Tag Archives: Blood Brothers

Unbroken (Blood Brothers 6) by Samantha Wilde-a review

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Unbroken (Blood Brothers 6) by Samantha Wilde-a review

ebook ONLY 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 5, 2023

➞ Protective hero
➞ Mafia princess gone rogue
➞ Enemies to lovers
➞ Forced proximity

He only has to keep her alive for seven days . . .

When Savannah Carrington’s life is threatened, she refuses to be whisked to God knows where just to appease her father—the infamous leader of Sinners Syndicate. But when the owner of Backcountry Protection Services, Toth Holmes, is hired as her personal bodyguard, her choices are ripped away yet again. Her protector—make that captor—is anything but a saint. He looks at her like no other man dares, branding her with his gaze and promising to own her body if she’d let him. He’s hot and delicious but she’s not stupid enough to give into temptation. Doing so would sign his death certificate.

He said no to the job. More than once. Knowing he wouldn’t be able to keep his hands off the devastatingly beautiful mafia princess made refusing the contract offer a no-brainer. But when Savannah’s life is at stake, Toth knows he can’t turn a blind eye. Seven days is the length of his contract, the shortest one he’s ever signed, yet the most dangerous. If she’s killed on his watch, he’ll pay in blood. Same goes if he dares to touch one silky strand on her head.

As Toth battles with the desire riding between them, Savannah’s father’s enemies get closer. The more her father strikes back, the harder the villains come for his daughter. Toth might not be able to keep her alive forever, but he’ll die trying.

•••••

REVIEW:UNBROKEN is the sixth instalment in Samantha Wilde’s contemporary, adult. BLOOD BROTHERS romantic suspense series. This is former US Marine, and security specialist / owner of Backcountry Protection Services Toth Holmes, and Mafia princess / freelance web designer Savannah Carrington’s story line. UNBROKEN 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 readers.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Savannah and Toth) UNBROKEN focuses on the protection and security of our story line heroine. Savannah’s father is a crime lord, and someone is targeting her for the sins of her father. Hired to protect Savannah Carrington went against Toth’s better judgement but in the face of several rejections by the brothers he never knew, Toth accepted the assignment only to discover that not all was as it appeared to be. At every move, someone else countered Toth’s attempts to protect the woman with whom he would fall in love, and with the help of some unlikely sources, Toth would discover several betrayals at the heart of the vengeance. What ensues is the building relationship between Toth and Savannah, and the potential fall-out as ghosts from the past return to take aim at our story line heroine.

The world building follows several paths including Toth’s introduction to the family he never knew- four brothers, their spouses, and the growing family, all kept secret by the demons from the past. Meanwhile, someone has targeted our heroine, and from the outset, it appears it may be someone she knows.As Toth struggles to protect the woman he loves, secrets reveal a staggering number of lies hiding the heart break of loss and revenge.

The relationship between Savannah and Toth begins as an assignment ,one in which neither one is happy with the other. Toth believes he has crossed the line working for a Mafia boss, and Savannah wants nothing to do with her over protective father’s need to hire someone else. On the run, Savannah and Toth’s fall victim to a possible mole, someone on the inside tracking them down. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, dangerous and captivating secondary and supporting characters. Along with the return of Toth’s brothers and their spouses, we are introduced to Savannah’s brother Lach, and their father Danny Carrington, and Toth’s business partner Rami. The requisite evil has many faces.

UNBROKEN is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The fast paced, action packed premise is intriguing, entertaining and fascinating; the characters are desperate, determined, and forceful; the romance is seductive and provocative. The author has left open the potential for a new series, a spin-off focusing on the Backcountry Protection Services.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Bound
Traced
Unchained
Extracted
Marked

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Reviewed by Sandy

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Marked (Blood Brothers 5) by Samantha Wilde-a review

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Marked (Blood Brothers 5) by Samantha Wilde-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 27, 2022

She’s made a deal with the devil himself . . .

Detective Sophia Aldridge is on a man-hunt for contract killer Cole Holmes. Ever since the arrests of Lionsgate Kinship, the elusive assassin has dodged the police. Aside from one grainy image of him, no one speaks about the man deadlier than the grim reaper himself. Winding up face-to-face in an alley with him steals her breath. She’s caught him red-handed in a murder, and despite their tousle where he should have killed her, he walked away, leaving her unarmed and pissed off. But the feeling of his large, deadly body up against hers is embossed in her mind.

Getting Sophia underneath him would be a slice of heaven that Cole is too smart to taste. He gave her a warning: stay the hell of his tail if she wants to live. That’s why finding her outside his apartment days later has him seeing red. He makes one final visit to her home, and makes a devastating discovery: hot cop is a mom.

