BLACK MOON RISING (BKI: Reloaded 4) by Julie Ann Walker-review

BLACK MOON RISING (Black Knights Inc: Reloaded 4) by Julie Ann Walker-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 25, 2025

He’s an adrenaline junkie who doesn’t know when to quit. She’s an FBI agent who does everything by the book. Are they destined for disaster…or love?
The Black Knights are back and better than ever!
Britt Rollins navigates a perilous world of covert missions and hidden truths. He loves the intrigue, adventure, and adrenaline that comes with a life lived in the shadows. But when his ex-con brother arrives on his doorstep with a smart, sexy fed hot on his heels, Britt’s murky world is in danger of being dragged into the light.
Julia O’Toole is good at two things: being a crackerjack FBI agent and dreaming about the brooding, blue-eyed hottie she met on a previous case. However, when the hunt for a runaway felon leads her to Black Knights Inc, she begins to suspect the reality of Britt Rollins is far more dangerous than any of her late-night fantasies.
Finding a way to clear his brother’s name is tough enough. But throw in staying one step ahead of Julia, and it’s safe to say Britt is facing his toughest challenge yet. Giving in to his desire for her feels inevitable. But keeping his brother alive is not-especially when he discovers the true danger to them both might be Julia herself…

••••

REVIEW: BLACK MOON RISING is the fourth instalment in Julie Ann Walker’s contemporary, adult BLACK KNIGHT INC: RELOADED erotic , romantic suspense series, a spin off from the author’s BLACK KNIGHT INC, focusing on an elite group of former military personnel, headquartered and fronted by a custom motorcycle shop in Chicago known as Black Knight Inc. This is former US Army Ranger turned motorcycle mechanic Sargent Britt Rollins, and FBI Agent Julia O’Toole’s story line. BLACK MOON RISING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Britt and Julia, BLACK MOON RISING follows Agent Julia O’Toole as she searches for Britt’s brother Knox, a suspect in the murder of another paid informant but all is not as it appears to be, as the agents at Black Knight Inc, provided protection and shelter for a man who may or may not be innocent of a crime. Someone is not whom they claim to be, and Britt begins to suspect a mole on the inside of the FBI. On the run, Britt finds himself facing down the woman with whom he will fall in love, a woman who is willing to listen when no one else will.

Meanwhile, chopper pilot and Black Knight Inc Agent Hewitt Birch finds himself guardian and protector of Cooper’s sister Sabrina Greenlee, a young woman who has suffered in order to protect her brother.

The relationship between Britt and Julia is one of mutual attraction but Britt doesn’t do relationships, believing his is not worthy of love . Britt’s need for Julia finds our hero walking away fearing a life together would end in tragedy, a life together that had barely begun. The $ex scenes are provocative and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including several of the previous story line characters: Eliza Meadows, Fisher Wakefield as well as Hunter Jackson (Back in Black 1): Black Knight leader Frank “Boss” Knight and his wife motorcycle mechanic Becky, IT hacker Ozzie Sykes, US Army Nightstalker Chief Hewitt Birch: as well as the introduction of FBI Agent Ryan Keplar, Agent Maddox, and Julia’s partner Agent Dillan Douglas; Sabrina Greenlee, and Britt’s brother Knox Rollins.

BLACK MOON RISING is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, deceit and treason, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is thought provoking, twisted and edgy; the romance is passionate ; the characters are determined, charismatic and compelling.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Back in Black
Black Hearted
Man in Black

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW Julie: Facebook / Goodreads / Website /   Bookbub | Instagram | Newsletter

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Julie grew up in a house full of women – she has three older sisters. As you can imagine, there was no lack of drama… or romance. Her mother enrolled her in a book club as soon as she began to read and it was the small spark that ignited her voracious appetite for the written word.

Because of Julie’s early immersion in literature, she found writing came quite naturally. In high school, she won multiple writing contests and was the proud senior editor of The Tiger’s Tale – her school newspaper.

