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Pump Fake (Fall Lake Ballers 2) by Isla Vaughn-review tour

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🩵Pump Fake (Fall Lake Ballers 2) by Isla Vaughn-review tour🩵

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 5, 2024

A fake relationship between a fiery teacher and a notorious football star heats up into something dangerously real—but is this game worth the risk?

Brielle

Starting my teaching career as the butt of a prank gone wrong is not how I imagined things going. The hits keep coming when it’s none other than the notorious Ares Bellingham’s nephew who pulls the prank.

Ares, Fall Lake University’s most controversial rising football star, is the last person I expect—or want—to see standing in my classroom, but here he is, infuriatingly smug as he tries to fix things.

Just when I think things can’t get worse, my past resurfaces, threatening to disrupt the life I’ve worked so hard to rebuild.

But Ares has a plan, one that might be worth the Hail Mary he’s throwing my way, and suddenly my life becomes even more complicated.

Ares

One ridiculous mistake almost cost me everything—my shot at the NFL, my reputation, and my family. Now, I’m just inches away from getting benched for good.

My coach is breathing down my neck, the scouts are watching my every move, and I can’t afford another fumble.

But when my nephew’s prank lands me in Brielle Sinclair’s crosshairs, the fiery teacher with a no-nonsense attitude, I’m suddenly facing another fourth-and-long.

She needs help running interference on her past, and I need…well, I need her.

The Play

It’s simple, really.

I’ll be her pretend boyfriend to keep her tormentors at bay, and she’ll help me show the world I’m not the PR nightmare they think I am.

But as we spend more time together, faking it becomes harder, especially with sparks flying whenever I’m near her.

I’m ready to fight for her, but will she let me prove that what we have is more than just a game?

••••••••

REVIEW:Pump Fake is book two in the Fall Lake Ballers book series by Isla Vaughn.
Brielle Sinclair has the weight of the world on her shoulders. She is going to school, substitute teaching and trying to take care of her younger sister after her father lost their fortune and was charged with corporate fraud.

She is just trying to get through each day. Working around her college schedule, Brielle is a substitute teacher at an all-boys school called Linwood Prep. While teaching one day she has an issue with one of the students who pulled a prank on her. When she calls the boy’s grandmother, she can’t make the meeting. So, the grandmother sends her son, Ares Bellingham. Much to Brielle’s surprise! Everyone on campus knows Ares Bellingham. Senior star football player at Fall Lake University. And Brielle doesn’t have time for him or his horrible reputation.

Ares Bellingham is a star football player at Fall Lake University, who is having a rough time his senior year. After an indecent video got released – he can’t stop thinking about how one stupid moment has put his future football career in jeopardy. Not to mention trying to help his mom with his nephew Preston who lost both of his parents in a car accident a few years ago. His solution to at least part of his football problem is to find a serious girlfriend. So that it looks like he and his life is stable.

After a not so polite meeting between Ares and Brielle regarding Preston. They run into each other, literally at a bar one night, While Brielle is trying to appease her old snobby debutant friends, she asks Ares to pretend to be with her for a short period of time so that she can look good to her old friends. Ares agrees as he needs a fake relationship for very different reasons and what happens from there is a slow burn of anticipation and electrifying indifference. A wonderful frenemy to lover’s story.

A perfect addition to book one Quarterback Keeper. Highly recommend both!

Click HERE for Erin’s review of QUARTERBACK KEEPER

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin

Isla Vaughn is the author of the Hidden Valley Elite series. Her romance books are full of complex characters, strong alpha males, and the fierce women who bring them to their knees. When not writing, she can be found daydreaming about owning a beach house, reading, or drinking too much coffee while having in-depth conversations with her two adorable kittens.

Author Links:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/3XJBIMU
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.IslaVaughn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islavaughnauthor/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@islavaughnauthor
Website: https://www.islavaughnauthor.com/

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Legacy of Chaos (Demonica Birthright) by Larissa Ione-review tour

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Legacy of Chaos (Demonica Birthright 2) by Larissa Ione-review & excerpt tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 3, 2024

The legacy continues…

It’s a gritty new world.

Three decades after the events of REAPER, the world is a different place. The secret is out. The existence of demons, vampires, shapeshifters, and angels has been revealed, and humans are struggling to adapt. Out of the chaos, The Aegis has risen to global power on the promise of containing or exterminating all underworlders, even if that means ushering in the End of Days.

