Tag Archives: Elle Kennedy

Midnight Target (Killer Instincts #8) by Elle Kennedy-Review and Giveaway

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MIDNIGHT TARGET (Killer Instincts #8) by Elle Kennedy-Review and Giveaway

 

MIDNIGHT TARGET
Killer Instincts #8
by Elle Kennedy
Release Date: April 25, 2017
Genre: adult ,contemporary, erotic, romantic, suspense

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 25, 2017

Four years ago, Cate’s entire life changed when she discovered she was the daughter of a super soldier. But Jim Morgan’s overprotectiveness has pushed her away. These days, she’s working as a freelance photographer and living the dangerous life Jim never wanted for her.

When Cate snaps a photo linking a corrupt South American politician with the leader of a notorious drug cartel, her mercenary father leads a team to rescue her—only to get shot and critically wounded in the process.

As Morgan’s operatives rally together on a revenge mission, they’re faced with new alliances and old heartaches. Cate is forced to work with David “Ash” Ashton, the man who broke her heart two years ago, while Liam Macgregor and Sullivan Port resurface after years apart to finally try to deal with everything they’d left unsaid.

Soon it’s all-out war between the cartel and the mercenaries—with two couples caught in the middle of the blood feud. Love and redemption are within their reach…but first they have to make it home alive.

•••••••••

REVIEW: MIDNIGHT TARGET is the eighth (and final?) instalment in Elle Kennedy’s contemporary, adult KILLER INSTINCTS romantic, suspense series focusing on an elite group of highly trained men and women-mercenaries for hire. The focus is on the search for a notorious drug lord, once thought to be dead, who has threatened Cate’s life, and on two on-going relationships: Cate Morgan and David ‘Ash’ Ashton, and Liam Macgregor and Sullivan Port-both relationships struggling with unrequited feelings and emotions. MIDNIGHT TARGET can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

WARNING: If you have never read Elle Kennedy’s Killer Instinct series be forewarned, MIDNIGHT TARGET contains graphic scenes of violence, death and blood shed, and may not be suitable for all readers. The mercenaries and assassins are hired to do a job and cannot let emotions and personal feelings get in the way. These men and women do NOT kill the innocent –they are hired to take down the evil within our societies and sometimes the evil may be family, friend or someone caught up in a bad situation.

NOTE: MIDNIGHT TARGET contains graphic scenes of M/M sexual situations, language and text.

Told from several third person points of view including memories from the past, MIDNIGHT TARGET follows Jim Morgan’s elite team of mercenaries as they set out to rescue his daughter Cate, a woman caught in a South American country on the verge of civil war. As a photographer Cate follows the stories including the very real possibility that the notorious leader of a vicious drug cartel is alive and well in Guatana City, Guatana. Capturing the evidence that she needs, Cate finds herself targeted by the very man she was hoping to find, and is in desperate need of a rescue on the run. Enter David ‘Ash’ Ashton, the man that Cate has always loved but the man that broke her heart one too many time. What ensues is the search for the man in question, and the rebuilding of a friendship and romance between Cate and Ash.

Most of Jim Morgan’s mercenaries play secondary and supporting roles including several soldiers who are battling with personal issues of pain and loss. Liam and Sully’s bromance struggles with misperceptions, and the possibility of preconceived notions. Sully and Liam’s return to the team is a welcome reception but the couple in question continue to struggle with the rift in their one-time friendship.

MIDNIGHT TARGET is a story of second-chances, of sorts, for two couples pulled apart by unrequited love. Ash tries to keep his distance from the woman he loves-a woman who happens to be the boss’s daughter and off limits in the eyes of her father. Cate is a strong, independent young woman whose over protective father has pushed our heroine too fast, and too far but her need to be included yet independent is the catalyst to much of the story line premise. Sully and Liam’s relationship struggles with their bi-sexuality, past indiscretions, Sully’s months in captivity and abuse at the hands of his captors, and the fear of rejection and judgment by family and friends. Jim Morgan’s mercenaries are willing to risk everything for the people they love but sometimes risking it all means not succeeding to survive.

