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The Sweetest Match by Abby Tyler-Review & Giveaway Tour

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The Sweetest Match by Abby Tyler-Review & Giveaway Tour

 

ebook only 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play / Apple /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 7, 2019

She hid secret messages in frosting, thinking no one would notice.

Abby Tyler welcomes you to the witty, well-meaning busybodies of Applebottom, Missouri, where the community takes its pies — and its matchmaking — very seriously.

When Sandy Miller emerges from her shack on the edge of town after eighteen years, she finds a job making tea cakes for a little shop on Town Square.

But then everyone starts spotting secret words of love and longing on her cakes.

Andrew McCallister is the first to admit that he never got over Sandy Miller when she dropped out of high school and disappeared. But now she’s back.

He just has to get the guts to talk to her.

When the town summons the pair to a meeting to plan the school’s centennial bash, Andrew and Sandy discover they are the only two members of the committee. As they attempt to rekindle the long-lost flame, they realize the community must come together for more than an anniversary party. For their new relationship to flourish, the old guard must learn to support their most vulnerable members even when times get hard.

•••••••••

REVIEW:

The Sweetest Match begins with a town meeting that served up some sweets from the local bakery and decorated by Sandy Miller. The shop owner discovers that there are words ‘hidden’ in the cake decorations that lead everyone to believe that maybe Sandy has a secret crush on someone in town. The women in attendance, pillars of the community, and busy-bodies, make it their mission to find out whom Sandy is secretly pining over…………

Sandy is working in the shop when in walks none other than Andrew McCallister, and the object of her secret crush. The two had been sweet on each other, when another caught her eye and changed the course of her life forever. As Andrew talks to Sandy’s boss, it becomes evident very quickly that something is up when she leaves Andrew and Sandy alone in the shop so that they can catch up. Both are kind of at a loss for words at first, but exchange pleasantries. When Andrew leaves the shop, Sandy finds she is still enamored with him all these years later.

Andrew can’t believe that Sandy is back and working in the bakery. It doesn’t take him long to realize that he is still interested in her, but doesn’t quite know how to go about seeing her again. The town is about to have a huge anniversary celebration and he and Sandy are both invited to be on the committee to plan the activities. Funny that when they show up for the meeting, it’s only the two of them. They laugh and decide that they’ll give the town something to talk about as they head to a local diner to discuss plans for the celebration. What neither counted on was how easy it was to talk to the other and how old feelings have a way of bubbling up.

The Sweetest Match is a wonderfully written story of love, loss and redemption. Sandy Miller is an amazing character. Her devotion to her family, namely her son, will endear her to everyone. But it’s her steadfast belief in right and wrong that will pull you in. Andrew McCallister is a nicely written character as well. He had dreams of leaving his little hometown, but his loyalty to his family kept him there. He never really questioned it and was glad he stayed when he got his second chance with Sandy. The secondary characters are a hoot and totally believable and I hope to read more about them. If you grew up in a small town, like I did, you will certainly be empathetic to the goings on. The Sweetest Match is a real life story with a sweetly developed romance that draws you in. This is the first I’ve read by this author, but certainly won’t be the last. Well done, Abby Tyler! Very well done.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie K

Abby Tyler loves puppy dogs, pie, and small towns (she grew up in one!) Her Applebottom Matchmaker Society books combine the sweet and wholesome style of romance she loves with the funny, sometimes a-little-too-truthful characters she remembers from growing up in a place where everyone knew everybody’s business.

Author links:

https://twitter.com/AbbyTylerAuthor 
https://www.facebook.com/authorabbytyler/ 
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18698906.Abby_Tyler
https://www.abbytyler.com/

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Finding Home / Staying Home (Roped by a Cowboy 1 & 2) by J.C. Valentine-Review & Giveaway Tour

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Finding Home / Staying Home (Roped by a Cowboy 1 & 2) byJ. C. Valentine-Review & Giveaway Tour

FINDING HOME
(Roped by the Cowboy #1)
by JC Valentine
Genre: contemporary, adult, romance

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

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 18, 2018

Life is unpredictable. Vivian learned that the hard way and did the only thing she could: she ran. But life isn’t about to let her off easy.

Nash is everything a woman wants and nothing Vivian could have planned for. Gorgeous with his sexy blue-eyed stare, toned body, and wearing a cowboy hat, he’s the perfect package and Vivian’s ideal rebound. Too bad he wants nothing to do with her. That’s fine. Vivian wasn’t looking for love anyway, but her meddling new roommate has other ideas.