Standing in their way is the next generation of warriors, the children of demons and angels and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

See how they become legends in their own right.

Legacy of Chaos

Stryke, son of Shade and Runa, grew up a happy, well-adjusted incubus alongside his four brothers. A supergenius, he took an interest in science and technology at an early age, with a dream of joining NASA…until a moment of carelessness resulted in the death of his little brother. Unable to forgive himself and desperate to prevent a similar tragedy from happening to others, he started up his own anti-demon tech company and sequestered himself behind its walls. Now he’s a household name and one of the wealthiest people on the planet.

Cyan, a technomancer who works as a cybersecurity expert for DART, lost her best friend to a weapon designed by Stryke’s company. She’s hurt, angry, and wants revenge. So when an opportunity to work with Stryke on a project arises, she jumps at the chance to help DART and make Stryke’s life miserable.

At first, Cyan and Stryke butt heads about everything. But she soon finds that deep down, he’s desperately wounded and willing to sacrifice everything, including his family, to achieve his goals. Can she help him heal before he destroys himself—and everyone around him?

•••

REVIEW:What an amazing world! Legacy of Chaos is book two in the Demonica Birthright series, a spin off/second generation continuation of the original Demonica/Deliverance series. If you haven’t read the original series, I would definitely recommend doing so before dipping your toes into the Birthright series. There are many, many characters and storylines from the OG series that come into play, and a new reader may find themselves a little lost.

Onto the juicy parts! Our story focuses on Stryke (Shade and Runa’s son from the previous book) and Cyan. Stryke is a tech genius billionaire, living with the pain and guilt over the death of his youngest brother. He believes it is his fault and because of that has cut himself off from friends, family and love, throwing himself into his work determined to make things that will protect people and not harm them. When Cyan joins the team that has commissioned his company to make, he is less than happy, but what DART wants, they get.

Cyan is less than thrilled when she is assigned to work next to Stryke. She used to worship the ground the man walked on, and would have loved to be working side by side with him then. Now? Now all she wants is to get the job done and get as far away from him as she can. He builds weapons afterall, and one of those weapons took someone very important away from her. As a technomancer Cyan becomes a vital part of the building process and the two work together to build said weapon. During this time Cyan slowly starts to see another part of Stryke, one that has been questioning how she feels about him. She sees the pain and regret that he lives with, and all that he has done to try and redeem himself.

I was a little surprised with how much I really clicked with this book, although I shouldn’t be surprised. Stryke and Cyan gave me such grumpy/sunshine vibes, even though I wouldn’t call Cyan a sunshine character, she does have a much more positive outlook and tried to use that to help Stryke with his PTSD. The plot and story were easy to follow, but had a great intrigue and intensity that kept me engaged and ready for the next page. Cyan healed a part of Stryke that I think his character really needed, his vulnerability and fear mixed with his guilt about his brother was weighing him down so much, and with Cyan that was lifted. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store for us next!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

 

 

