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Mistletoe Me, Baby (O’Connor Family #4) by Katie Reus- review

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MISTLETOE ME, BABY ( O’Connor Family #4) by Katie Reus-a review

Mistletoe Me, Baby

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 1, 2017

She needs a fake fiancé…

With the holidays fast approaching, Miranda Flores makes up a fake fiancé so her well-meaning family will get off her back. She just never expected them to suddenly show up on her doorstep a couple weeks before Christmas, wanting to spend the holidays with her. So she turns to Nolan O’Connor, her sexy best friend, and asks him for the favor of a lifetime: she needs him to act the part of her fiancé until her parents leave town.

He wants forever…

Pretending to be engaged to the woman he’s already fallen for? No problem. Nolan agrees to Miranda’s fake engagement scheme because as far as he’s concerned, she’s the one. But he plays his role too well, because soon the entire town thinks they’re engaged and things get more complicated—especially since he can’t pretend with her anymore. Then tragedy strikes and Miranda tries to shut him out, but Nolan won’t let her. He’ll do whatever it takes to convince her that he wants to make her his forever.

•••••••••

REVIEW: MISTLETOE ME, BABY is the fourth instalment (and novella) in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult O’CONNOR FAMILY romance series focusing on the O’Connor family of Holly, North Carolina. This is Miranda Flores, and Nolan O’Connor’s story line. MISTLETOE ME, BABY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Miranda and Nolan) MISTLETOE ME BABY follows the fake engagement between co-workers at the local community centre Miranda Flores, and Nolan O’Connor. Ten months earlier, to escape her smothering family Miranda left Florida to set down roots in Holly, North Carolina-a small town that celebrates Christmas year round. As full-time guardian to her sister’s eleven year-old son Mateo, Miranda spends most of her time working to support a child she loves as her own. When Miranda’s parents announce a surprise holiday visit, our heroine panics in the face a lie she told to keep her mother off of her back-Miranda needs a fiancé, and the perfect man for the job is her best friend Nolan O’Connor-the man with whom Miranda is secretly in love. What ensues is the building friends to lovers relationship between Miranda and Nolan-a relationship that has simmered for close to ten months, and the potential fall out when Miranda places an end date on their ‘fake’ romance.

MISTLETOE ME, BABY is a story of family and friendship; heartbreak and grief; love and happily ever after. Tragedy will strike the Flores family leaving a grieving family struggling with the loss but none more so than our story line heroine. The premise is sweet, engaging and entertaining; the characters are colorful, real and charismatic; the romance is passionate and seductive without the use of sexually graphic, over the top language and text. MISTLETOE ME, BABY is a quick read; a wonderful holiday love story; a welcome addition to the O’Connor Series by Katie Reus.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Merry Christmas, Baby
Tease Me, Baby
It’s Me Again, Baby
Mistletoe Me, Baby

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Hunt by Chloe Neill – Review & Giveaway

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The Hunt by Chloe Neill – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
When bounty hunter Liam Quinn discovered that Claire Connolly was a Sensitive and infected with magic, he should have turned her in to be locked up in the prison district known as Devil’s Isle. Instead, he helped her learn to control her power and introduced her to an underground group of Paranormals and humans who know the truth about the war and those who fought it.
Now the weight of Liam’s own secrets has forced him into hiding. When a government agent is killed and Claire discovers that Liam is the prime suspect, she races to find him before the government can. But she’ll discover proving his innocence is no simple matter. Their enemies are drawing closer, and time is running out….

 

Review:

The Hunt by Chloe Neill is the 3rd book in her Devil’s Isle urban fantasy series.  For a brief refresher:  The story takes place in a war ravished New Orleans, where paranormals or those with magic are delegated to live in Devil’s Isle.  Claire Connolly, our heroine, has hidden most of her life that she is a sensitive, with some magic, which would send her to Devil’s Isles.  Liam Quinn, a Bounty Hunter, is our hero, and the one who helps Claire learn to control her magic, as well as showing her how to be a Bounty Hunter.  In the last book, with a cult leader trying to destroy all paranormals, Liam’s secret is revealed when they manage to destroy the enemy.  With his body infused with magic, Liam goes into hiding.