During her college years, however, she longed for a challenge. “Reading and writing felt like second nature to me, so I looked for a way to flex my mental muscles,” she recalls. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree, Julie began teaching advanced high school mathematics.
“I loved working with the students and facing the challenges of the classroom, but I longed for the occasional snow day when I could race to the local book store, buy two or three new novels, and curl up in front of the fire to read.”

It wasn’t until a fortuitous move to Chicago that Julie once more returned to her first passion.

Now Julie loves to travel the world looking for views to compete with her deadlines. When she’s not writing, she enjoys camping, hiking, cycling, cooking, petting every dog that walks by her, and… reading, of course

Be sure to sign up for Julie’s occasional newsletter at: http://julieannwalker.com

 

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Craving You (The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge 5) by Samantha Chase

Craving You (The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge 5) by Samantha Chase-Review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March

A sexy weekend fling at a wedding.
That’s all it was supposed to be.
And it was, until two little pink lines appeared.

Hailey Donovan was never impulsive. Well, until that weekend at her cousin’s wedding when she met the most attractive man she’d ever seen. They danced, they flirted, and at the end of the night, she threw caution to the wind and agreed to spend the weekend with him. It was never supposed to be more than that—it made no sense to keep in touch when they lived a thousand miles apart. A positive pregnancy test and a mild panic attack later, she kind of wishes they’d stayed in touch. As if that wasn’t enough, turns out her baby-daddy-to-be is her cousin’s new brother-in-law. Things are about to get extremely complicated.

Everything in Max Calloway’s life is coming up roses. Sort of. He was currently living above his brother’s garage, but the expansion of his cybersecurity business and investing in the family bar was going to help change that. And if that wasn’t enough, he’d had the most exciting weekend of his life with a beautiful woman. It’s just too bad he hadn’t been able to convince her to stay in touch. But his luck must really be turning because Hailey’s coming back to Sweetbriar Ridge for a visit, and he’s determined to get her to give them a chance.

Then she tells him he’s going to be a father.

They may be doing things a little out of order, but Max doesn’t let that stand in his way. He’s determined to prove to her that what they have is real. But first Hailey needs to learn to trust that what’s happening between them is more than just a craving.

••••

REVIEW:CRAVING YOU is the fifth instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult THE DONOVANS: SWEETBRIAR RIDGE romance series, a spin off from the author’s THE DONOVANS. This is nutritionist and yoga instructor Hailey Donovan, and cybersecurity expect and bartender Max Calloway’s story line. CRAVING YOU 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 omniscient third person perspectives (Max and Hailey) CRAVING YOU follows in the wake of a one-night stand between nutritionist and yoga instructor Hailey Donovan, and cybersecurity expect and bartender Max Calloway. A one night stand with the groom’s brother at her cousin’s wedding resulted in an unexpected pregnancy for our story line heroine. Hoping for a smooth reveal, Hailey drove five hours to confront the man with whom she would fall in love. Max Calloway is at a crossroads. Having recently sold his house to move to Sweetbriar Ridge to help his ailing father John, Max is living above his brother’s garage, rethinking his plans for the future until the arrival of Hailey Donovan pulls Max in another direction, potential husband and father.

The world building follows the rekindling relationship between Max and Hailey, as Hailey struggles with not only with her pregnancy but a new start with our story line hero. Max is all in; is hoping for marriage and family but Hailey is mistrusting in the face of a prior betrayal.

The relationship between Hailey and Max is one of second chances-of a sort. A one-night stand quickly turns into something more, and Max is determined to prove they are worthy of their own happily ever after. There are no $ex scenes, everything is implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of pushy but well meaning secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in the previous story lines. We are reintroduced to Marcus and Billie (Seeing You), Hailey’s sister Sloane, and their high-handed, in your face yet over protective parents Bridget and Kevin Donovan, Billie’s siblings Jade, Ashly and Chloe, and Max’s father John. I was struggling to like Bridget and Kevin, because of their verbal and emotional attack against our story line heroine.