“Let’s go inside where it’s safe,” Cyan said, turning back to Stryke.
“You go. I’ll catch up.”
She stared at him through the dense tendrils of fog that swirled in the space between them. “I’m not leaving you here alone.”
He didn’t look at her, but she swore he said something like, “I couldn’t save him.”
Not so distantly, a sound like something wet slithering on metal sent a chill up her spine.
“Stryke,” she said with growing urgency. “Let’s go.”
His head swung around, and she drew a sharp breath at the gleaming gold burning in his eyes.
“I can’t,” he growled. “It’s not safe.”
A warm wave of arousal washed over her, and instantly, she understood. “Did you bring your medicine?”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a crushed injector pen. “This contained four doses.” He closed his eyes. “Blade was right. I’m an arrogant asshole. I couldn’t save him.”
“Er…yeah.” He wasn’t making sense. None of this made sense. Maybe he was experiencing a nervous breakdown. Too much stress or something.
“You did everything you could for Ubundi,” she said calmly, but his eyes popped open, and he looked at her like he didn’t understand.
“Not Ubundi.”
Not Ubundi? What was he talking about?
Something in the fog snarled, and closer, something hissed. She decided to worry about whatever was wrong with Stryke later.
“Okay, we’ll deal with it inside.” He didn’t move, but he did open his eyes. Somehow, they glowed even brighter, a molten gold that made her feel like whiskey flowed through her veins. She burned in the best way. “Stryke.” She extended her hand. “We really have to go inside.”
The wrench clattered to the deck, but he still didn’t move. Fiery turmoil as violent as the stormy sea filled his expression, drawing her in with a sense of almost morbid fascination. She wanted to touch that fire. See how badly it would scorch her.
She stepped closer, her heart pumping so hard she could hear it over the roar of the wind. Desire fluttered in her belly, even as her brain screamed that they were in danger. Screamed that he was the danger.
“Come on,” she whispered, taking his hand.
His grip snapped closed on her wrist, and he wheeled them both around lightning-fast, slamming her against a huge tank. He pinned her wrists above her head and pressed his big, warm body against hers.
Teeth bared, his face inches from hers, he growled, a sound that relaxed her muscles and turned her core liquid. Oh, wow. So, this was why lust demons were so dangerous. Here they were in a situation that could get them killed, and all she wanted to do was strip off her clothes and let him do whatever he wanted to her. Right here. In the cold rain. Likely with demons stalking them.
“Go…inside,” he gritted, even as he pushed his pelvis into hers, the hard ridge of his erection making her instinctively roll her hips against it. He sucked in a harsh breath, and the gold in his eyes swirled.
“I’m not going in without you,” she said, her voice sounding more breathless than she’d like.
“Yes, you are.”
Did he understand what he was saying? Did he really want to send her away? What the hell was wrong with him?
Her lust turned to instant fury, something she was far more comfortable with around him. She jerked angrily out of his grip. “What is your deal? If you stay out here, you’ll get killed!”
“I know. But I won’t make it easy on them, and I’ll take out as many of those bastards as I can.”
Oh, gods. He was serious. He really was prepared to fight to the death. And he wasn’t even bothered by the idea. It was all just very ho-hum.
“Stryke, you don’t have to die. Come inside.”


 

Air Force veteran Larissa Ione traded in a career in meteorology to pursue her passion of writing. She has since published dozens of books, hit several bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today, and has been nominated for a RITA award. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her retired U.S. Coast Guard husband, her son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhounds, a King Shepherd named Hexe and a Belgian Malinois named Duvel.

Follow: Website / Facebook  / Goodreads / Pinterest

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All The Pretty Lies (Second Sons 1) by Avelyn Paige-review tour

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💚💜All The Pretty Lies (Second Sons Duet 1) by Avelyn Paige-review tour💚💜

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 29, 2024

Vesper Rossi has always known her life isn’t her own. Born into the notorious Rossi family, her destiny was set—to marry the heir of the ruthless Petrov empire and solidify a deadly alliance. Her intended’s twin cousins, Oscar and Zaire, offer her a dangerous lifeline and the chance to escape.

When their plan fails, Vesper is taken captive. For two years, she endures unspeakable horrors, her body exploited by a faceless enemy intent on breaking her. Once she serves her purpose, she is sold—not to strangers, but to the very men who failed her.

Oscar and Zaire, along with the rest of their Second Sons family, return with vengeance in their hearts and regret fueling their every move. Failure is not an option this time. When Vesper learns that her captivity held was the result of a more malevolent plot, she will stop at nothing to get back what was stolen from her.

With her body, heart, and mind scarred but unbroken, Vesper is ready to reclaim her power with the Second Sons at her back and in her bed.

Blood will be spilled, alliances will crumble, and no one will be spared.

••••••••

REVIEW:Check your trigger warnings with this one readers-

All The Pretty Lies is an intense reverse harem/Why Choose, mafia romance. Avelyn Paige weaves a web of mysterious lies and suspense with hidden layers that are slowly peeled away as the plot unfolds.

From her first breath Vesper has known that part she will play to her family. You see, her family isn’t a run of the mill family, no. She’s the daughter of the mafia, and thus her life is forfeit, she is to be married off to an unknown man for the benefit of her family. Life however has a different path in store for Vesper. As the doomsdate (as I like to call it) looms closer and closer, her brother hatches a plan to help her, betrothing her to the Russian Petrov twins. This little glimmer of hope Vesper has is quickly extinguished when she is brutally kidnapped and held prisoner.

Fast forward two long years and Vesper has had to endure being tortured and brutalized, broken down and shattered, all the passing fancy for this monster of a man. For two years, the Second Sons; Oscar, Zaire, Talon and Alex search for her to an obsessional degree. When they are finally able to locate her, she is a shadow of the person she used to be. Nevertheless, the men want to help her heal and recover, they want to give her a reason to live again.