The Hunt begins with Claire, Gavin, and Malachi leaving New Orleans to travel through the bayous to find Liam, who is now wanted for murder of a government agent.  When they all return to New Orleans, Liam will try to discover who is trying to frame him, and in a short time the group will find a conspiracy that brings things close to home for Claire.  A conspiracy that will restart the war of paranormals and humans, which has been under control due to the Veil that stops the paranormals from entering their realm.  Note:  These are powerful and violent paranormals, who want to destroy humans.  The Devil’s Isle paranormals are mostly non-violent and live freely but only in the territory they are assigned.

Claire will learn about her dead mother, whom she never knew and about a horrifying plot that will kill paranormals, and open the Veil once again.  The romance between Liam and Claire took a backseat, as Liam could not handle his magic overload. When things begin to happen bringing them to fight together, Liam and Claire’s love will shine through.  I also love many of the secondary characters that Neill has created; Gavin, Moses, Gunnar, Eleanor, etc.

What follows is an action packed intense story in a post-apocalyptic world. At times, early on I did think that things did drag a bit, but the last half was very exciting with lots of action.  I love Claire, who was a great heroine; strong, loyal, fearless & caring of her friends.   As we race to the finish, there are a few twists and turns that leaves us holding our breath and anxiously waiting the next book in this series. If you enjoy fantasy in an apocalyptic world, you should read this series and start with the first book, The Veil.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by publisher

 

 

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Chloe Neill’s publisher, Berkley, is offering a paper copy  THE HUNT to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Cain (Hell’s Lovers MC #4) by Crimson Syn-Review and GiveawayTour

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CAIN (Hell’s Lovers MC #4) by Crimson Syn-Review and Giveaway Tour

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CAIN
Hell’s Lover’s MC
by Crimson Syn
Release Date: August 27, 2017
Genre:adult, contemporary,erotic, BDSM, romance, MC

Cain

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

Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts and a giveaway!

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 27, 2017

Sophia Moreno is a mystery wrapped up in a gorgeous package.
She’s soft and sweet, but there’s something hidden in the depths of her green eyes.
From the first instant my eyes held hers, I claimed her as mine.
When I finally have my hands on her, she’ll know I’m not one to play games with.
I’ll torture her into ecstasy until she’s screaming for me to take her,
Because the god she’ll worship is one kinky mother fucker.

Cain Scardino is a wild man with a dominant streak
And I’m more than willing to hand myself over to his sensually erotic instructions
He’s a sexual god with a wicked taste for the taboo
But what Cain doesn’t know is that I yearn to succumb to his dark desires.
As he tightens his ropes on my body, he also secures them around my heart.
He’s the only man who could take me so completely
And I’ll do anything to be tied down by him.

Mature Audiences Only 18+
This series is full of naughty alpha bikers, explicit sexual scenes and dirty language. This one in particular has a very sexy DOM who wants to play.

•••••••••

REVIEW: CAIN is the fourth installment in Crimson Syn’s contemporary, adult HELL’S LOVERS MC erotic, romance novella series focusing on the men and women of the motorcycle club the Hell’s Lovers. This is Sargent at Arms, thirty five year old Cain Scardino, and thirty year old, pole dancer Sophia Moreno’s story line. CAIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous installments is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: CAIN contains graphic scenes of BDSM, and may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Sophia and Cain) CAIN follows the building relationship between pole dancer Sophia Moreno, and Hell’s Lovers MC Sargent At Arms Cain Scardino-a relationship predicated on lies and secrets. Sophia is the new hire at Ravenous-the bar and strip club owned by the Hell’s Lovers MC, and a woman with a secret that if revealed would surely result in our heroine’s death. Enter Cain Scardino, all muscled, Dominant who catches the eye of Sophia Moreno. What ensues is the building relationship between Sophia and Cain, and the fall out when the truth is revealed. Ramon Tuco Moreno and the Los Perdidos MC continue their threats against the Hell’s Lovers MC but the Columbian Cartel is about to come forward with threats of their own.

