Tag Archives: Deborah Cooke

Kiss of Enchantment (Darkfire Chronicles1)by Deborah Cooke-review

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Kiss of Enchantment (Darkfire Chronicles 1) by Deborah Cooke-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 7, 2023

The ancient magic of darkfire scorches the history of the Pyr, dragon shifters sworn to defend the treasures of the earth, spreading chaos in its wake. Periodically commanded by Pyr with the rare ability to hold it in thrall, blue-green darkfire burns with relentless power through the centuries, shattering boundaries and provoking change. The Darkfire Chronicles tell the stories of those Pyr illuminated by darkfire’s spark.

One kiss will unveil the secrets of the past…

Cast through time with his fellow Dragon Legion Warriors, Orion follows the spark of his firestorm, the sign of his destined mate’s presence. Only when he’s left behind, alone in a different time, does he discover the darkfire’s deception. His firestorm might be a feint, but the woman touched by its golden radiance is one who could capture Orion’s heart forever. When Slayers attack, Orion is determined to defend her and her secrets, no matter the price to himself.

Grad student Francesca is more interested in her career and research than in getting married. But then, she’s never met a man like Orion, a fierce protector whose presence ignites an undeniable desire within her—although the seductive power of his kiss isn’t the only thing Francesca can’t explain. Orion also creates a glow inside the vase said to contain the voice of the Cumaean Sibyl. When that light is released, Francesca hears the voice of the past and is revealed as Orion’s destined mate—making her the Slayers’ target.

On the run, Orion and Francesca join forces to solve the Sibyl’s last riddle. Will success provide the key to their shared future? Or will the unpredictable darkfire snatch Orion away as abruptly as he arrived—along with Francesca’s memories of the dragon shifter who has claimed her heart? How much will either of them sacrifice to save their their unborn son and defend their future together?

•••••

REVIEW:KISS OF ENCHANTMENT is the first instalment in Deborah Cooke’s adult DARKFIRE CHRONICLES paranormal/fantasy series, a spin-off from the author’s DRAGON LEGION novellas (The Dragon Legion Collection / Dragonfire 9), set in the DRAGONFIRE world. This is dragon Pyr Orion, and grad student Francesca Marino’s story line. KISS OF ENCHANTMENT can be read as a stand alone but for back story, cohesion and enjoyment, I recommend reading THE DRAGON LEGION COLLECTION.

Told from numerous omniscient third person perspectives including Francesca and Orion, using several timelines, and Greek and Roman mythology, KISS OF ENCHANTMENT follows Orion, a member of the Dragon Legion Pyr, who along with his fellow warriors go where the Darkfire crystal needs them to be. Each member of their group ventures off toward their Firestorm and a new adventure, each is taken to another time and place. 1972 brings together Orion with the woman he believes to be his intended mate but nothing is as it appears to be, and Orion must face down two slayers, who are determined to take what doesn’t belong. Orion’s attraction to Francesca is tempered by secrets from the past, a past that is determined to reclaim a place in the present. What ensues is the building relationship between Orion and Francesca, and the potential fall-out as Orion’s time in the past threatens to destroy the beginnings of a lifelong affair.

The world building continues to focus on the Pyr, their struggle with the group known as the slayers, and the search for their fated mates. As each Firestorm announces the nearness of their mates, the Pry must face off against the slayers, who are determined to destroy the woman chosen by the gods to bring forth the next generation.

The relationship between Orion and Francesca is one of immediate attraction. Orion believes Francesca is his chosen mate but all is not as it is supposed to be as Orion discovers Francesca is hiding a secret, a secret that refuses to remain in the past. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Several of the original Pyr return as each recognizes the arrival of another Firestorm but each Pyr struggle with the possibility of who or why, fate will threaten the Firestorm in both the past and the present. We are introduced to slayers Magnus Montmorency and Sigmund.

KISS OF ENCHANTMENT is awash in the reimagining of Greek and Roman mythology intertwined with the history of the shapeshifting Pyr. The premise is detailed, complex and entertaining; the characters are magical and charismatic; the romance is subtle and fated.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

If you haven’t started the interconnected series, ebook one KISS OF FIRE in the Dragonfire series is FREE

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Just the Wrong Twin by Deborah Cooke-a review

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Just the Wrong Twin (Flatiron Five Fitness 8) by Deborah Cooke-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release date November 24, 2021.

