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THE WICKED AFTERMATH by Melissa Foster-Review & Giveaway Tour

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THE WICKED AFTERMATH (The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside 2) by Melissa Foster-Review & Giveaway Tour

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 9, 2021

THE WICKED AFTERMATH is an emotionally gripping story of love, loss, and hope, with a rich and entrancing happily ever after. Set on the sandy shores of Cape Cod, the Wickeds feature fiercely protective heroes, strong heroines, and unbreakable family bonds. If you think bikers are all the same, you haven’t met the Dark Knights. The Dark Knights are a motorcycle club, not a gang. Their members stick together like family and will stop at nothing to keep their communities safe. Some of the Wickeds’ love stories will be hilariously fun and deeply emotional, others will tear at your heartstrings and include injections of humor, but they will all leave you wishing you could climb between the pages and join them. All Wicked novels may be enjoyed as standalone romances.

When the person you blame for your grief is the only one who can save you from the pain…

Tank Wicked lost his sister and has since vowed to save everyone else in his path. He lives by the creed of the Dark Knights motorcycle club, sworn to protect and respect his community. He selflessly saves lives as a volunteer firefighter and treats the men and women who work for him at his tattoo shop like family. But life isn’t a balance scale where good deeds negate bad things to come, and one foggy night life guts Tank once again. When a car careens over the side of a bridge and into a river, Tank springs into action, plunging into the water to rescue the passengers. Four people go into the river, but only three come out alive.

Leah Yates is just trying to make it through each day. When the man she blames for her grief becomes the only one who can pull her from the depths of despair, she discovers that even hope comes at a price. Maybe this time she won’t have to face it alone.

••••

REVIEW: THE WICKED AFTERMATH is the second instalment in Melissa Foster’s contemporary, adult THE WICKEDS: DARK KNIGHTS AT BAYSIDE erotic,romance series focusing on the residents of Bayside Cape Cod, and the members of the Dark Knights motorcycle club. This is thirty-two year old, biker/ tattoo artist Benson ’Tank’ Wicked, and twenty-four year old waitress Leah Yates’ story line. THE WICKED AFTERMATH and The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside is a spin off from the author’s Bayside Summers, The Whiskeys, and its’ numerous franchises.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Tank and Leah) THE WICKED AFTERMATH is an emotional, heart breaking and heart warming story line that focuses on loss, love, grief and recovery. Tank Wicked has lusted after Leah Yates since she started working at the family bar but Leah’s personal life was a mystery, and Tank was about to find himself in the middle of our heroine’s family tragedy. With the Wicked family taking control, ensuring Leah survived the oncoming fallout, Tank Wicked makes it his personal mission to support Leah as the days and weeks begin to spiral out of control. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Leah and Tank, as our couple navigate a minefield of grief, acceptance and loss.

As per Melissa’s style of writing, the Wicked family, the Dark Knights, and their affiliated friends and acquaintances step up and step in when one of their own needs friendships and love. Leah Yates finds herself surrounded by people who are about to become an intricate part of her support system, a system that now includes the man with whom she will fall in love.

The relationship between Leah and Tank begins after a tragic loss. Benson ‘Tank’ Wicked refuses to leave Leah alone, knowing at some points everything is about to come crashing down. Leah struggles in the face of acceptance and loss but her attraction to Tank is visceral and strong- the sexual chemistry is incredible and raw. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic, and sassy secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have me in previous storylines and series. We are introduced to Junie and Rosie whose presence is a balm on the open wounds of our leading couple.

THE WICKED AFTERMATH is a story of overcoming tragic loss; a tale of family, friendships, love and understanding. The premise is strong, sensitive, and stirring; the romance is provocative and tender; the characters are flirty, wounded and inspiring. THE WICKED AFTERMATH is a wonderfully, heart warming addition to Melissa Foster’s family of stories.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one A LITTLE BIT WICKED.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews for The Whiskeys
Tru Blue
Truly Madly Whiskey
Driving Whiskey Wild
Wicked Whiskey Love
Mad About Moon
Taming My Whiskey
The Gritty Truth

Reading Order and Previous Reviews for Bayside Summers:
Bayside Desires
Bayside Passions
Bayside Heat
Bayside Escape
Bayside Romance
Bayside Fantasies

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /  Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   KOBO   Apple   GPlay   Paperback

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 17, 2020

Set on the sandy shores of Cape Cod, the Wickeds feature fiercely protective heroes, strong heroines, and unbreakable family bonds. If you think bikers are all the same, you haven’t met the Dark Knights. The Dark Knights are a motorcycle club, not a gang. Their members stick together like family and will stop at nothing to keep their communities safe. Their stories are told in the same loving, passionate voice readers have come to adore from Melissa. Some of the Wickeds’ love stories will be hilariously fun, others will tear at your heartstrings with injections of humor, but they will all leave you wishing you could climb between the pages and join them!

