Tag Archives: Dark

SAVAGE COVENANT (Tainted Love) by Jade Marshall & Sofia Aves

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SAVAGE COVENANT (Tainted Love Prequel) by Jade Marshall & Sofia Aves-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 15, 2024

I walk into the job expecting to find broken souls and death. I don’t expect to leave with my newest obsession. The tiny woman who survived torment and terrors others don’t want to imagine. She curls into my arms like a delicate little orchid but she’s strong. So much has been taken from her, because I failed. And by God I’ll get it back. Because I fell for her that first night when I took her away from the place where she’d been left to die. The girl who won’t say anything, except to give me her name. The girl I love, who may never be able to love me back. Thalia.

•••••

REVIEW:  SAVAGE COVENANT is the prequel novella in the contemporary, adult TAINTED LOVE dark, erotic, organized crime duet, a part of the Gallo Mafia empire. SAVAGE COVENANT introduces Dominic Barese (Rafe Gallo’s right hand man) and Thalia.

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

Told from first person perspective (Dominic) SAVAGE COVENANT introduces the woman with whom Dom will fall in love. Dom, along with his boss Rafe Gallo, and their men rescued several woman from a human trafficking ring including the woman with whom Dom will fall in love but as the weeks pass, several of the women previously rescued are found dead, Dom is determined to protect the woman with whom he will fall in love.

SAVAGE COVENANT is a fast paced, quick read: a novella length story that set the stage for the Tainted Love Duet focusing on Dom and Thalia. The premise is dark and gritty; the characters are desperate and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Restless / Relentless:Death Dwellers MC by Kathryn C Kelly

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Restless / Relentless: The Legacy  Rises: Next Generation (Death Dwellers MC 3 & 4) by Kathryn C Kelly-reviews

RESTLESS: The Legacy Generation
(Death Dwellers MC : Bridge Series 2)
by Kathryn C Kelly
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, MC,

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 5, 2023

In the gripping second installment of the Death Dweller MC’s Legacy Series, “Restless,” CJ Caldwell finds himself facing more challenges and heartbreak than ever before.

Still grappling with a devastating family tragedy, CJ is now also dealing with the fractured relationship between him and his once-best friend, Harley. Her erratic behavior has not only destroyed their friendship, but it also threatens to unravel other important relationships in CJ’s life.

As CJ’s parents struggle with their own personal issues, the weight of responsibility falls heavily on CJ’s young shoulders. He must step up and take care of his siblings while navigating the complex dynamics of a broken family. But little does he know, danger lurks in the shadows, ready to pounce when he least expects it.

•••••

REVIEW: RESTLESS is the second instalment in Kathryn C Kelly’s contemporary, adult DEATH DWELLERS MC : THE LEGACY GENERATION dark, erotic, series focusing on the multi-generational membership in the Death Dwellers MC-a spinoff from the Death Dwellers MC. Most of the original couples and characters from the Death Dwellers MC series play significant role in the current timelines. I recommend reading the original series as well as RECKLESS book one of The Legacy Generation.

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

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives using present day, memories from the past , divided into Acts and Interludes RESTLESS follows several intersecting paths focusing on the dark and acrimonious relationships between family, friendships and the Death Dwellers MC. Although several of the characters are under sixteen years old, the entirety of the premise is intended for mature readers. While CJ Caldwell is torn between friendships and family, his story line bleeds and blends into the overarching premise, as the originals, the members, and the legacy fight for control at the top.

Secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, murder and abuse, obsession and madness are but a few of the significant conceptualizations throughout the story, in the end, deception and dishonesty are but the tip of the proverbial iceberg as club president Christopher ‘Outlaw’ Caldwell struggles to regain control. The detailed and complex premise is gritty, dark, raw. dramatic and tragic; the characters are numerous, flawed, destructive-there is nothing likeable about the majority of the characters; there is no romance to be found. RESTLESS ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Heed the trigger warnings-they are graphic and numerous.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one RECKLESS

__________

RELENTLESS: The Legacy Rises
(Death Dwellers MC, Bridge Series 3)
by Kathryn Kelly
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, MC,

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 14, 2024

In the gripping sequel to “Restless,” Christopher “Outlaw” Caldwell’s transformation into a devoted family man is put to the ultimate test. Once feared for his ruthlessness, he finds himself drifting further away from his notorious MC leader persona as he navigates the aftermath of his youngest child’s turbulent entrance into the world.

