Category Archives: Uncategorized

Fortunate Son by Jay Crownover-Review tour

Posted on by
12

Fortunate Son by Jay Crownover-Review tour

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

➜ Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3th91qc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 22, 2021

Ry Archer and Bowe Keller are as different as night and day. But that doesn’t stop the childhood frenemies from reconnecting whenever one of them needs some help tackling any of life’s major puzzles, like figuring out why getting what you always thought you wanted isn’t living up to all the hype. They might constantly rub each other the wrong way (except for the times when they rub each other the really-really right way), but there is no denying they’ve always made one hell of a great team. They manage to balance each other out… when they aren’t driving each other crazy.

For Ry, he thought he had the perfect girl, the one who was going to run headfirst into a methodically planned future. He was going to marry young and have the same kind of legendary, life-long romance his parents did… or so he believed. His girl was going to stand by his side as he chased his dream of being a professional football player all the way to the NFL.

He was wrong.

Now, Ry’s gotta figure out the difference between a bruised heart and a broken one, and the only person who can teach him the difference is Bowe.

Bowe always felt like she had to run before she learned to walk to keep up with her father’s musical legacy. He’s her hero, and she wants nothing more than to make him proud. Bowe’s about to figure out that maybe she wasn’t meant to be in a rock and roll band, and that it is entirely possible she let her father’s success cloud her idea of what making music should be. Bowe needs to find her own path to fame, and there’s a good chance she wouldn’t be brave enough or bold enough to start over if Ry Archer hadn’t pushed his way back into her life when she least expected it.

Some days they’re enemies. Other days they’re lovers. For a while, they were strangers. But now, it feels more like they might’ve always been soulmates.
Eventually, Ry and Bowe realize that letting go of an old dream and creating a new one is much easier to do with the right person by your side.

•••••••

REVIEW:Fortunate Son by Jay Crownover launches the next generation of the Marked Men series with none other than Bowe Keller.

Bowe Keller and Ry Archer have known each other their entire lives. As different as oil and water, they always clash when they are around each other. Even though the two have always been competitive, they also have seen each other through all the firsts of life. Ry helps Bowe with her band and Bowe gives Ry advice on life. Neither realize how much the other means until they see each other in a new light.

This new adult romance is a bridge between a few different sub-genres, new adult romance, enemies to lovers and a dash of second chance romance. Overall, the plot of the book is easy to keep up with, and the characters are fun and interesting to read. My only comment would be how much time is given explaining how each character is related to a previous series. No complaint to this, as I can see why it would be needed, however, as a follower of the reader, it was a little repetitive. I can’t wait to see where the series goes now, this was a good way to kick off the next gen series.

I’m not one to normally share lines of a book, as I think it’s a kind of spoiler, but this one is a new all-time favorite for me.

“I like you a little bit more each time you prove to me just how flawed you are.”

Get you a partner that thinks this and life is complete!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

Follow: Goodreads /Website /Twitter /Facebook/Instagram /

Jay Crownover is the International and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men Series, The Saints of Denver Series, and The Point and Breaking Point Series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.

NEWSLETTER Sign up-   http://www.jaycrownover.com/#!subscribe

Share

Treasured (Masters and Mercenaries 22.5)by Lexi Blake-Review tour

Posted on by
11

Treasured (Masters and Mercenaries 22.5/ 1001 Dark Nights) by Lexi Blake-Review & Excerpt 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

Add Treasured to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3hN4ZUd

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 22, 201

David Hawthorne has a great life. His job as a professor at a prestigious Dallas college is everything he hoped for. Now that his brother is back from the Navy, life seems to be settling down. All he needs to do is finish the book he’s working on and his tenure will be assured. When he gets invited to interview a reclusive expert, he knows he’s gotten lucky. But being the stepson of Sean Taggart comes with its drawbacks, including an overprotective mom who sends a security detail to keep him safe. He doesn’t need a bodyguard, but when Tessa Santiago shows up on his doorstep, the idea of her giving him close cover doesn’t seem so bad.

