriella wanted nothing to do with the Bratva heir known as The Beast, so she too ran but found herself from the frying pan into the fire when she was captured and held by human traffickers. Rescued by Jaxon Bortsov, Gabriella would, once again, find herself a virtual prisoner but a prisoner in a gilded cage. Desperate to escape, Gabriella puts a plan into motion only to realize that someone else is pulling the strings, placing Gabriella in the direct line of fire. What ensues is the tempestuous but building romance and relationship between Jaxon and Gabriella, and the potential fall-out as betrayal comes from within forcing our couple to reconsider who to trust, and who to take down.

The world building follows several paths as Jaxon struggles to find a common ground with his wife, a woman who struggles with her place in his life. As Jaxon takes the reigns as the new Pakhan in the Bratva, there are those waiting in line to take control. Meanwhile, the dysfunctional family dynamics threaten any semblance of peace as our couple find themselves facing the treachery and treason of everyone involved.

The relationship between Jaxon and Gabriella is a forced, arranged marriage. Gabriella’s father’s pursuit of power places his daughter’s life in the balance; Jaxon’s need for approval comes at a cost. Falling for Jaxon was never in the future but Gabriella found herself in love with a man who promised to guard and protect. The $ex scenes are intimate and aggressive.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and questionable secondary and supporting characters most of whom are problematic and controversial family members aiming for the top.We are introduced to Gabriella’s father Salvatore De Costa, and her sister Natasha, as well as Jaxon’s father Ilya Bortsov; Jaxon’s best friend and Italian mobster Micah, Jaxon’s advisor Eric, and the return of Cillian O’Ridian. The requisite evil has many faces.

RELENTLESS SINNER is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, dysfunctional family values, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is dark, dramatic and haunting; the romance is edgy ; the characters are tragic, dynamic and desperate.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Ruthless Sinner
Merciless Sinner
Fearless Sinner

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Faith Summers is the Dark Contemporary Romance pen name of USA Today Bestselling Author, Khardine Gray.

Warning !! Expect wild romance stories of the scorching hot variety and deliciously dark romance with the kind of alpha male bad boys best reserved for your fantasies.

Dive in and enjoy her naughty page-turners.

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DARK HEART (Elven Kingdoms 2) by Donna Grant -review

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DARK HEART (Elven Kingdoms 2) by Donna Grant-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 13, 2024

Deepest passion. Darkest betrayal.

Once, she was my world. The only one I loved. Then it was all ripped away—including my freedom.

Vengeance kept me alive. It paved every step, shaped every plot.

Until I finally caught her.

I learned that line between love and hate is wafer-thin. Where once my dreams were filled with revenge, now that I have her, all I think about is the intoxicating passion we once shared.

But there’s no turning back the events her capture has set into motion. It unravels a carefully constructed world, one where enemies surround me.

Everyone, that is, except her.

Now, we only have each other—and the love that once united us, to fight our way to long-buried truths that will change everything.

•••••••

REVIEW: DARK HEART is the second instalment in Donna Grant’s adult ELVEN KINGDOMS paranormal / fantasy romance series, , a spin off, set in the author’s numerous interconnected series including Dark Kings and Dragon Kings. This is Dark elves Arya and Jai’s story line. DARK HEART can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives DARK HEART follows Dark Elf Arya as she goes in search of the man she loves. Approximately four years earlier, while working undercover for the CCD, the Dark’s Counter Corruption Division, Arya is thought to have betrayed the man that she loved, pushing Jai out of her life and into the arms of someone else. Having spent several years searching with her partner Dain, in the hopes of finding Jai, Arya is about to walk into a trap, setting into motion, her capture and torture at the hands of the people in charge but Arya will quickly discover that the betrayal by someone else sparked Jai’s hatred towards our story line heroine, and a ransom for her capture was only the beginning of her spiral out of control.

The world building is complex and detailed, focusing on the trafficking and torture of slaves, and Jai was once at the centre of the destruction of so many lives. There is a council of Masters seemingly battling for control including the capture of our story line heroine, but Arya’s love for Jai is threatened by a lifetime of lies and betrayal.

The relationship between Arya and Jai goes from enemies to friends to lovers but someone else is waiting impatiently for Arya to be pushed out of Jai’s life. Jai believes Arya betrayed him and their love, and therefore is determined to make Arya pay for years of heart break and pain. The limited $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and magical secondary and supporting characters including Jai’s childhood best friend Priya, Arya’s CCD partner Dain, the not quite human female Reva, as well as the return of Yasmin and Ravi (Rising Sun 1), and Dragon King Kendrick and his mate Esha. The requisite evil has many faces.

DARK HEART is a story of secrets and lies, jealousy and obsession, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, forgiveness and love. The premise is dramatic and dark; the romance is predicated upon a past relationship; the characters are lively, determined and dangerous.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one RISING SUN

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK |  NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

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MONTANA HEAT (Resting Warrior Ranch 9) by Josie Jade-review

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MONTANA HEAT (Resting Warrior Ranch 9) by Josie Jade- review

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 10, 2024

Growing up with addict parents and extreme neglect, Jensen Chambers learned early to only depend on himself.

A family was something he’d never thought he’d have, but the people at the Resting Warrior Ranch have become exactly that. Yeah, Garnet Bend is about as small as towns come, but big cities never did him any favors anyway.