CRAVING YOU is a story of family and friendships, acceptance and mistrust, relationships and love. The premise is engaging and captivating but the Donovan family dynamics can be overwhelming. The characters are energetic; the romance is fated and seductive.

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Loving You
Teasing You
Wanting You
Seeing You

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Bookbub /

Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than seventy titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 30 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

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To Have & To Hold (Brutal Vows 5) by Aleatha Romig-review tour

❤️🧡To Have & To Hold (Brutal Vows 5) by Aleatha Romig-review tour❤️🧡

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 24, 2025

The Roríguez cartel is spinning out of control, tragedy putting the alliance and our future in question.

I’m Emiliano Ruiz and throughout the last few years, I’ve witnessed my sisters being doled out to members of the Luciano Mafia. The cartel has also taken famiglia women. It doesn’t matter if it’s the Luciano famiglia’s turn to take a bride.
My mind is set—it’s my turn.

I never imagined marrying a young bride until I caught sight of Isabella Luciano. She’s only eighteen, and with her long yellow hair and big brown eyes, she’s a vision to behold. She sees me, however, through the tinted lens of her father’s hatred.

Carmine Luciano’s disdain of the cartel and the alliance isn’t a secret. His opinion won’t stop me. I’ll prove to Isabella that even bad men can be good husbands.

No matter what her father says or what happens in our war, Isabella will be mine.

•••••

REVIEW:TO HAVE AND TO HOLD is the fifth and final? Instalment in Aleatha Romig’s contemporary , adult BRUTAL VOWS erotic, Mafia romance series. This is twenty-nine year old, Roriguez Cartel lieutenant Emiliano ‘Em’ Ruiz, and eighteen year old, Luciano Mafia princess Isabella Luciano’s story line. TO HAVE AND TO HOLD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Em and Isabella) TO HAVE AND TO HOLD follows in the wake of Isabella Luciano’s arrival in San Diego, California where she is tasked with helping her cousin Dario’s sister Mia, in the wake of the birth of her child but Isabella believes she is being tested, in the hopes of crawling home with her proverbial tail tucked between her legs . As a princess in the Luciano Mafia, Isabella has been ordered to keep her distance from the Mexican Cartel but two of Isabella’s cousins have married into the Roriguez Cartel, and our heroine is about to lose her heart to their newest Lieutenant. Emiliano ‘Em’ Ruiz is a high ranking member of the Roriguez Cartel, and our hero has fallen for a woman who has been raised to fear, wholly unaware of the workings of the Mafia and Cartel. As Em begins a slow seduction of our story line heroine, the Cartel is pulled into war the Russian Bratva.

The world building follows several paths including the dysfunctional dynamics of the Luciano family. Isabella is nothing more than a naïve pawn for her father’s rise to power but our heroine refuses to stand down when her father demands her return and more. As the Cartel battles for control, Isabella quickly learns about the dangers threatening the man that she loves.

The relationship between Isabella and Em is an age-gap, forbidden love, Romeo and Juliet-esque story of insta-love. Emiliano knows immediately that Isabella is the woman he is hoping to claim as his own but Isabella struggles with the pre-conceived notion that all Cartel members are dangerous killers. Naive and young, raised in a proverbial gilded cage, Isabella quickly settles into life with the Roriguez Cartel, falling for a man who will lay claim to her heart. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble of colorful, powerful and energetic secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we met in the previous story lines including Isabella’s new friend Liliana. We are introduced to Isabella’s father Carmine Luciano, and her siblings Noemi and Tony, and her guards Horace and Silas.

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD is a story of power and control, family and restriction, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is engaging and compelling; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined and charismatic.The Brutal Vows series is not as dark or dramatic as some of the other Mafia romance story lines-the quick conflict resolution is subdued but there is plenty of sl&t shaming, which is addressed and condemned..