Tessa has always excelled at most anything she tried, except romance. The whole relationship thing just didn’t work out for her. She’s not looking for love, and she’s certainly not looking for it with an academic who happens to be connected to her boss’s family. The last thing she wants is to escort an overly pampered pretentious man-child around South America to ensure he doesn’t get into trouble. Still, there’s something about David that calls to her. In addition to watching his back, she will have to avoid falling into the trap of soulful eyes and a deep voice that gets her heart racing.

But when the seemingly simple mission turns into a treacherous race for a hidden artifact, David and Tess know this assignment could cost them far more than their jobs. If they can overcome the odds, the lost treasure might not be their most valuable reward.

**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:TREASURED is the 22.5 instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult MASTERS AND MERCENARIES erotic, romantic suspense series, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights. This is university professor David Hawthorne, and bodyguard/security specialist Tessa Santiago’s story line. TREASURED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. David Hawthorne is the step-son of Sean Taggart.

Told from third person perspective TREASURED follows the building relationship between professor David Hawthorne, and security specialist Tessa Santiago. Tessa Santiago had been invited to her ex-fiancé’s sister’s anniversary celebration but found herself sitting in the bar with a handsome stranger. David Hawthorne stopped by for a drink at the hotel where his mother was head chef but never expected to meet the woman with whom he would fall in love. A lingering kiss lead to an exchange of numbers only for David to realize he had been ghosted by the stranger at the bar. Fast forward a few weeks wherein David, about to embark on a South American research trip discovers his extended family aka the Taggarts, has secured his protection in the guise of security specialist and McKay -Taggart employee Tessa Santiago, the woman who has starred in his fantasies and dreams. Believing Tessa wants nothing to do with our story line hero, David opts to go it alone only to be told there was a rumor of trouble on the horizon. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Tessa and David, and the potential fall-out as the rumored threats come to fruition as our couple find themselves captives of a man man in hostile territory.

Tessa Santiago thought she had found the one only to discover that David Hawthorne was related to her current employer. Having walked away from a relationship with a man whose family was rich and well connected, Tessa knew she would never be part of that wealthy lifestyle, including a possible future with our story line hero but threats to David’s life found Tessa facing the wrong end of a gun, and it would take some help from an unlikely source to rescue the man with whom she would fall in love. David Hawthorne trip to South America was to research the life and death of a South American billionaire who was ahead of the world when it came to environmental causes. David was well aware of the rumors regarding a buried treasure on the island jungle, a treasure that many people were desperate to find and recover.

The relationship between David and Tessa is a second chances, of a sorts. Tessa and David met at a bar but David never revealed his family connections, and Tessa believed she was in no position to pursue a relationship with our story line hero. David took it personally when Tessa ghosted after their night at the bar, but our heroine’s reaction and refusal to take on her latest assignment meant David was willing to go it alone, even if he had to face the danger, by himself.

Meanwhile, David is a Dom, and recognizes the submissive in Tessa Santiago.Offering a one-time only night together, Tessa quickly discovers there is more to David than the mild-manner professor of history. Shortly after their arrival, David and Tessa take their relationship to the next level only to be literally caught with their pants down. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

TREASURED is a story of family, friendships, betrayal and greed. The premise is intriguing, engaging and entertaining; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are energetic, animated and spirited.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