The relationship between Sophia and Cain is one of immediate attraction but I had a difficult time with the developing relationship as the attraction was purely sexual, and Sophia’s fall from grace came with a desperation and proclamation of love that reflected negatively on our already embattled heroine. The $ex scene are erotic and intense; the BDSM scenarios are aggressive and not without some questionable intent.

CAIN is another dark and gritty MC story line. Our ‘hero’ is a Dominant; a man who enjoys making the women in his life submit including Sophia Moreno-a woman whose secrets will destroy Cain’s trust in the woman with whom he will fall in love.
The men of the Hell’s Lovers MC are dangerous, foul-mouthed and misogynistic; the women tend to be collateral damage in the battle between the warring MCs.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Wolf
Grayson
Riggs
Cain

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Cain Teaser

About the Author

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

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

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

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Wired by Julie Garwood – Review & Giveaway

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Wired by Julie Garwood – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
A beautiful computer hacker and a bad-boy FBI agent must collaborate—in more ways than one—in the sizzling new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Garwood.

Allison Trent doesn’t look like a hacker. In fact, when she’s not in college working on her degree, she models on the side. But behind her gorgeous face is a brilliant mind for computers and her real love is writing—and hacking—code. Her dream is to write a new security program that could revolutionize the tech industry.

Hotshot FBI agent Liam Scott has a problem: a leak deep within his own department. He needs the skills of a top-notch hacker to work on a highly sensitive project: to secretly break into the FBI servers and find out who the traitor is. But he can’t use one of his own. He finds the perfect candidate in Allison. Only, there’s one problem—she wants nothing to do with his job and turns him down flat.

What Liam doesn’t know is that Allison is hiding secrets that she doesn’t want the FBI to uncover. But Liam will do nearly anything to persuade her to join his team, even break a few rules if that’s what it takes. A temptation that could put his job—and both of their futures—on the line…
and longing for more . . .

 

 

Review:

Wired by Julie Garwood is the 13th book in her Buchanan/FBI series.   I am a big fan of Julie Garwood, and I am happy to say that I loved Wired.  What makes this story fun to read, were the two lead characters, Allison Trent and Liam Scott.   I loved both of them.   The story line was also exciting, fun and with the two wonderfully likable characters, it was a fast fun read.

Allison Trent, our heroine, is a college student by day, a part time model, and a hacker at night.  Allison is a genius, and can find bugs, break viruses or stop hacks and writes her own security programs.   Allison visits the FBI’s new cyber building with her friend Jordan , but while there she is approached by two men who want her to work for them to find a leak in the FBI. 

Liam Scott, our hero, is an FBI agent, who has researched and discovered Allison.  Liam does not work for the Cyber division, but he recognizes that Allison is the one who will be able to find the leak, which has been stopping some of their key investigations.  At first Allison refuses, as they want a commitment of a year.  She is also afraid that they will discover how easy it is for her to get into any computer system, even if she only fixes bugs, or helps find and return millions of dollars scammed from seniors.  But Liam will arrange for Allison to have immunity, as they need her to work on this sensitive project, which thus far has been impossible. 

As Liam slowly fights off his attraction to the smart, tough, beautiful Allison, he learns about her rough life.  When Allison mother and father died years before; she and her sister were forced to live with their aunt and uncle.  They used Allison to do modeling work, and would take all her money.  They were really nasty people, who badgered her constantly with phone calls.  

Rather than give spoilers, what follows is a wonderful story that blends an exciting storyline that threatens Allison, as well as the threats from her relatives; but it is also such a sweet romance that will develop between Allison and Liam.  This was a fun story, and Allison was such a great heroine.  Liam was also good, as he was always there for Allison, even when he was determined to not let his growing feelings change anything in his life.

Wired was a wonderful fast exciting, fun read, with a great couple, some humor and nasty villains.  Julie Garwood once again gives us another wonderful enjoyable story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

giveaway

Julie Garwood’s publisher is offering a hard copy of WIRED to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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8. Giveaway runs from July 4 to 8, 2017

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Vanishing Act by A.M.Madden-a review

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VANISHING ACT by A.M. Madden-a review

Vanishing Act

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 20, 2017

After personal heartbreak and professional setbacks, Landon Price is running on empty. If he doesn’t take a break from the public eye soon, he’ll risk becoming another cautionary tale in a town that’s full of them. So in between film projects, Landon asks his agent to clear his schedule and then he simply . . . vanishes. Renting a discreet home on a remote Hawaiian beach for the summer, Landon begins to recharge. And in the process of finding himself, he meets a beautiful, feisty local who challenges everything he thinks he knows.