In A LITTLE BIT WICKED…
What do a cocky biker and a businesswoman who has sworn off dating bad boys have in common? According to Chloe Mallery, not much.

Justin came into the Wicked family after a harsh upbringing by a thieving father. He’s gone through a lot to become a true Wicked, and he’s made them proud. Now he’s ready to show the woman he loves exactly what type of man he is. But Chloe has worked hard to move past her difficult upbringing, and she’s wary of getting involved with a man who looks like he’s walked right out of it. When tragedy strikes, will their trying pasts draw them together, or will Justin’s protective nature be too much for Chloe’s independent heart to accept?

••••••••

Pre-order, releasing 23rd March 2022

Crazy, Wicked Love
Amazon.com / Amazon CA /  Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble    Kobo    Apple   GPlay   Paperback

Scorching heat, laugh-out-loud humor, and swoon-worthy moments abound in this sexy new standalone romance. No cheating. No cliffhangers. Guaranteed to melt panties and leave readers hopelessly in love with the sinfully delicious Wickeds. 
 
Can you handle DWAYNE WICKED? 
He’s the ultimate player. She wants him to teach her the game in hopes of scoring his cousin. Practices heat up as roommates become teammates and rules are broken. Let the wicked fun begin…
 
No cheating. No cliffhangers. Guaranteed to melt panties and leave readers hopelessly in love with the sinfully delicious Wickeds.
Available to pre-order from …

 

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

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

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

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

Find Melissa on the following sites….
NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour provider.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR’S GIVEAWAY

Win a Mad About Moon ebook – 2 Winners
Open Worldwide
Ending on Sunday, 27h June at 11.59pm EST

 

Enter Below and Good Luck !!
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Luciano Castelli (Dangerous Mafia Royals 1) by Anna Ray-a review

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Luciano Castelli (Dangerous Mafia Royals 1) by Anna Ray- a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 27, 2021

He’s everything I’m supposed to avoid.

My entire life I’ve fought against the constraints my family held me in. I was the precious bird in the gilded cage. So far from all my dreams. Until I met Luc. I was practically forced to be around him all the time. I never imagined that he’d be this pretentious or rude. But he’s proving to be something more than the arrogant mafia prince.

I’m not perfect. I make mistakes, but I always pay my dues. When MJ walked into my life, I knew that nothing good can come from this spoiled little princess. She has no idea what she got herself into. Every moment with her is a sweet torture, and it comes with the price. She will be the end of me.

Luc and MJ might as well be from different worlds. Do they have what it takes to end up together, or if everything will come crashing down?

See if opposites really do attract in this Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance.

••••••

REVIEW:LUCIANO CASTELLI is the first book in Anna Ray’s contemporary, adult DANGEROUS MAFIA ROYALS Mafia romance series. This is twenty-six year old, heir to the Castelli family Luciano Castelli, and twenty-four year old artist Marie-Joelle ‘MJ’ Rouleau’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Luc and MJ) following several intersecting paths, LUCIANO CASTELLI focuses on the enemies to lovers relationship between twenty-six year old, heir to the Castelli family Luciano Castelli, and twenty-four year old artist Marie-Joelle ‘MJ’ Rouleau. Luciano Castelli knew the moment he met MJ Rouleau, the stubborn woman at the neighbourhood café all bets were off until a chance encounter at a political fund-raiser resulted in a six-week, parental enforced ‘volunteer’ working arrangement wherein our couple will work side by side both in and out of their volunteer duties. Luciano Castelli had rattled the ire of a deviant politician, and was thusly serving penance at Whippenhouse Hall, and our heroine was about to pay the price for Luc’s desperate attempts to take down the man he verbally attacked at a media affair. As Luc and MJ’s relationship turns personal, our couple find themselves targeted by the man in charge, and in an effort to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, Luc is willing to sacrifice himself, taking the blame for everything and more. What ensues is the slow building romance and relationship between Luc and MJ, and the potential fall-out as a politician on the take, takes aim at our story line couple.

Meanwhile, MJ’s best friend, and Luc’s cousin Silvia Solarino is battling between head and heart knowing her best friend is falling for the son of a Mafia Don. Silvia has reason to ‘hate’ the Castelli family, but her current employer is forcing Silvia into a corner, and Silvia is desperate to keep secret sins of the past. At the same time, businessman and MJ’s friend Knox Hargreave is fighting demons of his own as he begins an investigation into political corruption, an investigation that reveals a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Knox’s connection and relationship with MJ is disquieting and concerning.

