Tender Temptation (Charming Irish 1) by Kaylene Winter-review

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Sandy

Tender Temptation (Cillian & Ivy: Charming Irish 1) by Kaylene Winter-review & giveaway

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RELEASE DATE: October 22, 2024

Tender Temptation is a scorching tale of age-gap, insta-forbidden-love, hidden identities, coming of age, and second chances.

I’m a master at rebuilding structures, yet my own life is a constant work in progress. As the middle brother in a family of superstars, I’ve battled alcohol addiction and shoulder the hefty challenge of taking over the family business.

My world makes a seismic shift when I fall hard for Ivy Bright, a vibrant, enigmatic firecracker whose captivating energy makes me feel invincible.

Ivy is more than just a spark in my shadowed world—she’s a blaze. Her luminous presence ignites a clandestine desire in me that I can’t resist. But Ivy harbors deep secrets and a tragic past that keeps her trapped in a life she never chose. Despite our undeniable chemistry, her decision to conceal her age and identity backfires spectacularly, threatening to unravel both our hearts.

Years later, will our rekindled passion withstand buried secrets that come to light, or will the truths of our past push us apart forever?

••••••

REVIEW: What a fantastic new author! Tender Temptation is the first installment in the Charming Irish series. This author is new to me, and I was hooked from the get go.

Cillian is the CEO of McLoughlin Construction, he is first and foremost a workaholic. On the nights he does take a break he goes to a local pub to knock a few back and relax. One of those nights he meets birthday girl Ivy. His reaction to her is visceral, the draw he feels toward her is one he can’t explain. Ivy has a broken story that she doesn’t share with many people, but this year is the first time in nearly a decade she decides to celebrate her birthday. (There is some background to this, but I don’t want to spoil it for future readers, but it plays a big part) On this very special night Ivy and Cillian find themselves sharing a few drinks, and then something else as well.

I was really surprised with this author and the way she made real, daily problems that people experience come through the plot of the story. While Cillian and Ivy start to fall in love, they also deal with their own issues and trauma still. Ivy’s family is…difficult, and as the book processes Cillian starts to develop a (bigger) issue with alcohol. I truly am very impressed with the story and how the characters develop as they deal with the issues they have, they learn to lean on one another as more and more things come to the surface.

This story is intense, filled with a whirlwind of emotions, passion and suspense. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the Charming Irish series has in store for us.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

Social Media: Amazon Author / Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter (X) / Instagram /

Kaylene Winter is an Amazon best-selling author of steamy, contemporary romance.

Each character-driven novel is filled with snappy dialogue, pop-culture references and enough steam to make you fan yourself. Kaylene weaves authenticity, emotion and angst into a turbulent rollercoaster ride of love, passion and soul-searing romance always ending with a delicious HEA.

Kaylene lives in Seattle with her amazing Irish husband and gorgeous Siberian Husky. She loves creating art of all kinds.

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour provider

Red Queen (Dark Gothic Romance) by Harper A Brooks-review tour

Posted on October 31, 2024 by Sandy

Red Queen (Dark Gothic Vampire Romance) by Harper A Brooks-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 31, 2024

The Red Queen will rise again…

Vampire queen Eleanna Cordon didn’t go gently into the good night when her enemies attacked her castle and stole her throne. Instead, she escaped with only her undead life and a heart that, when it did beat, thrummed for raging, violent revenge.

Reclaiming her rightful place requires more than sheer will. It demands a risky alliance with the one man she vowed never to turn to—her ex-lover and the leader of a rival vampire kingdom, Alexandru Amanar. Despite their sordid past, he’s the only one who’s ever been able to give her what she needs. In more ways than one.

But can she trust him?

Their shared history is painted with bloodshed, betrayal, and unrestrained passion, but what the queen wants, she always gets… whether that means staking her enemies or having one of them in her bed.

•••••

REVIEW:I’ve read many books by this author, and loved most of them. But this one ….

Loved it…..

It starts off with a coup! And the Queen is running away …..

Vampire Queen Eleanna, i have to admit, I wasn’t a huge fan of hers at the beginning (not your usual/typical vampire) She was all for using humans at cattle! “We are the dominant species” blah blah blah!! So I wasn’t too bothered when she was overthrown by another vampire! It’s also why Eleanna and Alexandru finally broke up (story there, but I’m not telling 🤐)

Both sides from main characters are told. (Becoming a favourite of mine if done correctly) Battles are graphic, but not overly gross. The story flows really well and at a steady pace.

