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Slayed by Darkness by Alexandra Ivy-Review Tour

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Slayed by Darkness (Guardians of Eternity 17.5 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Alexandra Ivy-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 29, 2021

Only an idiot would try to kidnap Jayla. She’s a take-no-prisoner kind of vampire who rebelled against the previous King of Vampires, and now regularly battles with both human and demon enemies who resent the success of Dreamscape casino she manages in Hong Kong. So when she’s snatched off the streets, she doesn’t bother to struggle. Instead she starts plotting her slow, bloody revenge.

The last creature she expects when she arrives at her destination is Azrael, the mysterious mercenary vampire she killed a century ago.

Azreal has never forgotten Jayla, and not just because she tried to stab a stake through his heart. He’d never encountered a female who could match him in battle. Her raw courage was sexy as hell. And it didn’t hurt that she was drop-dead gorgeous. But, he didn’t abduct her because he desired her. Or at least, that wasn’t his main motivation. He needs her rare talent to stop time. An evil fey has stolen his sword. The weapon is magically bound to him, and unless he retrieves it, he’s doomed to a painful death.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

•••••

REVIEW: SLAYED BY DARKNESS is instalment 17.5 in Alexandra Ivy’s adult GUARDIANS OF ETERNITY paranormal/fantasy romance series, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is vampires Azreal and Jayla’s story line. SLAYED BY DARKNESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary

Told from several third person perspectives SLAYED BY DARKNESS focuses on the abduction and attempted assassination of our heroine Jayla. Jayla works as the manager for Dreamscape Casino in Hong Kong but a rival casino manager has demanded some of Jayla’s time. On her way, Jayla finds herself the victim of a potential kidnapping, only to come face to face with the vampire she thought she over seven hundred years earlier. Enter former Viking turned vampire Azreal. As Azreal presents his case for ‘kidnapping’ our heroine, Dreamscapes owner Chiron calls upon our intrepid gargoyle Levet, to help locate his missing manager. What ensues is the building relationship between Azreal and Jayla, and the potential fall-out as something more sinister is going on behind the scenes.

Azreal knew immediately the assassin sent to take him down is his fated mate but our hero was cursed by the fey hundreds of years earlier, and his soul has been trapped inside a magical sword all this time but Azreal woke up to discover the sword had been stolen, and his life was slowly draining with each passing day. Desperate to retrieve the sword, Azreal knows of only one being who is able to control time, and that being is the woman that calls to his heart.

SLAYED BY DARKNESS is a fast paced, novella length story of second chances, of a sorts. Jayla believed she had killed a man for no other reason that having been ordered to do so, and with his return, Jayla got a second chance to make things right.Having been cursed by the Fey, Azreal knew he would probably live a long and lonely life but the return of Jayla meant Azreal had a second chance at his own happily ever after, if only they could retrieve the sword that held his soul. The $ex scenes are limited by passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters included Jayla’s boss Chiron, and her assistant Gideon; rival casino owner Emile; gargoyle Levet and his aunt Bertha.

SLAYED BY DARKNESS is entertaining and engaging; the characters are dynamic-always fun to read about Levet ; the building relationship between Azreal and Jayla focuses on the search for the sword, and the acceptance of one another as each other’s mate.

Previous Reviews (this a list of books we have reviewed at The Reading Cafe. We have read most if not all of the books in the series but have not posted a review !)

When Darkness Comes
Embrace the Darkness
Darkness Everlasting
Darkness Revealed
Darkness Unleashed
Beyond the Darkness
Devoured by Darkness
Taken by Darkness
Darkness Eternal
Bound by Darkness
Where Darkness Lives
Fear The Darkness
Darkness Avenged
Darkness Eternal
Hunt the Darkness
A Very Levet Christmas
When Darkness Ends
Darkness Returns
Beware the Darkness
Conquer the Darkness
Sacrifice of Darkness
Shades of Darkness
Darkness Betrayed

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

“If you intend to kill me, I wish you’d get on with it before I die of boredom.”
Azrael smiled with rueful humor. “You haven’t lost your arrogance, kiska.”
She froze at the sound of his voice. Or maybe it was his Russian endearment. She’d reminded him of a hissing cat the first time he’d seen her. Sleek and elegant and utterly lethal. Her rich lotus scent swirling in the air. “Who are you?”
Azrael leaned toward her. “First, I intend to relieve you of any weapons you have hidden beneath that lovely gown.”
She hissed in outrage. “Touch me, and I’ll kill—”
“Not this time,” he interrupted, sweeping his hands down the length of her torso.
It took an effort, but he kept his touch light, refusing to acknowledge the jolts of pleasure racing through him. She was bound and momentarily helpless. He might be a vampire, but he wasn’t a monster. Not anymore.
He reached the slender length of her legs when he at last found a sheath tied around her upper thigh. Carefully, he pulled out the slender dagger with its silver blade and tossed it onto a chair across the narrow space. Next, he bent to slide off her shoes, lifting the pointed heels to his nose. Poison. Just as he’d suspected.
“Impressive,” he murmured, flipping the shoes to join the dagger. “Now, this.” Grabbing the thick hood, he slowly pulled it off her head.
Jayla blinked, a visible tremor racing through her body as she allowed her gaze to skim over his face before lowering to the white cashmere sweater stretched across his chest and then down to his dark slacks.
At last, she slowly shook her head as if coming out of a dream. Or a nightmare.
“No,” she rasped. “This is a trick.”
“I’m very real,” he assured her, leaning forward. She was clearly in shock, but she hadn’t panicked. And she hadn’t tried to attack. He was willing to take a risk. With quick movements, he unlocked the shackles and let them drop to the floor. Then, he offered her a sensuous smile. “Do you want to touch and prove for yourself?”