The relationship between Luc and MJ begins acrimoniously as our couple spit fire and fury within minutes of their first encounter. MJ is an artist who refuses to tow the proverbial line where her father is concerned, and Luc has pushed the buttons of head of the family, one too many times. Forced to work together, Luc and MJ find themselves in the unenviable position to ferret out the who, how and why, but by doing so place a target on their backs, and quite possibly, a target on the charity where they have ‘volunteered’ to work. 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 colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including MJ’s father Rupert Rouleau; Luciano’s father Vico Castelli; cousins Tulio, and Ciro; MJ’s best friend attorney Silvia Solarino, and businessman Knox Hargreave; Illinois state Rep Eamon Dempsey, and his nephew Gilroy, as well as a large assortment of people coming in and out of our couple’s lives. Knox and Silvia’s storyline is next.

LUCIANO CASTELLI is a lengthy and protracted story line of family and friendships; betrayal and vengeance; secrets and lies. The premise is entertaining and captivating; the slow building romance is impassioned; the characters are dynamic, lively and spirited. The world building (including family history) and character building are detailed and extensive (secrets are revealed) as a considerable amount of time focuses on the couple. This is not the typical Mafia romance storyline-the majority of the action and conflict takes place in the final third of the book. In my opinion, LUCIANO CASTELLI would have been better suited as a trilogy, and not as one single, lengthy and expanded story line.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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My Rebound (On My Own 2) by Carrie Ann Ryan-Review Tour

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My Rebound (On My Own 2) by Carrie Ann Ryan-Review Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:Release Date June 8, 2021

A rebound isn’t supposed to last. Though, sometimes, fate has other ideas in this opposites attract, friends with benefits romance.

It wasn’t supposed to happen this way.

Mackenzie Thomas started planning her future at the age of six. She knew the college she wanted, the career she needed, and the boy she would marry.

Only he wasn’t supposed to break up with her in such a spectacular fashion. Now, she’s tossing her planner and breaking her rules.

First up: Pacey Ziglar.

Mackenzie wants one night of fun. One night to toss out all inhibitions with the sexy Brit across the hall. Too bad she fell for her rebound along the way.

•••••••

REVIEW:  My Rebound, the name doesn’t do it justice.

The second book in the On My Own series by Carrie Ann Ryan, My Rebound is funny, spicy and so much fun to read. When meeting Mackenzie and Pacey in the first book; My One Night Stand, I couldn’t wait to get their story. Mackenzie just got out of a very long-term relationship with her ex, Sander and to be honest, I feel like she didn’t take it as hard as I thought she would. Nevertheless, Mackenzie is a fun character and I couldn’t wait to see how her story turned out.

Pacey is a friend of a friend, an ex-roommate of Sander’s and ready and willing to be Mackenzie’s rebound guy. At first, I wasn’t sure how his relationship was going to be with Mackenzie; but then, they were friends, they were nerding out over math together, laughing and having fun. Pacey gives off a major boy next store vibe and I am living for it! He’s just a nice guy, maybe a little rough around the edges, but a heart of gold beats inside.

Pacey and Mackenzie have the best chemistry and the most fun together, being alone for the first time in her life, Mackenzie is a little lost at first and then she does my favorite thing. She plans! Oh come on now! Who doesn’t love a planner girl? I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this book, it was funny and loving to read. C.A.R always knows how to write a book series. I’m very excited to see Tanner and Miles again! Fingers crossed.

Click HERE for Sarah’s review of book one MY ONE NIGHT

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

Follow: Goodreads  /Website  /Facebook  /Twtter  /Instragram

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Fractured Connections, and Elements of Five series, which have sold over 3.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.

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Tangled Web (Loved by Three #4) by Crimson Syn-Review tour

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TANGLED WEB (Loved by Three #4) by Crimson Syn-Review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 27, 2021

AVA

Ava Bristow has been running away her whole life.
Away from rules and restrictions.
Away from the abuse that marred her life so long ago.
A nomad at heart,
She has nothing and no one but herself to fall back on.
It isn’t until a motorcycle accident lands her in a New York City hospital, and far away from her small town in Iowa, that she finally gets a wake-up call.
Life has a way of presenting opportunities in the most unexpected ways,
and in her path lies a choice that may change her life forever,
and three loves who may offer her exactly what her heart needs to heal.

An MC Reverse Harem Romance that serves as an introduction to the author’s VTwin Valkyries MC

••••••

REVIEW:TANGLED WEB is the first instalment and novella in Crimson Syn’s contemporary, adult V-TWIN VALKYRIE MC erotic, reverse harem, series, and the fourth instalment in the multi-authored LOVED BY THREE series. This is former super model Ava Bristow, Snake, Crush and Tritan’s story line. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s Hellbound Lovers MC

NOTE: TANGLED WEB is a reverse harem romance with sexual situations involving one woman and three men.