As Jo experiences a new set of challenges, he only spirals further, affecting everyone around him. Most especially his wife, Megan, who struggles to traverse her grief as she enters a new stage in her life while dealing with a hard-headed bully.Amidst this chaos, CJ, Outlaw and Meggie’s son, struggles to hold everything together as his parents falter. He has a hard time recognizing his developing feelings for a girl who isn’t Harley Banks, causing further complications in his already tumultuous life.

Meanwhile, Bash still lurks, and as his reign of terror continues, the kids of the MC learn what it means to be a Death Dweller. In this gritty and emotionally charged sequel, “Relentless” delves deeper into the complexities of family, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life within the MC world. Will Outlaw’s transformation be enough to protect those he loves, or will the past catch up with him, threatening to tear everything apart?

•••••

REVIEW: RELENTLESS: The Legacy Rises is the third instalment in Kathryn C Kelly’s contemporary, adult DEATH DWELLERS MC : BRIDGE SERIES dark, erotic, series focusing on the multi-generational membership in the Death Dwellers MC-a spinoff from the Death Dwellers MC. Most of the original couples and characters from the Death Dwellers MC series play a significant role in the current timelines. I recommend reading the original series as well as RECKLESS, and RESTLESS books one and two of The Legacy Generation.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including graphic violence and language, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers. Although several of the characters are under sixteen years old and control a major portion of the story line premise and conflict, the entirety of the premise is intended for mature readers.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives using present day and memories from the past, several acts and interludes, RELENTLESS, as did the previous instalments, continues to follow several intersecting paths focusing on the acrimonious friendships and relationships between the extended families, and members, of the Death Dwellers MC. As Christopher ‘Outlaw’ Caldwell and his wife Meggie continue to struggle with their own relationship since the early birth of their youngest daughter, there are many people behind the scenes focusing on taking the couple down but ultimately Meggie Caldwell for her connections to the past. Greed and jealousy are but the tip of the proverbial iceberg: no one is safe, betrayal is rampant and disheartening.

RELENTLESS is a dark, graphic, complex and detailed story focusing on many issues including graphic violence, discrimination, racism, mental instability and illness, psychotic breaks, emotional and physical infidelity. There is madness, anger, resentment and loss; betrayal, abuse, incest, vengeance and jealousy; mistrust and misunderstanding-most manipulated by actors behinds the scenes resulting in any number of fall-outs and accusations. The dysfunctionality of the Death Dwellers MC family is rife with any number of psychological terrors-the selfishness, secrets, lies and manipulations threaten the sanity of everyone involved.

A major portion of the story line follows the under eighteen (most under sixteen) extended family members-the legacy generation who are straddling the line between madness and mania. No one is likeable from child to adult, the amount of deceit is dangerous and alarming.

Once again, Heed the trigger warnings-they are graphic and numerous.

Copies supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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MONSTER BULLY by Sam Crescent-a review

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MONSTER BULLY by Sam Crescent-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 12, 2024

From the moment Grim looks at Eve, he knows he wants her. All of his life, he has only known true evil. It was why he was able to rise the ranks and become the man that he is today. No one dared to betray him. If they did, they only knew him to be cruel, a true monster—a bully.All she did was help a stranger. A man with a flat tire. One date turned into another, and now, she is married to the love of her life. Only, Grim is not who he says he is.

One year, Eve thought she was married to a respectable business man called Graham. He’s called Grim, and there is nothing good about him. She now knows the truth. He is a dangerous man, and she wants a divorce. The only problem is, she is still in love with him. He is no different from the man she married. Grim will not let her go without a fight. But while focusing on his wife, an enemy has risen up. When they threaten his wife, there is no holding back. He promised his wife he would protect her. Anyone who threatens her, will be dead.Will Eve be able to forgive and finally accept who her husband is?