Sonia is ready to take a chance…
It’s ten years since she reclaimed her life and it’s time to celebrate. When boy-next-door Nate Buchanan arrives looking hot and dangerous at Jacquie and Pierce’s wedding, Sonia hears invitation knocking. Bringing Nate home might turn out to be the smartest impulse she’s ever had—Mr. Right-Now might even be a contender for Mr. Right. But then Sonia’s secrets start to reveal themselves—with the help of her troublemaking twin sister—and her past threatens to ruin their chance of a future.

Nate won’t miss his chance…
Ex-Marine and former weightlifting coach Nate is ready to start fresh. He’s got a new job, a new car and a new chance to make his life what he wants it to be. No more looking back at what he’s left behind. One last visit to Flatiron Five Fitness and it’s goodbye, Manhattan—until gorgeous Sonia propositions him. Nate knows he can’t give Sonia the forever-after she wants, but he can make their night together one to remember. Once he discovers that Sonia has scars deeper than his own, Nate wants to defend her—even though experience has taught him to expect nothing more than the moment. Can Sonia’s trust help him heal from the wounds of the past and take a chance on the future again?

•••••••

REVIEW:JUST THE WRONG TWIN is the eighth instalment in Deborah Cooke’s contemporary, adult FLATIRON FIVE FITNESS romance series. This is therapist/yoga instructor Sonia Olson, and ex-Marine/weight lifting coach turned security specialist Nate Buchanan’s story line. JUST THE WRONG TWIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives including Nate and Sonia JUST THE WRONG TWIN follows in the months after Sonia was humiliated by her twin sister Katia, at a F5F party. Katia had pretended to be our story line heroine, and seduced the man that had caught Sonia’s eye. Fast forward several months wherein Sonia and Nate would reconnect at Pierce and Jacquie’s nuptials (Just One Silver Fox 7), and a friendship/friends with benefits relationship would bloom but Nate was about to start a new position in Boston, leaving his Flatiron Five Fitness family, and Sonia behind. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Sonia and Nate, and the potential fall-out as the past tries to reconnect with our leading couple.

Sonia Olson is not the person she used to be, and it is Sonia’s turn to take control of her life. With the help of the staff at F5F, Sonia will start a yoga podcast, a podcast that will get her notice but notice from the wrong people may send our heroine into a tailspin. Nate Buchanan has loved and lost, and in this our hero believes, there will never be anyone ever again. When Sonia professes her love for our hero, Nate struggles to address the demons from his past.

The relationship between Nate and Sonia is a frenemies to lovers in which Nate wants nothing to do with any type of forever or commitment. Moving out of state, starting a new job, Nate finds himself constantly thinking about the woman he left behind. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples. We are introduced to Sonia’s twin sister Katia, and her friends Tommy and Nate; their parents, as well as Nate’s sister Diane.

JUST THE WRONG TWIN is a story of betrayal, family, relationships, friendships and love. The character driven premise is energetic and encouraging; the characters are animated, sensitive and dynamic; the romance is edgy and provocative.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Just One Fake Date
Just One More Time
Just One Night Together
Just One Hometown Hero (Some Guys Have All the Luck)
Just One Second Chance (Bad Case of Loving You)
Just Home for the Holidays
Just One Silver Fox

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

Haven’t started the series? Get book one JUST ONE FAKE DATE -FREE- at most ebook retailers
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

 

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Just One Silver Fox by Deborah Cooke-a review

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JUST ONE SILVER FOX (Flatiron Five Fitness 7) by Deborah Cooke

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About the book : Release Date February 25, 2021

Jacquie Morgan is an open book…
Married young and widowed soon after, Jacquie can’t remember a time that she wasn’t defending and protecting someone. When her baby goes to college and her nest is empty, she decides to indulge herself. Attending the F5F Valentine’s Day “come disguised as your favorite superhero” party seems like the perfect solution—but the better one is taking “Superman” home for the night, knowing exactly who is behind the mask.

Pierce Aston has a hidden past…
It’s a history he’d rather forget, so Pierce is building himself a new life, with no commitments or responsibilities. F5F club provides a perfect place to find his new balance, with the bonus opportunity to admire kickboxing queen and human resources manager, Jacquie. Going to a party in disguise is right in his toolbox, as is a covert mission for seduction—but being with Jacquie is far more addictive than Pierce expects. When she decides to help him by unravelling his secrets, will Pierce be able to deny his perceptive new lover, even to defend those he is sworn to protect?