Like most writers, I was born with an avid love for reading. Growing up in a small town in the Midwest, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have a book in my hand or wasn’t dreaming up wild stories in my head. And when I stepped into my local library for the first time I thought it was paradise. There were so many books on the shelves I didn’t know where to start!

Still, I didn’t plan to grow up and become a writer. I was much more interested in a glorious career as an actress on Broadway.

I followed my dream by acquiring a degree in theatre and performing for several years in summer-stock productions, but after I married my college sweetheart I decided to put the career on hold while we started a family. After the arrival of my two sons, Chance and Alex, I found myself seeking a new creative outlet and decided to turn my occasional scribblings into a genuine effort to get published.

I’d like to say that I was an overnight success, but the truth is that it took years before I finally got ‘the call’. The rejections were painful, but now I’m relieved. All those manuscripts that I thought were the next Great American Novel are now exactly where they belong…gathering dust under my bed.

They did, however, help me learn my craft, and just as importantly, they gave me the opportunity to enjoy writing in a wide variety of genres as I searched for my voice. Which no doubt explains why I started writing traditional regencies under the name Debbie Raleigh and then moved to steamy historicals under the name Deborah Raleigh before transforming into a contemporary paranormal writer as Alexandra Ivy. Now my career spans everything from erotica to romantic suspense.

When I’m not writing I love to travel, it doesn’t matter where I’m going as long as it doesn’t include any cooking or cleaning. I also love to spend time with my family who continue to be my greatest source of inspiration. And since some things never change…when I have a few minutes, you can still find me with a book in my hand!

Connect with Alexandra:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

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Since You’ve Been Gone (Magnolia Sound) by Samantha Chase-review

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Since You’ve Been Gone (Magnolia Sound #8) by Samantha Chase-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 29, 2021

Emmaline Ryan has always been the smart, shy girl who plays it safe. But all that’s gotten her is a divorce and a mountain of debt to pay off courtesy of her ex-husband. Needless to say, she’s stopped believing in miracles and fairy tales a long time ago. Except now she’s in desperate need of one those miracles if she wants to save her family’s animal rescue. Emmaline knows just where to go for help, but that means putting her faith in the hands of the man who once broke her heart without even realizing it.

Garrett Coleman met the girl of his dreams when he was just eight years old – only, he never told her. But that was years ago. Now, Garrett has become a reluctant social media star – the shirtless #HotDoc and #SexyVet who saves scared and helpless animals. Sure, it’s been great for business, but he’d give anything for people to see the real him, preferably with a shirt on. When a visit home to Magnolia Sound has him running into the shy girl he left behind, he sees his chance at the future he never thought he deserved.

Unfortunately, he’s not the only one back in town, and wooing Emmaline just became a lot more complicated. A lot has changed since he’s been gone and Garrett is going to have to prove that he’s up to the challenge. Emmaline might still be the sweet and quiet girl he left behind, but he’s not sure she willing to wait.

•••••••

REVIEW:SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE is the eighth instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult MAGNOLIA SOUND romance series. This veterinarian Dr. Garrett Coleman, and speech therapist Emmaline Ryan’s story line. SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE 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 (Emma and Garrett) SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE follows the friends to lovers relationship between veterinarian Dr. Garrett Coleman, and speech therapist Emmaline Ryan. Garrett and Emmaline had been best friend for as long as they could remember but junior high found Emma falling for someone, leaving a heart broken Garrett behind. Fast forward to present day wherein Emmaline Ryan, now a divorced speech therapist, helps run her mother’s shelter for homeless animals but the shelter’s doctor is about to retire, and take with him the only veterinarian clinic around. Enter Dr. Garrett Coleman, a veterinarian without a ‘home’ and a man without someone to love. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship and relationship between Garrett and Emma, and the potential fall-out as Garrett’s past continues to destroy any semblance of happiness in the Coleman clan.

Garrett Coleman is known on the social media sites at #HotDoc for the shirtless videos of himself and dogs looking for a home but Garrett is without a permanent employer, and finds himself going from town to town looking to settle down. A visit home brings Garrett up close and personal with the girl he has always loved but the Coleman patriarch Cash Coleman, who has been AWOL for more than twenty years, breezes back into town, leaving another swath of heart ache and pain in his wake. Unable to see beyond the failures of his life, Garrett struggles with his future including a future with the woman he loves.