•••••

REVIEW: MONSTER BULLY by Sam Crescent is a stand alone, dark, contemporary, adult, erotic, romance story line focusing on Grim and Eve.

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

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Eve and Grim) MONSTER BULLY follows the building relationship between our story line couple. Approximately one year earlier, Eve met Grim on the side of the road when his car broke down. Fast forward to present day wherein Eve is now married to the man she knows as Graham, a man with a dark past, and even darker secrets. A virtual prisoner of the man she loves, Eve struggles with her love for a man who lifestyle is questionable at best, and illegal at worst. What ensues is the rebuilding but contemptuous relationship between Grim and Eve, and the fall-out when Eve is targeted for Grim’s vigilante ways.

The world building is limited but there is enough detail to reveal the truth behind Grim’s actions and power. A crime lord/a killer/ a dealer and a savior, Graham aka Grim is a man of many titles but first and foremost, the man that Eve still loves.

The relationship between Eve and Grim begins with attraction and need but Eve is unaware of the reality of the situation, and that Grim is still controlling most of her life. Having fallen in love with a killer, Eve struggles with what was and what continues to be. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

The secondary and supporting characters are limited as their roles reveal the true nature of Grim’s work and persona.

MONSTER BULLY is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is thought-provoking and haunting; the romance is intense; the characters are desperate and edgy.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Hidden Obsession/Relentless Pursuit by Isabella Alexander-reviews

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Hidden Obsession/Relentless Pursuit (Boneless Redemption 1 & 2) by Isabella Alexander-review tour

FORBIDDEN OBSESSION
(Boneless Redemption 1)
by Isabella Alexander
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, dark, Mafia, romance

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 30, 2024

Dominic

Echos of my name were built on fear as an unquenchable thirst for vengeance guided my hand. I carved out my place in a world without mercy. Those who crossed my path begged for it, but I never gave it. My father said there’s no room for love in the dark, twisted corridors of my soul. Women were meant to be used for pleasure and never meet your acquaintance into the next day. He was right—until Penelope Cattaneo walked into my life. Her innocence should have repulsed me, clashed violently with the blood staining my hands. But instead, she became my singular obsession, a light I couldn’t extinguish even if it revealed the monstrous shadows I’d cast over my empire.

Penelope

They assumed I was just a girl, cocooned in my world of colors and dreams, untouched by the chilling reality of power and violence. But I’d seen things—heard things whispered in my parents’ home that stole the chill I should’ve felt when I ran into Dominic Lucas. He was my professor—a seemingly debonair man during the day, but after an encounter with him, I knew he was a nightmare dressed in Armani. Still, something ignited within me—an exhilarating fire dancing perilously close to alarm. He was a labyrinth with no exit. And yet, I wanted to lose myself in the enigma that was Dominic Lucas. And even as danger loomed like a promise, I couldn’t help but Could a monster ever love me, or would his passion consume us both?

••••••

REVIEW: FORBIDDEN OBSESSION is the first instalment in Isabella Alexander’s contemporary, adult BONELESS REDEMPTION dark ,erotic, Mafia romance duet focusing on heir to the Lucas Cosa Nostra Professor Dominic Lucas, and Penelope Cattaneo.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dominic and Penelope) FORBIDDEN OBSESSION follows the forbidden relationship between our story line couple. Dominic Lucas is professor and student advisor as well as the heir to the Lucas Cosa Nostra but Dominic has a dark and dangerous secret, a secret that is threatening the criminal underworld. Penelope Cattaneo is a student, a young woman who has set her sights on our story line hero but a woman whose own past is heart breaking and dark.As Penelope’s seduction of Dominic quickly turns into something more, the secrets and family history threaten the future for our story line couple. What ensues is the building but forbidden romance between Dominic and Penelope, and the potential fall out as an assassin is taking aim at the people in charge.