She might be scared of Cole, but she’s not stupid. She swore to protect and she won’t stop until Cole is punished for his crimes. But then her world is shaken . . . her baby girl is kidnapped. Immediately, Sophia assumes Cole is responsible, but when she ambushes his apartment, she realizes she’s wrong. Time is running out, and she needs to bring her daughter home before it’s too late. Cole swears to help, but he has one condition. She needs to let him get away with his lucrative career intact. Sophia will do anything to save her little girl, even break her oath. One thing she can’t guarantee is if she can keep her hands off the dangerous killer who should have her running for the hills.

••••••

REVIEW MARKED is the fifth instalment in Samantha Wilde’s contemporary, adult BLOOD BROTHERS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the Holmes brothers-Nash, Cole, Dallas and Dare. This is assassin for hire Cole Holmes, and detective Sophia Aldridge’s story line. MARKED 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 back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

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

Told from dual third person perspectives (Cole and Sophia), covering a few days in the life, MARKED follows the search for a killer. Detective Sophia Aldridge has been searching for assassin Cole Holmes believing he is someone connected to a child-trafficking ring aka Lionsgate Kinship. Walking into a murder scene, Sophia finds herself facing down our story line hero, but Sophia’s life is about to spiral when the people at Lionsgate Kinship set their sights on our story line heroine. With the authorities following the rules, Sophia needs someone to cross the lines when her only child is abducted, and the police have few if no leads to follow. As Cole and his brothers begin a search for the child, secrets reveal a connection to Lionsgate and our story line heroine. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Cole and Sophia, and the potential fall-out as a search and rescue turns deadly, leaving Sophia wondering where everything went wrong.

The relationship between Cole and Sophia is forbidden as Cole is a wanted man, and Sophia has been charged with taking him down but Cole only kills those deserving to die, and Sophia is caught between head and heart knowing to get involved could mean the end of her career. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters include Sophia’s boss, and police chief Kenneth; Sophia’s ex Bart, and their daughter Bella. We are reintroduced to Cole’s brothers and their other halves: Nash and Lexi (Bound 1), Dare and Tessa (Traced 2), Dallas and Gemma (Extracted 4).

MARKED is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and relationships. The fast paced premise is intriguing and engaging; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are broken, desperate and determined.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Bound
Traced
Unchained
Extracted

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Hunter and the Heiress by Claire Delacroix-a review

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The Hunter and the Heiress (Blood Brothers 2) by Claire Delacroix-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 15, 2022

Nothing could be further from Amaury de Vries’ expectations than being compelled to join a company of mercenaries in the wilds of Scotland, much less one led by his notorious half-brother. He chafes to return to his former life of privilege and knows a wealthy bride will allow him to regain his stolen legacy. Elizabeth is a prize unexpected—beautiful and an heiress—and when she is abducted by barbarians, Amaury’s path is clear. He may not be the sole contender for the lady’s hand, but he knows himself to be the best one—and he will use whatever means necessary to seal his triumphant claim.

All Elizabeth D’Acron desires is to wed for love, but her inheritance has made her both a pawn and a prize. Caught between warring chieftains, her defiance blossoms—she chooses instead to flee with Amaury and make a marriage of convenience, hoping her trust in the gallant knight is not misplaced. She does not expect the beguiling fire awakened by Amaury’s touch, much less his unexpected conquest of her heart, and she dares to hope that true love has found a way.

But Elizabeth’s legacy is not so readily claimed—when Amaury’s plan is revealed, she is shattered to learn that her chivalrous husband is no different from other men. Recognizing that the true prize is his lady wife, Amaury rejoins the company of mercenaries and leads the battl to ensure Elizabeth’s freedom, whatever the cost to himself. Can these two lovers overcome the wounds of the past to build a future together? Or will the secret behind Elizabeth’s inheritance destroy any such hope forever?

••••••

REVIEW:THE HUNTER AND THE HEIRESS is the second instalment in Claire Delacroix’s adult BLOOD BROTHERS historical, medieval romance series focusing on half-brothers Maximilian, Amaury and Rafael. This is hunter and knight Amaury de Vries, and former heiress Elizabeth d’Acron’s story line. THE HUNTER AND THE HEIRESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Amaury and Elizabeth) THE HUNTER AND THE HEIRESS follows in the aftermath of Amaury’s estranged uncle’s demise, wherein our hero will discover the truth about his family history. Meeting Elizabeth d’Acron, friend and ‘sister of the heart’ to his half-brother Maximilian’s wife Alys Armstrong, stirred something deep within our story line hero but Amaury found himself rescuer and protector when Elizabeth fell victim to a kidnapping, in response to her need to escape an arrange marriage. Returning Elizabeth to her ‘betrothed’ felt all kinds of wrong, and in the aftermath of her wedding and subsequent spiral out of control, Amaury and Elizabeth went on the run, in the wake of threats against Elizabeth’s kin. All was not well upon Elizabeth’s return home, a home and village she no longer recognized, as her uncle who laid claim to the inherited lands failed to look after the people in charge. What ensues is the building relationship between Amaury and Elizabeth as our couple struggle to regain a foothold of the family land, and the potential fall-out as Amaury must prove he is worthy of our story line heroine, a woman who is worth more than he could have ever imagined.