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Now and Forever
Til Death Do Us Part
Bound By A Promise
Queens and Monsters

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, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years. 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, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams and bring your imagination to life!

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha’s twisted style with an increase in heat.

In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.

In the spring of 2017, Aleatha released her first stand-alone, fun, and sexy romantic comedy with PLUS ONE, followed by the sweet stand-alone, ONE NIGHT.

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America.  She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

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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Just Our Luck by Denise Williams – a Review

Just Our Luck by Denise Williams – a Review

 

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Description:
Who needs love? Not Sybil Sweet. After years of bouncing from job to job in search of something that feels right and from man to man in search of something special, Sybil is embracing her role as the directionless, floundering member of her family. All she really wants now is a little financial stability and carb comfort. Lucky for her, she’s got just enough in the bank to buy a lottery ticket, and the late-night donut store is open.

Kiran Anderson abandoned his dreams of becoming a doctor to take over running his family’s bakery, and after two years of fighting a losing battle to save the place, he’s exhausted and broke. But when a whirlwind of a woman sweeps in late one night, flirty energy gives way to more…until she runs out the next morning, leaving behind her winning lottery ticket.

Lucky for Kiran, his attempt to return the ticket looks like a grand romantic gesture and goes viral, sending sales through the roof. In an effort to keep the store afloat and to get Sybil’s family off of her back, they agree to fake a relationship for three months. Even with hundreds of millions of dollars, finding each other might end up being the sweetest bit of luck for both of them.

 

 

 

Review:

Just Our Luck by Denise Williams is another one of her romantic stand-alone novels. We meet Sybil Sweet, who continually bounces from job to job, unable to find a good job.  She is a floundering member of her family, with little financial stability. Sybil stops at the donut shop one evening and buys a lottery ticket; and meets Kiran, who is hot and sexy. This will become an interracial romance, with she also being a plus-size female.

Kiran Anderson, was scheduled to return to med school for his next semester, but when his grandfather suffered a stroke, he deferred the semester to help his family run the donut shop; until his grandfather recovers.  Both Sybil and Kiran find themselves attracted to each other.

The following morning, Kiran spots the lottery ticket that Sybil forgot to take; and sees that the ticket was a winning one.  Kiran is determined to find Sybil, and is interviewed on social media requesting the help of finding Sybil, to give her the winning ticket; Sybil sees the video and returns to the shop. Sybil learns how much she won, which turned into millions; and she also wants to help Kiran and family to keep their donut shop business afloat.

Sybil and Kiran were totally different, as she was impulsive, cheerful and always does the unthinkable; whereas Kiran was a hard worker, disciplined and thrives on success. But a connection between them kept pulling them together, with her loving Kiran’s calm and he enjoying her wonderful personality. The chemistry between them was sizzling.  Sybill convinces Kiran to appear on social media talking about their attraction to each other, with them hiding that this was a fake dating trope. 

What follows is their relationship continues grow, even if Kiran, who is grumpy at times, still plans to return to med school. I really liked Sybil and Kiran together, with their chemistry making things even stronger; and sexy.  With Sybil now very rich, she does gives donations to help businesses and others, but she does make mistakes.  I loved so many of their friends and family, which was fun, humorous and enjoyable. I will say at times things were a bit slow.

Just Our Luck was a fun, exciting, entertaining and romantic story.  Just Our Luck was written by Denise Williams

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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IMMORTAL SUN (Dark Olympus 1) by Rachel Van Dyken-review tour

IMMORTAL SUN (Dark Olympus 1) by Rachel Van Dyken-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 25, 2025

There isn’t a lore that doesn’t exist around Mt. Olympus, and nobody is safe from the wrath of the immortals who watch.

My only goal: Beat him at his own game. His: Save the world and himself.

