The Insiders (The Insiders 1) by Tijan-Review & Excerpt tour

The Insiders (The Insiders 1) by Tijan -Review & Excerpt tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 4, 2021

Bailey is as normal as could be, with a genius IQ and a photographic memory. But still, normal for her. Then, things happen—a guy breaks into her house in the middle of the night to take her hostage. She finds out her father is actually billionaire tech genius Peter Francis, the same guy she’s idolized all her life. She learns all this when she meets dark, mysterious, and electrifying Kashton Colello. He’s an associate of her father’s, and he gives Bailey two choices—go with him and meet her father or survive on her own because those kidnappers are going to try again. It’s a no-brainer.

After this, three things become clear for Bailey:

1. She’s living at her father’s sprawling estate, complete with bodyguards and the best security that money can buy.

2. She’s no longer an only child. She has three siblings and has no idea what to do with them and vice versa.

3. She is being guarded by Kash himself. Personally guarded. And there is a lot of guarding going on there and some of it is going to drive her crazy.

A complete outsider in a world of wealth and decadence, Bailey has to find her way within a family that has more secrets than she could have imagined. One of these secrets could be deadly

••••••

REVIEW:THE INSIDERS is the first instalment in Tijan’s contemporary, adult THE INSIDERS romantic suspense series focusing on twenty-two year old computer hacker Bailey Hayes, and fixer Kashton ‘Kash’ Colello.

Told from first person perspective (Bailey) THE INSIDERS follows in the aftermath of an attempted abduction of our story line heroine. Bailey Hayes has a genius IQ, and will come to learn she is the illegitimate daughter of billionaire Peter Francis, and as such, has a target on her back but to Bailey’s surprise, she has one of two options, and the lesser and safer of two evils is to move in with the Francis family where she will become the object of ridicule, the subject of gossip, and the lover of the Francis empire ‘fixer’ Kashton Colello. All is not well with the Francis family dynamics, and our heroine will be caught in a fire-storm of power and control, jealousy and revenge, hatred, betrayal, acceptance and love. What ensues is the building relationship and love between Kash and Bailey, and the fall-out as the enemy is closer than anyone could have ever imagined.

Kashton Colello has some secrets of his own but his biggest secret is about to be exposed. Raised by the Francis family in the face of losing everyone he loved, Kash has more power and control over the day to day lives of the Francis family but he is about to lose the upper hand as the enemy comes from within.

The relationship between Kash and Bailey begins as an assignment, a duty that Kash has appointed himself as sole authority and control. Bailey is immediately attracted to her savior and guardian but Kash battles between head and heart knowing his past is determined to take down and destroy everyone he loves.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and broken secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Bailey’s mother Chrissy, and her half-siblings: Matt, Seraphina and Cyclone; her father Peter Francis, and his wife Quinn, as well as an assortment of Matt’s friends, security personnel, and Kash’s ex Victoria. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE INSIDERS is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, family, relationships, murder and money. The character driven premise is intriguing, engaging, heart breaking and dramatic; the romance is seductive and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text; the characters are damaged, spirited yet powerful and strong. THE INSIDERS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

We were heading out of Chicago, and maybe another half hour or so from the small town where my mom and I lived.
Wait. Second thought—where we used to live?
What would my mom do now? Could Chrissy Hayes remain in that house after I was just attacked, almost taken hostage? I called my mother by all kinds of names—Chrissy Hayes, Chrissy, or Mom. Or, well, a whole other kind of names too, because to say she’s a character is putting it mildly. And we have an interesting relationship to say the least.
I might be deflecting here.
Numb. I was numb. I should be pissing my pants, but instead I’m ruminating over how I refer to my mother.
Could I stay in that house after what just happened?
I’d been planning to spend time with Chrissy, helping with the house and working at the local computer store to make some extra money before I left for school. But now . . . fuck if I knew.
Myriad curses went through my mind as I realized Chrissy would have to move.
Shivers pierced me as I went over what had happened tonight, but then we were pulling into a driveway, next to a booth. A large gate barricaded us from moving forward.
Official police business, my tech ass.
Then again, nothing seemed official. I was told that I was being taken to my mother, but I left with two detectives. Bright and Wilson. They introduced themselves, then said she couldn’t see me in the hospital. They didn’t explain why, but I was to go with them to see her.
I went.
I was in the backseat of their unmarked car a few minutes later.
Bright’s window rolled down. She flashed her badge. “We’re expected.”
The attendant nodded, hitting a button. The gate opened, showing a campus of buildings behind it. Some made of dark red brick. Some seemingly made of reflective windows, top to bottom. Some painted totally black. A large parking lot sat in the middle of the buildings. “Phoenix Tech” was on a sign in front of the first building, but we went past, heading around it and toward a smaller building on the opposite end of the lot.
My tongue was glued to the back of my throat. We were at Phoenix Tech headquarters.
I had yearned to get an internship there every year since fifth grade, and then through college. I kept applying, but they kept denying. Some might say I was being desperate. I prefer determined. It’s a quality that I feel is honorable. Plus, I wasn’t above hoping they’d take pity on me one day. It worked, because while I might not have been good enough to walk their hallways, I was good enough for them to give me charity. They awarded me the majority of my grants for undergrad, so I’d been able to go to college debt free. I’d been expecting that to change for graduate school, but it hadn’t. Or, well, it kind of had.
I was hired as a graduate assistant, starting in the fall, which gave me a stipend, but the rest was covered by another scholarship from Phoenix Tech.
Phoenix Tech was one of the world’s leading companies on cyber security. I was going into information systems, which was close enough. A job here would be a dream.
“My mom is here?” I asked, when Bright parked, and both her and Wilson got out of the vehicle.
Neither answered.
Bright opened my back door and motioned for me, slipping her sunglasses over her eyes. “It’s time for you to find out some answers.”