Elle Kennedy is never afraid to step over the line as it pertains to the violence and blood shed that surround the former Special Ops, Marines and warriors. Some readers may have difficulty with the gruesome ‘images’ including a perceived lack of conscious in some ‘do or die’ situations. The requisite evil has many faces.

MIDNIGHT TARGET is a detailed and complex story line that follows several paths to fruition-two struggling relationships, the loss of family and friends, a hero’s battle for his life, and the take down of evil incarnate. The premise is intriguing, engaging and fascinating; the characters are colorful, animated, passionate and tormented; the romances are seductive and fated.

Killer Instincts

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Midnight Rescue
Midnight Alias
Midnight Games
Midnight Pursuits
4.5 After Midnight
Midnight Action
Midnight Captive
Midnight Revenge
Midnight Target

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Young sexual couple of handsome serious man with bare muscular chest standing undressing pretty blonde woman standing and touching breast in studio, square picture

Giveaway

The Reading Cafe and Elle Kennedy’s publisher are offering a finished copy of MIDNIGHT TARGET to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Follow Elle Kennedy on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from April 24-28, 2017

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Ruled (Outlaws #3) by Elle Kennedy-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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RULED (Outlaws #3) by Elle Kennedy-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Ruled Banner

RULED
Outlaws #3
by Elle Kennedy
Genre: adult, post-apocalyptic, dystopian, erotic, romance
Release Date November 1, 2016

Ruled

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: RELEASE DATE November 1, 2016

Despite his magnetic personality, Rylan can’t seem to seduce Reese, the deadly leader of their town of outlaws. Winning her over is a welcome challenge, but her indifference isn’t the only thing standing in his way. If he wants Reese, Rylan must also win over Sloan, her stoic protector…

Sloan has always loved Reese, but their painful past has stolen his chances of a future with her. Rylan’s interest in Reese only intensifies the tension—until Sloan begins to wonder if the reckless man might be the one person who can bridge the distance…

The last time Reese fell for the wrong man, she had no choice but to kill him. Now, she desperately wants to take what both Rylan and Sloan are offering. But if she makes the wrong call again, she risks losing them both.

•••••••••••

REVIEW:  RULED is the third installment in Elle Kennedy’s adult , post-apocalyptic/dystopian Outlaws erotic, romance series. This is Rylan, Reese, and Sloan’s story line. RULED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and history.

NOTE: RULED contains graphic and explicit scenes of M/M/, M/F and M/F/M sexual situations and may not be suitable for all readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: The OUTLAW series by Elle Kennedy focuses on the post-apocalyptic USA where the country is now divided into a number of respective territories without government control. There are various factions of bandits, enforcers, outlaws, and the people from the city. Life on the outside is hard; there are no laws, no law enforcement, and death is often the better option. Several groups of outlaws have banded together in gated communities for protection and control.

Told from several third person points of view including Rylan, Reese, and Sloan RULED focuses on survival. Reese is determined to end the suffering of the people in her ‘town’ and gathers together the leaders of the outlying camps in an attempt to take down the Enforcers patrolling the area. With one woman pregnant and about to give birth, and a number of under-aged children under her care, Reese’s settlement has been targeted by the people who claim to be in charge. Meanwhile Reese battles her attraction and the emotional fall out for the two men who call to her heart-Rylan and Sloan-both strong, alpha males whose attraction to one another adds fuel to the fire that is already burning. What ensues is the building relationship between Rylan, Reese and Sloan, and dangerous battle for power and control in a war between the Enforcers and the Outlaws.

RULED is a graphically, erotic story line of ménage between three people whose lives will be changed when the potential loss of one means the loss of their hearts. Sloan has been in love with Reese since the first day they met five years earlier; and Rylan’s need for his ‘fearless leader’ is compounded with his need for her second in command. The $ex scenes are intense, seductive and energetic with M/M, M/F, and M/F/M sexual situations.

The world building continues to focus on survival in a post-apocalyptic world where life expectancy is short; food and supplies are scarce; and security and safety is never guaranteed.

