Tag Archives: Contemporary

Some Like It Hott (Hott Springs Eternal 3) by Serena Bell-review

Posted on by
8

Some Like It Hott (Hott Springs Eternal 3) by Serena Bell-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 14, 2025

She’s nothing he wants. And everything he needs.

I’m Mr. Serious, the guy they call “all work and no play.” So of course my grandfather’s sadistic will has put me in charge of fun at the family’s wedding resort. I have just a few weeks to come up with an all-ages activities program for the resort’s guests—or lose my family’s land forever. Meanwhile, the clock’s ticking at my finance firm, where I’m up for a huge promotion—if I can prove I’m a team player.

Worse, I have to work with the reigning queen of fun, Natalie Archer. If there’s a party, Natalie’s there, and she’s the one dancing on the tables. She doesn’t think much of my suits, ties, cufflinks, and spreadsheets, and I don’t think much of her fun-first–safety-last attitude. But for some reason, I can’t stop thinking about her gorgeous curves, wild curly hair, or sparkling smile. I’m a man who values self-control—and I’m running low.

Natalie launches Operation Fun to help me loosen up and win the promotion I’ve been chasing. Now we’re spending days and nights together—and learning that some activities are a lot of fun for both of us. But as our deadline approaches and our collaboration heats up, Natalie and I find ourselves asking a big Opposites may attract, but can they live happily ever after?

•••••

REVIEW:SOME LIKE IT HOTT is the third instalment in Serena Bell’s contemporary, adult HOTT SPRINGS ETERNAL erotic, romance series focusing on the HOTT siblings: Quinn, Shane, Preston, Tucker, Rhys, and their sister Hanna (Wilder at Last 5/ Wilder Adventures)-a spin off from the author’s WILDER ADVENTURES series. This is New York investor Preston Hott, and Natalie Archer’s story line.

SOME BACKGROUND: The HOTT Springs Eternal series focuses in the aftermath of the death of the Hott family patriarch. Grandfather Fox Hott has a number of stipulations and guidelines if the siblings are to inherit the family fortune. Each sibling is required to honor their late grandfather’s request if their sister Hanna is to keep the HOTT Springs resort in Rush Creek. If the orders of the will are not adhered to, the land and everything on it will be sold to an international mining company.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Preston and Natalie) SOME LIKE IT HOTT follows Natalie Archer when she is hired as the activities coordinator for Hott Springs Eternal Lodge but from the outset she is paired with Preston Hott, a financial investor who wants nothing to do with his grandfather’s will. A caveat in the will forces all of the Hott siblings to partake in the build-up of the Hott Spring Resort, and Preston is tasked with developing an all-ages activities program and festival alongside our story line heroine. As our couple ‘endure’ a trial of sorts partaking in all of the potential activities, Preston finds himself drawn to a woman he should not want, as his time at Hott Springs Lodge draws to an end.

The world building follows Natalie and Preston as they navigate the activities and events planned for Hott Springs Lodge. Natalie continues to struggle with a recent betrayal, as Preston battles the ghosts from his past, ghosts he has yet to reveal to his siblings and friends.

The relationship between Natalie and Preston begins as grumpy/sunshine . Preston doesn’t want or need someone else telling him what to do but Preston has no idea about setting up activities at the lodge, something Natalie is overly excited to do. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, we are reintroduced to the Hott siblings and some of the significant others: Preston’s PA Franklin: Natalie’s ex Lloyd; as well as her bitter and controlling mother.

SOME LIKE IT HOTT is a story of family and friendships, power and control. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the romance is fated and impassioned; the characters are stubborn and determined.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Hott Shot
Hott Take

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied for review

Share

CABIN FEVER BABY (Crescent Cove: The MacGregors 1) by Taryn Quinn

Posted on by
11

CABIN FEVER BABY (Crescent Cove: The MacGregors 1) by Taryn Quinn-review

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 27 ,2024

It started out as a holiday countdown.One week to create the biggest and best family Christmas celebration to bring together my scattered family.

Until a massive snowpocalypse hits Crescent Cove.

I was trapped like one of those perfect houses in a snowglobe—completely alone.

Until a stranger crashes into my yard.

And my lonely Christmas gets very, very steamy. What else is there to do when we’re stranded alone under nearly five feet of snow for days and days?