The relationship between Amaury and Elizabeth begins in book one THE WOLF AND THE WITCH, a story where Elizabeth and her ‘sisters’ are accused of being witches. Elizabeth was in hiding, refusing to marry a man she did not love, and Amaury , desperate for coin, captures our heroine, in an effort to return her to her future husband. Elizabeth is a strong willed, self-sufficient heroine with feminist type beliefs before her time. Always hoping to marry for love and not duty, Elizabeth is constantly at odds with Amaury’s ‘old-fashioned but era specific beliefs’ about women and men. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate but mostly implied, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of energetic, and colorful secondary and supporting characters, most of whom have questionable morals and attitudes towards women, money, ownership and $ex. We are introduced to Elizabeth’s estranged Uncle James, as well as several suitors who believe Elizabeth is their’s for the taking.

THE HUNTER AND THE HEIRESS is a detailed and intriguing story of power and betrayal, vengeance and determination, love and honor. The premise is captivating; the romance is seductive and spirited although Amaury refuses to admit there is any chance of a future with our story line heroine; the characters are startling and intense.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE WOLF AND THE WITCH

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Traced /Unchained (Blood Brothers 2 & 3)by Samantha Wilde-reviews

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Traced /Unchained (Blood Brothers 2 & 3) by Samantha Wilde-reviews

TRACED
Blood Brothers 2
by Samantha Wilde
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, criminal underworld romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 15, 2021

He’s deadlier than sin, and her one chance at survival.

Tessa George has three days to sell six gold bricks before Lionsgate Kinship’s men kill her father—and then her. The tall, dark, and insanely hot black-market dealer wants nothing to do with her deal. Turns out selling four million dollars’ worth of gold is too much heat for a criminal. But when the men from Lionsgate find and torture her, the scandalous thug shows up.

Dare Holmes shouldn’t want a damn thing to do with Tessa, her father, or her gold. Not his circus. But her emerald-green eyes and sexy body call him back to her door. He’s thrust into the mess her father left her, but he can’t walk away. Not when being around her is an aphrodisiac and the thought of not being near her makes his chest ache. When they discover what her dad was involved with, the stakes become downright perilous.

Lionsgate’s men are on their heels. The bodies pile up in their wake. And one devastating revelation derails everything they thought they knew. As their attraction to each other grows, Tessa and Dare fall into a race against time—one that perhaps neither of them will survive.

••••••

REVIEW:TRACED is the second instalment in Samantha Wilde’s contemporary, adult BLOOD BROTHERS erotic, romantic suspense series. This is black market dealer Dare Holmes, and yoga studio owner Tessa George’s story line. TRACED can be read as a stand alone but for back story I recommend reading the series in order.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Dare and Tessa) TRACED follows Tessa George, as she is tasked by her father, to locate and cash in millions of dollars in gold bars but Tessa’s father is in hiding, having betrayed the group of which he is a member. Lionsgate represents a portion of the criminal underworld involved in money laundering, human trafficking and illegal arms dealing, and Tessa’s father needs his daughter’s help, help that she is ill-equipped to manage. Enter black market dealer Dare Holmes, and the man with whom Tessa will fall in love. What ensues is the search for the gold, and the potential fall-out as both Tessa and Dare find themselves targeted for sins of the father.

Tessa George has no idea how deep her father’s involvement goes with the criminal organization known as Lionsgate but when her best friend Lexi’s father is killed and her brother is missing (BOUND #1), Tessa goes to Lexi and her boyfriend for help. Dare Holmes wants nothing to do with Tessa George, especially when he discovers her father’s involvement with the Lionsgate group but Tessa is in over her head having not once but twice been targeted by some very scary men. Reluctantly agreeing to help Tessa George, Dare quickly realizes they have bitten off more than they can chew.

The relationship between Tessa and Dare begins as a job, a job Dare refuses until Tessa finds herself facing the wrong end of a gun. Desperate to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, Dare is forced to into a job that could threaten the job he loves but as Dare and Tessa are pulled deeper into the criminal underworld, Tessa will soon discover that all is not as it appears to be. Stubborn ‘til the end, Tessa refuses to walk away when the going gets tough. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters include Dare’s brother Nash, and his girlfriend Lexi (Bound #1), as well as Tessa’s father Warren George and his right hand man Trey. The requisite evil has many faces.

TRACED is a story of betrayal, secrets and lies; power and control, family, friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and twisted; the characters are animated and spirited; the romance is provocative and seductive.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one BOUND

Copies supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

________

UNCHAINED
Blood Brothers 3
by Samantha Wilde
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, criminal underworld romance

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

Her good deed will cost her everything—maybe even the man she saved.