The relationship between Garrett and Emma is a friends to lovers. Garrett has loved Emma for most of his life but never took the step to make Emma his own. After a failed marriage, Emma struggles with opening up her heart but the return of Garrett give Emma hope for the future but nothing is ever as real as it seems. There are no $ex scenes-everything fades to black or is mostly implied.

We are reintroduced to Garrett’s brother Austin and his fiancé Mia Kingsley; their mother Grace Coleman and her boyfriend Dominic Jones; financial investor Ryder; Emma’s mother Christine and her husband Ed ; Doc McEntyre; and Cash Coleman.

SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; of betrayal and heart break; dissolution and acceptance. The premise is engaging and emotional; the romance is sweet and sexy; the characters are energetic and dynamic. SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE is a wonderful addition to the Magnolia Sound series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Sunkissed Days
Remind Me
A Girl Like You
In case You Didn’t Know
All the Befores 3.5
And Then One Day
Can’t Help Falling in Love
Last Beautiful Girl
The Way The Story Goes

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied for review

CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE (Magnolia Sound 5) is on sale for ONLY 99¢ for a limited time

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

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook

Samantha ChaseNew 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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Angel’s Promise (Devil’s Duet 2) by Aleatha Romig-Review tour

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Angel’s Promise (Devil’s Duet 2) by Aleatha Romig-Review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 29, 2021.

Everett Ramses came into my life like a hurricane on a dark New Orleans night. With a deep voice and penetrating gaze, his mere presence tingled my nerves and twisted my insides much like the city’s legendary stories of spirits and ghosts.

As the ruler of New Orleans, Everett Ramses lives life hard and takes what he wants without apology.

He wants me to be his queen.

I am not an unwilling capture or a damsel in distress.

No, I, Emma North, willingly fell for the man who proclaims himself the devil.

Do I follow through on the promise I made to Rett, or do I listen to my own instincts and run before it’s too late?

The future of New Orleans is now in my hands.

Have you been Aleatha’d?

••••••

REVIEW: ANGEL’S PROMISE is the second full-length instalment in Aleatha Romig’s contemporary, adult DEVIL’S DUET erotic, dark, romantic suspense series focusing on underworld businessman Everett ‘Rett’ Ramses, and twenty-six year old Emma O’Brien North. For back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the prequel novella Fate’s Demand. ANGEL’S PROMISE should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the cliff hanger of book one DEVIL’S DEAL.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers. If you have not read book one, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Emma and Rett) ANGEL’S PROMISE picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of DEVIL’S DEAL in which Emma O’Brien has married Rett Ramses, and her past is about to come full circle with the appearance of someone she long thought dead. Secrets and lies comes to the surface as the truth about Emma’s heritage reveals a life-long connection to New Orleans, and the underworld of which Rett Ramses reigns. Emma O’Brien is a pawn in a much larger game of power and control, and in this our heroine, is no longer able to trust the man with whom she is falling in love. People will die, power will shift, as Emma must come to terms with the past, the present, and her possible future. As Rett battles his need for the woman who has stolen his heart, our (anti)hero prepares to scour the city is search of the people intending to destroy his life.

The relationship between Rett and Emma is a battle of wills; a growing love that will be threatened by secrets and lies, and Rett’s need to control and protect our story believing she held all the power in their imbalanced relationship. The $ex scenes are aggressive and intense, and not without some moments of questionable intent.

ANGEL’S PROMISE continues to focus on the need for control, not only of the city but of our story line heroine. Emma’s true identity reveals a deeper and darker connection to the city Rett loves but said connection is desperate to take back the power that comes with the claiming of our story line heroine. The premise is dramatic, dark and twisted; the characters are complex and deep; the romance is edgy and provocative. ANGLEL’S PROMISE is a decadent and sensual story of power, betrayal, acceptance and love.

READING ORDER AND PREVIOUS REVIEWS
Fate’s Demand .5
Devil’s Deal

NOTE: The prequel novella FATE’S DEMAND is FREE at most retailers:

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

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

NEWSLETTER | WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | GOODREADS
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | PINTEREST

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years, they’ve raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns or her new lighter side, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!

Sign up today to receive her monthly newsletter  and /or text message alerts stay informed.

And if you’re new to ALEATHA, check out her FREE books.

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Destined (Lair #4) by AM Madden-Review tour

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Destined (Lair #4) by AM Madden-Review tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 28, 2021

We were destined.
How could we not be?
Our dads were famous rock stars and best friends.
As a kid, I practically lived at his house.
We did everything together.

My first kiss at only nine.
I knew I’d marry him one day.
Took my virginity on prom night.

Wrote songs about me.
Was sweet and kind, loving and caring.
The sun rose and set on him.
I trusted him with my heart.
And he loved me.

With my dad’s help, my love became a talented bass player.
He was destined to find fame.
I wanted that for him.
And then it happened.

The opportunity to tour with one of the hottest rock stars around.
Thirteen weeks wasn’t long to be apart.
Not in the grand scheme of things.
Except I had no idea who I was without him.
He got his wish—and I lost myself.
Maybe we weren’t so destined after all.

Destined contains adult content.