But our winter fantasy can’t last forever.

And I haven’t been very truthful with just how famous my family really is.

I really like just being Hudson’s angel in our little snowglobe.

No paparazzi, no social media influencers, no screaming fans.

Will my snowy stranger want to stick around after he learns my secret?

Or will I spend New Year’s alone?

••••••

REVIEW: CABIN FEVER BABY is the first instalment in Taryn Quinn’s contemporary, adult THE MACGREGORS erotic, romance series set in the author’s CRESCENT COVE WORLDS. This is senior executive advisor at Eden Advertising Hudson MacGregor, and PA Ocean Hawkins’ story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Hudson and Ocean) CABIN FEVER BABY focuses on the week before Christmas. Ocean Hawkins has arranged for her entire family to spend the Christmas holidays together at an exclusive cabin near Crescent Cove but a massive snowstorm has delayed the arrival of everyone she loves, and an accident throws a stranger into the mix. Enter advertising executive Hudson MacGregor who was expected to spend the holidays with his family, nearby. Trapped in a cabin behind six feet of snow, Ocean and Hudson finds themselves dancing around one another, a dance that will quickly lead to something more but as the days pass, and the family arrives, Hudson considers Ocean’s lies by omission a lack of trust in their growing relationship, and a lack of trust in our story line heroine.

The world building follows our couple in the approach to the Christmas holidays, as they learn about one another’s positives and negatives but Hudson soon realizes that Ocean is holding back, secrets that will ultimately pull our couple apart.

The relationship between Hudson and Ocean is quick to develop as time spent together forces our couple to come to terms with their current situation but Ocean is keeping secrets, secrets meant to protect her ‘famous’ siblings but secrets that will push Hudson out of her life. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and over-protective secondary and supporting characters as both Hudson and Ocean each have several siblings and loving parents, as well as a community of friendships and supporting in and around Crescent Cove.

CABIN FEVER BABY is a story of secrets and lies, family and friendships, forgiveness and love. The premise is entertaining, engaging and romantic; the romance is seductive; the characters are strong-willed, determined and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

HIS OBSESSION (Mafia Masters 1) by Delta James-review

Posted on by
11

HIS OBSESSION (Mafia Masters 1) by Delta James-review

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 16, 2024

Rule 1: Never witness a mob hit
Rule 2: Never fall for the don
Rule 3: Rules are made to be broken

I shouldn’t have been there.
Shouldn’t have seen the man die.
Shouldn’t have felt his blood on my skin.

But now, I belong to Callum Kavanagh, an Irish mob boss.
Dangerous, ruthless, and entirely too intoxicating for my own good.
His whispered threats wrap around me like silk.
His touch ignites something I can’t explain.

He says it’s for my safety. I know it’s about control.

My life was safe before I crossed him.
Predictable.
Now, it’s a web of secrets, blood, and power, with Callum at the center.

He’s not just my captor. He’s my obsession. And I might just be his.

But obsessions like ours? They always end in flames.

•••••

REVIEW:  HIS OBSESSION is the first instalment in Delta James’ contemporary, adult MAFIA MASTERS erotic, paranormal, Mafia romance series. This is panther shifter / Irish Mobster Callum Kavanagh, and socialite Isolde Fitzwilliam’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Callum and Isolde) HIS OBSESSION follows in the wake of our heroine witnessing a murder at the fundraiser for the Fitzwilliam Foundation. Caught between fear and reprisal, Isolde finds herself at the mercy of businessman Callum Kavanagh, a man with more secrets than Isolde could have ever imagined. A murder, a large donation and the threat of the mob forces Isolde to reluctantly obey our story line hero when she becomes the target of some powerful men.

The world building reveals a family connection, money laundering, murder and blackmail, and the existence of the supernatural, and our heroine is about to discover all is not as it appears to be.

The relationship between Callum and Isolde begins as protection. Callum knows immediately that Isolde is his mate but Isolde struggles with Callum’s overwhelming need to protect, unable to accept the danger coming her way. Forced on the run with a man she doesn’t know, Isolde must come to terms with what is happening, and a shocking realization that her own future is about to change. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters include several members the O’Neill Syndicate, and organized crime. We are introduced to Callum’s ex Deidre, as well as museum curator Siobhan, and Isolde’s father James Fitzwilliam.