Told from four first person points of view (Ava, Snake, Crush and Tritan) TANGLED WEB follows super model Ava Bristow as she finds herself on the run from her agent Keith, a man whose betrayal ran ugly and deep. With the help of her friend, Ava headed to New York City to meet the women of the V-Twin Valkyrie MC, when an accident landed not only our heroine, but Snake, a member of the Fallen Kings MC in the hospital. Everything quickly spirals out of control, and Ava finds herself ‘owing’ the Fallen Kings for saving her life, a debt in which she will have to betray someone close. Ava quickly discovers that life with the MC is more than she could have ever imagined when not only Snake falls quickly, but his MC brothers Crush and Tritan see a possible future with our story line heroine. What ensues is the quick building and erotic relationship between Ava and Snake,Crush and Tritan, and the potential fall-out as Ava must betray a friendship in the hopes of paying off a debt to the Fallen Kings MC.

Meanwhile, the V-Twin Valkyrie MC, a women run/only MC, find themselves facing a possible war with the Russian Bratva, and our heroine is caught in the cross-fire.

The relationship between Ava and the three men with whom she will fall in love is an erotic, sexual explicit and intense affair including one on one, and four way sexual situations as well as some ‘daddy’ romance. Ava learns there is nothing off-limits with the men that she loves, and quickly finds herself surrounded by her very own protectors and guardians.

We are introduced to Fallen Kings MC president Kremlin (aka Adrian Desnokov), as well as Stiletto and Phoenix (aka Ryder Stone) of the V-Twin Valkyries.

TANGLED WEB is a quick read; a fast paced, insta-lust to love, erotic, reverse harem novella that introduces the reader to Crimson Syn’s new V-Twin Valkyrie MC series. The premise is entertaining; the romance is provocative and intense; the characters are energetic and determined but I had hoped for a little more character building for the three males leads.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

My name is Crimson Syn, not really, but what fun is it to use my real name. Instead I’ll use my inner goddess’ name, it’s much more fun that way. I grew up in New York City where I had a wonderful education, loving parents and awesome friends. What more could a girl ask for?

I started writing at the age of sixteen. The first romance I read was Stephanie Laurens’ Devil’s Bride. Since then I have been influenced by dozens of flourishing romance authors and even more dashing and daring rogues. I must say it, but Fifty Shades was not my first erotic romance, nor did it influence me to start writing them. If you’ve never read Mary Balogh, Elizabeth Hoyt, Lisa Kleypas, Bertrice Small or A.N. Roquelaure’s Sleeping Beauty trilogy, then you’re missing out. Those were my sweet introductions to erotic romance, and boy were they hot.

So here I am, after reading so many wonderful stories, I have too many sinful tales of my own not to share. I like my alphas rough and possessive, and I have no shame in saying it or writing it. I had delightfully wicked teachers growing up, their books took me to new worlds and brought me new loves. So, I want to do the same for you. I want to indulge my readers in those steamy reads that will send them into the arms of dangerous alphas and deliciously sexy rogues, without leaving the confines of their nice warm bed. If I am able to entice your inner goddesses, then I have done my job and I am satisfied.

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Broken Cowboy (Montana Men)by Jamie Schulz-Review & Giveaway tour

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BROKEN COWBOY (Montana Men 1) by Jamie Schulz-Review & Giveaway tour

 

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 7 2021

Two lives cross in a fateful roadside encounter.
When ranch life turns deadly,
will their unexpected love survive?

Addie Malory is struggling to improve the rundown farm she bought. And though she knows she can’t do it alone, she won’t tolerate men who think they can just take advantage of a single woman. Worried all her hard work will amount to nothing, both her hopes and her heart lift when she hires a hunky capable ranch hand.

Cade Brody’s past has left him broken. Drifting between rodeos after a shocking betrayal, he’s grateful to the pretty farm girl and her offer of a job. But after thugs vandalize the property and harass his gorgeous new boss, he puts aside his wounded heart as his protective instincts ignite.

With Addie’s dream in danger under a barrage of financially damaging attacks, she wrestles with the risk of her red-hot feelings for her rugged employee. And when his own past returns to haunt him, Cade may have to choose between protecting the woman he loves and the healing reconciliation he’s wanted for years.

••••••

REVIEW:BROKEN COWBOY is the first instalment in Jamie Schulz’ contemporary, adult THE MONTANA MEN erotic, romance series. This is cowboy/rancher Cade Brody, and rancher Addie Malory’s story line.