The world building follows Dominic as he is pulled deeper into the world of the Cosa Nostra. With his father still in charge, the animosity between capos and Dominic is threatening any sense of peace in the Lucas Cosa Nostra but Dominic has a secret that could be the biggest threat to all. Dominic’s relationship with Penelope may be threatening his ability to get the job done but Penelope is hiding a secret of her own, that may threaten any future with out story line hero

The relationship between Dominic and Penelope began several months earlier when our heroine attempted to seduce her student advisor. Desperate to know the who, what and why of Dominic Lucas, Penelope finds herself in a precarious position, pleading innocent when it comes to the world of the Cosa Nostra. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and powerful secondary and supporting characters including friends, family, and enemies, security and guards.

FORBIDDEN OBSESSION is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and relationships. The fast paced premise is dark and dramatic; the characters are dynamic and determined; the romance is seductive and intense. FORBIDDEN OBSESSION ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

__________

RELENTLESS PURSUIT
(Boneless Redemption 2)
by Isabella Alexander
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, dark, Mafia, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 14, 2024

Dominic Lucas:
I left her with no explanation, a calculated, cold dismissal meant to protect the one flicker of light in my world of shadows. My empire demanded brutality, a ceaseless cycle of violence and retribution. Yet every neck snapped in the night, and every deal struck in hushed tones became a haunting refrain whispering her name—Penelope. My self-imposed exile from her deepened the gnawing void within me until my peace hinged on stolen glances across crowded rooms and illicit moments tracking her from the periphery. She was my sanctuary, a dangerous paradox I could neither possess nor forget. I was on the edge of oblivion, and thoughts of her were the only tether to sanity I had left.

Penelope Cattaneo:
He banished me from his life like a phantom, staining the hopes and dreams I longed for with him. He thought his darkness could consume my light as if I were a moth carelessly spiraling into the flame. But what Dominic didn’t understand was I already knew the contours of his shadow; I had touched it, tasted it, and still wanted more. He was my dark fairytale, the enigma that held me captive even as he pushed me away. I saw him sometimes, lurking at the edge of my world—close enough to haunt me, possessive enough to touch. My heart yearned for him even as it bled because the cruel irony was even in his absence, Dominic Lucas remained my only refuge in a world I wanted no part of without him.

•••••

REVIEW: RELENTLESS PURSUIT is the second instalment in Isabella Alexander’s contemporary, adult BONELESS REDEMPTION dark ,erotic, Mafia romance duet focusing on heir to the Lucas Cosa Nostra Professor Dominic Lucas, and Penelope Cattaneo. RELENTLESS PURSUIT should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book one FORBIDDEN OBSESSION.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dominic and Penelope) RELENTLESS PURSUIT picks up after the cliff hanger of book one wherein Penelope Cattaneo’s life is about to change. Dominic Lucas is a man on a mission but in an effort to claim the throne at the top, Dominic will be forced into a union he does not want. Keeping his distance from the woman he loves, Dominic will discover that Penelope’s secrets may be as dark as his own. The past returns seeking vengeance, targeting Dominic in the process, and Penelope will find herself a pawn and a prisoner in a war at the top. What ensues is the continuing but fractured relationship between Dominic and Penelope, and the potential fall-out when vengeances takes aim at the Lucas Cosa Nostra.

The world building continues to focus on the criminal underworld, and the Lucas family fight to remain in control. More is revealed about Penelope’s family and background, a history that will send Dominic into a spiral.

The relationship between Penelope and Dominic continues to build but secrets and lies push Penelope from Dominic’s life. The past refuses to let go, targeting our story line couple but perceived betrayal threatens any chance for a happily ever after for Penelope and Dominic. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

Most of the previous story line characters return with the addition of several more. Some will survive while others will die, as the top Mafia families fight for control at the top.

RELENTLESS PURSUIT is a story of betrayal and revenge, secrets and lies, power and control, family and forgiveness, acceptance and love. The action packed premise is dramatic and intense; the romance is seductive; the characters are impassioned and charismatic.