 

Tijan is a New York Times Bestselling author that writes suspenseful and unpredictable novels. Her characters are strong, intense, and gut-wrenchingly real with a little bit of sass on the side. Tijan began writing later in life and once she started, she was hooked. She’s written multi-bestsellers including the Carter Reed Series, the Fallen Crest Series, and the Broken and Screwed Series among others. She is currently writing a new YA series along with so many more from north Minnesota where she lives with a man she couldn’t be without and an English Cocker she adores. 

Connect with Tijan

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

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Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TijansFanPage/

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BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tijan

Website: http://www.tijansbooks.com/

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Mercy (Ruthless Hellhounds MC #1) by KL Savage-Review tour

Mercy (Ruthless Hellhounds MC 1: Ruthless Underworld) by KL Savage-Review & Excerpt tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: RELEASE DATE May 5, 2021

To understand me, you have to understand my pain.
You have to understand where it all started…

I see her differently now.
My friend, Michelle Douglas.
It’s the summer of 1994 where the love of the 80’s still holds on for dear life.
She’s wearing a black ACDC shirt that hangs over the shoulder and she is hanging out with a group of friends.
I don’t know what it is about her right now, but in this moment, everything has changed for me.
Everything about her calls out to me.
I think it always has. It always will.
Her love isn’t easy to get, but I’m determined to get it.
There’s one problem.

She’s promised to another.
An abusive man that doesn’t know he has the entire world right in front of him.
We fall in love realizing we have always been in love.
She’s going to leave him.
I have the rest of my life planned out. My future is Michelle.
I just need to survive the war.
I need to come back to her.
But when I do…
Nothing is the same.
And everything has changed.

Life.
Love.
Shows no mercy.

•••••••

REVIEW: MERCY is the firs instalment in KL Savage’s contemporary, adult RUTHLESS HELLHOUNDS MC: Ruthless Underworld erotic, dark, MC romance series-another spin off from the author’s RUTHLESS KINGS MC. This is US Navy SEAL and Undercover FBI agent Andrey ‘Mercy’ Machado, and Michelle Douglas’ story line. Mercy was first introduced in Skirt.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Mercy and Michelle) MERCY is a prequel, of sorts, set twenty-five years in the past, that focuses on the relationship between best friends Andrey ‘Mercy’ Machado, and Michelle Douglas . Andrey, Brandon and Michelle had always been best friends for most of their lives but Andrey Machado was trained as a US Navy SEAL, and his next deployment was ten weeks away. Spending his final weeks in New Orleans, Louisiana with our story line heroine, Andrey would profess his love for a woman who never knew peace in the years that followed. Fast forward to present day, Andrey Machado, now known as Mercy, discovers that Michelle gave birth to his daughter twenty five years earlier, a young woman who now struggles with mental disorders in the wake of years of abuse at the hands of her step-father. With his beloved, his parents and his best friend Brandon dead, Mercy takes the reins of the RUTHLESS HELLHOUNDS MC, a position that places him in a position to take down the people that destroyed his life.

MERCY is a dark, gritty, and heart breaking prequel that reveals the love between Andrey and Michelle, and the life Michelle had desperately tried to escape. The premise is revealing, dramatic and intense; the characters are broken, desperate and lost; the romance is passionate, seductive and fated.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of TONGUE’S TARGET where Mercy was first introduced.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

 

“Okay.” Brandon slaps his hands together and rubs them villainously. “Let’s go get our palms read.”
“In there?” I point to the double-gallery house behind him. There isn’t a sign. There’s a blue neon light in the shape of a palm in the window, and in the middle it says, ‘Palm Readings.’ Nothing else. No business name or anything. If anything, the building gives me the creeps. It’s two blocks over from Bourbon Street, so it isn’t as busy. It’s dark; the only light illuminating the sidewalk is from the blue glow of the sign.
“Look, this place has got to be legit, right? I saw a flyer at the bar,” Brandon protests.
Michelle is grabbing my hand tight and hiding behind me, peeking out from around me. “It looks creepy,” she whispers, just as the wind blows, causing the wind chimes hanging above the doorway to tinkle mysteriously.
I narrow my eyes at the musical instruments creating gorgeous high-pitched tunes, but the closer I look at them and the more my eyes adjust to the night, I begin to notice something off about them. I take a step forward, the porch groaning as I step onto it.
“What are you doing?” Michelle hisses to keep her voice low so no one inside hears us.
Doubtful, since no one seems to be here.
“How have we lived in New Orleans all this time and not done this? I’m excited.” Brandon goes to knock, but I grab his wrist before he can.
“Because locals fucking know better. Either you dive into the real shit or you don’t. Tourists don’t care,” I explain.
I keep my arm stretched out to keep Michelle behind me. Something feels off. I look around noticing no one else around. The upbeat jazz music has faded in the distance, but the cheers of drunk people can still be heard.
The clonks of hooves tap against the road, which has me turning my head to see a horse and carriage. The loud wail of the chimes rings again, bringing my attention back to the odd shapes. Are those… my eyes widen when I finally see what I think they are.
“Oh my god, are those bones?” I reach up to touch them to see if maybe they feel real, but Michelle stops me.
“Don’t you dare. If they are bones, you could catch something…”
“They aren’t real. Come on.” Brandon runs his finger over what looks like a ribcage. “It’s supposed to be spooky. Gives it the ‘real feel.'”
“Your friend is right, mon cher.” An old woman’s Cajun accent has us all jumping and taking a step back.
When the hell did she open the door?
“‘Dem bones are from a cat. Don’t worry. It was already dead. Did not want to let it go to waste.” She rings the chimes by pulling the spine that sways in the middle and runs it across the ribs to create more music.
Honestly, now all I hear are sad meows.