Two people from different worlds shouldn’t make sense, but desire is an animal that won’t be denied. With secrets lurking on both sides of the fence, however, it’s just a matter of time before someone gets hurt.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: FINDING HOME is the first instalment in J.C. Valentine’s contemporary, adult ROPED BY A COWBOY romance duology focusing on ranch hand Nash MacArthur, and divorcee Vivian Parish.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Vivian and Nash) FINDING HOME follows newly divorced Vivian Parish as she sets out on her own in search of something new. Arriving in Hayfield, South Carolina Vivian will meet her future in the guise of ranch hand Nash MacArthur, a man who pushes all of our heroine’s buttons-both good and bad. What ensues is the slow building relationship between Vivian and Nash, and the potential fall-out as Vivian’s past comes looking for a second chance, a second chance that comes with a pronouncement.

Nash MacArthur has loved and lost, and isn’t ready to start over, again. Meeting Vivian Parish finds our hero struggling with memories of the past, a past he has yet to move beyond to the present. Vivian Parish had no idea where she was going when she left Chicago, and drove to South Carolina-a flat tire and an empty tank of gas meant Vivian would find herself as part of a match-making scheme when seventy-eight year old widow Ms. Gretta sets plans into motion to help Nash and Vivian fall in love.

The relationship between Vivian and Nash is one of immediate attraction but Vivian is quick to judge the actions of the man with whom she may fall in love. Nash doesn’t do relationships having lost someone years before but falling for Vivian Parish meant Nash placed his heart in a precarious position to be broken-once again. There are no $ex scenes.

The secondary and supporting characters include ranch owner Ms. Gretta; Vivian’s ex-husband Andrew DeBoises, as well as a number of ranch hands and nosy townsfolk who keep an ear to the ground about the newcomers to town.

FINDING HOME is a story of love, loss, family, friendships, small town living, and big city expectations. The premise is engaging and sweet; the characters are feisty and sassy; the romance has only begun. FINDING HOME does not end on a cliff-hanger but ‘more to come’.

Copy supplied for review

___________

STAYING HOME
(Roped by a Cowboy #2)
by J. C. Valentine
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 28, 2019

Life has never been kind to Nash. Neither has love. He took a chance on Vivian and she walked away. Now she’s back. Too bad for her because he’s done.

Unfortunately for him, his psuedo-mother has other plans for his life, whether he likes it or not, and there’s no telling her no. Caught between a stubborn streak a mile wide and denying Vivian’s siren call to his heart, Nash has to decide if he’s going to close himself off from love for good or give in to one last chance at happiness. What will happen when stubborn heads collide and hearts refuse to be ignored?

••••••••••

REVIEW: STAYING HOME is the second instalment in J. C. Valentine’s contemporary, adult ROPED BY A COWBOY romance duology focusing on ranch hand and widower Nash MacArthur, and Vivian Parish. STAYING HOME should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book one FINDING HOME.

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

Told from dual third person perspectives (Vivian and Nash) STAYING HOME follows the rebuilding relationship between ranch hand and widower Nash MacArthur, and Vivian Parish. At the end of book one, Vivian Parish had returned to Chicago to rectify a situation she thought was under control but time away from Hayfield, South Carolina meant time away from the man that called to her heart but a man who believes Vivian was lying about her past and her present. Leaving Chicago behind, Vivian once again heads to Hayfield, South Carolina where the man with whom she is falling in love refuses to acknowledge the elephant in the room. What ensues is the rekindling friendship and romance between Nash and Vivian as they struggle with a mutual loss in the face of going forward.

STAYING HOME is a story of second chances; of forgiveness, acceptance, letting go and moving forward. Nash MacArthur is a stubborn hero refusing to listen to Vivian’s story. Vivian is feisty as she battles between head and heart as Ms. Gretta continues play matchmaker between our leading couple. The premise is spirited ; the romance will captivate; the characters are energetic and inspiring.

Copy supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

J.C. Valentine is the USA Today and International bestselling author of the Night Calls and Wayward Fighters Series and the Forbidden Trilogy. Her vivid imagination and love of words and romance had her penning her own romance stories from an early age, which, despite being poorly edited and written longhand, she forced friends and family members to read. No, she isn’t sorry.

Living in the Northwest, she has three amazing children and far too many pets. Among the many hats she wears, J.C. is an entrepreneur. Having graduated with honors, she holds a Bachelor’s in English and when she isn’t writing, you can find her editing for fellow authors.