••••••

REVIEW:DESTINED is the fourth and final? Instalment in AM Madden’s contemporary, adult LAIR erotic, romance series- a spin off from the author’s BACK-UP series. This is Shane Lair, and Alivia Taylor’s story line. Shane is the son of Jackson and Leila Lair , and Alivia is the daughter of Camilla and Trey Taylor.

NOTE: DESTINED is a young adult to new adult, next generation story line with adult situations and the requisite teenaged, anxiety and conflicts.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Alivia and Shane) with a guest chapter from both Trey and Jack, covering several years in the life, DESTINED follows the life-long friendship between Shane Lair and Alivia Taylor. At the age of five, Shane Lair fell in love with Alivia Taylor the moment he set eyes on his future wife. High school sweethearts, Alivia and Shane had the world ahead of them, enrolling in NYU together until Shane is offered a chance of a lifetime but if he accepted, would leave behind the woman he loved. The stress of high school and prom, friendships and family, mean girls and gossip, all threatened our story line couple but none more so than a lack of communication and issues of trust as each is about to walk (or run) in the opposite direction. As Shane ventured forth on a path towards his future, Alivia’s abrupt change of plans would pull our heroine half way across the world, as the love of her life, struggled with his new found fame, and direction in life.

The relationship between Alivia and Shane is a life-long friendship that began when their parents created the rock back Devil’s Lair. We are up close and personal as Alivia and Shane’s love blossomed; as the mean-girls took aim at our story line heroine; and as Shane’s attempts to protect the woman he loves , threatening their future when social media PR quickly spirals out of control. Alivia and Shane’s love for one another never waivers in the face of vitriolic rumors, and months of separation but their lack of communication threatens their love, going forward. 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 secondary and supporting characters including Jackson and Leila Lair, Camilla and Trey Taylor; Alivia’s best friend Kim, and Shane’s best friend Chase, as well as the requisite mean girls, fans, and rock and roll wannabes.

DESTINED is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love. A story of love, laughter, longing and heart break. The premise is emotional and spirited; the characters are idealistic and young; the romance is fated, spicy and intense. DESTINED is a spirited and animated conclusion to the LAIR family of series.

Reading order and Previous Reviews

Shock Jock
Liner Notes
Trey

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA Today BESTSELLING ROMANCE AUTHOR

A.M. Madden’s romance debut is The Back-Up Series, consisting of Back-Up, Front & Center, and Encore.

A.M. Madden is a wife, a mother, an avid reader of romance novels and now an author. In Back-up she aspired to create a fun, sexy, realistic romantic story. She wanted to create characters that the reader could relate to and feel as if they knew personally.

A self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, she loves getting lost in a good book. She uses every free moment of her time writing, while raising teenage boys.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

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More Than A Hope by Kennedy L Mitchell-Review Tour

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More Than A Hope (More Than A Threat 1,2, & 3) by Kennedy L Mitchell-Review Tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 28, 2021

The thrilling and sizzling final installment in the More Than A Threat series.
Can their hope for forever be enough to get them through the final mission?

This was the worst plan ever. Putting her on the front line, smack in the middle of the danger, went against every protective instinct ingrained in Casey Weston. Identifying the human trafficking group, rescuing the victims, and keeping Kate unharmed was potentially too much for even the highly trained team to achieve. One thing was for certain: if they made it out it alive, Casey intended to keep Kate in his life–forever.

What in the heck did Kate sign herself up for? At least this time she had Casey and the others by her side. When the carefully crafted plan imploded into an epic gun battle, Kate found herself in over her head and unable to tell friend from foe. Captured and weak, Kate’s only focus was on survival. Because if she made it through alive, she was determined to never let Casey out of her life ever again.

A threat brought them together; her independence nearly tore them apart. Will their combined hope for a future together be enough for a happy ever after?

More Than a Hope is the third and final book in the More Than a Threat series. This series should be read in order starting with Book 1, More Than a Threat. Please note this series is intended for mature audiences due to foul language, detailed intimate scenes, and violence.

•••••••

REVIEW:MORE THAN A HOPE is the third and final instalment in Kennedy L Mitchell’s contemporary, adult MORE THAN A THREAT erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on former Special Forces soldier turned body guard Casey Weston, and ER physician Dr. Kate Wheeler. MORE THAN A HOPE should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book two MORE THAN A RISK.

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

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

Told from first person perspective (Kate) MORE THAN A HOPE follows Casey Weston and his former Special Forces Rangers (Tyler, Kyle, Anne and James) as they embark on a mission to rescue and recover several woman they believe to have been abducted and sold into sexual slavery. In MORE THAN A RISK Kate discovered the seedier side of businessman Chase Smitson, and attempted a take down, all on her own. With the help of Weston’s team, they effectively stopped Chase’s end of the human trafficking business but plans had already been set into motion, and the gang along with a pushy Dr. Kate Wheeler, with the aid of their government counterparts, set off to Hawaii to put an end to a sexual slave auction. As the team make plans to go in undercover with the assistance of Weston’s brother Ryan, Kate demands to be part of the operation, effectively placing everyone and the man that she loves in the direct line of fire. What ensues is the ongoing relationship between Kate and Weston, and the potential fall-out as suspicion grows regarding the newcomers to sexual slavery.