Keeping a low profile is Camryn Bayfield’s plan when she takes a nursing job in Utah’s desert. Her vindictive nephew won’t find her there. But on her first night, the sight of one of her patients makes her heart race. His muscular body is bruised and dirty, screaming of neglect. She has one task—sedate him on time—but she’s too busy admiring his mysterious form. And when he grabs her, his hold is unrelenting.

For nearly a year, Brooks Ivanov has been tortured and used as a test subject. An experimental drug makes him lose his memories but gives him immense strength and endurance. Every time he escapes, his captors seize him and he ends up killing more people. Just as he’s lost hope, a new nurse starts caring for him—a nurse who’s different from the monsters who run his basement torture chamber. Her concerned green eyes and angelic face remind him that there’s goodness in the world.

Camryn can’t help but aid in Brooks’s escape. But it’s not that simple. His intense withdrawals ravage his body, and there’s no way she can leave him. On the run, Brooks and Camryn fight to stay alive and ahead of their assailants’ pursuit. Slowly Brooks’s memories return, sparking new rage in his soul. Camryn is his rock, an anchor that keeps him grounded but also drives him to the brink with desire. He has one goal: destroy the people who hurt him and his family. But Camryn’s past creeps up behind them and soon, there’s nowhere to run.

••••••••

REVIEW:UNCHAINED is the third instalment in Samantha Wilde’s contemporary, adult BLOOD BROTHERS romantic suspense series. This is RN Camryn Bayfield, and Brooks Ivanov’s story line. UNCHAINED can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading book one BOUND. Brooks is Alexis ‘Lexi’ Ivanov’s brother (BOUND).

NOTE: UNCHAINED focuses on human medical experiments, and therefore there is a slight sci-fi aspect to the story line.

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

Told from dual third person perspectives (Cam and Brooks) UNCHAINED follows months after the disappearance of Alexis Ivanov’s brother Brooks. Camryn Bayfield is a new hire at a rehabilitation clinic but from the outset Camryn is suspicious about the treatment and descriptions of many of its’ patients. On her first night, Camryn comes faces to face with a beaten and bruised man named Brooks, who claims the rehab centre is nothing more than a front for human experimentation. Against her better judgement, Camryn releases our hero, and finds herself on the run in an effort to protect the man with whom she is falling in love. Enter Brooks Ivanov. What ensues is the building relationship between Brooks and Cam, and the fall-out as both of their past have targeted our couple as a means to an end.

Brooks Ivanov has very little memory beyond the previous few months having survived abuse and a series of experiments meant to turn him into a killing machine. With each subsequent injection, Brooks becomes more animal than human, and in this he is the perfect foil for a mad man determined to control his little part of the world. Camryn Bayfield is a nurse, hiding in plain sight, on the run from a dangerous past. Suspecting everything about her new job was a lie, Camryn risked her own life to save the life of a man she knew nothing about. On the run, once again, Camryn and Brooks struggle to stay one step ahead of the people demanding the return of our story line hero.

The relationship between Camryn and Brooks is one of immediate attraction but Brooks is in no condition to look after himself. Beaten, abused and drugged, Brooks needs time to heal but getting them to safety the first in a long list of getting revenge. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Dash and Alexis (Bound 1), Dare and Tessa (Traced 2), Cole Holmes and Camryn’s mother Linda. The requisite evil has many faces.

UNCHAINED is a story of betrayal, revenge, power and control; illegal human bondage and experiments, family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is heart breaking, tragic ,haunting and raw; the romance is spirited and provocative; the characters are edgy, determined and intense.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Bound (Blood Brothers #1) by Samantha Wilde-a review

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Bound (Blood Brothers) by Samantha Wilde-a review

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 11, 2021

One of the most dangerous men in the country just became her only ally.Investigative journalist Lexi Ivanov needs one thing to crack the most important case of her career: the top-secret ledger belonging to Lionsgate Kinship—the organization that murdered her family. And it’s in the possession of Nash Holmes, the elite brotherhood’s enforcer. Fighting her attraction to the man she needs to dupe, she drugs Nash before their romp in the bedroom goes too far. And then, with the ledger in hand, she runs.Having a woman drug and steal from him is the ultimate shame. Nash fell for the sexy seductress’s trick and now he has to pay the price. To save face and his reputation, as well as protect the brotherhood, he must stop the lying vixen before she sells their secrets to the media. Once he finds her his job is far from over. It’s expected of him to kill her, but something about Lexi strikes a weakness he didn’t know he carried. When a hit is put on her head, the game changes. and their lives are in danger.Nash quickly learns she has something much greater than what he’s after, and not just a smokin’ body—information so disturbing that he’s forced to investigate. If she’s telling the truth, everything he’s ever known has been a lie.

•••••

REVIEW:BOUND is the first instalment in Samantha Wilde’s contemporary, adult BLOOD BROTHERS dark, erotic, criminal underworld romance series focusing on the Holmes brothers-Nash, Cole, Dallas and Dare. This is Nash Holmes, enforcer for the Lionsgate Kinship, and investigative journalist Lexi Ivanov’s story line.