What the hell was she doing?
Tessa glanced down at her watch. She was standing in front of her building ten minutes early, and there was a big part of her that wanted him to be late. Really late. Annoyingly late.
There had to be something about the man that wasn’t perfect beyond his connection to her employer.
She’d come down when she realized if she stayed inside one minute more she was going to decide to change again. Because she’d been halfway to convincing herself that she could do a fine job as a bodyguard in that curve-hugging dress that gave her so much confidence. Lots of bodyguards wore four-inch heels and a push-up bra. Yeah, sure they did.
Coming down here had saved her so much discomfort because in her line of business, slacks, a sensible shirt and shoes, and a blazer were the only way to go. The blazer hid her shoulder holster in a way that off-the-shoulder sex dress never would. And she didn’t care that Hollywood assassins could stuff any number of weapons between their thighs. Hers did not work that way.
It’s not a big deal.
The words David had said haunted her. What did that mean? It’s not a big deal. It had felt like a big deal. Not texting that smart hottie back had been a big fucking deal to her. She’d agonized over it, and he’d just kind of let it wash over him. He’d taken his shot and moved on. She had thought of nothing but him for weeks.
Or he was saving face by playing it cool and she was being ridiculous. The man was making this easy on her and she was inwardly complaining that he wasn’t making it harder. It was perverse, but then she had deeply conflicted feelings about David.
Feelings she could maybe work out over the course of this week. She could get to know him and then she would see he wasn’t as perfect as he seemed to be. Most men showed their true colors when a woman spent too much time with them. He wouldn’t be as patient as he seemed. His charm would wear off when she took charge and he got annoyed.
Yes, this could be exactly what she needed.
Especially if he was late.

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Share

Thumper (Cerberus MC 17) by Marie James-Review Tour

Posted on by
10

Thumper (Cerberus MC 17) by Marie James-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 24, 2021

I’ve been many things in my life.
A liar.
A cheater.
A thief.
And I’ve never had a problem with any of it.
I knew my path, knew which direction I was heading when it was all over—straight to Satan’s lair.
I accepted it, reveled in it, and always asked for more.
Nothing would change me, no one could sway me.
Or so I thought.
I knew I was a monster.
I just don’t know how to convince Cara Gibson that I’m her monster.

••••••••

REVIEW:THUMPER is the seventeenth instalment in Marie James’ contemporary, adult CERBERUS MC erotic MC, romance series focusing on the Cerberus MC. This is Javier ‘Thumper’ Sosa , and nurses aide Cara Gibson’s storyline. THUMPER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines 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 (Cara and Javier) THUMPER follows in the wake of the abduction of several women including our story line heroine Cara Gibson, women who are about to be sold into sexual slavery. The man in charge is none other than Javier Nolasco but Javier’s secrets are about to be exposed as there is more to Javier than anyone could know. From rape and starvation, to abduction and imprisonment, six women find themselves caged in cells, as one by one each is taken, never to return. As the story line begins to unfold, we witness Javier’s gentleness when it comes to the women, a gentleness that hides a secret Cara quickly realizes is something more. A rescue by the FBI finds most of the women alive and unharmed but Javier now finds himself a prisoner of the local cartel, and one woman is brave enough to approach the Cerberus MC to search for their former brother in arms.

Cara Gibson knows the trepidation and fear of being sold to the highest bidder having escaped a life in a religious cult. Meeting Javier, and knowing what he does, meant Cara sacrificed one prison for another, until she finds herself falling for a man who was about to destroy her life. Javier Sosa knows that it is only a matter of time before his secrets are revealed, and with it the possibility of losing it all. Falling to Cara Gibson was never on the horizon but Javier knew that Cara was the woman that called to his heart.

The relationship between Cara and Javier begins as captor and captive but Javier is biding his time until he too, can escape, the life he no longer ‘enjoys’. Cara hates Javier for what he does, and the thing he represents but when the truth is revealed, Cara knows that Javier’s job was to protect them all. The $ex scenes between Cara and Javier are intimate and seductive but their physical relationship does not begin until Javier and his colleagues acknowledge the legitimacy of their deeds.

There is large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including number of the previous story line couples. We are introduced to Lauren ‘Lola’ Vos, mercenary Angel, as well as several girls abducted with our story line heroine. The requisite evil has many faces. Apollo and April’s story is next.

THUMPER is a dark and gritty sensitive story of secrets and lies, sexual slavery, misogyny, power and control, revelations and forgiveness. The premise is haunting and twisted; the characters are broken, tragic and edgy.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Marie James is a USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary romance. She’s book boyfriend crazy, the mother of two rowdy boys, and a wife of 15+ years. She’s obsessed with tacos, otters, and FunCo Pops figures. Born, raised, and still living in central Texas, Marie spends most of her time locked away writing and reading. 