••••••••••

REVIEW: JUST ONE SILVER FOX is the seventh instalment in Deborah Cooke’s contemporary, adult FLATIRON FIVE FITNESS erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women who work for the exclusive Flatiron Five Fitness. This is forty-five year old, human resources manager, widow and mother Jacquie Morgan, and forty-eight year old, former Navy SEAL Pierce Aston’s story line. JUST ONE SILVER FOX can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jacquie and Pierce) JUST ONE SILVER FOX follows the building romance and relationship between forty-five year old, human resources manager and widow Jacquie Morgan, and forty-eight year old, former Navy SEAL Pierce Aston. Twenty years earlier, a then twenty five year old Jacquie Morgan was widowed and left a single mother to four children under the age of four. In the ensuing time Jacquie worked to support her children, never having time to focus on any other relationship believing she had found the love of her life, and then lost. Meeting former Navy SEAL Pierce Aston, a member at Flatiron Five Fitness where she works as their human resources manager, gave our heroine pause but Jacquie refused to cross the line between $ex and romance, leaving Pierce Aston struggling in the wake of their one-night stand. Lonely for company Jacquie continues to give our hero mixed signals as it pertains to their building relationship and in this Pierce refuses to be Jacquie’s play thing, if only for awhile. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Jacquie and Pierce, and the potential fall-out as Jacquie’s heart has hardened to another happily ever after, pushing Pierce out of her life.

Pierce Aston has done it all, and finds it difficult adjusting to civilian life. Constantly pulled back into the world of military security, Pierce knows that to move on with his life, he is going to have to set up shop, and locate the men and women he knows and trust but falling for Jacquie Morgan was never in the plans, and said woman was refusing to accept there was something more than a one-night stand.

The relationship between Pierce and Jacquie is one of immediate attraction but Jacquie makes it clear she wants nothing more than $ex from out story line hero. Having raised four children to be successful adults, Jacquie was refusing to settle down in the wake of the demons from her past controlling the emotional fall-out of the present. Pierce Aston tired of the mixed signals, walks away, but not before professing one last time where his heart belonged. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including all four of Jacquie’s now adult children; several members of the Flatiron Five Fitness family, as well as former security specialists who have worked with our hero in the past. Here’s hoping the author has plans for a spin off series focusing on Pierce Aston and SILVER FOX SECURITY.

JUST ONE SILVER FOX is a story of second chances, of a sort, for one woman who struggles to move on from the past. The character driven premise is realistic, inviting and inspiring; the characters are edgy and spirited; the romance is intimate, provocative and seductive.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

Haven’t started the series? Get book one JUST ONE FAKE DATE -FREE- at most ebook retailers
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

 

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Dragon’s Mate (DragonFate 4) by Deborah Cooke-a review

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Dragon’s Mate (DragonFate 4) by Deborah Cooke-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 24, 2020

Dragon shifter Hadrian has always thought a sweet mortal maiden would suit him best, so is astonished when the spark of the firestorm leads him to a warrior Swan Maiden—and one intent upon killing him. He doesn’t care if the firestorm is faked or not—the spark has led him to a fierce and alluring woman who claims his heart immediately. Rania hates dragons above all other creatures and would willingly sacrifice the Pyr to Maeve—even though Hadrian and his firestorm are almost powerful enough to make her forget her own convictions. Hadrian needs her help and promises to make the effort worth her while—Rania finds his arguments persuasive but fears she’s been beguiled by his potent touch? When Maeve catches them together in the realm of the Dark Fae, only trust and teamwork can see them both saved. Will Rania believe in their shared destiny and the promise of the firestorm in time?

••••••

REVIEW:DRAGON’S MATE is the fourth instalment in Deborah Cooke’s contemporary, adult DRAGONFATE paranormal, romance series focusing on the DragonFate Warriors –a spin off from the author’s Dragonfire series. This is blacksmith and dragon shifter Hadrian, and Swan Maiden/assassin Rania Hingston’s story line. DRAGON’S MATE can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is a continuing premise throughout. Several characters from the Dragonfire series cross over for familiarity and cohesion.