 

K.L. Savage decided they were tired of looking for the kind of books they wanted to read. They had an itch that needed to be scratched, and as every girl knows, nothing scratches better than an alpha.

They write about gritty, alpha males, sometimes their dark sides, and the women they love.
If you have the same itch, their alpha males should fix that.

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The Rise of Fortune and Fury by Sawyer Bennett-Review tour

The Rise of Fortune and Fury (Chronicles of the Stone Veil 5) by Sawyer Bennett-Review & Giveaway tour

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 4, 2021

It’s time to meet my destiny.

Kymaris has everything she needs to bring down the veil between Earth and the Underworld. If she’s successful in completing the ritual, Earth will be darkened by evil. Demons will swarm our lands and the human race will be decimated.

It’s up to me to stop her.

My fate is to thwart the prophecy, but I’m not sure what to do. While I may have some gifts, I am still merely a human facing the queen of the Dark Fae who holds unimaginable power.

But I have something she doesn’t. Something she could never comprehend.

I have love.

Deep, abiding love which gives me the strength and courage to face down evil. Family, friends, and unexpected allies, who will stand shoulder to shoulder with me against this enemy. Should I fail, they are prepared to go down with me, but only after we have given our all.

My sacrifice may destroy everything I am. Fate may require my demise. But if that happens, I will leave this realm without regret, knowing that I have loved and been loved in return.

••••••••

REVIEW:THE RISE OF FORTUNE AND FURY is the fifth and final instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult CHRONICLES OF THE STONE VEIL paranormal/fantasy romance series focusing on twenty-eight year old Finley Porter, and Carrick Byrne. THE RISE OF FORTUNE AND FURY should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book four A BATTLE OF BLOOD AND STONE.

NOTE: If you have not read the previous instalments, there may be spoilers in my review.

SOME BACKGROUND: All of her life Finley Porter has been treated for hallucinations but days before her twenty-eighth birthday Finley is pulled into a world of the Light and Dark Fae by a man who stirs something deep within our story line heroine. An end of the world prophecy declares our heroine the savior, and in this Finley struggles with her fated destiny. As the gods watch the prophecy play out, some take it upon themselves to interfere where they do not belong.

Told from first person perspective (Finley) and third person (Carrick) THE RISE OF FORTUNE AND FURY sees the prophecy come to fruition as Finley must accept her fate as the savior of the world. Kymaris, Dark Fae and self-proclaimed Queen of the Underworld, wants to take control of everything and everyone, and to do so, must tear a hole in the Veil between worlds. With everything at her disposal to win the war, a sacrifice of another sort will be what takes Kymaris down but our hero Carrick Byrne, a demi-god who has loved Finley Porter for most of his life, knows that our heroine’s death is imminent, and only then, will the Game of the Gods come to an end. The ‘Scooby gang’ has come prepared but they will quickly discover that Kymaris’ power is stronger than they could have ever imagined, and it is only with the sacrifice of a human life that Finley is able to protect the people she loves.

THE RISE OF FORTUNE AND FURY is a story of power and obsession, family and friendships, sacrifice and loss, betrayal and vengeance, forgiveness and love. Sawyer Bennett pulls the reader into an intriguing, detailed, character driven and stunning story of good vs evil, and love vs hate. The gods are bored, and need a war to entertain them, a war where the loss of life is high for Finley and her friends. The premise is imaginary and original; the romance is intimate and passionate; the characters are energetic, colorful, spirited and inspiring. Here’s hoping the author has plans for a continuing story for some of the secondary characters we have met along the way.