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

Told from dual third person perspectives (Nash and Lexi) BOUND follows Alexi ‘Lexi’ Ivanov in the aftermath of the theft of a ledger containing Lionsgate secrets, secrets that once revealed will show a dark and dangerous past. Lexi Ivanov is investigating the murder of her parents, and the disappearance of her brother Brooks, a murder she blames on the Lionsgate Kinship. Her father Yuri, and her brother Brooks were once highly respected members of the Brotherhood but Lexi’s father discovered an anomaly in the bookkeeping, and his life was forfeited along with the rest of her family. Hoping to get revenge, Lexi seduces Lionsgate enforcer Nash Holmes in an effort to steal the ledger that will reveal the secrets of the Lionsgate group but Lexi’s escape to Russia is followed by our story line hero, and in the ensuing days and weeks Nash will fall for his intended target. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Lexi and Nash, and the potential fall-out as Lexi and Nash discover the true depths of depravity of the Lionsgate sins.

Nash Holmes is the adopted son of the man in charge but Lexi’s revelations are about to show Nash that he never really knew the man he once called father.Lexi is desperate to prove that Lionsgate is responsible for the death of her family but convincing Nash means to destroy the man he worshipped and adored. Lexi Ivanov knows that once the truth comes out,she may find herself with an even larger target on her back than the one on her back, now.

The relationship between Lexi and Nash begins as enemies when Lexi seduces, drugs and steals an important ledger from the Lionsgate group. Nash has been ordered to search for, and take down our story line heroine but something about Lexi calls to his heart. Lexi knows that if she is caught, there are no second chances but proving to Nash that the man he calls father is not the man he has come to respect, means getting up close and personal with the dirty side of life. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

We are introduced to Nash’s brothers Cole and Dallas, as well as his ‘mentor’ and ‘father’ Conrad, Lionsgate enforcers Drew and Leith.

BOUND is a story of betrayal and vengeance; secrets and lies; revelations and deception; family, friendships, relationships, and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, haunting and tragic; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are edgy and dynamic.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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THE WOLF AND THE WITCH (Blood Brothers 1) by Claire DeLacroix

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THE WOLF AND THE WITCH (Blood Brothers 1) by Claire DeLacroix- a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 11, 2021

The three sons of a notorious mercenary should never have met…but now that they are sworn allies, the Scottish Borders will never be the same…

Denied his rightful legacy, Maximilian de Vries devised a plan to avenge himself upon his father and see his own future secured. Allied with his two forgotten half-brothers, he descends upon ancient and mysterious Kilderrick, determined to claim it at any price. A woman rumored to be a witch is the sole one bold enough to defy him but Maximilian has a solution—he will take her to wife, whether she be willing or nay, and seal his claim.

But this powerful warrior has yet to match wits with Alys Armstrong, a maiden with a thirst for vengeance and a fury that might exceed his own. Alys has no intention of capitulating to the proud and illegitimate son of the rogue who stole everything from her, and she does not share his avowed compulsion to fight fair.

Bitter enemies from the outset, Maximilian and Alys’ match is a battle of wills. When anger turns to passion, will either of them be able to resist temptation? And when Kilderrick itself is in peril, will they be able to join forces to save the unexpected love they have come to value above all else?

••••••

REVIEW: THE WOLF AND THE WITCH is the first instalment in Claire Delacroix’s adult, historical, BLOOD BROTHERS medieval romance series. This is mercenary Maximilian de Vries aka the Silver Wolf, and Alys Armstrong’s story line.

Told from several third person perspectives including Maximilian and Alys, THE WOLF AND THE WITCH follows in the aftermath of the demise of Jean le Beau, Maximilian De Vries’ father, a wicked man whose death was grieved by no one including his long-suffering wife and numerous illegitimate children. Denied his rightful claim to the family estate and titles, Maximilian, along with his two half-brothers Rafael and Amaury, and a large contingent of former employees and friends, head out to rebuild the ruins of Scotland’s Kilderrick castle, and in doing so, Maximilian discovers the rightful heir to Kilderrick is alive and claiming to be a witch. Enter Alys Armstrong, and the woman with whom Maximilian will fall in love. What ensues is the acrimonious and embattled relationship between Maximilian and Alys, and the potential fall out as the past returns seeking revenge against our story line couple.

There is a large ensemble case of secondary and supporting characters many of whom find safety and solace with Maximilian’s band of travelling forgotten. We are introduced to Maximilian’s estranged half brothers Rafael and Amaury, as well as Alys’ fellow ‘witches’ Elizabeth, Ceara and Nyssa, three woman seeking refuge from painful pasts and forced servitude. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE WOLF AND THE WITCH is a story of family, betrayal, vengeance and loss. A tale of hope and forgiveness, secrets and lies, love and a happily ever after. The premise is intriguing and edgy; the romance is intimate and passionate; the characters are spirited, strong and inspiring.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Twisted Truths (Blood Brothers #3) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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TWISTED TRUTHS (Blood Brothers #3) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review,Excerpt and Giveaway Tour

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TWISTED TRUTHS
Blood Brothers #3
by Rebecca Zanetti
Release Date: November 14, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense

Twisted Truths

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 14, 2017

You can’t escape the past . . .