Eleanna is on her way to Alexandru, she’s going to ask for his help in reclaiming her throne. Is he going to help her? 🤐

I liked how Alexandru never backed down. He was also still nursing a broken heart after Eleanna broke off their relationship. He’s guards were loyal and knew he was loyal to them. I liked how he could banter with his friend Ivan, but still pull rank when needed.

Would I have liked it if she hadn’t have had a change of heart? Would it have made for a different type of read if the MFC had stayed the same? Through her journey to taking back her throne, Eleanna discovers herself and what she actually wants (Her father’s beliefs became her own) her quest to obtain items in which she uses to hopefully take back the throne, makes her look at herself in a different light.

Will there be more in this series? Or will it be just a standalone? I’m not sure, but it might be nice to revisit this world again at some point.

Queen of the Damned vibes (loved that movie) where she’s not a nice vampire, at first 😉

There are Triggers, so please read the warnings.

Definitely a book I’d recommend.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

Follow: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram/ Amazon Author Page / Goodreads / Website / Bookbub

Harper A. Brooks lives in a small town on the New Jersey shore. Even though classic authors have always filled her bookshelves, she finds her writing muse drawn to the dark, magical, and romantic. But when she isn’t creating entire worlds with sexy shifters or legendary love stories, you can find her either with a good cup of coffee in hand or at home snuggling with her furry, four-legged son, Sammy.

She writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
RONE Award Winner
USA TODAY Bestselling Author
International Bestselling Author

The Rogue (Hideaway Springs 3) by Roxanne Tully-review tour

Posted on October 28, 2024 by Sandy

🧡The Rogue (Hideaway Springs 3) by Roxanne Tully-review tour🧡

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 28, 2024

JOB SEARCH – Hideaway Springs, CO
1 result.

Single dad rancher seeking live in nanny for 9-year-old boy. Must have experience, playful and not looking for a real-life love story. (Temp job – 6 weeks only.)

Hitting refresh ten times doesn’t help.

There cannot be only one job in Hideaway Springs. Not that I won’t take literally anything at this point, but the likelihood of Levi Reeves hiring me is negative zero.

And if he does, I’d be sleeping with the horses, not his house! Or he’d call the police and “finally arrest” the town Rogue for all her misdemeanors.

But that doesn’t stop me from knocking on his door. Besides, his grumpy scowls are easy to tune out when my eyes keep drifting to the rugged edges of his face and sculpted physique.

I’m hired with a clear understanding that one: he’s desperate and two: he’s got his eye on me. And eventually, his hands too. Because come nightfall, we drop more than our animosity.

Our clothes.

Before the hot summer days turn to crisp autumn nights, he’s claimed me as his. And as hard as I’d fallen, my six weeks are up.

He may have every intention of making me stay, but my past is a reality I can never escape. And I love them both too much to bring trouble to their home.

••••

REVIEW:Who doesn’t like a protective cowboy?

The next installment in the Hideaway Springs series; The Rogue is a spicy, single father, cowboy suspense romance that readers are sure to enjoy. While the book can be read as a standalone, for the best enjoyment of the series, I always recommend reading a series in order to get the most out of it.

Tessa is a freaking hoot! She comes off as a spitfire, but inside she has a vulnerable side she lets few people see. Having landed in a new destination (again) from her constant running, she finds herself in need of a job. And what is the only job she manages to find? Being a nanny for the grumpy cowboy who hates her. *Sigh*

Before anything Levi knew two things; one, he would do anything for his son, and two, Tessa was in trouble. The type of trouble he didn’t know, but it was trouble that he didn’t want around his kid. That unfortunately was out of his hands seeing as Jackson was half in love with her already. Slowly, Tessa breaks down his walls and Levi finds himself not only over protective of his son, but also of his nanny.

As the plot progresses, Tessa’s troubles finally catch up to her, leaving Levi to do what he does best, protect. Throughout the book, there are pieces that just brought me the biggest smile. Jackson was one of them, even more so when he is with Levi and Tessa together, their little triad family is so sweet.