SOME BACKGROUND: In the aftermath of the Dragon’s Tail War wherein the Pyr defeated the Slayers , the dragons now face a new foe in the guise of Maeve, the Dark Queen of the Fae. Maeve believes shifters and vampires, any species that is half-human, half-mythological creature are abominations, impure creatures, tainted beings, and therefore must be annihilated and destroyed leaving only the Fae and human beings to walk the earth.

Told from several third person perspectives following several intersecting paths, using present day and stories from the past DRAGON’S MATE follows Swan maiden and assassin Rania Hingston as she is tasked with killing thirteen ‘Others’ in an effort to release her brothers from their magick-induced prison. Maeve, the Dark Queen of the Fae, has trapped Rania’s brothers in their swan-shifted state, and Rania has made a deal with Maeve to free her brothers, for a price-thirteen lives for thirteen lives. Rania’s final target is a member of the Pyr, an ancient dragon shifter but our heroine has no idea that the dragon she has chosen is actually her fated ‘dragonfire’ mate. Enter emerald and silver dragon Hadrian, the man with whom Rania will fall in love. What ensues is the acrimonious and tempestuous relationship between Rania and Hadrian, as our hero struggles to prove to Rania that they are destined for all eternity while the shifter world around them begins to implode. Maeve is determined to destroy all of the abominations she deems beneath the Fae, and in doing so wipes out entire packs and covens in her need for power and control.

DRAGON’S MATE is an infinitely detailed and complex story that follows several plotlines all converging in an effort to destroy the Dark Queen of the Fae. Magically enhanced by the woman she believed was much more than a mother-type figure, Rania has gone on a centuries long killing spree in an effort to free her brothers from Maeve’s magical control but our heroine will soon discover that Maeve’s promises are not worth anything, and Rania’s killing spree has done nothing but bring guilt and grief to those that survived.

Deborah Cooke reveals our couples’ backstories, their family histories, losses and loves, setting a foundation for what happened and why. Both Hadrian and Rania’s families had been cursed by magick, and with it the loss of families and friendships for an eternity ensued. The detailed premise is heart breaking, engrossing, dramatic and intense; the characters are numerous, energetic, and impassioned; the romance is seductive and edgy. Deborah Cooke closes one series ARC but leaves the story line open ended-I am not sure what the author has planned for the numerous characters whose stories have yet to be told.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Maeve’s Book of Beasts
Dragon’s Kiss
Dragon’s Heart

Copy supplied for review

reviewed by Sandy

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Dragon’s Heart (DragonFate #3) by Deborah Cooke-a review

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Dragon’s Heart (DragonFate #3) by Deborah Cooke-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 11, 2020

Her kiss will rock his world…

Dragon shifter Rhys believes in what he can hold in his talons. A chef with his own restaurant, he is organized, practical, and distrusts surprises. When his firestorm sparks in the realm of Fae, he’s sure it’s an illusion created by the Dark Queen and a trap. Even though he wants a partner and family again more than anything else, Rhys isn’t going to be seduced by a fake destined mate—even if the kiss of that beautiful selkie melts his very soul and is one temptation he can’t resist…

Selkie Lila learned long ago that her independence is her most precious possession. But Rhys challenges everything she believes to be true about mortals—he defends her right to choose, even at his own peril, and that’s more seductive than Lila wants to admit. Is it just a trick to convince her to bear his son? Or is this Pyr warrior as honorable as he appears to be?

When an ancient and evil dragon prince joins forces with the Dark Queen to eliminate both the Pyr and the selkies, Rhys and Lila must work together to save their kinds—and each other. When they plunge into unknown realms with only each other to rely upon, will their combined abilities be enough to triumph—or will they have to surrender more for their unborn son and the chance of a future together?

••••••

REVIEW:DRAGON’S HEART is the third instalment in Deborah Cooke’s contemporary, adult DRAGONFATE paranormal, romance series focusing on the DragonFate Warriors –a spin off from the author’s Dragonfire series. This is chef and dragon shifter Rhys, and selkie Lila’s story line. DRAGON’S HEART can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is a continuing premise throughout. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s Dragons of Incendium series.

SOME BACKGROUND: In the aftermath of the Dragon’s Tail War wherein the Pyr defeated the Slayers , the dragons now face a new foe in the guise of Maeve, the Dark Queen of the Fae. Maeve believes shifters and vampires, any species that is half-human, half-mythological creature are abominations, impure creatures, tainted beings, and therefore must be annihilated and destroyed leaving only the Fae and human beings to walk the earth.