To say this book is fabulous just doesn’t cover it. ATPL is dark, gritty and intense. There are moments when the guys have me panting, and others when I want to beat them upside their stupidly attractive heads. Talon and Alex are -Chef’s kiss- delicious, and when we got that little teaser from Alex I was practically feral. This book will take you for a ride of ups and downs, heartbreak and heat, sobbing and spice all in the same chapter. The ending, readers be warned, is the most frustrating cliffhanger of all time and I can’t wait to get the next part!

Tropes

💚Mafia Romance

💜Why Choose

☠️Touch her and die

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

Avelyn Paige is a Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author of romantic suspense and motorcycle club romance. She lives in a small town in Indiana with her husband and four fuzzy kids.

When she’s not writing, Avelyn spends her days working as a cancer research scientist. Avelyn has been an avid reader her entire life, and it wasn’t until losing her father in 2015 that she started turning all those ideas in her head into stories. She hasn’t looked back since.

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2MP9tHD

Website: http://bit.ly/2Pedqrd

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Pdtbyz

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2KQ8avl

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authoravelynpaige

Sign-up for Avelyn’s Newsletter: http://bit.ly/PaigeNewsletter

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BEYOND THE WATER’S EDGE by Janine Eaby -review

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BEYOND THE WATER’S EDGE (Beyond the Water’s Edge 1) by Janine Eaby -review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 29, 2024

What you don’t know can’t hurt you—at least that’s what people say. Those people have never harbored a secret others would kill for.

Alaira Hughes is preparing to graduate high school, but her once-clear future is changing. When she makes a magical discovery in the woods that seems too good to be true, she’s reluctant to tell her friends. Plagued by realistic nightmares and a cascade of seemingly impossible events, doubts begin to seep in.

When she meets a captivating young man who holds the answers to her mounting questions, a new path is set before her. If she walks away, she may never get the answers she seeks, but if she chooses the new path, she may find more than she expected. She must fight to learn the truth.

And the truth can be deadly.

••••••

REVIEW: Magic/mystery and a budding romance (maybe 😉) what more could you ask for? Young adult read. And a first time author. So congratulations on getting published.

Alaira is ready for the next journey of her life. She’s going to be studying Biology in a university that requires her to stay there. She’s a little sad that her best friend won’t be coming to the same one, but excited about new adventures. But her dreams are plaguing her, she’s not sure what they mean. And now her waking moments are beginning to worry her, is she dreaming these moments, or are they real?

Alaira, I felt was a little naive at the beginning of the book. But I loved how she looked at this new world that she’d discovered. Very wide eyed and full of wonder.

Meeting Enver is a revelation. He assumes she’s aware of what she can do…. When she asks questions, he quickly realises she’s not aware!

There is a key that is needed to travel from one place to another. No key, no travel. Enver has lost his key, he’s also lost most of his memories, and he’s desperate to go home. Can Alaira help? She’s not sure what key she’s looking for, but something in her memories is triggered!! She might have what he’s looking for…..

From there, the book takes you on a fast paced adventure. But with adventure comes danger, and Alaira comes face to face with danger! (And it’s at this point I’m not sure if I trust Enver! 🤔)

We meet new friends, possible allies, and beings Alaira needs to stay clear of! Oh! And apparently Alaira has powers/abilities. 😉 That will only get stronger as time goes by….

I would have liked the appendix that appeared at the end of the book to have been in the front (personal opinion) I did worry that I might have looked at the last page (luckily that didn’t happen)

I’m hoping we get the next book soon as I’m anxious to find out what happens next….

It’s not a cliffhanger, but it does leave it open for the next story.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

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Speak of the Devil (Rock Star Romance) by S. L. Scott -a review

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Speak of the Devil: (A Second Chance Rock Star Romance) by S. L. Scott -review tour

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 14, 2024

It was always you, babe.

A Slow Burn, Surprise Pregnancy, Second Chance, Rock Star, Standalone Romance from S.L. Scott, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author.

The hottest rock star in the world walking into my work wasn’t on my bingo card. Speak of the devil .

My soon-to-be ex-husband.

Shane Faris is taller than I remember. Scruffier. More attractive than ever and sporting a sinful smirk that tells me he hears “Yes” too much. Figures.