Tessa and Levi work well together because Tessa needs to be treated with care, even if she puts on a stone cold front. And Levi needs to care for someone, their dynamic really makes the plot of the story more relatable. When Ms. Roxy then throws in little Jackson, his sweetness, smiles and bond with Tessa makes for some of the best reading. Very happy with the read, and way to go to the author for her latest share!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Runaway
The Ruined

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

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Roxanne writes contemporary romance with strong realistic heroines and a healthy dose of angst. When she’s not writing, she enjoys hiking, baking and traveling with her real-life male hero.

House of Savage (The Harem Project) by Crea Reitan-review tour

Posted on October 26, 2024 by Sandy

House of Savage (The Harem Project) 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 October 24, 2024

My father is a murderer.

When I stumble upon proof that he’s part of the Division of Silence, I run right into the arms of The Harem Project. It’s fine; that’s where I’d been heading anyway. It’s time to find my husbands.

The truth of the blood on my family’s hands hangs over my head like a shadow. I try to remember as much as I can, thinking that everything has a different meaning than what I’d always thought. I should have seen this sooner. I should have known.

It’s been two years since Silence exterminated ORKA. Two long years of silence, waiting for them to make their move. Finally, the day has come as they unleash horrifying plagues upon the worlds – both human and monster alike. Each new one is far worse than the last, leaving devastation behind as The Harem Project tries to keep up.

My name is Rue and while I know that I don’t wear the blood that my family spilled, it weighs on me to make it right. Even if that means that these few short weeks with my husbands is all that I get before the world as we know it ends in screams, bodies, and blood. I can’t let this be my family legacy.

••••

REVIEW:Is this the final book in the series? I’m afraid to say it is 😔 I’ve loved reading this epic journey. The books can be read out of order, but my advice (opinion) it’s definitely better read in order, as there is an on going story.

A quick rundown of the players in this book/series……

Harem Project (this was created to bring families together. You fill out an extensive application form, giving your likes/dislikes/personal information and everything in between. They then give you a portfolio of families that they think you’ll like, you then meet and discuss, if you fit, you marry and grow as a family.)

ORKA ( this organisation was created to combat the division of silence!)

Division of Silence (this organisation was formed to eradicate monsters from the world!) They deem all monsters to be dangerous!

So….. Ruri or Rue as she now likes to be called found out that her father is a leader in the dreaded organisation!! But why, when they are monsters themselves! But that’s not the best part …. (Nope 🤐) but anyway she runs off to find her husbands and make them aware of what she’s found out…..

And the family that Rue chooses …. The house of Savage (it’s usually the most dominant person that’s the leader, and the family will take that name.)

They are an established unit already…. It’s usually the “wife” that’s the last link that’s missing in the family unit.

We do focus on Calix & Koa a fair bit, but that’s not to say the others aren’t voiced and loved. We get time to interact also with Bryn & Javan, and we get to see them all come together with Rue (all except Koa and we get told why.)

The author put a lot of thought into her chat before and after the story is told. (That one of my favourite things they do in each of the books, in fact all of her books are like that.)

And so the final battle draws near and it’s down to humans against monsters! But as we find out pretty quick, humans are also a casualty and so are the monsters!

It’s fast paced story that doesn’t stop until the last word is read!

The author makes it clear that there won’t be a spin off series (there are just too many characters for that to happen.) and she also makes it clear that this isn’t a RH/why choose where the MFC isn’t the central point in this family! And if you’ve read all the stories, you’ll know that! And I’ve loved that about this series. I’ve grown to love this series (not all the books have been favourites) for that reason. The author makes no apologies for the way she writes them.

There are a few moments that might be triggers (please read the warnings) there are a few moments that made me 😢 the world will definitely change after this last battle….

I’ve loved meeting new monsters, I cheered when we caught up with previous families (they’ve got books in this series.) And I’m definitely on #teammonster in this book. It’s graphic without being gory. It’s spicy without overdoing it. But it shows you that family doesn’t have to be blood related. That even when it’s at its most darkest, there is still that small pinprick of light to show you hope.

I’m going to miss the Harem Project. But it’s on my list to Reread again and again 💜

Previous Reviews
House of Wyn
House of Igrashi Part 1
House of Igrashi Part 2
House of Agni
House of Kallan
House of Malak
House of Darkyn

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

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!

Author Links:

Facebook Group / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Website /

Tangled Up With You (Second Hope 2) by Jessica Prince -review

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Sandy

🤍 Tangled Up With You (Second Hope 2) by Jessica Prince -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 October 21,2024

My mother always gave the best advice. I just wish she had advised me to stay away from bull riders.