The relationship between Weston and Kate is erotic and intense but our heroine continues to be TSTL (too stupid to live). Inexperienced in the ways of military missions, search and rescues, and Special Forces heroics, a stubborn and impulsive Kate Wheeler pushes, demands and throws a temper tantrum in an effort to be part of the mission wherein she will become fodder for the sick and depraved. Her self-preservation remains absent but her stupidity grows by the hour-boredom threatens their operation as Kate and Anne go out on their own. Once again, suspending reality is best, as it pertains to allowing a civilian to partake in, and control a mission such as this.

Tyler, Kyle, Anne and James return. The camaraderie between former teammates and friends is fun and frenetic but Anne pulls a fast one, along with our heroine, effectively threatening the success of their current mission. I am hoping the author has plans for further story lines involving the team.

MORE THAN A HOPE is a story of recovery and rescue, take down and destruction, power, desperation, vengeance, love and forever The fast paced premise is intriguing; the romance is intimate; the characters are clever, dynamic, spirited and edgy but our heroine’s recklessness and absurdity are questionable on so many levels. MORE THAN A HOPE, and the More Than a Threat series is captivating and compelling if only you can get past the unreality of some of the situations.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

MORE THAN A THREAT
More Than A Threat 1
by Kennedy L Mitchell
Release Date: March 10, 2017
Genre: contemporary, adult, romantic suspense

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

Dr. Kate Wheeler is an independent, feisty emergency-medicine doctor with a perfect life, or at least that’s what everyone sees from the outside. Her world is turned upside down when she is forced to allow twenty-four-seven protection, disrupting her independent lifestyle leaving Kate to adjust, or not. She finds herself in unchartered territory as she balances a new love interest at work, never being alone and dodging multiple attempts on her life. If it weren’t for her two best friends by her side the stress would be too much, even for her to handle.
Her newly assigned security detail, Casey Weston, is harsh, dismissive, and overbearing. His sexy, strong body and bad-boy tattoos are just the exterior to this thoughtful man who has secrets of his own. As he works to keep Kate at arm’s length he finds himself equally frustrated and fascinated by this woman who pushes his boundaries. Weston’s rules are intense and focused solely on keeping her alive. But as time goes on, will his better judgment falter?

••••••••

REVIEW:MORE THAN A THREAT is the first instalment in Kennedy L Mitchell’s contemporary, adult MORE THAN A THREAT romantic suspense series focusing on Dr. Kate Wheeler, and former Special Forces soldier turned security specialist Casey Weston.

Told from first person perspective (Kate Wheeler) MORE THAN A THREAT follows in the aftermath of threats against our story line heroine. Kate’s father is an attorney in Dallas, and his latest case involving the Mexican cartel now finds our heroine in the direct line of fire, if her father does not drop the case. Believing his daughter need protection, Kate’s dad hires a personal bodyguard for Kate, a man who threatens all sorts of proprietary thoughts from our story line heroine. Enter former Special Forces soldier turned security specialist Casey Weston. What ensues is the distant but building relationship between Weston and Kate, and the potential fall-out as their relationship grows closer threatening the safety of everyone involved.

Kate Wheeler doesn’t want protection but our heroine is a little TSTL (too stupid to live) at times placing herself in danger without even knowing. From a possible work-place relationship, to nights out with friends, Kate finds herself on the receiving end of too many threats, threats that are about to push Weston out of her life. Casey Weston doesn’t do relationships but his heart wants something more from our story line heroine. Weston knows that Kate is an assignment, a client but their attraction to one –another is combustible and hot.

The relationship between Kate and Weston begins acrimoniously as Kate believes she is capable of looking after herself but on more than one occasion Kate is anything but prepared for the threats against her life. As Weston tries to keep his distance, the palpable sexual attraction is too hard to ignore. A Christmas vacation in Vail ends with our heroine’s life in the balance, and Weston walks without looking back. The $ex scenes are limited but sensual and passionate.

We are introduced to Kate’s co-workers: Eric and Meagan, both doctors in the ER; new trauma surgeon Dr. Austin Lockwood, as well as Kate’s father, and bodyguard Joe.

MORE THAN A THREAT is a character driven story of vengeance, threats and anger; power and control; family, relationships, friendships and love; desperation, revelations, passion and regret. The premise is dramatic and intense; the characters are energetic and edgy; the slow building romance is sensitive and intimate. MORE THAN A THREAT ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

________

MORE THAN A RISK
More than a Threat 2
by Kennedy L Mitchell
Release Date: August 16, 20217
Genre: contemporary, adult, romantic suspense

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

Is a life worth living if you don’t risk it all for the one you love?

Shot and left for dead, Dr. Kate Wheeler wakes in a familiar hospital, alive, and with the one person she hoped she would never see again. He is back, but why and how are questions she’s still too angry to seek answers to. After abandoning her when she needed him most, it will take a lot to win her heart again—which he is prepared to do but Kate has never been one to give in easily.