Zara Jobert has no interest in being a conquest for a cocky playboy from the mainland—even one with undeniable charisma and movie-star good looks. So she’s pleasantly surprised when the handsome newcomer’s persistent advances mellow into cozy banter and a sneakily seductive intimacy. When Landon reveals his true identity, Zara’s hurt that he lied, but she doesn’t care that he’s famous. Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way. And falling for Landon might come with a heartbreaking choice—between Zara’s old life, and a new love.

••••••••••

REVIEW: VANISHING ACT by A.M. Madden is a stand alone, contemporary, adult erotic, romance story line focusing on blockbuster movie star Landon Price, and Zara Jobert.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Landon and Zara) VANISHING ACT follows Hollywood movie star Landon Price as he takes time out to recoup and regroup on a remote Hawaiian beach. Vanishing from the public eye Landon arrives in Lanai City, Hawaii under the name of Lance White where he will meet the woman that calls to his heart. Enter Zara Jobert, a young woman of South African descent, sheltered from the outside world and all things current and popular. What ensues is the building romance between Zara and Landon (Lance), and the fall out when the truth is finally revealed.

Landon Price needs a break from Hollywood, a break from the paparazzi, and a break from his agent who is all about the next big thing. In between movies, Landon decides it is time to take a well-deserved vacation-a vacation that finds our hero falling in love with a woman who has no idea about Landon’s true identity. Zara Jobert hasn’t always lived in the Hawaiian Islands, but a family tragedy landed the Jobert’s in the secluded and remote sandy beach where anonymity and privacy is afforded those who work and live.

The relationship between Landon (Lance) and Zara is predicated on a lie. Landon continues to lie about his identity to the woman that calls to his heart, and when the truth is revealed the fall out is far greater than either one expected. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic, language and text. The character building reveals the backgrounds, history and tragic losses for our story line couple.

We are introduced to Zara’s parents Talia and Andres , her sister Annia and husband Kai, and Lanai City mayor Palu, as well as Landon’s mother Caroline, and his agent Roger. Of course, we can’t forget Spike aka Marshmallow who brought out story line couple together. Conflict occurs when Landon’s identity and whereabouts is revealed for all of the world to see.

VANISHING ACT is a slow building story of romance; a sexy tale about two people fated by chance, a dog, and a sandy beach. The premise is heartwarming and idealistic; the characters are passionate and spirited; the romance is sweet and sexy. VANISHING ACT is a playful and delightful romance story for a lazy, sunny afternoon on your very own sandy beach.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Protecting Kiera (Seal of Protection 10/ Brotherhood Protectors) by Susan Stoker-Review Blitz

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PROTECTING KIERA : Brotherhood Protectors (Seal of Protection #10) by Susan Stoker-Review Blitz

Protecting Kiera

Amazon.com 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 6, 2017

Cooper Nelson’s SEAL career was cut drastically short when an explosion left him almost completely deaf. With so much of his pride and self-worth tied to the profession he loved above all else, Coop struggles in his nearly silent new world, his future seemingly bleak…until Commander Hurt badgers him into volunteering at the Riverton School for the Deaf. There, he meets teacher Kiera Hamilton, who opens his eyes—and his heart—to a love more fulfilling than any job could be.

Ten years his senior, Kiera can’t believe Coop would ever be interested in anything long term, but he patiently proves her wrong. And she’s not the only one enamored with the sexy former-SEAL—her impressionable first-grade students are enthralled with the man, especially Frankie. The troubled young boy flourishes with each of Cooper’s visits, which only makes Kiera fall harder.