So when Kenzie Hurst—with her manicured nails and stilettos that obviously don’t belong in Montana—shows up with trouble on her high heels, Jensen isn’t going to just sit by.

This is family. This is his town.

He’ll be dåmned if he’ll let outside danger destroy the peace they’ve worked so hard to build.

But when the mysterious beauty needs protection only Jensen can provide, he can’t turn her away. She may wear Prada, but her sweet smile and engaging laugh is drawing him in.

Making him want to keep her around permanently. High heels and all.

Someone wants Kenzie dead, but Jensen—and the Resting Warrior Ranch team—are about to show her that around here, they look out for their own.

And that includes her.

••••

REVIEW: MONTANA HEAT is the ninth instalment in Josie Jade’s contemporary, adult, RESTING WARRIOR RANCH romantic suspense series originally co-authored by Josie Jade and Janie Crouch. This is Denver Colorado realtor MacKenzie ‘Kenzie’ Hurst, and auto mechanic Jensen Chamber’s 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 (Jensen and Kenzie) MONTANA HEAT follows Kenzie Hurst’s arrival in Garnet Bend, Montana. Kenzie Hurst has a stalker, and the Denver Police suggest our heroine go into hiding, recommending Garnet Bend, Montana, where she will fall under the protection of the Resting Warrior Ranch members but all is not well upon Kenzie’s arrival in Garnet Bend, someone has tampered with her car, and the possibility of her stalker has followed her from home. Meeting and falling for mechanic Jensen Chambers was something Kenzie never thought possible having experienced heart break at the hands of a former lover. When the attacks against Kenzie become more dangerous and dark, Jensen and the men at the WRR find themselves on the hunt for Kenzie’s stalker.

The world building follows several paths including a look back at both Jensen and Kenzie’s pasts: Jensen’s life as the child of addicted parents; and Kenzie’s life in the face of an abusive ex.

The relationship between Kenzie and Jensen begins when Kenzie’s car breaks down upon her arrival in Garnet Bend. Jensen is determined to protect Kenzie from the darkness that follows but Kenzie finds herself facing the unknown, and a past that refuses to let go. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

We are introduced to Kenzie’s ormer boyfriend Alan Ard: Jada Moyer Banks; and the return of Jensen’s friend Lucas Everett (Montana Sanctuary) ; deputy Lachlan Callaway; police chief Charlie Garcia; and several characters from the Resting Warrior Ranch series.

MONTANA HEAT is a story of secrets and lies; power and control; betrayal and vengeance; obsession and madness; acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing, thrilling and dramatic; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Montana Sanctuary
Montana Danger
Montana Desire
Montana Mystery
Montana Storm
Montana Freedom
Montana Silence
Montana Rain

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Scandal (Stoneslayer 1) by Candace Lynn Talmadge-review

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Scandal (Stoneslayer 1) by Candace Lynn Talmadge-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 12, 2024

His power seeks to destroy it all. Can she rise up to stop him?

The Stoneslayer paranormal fiction series charts a lost world of political scandals, explosive family secrets, and the reincarnation of a line of extraordinary women who challenge the cataclysmic rampage of an ancient, demonic foe.

Book One Scandal

Lt. Helen Andros is a mixed-race outcast in Azgard. Saved from death when her true parentage comes to light, she now faces the outrage of the overclass, the lethal hostility of the mighty Temple of Kronos—and a powerful, high-ranked father she neither knows nor trusts.

Steering a volatile personal journey with her stranger parent, Helen is stalked. Will a hidden menace—the deadly Stoneslayer—plunder the mysterious green gem she inherited from her mother? Will political necessity bind her in marriage to a man she does not love and who cannot love her back?

•••••

REVIEW:Can I first say I loved the glossary (very helpful) but I personally would have liked it at the front of the book (I was worried I would read the last page and spoil the book!) secondly the family trees were a nice touch.

The glossary was a great help, as there were A LOT of characters. I made notes as I went along, but had to constantly look at the glossary for confirmation.

This is the first book by this author that I’ve read, and to be honest, if this is the first in the series, I want to know more….

The book had all the makings of a great read. Action/adventure/mystery/suspense and a paranormal angle.

But sadly it fell a little short….
Information is great, but maybe not at the end, as it felt like an avalanche burying the story!

And maybe the language (or use of Renaissance/modern/old world jumbled together) was a little off putting, once I got the hang of it, I could understand a bit better.

But I loved Helen, she was just so strong. Her resilience was tested time after time. A father who I couldn’t like nor trust. A person who has known hate and prejudice, Helen just took it all in her stride. She’s also tied to a man that is for purely political reasons (very archaic) can she really trust him? Only time will tell. Her wit and smart mouth has me smiling, her comebacks made me chuckle.

340 pages, and I was there for most of them. How Helen uses her (magical abilities?) family gem to heal people. How she had to always stay one step ahead of the demon.

The idea of reincarnation was a different angle and I really liked that.

But a word of warning ‼️ there is mention of assault and r@pe!! Maybe that needs to be addressed, as it was a little shocking (if I know it’s coming I don’t have an issue, I can prepare myself!)

I liked it, if it could just be re-jiggled a little then I think it would have the potential to be a really interesting series.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

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