Sign up for J.C.’s newsletter and never miss a thing! http://bit.ly/1KxXWWB

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Tumble (Dogwood Lane #1) by Adriana Locke-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Tumble (Dogwood Lane #1) by Adriana Locke-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

TUMBLE
Dogwood Lane #1
by Adriana Locke
Release Date: February 26, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 26, 2019

After being burned by her dream job in New York City, sports journalist Neely Kimber suddenly finds herself jobless and paying a long-overdue visit to her hometown in Tennessee. Her plan? Relax, reset, and head back up the corporate ladder. There’s just one unexpected step. Neely’s back in Dogwood Lane for barely a day when she sees the man she ran from nine years ago: the bad boy next door who was her first kiss, her first love, and her first heartbreak.

Devoted single dad Dane Madden knows he hurt Neely in the worst way. He’s got a lot to make up for. And as passionate as their reconnection is, it’s a lot to hope for. Having her back in his arms feels so right. But falling in love all over again with a woman who wants to live a world away is bound to go so wrong.

What’s it going to take for Neely to give him—and Dogwood Lane—just one more chance?

••••••••••

REVIEW:Tumble is book one of the Dogwood Lane series by Adriana Lock.

Neely Kimber left small town Dogwood Lane years ago for the big city of New York. While working at a big sports magazine and getting swindled out of a job promotion she decidesto up and quit. And in a moment of haste decides to head home to see her mama! In the rash snap judgement of booking a plane ticket she quickly remembers why it is she left town, and why she simply won’t allow her mama to speak of anyone or anything having to do with Dogwood Lane.

Dane Madden has made quite a few mistakes in his life. Breaking up with his high school sweetheart so that she wouldn’t be conflicted on what choice she needed to make. He thought he was doing the right thing by breaking up with her and not making her choose between him or college. This was one of the toughest things he has ever done. That and facing the fact that after the breakup he slept with his ex-girlfriends best friend which resulted in a pregnancy! All of this was the exact reason Neely hasn’t returned – until now!

When Dane and Neely run into each other again after years apart. There is no denying that sparks flew. No matter how hurt or betrayed she feels – her body betrays her everytime he is near.

Will Dane ever be able to trust that another woman won’t walk away from him and his daughter, Mia? Is it even worth a shot, knowing that Neely will be leaving again soon to return to New York!

Will Neely be able to let her guard down and admit that she has never truly stopped loving Dane?

In a wonderful small town feel, love and second chances can always find a way! As long as you believe that what you have and feel is real!

I loved the main characters of Dane and Neely. Their past is chaos and heartache, but can the two of them find their ways back to rach other!

The sub-characters we fun, crazy and definitely added a sweet and subtle kick.

I love a good single dad story with a happy and made you work for it ending!

Looking forward to the next book and finding out who will be the main characters of this one!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin

New York City Versus Dogwood Lane with Heroine Neely Kimber from TUMBLE

You know that line in The Wizard of Oz where Dorothy says they aren’t in Kansas anymore? Well, I’m Neely Kimber and I’m definitely not in New York City anymore.

I’ve been home, in Dogwood Lane, Tennessee, for a couple of days now. You would think after almost ten years, things would’ve changed a lot. Heck, in New York City, things change every day. Faces, vendors, the shadows from the buildings looming overhead, they’re different almost second-to-second. Nothing’s really changed here—even the things that I hoped had.

Dane Madden. I can’t say his name without some physical reaction. Sometimes it’s a smile. Other times, it’s a scowl or a groan of disgust. Either way, there’s some kind of immediate response to him every time I see him at the Dogwood Café.

His smile is as sexy as it ever was. His body even more so. Broad shoulders, calloused hands from the carpentry work he’s taken on at some point over the last decade, even the way his hair is a little too long in the back makes him more delicious than I even remembered. My attraction to him hasn’t changed. And I hate it.

I have choices. I know that. It’s one of the only good things about being unemployed. Even as a sports writer, I don’t have to be anywhere I don’t want to be. Not really. But sometimes choices are overwhelming.

Do I go back to the place I’ve called home almost my entire adult life? Grace, the best friend a girl could ever want is there. So are all the coffee shops and you can find a live band every night of the week. And if someone is job hunting, as I am, New York City is the Promised Land.

Easy choice right?

I’ve told myself it was for a long time. But now that I’m in my mom’s kitchen, making a glass of tea and waiting on her to come home from work so we can grab Mexican food, I’m not so sure. Walking into a restaurant and not just knowing the waitress’s name, but also where her parents live, what she got on her Algebra exam in ninth grade, and who her kids are—there’s something to be said for that. I never thought I’d appreciate having to drive around Blue, the old hound dog that’s napped in the middle of Canton Street my entire life, but I do.