As he learns ASL, connects with the students, and gets closer to Kiera, Coop’s happier than he’s ever been…until an attempted abduction at the school threatens to take away everything that makes his new life worth living.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: PROTECTING KIERA is the tenth installment (and novella) in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult SEAL OF PROTECTION romantic, military, suspense series focusing on a tight knit group of Navy SEALS and the women they love. This is twenty seven year old former Navy SEAL Cooper Nelson, and teacher Kiera Hamilton’s story line. PROTECTING KIERA can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: PROTECTING KIERA is also the latest installment in Ella James’s multi-author Kindle Worlds of the Brotherhood Protectors.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Kiera and Cooper) PROTECTING KIERA focuses on the building relationship between former Navy SEAL Cooper Nelson, and teacher for the deaf Kiera Hamilton. Cooper’s last deployment overseas and his Navy career ended when an explosion resulted in permanent hearing loss for our story line hero. Meeting Kiera Hamilton at the School for the Deaf stirred something inside Cooper Nelson he long thought dead. Having a difficult time adjusting to civilian life, Cooper’s attraction and need for Kiera Hamilton pushed Cooper to volunteering at the school where Kiera taught the deaf and hearing impaired. What ensues is the building relationship between Kiera and Cooper, and Kiera’s struggle to accept their ten year age difference in the face of their growing love.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including many of Cooper’s former SEAL buddies: Patrick and his wife Julie, Commander ‘Tex’ Hurt (Protecting Melody), Matthew ‘Wolf’ (Protecting the Future), Slade Cutsinger  (Protecting Dakota) and newcomer Axel Svenson ‘Swede’ who works for the security company known as the Brotherhood Protectors; as well as a number of students at the Riverton School for the Deaf.

PROTECTING KIERA is a quick read; a novella length story line that sees wounded Navy SEAL Cooper Nelson come to terms with his injury, his place in civilian life, and falling in love with the woman that calls to his heart. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is quick to build-their attraction to one another has already been established; the characters are colorful and energetic. PROTECTING KIERA revisits many of the author’s previous story line characters and couples, giving the reader a glimpse into what was and what will be.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

About The Author

Susan StokerNew York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives, but this all-American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She’s married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.

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I See You by Clare Mackintosh – a Review

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I See You by Clare Mackintosh – a Review

 

I See YouAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description
You do the same thing every day.

You know exactly where you’re going.

You’re not alone.

When Zoe Walker sees her photo in the classifieds section of a London newspaper, she is determined to find out why it’s there. There’s no explanation: just a website, a grainy image and a phone number. She takes it home to her family, who are convinced it’s just someone who looks like Zoe. But the next day the advert shows a photo of a different woman, and another the day after that.

Is it a mistake? A coincidence? Or is someone keeping track of every move they make

Review:

I See You by Clare Mackintosh is another wonderful exciting psychological thriller.  I loved Mackintosh’s debut novel, I Let You Go, and could not wait to see what she had for us next.   I See You is a different type of read, but equally fascinating.  The story does fluctuate between the two female leads.  There are also the occasional thoughts of a third party, presumed to be the person behind everything.

Zoe Walker hates her commute to work, but she has a good job and needs the money.  One day, looking at the newspaper adverts, she sees a picture that looks like her, with a dating site. When Zoe shows it to her family (daughter, son and boyfriend), they tell her it’s just probably a look alike, as the picture was grainy. A few days later, she sees a picture for the same site, with a different woman; but a short time later she will find out that the woman in the ad was murdered.   Zoe begins to worry that she has become someone’s target, and she begins to look over her shoulder often.  No one believes her when she tries to tell the cops about the advert

Kelly Swift is a cop, who has been regulated to the BTP Dip squad.  Kelly was a good detective in the Sexual Offense Unit, until 4 years ago, when she attacked a rape suspect.  Kelly’s sister had been raped, and the offender was never found, and to this day, Kelly can’t stop thinking about it.   When she gets a call from Zoe Walker about her fears, Kelly starts to investigate.  She tries to talk to the Detective in charge about some of her findings, and that Zoe Walker might be right, those adverts might be behind the murder and another robbery.  When she gets no satisfaction from the Detective, she goes to her commanding officer to request a transfer, and is given 3 months to work on the Investigation Unit. 