He offers me the divorce I want, but on one condition . . .

A weekend together, for old times’ sake.

He’s partied his way through time zones, collecting ink on his skin to commemorate events I wasn’t a part of. While I struggled to earn my degrees, Shane chased fame and made memories without me.

It’s time to move on.

So why does his presence cause my heart to kick up a beat and my cheeks to blush when he sends me a wink? I can’t resist him. And he is my husband, after all, if only for a few more days.

When that weekend becomes two lines on a pregnancy test, we must decide whether this is a second chance worth taking together.

••••••

REVIEW: Rockstar Romance/Second Chance Romances/Unexpected Pregnancy tropes aren’t my usual go to reads. I have to be in the mood. And Rockstar Romances are a relatively new trope to me. But I love S.L. Scott’s work, and I’d read the first book in this series (Never Have I Ever) which I loved.

Catalina is a nurse, who loves her job and patients. She’s worked hard to get there, and when an opportunity to buy her own home arises, Cate jumps at the chance. Only problem…. Her husband!!!

Shane is a drummer in a rock band. He’s loving life and all the perks that come with it. Receiving a few messages from a name he hasn’t thought of in a while piques his interest, so he heads out to find out more…..

Cate and Shane have no idea how they are actually married, they connected in high school and had one conversation and a kiss. So both are stunned to find out they are legally married! Who did this? And why? Cate is going to lose her dream home if this doesn’t get sorted. And if the paparazzi find out about Shane and Cate, it’s going to be a media nightmare!! (Shane doesn’t want that for Cate.) Just when you think it’s all going to be ok, Shane up and leaves…. 🤔 and at that point I just wanted to put the story down! I thought there was a connection, I’ll admit I was a little disappointed!

But in the meantime, Shane has been thinking, he’s ready for commitment, he’s ready to claim Cate as his. Only one problem, the way he left, he doesn’t think she will give him another chance! It’s time to up his game if he wants the girl. So how do they proceed?

Well….. Shane proposes a weekend together, then the divorce will be settled and they will be free to go their own ways!

Then the unthinkable happens…. An unplanned pregnancy!! Shane and Cate want kids, but just not yet! Their relationship is being taken slowly, and a child might not be the right thing right this minute. So what happens next?

I did like the two epilogues. They made me smile. And a great way to end a really good book.

The banter between these two had me chuckling, and the chemistry had me reaching for 🧊 😉 it was definitely a he falls first, I feel. And Shane does his best to get Cate to feel the same way.

Will Shane and Cate get their once in a lifetime love? Or will it just be a fun weekend memory? Can they walk away even though it was a fake marriage?

Lots of emotions, medium angst, and me thinking Cate really shouldn’t have given Shane such an easy pass…. maybe a little more grovelling 😉

I didn’t want to give too much away, as I hate reading reviews with huge spoilers. But I will recommend this book if you love the author, and like your romance with a slow burn, but lots of great moments. And I can’t wait to read the next book in the series (and maybe get to see more of Cate/Shane.)

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

Living in the capital of Texas with her family, Scott loves traveling, avocados, beaches, and cooking with her kids. She’s obsessed with epic romances and loves a good plot twist.

Scott writes character driven, heart-racing, and swoony romances to suspense that will leave you glued to the page. Her stories are regarded as emotion-filled and soulful. With stories ranging from light and witty beach reads to heart wrenching and heart healing, Scott has a story for all readers. Her books are more than escapes for the voracious readers of today. They are journeys of the heart that always come with a happily ever after reward at the end.

Connect w/S.L. Scott:

Website: www.slscottauthor.com or https://geni.us/slscott
Newsletter: https://geni.us/intheknow
Amazon: https://geni.us/SLSAm
Goodreads: https://geni.us/SLGR
Instagram: https://geni.us/IGSLS
Facebook: https://geni.us/SLSPage
Bookbub: https://geni.us/SLScottBB
Facebook Reader Group: https://geni.us/SLScottBooks
Twitter: https://geni.us/SLTwitter

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Rumor Has It (Longwood U 1) by Crea Reitan-review tour

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💜Rumor Has It (Longwood U 1) by Crea Reitan-review tour💜

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date NOVEMBER 14, 2024

The shiver of something new…

Dak

I don’t know what it is about this man that has captivated me like no one else. It’s made me question everything I think I know about myself. But that’s fine – I’ll obsess from afar until I graduate and move on with my life.