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

Told from dual third person perspectives (Addie and Cade) BROKEN COWBOY follows the building romance and relationship between Cade Brody and Addie Malory. Cade Brody believes he is a broken man having been betrayed by the people he loved but to add insult to injury, Cade found himself walking an old country road following the break down of his in the middle of nowhere. Enter his would-be rescuer, ranch owner Addie Malory, and the woman with whom Cade would fall in love. Having fired her ranch hands earlier that morning, Addie found herself in desperate need of help when a stranger just so happens upon her path. Hiring Cade was the best thing she would ever do but someone has targeted our story line heroine, and the attacks are becoming more dangerous and personal. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Cade and Addie, and the potential fall-out as Addie pushes Cade out of her heart, while her life quickly spirals out of control.

Cade Brody has loved and lost, and in this his time with Addie is only temporary until he gets himself back on his feet. Having left everything behind five years earlier, Cade has been a lost soul roaming from town to town, going where the rodeo and help is needed but Cade never expected the likes of Addie Malory, a strong-willed, independent woman whose independence is about to attract all kinds of trouble. Addie Malory had always wanted to own a ranch but without the experience or help, Addie was struggling to make ends meet. Having fired her last three employees, our heroine continued to struggle but none more so than with the backlash of firing some of the most dangerous and self-entered men around.

The relationship between Addie and Cade is one of immediate attraction but Cade has suffered betrayal at the hands of the woman he once loved, a betrayal that destroyed his love for the only family still around. Believing himself broken and incapable of his own happily ever after, Cade never expected to find his heart with Addie Malory. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and impassioned without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Cade’s twin brother Cord, and their friends Zack and Joe; townies Dan, Helga, Ivan, Veta, and Lana;deputy Mark Harden; and ranch hands Ted Bellinger, Pete O’Brien Jr and Jorge.

BROKEN COWBOY is a story of betrayal, vengeance and lies, revelations and forgiveness, heart break, love and family. The premise is edgy, dramatic and startling; the romance is sensual and emotional; the characters are colorful, energetic and stubborn.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Facebook / Website / Goodreads / Amazon Author Page

Hi there! My name is Jamie and I’m so glad you stopped by!

I’ve always wanted to be a storyteller and spent countless hours dreaming up tales to entertain myself and my friends. I kept long-running, developing narratives in my head for years and knew someday I would write them all down, not only for myself but also to share with all of you.

I have so many stories still floating around the back of my cluttered mind (and haunting my hard drive as well) and they will be making their way out into the world for your enjoyment soon (I hope)!

I still live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, my family, and my fur-babies.

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour provider

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Hunt of the Dragon by Juliette Cross-Dual Review & Tour

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Hunt of the Dragon (Vale of Stars 4) by Juliette Cross-Dual Review & tour

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

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GOODREADS: https://bit.ly/3fdGm1q

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 7, 2021

Photojournalist Krissa Nadeem ventures into the wilderness to record the destruction by the Larkosian army. When she captures on film the Morgon Guard’s top most wanted enemy in hiding, she sets in motion a journey that will change her life forever. Not just because of the secret she uncovers, but also because of the man who will become her protector. And more.

Bowen Huntergild, stealthy and deadly assassin, is at the head of the task force searching for the Bloodback witch who killed his sister in a blood sacrifice. When Krissa turns in her finding on film, he teams with her to discover the witch’s hideout in the wilds beyond Drakos. While he focuses on the job, his dragon stirs, warning him that destiny has more intimate plans.

What neither of them realize is that this one photograph could be the salvation or the doom of them all.

•••••••

Sandy’s Review: HUNT OF THE DRAGON is the fourth and final instalment in Juliette Cross’ adult VALE OF STARS paranormal/fantasy romance series focusing on a dragon hybrid species known as the Morgons. This is twenty-something photojournalist and human Krissa Nadeem, and forty-something Morgon assassin Bowen Huntergild’s story line. HUNT OF THE DRAGON can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

NOTE: There is a novella companion series entitled NIGHTWING (Soulfire #1 / Windburn #2) that introduces several of the characters and some background history into the war between the Morgons and humankind. I would strongly recommend reading the Nightwing companion series before starting the Vale of Stars series. This is not a series about dragon shifters but a hybrid species with specialized powers, wings and the ability to fly.

Told from three first person perspectives (Krissa, Bowen, Mykah) HUNT OF THE DRAGON focuses on the hunt for the person responsible for killing Bowen’s sister Lena. Krissa Nadeem is a human, a photojournalist who has captured the image of Bekkanine Bloodback, a murderer, a priestess who uses dark blood magic for evil gain, and as such Bekkanine has now given birth to something the Morgons have not seen in thousands of years. In an effort to capture the witch who took his sister’s life, Bowen enlists Krissa Nadeem to reveal the location of the priestess and her son but to Bowen’s surprise, Krissa is his mate, and his ‘soulfire’ burns with the need to claim our heroine as his own. What ensues is a cross country journey on the hunt for the priestess, and the potential fall –out as a war is on the horizon with Larkos Nightwing and the Larkosian army, a marauding army of soldiers, killers, rapists and slavers.