My only complaint, the final fight scene was eerily familiar, I was wondering when the vampires and werewolves were going to take the field. 😉

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Clash of Yesterday (prequel)
The Revelation of Light and Dark
A Discovery of Secrets and Fates
The Evolution of Fae and Gods
A Battle of Blood and Stone

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Haven’t started the series. Pick up the prequel novella THE CLASH OF YESTERDAY for FREE

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

Enter the release giveaway for a Kindle Paperwhite or Nook, $100 Gift Card, and signed hardcover set: https://sawyerbennett.com/giveaways/rff-prize-pack/

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | INSTAGRAM

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With This Cake by Samantha Chase-Review Tour

With This Cake (Meet Me at The Altar 2) by Samantha Chase-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 4, 2021

Cheery baker dreams of finding Mr. Right…

When your last name is Baker, it’s really only a matter of time before it also becomes your job title. Some might see it as a self-fulfilling prophecy, but for Leanna, being the go-to baker for Meet Me at the Altar is a dream come true. There’s nothing she loves more than to create the perfect desserts to help couples celebrate their big days. But despite what they say about the way to a man’s heart being through his stomach, Leanna has yet to lure her perfect man with her sweet treats.

Uptight workaholic dreams of being left alone…

If Brody King is going to take time off, he would much rather it be to train for his triathlon and not his brother’s engagement party. It would be one thing if it was just a regular party, but no, his brother and his bride-to-be had to go over the top and plan a full week of family togetherness and ridiculous wedding games. There’s no way he’s going to survive it.

When Brody crashes into Leanna and a hundred cupcakes are ruined, he does the only thing he can–he offers to help her make more. All it takes is a few cups of sugar and a dash of vanilla before Brody is craving not just Leanna’s sweet treats, but the baker herself.

•••••••

REVIEW:WITH THIS CAKE is the second instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult MEET ME AT THE ALTAR romance series focusing on the woman who work for, and own Meet Me at the Altar Wedding and Catering services-Skylar, Lea and Josie. This is baker and co-owner Josie Baker , and hotelier businessman Brody King’s story line. WITH THIS CAKE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Josie and Brody) WITH THIS CAKE follows the building romance and relationship between baker and co-owner of Meet Me At The Altar Bakery Josie Baker, and hotel businessman Brody King. Brody’s brother engagement party is an extravagant and over the top, four day affair, and our hero let it be known he was none too happy about the excess weekend but meeting the bride’s cousin, and pasty chef Josie Baker gave Brody second thoughts about the overpriced and flashy party, a party wherein he was determined to have fun with our story line heroine but a one-night stand ended poorly, and Josie struggled in the wake of embarrassment and humiliation. In an effort to reconnect with Josie Baker, Brody devises a plan, a plan that will see our couple together for the foreseeable future. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Brody and Josie, and the fall-out as the King family dynamics proves that a little competition threatens the relationship between our leading couple.

Brody King is a workaholic but in order to get the promotion he things he deserves, Brody has to prove he is the right man for the job but Brody never expected to meet Josie Baker, a woman who makes him reconsider what it is he truly wants from life and the future. Josie Baker is tired of the bridezillas including her cousin and her upcoming wedding but Josie enjoys baking, and her relationship with Brody sees our heroine baking for the man with whom she is falling in love.

The relationship between Josie and Brody begins accidentally as Brody literally knocks our heroine and her cupcakes to the ground. When his family sees Brody as nothing more than a screw up, Brody sets into motion a plan to prove he is worthy, including a relationship with our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are all implied and fade to black.

There is large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Josie’s business partners Lea and Skylar, and her cousin Charlene: Brody’s brother Travis, and their parents Marshall and Sylvia King.

WITH THIS CAKE is a story of family and relationships, power and struggle; romance, forgiveness and love. The premise is captivating; the romance is sweet and tender; the characters are strong, independent and energetic. WITH THIS CAKE is a welcome and wonderful addition to Samantha Chase’s MEET ME AT THE ALTAR.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE ENGAGEMENT EMBARGO.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

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Writing the Rules(The Dating Playbook)by Mariah Dietz-Review tour

Writing the Rules (The Dating Playbook 6) by Mariah Dietz-Review tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 29, 2021.

Poppy Anderson was nailing her sophomore year at Brighton University. She liked her classes, had the greatest best friend, and was finally ready to start dating again. Or she was … until her ex, Mike, transferred to Brighton and started exchanging long stares and inside jokes that Poppy thought he’d forgotten.

Paxton Lawson was long ago labeled ‘The Golden Boy.’ Starting quarterback and team captain at Brighton University, his future was brighter than the sun until a short path of indiscretions tarnished his name and potentially his future. When he learns that his sister’s best friend, Poppy, has backed herself into a corner and is facing as many doubts and uncertainties as he is, Paxton suggests the biggest ruse of the year: a fake relationship.

Writing the rules was supposed to make things clear, defined, and definite. Only, their relationship becomes increasingly complex as the lines are blurred, days become weeks, and kisses for show begin to feel like confessions.

Can lies lead to truths? And what happens when the rules they wrote begin to expire?

One lie,
Two hearts,
And fifteen years of friendship are about to be put to the ultimate test.