A surprise visit from a dear friend pulls the feisty doctor into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a local businessman full of dark secrets. It’s up to Kate to bring this man to justice knowing her father, the Dallas DA, won’t prosecute without evidence; evidence she is willing to do anything to obtain.
With the love of her life observing her every move Kate is forced to walk the fine line of deceit to keep him at arm’s length. When the charade takes a dangerous turn will Weston be enough to bring her back from the edge, or is it too late for them both?

Hearts and lives are at risk and Kate and Weston’s fiery relationship returns in this second book of the More Than a Threat series.

•••••

REVIEW:MORE THAN A RISK is the second instalment in Kennedy L Mitchell’s contemporary, adult MORE THAN A THREAT erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on former Special Forces soldier turned body guard Casey Weston, and ER physician Dr. Kate Wheeler. MORE THAN A RISK should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger on book one MORE THAN A THREAT.

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

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

Told from first person perspective (Kate) MORE THAN A RISK picks up immediately after the events of book one wherein our heroine finds herself the victim of a drive-by shooting intended to kill. Kate’s father is a prosecuting attorney trying to take down several members of the Mexican cartel but the fall-out of the shooting pulls Weston out off her life, as our hero struggles with his inability to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. But all is not well in Dallas when Kate discovers some information regarding a human trafficking ring, and sets out to take down the man in charge, all by herself. With Weston’s return to protect the woman he loves, our hero watches from the sidelines as Kate continues to place herself in danger at every turn. What ensue is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Kate and Weston, and the potential fall-out as each are willing to sacrifice themselves to save the other.

The relationship between Kate and Weston struggles in the face of secrets and lies, and Kate’s need to remain independent and free. Dr. Kate Wheeler continues to be TSTL , and her increasing stupidity and lack of self preservation threatens not only her own life but that of the man with whom she will fall in love. You may have to suspend reality as the number of questionable incidences is unbelievable. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense; the sexual attraction is palpable and hot.

We are introduced to Weston’s brother Ryan; Weston’s former Special Forces teammates including Aiden aka Tex, and his fiancée Tracy; Tyler aka Mouse, Kyle, Anne, James Steel; businessman Chase Smitson, and the return fellow physicians Eric, Meagan and Austin.

MORE THAN A RISK is another story of secrets and lies, power and control, struggles and acceptance; family, friendships, relationship and love. The premise is twisted, dramatic and gritty; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and powerful-the camaraderie between the former Special Forces soldiers is real and inviting. MORE THAN A RISK ends on a happily ever after-for now-as the friends make plans for the future, working together as security specialists.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Kennedy lives in Dallas with her husband, son, and 80lb Goldendoodle who still believes he’s a lap dog. A bookworm at heart, Kennedy loves to snuggle up in bed or by the campfire with an unputdownable book. She began writing two years ago with Falling for the Chance and has no plans of stopping. Her novels are witty, action-packed, and offer enough steam for a great facial. If you like strong heroines and sexy, tattooed men who can’t keep their hands off them, then this author is the one for you.

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To Sir, With Love by Lauren Layne- Dual Review

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To Sir, With Love by Lauren Layne -dual review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 29, 2021

Love Is Blind meets You’ve Got Mail in this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy following two thirty-somethings who meet on a blind dating app—only to realize that their online chemistry is nothing compared to their offline rivalry.

Perpetually cheerful and eager to please, Gracie Cooper strives to make the best out of every situation. So when her father dies just months after a lung cancer diagnosis, she sets aside her dreams of pursuing her passion for art to take over his Midtown Manhattan champagne shop. She soon finds out that the store’s profit margins are being squeezed perilously tight, and complicating matters further, a giant corporation headed by the impossibly handsome, but irritatingly arrogant Sebastian Andrews is proposing a buyout. But Gracie can’t bear the thought of throwing away her father’s dream like she did her own.

Overwhelmed and not wanting to admit to her friends or family that she’s having second thoughts about the shop, Gracie seeks advice and solace from someone she’s never met—the faceless “Sir”, with whom she connected on a blind dating app where matches get to know each other through messages and common interests before exchanging real names or photos.

But although Gracie finds herself slowly falling for Sir online, she has no idea she’s already met him in real life…and they can’t stand each other.

•••••••

Sandy’s REVIEW:

TO SIR, WITH LOVE by Lauren Layne, is a contemporary, adult, stand alone romance story focusing on businessman Sebastian Andrews, and Gracie Cooper.

Told from first person perspective (Gracie Cooper) TO SIR, WITH LOVE follows the enemies to lovers relationship between businessman Sebastian Andrews, and Gracie Cooper. Four years earlier Gracie Cooper, along with her brother Caleb, and sister Lily lost their only surviving parent to cancer. When neither of her siblings was willing to take over the family owned wine and champagne shop, Gracie gave up her dream of becoming a professional artist to run the struggling shop in Midtown Manhattan but an offer to buy out the business in preparation for a Midtown highrise found our heroine battling between head and heart knowing that to give in means to give up her father’s dream, a dream that she no longer shared. Enter businessman Sebastian Andrews. What ensues is the acrimonious relationship between Gracie and Sebastian, and the potential fall-out when an on-line relationship reveals the truth about the mystery man she refers to as ‘sir’.