I do have an issue with the author’s use of written ‘sound affects’ throughout the $ex scenes. The ‘sound affects’ are probably meant to produce a sense of reality but I found myself cringing at the attempts to simulate the sounds of $ex using the written word.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Ruby Tears (Jewelry Box 1) by Pepper Winters-review tour

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Ruby Tears (Jewelry Box 1) by Pepper Winters-review tour

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 12, 2024

“Ten thousand dollars.
That pitiful sum changed my entire life.
It bought my entire life.
A measly ten thousand dollars, given to my boyfriend by a monster to taste me.
He took it.
The monster took me.
And I never saw freedom again.”

I’m the illegitimate son of a monster.
My other half-blooded siblings have their own demons…but me?
I truly have the devil inside.
I try to be good.
To do my best to ignore the deep, dark, despicable urges.
But every day it gets harder.
I thought family could help.
I reached out to my infamous half-brother, Q, begging for his secrets to stay tamed.
Instead, he gave me an ultimatum to prove I’m not like our father.
Infiltrate The Jewelry Box: a trafficking ring of poor unfortunate souls, kill the Master Jeweler, free the Jewels, and don’t lose my rotten soul while trying.
Only problem is…my initiation into this exclusive club is earning a Jewel all of my own.
She sparkles like diamonds, bleeds like rubies, and bruises as deep as emeralds.
She’s mine to break.
I can’t refuse.
If I want to prove to my half-brother that I’m not like our sire, I have to sink into urges I’ve always fought, plunge into madness, and lose myself so deeply into sin that the only one who will be breaking is me.

•••••

REVIEW:RUBY TEARS is the first instalment in Pepper Winters’ contemporary, adult THE JEWELRY BOX dark, erotic, romance series set in the author’s MONSTERS IN THE DARK world .This is twenty-nine year old, Henri Ward, and Ily’s story line. Henri Ward is the half-brother to Q Mercer (Monsters in the Dark).

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Henri and Ily) RUBY TEARS focuses on Henri Ward’s need to know about the family history, and acceptance by his brother Q. Tasked with infiltrating a trafficking ring known as The Jewelry Box, Henri must first seduce a potential jewel, a woman be trained, to be broken, to be claimed as his own. Enter Ily, the woman whom Henri is desperate to save but Henri’s predilections and proclivities are dangerous and dark, and Henri is about to discover just how far down he is willing to dig to bring the monster out to play.

RUBY TEARS introduces the players, the Masters, the slaves and the cruelty of men who are willing to do anything to appease their sexual appetites. Pepper Winters pulls the reader into the darkness, the depravity of the twisted mind, as she slowly reveals the who, how and why of The Jewelry Box, and the captured souls known as ‘the jewels’. The premise is dark, dramatic and intense; the characters are desperate and broken. RUBY TEARS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Take heed of the triggers warnings-they are dark and numerous.

 

NOTE: There is a FREE prequel novella THE MERCER CURSE introduces Q’s half brother Henri Ward (see below)

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

THE MERCER CURSE
Ruby Tears .5
by Pepper Winters
Release Date: February 11, 2024
Genre: dark, erotic, adult

ebook FREE: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

REVIEW: THE MERCER CURSE is a contemporary adult novella in Pepper Winter’s RUBY TEARS dark, erotic, romance series. THE MERCER CURSE introduces Q’s half brother Henri Ward, a young man looking for help from the darkness within.

THE MERCER CURSE is a fast paced, dark, and thought provoking introduction to THE MERCER CURSE by Pepper Winters

Own a copy

Pepper Winters is a multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller.

After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 Apple Books bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Romance Thriller.

Pepper currently has close to 40 books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists almost 40 times, is a self-confessed hermit, yoga convert, has a house rabbit, six horses, and a long suffering husband.

To learn more about Pepper please visit: www.pepperwinters.com where she regularly posts videos of behind the scenes writing, horses, books, and more.

STALK Pepper: Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads / Amazon Author / Instagram / Bookbub / Verve

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RAZOR (Reaper’s Rejects MC 19) by Elizabeth Knox-review

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RAZOR (Reaper’s Rejects MC 19) by Elizabeth Knox-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 February 28, 2024

All I wanted was one taste, but one taste is all it took.