HIS OBSESSION is a fast paced story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and enchanting; the romance is limited but impassioned; the characters are desperate and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Jericho (Cerberus MC: Tennessee 3) by Marie James-review

Posted on by
10

Jericho (Cerberus MC: Tennessee 3) by Marie James-review

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 2, 2025

I knew there was no point in looking back at what could’ve been when she couldn’t even lift her eyes to me when her father ordered my death.
She didn’t fight for me, didn’t fight for us.
I knew better than to get tangled with a mafia princess.
I knew how it would end, only instead of dead, I was left in a much worse situation, having to know she was still alive and being unable to go to her.
Bitterness swam inside of me. Seven years of hatred building because of her silence.
But then her father died, leaving her at the hands of the very man who left me alive.
Not helping her isn’t an option, but I second-guess stepping back into her life when I discover the secrets she’s been keeping all this time.

•••••

REVIEW:JERICHO is the third instalment in Marie James’ contemporary adult CERBERUS MC: TENNESSEE erotic, MC romance series- a spin off from the author’s original Cerberus MC series.This is Aspen Reese-Gaines, and Nolan ‘Jericho’ Parson’s story line. JERICHO 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 first person perspectives (Jericho and Aspen) JERICHO follows in the wake of the ‘rescue’ of our story line heroine. Approximately eight years earlier, Jericho, as Luke Gannon, went in undercover to infiltrate the world of crime lord Ivan Reese, only to find himself falling in love with his only daughter. Having been promised to her father’s right hand man Damien Gaines, Aspen watched as her world imploded, and the man that she loved, left for dead, never to be seen again. Fast forward approximately eight years, wherein Nolan “Jericho’ Parson will reconnect with the woman that broke his heart, a woman with a secret he never expected to hear. With the help of the member of the Cerberus MC, a rescue and recovery operation was set into motion, a rescue that will bear witness to the pain and emotional distress forced upon one woman in the face of heartache and betrayal.

The world building follows the rekindling relationship between our story line couple but Jericho struggles with the betrayal by the woman he loved, a woman who was forced to choose in an effort to save her life. Jericho knew loss but the discover of the truth meant a second chance with the woman he loved, and a future with the family he never thought he would have.

The relationship between Jericho and Aspen is one of second chances. Aspen destroyed Jericho’s heart when she refused to acknowledge their love. Left for dead, Jericho would find a family with the Cerberus MC, a family that would die to protect the people they love.The $ex scenes are limited but provocative and passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters include several members of the Cerberus New Mexico including Kincaid, as well as the Tennessee MC members: Hemlock, Ace, Jersey, and counselor Caitlyn. The requisite evil has many faces.

JERICHO is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, trauma and dysfunction, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is dramatic, emotional and heart breaking; the characters are broken, charismatic and struggling; the romance is impassioned.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Hemlock
Ace

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Let’s see…where to begin…

I’m a full-time author, mother of two boys, and wife of 18+ years. Dog Mom to four great danes: Maximus, Nala, Freya, and Hagrid.

I’ve spent almost my entire lifetime living in central Texas, with only short stays in South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida. Currently residing in a sleepy little town in East Tennessee.

Writing is my passion, and I absolutely love being able to sit down and put all of my thoughts and emotions into my stories.

I love dogs, coffee, making handmade cards, and steamy romance novels!

Keep up with Marie James and subscribe to her newsletter.

To learn more about Marie James & her books, visit here!

Website/ FACEBOOK / Twitter / Bookbub / Instagram / Amazon Author Page / Book and Main / Goodreads / Pinterest / Youtube/ Reader Group/ NewsLetter/

Share

Avenging Angel / Back in The Saddle by Kristen Ashley-reviews

Posted on by
13

Avenging Angel / Back in The Saddle (Avenging Angels 1 & 2) by Kristen Ashley-reviews

AVENGING ANGEL
Avenging Angels #1
by Kristen Ashley
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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

Release Date: April 2, 2024

Rachel Armstrong has a burning need to right the world’s wrongs. Thus, she becomes the Avenging Angel.

And maybe she’s a bit too cocky about it.