Links

Facebook: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesFacebook
Twitter:http://bit.ly/MarieJamesTwitter
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/BookBubMarieJames
Instagram: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesIG
Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/AmazonMarieJames
Book and Main: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesBookMain
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesGoodReads
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesPinterest
YouTube: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesYouTube
Reader Group:http://bit.ly/MarieJamesStalkers
Newsletter:http://bit.ly/MarieJamesNL

 

Share

Courage (Heroes of Big Sky 1) by Kristen Proby-Review Tour

Posted on by
11

COURAGE (Heroes of Big Sky 1) by Kristen Proby-Review Tour

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

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/342yg5q

ABOUT THE BOOK:Release Date June 22, 2021

From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes an all new novel in her Big Sky series, Courage. This is the first story in the Heroes of Big Sky, all about men in uniform in Cunningham Falls!

Natasha Mills feels like she’s loved firefighter Sam Waters her entire life. Since she first met him during middle school, she’s harbored a secret crush on her best friend’s big brother. It’s just something she lives with every day—too bad he doesn’t notice her. To Sam, Tash is his little sister’s best friend and that’s it.

Disaster strikes the Waters family, leaving Sam’s sister and her husband dead, and their young children in the hands of Sam and Natasha. Suddenly, these two are navigating the loss of people they loved, while trying to figure out parenthood together. The grief is devastating, and raising twins is harder than either of them bargained for. But in working together, and leaning on each other, Sam and Tash learn that family comes in all different shapes and sizes.

The more time he spends with Natasha though, the more Sam realizes just how sweet and sexy she really is. He finds himself slowly but surely falling for her. But when the time comes for him to let her go—will he be able to walk away from the family he’s helped build?

••••••••

REVIEW: COURAGE is the first instalment in Kristen Proby’s contemporary, adult HEROES OF BIG SKY erotic, romance series-a spin off from the author’s BIG SKY series. This is Cunningham Falls firefighter Sam Waters, and manicurist Natasha Mills’ story line. COURAGE can be read as a stand alone-you do not have to have read the previous series but several characters cross over for familiarity and cohesion.

Told from dual first person perspective (Natasha and Sam) COURAGE follows in the wake of the death of Sam’s sister Monica and her husband Rich, leaving five year old twins Kevin and Kelsey in the custody of Sam, and Natasha Mills. Instant parenthood and the fallout of grief and loss find Natasha battling with her new direction in life until Sam moves in to help co-parent the twins but all is not going according to plan as the twins struggle with their new normal, and Sam’s decision to follow his dream. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Sam and Natasha, and the potential fall-out when Sam moves leaving his family behind.

Natasha Mills has had a crush on Sam Waters for most of her life but thrown together as an instant family was something she never expected. Ill-prepared for co-parenting two five year old twins, Natasha feels her dependence upon Sam and others proves she is not ready but the biggest shock comes when she finds herself a single parent, alone with no support from the man that she loves. Natasha will give up everything to raise her best friend’s children, while Sam continues forward with his new friendships and life. Sam Waters has always wanted to work for the Seattle FD, and his dream is about to come true at the expense of leaving his new family behind but when the reality of the situation finds Sam facing life on his own, our hero makes a decision that will affect their future going forward.

The relationship between Natasha and Sam is a friends to lovers forced together by circumstance and loss but a few months later, their long distance relationship is about to implode when Natasha is left behind to deal with the fall-out of everything and more. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Several characters from the author’s BIG SKY series cross over for familiarity as well as the introduction of Natasha’s estranged brother Gage.

COURAGE is a story of loss, grief, forgiveness and moving forward; a story of family, friendships, and sense of hopelessness and struggle when everything begins to spiral out of control. The premise is heart breaking and emotional; the romance is captivating; the characters are energetic and enthusiastic but struggling in the face of overwhelming loss, a lack of communication, and new found responsibility.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Bookbub / Goodreads / Website / Twitter

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen lives in Montana with her husband and their four pets, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

Share

Falling for the Villain by M Robinson/Rachel VanDyken-Review Tour

Posted on by
12

Falling for the Villain by M Robinson/Rachel Van Dyken-Review Tour

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

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3vvaOcu

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 22, 2021

“Play for me, Juliet…”

Those four words whispered in my ear again and again until I craved what I used to fear.
Such a simple demand from my captor—the man who stole me and refused to tell me why he wouldn’t let me go.