Razor

I finally found a home to call my own as a VP for the Reapers Rejects MC’s Mexican charter. It’s the first place I’ve spent an extended period of time at since I was in my early twenties.

But, I still get cabin fever. It’s why my Prez sends me out on runs to the States numerous times a year.

I usually make a pit stop at our Vegas charter, but this time I had business in LA. Where better to stay than one of the club’s allies—the Satan’s Raiders MC.

It was a surprise running into Oakleigh again, but it was even more surprising when I saw her dancing on a pole at a local strip club.

I should have gotten up and walked out, knowing damn well I shouldn’t have stayed. I debated it as she sashayed over to me and offered me a lap dance. I could have said no, but I didn’t, and that ‘yes’ started it all.

She was barely nineteen and the club would hang me if they knew.

Then again, the best fruit is always forbidden.

••••••

REVIEW: RAZOR is the nineteenth instalment in Elizabeth Knox’s contemporary, adult REAPER’S REJECTS erotic, MC romance series. This is nomad turned VP for the Reapers Rejects MC’s Mexican charter Ricardo Alejandro ‘Razor’ Ramirez, and Oakleigh Michelle Mahon’s story line. RAZOR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Oakleigh is the daughter of Hammer #18. RAZOR crosses over with some of the events and characters of the author’s SATAN’S RAIDERS MC series.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers. If you have not read any of the previous instalments, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Razor and Oakleigh) RAZOR follows the visit of Razor Ramirez to the Satan’s Raiders MC, a visit that will culminate with Oakleigh Mahon’s acceptance of our story line hero. Oakleigh Mahon has been struggling in the months since an attack against the Satan’s Raiders MC left our heroine fighting for her life. In an effort to become independent without the help of the MC, and to hide a life she was hoping to forget, Oakleigh finds herself dancing for money, and masking the pain with illegal drugs. Enter Razor Ramirez, the man with whom Oakleigh will fall in love. Razor knows his time in Vegas is coming to a close, and in an effort to save the life of the woman that has capture his heart, Razor makes Oakleigh an offer she does not refuse. What ensues is the building relationship in Mexico between Razor and Oakleigh, and the potential fall-out as Oakleigh’s father refuses to accept Razor in his daughter’s life.

The world building focuses on recovery and acceptance, addiction and acceptance. Scared to tell her father about her move to Mexico or her downward spiral, Oakleigh takes off with Razor, and finds herself a place to call home.

The relationship between Oakleigh and Razor begins as friendship that will quickly turn into something more. Razor is desperate to protect Oakleigh from the demons that have taken hold, and Oakleigh wants something more than to be wounded victim of a vendetta attack. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate .

There is a large ensemble cast of coloful, energetic and dynamic secondary and supporting characters from both the Reaper’s Rejects MC and Satan’s Raiders MC including Oakleigh’s father Hammer, his wife Shiloh, and Oakleigh’s aunt Jada; Python, Reaper’s Rejects MC president Amara and her husband Dante, as well as the introduction of several new prospects. Python’s story line is next

RAZOR is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and anger, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is dramatic and intense; the romance is provocative; the characters are determined and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Mercy in Betrayal by Vi Carter / ER Whyte-review tour

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Mercy in Betrayal (Son of the Mafia 4) by Vi Carter / ER Whyte-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 March 7, 2024

The is my prize and my penance…my obsession and possession.

I want to shake the hand of the person who gunned down my father. He was a rotten b*stard.
It’s just a pity I didn’t get to take his life myself.
Now, with my father gone, I am the new Don of the Scarpetta family.

A don’s murder requires retribution, though, and when I take my rightful place, the means presents itself.
She’s small, innocent, and kept locked away by her brother Cassidy.
I’m all about force and brutality, and I like to take what is mine. But even I can’t just snatch the Princess from the head of the Irish mafia.

No. I must woo her out of her cage, only to trap her in one of my own.
This little bird wants to fly…and for some reason I want to show her all the sky has to offer.

Even if it causes war between every mafia family in NYC.