Zoe’s fears are real, and it begins to affect her life and work.  Everyone thinks she is worrying for no reason, and when she is “rescued” by a man who seems to pop up often, she goes to Kelly for help.  This will lead to an exciting police procedural trying to find that man, and the site that doesn’t exist; except it really does for those who will pay exorbitant prices to find all information about the lady in the advert, including their daily route to and from work.  What makes this a bit creepy and chilling is that in real life, with cameras everywhere, internet which watches your moves, and those who can easily hack your computer and follow you.  It is a scary thought.

Kelly and her new boss, Nick begin to tie things together, including a rape, which will lead to more clues. There were a number of unforeseen twists and turns that had me holding my breath in fear, as we realized how close things were to Zoe.  What follows is a scary pulse pounding exciting race to find the culprit, before Zoe’s life is in danger.  The ending was so tense, as we watched Kelly and the detectives discover the truth; but will they be able to save Zoe and her daughter, Katie?  I See You had a wild action filled ending that was a gripping thriller chiller. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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His Heart’s Revenge by Jenny Holiday – a Review

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His Heart’s Revenge by Jenny Holiday – a Review

 

His Heart's RevengeAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Twenty years ago, I was too smart and too poor to be cool. Now I’m laughing my way to the bank-the bank I’m CEO of. Nothing can touch me. Except maybe him. We met at summer camp. We made out under the stars. Then he stabbed me in the back. They say revenge is a dish best served cold. But I’m gonna go with hot. Alexander Evangelista is a millionaire with all the trappings: houses all over the world and hot guys lined up whenever he’s in need of some no-strings-attached company. He’s on his way to world domination. A CEO in his own right, Cary Bell is competing for a major client with his boyhood crush. He’s never forgiven himself for betraying Alex. But with his professional reputation on the line, he’s going to have to find his inner cutthroat if he wants his new company to succeed. Alex isn’t about to let his nemesis steal a client out from under him. It’s time to break Cary’s company-and his heart.”

Review:

While M/M is not my customary genre…of course I’ll read His Heart’s Revenge, it’s Jenny Holiday, duh.  I loved her regency work.  It was only when I read, and re-read, the synopsis that I realized the lead was Alexander and not Alexan-dra.  Cary, our co-lead, will have his hands full with this one! 😉  While not my customary genre, the foundation is romance and I don’t draw lines.  Jenny Holiday wrote about love and revenge and its unexpected aftermath.  I enjoyed it very much!

15 year olds crushing at summer camp.  It’s either folly/experimental or possibly the one that got away.  When Alex and Cary reunite 20 years later in the same business circle (although one clearly gained more notoriety), they become adversaries when vying to land a wealthy tycoon new to their area.  One-upping the other suddenly escalates!  For Cary, four months after launching Bell Capital would catapult him into success.  Alex is no slouch, however, as proven by industry accolades and tabloids who salivate after his every date.  When Alex detects encroachment upon his livelihood, he goes “utterly unsentimental”, transforming into a great white shark sniffing blood in the water.

     But if that fuc#ing upstart thought he was going to steal clients out from under Dominion?  If he thought he was going to use that honeyed mouth of his to sweet
talk the twentieth-richest man in the world out from under Alexander?
Alexander rolled his wrists like he was warming up for a sparring sessions with his jujitsu master.
Bring it.

To quote a cheerleader from a wildly popular movie:  It’s already been broughten!  So war it is.  Alex may ruminate over his teenage infatuation with Cary, but the impact of winning the huge account drives his determination to the point of inflexibility.  Leaving little room for “strolling down that particular fuc#ed-up memory lane.” 

Adversaries become rivals become nemeses.  But a bond lingers; one forged of a brief, but profound past.  An innate connection that dismisses insecurity, status and disparity.  Is it enough to forgive insensitivity?  Is money more important?

Jenny Holiday makes you fall in love with her characters.  This is her gift.  His Heart’s Revenge is no different.  She surprised me with the detailed intimacy, but you’ve got to go into this prepared.  I was certainly enlightened — new to those “mechanics” she sought out for research.  But in the end, like I expected, she tells a timeless romantic story that deserves to be read. 

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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