One in particular.

Connor Bennett is a walking red flag I could see coming from miles away, but I was a sucker for his rakish smile, his irresistible charm, and that world class behind always wrapped in a tight pair of Wranglers.

I told myself I’d learned my lesson when I woke up and discovered he ghosted me, leaving a note behind on the pillow where his head should have been. Unfortunately, that wasn’t true.

High emotions and too much booze during a mutual friend’s wedding lands me back in his bed, but this time I make sure I’m not the one left high and dry once the sun comes up.

Even though I can’t stop thinking about him, I convince myself I’ve worked him out of my system. However, two pink lines a few weeks later make it impossible to pretend he doesn’t exist.

We make an agreement. We’ll co-parent once the baby is born, but nothing more.

There certainly won’t be any more hanky panky.

But it turns out Connor has other ideas and wants to share more than just custody with me.

I’m trying so hard not to fall for that charm a second time, but my hormones are going crazy and he’s doing and saying all the right things.

Despite all reason, I find myself wanting to get tangled up with him all over again. I just don’t know if I should trust the bull rider not to trample all over my heart.

•••••

REVIEW:Tangled Up With You by the ever lovely and talented Jessica Prince is the next installment in Second Hope series. As always, I recommend reading the series in order, not only because it is amazing, but there are characters from that book that filter into this one. (It can be read as a standalone) This lovely little morsel of a book has all my favorite tropes; cowboy bull riding play boy turns heart of gold and small town romance. TUWY is a feel good romance that readers are going to love.

Hope Valley holds a special place in my heart, so when the series ended and Second Hope arrived, I was over the moon. Book one in the series (The Little Things) was the balm to heal the sting of the first series ending, Tangled Up, is the icing on the cake. Connor and Ivy are mentioned in book one, and from there I couldn’t wait to get their story.

Connor Bennet is a bull rider, after taking a tumble on one of his last rides, he messes up his knee and has to take some time off to heal. During this time, he goes to stay with his best friend Zach on his ranch in Virginia. During this time, he finds his place at Safe Haven Ranch, a quiet, homey place that gives him a peace he had never felt. He also meets Ivy. The fiery red head that takes his breath away. He spends time there, and he and Ivy get to know one another, she doesn’t treat him like the bull riding hot shot he is, they become friends, and then they spend hell of a night together. Too bad he does one of the dumbest things ever and skates out in the middle of the night, leaving Ivy high and dry.

Ivy is living her best life, she has a great family, amazing friends and a job she loves. When Connor comes rolling into town, she sees him as a confident, bull riding playboy, and against all her rules, hops into bed with him. When her worst fears come to light the next morning with an empty bed, she is cursing herself silly. She thought they had something more than a simple hook up. Determined to move on, Ivy avoids Connor like the plague when he returns for Zack and Rae’s wedding, but as they say, weddings make people sappy. One thing leads to another and Connor and Ivy are at it again.

When an unexpected surprise takes both Ivy and Connor by surprise, they both have to suck up their insecurities and talk. Slowly Connor makes it back into Ivy’s good graces, determined to make it up to her, and prove that he can be what she needs. Ivy knows that Connor is a good man, but is scared to open up to him again after last time, but with time (sexy time too) Connor proves to Ivy just how much she means to him.

Well tickle me pink Ms.JP I think this might be your saucest book yet! Connor and Ivy are a fun, slow burn romance that really gave me such joy to read. The spicy bits are definitely top tier. Connor is by far one of my favorite characters from this new series, he is sweet and charming, but protective and dominant. Don’t get me started on the rope play and dirty talk because I could go on for days about that. Towards the end, when the plot is finishing up, we get to see a softer side of Connor and the way the Ivy cares for him during that time, this made the book so relatable. I can’t wait to see what else the series has in store for us. (Hopefully something with Blythe?)

Click HERE for Sarah’s review of book one THE LITTLE THINGS

copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

Born and raised around Houston Texas, Jessica spent most of her life complaining about the heat, humidity, and all around pain in the ass weather. It was only as an adult that she quickly realized the cost of living in Houston made up for not being able to breathe when she stepped outside. That’s why God created central air, after all.