Thousands of people have disappeared from this world by way of his hand and the universe breathes for only one more drop of blood–mine. He promised he would help me find my brother.
He lied.

I don’t know why I immediately trusted Cyrus. He was stunningly gorgeous, nice, and so accommodating that maybe I felt too safe—maybe that was the first red flag. The second was that he always said my missing twin was fine, that he’d come back when he was done traveling and that I should stay put until his return. Looks are deceiving. And I forgot.

Now I’m completely screwed. I’m trapped here until the eclipse and the great Sun God says I’m the last sacrifice he has to make in order to ascend to Olympus. I have so many questions about the mixed mythology and each answer that crawls out of Seattle has me more terrified and confused than the first.
I’m surrounded by fallen angels, demons–basically every terrifying yet perfectly normal looking creature on the planet and working at a bar called Styx, counting the days until two of the very coins I take on a daily basis will be used to cover my travel.

Anubis seems nice enough but I don’t want to die. There has to be a way and I’m hellbent on finding it even if it means I join the other side.

••••

REVIEW: IMMORTAL SUN is the first instalment in Rachel Van Dyken’s contemporary, adult DARK OLYMPUS dark, erotic, mythology series focusing on Cleo, and Cyrus, the Sun god Ra.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Cleo and Cyrus) IMMORTAL SUN follows Cleo as she searches for her twin brother Jake, an archeologist who was last seen near Mt Olympus, Seattle, Washington but all is not as it appears to be, and Cleo will discover she and her brother are the last surviving descendants of Chaos, and her death will free our story line hero. Cyrus, the Sun god Ra, is the god of creation and light, and in order to ascend to the heavens, he is tasked with destroying the human descendants of Chaos, including the woman with whom he will fall in love but Cleo is unlike anyone he and the other gods could have ever imagined, and in this, Cleo’s death threatens the stability of all who survive.

The world building is detailed, complicated, complex and cryptic. Nothing and no one is who they appear to be. Alliances are made, line are drawn, the gods prepare for war as Cyrus goes in search of the woman who controls his heart.

The relationship between Cyrus and Cleo is unique. Cyrus owns the nightclub Styx, and Cleo is working for the man she believes can lead to her brother but Cyrus is determined to ascend to Olympus, and Cleo is the only human standing in his way. Cyrus finds himself falling for the woman he must destroy, a fall his is unable to comprehend or deny. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of powerful, questionable and charismatic gods and goddesses including the gods who are task with preparing Cleo for her death. We are introduced Tyrell, Daggon, Apep, Inti, as well as Bast, Rat , Cow and Anubis.

IMMORTAL SUN is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, mythology and lore, acceptance and love. The slow building premise is elaborate, dramatic and edgy; the characters are dynamic, hypnotic and larger than life. IMMORTAL SUN ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

My only complaint / concern is the blurb. It is a bit misleading, and only by mention, there is very little effort or exposure to vampires, werewolves, fae etc.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

To learn more about Rachel & her books, visit here!

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!To learn more about Rachel & her books, visit here!

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

Follow: Website / Facebooks / Goodreads / Twitter /  Instagram

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Murder Under Redwood Moon/Moonset on Desert Sands by Sherri LDodd

Murder Under Redwood Moon/Moonset on Desert Sands (Murder, Tea & Crystals 1 & 2) by Sherri L Dodd-reviews & excerpt

Murder Under Redwood Moon
Murder, Tea & Crystals 1
by Sherri L Dodd
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: March 21, 2024

At the age of eight, Arista Kelly was frantically swept up by her parents and whisked off to an isolated town in the California redwoods. Two days later, her parents were gone.

Now at the age of twenty-three, she has settled quite nicely into an eclectic lifestyle, much like her great aunt, and guardian since childhood, Bethie. She enjoys the use of herbs and crystals to help her commune with the energy and nature around her and finds pleasure in the company of her beloved pet, Royal. Usually quite satisfied with her mundane life high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, life becomes unsettling when a new recurring vision of an ominous tattoo as well as increased activity from the ghostly presence within her own cottage invade her once-harmonious existence.