•••••

REVIEW:MERCY IN BETRAYAL is the fourth instalment in the contemporary, adult SONS OF THE MAFIA dark, erotic, crime world romance series co-authored by Vi Carter and ER Whyte. This is Don Enzo Scarpetta, and Irish Mob princess Rowan O’Rourke’s story line. MERCY IN BETRAYAL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing theme throughout.

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

If you have not read the previous instalments, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Enzo and Rowan) with a final chapter from Vivi, MERCY IN BETRAYAL follows in the wake of Enzo Scarpetta’s ascension to Don. The murder of his father and brother places Enzo on the proverbial throne of the Scarpetta Crime Family. With the approach of his sister Carina’s wedding to Luca Marzano (Enemies in Ruin 3), and the potential for war with the Five ruling families, Enzo Scarpetta finds himself facing a dilemma when a strong suggestion from the Romanov Bratva forces Enzo to consider claiming the hand of our story line heroine. Single, innocent and struggling with the demons from her past, Irish Mob princess Rowan O’Rourke is ripe for the picking but is about to discover that Enzo’s seduction is shrouded in secrets and lies. With the constant chatter and push from Ivan Romanov, Enzo learns that the ultimate betrayal may come from someone he knows, someone within the family organization. What ensues is the building relationship between Enzo and Rowan, and the potential fall-out when a fight for power takes aim at the ruling Five Families.

The world building is, once again, complex and intricate, as a struggle for control threatens the people at the top when other factors and families violently demand their place in power. Enzo Scarpetta has been thrown to the proverbial wolves with the murder of his father and brother, and in this, there are others who know more than he could have ever imagined.

The relationship between Enzo and Rowan begins as a seduction when Enzo targets our story line heroine. Rowan is completely unaware of Enzo’s criminal connections, and in this, she will discover, that an affair with Enzo means the possibility of another betrayal. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and aggressive.

There is another large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters Rowan’s brother Cassidy and his wife Evie: Enzo’s sister Carina and her husband Luca, as well as several members of the Irish, Italian and Russian Crime families.

MERCY IN BETRAYAL is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is detailed, twisted and tragic; the romance is spicy, seductive and provocative; the characters are determined, stubborn and spirited. MERCY IN BETRAYAL ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Sins of the Mafia
Vengeance in Blood
Enemies in Ruin
Redemption in Cruelty

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Haven’t started the series? The prequel novella-SINS OF THE MAFIA is FREE at these retailers: –>  Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

VI CARTER: When Vi Carter isn’t writing contemporary & dark romance books, that feature the mafia, are filled with suspense, and take you on a fast paced ride, you can find her reading her favorite authors, baking, taking photos or watching Netflix.

Married with two children, Vi divides her time between motherhood and all the other hats she wears as an Author.

She has declared herself a coffee & chocolate addict! Do not judge

AUTHOR LINKS

Newsletter and FREE book / Website / Facebook/Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / Goodreads

ER WHYTE: E.R. Whyte is a multi-genre author, writing contemporary and new adult romance under E.R. Whyte, reverse harem romance under Evie Rae, and sweet romance under Elle Rae Whyte. Although it would no doubt make life easier to simply choose a genre, she loves romance in all its forms too much to ever do that.

She’s a simple girl at heart, living in a teeny-tiny Virginia town and spending her time finding herself, catering to various fur babies, and indulging her reading, writing, and photography habits. She loves being alone, bananas foster, and Pepsi.

Whyte worked as a high school English teacher for around a decade before she decided she really wanted more time to devote to her family and other fun stuff. Now she thinks up new ways to make tacos on Tuesday, explores the Marvel universe with childish enthusiasm, and spends entirely too much time on the computer.
Life is good.

AUTHOR LINKS: Facebook/ TikTok

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Grim (Havoc of Sins 1) by JL Drake-review tour

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Grim (Havoc of Sins 1) by JL Drake-review tour

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

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204591208-grim

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 5,2024

Many sins lay in the creases of my hands. Darkness and corruption are part of my life.
After hints from my brother that all is not right with the family business, I leave Mexico and return to Vegas. I have a responsibility to protect what’s ours, no matter the price or who gets in the way. Those who don’t fall in line will soon realize why I’m called The Vegas Reaper.