My brain is telling me to go home. To New York. Get back to the life I’ve so carefully constructed. My heart is telling me maybe I don’t understand the definition of ‘home’.

I’ll ignore the fact that my heart attaches Dane to the word ‘home’. Pretending like I don’t feel it tighten when he’s around, that I don’t feel a stillness deep in my bones when he’s around, might be hard, but I can do it. I’ve accomplished harder tasks on bigger stages than this.

I think.

What will I do? Time will tell. I just have to keep Dane Madden out of it.

~~Adriana ~~

USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys dreamed up by other authors, she decided to create her own. She is the author of Tumble, the first novel in her Dogwood Lane series; the Exception series; the Gibson Brothers series; and the Landry Family series.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, her sons, two dogs, two cats, and a bird. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice, and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket. Besides cinnamon gummy bears, boxing, and random quotes, her next favorite thing is chatting with readers. She’d love to hear from you! Look for her at www.adrianalocke.com.

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Wrong Bed, Right Roommate by Rebecca Brooks – a Review

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Wrong Bed, Right Roommate by Rebecca Brooks – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / iTunes / Google Play

 

Description:
It’s not every day you wake up to a stranger getting into your bed.
Only, he isn’t a stranger at all, he’s my best friend’s hot older brother…and apparently my new roommate.
Having him in my space, driving me crazy, isn’t a problem at all. Nope.
All I need to do is keep control of the situation…

But that’s easier said than done.
Shawn Lassiter is the kind of distraction I don’t need.
First he accidentally gets into my bed, half-naked, the night before my first day at my new job.
Hello, muscles and tattoos!
Then he’s there, in nothing but a towel, making me coffee in the morning.
It’s more than any girl can resist. Right?
But Shawn is off-limits, even if his eyes are saying differently.

Years ago, back when I still had my crush, he destroyed friendships with his reckless playboy antics.
There’s no way I’m touching those perfectly formed abs now. I don’t care how nice and responsible he’s acting.
I don’t want a boyfriend anyway. That’s what my trusty vibrator is for.
I’m the smart girl—the glasses-wearing, book-reading workaholic. I can totally do this.
After all, it’s only for two and a half months.
I’ll be on my best behavior…even if Shawn isn’t.

 

Review:

Wrong Bed, Right Roommate begins with Jessie having finally landed her dream job, while her life-long best friend, Talia, is leaving the country for a few months to dance in London.  Jessie can’t help but worry about the rent, but Talia has assured her that she will find a tenant to take over for the few months she will be gone.  Jessie never expected that Shawn, Talia’s hot brother, who also has a bit of a sordid past, would be the tenant.  To say that Jessie and Shawn were both shocked to see each other is a bit of an understatement.  Shawn looks just like how Jessie remembers him:  muscled and hot.  Jessie definitely doesn’t look the way Shawn remembered her.  Seems she’s matured in all the right ways. 

As the two of them navigate being roommates, the attraction is there, and it’s strong, but Jessie knows that Talia would have a hissy fit if the two of them ever hooked up.  After all, Shawn did cost his sister a friend or two back in the day by messing around with them and then dropping them like a hot potato when someone else piqued his interest.  Shawn knows that Jessie is off limits due to the aforementioned ‘costing his sister her friends’, but he has acknowledged his past bad behavior and is truly trying to be a better person.   When the two of them finally hook up, they decide it can never happen again………..until it does.  After all, Talia is out of the country, so who will ever know?   Funny that………

Wrong Bed, Right Roomate is a nicely written romance, and a first I’ve read by this author.  Jessie is loyal, almost to a fault, and very driven.  Shawn had always been the polar opposite of Jessie.  When things got tough for him, he ran.  Always.  However, when he and Jessie are together, he finds himself wanting more out of life and out of himself.  He’s tired of always being a disappointment to his family, and to himself.  When Talia ends up coming back a little early and surprising them, things do not go well.  All of them, Talia included, have to figure out what’s important and look at things the way they are now, and not clouded by the past.  What transpires will make your heart smile and leave you cheering.  As I said before, this is the first I’ve read by this author, but hopefully, won’t be the last.  Well done, Rebecca Brooks!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Damien (Stark Saga) by J. Kenner-Review & Excerpt Tour

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DAMIEN (Stark Saga #6) by J. Kenner-Review & Excerpt Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 8, 2019

I am Damien Stark. From the outside, I have a perfect life. A billionaire with a beautiful family. But if you could see inside my head, you’d know I’m as f-ed up as a person can be. Now more than ever.