Bowen Huntergild never thought he would find the one woman that set his soulfire aflame. Flying our heroine on a cross country journey finds our couple up close and personal as they search for the priestess who took Lena’s life. Krissa Nadeem is best friends with Moira (Waking the Dragon) and Jessen, already mated to Morgan men, and as such our heroine is acutely aware of the Morgon’s soulfire and their need to mate but Bowen and Krissa are on a mission, a mission that will see a mating, and the recovery of a young boy whose existence is unlike anything anyone has ever seen.

The relationship between Bowen and Krissa is one of immediate attraction but begins as a working assignment to locate a killer. The sexual tension is palpable; the chemistry is sizzling and hot. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is as large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples from both series including Demetrius and Shakara, Moira and Kol, Conn and Valla, as well as Lucius and Jessen, and Lorian Nightwing (Nightwing series). We are introduced to Mykah, and the return of Bastien Silverback. Here’s hoping the author has plans for new spin off series.

HUNT OF THE DRAGON is a story of betrayal, revenge, power and control; a story of family, grief, vengeance and reflection. The character driven premise is complex, detailed and entertaining; the romance is passionate and seductive; the characters are dynamic, charismatic, strong and determined. HUNT OF THE DRAGON is a wonderful ending to a fantastic series.

Reading Order and previous Reviews

Nightwing Series

Soulfire
Windburn
Nightbloom

Vale of Stars series

Dragon Heartstring .5
Waking the Dragon
Dragon in the Blood
Dragonfire

_______

Barb’s Review:
Hunt of the Dragon by Juliette Cross is the 4th and final book in her fabulous Vale of Stars series.  I am a huge fan of Cross, having read most if not all her books.  She is an amazing author, who never fails to give us terrific exciting stories (paranormal world), with great couples, fantastic secondary characters, action filed and steamy. Hunt of the Dragon was a great addition to this series, and as always, I loved our wonderful couple.

Krissa Nadeem, our heroine, is a journalist who also excels in taking great photos. She just came back from secretly observing the evil Larkosian army destroying various towns and people. One of the pictures she took and thought was destroyed has gotten the attention Kol Moonring, who calls her to a meeting.  As nervous as she is, she is surprised to see Bowen Huntergild, one of the most powerful Morgons, also attending the meeting.  Seems one picture Krissa took was that of a witch and her son (who is a dragon), and both men want to know where she took it.  The witch in question is the one who killed Bowen’s sister, and the boy is a rare full dragon.  Kol tells Krissa that she will go with Bowen to find the place she had been, in order to find the witch and her son, who they want to protect.

Bowen Huntergild, our hero, works for Kol and the Moonring Guard, and is determined to enact revenge for his sister’s death, but he knows that the witch maybe able to help them turn the tables against the evil Larkos Nightwing; and the boy needs to be protected, as he is the only living full dragon, whom Larkos will try to kill.   Larkos is known as the Blood King, and he has brought about destruction across all cities, moving along the way to destroy the remaining Morgons.  He needs to be stopped, but so far, the good guys have not been successful.  Will the boy who is a dragon, Mykah be the one to save them all?

When Bowen and Krissa begin their journey, they both begin to sense something between them. He fairly quickly, knows she is the one for him, as he can feel the soulfire within.  Krissa was a great heroine, smart, savvy, and tough, but she also knows there is something between her and Bowen that pulls on her emotions.  Bowen was a fabulous hero, not only a great warrior, but he was so sweet with Krissa, and treated Mykah like a son. I really liked Mykah too, as we watched him slowly trust our heroes, as well as see how quicky he magically ages and becomes powerful.

What follows is a very exciting, action packed adventure that will bring back many of our favorites from the earlier books, as well as those from the original Nightwing series.  I loved seeing them all.   In a short time, Bowen and Krissa will succumb to the soulfire burning within, with each bonding together.  I will say they made such a great couple; I loved them together

Hunt of the Dragon was a fascinating read, from start to finish. To tell too much more would be spoilers, and since this is the finale, you do not want to miss a thing, as this was an amazing climax.  Juliette Cross has done an amazing job writing this story with a wonderful satisfying conclusion. Hunt of the Dragon was exciting, action packed, suspenseful and steamy romance.  If you have not read Juliette Cross, what are you waiting for?