Told from several third person perspectives including Rhys and Lila, DRAGON’S HEART is an infinitely detailed story line that follows numerous paths including dragon shifter Rhys as he comes into his dragonfire knowing his mate is near but all is not well when said mate, a selkie named Lila, follows the mythology of the selkie, refusing to settle down or raise a child conceived by dragonfire. As Rhys struggles to prove he is worthy of his dragonfire and a son, Maeve, the Dark Queen, sets her sights on finding the ‘gem of the hoard’, a gem capable of bequeathing Maeve with infinite powers but Maeve isn’t the only powerful being focusing on the gem, an ancient dragon shifter also takes aim the ultimate prize. As the once powerful dragons slowly fall victim to Maeve and her spells, Rhys and Lila must find a way into Fae in an effort to free their friends, and take down the Dark Queen and the power she pulls.

Meanwhile, Lila has been targeted by the King Under the Seas, a powerful selkie who is desperate to keep the selkie line pure. With her best friend caught in a powerful charm, succumbing to the King’s power, Lila knows to save Rhys, she will have to surrender to the King, against her will.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters from Fae and vampire, selkie, witches and dragons. As Maeve slowly destroys the remaining members of thirteen species, focusing on ridding the world of the dragonkind. Rhys and Lila must fight to save their son, or risk losing themselves in the land of the Fae.

DRAGON’S HEART is a passionate and detailed story that recounts several histories and the mythology of magic beginning with the selkie, and the origins of the dragons on Earth. We are up close and personal as Eithne, an ancient witch, recounts the comprehensive history of the species; and as Lila recites the exhaustive mythology of the Selkie, the gem of the hoard, and the Isle of the Blessed. The premise is exciting, dramatic and intense; the romance is emotional and seductive; the characters numerous, edgy and animated.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book two DRAGON KISS

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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DRAGON’S KISS (DragonFate #1) by Deborah Cooke-a review

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DRAGON’S KISS (DragonFate #1) by Deborah Cooke-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 10 2019

Her kiss could be his doom…

When dragon-shifter Kristofer feels his firestorm ignite, he eagerly follows its spark to his destined mate. To his surprise, the heat leads him to a Valkyrie intent on claiming his soul. Even so, Kristofer has never met a woman as alluring as the fierce warrior before him. Trusting in the firestorm, he must convince her to fight with him instead of against him.

Trading the life of a dragon shifter for that of her sister Valkyrie is an easy choice for Bree…until she meets Kristofer. Experience taught her that dragons are evil, but in him she sees a bold and noble warrior. Finding his confidence as irresistible as his touch, Bree fears she is being tricked into abandoning her sister. But how can she take Kristofer’s life when his very presence makes her burn with desire?

When they’re compelled to join forces, Kristofer seizes the chance to convince Bree that they’re stronger together. Yet as a sinister plan unfolds, an ancient dragon is roused from his slumber. With danger closing in, can Kristofer convince Bree to surrender her immortality for their forbidden love? Or will Bree’s distrust of dragons prove justified?

•••••••••

REVIEW:  DRAGON’S KISS is the first full-length instalment in Deborah Cooke’s adult DRAGONFATE paranormal/fantasy / mythological romance series-a spin off from the author’s Dragonfire series. This is dragon shifter Kristofer, and Valkyrie Bree’s story line. DRAGON’S KISS can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the prequel and introductory novella MAEVE’S BOOK OF BEASTS for backstory.

Told from several third person perspectives including Kristofer and Bree DRAGON’S KISS follows in the aftermath of the Dragon’s Tail War wherein the Pyr defeated the Slayers only to face a new foe in the guise of Maeve, the Dark Queen of the Fae. Maeve believes shifters and vampires, any specie that is half-human, half-mythological creature are abominations, impure creatures, tainted beings, and therefore must be annihilated and destroyed leaving only the Fae and human beings to walk the earth. In order to begin her methodical destruction of the dragons, Maeve ‘kidnaps’ Kara, a Valkyrie, knowing her sister will do anything to save Kara’s life. Enter Bree, aka Sigrdrifa, who will make a deal with Maeve in order to free her sister from the eternal dance with the Fae.