Jessica is the mother of a perfect little boy–she refuses to accept that he inherited her attitude and sarcastic nature no matter what her husband says.

In addition to being a wife and mom, she’s also a wino, a coffee addict, and an avid lover of all types of books–romances still being her all time favs. Her husband likes to claim that reading is her obsession but she just says it’s a passion…there’s a difference. Not that she’d expect a boy to understand.

Jessica has been writing since she was a little girl, but thankfully grew out of drawing her own pictures for her stories before ever publishing her first book. Because an artist she is not.

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Dragon Kissed /Dragon Charmed (The Sentries) by AE Jones-reviews

Posted on October 20, 2024 by Sandy

Dragon Kissed /Dragon Charmed (The Sentries) by AE Jones-reviews

DRAGON KISSED
The Sentries 1
by AE Jones
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal romance

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 13, 2022

Megan Campbell has a plan. Finish her master’s degree – check. Land the museum internship of her dreams – check. Let her hair down for just one night to celebrate with an amazing man – check, check, CHECK.

Not part of her plan? Having him ghost her after their night together – uncheck. Finding out she’s pregnant two months later – nope, nope, NOPE.

Time for a new plan. So Megan goes looking for Baby Daddy to tell him the truth. Until she sees him sprout wings, that is! Because, plan or no plan, she never expected to raise a half-dragon baby. Or to fall for Eric, her baby’s father.

Especially when the dragon clan is threatened and she is caught in the crossfire. Now Megan and Eric are working together to find out who wants to destroy them.

Can they stop the attacks and protect the clan and their baby’s future? And can she trust her heart to lead her down the right path, or will she end up getting burned?

•••••

REVIEW: I read previous books from this author and loved them (Wedding Planner Series 👍🏻 and a real favourite of mine Mind Sweeper series 👌)

I wasn’t going to read this book, I was just going to dive into book two. But the author advises that it can be read on its own ok, but there is an ongoing story. So I’ll start with this one….

This author weaves a spell so enticing, that you don’t want to come out….

Getting pregnant wasn’t on Megan’s plan just yet! And certainly not by some random guy! But she’s staring at a test that states otherwise! What’s a girl to do? Does she inform the guy? Or does she raise it on her own?

Eric doesn’t remember the human who now informs he’s going to be a daddy? (We do find out in the book as to why he forgot her!) But it’s not a great start!!!

I did like how adaptable Megan became. I loved her lists that she mentally drew up for herself.

Eric took a little more time to warm up to. He wasn’t looking for a mate or a baby! (But when he finally comes round 😉

His character is a loyal dragon and he’s a good tactician (which he’s going to need)

Best friend Tessa was a riot! So funny. Her one liners had me laughing at all the wrong moments (train ride/bus journey) Eric’s sister Sienna was a great character too. And don’t forget the Dragon clan 😜

So will this pair take on raising a family together? Or will the dragon war pull them apart? Is it even possible for them to be together? (Does the world know about dragons?)

As I said at the start, the series is made up of standalone books, but it’s advisable to read in order. And I can totally see why. There is the story that starts here, and I’m sure it’s going to continue for a few more books.

The story flows well and we aren’t bombarded with useless information (or page filling! *pet peeve 😜) We even have a character that may or may not be a villain 😉 but to find out your going to have to read the book.

I can’t wait to read the next story in this new series.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

__________

Dragon Charmed
The Sentries 2
by AE Jones
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 14, 2024

Tessa Stuart is all about protecting her best friend. But her BFF Megan is married now. She should be able to drop her protective instincts, right? Except Megan’s husband is a dragon shifter. Yep, dragons. Apparently, dragons are losing their powers because of a curse set in motion by evil witches. Yep, witches. So much for taking a step back… Instead, Tessa jumps in with both designer clad feet. With a few white lies, she convinces the private investigator looking into the curse to let her help.

A great plan until she realizes he isn’t who or what he says he is.

Ben Wells doesn’t remember anything about his past. Even his name is made up. The only clue he has is a bag full of money and two names on a piece of paper. Setting out to find the truth, he doesn’t expect to have a gorgeous and determined woman mistake him for a private investigator. Who is he to correct her, especially if working with her can lead him to the truth about his past?

A great plan until he realizes she isn’t who he expected her to be.