Noni is desperate. Her infant niece has been kidnapped, and the only person who can save her is a private detective with too many secrets to count–and more enemies than he can name. A man who walked away from Noni without any warning a year ago, a man who broke her heart. But with Talia’s life on the line, Noni needs his help now more than ever–and this time, she won’t take no for an answer . . .

The moment Denver Jones sees Noni, the memories come rushing back. The fire in her eyes. The determination in her voice. The danger of having her in his life. Denver had to push her away once, but now with vicious criminals threatening Noni and her niece, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect them. But enemies from his past are circling, and they’ll use anything–and anyone–to get to Denver.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: TWISTED TRUTHS is the third and final instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult BLOOD BROTHERS slightly paranormal, romantic suspense trilogy focusing on three blood brothers-Heath, Ryker and Denver Jones- who own and operate The Lost Bastards Investigative Agency. This is Denver Jones, and Noni Yuka’s story line. TWISTED TRUTHS can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series, in order, for cohesion and backstory as there is an on going and connected premise throughout. The BLOOD BROTHERS is a spin off from the author’s SIN BROTHERS SERIES. Several character cross-over for familiarity.

SOME BACKGROUND: Years earlier Dr. Isobel Madison aka Sylvia Daniels, and a covert government agency used experimental DNA to make the perfect super soldier-a genetically enhanced warrior. The continuing trope ventures into another direction as another ‘family of brothers’ is brought into the fold. All of the brothers are ‘created’ in one way or another; they are experiments of Dr. Isobel Madison-a woman who is determined to destroy that which she made by making a stronger, more viable soldier. On the run, these super soldiers and their blood brothers, stay one step ahead of Dr. Madison, and Sheriff Elton Cobb, Madison’s lover and the man seeking revenge for the death of his brother.

Told from several third person perspectives including Noni and Denver, TWISTED TRUTHS focuses on the rekindling romance between super solider and private investigator Denver Jones, and home-business entrepreneur Noni Yuka. One-year earlier Denver was working in Alaska where he met our story line heroine but when his assignment was over Denver walked away in the middle of the night, never saying good-bye to the woman he loved. Fast forward to present day wherein Noni’s three month old god-daughter has been abducted by a drug running MC, in the hopes of selling the child to the highest bidder. Desperate and no where to turn Noni begins an internet search for the man she once loved only to unintentionally reveal his whereabouts to the people back home. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Noni and Denver as they begin a search for Noni’s missing three-month old godchild while trying to stay one step ahead of Dr. Madison and Sheriff Elton Cobb.

The relationship between Noni and Denver is one of second chances but we know very little about, and are given limited access to their prior affair. I struggled with Noni’s demands to be ever-present when danger is near-there are a few ‘too stupid to live’ (TSTL) moments that are cringe worthy and questionable. Noni needs closure but reconnecting with Denver opens old wounds for our leading couple including Denver’s belief he is incapable of love. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

TWISTED TRUTHS is a story of adventure; a journey of suspense, action, friendship and family. No man is left behind; the brothers, related or not, stand behind and together in an effort to take down the man and the woman who destroyed all of their lives. The premise is engaging but faltered with a presentation and story line that felt repetitious-almost déjà vu in a sense that we have read it several times before. The romance is hot and seductive; the characters familiar and energetic. TWISTED TRUTHS is the final instalment in this particular trope of the author’s BLOOD BROTHERS and SIN BROTHERS series. We had previously been introduced to other genetically modified children, potential brothers and young soldiers-I am hoping the author is prepared to reveal their stories as well.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Deadly Silence
Lethal Lies
Twisted Truths

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Twisted-Truths-trade-Graphic-#2

Excerpt

 