Copies supplied for review

Juliette calls lush, moss-laden Louisiana home where the landscape curls into her imagination, creating mystical settings for her stories. She has a B.A. in creative writing from Louisiana State University, a M.Ed. in gifted education, and was privileged to study under the award-winning author Ernest J. Gaines in grad school. Her love of mythology, legends, and art serve as constant inspiration for her works. From the moment she read JANE EYRE as a teenager, she fell in love with the Gothic romance–brooding characters, mysterious settings, persevering heroines, and dark, sexy heroes. Even then, she not only longed to read more novels set in Gothic worlds, she wanted to create her own.

Juliette is a multi-published author, including her Nightwing series with Kensington Publishing and The Vessel Trilogy with Samhain Publishing.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest / Amazon Author Page / Newsletter

 

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Play for Me (Balefire #1) by Tam DeRudder Jackson-a review

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PLAY FOR ME (Balefire #1) by Tam DeRudder Jackson-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 27, 2021

All I wanted was a chance. Now I need a second one.

Jack
When I made my deal with the devil, I thought I was on my way to my rock ’n’ roll dream. Too bad I didn’t read the fine print. Having it all meant giving up the only girl I knew I’d ever love. Five years later, I’m drumming in the hottest rock band in the country, but I live like a monk.

Fate hands me an opportunity to reconnect with my perfect girl, giving me one glorious night with Clio Barnes. Our chemistry is off the charts. Too bad fate plays by her own rules. When Clio hears my bandmate’s idea of a joke, she believes I’ve used her, dissolved our love into a one-night stand, and she blows out of my life. When our tour ends, I’m determined to find her again, no matter how well she hides from me.

Clio
All my life, I’ve been invisible. For a brief moment five years ago, Jack Whitehorse saw me. And he made me feel like the center of his universe. But that was an illusion. Music was Jack’s only love. A chance encounter after a Balefire concert allows us to reconnect, but once again, I’m playing second fiddle to his rock ’n’ roll muse.

When the pregnancy test comes back positive, I decide to keep our baby secret. I can’t force Jack to play for me—I wouldn’t want to. Then he shows up unexpectedly one day, knocking on my door and demanding to be let in. He leaves me no choice but to tell him about the baby. Turns out, I wasn’t the only one with a secret. But the one he’s been keeping might end us for good.

•••••••

REVIEW:PLAY FOR ME is the first instalment in Tam DeRudder Jackson’s contemporary, new adult BALEFIRE erotic, romance series focusing on the members of the rock band Balefire. This is Balefire drummer Jack Whitehorse, and nursing student Clio Barnes’ story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Clio and Jack) PLAY FOR ME follows the second chance romance between Balefire drummer Jack Whitehorse, and nursing student Clio Barnes. At the age of eighteen, Jack Whitehorse found himself at a crossroads when his signed away his life for a future as a drummer with the bank Rude Awakening but it was Jack who got the rude awakening when he discovered the fine print forced his hand, walking away from the girl that he loved. Fast forward two years wherein Jack, now the drummer for the band Balefire, would come face to face with his past, Clio Barnes, but the possibility of reconciliation and a future together evaporated with a phone call, and the woman he loved, walking away. Another year would pass before Jack would walk back into Clio’s life, a life now changed by the arrival of their daughter, a child he knew nothing about but his attempts at normalcy are destroyed when the band heads out on the road leaving behind the woman he loves. Months would pass without contact until Clio is threatened with the loss of everyone she loves.

The relationship between Clio and Jack is a rekindling romance, a romance destroyed by discrimination and threats, secrets and lies, and a total lack of communication. Months and years would pass before Jack had any contact with the woman he loved, then months would pass again, before he dropped back into her life. Clio, desperate for the affection and approval of the man that she loved would forgive and forget, then find herself alone, once again. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Clio’s friends Annabelle Bailey Saunders, and Stacy Newhouse; the members of the band Balefire: Blu Connolly, Adam Tron, and Dakota Perri, as well as Clio’s parents Harrison and Meredith Barnes. Blu Connolly’s story is next in SING FOR ME.

PLAY FOR ME is a story of family, betrayal, secrets and lies; a story of lack of communication, forgiveness, love and happily ever after. The character driven premise is fast paced, engaging and emotional; the romance is seductive but heart breaking; the characters are stubborn and energetic but I struggled with Jack’s numerous absences in our heroine’s life. Jack never once contacted Clio while out on tour, leaving her to raise their daughter on her own, knowing full well she had no familial or financial support. No phone calls, no emails, no text messages, no help…this is not the epitome of a man in love but a man so consumed by stardom and music, he ‘forgets’ about his child, his woman, and his responsibilities at home-definitely not a hero worthy of a second chance. I love the premise but I disliked the actions of Jack Whitehorse.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Rebel’s Karma (Dark Protectors 13) by Rebecca Zanetti- a review

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REBEL’S KARMA (Dark Protectors 13) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 8 2021

There’s no denying destiny . . .