While riding a hunch about the identity of a kidnapper, she runs into Julien “Cap” Jackson, who was trained by the team at Nightingale Investigations in Denver. Now he’s a full-fledged member at their newly opened Phoenix branch.

It takes Cap a beat to realize Raye’s the woman for him. It takes Raye a little longer (but just a little) to figure out how she feels about Cap.

As Raye introduces Cap to her crazy posse of found family and his new home in the Valley of the Sun, Cap struggles with his protective streak. Because Raye has no intention to stop doing what she can to save the world.

But there’s a mysterious entity out there who has discovered what Raye is up to, and they’ve become very interested.

Not to mention, women are going missing in Phoenix, and it seems like the police aren’t taking it seriously.

Raye believes someone should.

So she recruits her best friend Luna, and between making coffees, mixing cocktails, planning parties and enduring family interventions (along with reunions), the Avenging Angels unite to ride to the rescue.

••••••

REVIEW:AVENGING ANGEL is the first instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult AVENGING ANGEL erotic, romantic suspense series. This is former US army solider turned PI Julien ‘Cap’ Jackson, and bartender Rachel ‘Raye’ Armstrong’s story line. The AVENGING ANGEL series is a companion to the author’s ROCK CHICK series. Several characters cross over for cohesion and familiarity.

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

SOME BACKGROUND: There is a small group of enterprising women who call themselves the Avenging Angels. With the help of a mentor, as well as Nightingale Investigations and Security, these wormen go in search of those unable to help themselves including the missing, the abused and the lost.

Told from first person perspective (Raye) AVENGING ANGEL follows in the aftermath of the search and rescue of a missing child. Along with her best friend Luna, Rachel ‘Raye’ Armstrong works part time search for missing people and children. Her latest assignment finds our heroine face to face with PI Julien ‘Cap’ Jackson, and several members of Nightingale Investigations and Security, searching for the same missing child. Pulled towards our story line heroine, Cap Jackson begins an investigation of his own, only to discover there is more to Rachel Armstrong then he could have ever imagined. Several ‘working’ women are missing in the Phoenix area; NIghtingale Investigations is on the hunt, Raye must come to terms with her past; and a number of familiar faces take time to assist in the search for the missing women.

The world building is detailed as our couple reveal their own heart breaking pasts. Raye has felt shunned since a devastating loss that destroyed her family; Julien Jackson’s chosen family including his ‘mama’ Shirleen (Rock Chick Reborn), open up to Luna and Raye, and in doing so, forge an alliance, a friendship and family based on respect and love.

The relationship between Cap and Raye begins acrimoniously but quickly turns into something more. Cap will come guardian and protector of the woman with whom he is falling in love, a woman who can be a little TSTL, but often in the face of finding the missing women, and in defiance of being told what to do. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar, colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters , many of whom we met in the original Rock Chick series. We are introduced to Luna Nelson, and her sisters Dream; Luna’s parents Charlie and Deb Armstrong; the tight knit group of tenants of Raye’s apartment complex, as well as the security team at Nightingale Investigations, and the women of the Avenging Angles.

AVENGING ANGEL is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, madness and vengeance, determination and obsession, family and friendships, relationships and love. The slow building premise is dramatic and gritty; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are desperate, determined and dynamic

Own a Copy

________

BACK IN THE SADDLE
Avenging Angel #2
by Kristen Ashley
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 3, 2024

Jessie Wylde is on a secret mission. She’s trying to find her brother. She hasn’t told her friends; this is about family.

She doesn’t think it’s dangerous.

Eric Turner disagrees.

Eric is a member of the Nightingale Investigations and Security team. Therefore, Eric knows what he’s talking about.

Eric isn’t only badass, he’s also a seriously gorgeous guy, and Jessie has a huge crush on him. She doesn’t think he knows she exists…until now.

Eric steps in, and so do Jessie’s besties, the Avenging Angels. Soon, the Angels and the Hottie Squad are on the case to find Jessie’s missing sibling.

There’s more happening when it comes to Eric, though. Jessie’s so worried about her brother, she’s not paying attention. Eric sets about changing that, and just like all the Hot Bunch before him, when he finds his one, he doesn’t mess around.