Slowly, numbly, she shrugged. “I knew you were dangerous and relentless in pursuing somebody,” she whispered. But a killer? Her search for him had held a romantic element, and she knew it. This guy was all edge—no romance. “Am I in danger?” Her voice quivered, but she had to know.
“Yes.” He didn’t move. Didn’t even seem to breathe.
She blinked. Rapidly. “From you?”
His eyes darkened. “No. The only thing I’m capable of breaking is your heart.”
Cold swam through her. The arrogance. “You think you broke my heart?”
His lip twisted. “I know I did.” His tone was low with what seemed like self-hatred. Dark and raw. “I’m sorry.”
Those words. She’d needed those words and hadn’t realized how badly. “Thank you,” she said, going on instinct. “Then how am I in danger?”
“I’m in danger, and anybody close to me is free game for an enemy who will keep coming until I’m dead. Until everything I care about, everything I dream about, is taken away and I want death.” He looked back down at the computer, intensity pouring from him.
Whoa. Okay. Denver didn’t have one bit of hysteria in him. His words scared her, but curiosity still rose up. “Who?”
“Irrelevant. As soon as we get Talia back, you have to forget me. Now. Back to Richie.”
She could live forever, and she’d never forget him. Not for one second had she been able to pretend he didn’t exist. But he was right. They had to find Talia, but he still needed to explain more. She had a right to know everything. “I have files on everything.” She threw her pack at Denver, and he easily caught it before it smashed him in the face.
He didn’t so much as frown. “Thank you.”
She swallowed. They were in the same room. After a year of hurting for him, he was right there in solid form. More than solid. She hadn’t imagined his hard body or intense charisma. He owned every room he walked into with no effort. She’d never met anybody like him, and here he was. Her body tingled, her heart ached, and her mind spun. Yeah. Denver was definitely there. “What now?” she asked, her eyes gritty and her throat scratchy.
“I’ll do some research.” Slowly, numbly, she shrugged. “I knew you were dangerous and relentless in pursuing somebody,” she whispered. But a killer? Her search for him had held a romantic element, and she knew it. This guy was all edge—no romance. “Am I in danger?” Her voice quivered, but she had to know.
“Yes.” He didn’t move. Didn’t even seem to breathe.
She blinked. Rapidly. “From you?”
His eyes darkened. “No. The only thing I’m capable of breaking is your heart.”
Cold swam through her. The arrogance. “You think you broke my heart?”
His lip twisted. “I know I did.” His tone was low with what seemed like self-hatred. Dark and raw. “I’m sorry.”
Those words. She’d needed those words and hadn’t realized how badly. “Thank you,” she said, going on instinct. “Then how am I in danger?”
“I’m in danger, and anybody close to me is free game for an enemy who will keep coming until I’m dead. Until everything I care about, everything I dream about, is taken away and I want death.” He looked back down at the computer, intensity pouring from him.
Whoa. Okay. Denver didn’t have one bit of hysteria in him. His words scared her, but curiosity still rose up. “Who?”
“Irrelevant. As soon as we get Talia back, you have to forget me. Now. Back to Richie.”
She could live forever, and she’d never forget him. Not for one second had she been able to pretend he didn’t exist. But he was right. They had to find Talia, but he still needed to explain more. She had a right to know everything. “I have files on everything.” She threw her pack at Denver, and he easily caught it before it smashed him in the face.
He didn’t so much as frown. “Thank you.”
She swallowed. They were in the same room. After a year of hurting for him, he was right there in solid form. More than solid. She hadn’t imagined his hard body or intense charisma. He owned every room he walked into with no effort. She’d never met anybody like him, and here he was. Her body tingled, her heart ached, and her mind spun. Yeah. Denver was definitely there. “What now?” she asked, her eyes gritty and her throat scratchy.
“I’ll do some research.”


 

 

About The author

Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five romantic suspense, dark paranormal, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller lists. She has received a Publisher’s Weekly Starred Review for Wicked Edge, Romantic Times Reviewer Choice Nominations for Forgotten Sins and Sweet Revenge, and RT Top Picks for several of her novels. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Find Rebecca at: www.rebeccazanetti.com

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Lethal Lies (Blood Brothers #2) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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LETHAL LIES (Blood Brothers #2) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review,Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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LETHAL LIES
Blood Brothers 2
byRelease Date: May 16, 2017
Genre: adult,contemporary, paranormal, romantic, suspense

Lethal Lies 2 covers

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /Books-A-Million/ iBooks / Google Play / Indiebound /

•••••••••••

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 16, 2017

A deadly secret can’t stay buried forever . . .

Revenge. It’s the only thing that will help Anya Best sleep at night. The serial killer who murdered her sister is on the loose, and Anya will stop at nothing to put him behind bars-even use herself as bait to lure him out of hiding. But she can’t do this alone.

Private investigator Heath Jones’s job is to bring bastards to justice. This time it’s personal. He knew the Copper Killer’s latest victim so when her sister asks for his help, he’s all in. But when Anya uses the media to taunt the killer, she exposes Heath’s identity, putting them both in jeopardy. Now, secrets buried long ago are coming to light and the forces determined to destroy him are watching Heath’s every move, waiting to exact their own revenge. And they’ll use anything and anyone to get to Heath.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: LETHAL LIES is the second installment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult BLOOD BROTHERS slightly paranormal, romantic suspense series focusing on three blood brothers-Heath, Ryker and Denver Jones- who own and operate The Lost Bastards Investigative Agency. LETHAL LIES is private investigator Heath Jones and criminal psychologist Anya Best’s story line. The Blood Brothers is a spin off from Zanetti’s SIN Brothers series. You do not have to have read the original series to enjoy LETHAL LIES but for cohesion, backstory and connection I recommend reading The Sin Brothers series as several of the characters cross over, and the ongoing conflict continues from the original series.