Gracie Cooper met a man on-line who accidentally signed up for a blind dating app but our heroine is struggling with the reality of the ‘imaginary’ relationship to a man with whom she is falling in love, a man she has never met and most likely will not. Meanwhile our hero, Sebastian Andrews has had no luck convincing Gracie to sell her shop, a shop that is currently standing in the way of Manhattan renewal but Sebastian is slowly falling for the determined thirty-three year old woman, a woman who had found herself falling for a man who may not be real.

The relationship between Gracie and Sebastian is tempestuous at best. Sebastian’s company wants to buy the family owned store, inevitably putting Gracie out of business but a Gracie struggles to keep the business afloat, Sebastian begins to work behind the scenes in an effort to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. There are no $ex scenes or physical interactions between our leading couple.

We are introduced to Gracie’s brother Caleb, and their sister Lily, and her husband Alex; Gracie’s friends Rachel,and Keva; employees Josh and May, as well as Sebastian’s friend Genevieve, and his parents Vanessa and Gary Andrews.

TO SIR, WITH LOVE is an updated reimagining of ‘You’ve Got Mail™’. Neither Gracie nor Sebastian is aware that they have fallen for one another through an anonymous dating app but the reality is their situation begins to slowly blend into their everyday life. The premise is heart warming and pleasant; the romance is sweet but limited to their growing attraction to one another; the characters are stubborn, realistic and inspiring.

_______

Barb’s REVIEW

To Sir, With Love by Lauren Layne is another one of her wonderful sweet romantic novels.  Gracie Cooper, our heroine, runs the family Champagne shop, after the death of her father; putting aside her passion for painting. She is determined to find ways to increase the low profits for the shop.   Gracie is sweet, smart, loyal and liked by everyone.  A big corporation has been trying to buy her out, which she continually refuses, and now meets the man behind the proposal, who immediately comes across as arrogant, as well as extremely handsome.

Sebastian Andrews is determined to convince Gracie to sell to his company, though they both get off on the wrong foot.  Despite his showing her that she cannot survive in the long term, and could lose the business; he also tries to propose that she can move to a different location with success.  As stubborn as they both are, Gracie fights off her attraction to Sebastian; and he knows that he is beginning to have feelings for her.  In a short time, their relationship heats up, but Gracie also has someone else she is falling for.

Gracie meets ‘Sir’ on a faceless dating app, as they have fun texting to each other; the banter between them was cute.  Though she is enjoying her texting, Gracie spends more time with Sebastian, and their chemistry is off the wall. Who will Gracie choose the handsome sexy Sebastian or the fun unknown ‘Sir”?

As time went on, I loved Sebastian and Gracie together, especially when he praised and pushed her to go back to her love of art, which he thought were the signs of a great painter. I really loved all the secondary characters that were great; as Lauren Layne always creates wonderful and likeable characters. To Sir, With Love was a sweet, heartwarming, romantic and uplifting story.  I have enjoyed everything I have read by Layne, as she writes such wonderful fun pure romances.  If you like heartwarming romances, great couple, sexy and fun, look no further than anything by Lauren Layne.

 

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Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen romantic comedies.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career.

She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL’s ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

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Broody Brit (Cocky Hero Club) by Naima Simone -Review tour

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Broody Brit (Cocky Hero Club) by Naima Simone -Review tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 27, 2021

Dear Axel,
It is incredibly stupid to write this text while I’m drunk. But what’s the saying? No gain, no pain. Or, no pain, no shame… Whatever. You know what I mean. And let’s face it. There’s no way I would be doing this if I was stone-cold sober. But since I’m plastered? To hell with it.

I want you.

I know. Crazy, right? Not only am I your temporary roommate but I’m a chatty nurse from Providence with an impeccable bedside manner and secrets. You’re a broody, commitment-phobe sculptor from England who communicates in grunts and single syllables. Not to mention, you’re returning home in several weeks. And yet, from the moment you dragged me for being a Swiftie, I’ve wanted to climb you like my personal jungle gym.

There’s no future for us. I’m not even sure I like you half the time. But that doesn’t stop me from hungering for those same hands that bend and shape metal to bend and shape me. So in all my drunken glory, I guess what I’m trying to say is if you want me, I’m yours. For the next few weeks until you return across the pond and we resume our lives as before. No strings. No demands. No regrets.

So meet me in the kitchen where all this started.

Or don’t.

It’s your decision.

Not that it matters. It’s not like I’m going to do something monumentally dumb and hit send on this text.