•••••••

REVIEW:WRITING THE RULES is the sixth instalment in Mariah Dietz’s contemporary, new adult THE DATING PLAYBOOK romance series focusing on a group of friends at Brighton University. This is twenty-two year old senior, team captain and star quarterback Paxton Lawson, and twenty-year old Poppy Anderson’s story line. WRITING THE RULES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Paxton and Poppy) WRITING THE RULES follows the best friend’s brother/fake relationship between twenty-two year old senior and star quarterback Paxton Lawson, and twenty-year old Poppy Anderson. Poppy Anderson was surprised when her ex-boyfriend Mike announced he was returning home to attend Brighton University but blindsided when Mike introduced her to his new girlfriend. Struggling with old feelings and emotions, Poppy kept her distance but battled between head and heart for the man she once loved. Meanwhile Brighton University quarterback, and Poppy’s best friend’s brother Paxton Lawson had finally kicked his girlfriend of three years out of his life but said girlfriend refused to take the hint. In a mutual attempt to forget about their past loves, Poppy and Paxton agreed to a fake relationship but a relationship that quickly grew into something more. What ensues is the fake but building romance and relationship between Paxton and Poppy, and the potential fall-out as secrets, lies and betrayal threaten the new found romance between our leading couple.

Paxton Lawson has a reputation at Brighton University but in fear of losing his future career, Paxton asks Poppy to keep him on the straight and narrow, never expecting to fall for his sister’s best friend but as the football season comes to a close, secrets lies and betrayal are about to expose the truth about their rules for a fake arrangement.

The relationship between Paxton and Poppy is a best friend’s brother/fake arrangement with only a few people aware of the truth. As both Paxton and Poppy’s exes continue to push for a second chance, it is Poppy’s heart that will break once the truth is revealed. 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 Lincoln Beckett and Raegan Lawson (Bending the Rules #1 / Breaking the Rules #2); Arlo and Olivia (Defining the Rules #3) ,Tyler and Chloe ( Exploring the Rules #4), Ian and Rose (Forgetting the Rules #5), Arlo, Caleb, Luis Garcia; Olivia’s father Coach Harris; Poppy’s ex Mike and his girlfriend Maddie; Paxton’s ex Candace, as well as Poppy’s parents at home.

WRITING THE RULES is a story of friendships and relationships, betrayal and trust, secrets, lies, acceptance and love. The premise is entertaining and captivating; the romance is tender and seductive; the characters are dynamic, lively and animated but at times the story line read more like YA with mean-girl persona of our hero’s ex. WRITING THE RULES is a marvellous addition to author’s THE DATING PLAYBOOK.

Previous Reviews
Defining the Rules
Forgetting the Rules

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Mariah Dietz is a USA Today Bestselling Author and self-proclaimed nerd. She lives with her husband and sons in North Carolina.

Mariah grew up in a tiny town outside of Portland, Oregon where she spent most of her time immersed in the pages of books that she both read and created.

She has a love for all things that include her family, good coffee, books, traveling, and dark chocolate. She’s also been known to laugh at her own jokes.

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Edge of Fear (Arrow’s Edge MC 4) by Freya Barker-Review Tour

Edge of Fear (Arrow’s Edge MC 4) by Freya Barker-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 3, 2021

Ink and sawdust meets brisket and moxie.

I’m a tattooed casualty.
A charmer, a fraud, a skeptic, and a carpenter.

My name is Tse.
I’m cocky enough to believe my own lies, but too oblivious to see the truth is already out there.

I’m a cautious perfectionist.
A sister, a scrapper, a dreamer, and a workhorse.

My name is Sophia.
I’m capable enough to plan ahead, yet too powerless to avoid getting blindsided.

We’re complete opposites—one who plays it safe, the other a thrill-seeker—but when old sins resurface bringing violence to the present, our path forward becomes clear.

••••••

REVIEW:EDGE OF FEAR is the fourth instalment in Freya Barker’s contemporary, adult ARROW’S EDGE erotic, MC romance series focusing on the men and women of the Arrow’s Edge MC. This is forty-two year old, carpenter and MC member Ben ‘Tse’ De Leon, and thirty-five year old, restaurant manager Sophia Vieira’s story line. EDGE OF FEAR 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. The Arrow’s Edge MC is a spin off from the author’s ON CALL series.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Sophia and Tse) EDGE OF FEAR follows the building romance and relationship between forty-two year old, carpenter and MC member Ben ‘Tse’ De Leon, and thirty five year old, restaurant manager Sophia Vieira. Sophia Vieira was best friend’s with Brick’s daughter Kelsey but Kelsey’s death found Sophia struggling for a place in the world until the Arrow’s Edge MC offered her the position of manager at the MC own Backyard Edge restaurant, a position that would place Sophia in the direct line of danger. Tse never thought he would find the one person to tame his heart, and meeting Sophie Vieira stirred something deep within our story line her. But all is not well behind the scenes at the Backyard Edge, and our heroine will pay the price for interfering in matters where she doesn’t belong. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Sophia and Tse and the potential fall out as betrayal and vengeance take aim at our story line heroine.

The relationship between Sophia and Tse is one of immediate attraction but someone else is vying for Sophia’s attention. Tse bides his time until he can no longer wait, letting Sophia know she is the woman that calls to his heart but Sophia is a strong, independent woman, letting Tse know she will not put up with his alpha-hero. 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 Yuma and Lissie ( Edge of Darkness), Lisa and Brick (Edge of Tomorrow) MC president Ouray and his wife, and FBI agent Luna; numerous club members MC members Wapi, Kaga and Lea, Trunk, Paco, Honon, Nosh; club kids Elan, Maska, and Ravi; restaurant employees Chris Boone, Bernie, Mandy, Emme; and Sophia’s parents Blossom and Duff; law enforcement Detective Ramirez and Damian Gomez. The requisite evil has many faces including a familiar one for our story line hero.