As their lies unravel, they both must face the truth, even if it’s ugly. Is Ben ready to embrace his past if he hates what he discovers? And instead of protecting her friend, the dragon clan, and her heart, did Tessa accidentally invite the enemy closer?

•••

REVIEW: Book two of this new series, and we catch up with Megan’s best friend Tessa. (Megan was in book one Dragon Kissed) Tessa was a great friend and character, so I was excited to find out she was in this book too.

If you’ve read the blurb then you’ll discover not only dragons in this book, but witches too! They play a pivotal role in the series, luckily we get a quick catch up in this book, (but I’d recommend reading the first book before grabbing this one.)

Tessa is fun loving, go getting and a fierce protector of anyone she loves. She’s also tired of men making the wrong assumptions about her (yes, she might have been a model, but she’s got brains and integrity, not a pushover!) In her role of protector, she becomes aware of a few things, so she turns detective in order to get her best friend and new family. Coming to terms with the knowledge that Dragons and witches exist, was a little daunting at first, but seeing Megan and Eric together has made up for any lingering doubts Tessa had.

Ben was found wandering…. covered in 🩸 and having no memory of who he is/was/might have been!

It’s been over a year since he was taken in and cared for, and Ben still has no recollection of who he is! (His rescuer named him Ben!)

But Walter has a secret, and it’s going to change Ben’s life…. for the better? Who knows! But armed with an address and a name, Ben is going to hopefully get the answers he needs!

Twists and turns keep this book flowing. No page fillers, no unnecessary information to keep you from a gripping story. In fact I couldn’t put it down until I was done!

The pair find themselves working together (and maybe a little confusing on who they actually are!?) and along they way they discover themselves and what they could mean to one another.

But can the secrets that Ben and Tessa reveal keep the couple together? Or will fate hand them another twist that will cause more heartbreak?

There is an OMG moment (or two 😉) there is one liners that you will be desperate to say 😜 and intense moments that will have you gripping your kindle.

We also get (possible) information on the next book 🤞and where the story will go next.

We get to catch up with Eric and Megan. Spend time with Sienna (Eric’s sister) and ponder on Marcus 🤔

If you want to know more about these characters and the situation that they find themselves in, grab it and immerse yourself in a story filled with paranormal beings, a curse and one or two HEA’s 😜

Copy supplied for review

reviewed by Julie B🦋

The Baron’s Return (The Rakes of Mayhem 4) by Anna St. Claire

Posted on October 20, 2024 by Sandy

The Baron’s Return (The Rakes of Mayhem 4) by Anna St. Claire -review

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 28, 2024

She saved his life. Can he heal her heart?
He crossed an ocean to find her…

Baron Edward Sinclair, affectionately known as Sin, never imagined himself the marrying kind until he encountered the captivating Elizabeth in the American colonies. When illness brought him to death’s door, it was the young widow who tenderly nursed him back to health, but they became separated when he left to continue his assignment. Now, fate reunites them in England, where he discovers that Lizzie, his mysterious angel, is none other than the companion to his beloved aunt.

She crossed an ocean to forget him…

For Lizzie, being widowed in the colonies triggered a cascade of hardship, fear, and grief. Returning to England, she yearns to reunite with her brother, whom she has not seen in several years. Fortunate to secure a position as a companion, she finds solace in her employer’s warmth and generosity, treating her more like family than hired help. However, an unexpected encounter with the dashing Edward Sinclair, a man etched in her memory and her heart, disrupts her plans for a solitary life. While the handsome and wealthy baron attracts the attention of debutantes and their matchmaking mothers, Lizzie resigns herself to the belief that her fate is to live out her days alone.

As Edward and Lizzie navigate the intricacies of their rekindled connection, they must confront the ghosts of their pasts and face the threats that conspire to keep them apart.

Note: This series is part of Dragonblade’s Sweet Dreams line, so this is a sweet, wholesome Historical Romance where passion beyond the bedroom door is left to the reader’s imagination.

••••••••

REVIEW: Baron Edward “Sin” Sinclair loves his country. But almost pays with his life on his latest mission… succumbing to the yellow fever that’s rife in this part of America. But luckily stumbles upon a home of a war widowed nurse. Who nurses him back to full strength, they grow close and Sin makes the lovely Elizabeth a promise to come back to her after he finishes his mission….

But how long do you wait? Feeling homesick, missing her brother and not being made welcome by her husband’s family. Lizzie decides to return to London and hopefully reconnecting with her brother.