–Zenobia

••••••••

REVIEW:BROODY BRIT by Naima Simone is a contemporary, adult, stand alone, erotic, romance story line in the multi-authored Cocky Hero Club series inspired by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s BRITISH BEDMATE. This is thirty year old, British sculptor Axel Wright, and twenty-eight year old, American registered nurse Zenobia Hester’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Zenobia and Axel) BROODY BRIT follows the building romance and relationship between thirty year old British sculptor Axel Wright, and twenty-eight year old registered murder Zenobia Hester. Zenobia’s life is spiralling out of control-her ex boyfriend is in love with another woman; broken pipes and a two week eviction from her apartment; the past coming full circle from both sides of the coin, and accepting the offer to stay at Simon and Bridget’s home finds Zenobia facing a sexy, British sculptor who wants nothing to do with an unannounced roommate. Enter Axel Wright, and the man with whom Zenobia will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Zenobia and Axel, and the potential fall-out as Axel’s past refuses to let go, and the return of Simon reinforces the potential for another broken heart.

Axel Wright is in America preparing for an upcoming show. Our hero knows loss, and has struggled for the last eighteen years to move beyond the horrific memories of that fateful day. Meeting Zenobia Hester begins to thaw a heart that has refused to move forward, a heart that wants more than he believes he deserves. Twelve years earlier Zenobia Hester’s life imploded, and in the ensuing years, our heroine has struggled to gain access to the who of her past but a patient at the hospital reminds Zenobia that the past is not far behind, and Axel figures out the truth before anyone else.

The relationship between Zenobia and Axel begins acrimoniously as the ‘broody’ Axel struggles with the roommate he never expected to see. Battling between head and heart, Axel tries to ignore the ache in his chest, a ache for someone and something he lost. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We re introduced to Zenobia’s ex boyfriend James, and his girlfriend Jenna, as well as Dr. Simon and Bridget Hogue; and young accident patient Bethany Mavis.

BROODY BRIT is a story of heart break and loss; family and grief; friendships, relationships, secrets, hope and love. The premise is emotional ; the characters are vulnerable and struggling; the romance is seductive and captivating.

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied for review

Published since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”

She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.

Website: http://naimasimone.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naimasimoneauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Naima_Simone
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naimasimoneauthor/
Street Team: http://naimasimone.com/newsletterstreet-team/
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1MXCpHd
Newsletter: http://naimasimone.com/newsletterstreet-team/
Amazon Author Profile: http://amzn.to/2EIQZZC

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BLESS ME, FATHER (Devious Hearts ) by Crimson Syn-Review tour

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BLESS ME, FATHER (Devious Hearts ) by Crimson Syn-Review tour

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 June 22, 2021

“The soul who sins shall die…and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.” ~Ezekiel 18:20

A murderer.
A crazed obsession.
The ultimate lie.
And an innocent girl who is about to become the devil’s pawn, in an evil game constructed to send her to her knees.

????ℕ??

Bless me father for I want to sin, so very very badly.

That’s exactly how this all began.
A dark confessional box.
A late night revelation.
And an irreversible sin committed.
There are not enough Hail Mary’s for what ensued in the dark recesses of St. Margaret’s Cathedral.
And if anyone were to find out, we’d both be dammed. Then again, we are well on our way to the depths of hell, because my worship begins with him. And my penitence has his name all over it.

?????ℕ

I am a bad man.
I am not ordained.
I’m not even supposed to be here. It was a mistake, one that’s cost me my entire existence.
Blood is what I’m after.
But what I am is at her mercy.
And I’ll do anything to protect her. Even if it means giving my life for hers.

•••••••••

REVIEW: BLESS ME, FATHER by Crimson Syn is a contemporary, adult, erotic, dark romance story line set in the author’s DEVIOUS HEARTS WORLD. This is thirty-nine year old, bodyguard Julien Bardin, and eighteen year old, private school student Solange Voliere’s story line. BLESS ME, FATHER can be read as a stand alone. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Solange and Julien) with one chapter from Antoine Voliere, bouncing between several time lines, BLESS ME, FATHER follows Julien Bardin as he seeks vengeance against the man that destroyed his life. Having worked for Antoine Voliere for as long as he can remember, Julien was left for dead in the wake of betrayal and vengeance. In an effort to seek revenge for himself and the person he lost, Julien goes undercover as Father Julien, in a private all-girls Catholic school, seducing the soon to be eighteen year old daughter of the man for which he once worked. Enter Solange Voliere, and the woman with whom Julien would fall in love. What ensues is the seduction of Solange Voliere, and the potential fall-out as Solange’s father targets his daughter in an effort to destroy our story line couple.

Julien Bardin lost everything more than six months earlier when Antoine Voiliere, the leader of an underground human trafficking ring, sought revenge against our story line anti-hero. Betrayal meant death, and Julien refused to die before seeking his own vengeance against the man who destroyed so many lives. Going after Antoine’s daughter meant hitting Antoine where it hurt the most but little did Julien know that Solange meant nothing to her ‘beloved father’.

The relationship between Solange and Julien is an age-gap romance predicated upon revenge. Solange is immediately attracted to ‘Father Julien’, and Julien begins a slow seduction of our story line heroine but it is not until Solange turns eighteen years old, does Julien up his game to seek vengeance against Antoine Voliere. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters include Solange’s father Antoine, as well as several female members at the all-girls school who see ‘Father Julien’ as their dirty little secret.

BLESS ME, FATHER is a gritty and raw story line of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, retribution, lust, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dark and edgy; the romance is provocative ; the characters are broken, energetic and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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

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

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

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