Then I’m handed an exclusive invitation to Rumor, the frat’s ‘gay chicken’ club that performs in front of a camera. The one who doesn’t back out first wins cash. Thinking maybe I can clear up this curiosity once and for all if I try my hand at dick, I go.

Imagine my surprise when the man I’m paired with is none other than the one guy that’s caught my attention. My only problem is the cameras freak me out and I know one of these times when I run, it’ll be the last time I see him.

Sparrow

Rumor is a game for straight men to use whatever excuse they can come up with to get acquainted with a dick not their own. I’m the unbeatable – a fan favorite. But I have a secret – I’m already gayer than a pink unicorn wearing a tutu. Still, I get invited back time and time again.

It’s all business until the most beautiful brown eyes look at me and the sexiest body is pressed against mine. However, this fucking man keeps running away. Thankfully, I’m able to give him private lessons in fucking a man, something I’m all to happy to oblige.

But Dak is more than just a good time. He’s a threat to everything I think I know, forcing me to acknowledge that maybe there’s something deeper between us.

Rumor has it all it takes is a single person to turn your life upside down. I think I just met that person and I’m not sure which way is up or if I’m going to crash and burn before I find the surface.

•••••••

REVIEW: We have the next chapter in the hockey world that of my favourite authors has created.

The kids have grown up and are ready for their stories. If you’ve followed/read books written by the author, then you’ll know that these have come from different series, the author has stated many times that her worlds just keep getting larger, and the cast of characters are large. (Which I love)

There is no need to read the parents books to enjoy this one, I have, so I was thrilled when I discovered that this book would be a continuation (not a spin off) of that world. We even get to catch up with families that are related to this story.

I must admit I didn’t know what a “gay chicken” was, looked it up… basically two straight men play at being gay until one of them “chickens” out. And Sparrow is excellent at the game, there is also money to win. But what most people don’t know, or look past is that in fact Sparrow is gay! He’s never hidden it, but he’s not your “typical” gay (whatever that means!!)

So both are invited to the club Rumor, (but Dak doesn’t realise that Sparrow is a regular), Dak immediately recognises his opponent. It’s only the guy he’s seen round campus, it’s only the guy he’s been secretly obsessing over! The “game” starts, and both are into each other, and the game. Until Dak remembers they are being filmed…. He bolts… leaving Sparrow a little sad!

Another encounter ends up with a different result. Dak says he’s wondering if he’s bisexual, as he’s only been dating girls. But he’s been thinking about Sparrow constantly. Sparrow doesn’t want a relationship, so friends with benefits suits him fine.

But we all know that won’t last for long.

I liked how this book developed, there isn’t a lot of hockey in here (considering Dak comes from hockey royalty) but I really wasn’t bothered, I was fascinated with the dynamics. I wanted to catch up with family. I loved how they were with their friends, I wanted to live in this world.

I also love the authors note at the end of her books. It challenges us (in a good way) to see better, not to make snap/harsh judgements before getting to know one another.

There is a warning about a few triggers in here. There are a few moments that had me red eyed and snotty, but mainly this book left me all warm and fuzzy.

I can’t wait to read the next book.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

 

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

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Scandal (Stoneslayer 1) by Candace Lynn Talmadge-review

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Scandal (Stoneslayer 1) by Candace Lynn Talmadge-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 12, 2024

His power seeks to destroy it all. Can she rise up to stop him?

The Stoneslayer paranormal fiction series charts a lost world of political scandals, explosive family secrets, and the reincarnation of a line of extraordinary women who challenge the cataclysmic rampage of an ancient, demonic foe.

Book One Scandal

Lt. Helen Andros is a mixed-race outcast in Azgard. Saved from death when her true parentage comes to light, she now faces the outrage of the overclass, the lethal hostility of the mighty Temple of Kronos—and a powerful, high-ranked father she neither knows nor trusts.

Steering a volatile personal journey with her stranger parent, Helen is stalked. Will a hidden menace—the deadly Stoneslayer—plunder the mysterious green gem she inherited from her mother? Will political necessity bind her in marriage to a man she does not love and who cannot love her back?

•••••

REVIEW:Can I first say I loved the glossary (very helpful) but I personally would have liked it at the front of the book (I was worried I would read the last page and spoil the book!) secondly the family trees were a nice touch.