I was his.

He made me need him, just as much as he needed me.
I broke all the rules of the golden prison he put me in.

During the day he ruled his dark, seedy world.
His subjects and me.

During the night—he bowed before my feet.

Have you ever wondered what happened to the villains in all the fairy tales you read?
You’ll soon find out.

It all started when he kidnapped me and made me his pet.
And it all ended with me…

Calling him master.

*This story is not for the faint of heart and may be uncomfortable for some readers. But, then again, stepping outside of your comfort zone may be exactly the thing you need…

Care to play with us, readers?

••••••••

REVIEW:FALLING FOR THE VILLAIN is the second instalment in the contemporary, adult, dark, Mafia, romantic suspense series co-authored by M. Robinson and Rachel Van Dyken. This is businessman Donovan, and Mafia Princess Juliet Sinacore’s story line. FALLING FOR THE VILLAIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Juliet is Romeo Sincadore’s sister (Mafia Casinova)

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

NOTE: The cover blurb, image and story line content have changed since the original inception.

Told from three first person perspectives (Donovan, Juliet, Romeo) using present day and memories from the past, FALLING FOR THE VILLAIN focuses on the master/slave relationship between Donovan and Juliet, the twenty-two year old princess of the Sinacore Mafia family. Juliet Sinacore is a captive to be beaten and broken, and eventually sold to the highest bidder but Donovan soon realized that Juliet is a part of his heart, and a part of his soul, to be broken and used in whatever manner he chose. A fellow ‘Master’ demanded that Donovan hand over his prized possession but refusing to obey, Donovan found himself fighting for the life of the woman with whom he would fall in love.

We are witness to some of the events of Donovan’s past that formed the man he would one day become. At the hands of his father, he would learn to brutalize and kill; at the hands of his mentor, Donovan would learn to destroy the will, the heart and the sole of every woman he had the pleasure to break.

FALLING FOR THE VILLAIN is a raw, gritty, dark and powerfully haunting and tragic story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, emotional, physical, mental and sexual torture and abuse. FALLING FOR THE VILLAIN is not a story of romance, or hearts and flowers but a story of sadistic pleasure of pain and persecution, torment and suffering, acceptance, revelations, family and love. There are elements of BDSM and obsession as our heroine succumbs to her captor in a Stockholm Syndrome relationship where Juliet falls for the man who is determined to destroy her life.

Once again, if you are susceptible to triggers, FALLING FOR THE VILLAIN is not the story for you.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

About M. Robinson

Wall Street Journal & USA Bestselling Author M. Robinson loves to read. She favors anything that has angst, romance, triangles, cheating, love, and of course sex! She has been reading since the Babysitters Club and R.L. Stein.

She was born in New Jersey but was raised in Tampa Fl. She was pursuing her Ph.D in psychology, with two years left. However, she dropped out of school and became a fulltime writer.

She is married to an amazing man who she loves to pieces. They have two German Shepherd mixes, Kobe and trooper, a Wheaten Terrier, Teddy and a Tabby cat, Gio.

She feels blessed to be living her dream.

Website:www.authormrobinson.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authormrobinson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormrobi…
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMRobinson
Snapchat: AuthorMRobinson
Reader Group: www.facebook.com/groups/M.RobinsonVIP/

•••••••

About Rachel Van Dyken

Follow: Website / Facebooks / Goodreads / Twitter /  Instagram

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

Share

Wolfe Trap (Clay Wolfe/Port Essex 1) by Matt Cost-a review

Posted on by
11

Wolfe Trap (Clay Wolfe/Port Essex 1) by Matt Cost-a review

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N paper /

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 23, 2021

What evil lurks in Port Essex, Maine?