I demand order and obedience, so when I come head-to-head with our beautiful new hire, I’m faced with an unusual challenge, one that infuriates yet intrigues me.

When my hotel goes up in flames, my anger flares along with it. I pull on my cut and join The Devils Reach. The desert ride pays off, but there’s more at play here than I ever imagined, and I’m caught in a chess game of power from an unseen force. Deception, secrets, and chaos threaten my world. Could our new hire hold the key to it all?

Warning: This story is meant to be read in the reading order that can be found in my Amazon bio and website. There is a heavy crossover from my Devil’s Reach Trilogy through the Quiet Mafia Series, and my Dark Water Series, where Grim is first introduced.

••••••

REVIEW:GRIM is the first instalment in JL Drake’s contemporary, adult HAVOC OF SIN dark, erotic romance series, a cross over with the author’s Devil’s Reach Trilogy, Quiet Mafia Series, and the Dark Water Series. This is Las Vegas businessman and Devil’s Reach MC member Grimson ‘Grim’ Gates, and hostess Kenna Tame-Lodge.

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

Told from three first person perspectives (Grim, Kenna, Simon) GRIM follows in the wake of the return to Las Vegas of Grim ‘Grim’ Gates. As part of the billion dollar hotel and casino business, Grim Gates return to Las Vegas is quickly followed by betrayal and trouble, trouble in the form of our heroine, Kenna Lodge, a young, abrasive and determined hostess who knows how to seal the deal, and get things done but all is not well in the high stakes games that control the criminal underground of Las Vegas, death and destruction are about to wreak havoc in the lives of Kenna and Grim . What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Kenna and Grim, and the fall-out as Kenna is targeted for the sins of someone else.

The world building is detailed and busy. There are several big name and big game players both entering and leaving Las Vegas, and in this, Kenna finds herself on the precipice of losing it all. Grim suspects betrayal by someone he knows, yet when the players begin to surface, all bets are off except protecting the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The relationship between Kenna and Grim is tempestuous at best/ Kenna is hard headed, reckless, defiant, stubborn and plays a somewhat risky game of cat and mouse but she has met her match in Grimson Gates. Grimson doesn’t do relationships, yet he wants something more from our story line heroine, a woman who is pushing all of his buttons and more. As Grim and Kenna’s relationship becomes more personal, someone else is watching from the sidelines waiting to destroy them all. Grim is dangerous and dark, bossy and demanding, and in this, his reputation precedes his introduction to everyone he meets. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and questionable secondary and supporting characters, many of whom were introduced in the Devil’s Reach trilogy including Brick and Minnie; Trigger and Tess., Rail and Morgan. We are introduced to Grim’s brothers Knox, Leo, and their parents Laurel and Jim; Jim’s attorney Cameron Tame aka Kenna’s father, and her sister Calli; Manager Jayden Wallace; PI Simon Gable; chef Dale, and Grim’s right hand man Jesse. The requisite evil has many faces including the Mexican Cartel, Vegas Mafia, local gangs, and someone very close to our story line couple.

GRIM is a dark, gritty and complex story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, power and control, dysfunctional family dynamics. The premise is edgy, raw, detailed and haunting; the characters are animated and charismatic; the romance is spicy and lively. GRIM ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

J.L. Drake is a bestselling author with multiple series published in several different countries. The Broken Trilogy is her best seller, and her next series, Quiet Mafia, has the same kind of homey feel sprinkled with some yummy darkness. 

She was born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, later moving to southern California. Though she loves the weather in Cali, she would sell her left kidney for a good rainstorm. Jodi’s love of the seasons back home in Canada definitely put in an appearance in her books.

When she’s not writing, you can often find her sitting somewhere along the coast of Huntington Beach, reading, or at home curled up on a couch with her two children and husband, binge watching Marvel movies.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Website / Goodreads / Facebook /  Instagram/

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