Valkyries believes dragons are the most vilest creatures to have ever walked the earth, and therefore, any survivors must be exterminated, and Maeve will use this knowledge to her advantage by manipulating a firestorm, a call to mate, between Bree and Kristofer, a peridot and gold dragon who has been searching for his firestorm all of his life. But things don’t go according to plan when Maeve demands more from our couple forcing Bree and Kristofer to work together in an effort to save Kara, and dragonkind. Kristofer believes their firestorm is real, and not directed by Magick, and therefore, Bree struggles with their ‘unnatural’ attraction, an attraction that will develop into something more.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including dragons, vampires, Fae, and Valkyrie, as well as the return of several of Deborah’s dragons and characters from the Dragonfire and its’ interconnected series and stories including Rafferty and Melissa, Erik, the leader of the Pyr; Drake, Caleb and Micah . We are introduced to Alasdair, Kade, Theo, Rhys, and Hadrian. With the introduction of the ‘sleeping’ dragon warriors, protected by Eithne, there is the possibility of another spin off series. Rhys’ story is next in Dragon’s Heart.

DRAGON’S KISS is a detailed exposition of information and history connecting Norse mythology with a modern day supernatural world. With the revelation of other paranormal creatures including Valkyrie, vampires, Fae and more, the dragons find themselves no longer the oldest or most powerful beings on the planet but one of many. The enchanting premise is fascinating and intense; the characters are numerous and dynamic; the romance is passionate and seductive. DRAGON’S KISS is an imaginative take of Norse mythology and paranormal romance.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Under the Mistletoe (Secret Heart Ink) by Deborah Cooke-a review

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Under the Mistletoe (Secret Heart Ink) by Deborah Cooke-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release date September 24, 2019

Chynna has loved and lost…
Even though it’s been years, Christmas reminds Chynna of her husband’s death and makes her miss him even more. Attending Lexi and Gabe’s Christmas wedding sounds like a reminder of everything she’s lost, until she’s persuaded to go and share their joy. Once there, a hook-up with Trevor, Gabe’s handsome partner, could be another way to move beyond her grief—and Trevor makes taking that risk more than worthwhile, re-awakening Chynna to sensation and passion.

Trevor has never had time for love…
He’s always been focussed on building success. But now that Trevor’s financial ambitions are achieved, he’s realized that he has no one to enjoy the rewards with him. His friend Gabe’s wedding makes him aware that he doesn’t want to be alone anymore. Chynna is the most attractive woman he’s met in years and Trevor knows that it will take more one night together to satisfy him. Chynna is the woman he’s been waiting for—all he has to do is convince her to take a chance on love again, with him.

•••••••

REVIEW:UNDER THE MISTLETOE is the fourth ( and final) instalment in Deborah Cooke’s contemporary, adult SECRET HEART INK romance series –a spin off/companion series to the author’s Flatiron 5 series. This is tattoo artist Chynna, and thirty-eight year old, restaurateur Trevor Graham’s story line. UNDER THE MISTLETOE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

SOME BACKGROUND: Secret Heart Ink is a tattoo shop, owned by the mysterious Chynna, located in Manhattan’s Flatiron Five. Along with her sidekick Tristan, during the full moon, Chynna creates one magical tattoo to set two hearts afire in the hopes of the recipient finding ever-lasting love but now it was Chynna’s turn to find love.

NOTE: UNDER THE MISTLETOE runs parallel to, and crosses over with BAD CASE OF LOVING YOU (Flatiron Five #5)

Told from several third person perspectives including Chynna and Trevor UNDER THE MISTLETOE focuses on the building relationship between Chynna and Trevor at the Christmas wedding between Gabe and Lexi (One Hot Summer Night #3). Lexi had been the recipient of one of Chynna’s magical heart tattoos, and as such Chynna had been invited to Lexi and Gabe’s holiday ceremony but Chynna had destroyed her own chance at a happily ever after years before, and struggles with the idea of attending Lexi’s wedding. With the insistence of her ‘companion’ Tristan, Chynna makes the trip to Honey Hill, Maine where she will meet her future in the guise of restaurateur Trevor Graham. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Trevor and Chynna, and the potential fall-out as Trevor is offered a position far from the woman with whom he is falling in love.