However, something is afoot in Phoenix. And as the Angels uncover the sinister workings behind people going missing, and Eric and Jessie unpack their emotional baggage, the Angels dive deeper into the dark underbelly of the city…

Finding heroes, more hot guys, lots of hijinks…and heart.

••••••

REVIEW: BACK IN THE SADDLE is the second instalment in Kristen Ashley’s contemporary, adult AVENGING ANGELS erotic, romantic suspense series, a spin off, set in the author’s ROCK CHICK worlds. This is forty-three year old, former FBI agent and member of the Nightingale Investigations and Security team Eric Turner, and Avenging Angel Jessie Wylde’s story line. BACK IN THE SADDLE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

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

SOME BACKGROUND: There is a small group of enterprising women who call themselves the Avenging Angels. With the help of a mentor named Arthur, as well as Nightingale Investigations and Security (Rock Chick #1), the women go in search of those unable to help themselves including the missing, the abused and the lost.

Told from first person perspective (Jessie) BACK IN THE SADDLE picks up a few months after the events of book one AVENGING ANGELS, and follows Jessie Wylde as she goes in search of her missing brother, a young man who struggles with mental illness. Stalking the homeless encampments at night, Jessie battles between head and heart knowing that if her brother is found, he may not be the brother she remembers. Enter former FBI agent Eric Turner, a member of the Nightingale Investigations, and the man with whom Jessie will fall in love. The search for Jessie’s brother Jeff reveals a continuing list of missing people, people who may have fallen victim to drug dealers and abusers, as well as a crew of well-intentioned vigilantes who may or may not be giving Nightingale Investigations a run for their money.

The world building follows several intersecting pathways including the search for missing and vulnerable people:the ill, the addicted, the abused and the lost. As Jessie and Eric’s relationship quickly builds into something more, the Angels and Nightingale Investigations will team together to help those unable to help themselves.

The relationship between Jessie and Eric is one of immediate attraction. For Eric is appears to be a relationship predicated upon insta-lust to love; for Jessie, our heroine is falling for a man who is determined to protect the woman he loves, even from herself. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and energetic secondary and supporting characters including the return of bar owner Tito, Luna Nelson, and her sister Dream; Angel Harlow, Nightingale Security specialists and Rock Chick husbands/ mates: Mace ,Roam, Liam, Knox, Gabe and Brady, as well as Cap and Raye; Moses and Shirleen; Jessica’s brother Jeff Wylde aka Easy: Javiar Montoya aka Mountain; Homer aka The General; Eric’s ex girlfriend Savannah; Titus, and Chief Alvarez. The camaraderie, and the back and forth between characters is frenetic and fast.

BACK IN THE SADDLE is a story of mental illness and struggle, secrets and lies, obsession and determination, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is detailed, dramatic and captivating; the romance is seductive and impassioned; the characters are determined, dynamic and desperate.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Website / Twitter

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Share

AGENT VS ASSASSIN (Lilah Love 10) by LR Jones -review

Posted on by
13

AGENT VS ASSASSIN (Lilah Love 10) by LR Jones-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 27, 2024

Lilah’s enemies love to taunt her. For some reason, they don’t seem to understand how much such things amuse her.

For the first time, she faces an opponent just as cold, and highly calculated.

Lilah. Ghost. A battle between killers.

•••

REVIEW: AGENT VS ASSASSIN is the tenth instalment in LR Jones aka Lisa Renee Jones’s contemporary, adult LILAH LOVE romantic, suspense series focusing on foul-mouthed, aggressive, contentious and prickly FBI agent Lilah Love-Mendez, and her husband, businessman /Cartel heir Kane Mendez. AGENT VS ASSASSIN should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book nine THE GHOST ASSASSIN. If you have not read the previous instalments, there may be spoilers in my review.

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

SOME BACKGROUND: Throughout the series, Lilah Love has been looking into an organization known as The Society, a powerful group that controls many of the politicians, law enforcement personnel, and the rich and famous, and it is this group that may or may not be targeting the people at the top, one of which is her estranged father, a man running for Governor, a man with connections to the people in control.

Told from first person perspective (Lilah) AGENT VS ASSASSIN picks up shortly after the events of THE GHOST ASSASSIN. Lilah has been struggling with the memories from her past, yet the assassin known as Ghost has offered to take down the ghosts that continue to haunt her dreams but there is more than one assassin on the horizon, and Lilah may be the target of both. With her father running for governor, and her brother working alongside, Lilah begins to focus on the who, how and why, as another high profile murder grabs the attention of FBI agent Lilah Love-Mendez.