Clay Wolfe is a former Boston homicide detective who has left the police department to return home to Maine to care for his elderly grandfather and open a private detective agency. Haunted by being orphaned at an early age, and jaded by the corruption of the big city, Clay is happy to hit pause and investigate minor crimes.

“I want you to find the person who sold the drugs that killed my grandbaby.”

When he is hired to find out who sold the drugs that killed a six-month-old baby girl, he has no idea of the evil that he is going to uncover in the underbelly of his hometown.

••••••

REVIEW: WOLFE TRAP is the first instalment in Matt Cost’s contemporary, adult CLAY WOLFE/PORT ESSEX mystery, crime, suspense, thriller series focusing on former Boston homicide detective turned private investigator Clay Wolfe.

Told from several third person perspectives WOLFE TRAP follows Port Essex PI Clay Wolfe as he is contracted by a third party to investigate the death, by heroin, of a six month old child but what Clay quickly discovers is that the small town of Port Essex, and Essex harbor are a major port for the distribution of heroin and illegal drugs. From lobster trappers, fisherman and the local PD, everyone is suspect including our story line hero. As Clay begins to uncover a trail of secret and lies, one by one, the suspects disappear or end up dead. What ensues is the search for the truth, and the potential fall out as those closest to Clay are targeted as his investigation hits too close to home.

WOLFE TRAP introduces the players and people of Port Essex Maine including Clay’s grandfather, former attorney Gene Wolfe; Clay’s assistant Baylee Baker; former Navy SEAL Weston ‘Westy’ Beck; PI/surveillance camera man Don;Crystal and Kelly Anne Landry; journalist Marie Cloutier; Clay’s friends with benefits, officer Donna Smith; billionaire Big Pharma CEO Niles Harrington and his daughter Charly, and their caretaker Scott McKenny. The requisite evil has many faces.

WOLFE TRAP is a story of betrayal and vengeance; drug smuggling and addiction; power, control, secrets and lies. The premise is engaging and intriguing; the characters are energetic and dynamic. Matt Cost pulls the reader into a character driven, detailed and spirited tale that could be ripped from the headlines of anywhere, any day.

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Follow: Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook/

Over the years, Cost has owned a video store, a mystery bookstore, and a gym. He has also taught history and coached just about every sport imaginable.

Cost now lives in Brunswick, Maine, with his wife, Harper. There are four grown children: Brittany, Pearson, Miranda, and Ryan. A chocolate Lab and a basset hound round out the mix. He now spends his days at the computer, writing.

Share

The Unknown Man (Zalla Bennbett Mystery) by Natalie Hanson-review

Posted on by
10

The Unknown Man (Zalla Bennbett Mystery #1) by Natalie Hanson-review

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 May 31, 2021

It took just a tiny bit more matter than antimatter for the big bang to produce the entire universe. Born with an abnormality that manifests through her body, imbalance is something Zalla Bennbett understands. Her ability to sense out lies gives her an advantage on FBI investigations, but sixteen years in, both her marriage and career are on the rocks.

Zalla is assigned to work the kidnapping of an FBI informant’s young twins. With no evidence or leads, her suspect is deemed ‘The Unknown Man’. She’ll have to fight against her instincts to find the girls before time runs out.

•••••••

REVIEW:THE UNKNOWN MAN is the first instalment in Natalie Hanson’s contemporary, adult ZALLA BENNBETT MYSTERY mystery, suspense thriller series focusing on FBI agent Zalla Bennbett.

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

Told from third person perspective THE UNKNOWN MAN follows Seattle FBI agent Zalla Bennbett on her latest assignment when a CI’s (confidential informant) children have been kidnapped in the small town of Almeda. Under investigation for something she did not do, Zalla believes the case in Almeda is punishment for sins of the past but not all is well in Almeda, and with it, Zalla begins to piece together a case that goes back a number of years. As the truth is slowly revealed, our heroine finds herself and her husband the target of a twisted mind, resulting in a possible future without the man that she loves. What ensues is the search for a pair of eight year old twins, and the fall-out as our heroine discovers too late, the who, how and what of the people involved.