The glossary was a great help, as there were A LOT of characters. I made notes as I went along, but had to constantly look at the glossary for confirmation.

This is the first book by this author that I’ve read, and to be honest, if this is the first in the series, I want to know more….

The book had all the makings of a great read. Action/adventure/mystery/suspense and a paranormal angle.

But sadly it fell a little short….
Information is great, but maybe not at the end, as it felt like an avalanche burying the story!

And maybe the language (or use of Renaissance/modern/old world jumbled together) was a little off putting, once I got the hang of it, I could understand a bit better.

But I loved Helen, she was just so strong. Her resilience was tested time after time. A father who I couldn’t like nor trust. A person who has known hate and prejudice, Helen just took it all in her stride. She’s also tied to a man that is for purely political reasons (very archaic) can she really trust him? Only time will tell. Her wit and smart mouth has me smiling, her comebacks made me chuckle.

340 pages, and I was there for most of them. How Helen uses her (magical abilities?) family gem to heal people. How she had to always stay one step ahead of the demon.

The idea of reincarnation was a different angle and I really liked that.

But a word of warning ‼️ there is mention of assault and r@pe!! Maybe that needs to be addressed, as it was a little shocking (if I know it’s coming I don’t have an issue, I can prepare myself!)

I liked it, if it could just be re-jiggled a little then I think it would have the potential to be a really interesting series.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

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A Yuletide Toss of the Dice by Collette Cameron-review

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A Yuletide Toss of the Dice (Ladies of Opportunity 1) by Collette Cameron-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 5, 2024

They never realized just how thin the line between hate and love could be…
until they tumbled over it.

Aubriella Penford is used to being an outsider in Regency London’s High Society. Her love for science and lack of social graces set her apart from the other ladies of the ton, making her the odd one out at every glittering ball. So when her lifelong rival—and her brother’s best friend—unexpectedly offers to help her through a Christmas house party, she’s skeptical. Can she really trust the man who’s vexed her since childhood? Even more surprising is that she accepts, setting the stage for an unforgettable holiday romance.

Jackson Matherfield, a self-made gentleman, has always preferred hard work to the frivolities of society. Having clawed his way out of poverty to support his family, he’s not one for festive gatherings or small talk. He certainly never expected to be intrigued by Aubrie’s sharp wit and keen intellect at a holiday party. Yet here he is, captivated by the very woman he’s always sparred with.

A scandalous wager, an unexpected snowstorm, and a daring rescue reveal a deeper connection than they ever imagined. As the season of joy unfolds, will their newfound bond lead to a Christmas happily ever after, or heartbreak? Escape into this heartwarming enemies-to-lovers Regency romance filled with festive cheer, sizzling chemistry, and a touch of holiday magic.

••••

REVIEW:New series by one of my favourite historical romance authors.

This one set in the regency romance genre. And you can’t be Collette for a good drama. Enemies to lovers, this pair have known each other for years. Brother’s friend, who sees her as nothing more than a nuisance.

Collette writes sweet/clean/slow burn romance. And after some of the dark romances I’ve read recently, this is my palate cleanser. A great plot with lots of drama And it’s a Christmas story, so getting into the spirit (slowly 😉)

Aubriella “Aubrie” isn’t your usual debutante. She’s happier studying science than attending balls and idle chitchat. It makes her awkward and uncomfortable in these social situations.

Jackson “Jack” didn’t come from a rich family. He’s worked hard to be where he is today. Looking after his family has been his priority, he has no time for dances and fending off matriarchs wanting their daughters married off! But that’s not to say he hasn’t had his share of dalliances.

Aubrie and Jackson have that spark that lights up the page. They might antagonise one another, but I got that vibe as soon as they come together.

So how does the relationship develop? Well… A house party starts out as a friend helping out, but watching the lovely young lady has Jack seeing Aubrie in a different light. So setting his sights on capturing this fascinating creature, Jack uses all of his charm and wit. But Aubrie isn’t going to make this easy. She doesn’t trust him as far as she can throw him! A cad surely doesn’t change overnight?!

There were several moments that caught me off guard. Loved the ladies circle. We also meet the couple that will be in the next book. The banter had me laughing m, and the gossiping ladies circle made me want to join them for tea and chat.

If you like your romance with mystery/suspense/and soulful kisses, then this one just might fit the bill.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

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