EDGE OF FEAR is a story of betrayal and vengeance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is twisted and haunting; the romance is seductive and tender; the sexual attraction is palpable and hot; the characters are animated and edgy. EDGE OF FEAR is another great addition to Freya Barker’s ARROW’S EDGE MC.

Reading Order and Previous reviews

Edge of Reason
Edge of Darkness
Edge of Tomorrow

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories. 

Driven to make her books about ‘real’ people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.

Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We’ve Read All Year Award for “Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

Facebookhttp://bit.ly/FreyaFacebook
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Drake (Twilight Falls 5) by AM Salinger-Review & Giveaway Tour

Drake (Twilight Falls 5) by AM Salinger-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: April 30, 2021

Roman Campbell. Wild Child. Rebel. Rockstar. Broken.

At the age of twenty-eight, Roman Campbell has the world at his feet. Young, successful, and brutally beautiful, his facade of an uber-cool rockstar hides deep scars that have tormented him for years. After finally putting the pieces of his broken life back together, Roman attends the wedding of his famous movie star friend Carter Wilson in Twilight Falls, where he meets Drake Jackson. Their attraction is instantaneous and Roman hooks up with the sexy builder for one intoxicating night.

Drake Jackson. Wickedly Hot. Serial Heartbreaker. Reformed (mostly) Bad Boy.

Having put behind his difficult childhood, Drake Jackson is content with his life. His one regret remains his lost chance at a relationship with his childhood friend Alex. After a torrid encounter with Roman at Carter’s wedding leaves Drake hungry for more, the builder believes he will never set eyes on the famous rockstar again. But when Roman buys the property Drake has long coveted in Twilight Falls right from under his nose and hires Drake as his contractor, Drake realizes trouble has come to find him with a capital T.

Sparks fly and the two men soon commit to a temporary arrangement that sees them satisfying their carnal desire for one another. But when Roman’s past comes crashing back into his life and his secrets are revealed, Drake finds himself experiencing a lot more than just desire for Roman. Will Drake finally accept the feelings growing inside his heart? Or will he reject Roman’s love and repeat the mistakes of his past?

Join Drake and Roman in this wildly addictive fifth installment in Twilight Falls, the new series by the author of the bestselling, contemporary, gay romance series Nights.

Content Note: this book contains sensitive content that may be upsetting to some readers. Please refer to the page at the start of the book for more information.

••••••

REVIEW:Drake is here! I repeat Drake is here!

The fifth book in the Twilight Falls book has arrived. From the very beginning of this series I was hooked, I loved the characters, the struggle, the happiness, all of it.

Roman and Drake are both so broken in their own ways that they can’t fathom a actual person wanting or able to love them. This book was so heart breaking and moving at the same time, that you couldn’t help but get lost in the pages.

What Roman shows to the world isn’t the Roman he really is. Sure, he’s a super hot Rockstar, money to burn, the world at his feet, but that all hides the scars and pain of a really messed up kid underneath. When they story delves into his past, be warned fellow readers, it’s going to make you cry. It’s sad and scary and it makes Roman deserve his HEA even more than he already does. This book picks right back up where the last one ends, at Carter’s wedding. Just when Roman meets Drake.

Drake the hot and heavy carpenter. I couldn’t have asked for a better fella for Roman! Eeep!
They have their hook-up at the wedding and think that’s that. Nothing more, nothing less.
Ha!

What a joke that is!

Roman and Drake are far from over. When Roman buys the place in Twilight falls that Drake’s had his eyeballs on for practically ever, well let’s just say there are more than just sparks flying between these two. It’s a battle of wills, and neither man wants to lose. After finally coming to an agreement, not only about the property, but their relationship as well, the fellas settle into a new norm. Or so they thought.

That past that Roman has been running from come back to haunt him again, and Drake finds himself wanting to protect the man that he’s come to care for. Will that protection be enough? Can Roman face the fears of his past and come out the other side?

-Sigh-

I was so happy to get this book, and then so sad when it was over. For readers noggin knowing, this is a full-on gay romance, with some sensitive content including child abuse. Be warned when reading.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Alex
Carter
Hunter
Wyatt

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

 

 