THE UNKNOWN MAN is an intense and dramatic story of mental illness, murder, torture and abuse; a story of obsession and betrayal, of vengeance and control, of secrets, lies, revelations and loss. The colorful and dynamic secondary characters are mysterious and the perfect foil for our story line heroine. Natalie Hanson pulls the reader into a dark, gritty and haunting story as one woman battles time and law enforcement in her hunt for two small children, and a potential killer who has set their sights on Zalla Bennbett.

I want to emphasize the potential for triggers as some of the scenes are graphic, although not unexpected under the circumstance, but may be upsetting and difficult to read.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

SECRET ENEMY (Red Stone Security 16 ) by Katie Reus-a review

Posted on by
11

SECRET ENEMY (Red Stone Security 16 ) by Katie Reus-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 15, 2021

He thinks she’s out of his league.

Lyosha Vasiliev met Mila by chance, and now she’s all he thinks about. But the two couldn’t be more different, so Lyosha won’t go there. As a security expert, he skirts the law on the regular. Unlike Mila, the newest employee at Red Stone Security, who spends her free time volunteering at an animal shelter. Despite his determination to stay away from her, when it becomes clear his past has come back to haunt him—and poses a threat to her—Lyosha immediately steps in. And he’ll cross any line to keep her safe.

But he can’t seem to walk away.

Mila met Lyosha when he brought in a half-starved stray cat to the shelter she volunteers at. He tries to act tough—and okay, he is. He should be the last man she wants, but she loves his sexy tattoos, gruff demeanor, and that he has a marshmallow inside that only she gets to see. When someone threatens her, he’s convinced it’s linked to his past. He’s made it clear that he’ll protect her with his life—but he won’t give her his heart. Not when he blames himself for bringing danger to her doorstep. Except Mila isn’t the kind of woman who walks away from what she wants. And Lyosha finds himself unwilling to let her go without a fight.

••••••••

REVIEW: SECRET ENEMY is the sixteenth instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult RED STONE SECURITY romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Red Stone Security. This is RSS new hiree Mila, and Russian security specialist Lyosha Vasiliev’s story line. SECRET ENEMY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Lyosha was first introduced in book thirteen Love Thy Enemy-Lyosha works security for Viktor Ivanov.

Told from several third person perspectives including Mila and Lyosha SECRET ENEMY follows the friends to lovers relationship between RSS new hiree Mila, and Russian security specialist Lyosha Vasiliev. Mila and Lyosha have been dancing around one another for close to six months but Mila’s recent run in with her roommate’s boyfriend finds Lyosha in alpha-protector mode but our hero believes himself unworthy of Mila’s love, and in this continues to push away the woman he wants. When a former enemy returns, eyeing Mila as the ultimate prize, Lyosha knows that his lifestyle now threatens our story line heroine, and there is no turning back when she is targeted for Lyosha’s sins of the past. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Lyosha and Mila, and the potential fall-out as Mila finds herself the target of two men, one of whom set his sights on the man with whom she will fall in love.

The relationship between Lyosha and Mila is a friends to lovers, immediate attraction wherein Lyosha refuses to cross the line into something more. Believing himself unworthy, Lyosha intends to keep his distance but threats against Mila continue to pull our couple into one another’s orbits. Meanwhile, Mila struggles with some issues of self-esteem, believing she is beneath the people for which Lyosha is friends. 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 Viktor and his wife Dominique (Love Thy Enemy); Dominque’s sister in law Lucy as well as Mila’s sisters Angel, Clarita and Zamira, their mother, and RSS agent Juan- there is definitely something developing between Angel and Juan. The requisite evil has many faces.

SECRET ENEMY is a story of vengeance and retribution, family and relationships, opportunity and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and captivating; the characters are spirited; the romance is seductive and exciting. SECRET ENEMY is another wonderful addition to Katie Reus’ Red Stone Security family.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Share