But life in this mountain sanctuary takes an even darker turn when the body of Arista’s former classmate is found in the nearby river. As other young women fall prey to a suspected serial killer, Arista realizes that the terror is coming to her.

•••••••

REVIEW: Murder Under Redwood Moon: A Witch Cozy Paranormal Murder Mystery by Sherri L. Dodd is book one in the Murder, Tea and Crystals trilogy.

At a young age Arista Kelly was taken by her parents to a secluded town in the Redwoods of California to stay with her Great Aunt Bethie. Now age 23, she has settled into a quiet, charmed, eclectic life in Boulder Creek wi th her cat Royal. She has her best friend Maddie and her circle of friends and works at a crystal shop owned bu Analina. She loves her independent life and her job.

That is until two strangers come to town and things start getting weird. Girls start to go missing! Girls that look exactly like her and Maddie. When things start getting stranger in town Arista starts having visions. Nothing she can comprehend for sure yet, but someone is definitely trying to tell her something!

And bad stuff starts happening to her friends. Pure coincidence or is something evil come to town?
Will Arista be able to figure out her visions before its too late, or will something bad befall her and Maddie?

I absolutely loved Arista’s character.

She is independent, down to earth and level headed. She enjoys her little eclectic life and spending time with her friends. She also loves helping anyone who needs help finding their inner peace. I love the life she has built for herslef with the help of her Aunt.

Her Aunt Bethie practices witchcraft and uses her coven to perform protection ceremonies for Arista. From birth she has needed protection, thats why her parents placed her where they did. I love every interaction Arista has with her Aunt. You can feel the love and guidance she tries to provide to Arista.

But who has killed all of these young girls, and can Arista protect herself and Maddie from the same fate. All while trying to heal the conflict and pain within her friendship circle?

This book was an amazingly wonderful walk into the world of witchcraft and how there is both good and darkness within that realm. Not my typical genre but wonderfully written, magick is!

Highly recommend. Can not wait to read book two: Moonset On Desert Sands

___________

Moonset on Desert Sands
Murder, Tea & Crystals 2
by Sherri L Dodd
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 27, 2025

With a traumatic year of fending off a serial killer behind her, Arista has settled contentedly into her temporary home with Auntie in Sedona, Arizona. She enjoys her new job selling all things metaphysical and even has her eye on the hot security guard, Dakota, after her recent breakup with Shane.

But a series of new fainting spells has her worried, and when Auntie witnesses one, they decide the answer lies in her home of Boulder Creek. However, returning means not only dealing with her breakup and its heartache but also the possibility of drawing her bloodthirsty Uncle Fergus to her once safe haven in the redwoods. And this time he has recruited an even more dangerous alliance.

Arista’s closest bonds will be strengthened, but the mounting tension of a death in the desert, a stalker on the streets, and the relentless pursuit of Fergus puts her in dangerous territory, and escaping sorrow proves impossible.

••••

REVIEW: This book starts out a year after book one and Arista and her Aunt are are staying in Sedona, Arizona. Her world has completely changed in the last year. No longer is she in her comfort zone of Boulder Creek. Leaving all her friends and boyfriend Shane behind.
Taking a trip with her Aunt, leads her back to her parents. Only to find her mother not doing well. Arista isn’t sure where all of this will fit into her new life.
Arista starts having her fainting spells again and her Auntie believes she needs to return and find the answers in Boulder Creek. But going back means Arista must face her past with Shane, and what her life has become now. With her estranged Uncle Fergus still looking for her. Arista has no idea what is coming her way.

I thoroughly enjoyed the continuation of this story. With bridging the story between Boulder Creek and Sedona – I absolutely loved the new community Arista made in her time in Arizona. I look forward to continuing this story in book three.

Magickal and mysterious – this story did not disappoint!