CHAPTER ONERoman Campbell took a sip of his sparkling water and observed the two men taking to the floor for their first dance as a married couple.
Carter Wilson and Elijah Davis looked blissfully happy as they swayed to a classic Sinatra song, fingers interlocked and arms around one another while their bodies brushed sensuously. It was clear to everyone in the marquee that the grooms only had eyes for each other.
A twinge of jealousy stabbed through Roman at the happiness radiating on the two men’s faces. Carter laughed at something Elijah said and took his husband’s mouth in a hot kiss that had their guests clapping and wolf-whistling.
The newlyweds turned and extended their hands toward a pretty little blond girl in a cream taffeta and lace dress who stood watching them from the sidelines. Maisie, Carter’s niece and his and Elijah’s newly adopted daughter, squealed and ran out to join them. The couple caught her into their arms and resumed their dance, their mouths split in beaming smiles.
Roman swallowed a grimace.
I really am an asshole. I should be happy for them.
He’d been somewhat surprised to receive an invite to what was being touted as the most exclusive celebrity wedding of the year. Though he was friends with Carter, they hadn’t spoken for a while, their busy lives meaning their paths rarely crossed except at social events.
They’d met five years ago, at an exclusive sex club in L.A. It was the kind of place where the world-famous clientele could indulge in their private desires and fantasies to their heart’s content, without fear of their secrets becoming fodder for the paparazzi.
It had been Roman’s first time at the club. He’d hit on Carter the minute he’d walked inside the place, not realizing that the tall man with the dirty blond hair and the body to die for was the A-list Hollywood actor who had practically dominated entertainment news ever since he exploded on the movie scene with his first blockbuster.
Though Carter had flirted with Roman, he hadn’t obliged his invitation to visit one of the club’s private suites for some down and dirty time. He had, however, kept a close eye on him.
Roman had been more than a little drunk and high on drugs when he’d made the impulsive decision to visit the club that night and hook up with a stranger, a fact he had been lambasted for at length when his manager and best friend James Lang turned up and dragged him from the place a couple of hours later.
“At least you had the decency to pick somewhere the paparazzi couldn’t find you!” James had snapped the next morning while Roman lay recovering from his monumental hangover on the sundeck of his L.A. penthouse. “It’s a good thing Carter messaged me when he did.”
“Carter?” Roman had frowned at the unfamiliar name. “Who the hell is Carter? And could you pipe down? This headache is killing me,” he’d added on a groan.
James had clenched and unclenched his hands in a way that told Roman he’d wished they were wrapped around Roman’s neck.
“Carter is the guy you were hitting on last night,” James had explained icily. “He’s a friend of mine.” He’d paused and narrowed his eyes at Roman, a muscle dancing in his cheek. “That headache isn’t the only thing that’s gonna kill you, Roman. You need to cut back on the booze and the drugs. You’re not just ruining your health. You’re sabotaging your career!”
The guilt and anger that had rotted Roman’s insides for as long as he could remember flared into life and had his mouth curving in a nasty smile.
“Are you saying that as my best friend or as my manager?”
The hurt in James’s eyes had Roman immediately regretting his harsh words.
“I’m sorry,” Roman had mumbled in the stiff silence. “I promise I won’t do anything like this again.”
James had watched him for a moment before blowing out a heavy sigh. They’d both known it was a lie.
It wouldn’t be another two years until Roman finally kept his word. By then, the whole of L.A. and the world knew that the lead singer of Crazyknot was damaged goods.
Paradoxically, Roman’s soul-crushing fall from grace only boosted sales of their albums and propelled the band to international stardom. It also turned him into an overnight icon, one he’d assumed the entertainment industry would soon forget. Which made his and Crazyknot’s shockingly successful comeback twelve months ago all the more humbling. Apparently, the world loved nothing more than seeing a former bad boy reform.
Roman’s lips tilted in a self-deprecating smile. Well, almost reform.
He might have ditched the alcohol and the drugs. It didn’t mean he’d turned into a monk. He scanned the marquee, the restless feeling that had been gnawing at his insides a sure-fire sign that he needed to let off some steam in a way that didn’t involve getting intoxicated.
Now, let’s find a guy I can have some fun with.
“I know that look,” someone said next to him.
Roman closed his eyes briefly. He twisted on the bar stool and studied the man who’d taken the seat beside him with a faint frown.
James Lang looked his usual cool and elegant self in a bottle green tuxedo that matched his eyes and framed specs.
Roman pursed his lips.
If it wasn’t for the fact that he’d known James for thirteen years and had seen him puke his guts up on more occasions than he could count when they were teenagers, he might have taken a stab at the guy. James was attractive in the kind of way that made people pause and wonder what lay beneath the impeccable suits and hard exterior.
The only ones who truly knew the infamous manager were the members of Crazyknot and their close friends. For behind the cool, controlled facade James projected burned a fiery and surprisingly passionate soul.
To this day, Roman didn’t know what had turned the outgoing and fun-loving boy he had come to know during what had been the most challenging years of his teenage life, into the stern and reserved man who now sat facing him. It had happened shortly after their first national tour.
Roman and the other members of Crazyknot had long questioned James about his almost overnight transformation, but the manager had always remained tight-lipped on the subject.
“Oh yeah?” Roman grumbled presently. “And what kind of look am I wearing, pray tell?”
James arched an eyebrow. He took a sip of his champagne before leaning in closer. “The kind that says you’re looking for a good fuck.”
Choked off laughter erupted close by.
James stiffened and looked over Roman’s head.
Roman turned, a frown on his face and his mouth parting on a biting remark.
His breath locked in his throat.
Gunmetal blue eyes sparkled with mirth opposite him. Though the stranger straddled the bar stool in a relaxed pose, Roman could tell he was tall and would tower over him by a good few inches. His overlong, sun-kissed brown hair teased the collar of his classic, black tuxedo, the suit doing little to hide the hard angles and solid muscles beneath the expensive material. Silver peppered his short beard and sideburns, framing a rugged, tanned face that wouldn’t look out of place on the cover of an outdoor sports magazine. His fingers were hard and callused where he held a half-empty beer bottle.
The man smiled and tipped his drink at them with a nonchalant dip of his head. “Don’t mind me. I’m just here for the beer.”
Roman’s cock stirred. He swallowed.
Fuck.
Mr. Sideburns was one hundred percent his type. And he looked exactly like the kind of trouble Roman needed to avoid tonight. 