For too long, Benjamin Reese has masked his deadly skills and temper with loyalty and humor. A vampire-demon hybrid, he fiercely protects his family, guards his brothers, and destroys the enemy without mercy. But when he discovers one fragile, beautiful blonde—a woman once mated to a Kurjan, no less—every primal instinct he has buried for centuries roars to life. With the mating mark she roused on his hand entwining their fates, no one will prevent him from keeping her safe and making her his, forever . . .

Or desire . . .

Karma wishes she could remember her last name. Or if she even had one. All she has in this confusing new world is a desperate duty to save the innocent. That means destroying the dark, dangerous, and desirable Benjamin Reese and everything he loves—an impossible task even before his touch arouses a passionate hunger she can’t afford. She’s certain a deadly enemy watches her every move, but it’s not until Benny kisses her that she tastes true danger

••••••

REVIEW:REBEL’S KARMA is the thirteenth full-length instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult DARK PROTECTORS paranormal romance series. This is vampire/demon hybrid Benjamin Reese, and Karma’s story line. REBEL’S KARMA can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order or at the very least, this particular arc of the series focusing on the group of Seven beginning with book eight VAMPIRE’S FAITH, as there is a on-going premise throughout.

SOME BACKGROUND: A thousand years earlier, a number of immortal warriors went through a ritual that, if they survived, hardened their bodies against attack, a ritual meant to create a group of Seven known as The Shield. The Shield was created to protect the world from an evil race of vampires known as the Kurjans, their sect group known as the Cysts, and ultimately a rogue warrior once considered a friend- Ulric-a male of immense power. To protect the human race, Ulric was captured, and along with two of the Seven, was encapsulated in one of three spheres for all eternity but the spheres are no longer capable of holding the ‘Seven’, and the warriors have returned to Earth. As the warriors search for the ‘Keys’ to perform the ritual, the ‘Lock’ must be protected in order to take down the evil that is hoping to take over the world.

Told from third person perspective REBEL’S KARMA follows the search and rescue of Benjamin Reese’s mate Karma. Three year earlier, having touched our heroine, Benjamin, one of the Seven, discovered that Karma was his mate when the mating mark appeared on his hand but Karma was in the custody of the Kurjan army, and it would take several attempts to rescue the woman with whom he would fall in love. Karma knew it was only a matter of time before one of the Kurjan’s would take her as his mate but our heroine was previously mated, and therefore no supernatural male would be able to lay claim to someone’s else’s mate. Upon her rescue by Benjamin, Karma would receive the virus that removed a previous mating, and in this our heroine would become fair game for any male wanting to claim her as his own. As the Kurjans attempted to steal back Karma, Karma continued to worry about the who and what she left behind. What ensues is the building relationship between Karma and Benjamin, and the potential fall-out as Karma is determined to rescue the people she left behind.

Karma sees spirits, and as such, she is often in communication with the ghosts who have yet to move beyond the physical world but Karma has been brainwashed and fears for her life and that of the future. Falling for Benjamin Reese means placing the man that she loves in the direct line of fire, and Karma believes that to return to her prison means safety for everyone concerned. Benjamin Reese knows that as one of the Seven means that he will always face death and danger at a moment’s notice therefore claiming a mate could mean the ultimate betrayal but falling in love meant a possible happily ever after.

Meanwhile, Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood and her besties Libby and Paxton return but Hope’s ability to dream walk begins to reveal a potential betrayal with someone she once called friend. Kurjan teen Drake, who has befriended Hope in her dreams, proves to be more of a danger than a protector of her heart.

The relationship between Benjamin and Karma is fated by DNA and the supernatural; a love affair threatened by power, betrayal, obsession and control; by promises, secrets, lies and loss. Benjamin refuses to claim Karma to protect her from another possible future alone but Karma knows that it is only a matter of time before someone else demands Karma’s return. 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 colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters with plenty of back and forth teasing, sass, snark and humorous moments between the Seven and their mates. The requisite evil has many faces including Cyst Jaydon, and Kurjan Terre, who wants Karma for his own.

REBEL’S KARMA is a story of obsession, secrets and lies, betrayal and revenge. The fast paced premise is intriguing, engaging and edgy; the romance is tender and intimate; the characters are dynamic, intense and spirited. REBEL’S KARMA is a wonderful addition to the Dark Protectors series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Fated
Claimed
Tempted
Hunted
Consumed
Provoked
Twisted
Shadowed
Tamed
Marked
Teased
Tricked
Tangled
Talen
Vampire’s Faith
Demon’s Mercy
Vengeance
Alpha’s Promise
Hero’s Haven
Vixen
Guardian’s Grace
Vampire

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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