SOME BACKGROUND: Years earlier Dr. Isobel Madison aka Sylvia Daniels, and a covert government agency used experimental DNA to make the perfect super soldier. The continuing trope ventures into another direction as two more ‘family of brothers’ are brought into the fold. All of the brothers are ‘created’ in one way or another; they are experiments of Dr. Isobel Madison-a woman who is determined to destroy that which she made. On the run, these super soldiers and their blood brothers, stay one step ahead of Dr. Madison, and Sheriff Elton Cobb, Madison’s lover and the man seeking revenge for the death of his brother.

Told from several third person perspectives including Heath and Anya, LETHAL LIES  focuses on the hunt for a serial killer who is targeting young women with red hair. Heath Jones and The Lost Bastards have been contracted by one of the victim’s family but find themselves pulled into an FBI operation where everything goes wrong. Enter Anya Best whose sister-an FBI agent-is the latest victim of the Copper Killer-and the woman with whom Heath Jones will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. There is some light BDSM including spanking.

LETHAL LIES follows two paths: the search for a serial killer, and the brothers’ struggle to remain off the grid as Madison and Cobb continue their hunt for the creations they made. When the FBI lose one of their own, Heath Jones becomes suspect number one exposing our story line hero to some unwanted media scrutiny, and the reveal of their whereabouts to Madison and Cobb. From safe house to safe house, the brothers battle the FBI, the local police, and the super soldiers sent to take them down. Anya Best is the killer’s ultimate target, and a woman who is willing to place herself in danger to get the man that killer her sister.

There are a large number of secondary and supporting characters including Heath’s brothers Ryker and his fiancé Zara, and Denver Jones; Dr. Isobel Madison, Sheriff Elton Cobb, FBI special agent Frederick Reese, local police Detective Malloy, and the return of Shane Dean-Heath’s biological brother. The requisite evil is tri-fold with a twist to the killer’s identity.

The world building continues to focus on the brothers fight for freedom. Dr. Isobel Madison is desperate for the return of ALL of her creations, and will do everything in her power to see it done. Like book one-Deadly Silence-the search for a serial killer places the Jones Brothers in the direct line of fire, and back on Madison’s radar.

LETHAL LIES is a story of suspense, romance, action and twists. There are moments of heartbreak and pain; romance and love; anxiety, doubt and threats against all of their lives. The premise is fast paced, engaging and thrilling; the characters are colorful, passionate and heroic; the romance is emotional and intense. LETHAL LIES will seduce your mind.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one-DEADLY SILENCE

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Lethal Lies Teaser

Excerpt

 

 

t She swallowed and met his gaze. “All right. Let me get this straight. We’re going undercover to flush out a killer who’s obsessed with me, and you’re offering to play at being my man for real with no strings or future?” She hoisted the bag onto her shoulder. “That’s some ego. Are you that good in bed?”
“Yes.” And that was definite interest in her eyes.
She clicked her tongue. “I’ll keep your offer in mind.”
“You do that.” He maintained a low and calm voice. “While you’re considering, let’s look at the situation. You have publicly made me your fiancé in order to draw out a killer, which means I have to act as such. Any halfway intelligent law enforcement officer or private investigator would keep his redheaded fiancée very close after the stunt you just pulled. If you’re not with me, the killer is going to be very suspicious.”
She stilled, expressions crossing her face rapidly. “That’s a good point,” she said slowly.
Yeah. Sometimes reality helped him out a little. Plus, the killer had a hard-on for her, and he must already have plans to take her at some point. She’d just upped the timeline. “In addition, you need protection around the clock now, and I’m willing to provide that. So while you’re keeping my offer in mind, we’ll be staying in the same hotel room or same apartment.” He made sure he had her full attention. “While we plan the wedding, of course.”
Her challenging smile thrilled something inside him. “That’s fair.”
He stepped back to give her some space. “Good. Are you ready?”
“Yes.” She looked around the room. “I do have to ask. What if I didn’t agree with you about your keeping secrets from me? Considering people shoot at you, and I’m going to be at your side, it seems fair that you tell me who these people are.” She cocked her head to the side and focused back on him.
“I have more immediate concerns than being fair,” he said smoothly. “You brought me into this mess.”
A frown drew down her eyebrows. “Listen. I want an answer about you.”
“I just gave you one.” At her mulish expression, he searched for better words that wouldn’t end in an argument.
Suddenly, the door blew wide open and bounced loudly off the table. “Anya!” he yelled, jumping for her.

 

 

About The author

Rebecca ZanettiNew York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She is a member of
RWA, has won awards for her works throughout the industry, and has a journalism degree with a poly sci emphasis from Pepperdine University as well as a Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho.

Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her
every day-or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

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