I’m driven, relentless, and successful, but all of that means nothing without my wife and daughters. They’re my entire world, and I failed them. Now I can barely look at them without drowning in an abyss of self-recrimination.

Only one thing keeps me sane—losing myself in my wife’s silken caresses where I can pour all my pain into the one thing I know I can give her. Pleasure.

But the threats against my family are real, and I won’t let anything happen to them ever again. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep them safe—pay any price, embrace any darkness. They are mine.

I am Damien Stark. Do you want to see inside my head? Careful what you wish for.

••••••••

REVIEW: DAMIEN is the sixth instalment in J.Kenner’s contemporary, adult STARK SAGA erotic, romance series-a spin off from the author’s STARK Trilogy focusing on billionaire businessman Damien Stark, and his wife Nikki Fairchild-Stark. DAMIEN can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and back story I recommend reading the series in order as there is a continuing story line throughout.

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

Told from first person perspective (Damien Stark) DAMIEN picks up shortly after the events of book five –LOST WITH ME- wherein Damien’s family life spirals out of his control attacking his hard fought sense of peace and happily ever after. Continuing threats against his children and his wife find our hero pulling in his security team, friends, and the people he can trust to ensure his family’s safety, once and for all. But all does not go according to plan when Nikki’s life, once again, hangs in the balance because of sins from the past.

DAMIEN is an emotional, heart breaking and erotic story of life, love, friendship and family: a story of betrayal, vengeance, obsession and passion: of past sins, and the fall-out of rejection and lust. The premise is engaging and revealing; the characters are familiar, energetic and charismatic; the $ex scenes are provocative and intense but I continue to struggle with the author’s use of a certain four-letter word I believe has no place in any romance story line. DAMIEN is another fantastic and intriguing addition to Damien and Nikki’s continuing journey.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Anchor Me
Play My Game
Seduce Me (novella)
Unwrap Me (novella)
Hold Me (novella)
Please Me
Lost With Me
Damien

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

NOTE: Excerpt intended for readers 18+ due to strong language.

 

He started to lash out. To pound his fist against the door frame. But he pulled back, not wanting to wake Nikki or the two little angels curled up next to her in their bed. His wife. His precious little girls.
His family.
As much as he loved Nikki, he hadn’t truly understood how full his heart could be until he’d held Lara in his arms for the first time. And though he hadn’t expected it was possible, his heart had expanded even more when he watched Anne’s birth two years ago and saw her draw that first breath.
Every day, his daughters looked up at him with wide, guileless eyes. And every day, he felt that punch in the gut. A fear that he couldn’t live up to the trust he saw there. That somehow, someway, he would fail them. Not in the way his own father had failed him. But in some other, fundamental way.
And that’s exactly what happened.
He thought of Rory, that fucker who’d taken his child. Of Nikki, broken and huddled in the closet with a blade, blood streaming down her fair skin, cutting for the first time in years. The first time since he’d demanded that she come to him—to him—when she needed the blade.
So many times, she’d done exactly that. Gone to him when the burden of the world had been too much to bear. When she needed the pain to find her way back. And he’d always been there for her, his need as potent as hers. Because he had to be the one to take her there. To slide down with her into that sweet place where sensual pleasure crossed over into pain. Where need and desire meshed, merging into euphoria. Where they could both cling to that one small measure of control in a world that was spinning off its axis.
How many times had they saved each other? Their needs meshing as perfectly as their desire?
How many times had he held her close as they fought their demons together? And yet this time—when the worst parts of hell had swallowed them whole—she hadn’t come to him. Instead, she’d put a razor-sharp length of stainless steel against her own flesh, and she’d drawn her own blood for the first time in years.
All because he’d failed her. Because it was his mistakes that spawned the demons.
Because for the first time in their relationship she hadn’t trusted him to save her. And why should she, when he’d already failed so spectacularly?
He thought of that. Of the scars on her legs. Of the fresh wound that mocked him still.
He thought—and his stomach twisted with pain and self-loathing.
Mostly, he thought of Anne. His precious girl, who’d been alone and scared for days.
They’d gotten Anne back. They’d talked about Damien’s choices. The risks he’d taken to find their daughter and her kidnapper. They’d worked it out, and they were back on keel. And he knew in his gut that Nikki was strong enough to survive the whole ordeal.
But that didn’t change the simple, basic truth.
He’d failed.
Roughly, he massaged his palms over his face, then looked again at his girls, curled up together, safe and asleep.
Safe.
For now, at least.
But for the first time in a long time, Damien felt as if the shadows that had plagued his past had returned to haunt him, bringing harsh recriminations and fresh dangers.
He squared his shoulders, steeling himself. He was strong. More than that, he had resources. He had means. And he damn well had the determination to keep those encroaching horrors at bay.
Most of all, he had a life—a family—worth fighting for.
He was fucking Damien Stark.
He’d failed once.
He wouldn’t fail again. 