Copy supplied for review

Reviews by Erin K

 

“Okay, just checking. I thought I heard you call me.” Auntie paused. “Everything okay in there?”

This had become irksome, too. The constant checking. She forced out another huff, took a final rinse, and killed the flow of noisy water. “Yes, I’m fine.” Her words bounced off the glass enclosure and back at her. Liar

After toweling off, she threw on her robe. Today, it did not feel soft or cozy. Still miring over her involuntary duty to co-host the meeting, she hustled through the hallway to avoid the sight of any witches. She did not want to hear how sorry they were nor see their saddened eyes or frowny faces of compassion. She wanted to be left alone. But no, she had the big ol’ get-together when her father returned. So, not only did she have to entertain the whole damn coven but also him, and he may as well have been a stranger.

She barged around the corner and came face to face with a pear- shaped Royal sitting at the edge of her bed, his piercing blue eyes upon his black satin face staring up at her.

Mew.

She froze. For a second, she wanted to hate him, too.

He blinked his frosty blue eyes.

She could never!

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The Girlfriend Zone (Love & Hockey 4) by Lauren Blakely-review

The Girlfriend Zone (Love & Hockey 4) by Lauren Blakely-review & excerpt

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 26, 2025

In my defense, I had no idea the tattooed, glasses-wearing, soulful hottie I spent one perfect day—and one unforgettable night—with was a hockey star on my father’s team.

And Miles didn’t know I was the coach’s daughter.

That’s the point of a “no-work-talk” date.

But now? He’s as forbidden to me as I am to him.

When I land a new gig as the team photographer, we vow to keep it professional. We mostly succeed…except for that time after a game when he couldn’t keep his talented hands off me. But I swear, it won’t happen again.

Too much is at stake—I can’t risk my heart or my father’s team.

But when I end up living at Miles’s place to care for his pack of rescue pups, the lines blur fast. Late nights turn into stolen moments and I discover there’s more to him than I ever imagined—a man who’s genuine, thoughtful, and irresistibly real.

He looks at me like he can’t believe his luck. Touches me like he never wants to let go. And listens to my hopes and fears.

My heart’s getting dangerously attached. But if I follow it… am I putting everyone’s dreams on the line?

Tropes: coach’s daughter, the one who got away, starts with a bang, second chance vibes, age gap, forbidden hockey romance, forced proximity, workplace romance

••••

REVIEW:THE GIRLFRIEND ZONE is the fourth instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult LOVE AND HOCKEY erotic, hockey romance series. This is thirty-three year old, San Francisco Sea Dogs hockey player Mile Falcon, and twenty-four year old, photographer Leighton McBride, the coach’s daughter. THE GIRLFRIEND ZONE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Miles and Leighton) covering more than a year in the life, THE GIRLFRIEND ZONE follows the building but forbidden relationship between San Francisco Sea Dogs hockey player Mile Falcon, and photographer Leighton McBride, the coach’s daughter. Leighton McBride is a photographer whose clients were a no show, and when café owner Birdie suggested her grandson as a stand in model, Leighton jumped at the chance to work with Miles but unbeknownst to both Leighton and Miles, their building relationship would stop abruptly when they discover the identity and connections to the San Franciso Sea Dogs-Leighton is the coach’s daughters, and Miles is a player on the Sea Dogs team. Reluctantly going their separate ways, months will pass before the two reconnect for some anxious times, agreeing to be friends for the foreseeable future, until an opportunity presents itself, pushing our couple together.

The world building focuses on the secret relationship between Leighton and Miles. Leighton has been warned by her father to stay clear of any and all hockey players but Miles and Leighton are struggling with their attraction as Leighton becomes the official photographer for the team.