Trevor Graham’s time at Wolfe Lodge in Honey Hill, Maine comes with an expiry date but meeting the beautiful and mysterious tattoo artist Chynna gave Trevor pause as he reconsidered his future plans. Having never settled down in one place long enough to fall in love, Trevor is hoping for something more with the enigmatic Chynna. Chynna has loved and lost, and in this she hopes for happiness and love for everyone else but something about Trevor Graham begins to break down the defences of our story line heroine, defences that have been in place for a very long time.

The relationship between Trevor and Chynna is quick to develop; a fast paced romance that brings together two broken souls who have become successful business people but struggle in their own personal lives. Chynna’s quiet persona hides a damaged heart, a heart that will begin to heal with our story line hero. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary including all of the previous story line couples: Olive and Spencer (Snowbound #1) , Reyna and Kade (Spring Fever #2), Gabe and Lexi (One Hot Summer Night), Theo Tremblay (Bad Case of Loving You #5), as well as several Lodge employees, family and friends.

UNDER THE MISTLETOE is an emotional and thought provoking story line. The premise is captivating ; the characters are enthusiastic; the romance is tender and seductive. UNDER THE MISTLETOE is a heart warming and welcome final chapter in the author’s Secret Heart Ink series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Snowbound
Spring Fever
One Hot Summer
Under the Mistletoe

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Bad Case of Loving You by Deborah Cooke- a review

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BAD CASE OF LOVING YOU (Flatiron Five #5) by Deborah Cooke-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 23, 2019

Theo knows what’s possible…
Because he’s learned the hard way what’s not. The internationally successful supermodel known as Angel stole his heart forever when she was shy Lyssa Monroe. There’s never been another woman who could compete—he even loved Lyssa enough to walk away when she told him they had to part. When he sees her at F5, he’s resolved to make one glimpse of her sustain him for another ten years. When she offers him one night together, Theo can’t say no—even though he knows a taste will only tempt him to hope for more all over again.

Lyssa has tasted forbidden fruit…
And she can’t forget it, no matter how hard she tries. Theo’s love is a touchstone for all that is pure and good in the chaos her life has become. When their gazes meet across the dance floor at F5, everything is simple for once and only one choice is possible. The secrets she keeps from him could destroy everything, but surely she can keep them hidden for just one night. How much will she sacrifice to defend the past—and how far will Theo go to discover the truth?

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REVIEW: BAD CASE OF LOVING YOU is the fifth instalment in Deborah Cooke’s erotic, romance series focusing on the five friends-owners and proprietors of the exclusive Manhattan fitness club Flatiron Five-Tyler, Kyle, Damon, Cassie, and Theo. This is Theo Tremblay, and international model Lyssa Monroe’s story line. BAD CASE OF LOVING YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

Told from several third person perspectives including Lyssa and Theo BAD CASE OF LOVING YOU follows the second chance romance between Flatiron Five co-owner Theo Tremblay, and international model Lyssa Monroe. Approximately eleven years earlier, college sweethearts Lyssa and Theo’s relationship came to a screeching halt when our heroine changed directions in life opting for a career on the international stage. Fast forward to present day wherein Lyssa’s life is once again changing directions, a direction that brings her face to face with her past. Enter Flatiron Five co-owner Theo Tremblay. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Theo and Lyssa, and the potential fall-out as secrets from the past reveal much more than Theo could ever have imagined.

Tired of the travel, and hoping to settle down Lyssa Monroe heads to New York City, in an effort to reconnect with the man with whom she will fall in love but our heroine has secrets that when revealed will change the direction of Theo’s life. Theo Tremblay never understood why he wasn’t enough for the woman he loved. With little to no explanation Lyssa walked out of Theo’s life leaving a shell of the man he once was.

The relationship between Lyssa and Theo is one of second chances; a rekindling romance wherein Theo struggles to let go of Lyssa’s past betrayals, betrayals that will be reinforced when secrets are revealed. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

BAD CASE OF LOVING YOU is an ensemble story line with all of the previous story line couples playing secondary and supporting characters, as well as the appearance of tattoo artist Chynna. We are introduced to Lyssa’s PA Mercedes, her agent Justin, and ten year old Logan

BAD CASE OF LOVING YOU is a story of family, friendship, secrets and lies; of betrayal and heartbreak; second chances and falling in love. The premise is inviting; the romance is spicy and sexy; the characters are sassy and wounded. BAD CASE OF LOVING YOU is an animated look at rekindling love.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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