 

J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A five time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development with AwesomenessTV/Awestruck.

Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.

In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YouTube | Amazon Author Page

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Mafia Bosses / The Struggle by Chloe Fischer-reviews

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MAFIA BOSSES Box Set / The Struggle: Series Prequel by Chloe Fischer- reviews

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 14, 2018

Three women are about to meet their matches in Matteo, Ariano, and Marco.

Being a mafia boss isn’t easy, especially when you’re being challenged at every turn by three headstrong…but gorgeous,maddening…but oh-so-fricking sexy, smart…but damn stubbornwomen.

This is a high heat, high danger trilogy where your worst enemy can become your best dream, and hate can become scorching hot passion.

There are all kinds of enemies, but the kind that end up bringing you ‘O’ after ‘O’ are the best kind…

•••••••••••••

REVIEWS: 

TAKING MY MAFIA PRINCESS is the first instalment in Chloe Fischer’s contemporary, adult MAFIA BOSSES erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women of the DiMarco mob. This is mobster Ariano Francisco, and mob princess Celina DiMarco. For backstory and cohesion I recommend reading the series prequel-MAFIA BOSSES: The Struggle.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Ariano and Celina) TAKING MY MAFIA PRINCESS follows the enemies to lovers relationship between Ariano Francisco and Celina DiMarco. Celina’s father, Don Giovanni DiMarco, is about to declare a new DiMarco capo, and his choices have been narrowed down to two. To prove he is worthy, Ariano is assigned as Celina’s bodyguard, a six month assignment that places our hero in the direct line of fire. What ensues is the building relationship between Ariano and Celina, and the potential fall-out as someone else targets Celina as his own.

Celina DiMarco is considered a spoiled princess, a woman considered dangerous and untouchable but Ariano’s attraction to Celina is immediate and wrong. Knowing what can happen if someone crosses the boss, Ariano struggles to keep his distance from the woman who pushes all of his buttons but a woman who continues to flaunt her assets in order to pull Ariano into her web. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense.

TAKING MY MAFIA PRINCESS is story of betrayal and revenge: a captivating and intriguing story line TAKING MY MAFIA PRINCESS is an energetic look at a mob princess and the man that she loves.

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BREAKING THE LAW is the second instalment in Chloe Fischer’s contemporary, adult MAFIA BOSSES erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women of the DiMarco mob. This is undercover detective Andrea Benito (aka Sofia Morano) , and DiMarco mafia kingpin Marco Sardelli’s storyline. BREAKING THE LAW can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary but for backstory and cohesion I recommend reading the series prequel-MAFIA BOSSES: The Struggle.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Marco and Andrea) BREAKING THE LAW follows Detective Andrea Benito as she goes undercover to ferret out information regarding her missing and presumed dead cousin and agent Valentina Benito. Months earlier agent Valentina Benito disappeared without a trace while undercover with the DiMarco mob, and the Miami-Dade police department is hoping to retrieve what they lost. Enter Detective Andrea Benito, who must go undercover in the hopes of uncovering the truth, a truth that will place a target on our heroine’s back, in more ways than one. What ensues is the building relationship between mafia kingpin Marco Sardelli, and Andrea Benito, and the potential fall-out as Andrea becomes fodder for secrets, lies, betrayal and revenge.

Marco Sardelli doesn’t do relationships since the last debacle with Mara Cordoza, a woman he suspected of having an affair but a woman with more secrets than the Italian mob. Meeting and ‘rescuing’ Sofia Morano gave Marco a second chance for a happily ever after a chance that will be destroyed when the truth is revealed.

The relationship between Marco and Andrea (aka Sofia) begins as a ruse. Andrea is undercover in an attempt to uncover the truth about Valentina’s disappearance, a truth that will place everyone in danger including our story line couple The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word-although only used once-more for shock value than anything else.

We are reintroduced to the Don, Giovanni DiMarco, Ariano Francisco, Mara Cordoza, as well as bartender Tracey; and Agent Terry Draggan.

BREAKING THE LAW is a story of secrets, lies, betrayal and vengeance. The premise is fast paced and engaging; the romance is sexy and steamy; the characters are colorful, charismatic and hot.