The world building continues to follow Lilah as she battles the incompetent yet determined law enforcement, and her team of rag tag specialists with the ability to uncover other people’s secrets and lies. As Kane must come to terms with the reappearance of a man long thought dead, Lilah will come face to face an interesting foe.

There is another large ensemble of secondary and supporting characters including Lilah’s bodyguard Jay, Kane’s bodyguard Kit; Lilah’s brother Andrew; hacker Lucas Davenport; and Lilah’s IT guru Jeff ‘TicTac’ Landers, most of whom are the hunter/gatherers of Lilah’s investigations. We are introduced to an assassin who goes by Ghost, who is always one step ahead of our story line heroine; and the return of someone long thought buried and gone, a return that barely merits a few paragraphs of text.

AGENT VS ASSASSIN is a story of power and control, betrayal and obsession, dysfunctional family dynamics, relationships and love. The premise is detailed and dramatic yet barely advances the story line but a couple of days; the characters are charismatic yet guarded. AGENT VS ASSASSIN ends on a cliff hanger, you have been warned.

READING ORDER and Previous Reviews
Murder Notes
Murder Girl
Love Me Dead
Love Kills
Bloody Vows
Bloody Love
Happy Death Day
The Party is Over
The Ghost Assassin

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Haven’t read book one MURDER NOTES? It’s currently FREE

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

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series.

In addition to the success of Lisa’s INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is also the author of the bestselling the bestselling DIRTY MONEY and WHITE LIES series. And will be publishing the first book in her Lilah Love suspense series with Amazon Publishing in March 2018.

Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women’s Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.

 

 

Share

DEVIL’S THIRST (Moretti Men 1) by Jill Ramsower -review tour

Posted on by
13

DEVIL’S THIRST (Moretti Men 1) by Jill Ramsower -review tour

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

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

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3VM00q7

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 27, 2024

A new neighbor with a secret identity and a deadly obsession…

Amelie

I knew I shouldn’t have asked him for a ride.

My new neighbor is a study in contradictions—covered in tattoos and dripping intensity.
He’s alluring yet aloof, and his every calculated move is dangerously seductive.

Little did I know, he’s been systematically inserting himself into every part of my life.
Creeping beneath my protective armor.
Trapping me like a fly in his web before revealing his true identity.

Now, he’s standing before our families calling me his future wife.

He doesn’t understand that my life isn’t that simple.
I have secrets of my own, and his obsession with claiming me might just get me killed.

••••••

REVIEW: DEVIL’S THIRST is the first instalment in Jill Ramsower’s contemporary adult MORETTI MEN dark, erotic, Mafia romance series, a spin off, set in the author’s Byrne Brothers and Five Families worlds. This is Sante Mancini and Amelie Brooks’ story line. Sante was first introduced in Silent Vows (Byrne Brothers 1).

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Amelie and Sante) DEVIL’S THIRST focuses on the building relationship between our story line couple. Several years earlier Amelie’s life spiralled out of control, with memory loss and the ultimate betrayal. Fast forward to present day Amelie is a prima ballerina but a ballerina with a stalker. Enter Amelie’s new neighbor Sante “Isaac’ Mancini, Amelie’s new protector but a man who knows more about Amelie than she could have ever imagined. Sante is determined to claims Amelie as his own but Amelie’s past refuses to let go, targeting our heroine at every opportunity.

The world building follows several paths including Sante’s return to New York, in the wake of his estrangement from his extended family but Sante’s return is predicated upon his need for a woman he met years before, a woman who is hoping to forget the past.

The relationship between Sante and Amelie is one of second chances, of a sorts. Amelie is determined to prove she is worthy of the principle role at the National Ballet Theatre but someone is stalking our heroine, pushing Amelie into the arms of our story line hero. Sante Mancini is a bit of a black sheep in his family but reconnecting with his sister Noemi gives Sante hopes for a new beginning. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and charismatic secondary and supporting characters including Connor and Noemi (Silent Vows 1), Oran and Lina (Vicious Seduction 4), Renzo and Shae (Craving Chaos 5), and Sante’s cousin Tommy aka Tommaso Donati. The requisite evil is a familiar face. Tommaso’s story is next.