The relationship between Leighton and Miles is one of immediate attraction, set into motion by Miles’ match-making grandmother but Miles knows to become involved with the coach’s daughter could be the end of his career with the Sea Dogs, but the heart wants the woman with whom he has fallen in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text

The energetic secondary and supporting characters include Coach Noah McBride aka Leighton’s dad, Leighton’s sixteen year old sister Riley, and their mother Grace Adley; Miles’ mother Lauren and her husband Harvey, his grandmother Birdie, sister, Charlie and his brother Tyler, as well as several of the previous story line couples and Sea Dogs players (Christian, Rowan, Ford, Alexei, Hugo) team officials, and Leighton’s exhausting roommates Ezra and Indigo.

THE GIRLFRIEND ZONE is a story of secrets and lies, family and friendships, relationships, and love. The fast paced premise is endearing and captivating yet predictable; the romance is provocative and impassioned; the characters are determined, sassy and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
The Boyfriend Goal
The Romance Line
The Proposal Play

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Miles
I breathe out hard, giving in to the lust that grips me, the want I feel for her…my coach’s daughter.
For a few seconds, I freeze over those words—coach’s daughter.
Don’t go there again. Get it together. Stop f*&king thinking of her.
But the dick is sometimes stronger than the will.
I ignore that voice because it doesn’t matter what I do when I’m home alone. It’s what I do when I’m with her that counts. I haven’t crossed the line again. And baggage or no baggage, we’re not going to be a thing. But her admission that she looks at the pictures too? It’s what I wanted. It’s what I needed. It’s also all I can have of her.
So what’s the harm in giving in tonight?

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

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All Our Beautiful Goodbyes by Julianne MacLean-review

All Our Beautiful Goodbyes by Julianne MacLean-review

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 25, 2025

1946: World War II is over, and Emma Clarkson is poised to take flight. With dreams of attending university, she’s ready to leave behind the wild beauty of Sable Island, the only home she’s ever known. But when a handsome British sea captain is rescued from a nearby shipwreck, her destiny is forever changed.

Emma falls deeply in love with Oliver Harris, but their romance is not meant to be. Oliver returns to the sea, while Emma vows to forget him and pursue her own ambitions. When a handsome veterinarian arrives on the island to study the wild horses, Emma finds love again, but soon discovers that all is not as it seems…

1995: Mourning the death of her beloved grandmother, Joanna Griffin is shocked to learn that her grandfather once loved a young woman named Emma, but lies, betrayals, and catastrophic events separated them forever. As Joanna crosses an ocean to solve the secrets of her grandfather’s past, she learns that love is a powerful force, even mightier than the passage of time…

A shining thread of hope illuminates this epic tale of lost love and fallen dreams, set in the remote splendor of Nova Scotia and spanning decades.

•••••

REVIEW:ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL GOODBYES by Julianne Maclean is an historical woman’s fiction story line focusing on two time periods (1946-55, and 1995) in the life of Emma Clarkson-Baxter.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Emma Clarkson, ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL GOODBYES begins in 1946, one year at the end of WWII, when a ship wreck near the shores of Sable Island, near Nova Scotia Canada would place Emma Clarkson on a journey towards her future, a future that diverges along numerous paths. Meeting Captain Oliver Harris stirred something in the then twenty-one year old Emma’s heart but Captain Oliver Harris was married, twelve years her senior, and a man whose lived his life circumventing the world. A new man would bounce into our heroine’s life but a man whose secrets are about to destroy all of Emma’s happiness for the future.

Fast forward to 1995, a young woman name Joanna Griffin would begin a search into her grandfather’s history, a history that brings her face to face with Emma Clarkson-Baxter, and the secrets our heroine has kept close to her heart.

ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL GOODBYES is a slow building story focusing on several heart breaks and betrayals, not only for Emma but for the man she once loved. Secrets and lies would pull our couple apart, neither knowing of the other’s life changes, changes that would remain hidden for close to forty years. From birth to death, family and relationships, forgiveness and acceptance, ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL GOODBYES follows one woman through the heartbreak of betrayal, lost love and lies, in the face of renewed hope and revelations.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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