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TAKEN BY THE MAFIA BOSS is the third instalment in Chloe Fischer’s contemporary, adult MAFIA BOSSES erotic, romance, mafia series focusing on the men and women of the DiMarco mob. This is mob boss Matteo Bruno , and Cara Vinucci’s story line. TAKEN BY THE MAFIA BOSS 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 prequel-THE STRUGGLE:Mafia Bosses for back story and cohesion.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Matteo and Cara) TAKEN BY THE MAFIA BOSS follows the enemies to lovers relationship between mob boss Matteo Bruno , and Cara Vinucci. Years earlier, a then eight year old Matteo was the ongoing victim of bullying and assault by our story line heroine, bullying that made the man Matteo would one day become. Fast forward to present day wherein Matteo would come face to face with his past, including Cara’s brother who is determined to destroy everything about Matteo and the DiMarco mob. What ensues is the building but tempestuous relationship between Matteo and Cara, and the potential fall-out as Matteo’s plans for retribution are stifled by thoughts of a future with our story line heroine.

The relationship between Matteo and Cara is one of enemies to lovers; a romance and seduction with ulterior motives including vengeance on behalf of our story line hero. Having made Matteo’s life a living h*ll, Cara has no idea what plans Matteo has in store. The $ex scenes are aggressive and intense.

We are introduced to Cara’s brother Salvatore Venucci, along with the reappearance of Ariano and Celine.

TAKEN BY THE MAFIA BOSS is a quick read; a novella length story wherein Matteo seeks to avenge his eight-year old self but in doing so finds his own happily ever after. The premise is entertaining; the romance is provocative; the characters are spirited and sassy.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

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

THE STRUGGLE: The Mafia Bosses Series Prequel
by Chloe Fischer
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance, mafia
Release Date: September 23, 2018

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 23, 2018

“The mafia always gets revenge”.
What turned these men hard…and dangerous?
For Marco, Matteo, and Adriano, life was seldom easy. But their struggle is what made them determined to get what they want.
And fight…or kill…to keep it.

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REVIEW: THE STRUGGLE: The Mafia Bosses is the prequel novella to Chloe Fischer’s contemporary, adult THE MAFIA BOSSES erotic romance series.

THE STRUGGLE looks back several years in the life and introduces the characters in Chloe Fischer’s The Mafia Bosses series. From childhood drama, taunting and family dysfunction THE STRUGGLE reveals the events and struggles that would make the men (and woman) who work and run the DeMarco crime family. Erotic, intense and dark THE STRUGGLE is a quick introduction that leaves the reader wanting more.

Copy supplied through Bookfunnel

Reviewed by Sandy

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Shades of Wicked by Jeaniene Frost – a Review

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Shades of Wicked by Jeaniene Frost – a Review

 

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Description:
The Rule Breaker

Master vampire Ian is unrepentant, shameless…and every shade of wicked. He’s made one too many enemies in his two centuries of existence, including Dagon, a demon who now lays claim to his soul. Ian’s only chance to escape Dagon is to join forces with a Law Guardian, but he’s never been able to abide by the rules for long.

The Law Maker

Veritas’ normal role is police, judge and jury to reprobates like Ian. But she has her own ax to grind with Dagon, so if she can use Ian as bait…well, all’s fair in law and war. As they scour supernatural hotspots to perfect their trap, Veritas soon realizes Ian’s devil-may-care, roguish image hides something much more powerful. And Ian discovers that Veritas has shocking secrets of her own. As they’re drawn to each other with a passion as intense as their peril, either love or justice will prevail. But each will have devastating consequences…

 

 

Review:

Shades of Wicked by Jeaniene Frost is the 1st book in her new Night Rebel series, which is a much anticipated spin off from her wonderful Night Huntress series. Being a major fan of Frost’s Night Huntress, as well as her other spinoffs (Night Prince/ World), I could not wait to read Ian’s story. He is indeed the star in Shades of Wicked.

Ian, our hero in this series, is a master vampire that you love to hate, though he is considered friends to our previous heroes in Bones, Cat, Mencheres, and even Vlad (well he hates him, but will help him if needed), just to name a few. He is totally wicked in every way, but he is also loyal to his friends. Ian is desperate, as he knows his days are numbered, since he bargained his life and soul to a dangerous demon, who is waiting for the day when Ian willingly gives up his soul.

Veritas, our heroine, is a Law Guardian and vampire, who we have come to know as one strong powerful tough cookie, who always abides by the rules. But she has a secret that will make her find Ian, and get him to work with her.  Seems she wants vengeance against the same demon, Dagon that holds Ian’s soul.  