DEVIL’S THIRSTS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is dark, dramatic and detailed; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate, determined, broken but struggling to move on.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: GOODREADS / Facebook /Website / Twitter / Pinterest / Instagram  / Amazon Author Page / Sign up for NEWSLETTER / Pinterest

Jill is a Texan, born and raised. She manages the hectic social calendars for her three active children and occasionally spends an evening with her dashing husband. Aside from being an author and a mom, she’s a travel junkie and loves to read when she is not lost in her own stories.

With Jill’s books, you can count on confident heroines, plenty of steamy tension, and deliciously assertive leading men. There are no guarantees in life, but with her books, you know everything will work out in the end. However, a perfect ending would not be nearly as satisfying without a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Jill loves to add plenty of adversity in her stories, creating unforgettably dynamic characters and sneaky plot twists you will never see coming.

Share

The One (Spade Hotel 5) by Marni Mann-review tour

Posted on by
14

The One (Spade Hotel 5) by Marni Mann-review tour

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

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

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3y28jp2

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 27, 2024

They call me insensitive.
They call me uncaring.
I’m a raging alphahole ninety-nine percent of the time.

But no one really knows Rhett Cole at all.

Memories are my currency.
Regret is my drink of choice.
I’m not the guy who didn’t care.
I’m the guy who only cared about her.

Lainey Taylor.

My reason.
My why.
My one.
The woman I’ve been in love with since my freshman year of high school.

A love so strong that I had her name inked on my body when I was eighteen.
She was my fairy tale.
My happily ever after.

Until I ruined … everything.
Until she looked me in the face and told me she never wanted to see me again.

That’s the day my life lost all meaning.
Fifteen years later, she’s back, and my dead heart begins to beat again.
Every story has a villain.
I’ve held that title for too long.

When the truth is revealed …
Will I win back the one?

••••

REVIEW:If you’re looking to finish out the 2024 year with a ugly cry book, you have come to the right place for it. The One by Marni Mann is book five in the Spade Hotel series. It is definitely recommended to read the series in order, there are many details and characters that are present that I think are important when reading the newest installment. However, the books can be read as standalone if you really want to.

It is FINALLY Rhett’s turn. So much of this series shows Rhett as the cold, heartless, villain, never willing to do anything for anyone, always looking out for himself. Well now we have the other side to that story, and what a story it is. To tell that story we have to go back fifteen years ago.

Rhett and Lainey are high school sweethearts, they are young, they are naive, and they are so, so in love. When the unthinkable happens, and tears our two love birds apart, Lainey gets lost in her grief and leaves, off to get lost in the world, severing all contact with Rhett. The pair unravel without each other, it is heartbreaking to see.

Fast forward to the present, Rhett is a grumpy, cold, complicated man who prefers his own company over any other. While Lainey is living with more and more grief everyday. This couple is the definition of living without part of your soul. Their story revolves around their separation, the heartbreak and grief that came from that, the trauma they endured and the loneliness they both have suffered. Rhett’s guilt and Laney’s grief are without a doubt some of the strongest emotions I have experienced from a book before.

When these two finally come back together for the first time in nearly two decades, the tension is palpable. Rhett has to lean into his vulnerability and really show Lainey what he is feeling, and Lainey has to let down her shields that she had spent so long holding up.

I really have to give Marni credit for her ability to write such intense and deep rooted characters, Rhett and Lainey are an amazing combination of pain, hope, forgiveness and passion.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

The Playboy
The Rebel
The Sinner
The Heartbreaker

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

Best-selling Author Marni Mann knew she was going to be a writer since middle school. While other girls her age were daydreaming about teenage pop stars, Mann was fantasizing about penning her first novel. She crafts sexy, titillating stories that weave together her love of darkness, mystery, passion, and human emotion. A New Englander at heart, she now lives in Sarasota, Florida with her husband and their two dogs who subsequently have been characters in her books. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop working on her next novel, she’s scouring for chocolate, sipping wine, traveling to new locations, and devouring fabulous books.

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest/ Amazon Author/ Bookbub/ TikTok/ News Letter Sign Up

Share