 

Ava Marie Salinger is the pen name of an Amazon bestselling author who has always wanted to write scorching hot contemporary romance. In 2018, she finally decided to venture to the steamy side. NIGHTS is the first of several sizzling series featuring sweet, sexy men with dark pasts and a whole lot of love to give to the ones brave enough to fight for their hearts. When she’s not dreaming up hotties to write about, you’ll find Ava creating kickass music playlists to write to, spying on the wildlife in her garden, drooling over gadgets, and eating Chinese.
Want to be the first to know about Ava’s new releases and get access to exclusive content, sneak previews, sales, and giveaways? Then sign up to her Reader Group here and join her VIP Facebook Fan Group here.

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The Restless Cowboy (Granite Junction) by Megan Ryder-Review Tour

The Restless Cowboy (Granite Junction) by Megan Ryder-Review & Excerpt Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 27, 2021

Trapped—by family, duty, and responsibility.

That’s the plight Cam Miller has wrestled with every day of his life. Forced to provide for his little sister. Obligated to maintain the family ranch. Imprisoned by choices others made for him. But now, with his sister off to college, he can finally pursue the life he’s always dreamed of… far from Granite Junction and the ugly whispers about his family’s sordid history. Or so he thought. After one night of passion comes back to haunt him, he fears he’s about to be tethered to the town once more…

Independent—from family, relationships, and matters of the heart.

Molly Brennan was living her best life as a rodeo trick rider when an unexpected pregnancy forced her from the arena. A failed marriage later, she is perfectly fine running her own hair salon and raising her daughter solo. Men bring heartache, and she wants none of that mess in her life. Yet when one night with sexy cowboy, and a few too many shots, results in a broken condom, Molly is prepared to go it alone once more.

After absolving Cam of his responsibilities to her and their baby, Molly pulls herself up by her big girl panties. She’s handled things this far on her own; the last thing she wants is anyone feeling trapped into being with her. Finding himself torn between the desire for family and his need to break free, where will Cam’s heart lead him?

•••••••••

REVIEW:Cam Miller was free. He has sold the ranch and is heading out tomorrow to his new life in Wyoming. That is until Molly Brennan throws a wrench in those plans. Seems their night of fun and a broken condom has left them with a forthcoming bundle of joy. Cam is a stand up guy who wants to do the right thing by his child, but will that mean giving up his new found freedom and job he has set up in Wyoming? Molly is a strong willed single mom of eight year old Riley. Her fling with Cam was just supposed to be that. A fling before he left town. But now that they are wxpecting a baby together, she doesn’t want to be the one to hold him back from his new found life. Molly tells Cam she can do it on her own. She has been pregnant before alone and has raised Riley on her own. She can do it again. But Cam Miller is not making things easy for her. Showing ip at drs appts, fixing things around the house for her, helping out with Riley. Molly struggles to allow Cam into her protected world.

Will she allow him to not only be a part of the baby’s life but also her and Riley’s? Will Molly and Cam be able to maintain a relationship with them livong eight hours apart from one another? I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship between Cam and Molly. The bonus was how adorable and cute Riley and Cam were together! While the chemistry is amazing between them, I loved every minute they shared the story with Riley! The sub characters are people you want to share your life with, be friends with. Small town living! Sounds amazing!
I couldn’t put this book down and I highly recommend the first book in the series also.

The Restless Cowboy is book two in The Granite Junction series by Megan Ryder.

Click HERE for Erin’s review of book one THE WRONG COWBOY

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin K

 

She nipped the tip of his thumb that was still idly stroking her lower lip, then she soothed it with a gentle kiss. “Neither of us were ready for anything before now. Heck, we’re not ready for anything now either but here we are.”
“Here we are,” he echoed.
She cupped his cheek with one hand and leaned in, lightly brushing his lips with hers, the pain in his soul crying out to hers for comfort, for soothing, and the woman inside of her responded the best way she knew how. He remained still under her kiss, passive, almost frozen in place as if unsure how to respond. She understood his reaction, as torn as she was by their situation, circumstances that had occurred beyond their expectations, that had somehow brought these two lonely souls together. Maybe they could help each other heal in the dark moments of the night.
She stroked his lips with her tongue, a little bolder, and he groaned. “Molly, you don’t know what you’re doing to me.”
She gave a husky, low laugh and let her hand settle on the tense muscles of his abdomen. The hard ridges of his muscles jumped under her fingers and she gently caressed him. “Are you distracted yet?”
“From what?”
“Mission accomplished,” she murmured against his lips.


 

Ever since Megan Ryder discovered Jude Deveraux and Judith McNaught while sneaking around the “forbidden” romance section of the library one day after school, she has been voraciously devouring romance novels of all types. Now a romance author in her own right, Megan pens sexy contemporary novels all about family and hot lovin’ with the boy next door. She lives in Connecticut, spending her days as a technical writer and her spare time divided between her addiction to knitting and reading.

Website:  https://www.meganryder.com/
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