At first Ian wants nothing to do with Veritas, but she convinces him to work with her to destroy Dagon, which will be benefit both of them, as together they are strong enough to defeat him. Neither one of them trust each other, and when Dagon gets closer to finding Ian, they begin to work together to find a way to set up a trap for the demon.

What follows is an amazing story that puts together two unlikely people totally different, that will develop into a slow built romance that no one could ever imagine.  Ian has always been an egotistic manwhore, and Veritas is the opposite. But along the way, they each begin to learn more about each other; their pasts & secrets that made them what they were today.  Bravo to Jeaniene Frost for making us fall for both of them and have us rooting hard that they will stay together.  But will they?

The last half of the book was exciting, dangerous, sexy, fun and I loved every moment of it, as I raced to finish the book.  The romance was intensely passionate, and to my amazement I loved them together.  Shades of Wicked is a fantastic start to this new series.   I will add that there is sort of a cliffhanger, which is making me so impatient for the next book. You need to read this series.  Bravo again, Jeaniene Frost.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven – a Review

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Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven – a Review

 

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Description:
Every year, each village is required to send a young woman to the Empire’s capital–her fate to be burned alive for the entertainment of the masses. For the last five years, one small village’s tithe has been the same woman. Gilene’s sacrifice protects all the other young women of her village, and her secret to staying alive lies with the magic only she possesses.

But this year is different.

Azarion, the Empire’s most famous gladiator, has somehow seen through her illusion–and is set on blackmailing Gilene into using her abilities to help him escape his life of slavery. And unknown to Gilene, he also wants to reclaim the birthright of his clan.

To protect her family and village, she will risk everything to return to the Empire–and burn once more

 

Review:

Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven is the 1st book in her new Fallen Empire series.  This is my first book by Draven, and I really enjoyed this  well written fantasy themed ‘enemies to lovers’ romance.  Phoenix Unbound is a slow built romance, but that is strictly in the background as the story takes center stage; filled with violence, betrayal, battles, and sacrifices.

Gilene, our heroine, lives in a small village which is part of the Empire.  Every year, all the villages have to send a woman to the capitol as a sacrifice to the Gods, as part of the Rites of Spring. For 5 years Gilene, who is a secret fire witch, saves the women in her village, by representing one of the women each year who are burned alive.  She has the ability to not burn from the fire, and also is able to create an illusion changing her looks.  She survives each year, suffering scars along the way.  Her village does not treat Gilene with appreciation, expecting her to do her duty, despite the danger and terrible toll it takes on her.

Azarion, our hero, is a gladiator, who was sold to the empire by his cousin, and is also the best gladiator.  But he must endure the cruelty as a slave, especially to the Empress who uses and abuses him sexually.  He desperately wants to escape and return home to his family, and reclaim the crown of his clan, which was stolen by his evil cousin.   The last few years, Azarion has been able to see through the disguise of this young lady who is able to return, and comes up with a plan to escape.

Azarion will force Gilene to help him escape, using her ability to use illusions to change how she looks.  He threatens to reveal her town’s trickery to the Empire, if she doesn’t help, but he does promise to let her go and keep her secret if she works with him.  When Gilene once again walks away from the burning fire, and helped Azarion escape, she runs to return home, only to have Azarion kidnap her.  He needs her to help him return home, and win back his rightful title.  What follows is an exciting, dark & action packed adventure filled with danger and violent situations.  When Azarion finally gets home safe, there is still the danger of his cousin, and proving to the fire witches that Gilene is indeed one of them. 

In the beginning, Gilene hates and does not trust Azarion, but over time, especially after the dangerous and harrowing adventure travelling to his home, and when she meets and gets to know his family, her feelings begin to change.  Azarion, despite his growing feelings for Gilene, plans to honor his word to help her return home.  Will Gilene go home to a town that used her, or will she stay with those she has come to care for, and Azarion?

I thought that Gilene was a great heroine, strong, brave, loyal and her powers were great; something she will learn to increase in time.  When the war escalates, it was amazing how awesome she was.  Azarion turned into a wonderful hero, who suffered horrible cruelty as a captive of the Empire.  When he began to fall in love with Gilene, it was wonderful to see how sweet he was to her; this was a beautiful enemies to lovers story. Everything does change for the better when Azarion rises up to his true destiny, and must find a way to save his people and fight the Empire. 

Phoenix Unbound was  an  excellently written fantasy that kept your attention throughout, with a bit of everything from wonderful heroes, romance, danger, cruelty, great characters and an exciting adventure all the way through.  If you enjoy fantasy, I suggest you start with Phoenix Unbound.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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