Finding a job as a companion to the lovely “aunt Millie” Elizabeth settles down to London life.

By chance the pair meet up again at a Ball. And Elizabeth finds out that the old lady she’s a companion for is Sin’s aunt! What are the chances of that? She watches as debutantes flirt with Sin…..

But will they decide on just staying friends? Or will they let their feelings for one another flourish and grow into something more?

I loved all of the characters in this book. Aunt Millie made me chuckle. We have a cute dog. And a mystery or two that needs solving, we also have someone else interested in Lizzie! But she’s not interested, will they take the hint and leave her alone? Sin and Lizzie are so cute together, she’s definitely a nurturer and he’s a dashing hero.

This is a sweet story, so nothing happens on the page.

I’m definitely interested in going back to read the previous books, and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B.🦋

From Here to Eternity (Moonlit Ridge Book 1) by AL Jackson-review

Posted on October 15, 2024 by Sandy

🩷From Here to Eternity (Moonlit Ridge Book 1) by AL Jackson-review🩷

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 15, 2024

I should have known everything was going to change when she walked into my tattoo shop…
Timid as hell and gorgeous to the extreme. I knew better than even thinking about touching a woman like that.

My life is dangerous.
My calling wicked.
Willing to cross any line to protect the innocent.

I thought I’d never see her again until my little boy tumbled and busted his lip, and I found her working at the doctor’s office.
The woman who’d taken possession of my thoughts.
When it becomes clear she’s in trouble, I offer up a deal.

Twenty questions to earn her trust.
Too bad trusting me is the last thing she should do.
With one kiss, I’m addicted. With one night, we’re falling into a passion greater than either of us has ever known.

The voices in my head warn I can never keep her. She can’t know the secret life I lead.
Only she’s keeping a secret, too.
And I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if it means losing everything…

••••

REVIEW:📚 From the author that brought us the masterpiece series that is Redemption Hill; A.L Jackson’s newest series is sure to be her best one yet.

From Here to Eternity is the first installment of her newest series; Moonlit Ridge, and all I can say is that it had me hooked from chapter one.

So much angst! The emotion in this book is truly what struck me the most, you could feel it coming off the pages from the characters as the plot unfolded. You truly could “cut the tension with a knife”

Charleigh has a dark past, one she is still running, one that if she stops to think about may consume her soul, one that no matter what she does always causes her to run again. Her life is grief, loneliness and fear, so much fear. Living under an assumed name, never staying anywhere too long, giving up so much of her life, only to live in constant fear. Until she settles into the smalltown of Moonlit Ridge. After settling in at her newest job, she finally acts on her deepest thoughts of getting a special tattoo. This is where she has her world tossed on its axis and meets River; the tattoo artist.

River is rough and tough, somewhat grumpy, single Dad. He has a thriving tattoo business with a years-long waitlist, a sister that he loves, a little boy that thinks the world of him, and a group of guys that may not be his blood brothers, but they are forged together by something more than that. All these things he will die and kill to protect, River is the definition of a morally gray hero. When Charleigh enters his shop, her presence strikes something so deep in his soul that he doesn’t know what to do, he is thunderstruck. When she tells him she wants a tattoo, and then shows him the design she wants, it’s that moment that (i think) their story really starts.

For what is being said is a slow burn romance, it sure didn’t feel like one. River and Charleigh have such a visceral, emotional connection that everytime they are together it feels like it’s the first time (as a reader). River is slow to earn Charleigh’s trust, but I think with the help of little Nolan and Raven, they bring her back into the light of happiness and hope. River has his own secret, (no spoilers!) one that he thinks will make Charleigh think twice about him, but it just makes him a better MMC. River is big, protective, and dangerous, but not to those that mean something to him, and think because of this, Charleigh learns to love.

These two are by far one of the best couples I have experienced, I very much wish I could read this book again for the first time. Having kids in romance books is a fav of mine, Nolan was as sweet as could be, and the later getting that big surprise was a “Holy Moly” moment, seeing a few past characters from Redemption Hills was also so awesome, knowing that they have a connect to the new guys is kind of like a little spoiler. All I can say for this book is that I screamed, I cried, I cursed, I smiled and I ended it happier than when I started it, thank you to Ms. Author for the experience.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

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A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

Website: www.aljacksonauthor.com

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