Elle Kennedy’s RULED and the OUTLAWS series is a gritty and graphic look at survival of the fittest. The premise is imaginative and clever; the characters are heartbreaking, vivacious, and heroic; the romance is real and raw.

Reading Order and previous reviews
CLAIMED
ADDICTED
RULED

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt

Rylan didn’t waste time. He strode to the two-story brownstone on Main Street and entered behind her. He didn’t bother to knock. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission and all that.
He found her upstairs in her small kitchen, arms braced against the counter as she stared out the window at the unkempt yard behind the building. It was empty, save for a decrepit playset in the back corner. The slide was long gone, but a single swing hung from a rusted bar.
“When you die,” she said without turning around, “I’m going to dub you Saint Rylan, patron of lost causes.”
Rylan stepped close enough that he could feel the heat from her body, but far enough away that there was room for her to escape. “How’d you know it was me instead of Sloan?”
“Your footsteps are different.”
“Huh.” He chewed on that piece of information a bit. He was probably reading too much into it, but the fact that she could distinguish his footsteps from someone else’s? That was all the encouragement he needed to stay. “You’re a damn impressive woman, Reese.”
“Is that right? Because I can tell you and Sloan apart?” She sounded tired, almost resigned. Rylan experienced a pang of concern. Connor had never sounded like this before, but then again, Rylan’s leader had never been in charge of eighty-plus people before either. Con kept his camp small. Even Hudson, his woman, had been an interloper he hadn’t wanted to take in.
Reese, on the other hand, threw her doors open to any misfits, wanderers, and beggars that rattled on her gates.
Rylan briefly pondered what it would’ve been like growing up if there’d been a Reese around when he was young. Maybe then every night wouldn’t have been filled with his mother’s tears and his father’s angry shouts, followed by mournful pleas for forgiveness and hollow exchanges of I love you.
“That, and because you’ve got a vision for the future that few people would ever try to make a reality,” he said frankly.
“You and Connor think I’m nuts, don’t you?”
“Nah, brave.”
And maybe a little foolish, but hell, if it wasn’t for Reese’s foot in their asses, they’d still be holed up in their isolated camp, avoiding Enforcers and scavenging for supplies. Reese’s plan was big and bold and possibly suicidal, but the alternative was to cower, and Rylan had had enough of that.
She sighed and finally turned to look at him. “Did Sloan send you in here to cheer me up?”
Was that a dig? It kinda felt like one. But it was also true—Sloan had sent him. Or at least given him the signal that he wasn’t totally barking up the wrong tree by running after Reese.
He searched her eyes for traces of derision, but he only saw fatigue with a side of melancholy. He wanted to scoop this tough woman into his arms and pleasure her until she was too satisfied to frown.
“I’m here because last night was the best sex I’ve ever had. Because walking away from you isn’t an option for me.”
She made a strangled sound—half laugh, half groan—and rubbed the back of her hand across her forehead. Is that all you can think about?”
“Around you? Yup. I fuck and I fight. Don’t scratch too deep because there’s nothing there.”
She snorted in disbelief. “Tell that to someone who’ll believe you.”
Rylan’s brow furrowed. He’d always skated on the surface of intimacy, enjoying the physical nature of sex—the hot embrace, the rough friction, the sharp desire. What he’d just told Reese was absolutely true. He didn’t feel deeply. He could appreciate it in others, but he’d witnessed firsthand the emptiness of love. What he wanted, and what he could give, was pleasure and nothing more.
“What’re you talking about?” he finally asked, feeling slightly off-center that Reese saw something in him that didn’t exist.
She studied him for a moment before waving her hand carelessly. “It’s nothing. Look, last night was hot, but there’s nothing left here for you.” She presented her back to him and stared out the window again.
Was that a challenge? Sure sounded like one.

 

 

giveaway

The Reading Cafe and Elle’s publisher are offering a paper copy of RULED to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

NOTE: If you are having issues commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE Elle Kennedy on FACEBOOK.

4. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

5. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please LIKE us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from November 7-10, 2016

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Addicted ( The Outlaws #2) by Elle Kennedy-a review

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ADDICTED ( The Outlaws #2) by Elle Kennedy-a review

Addicted

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 28, 2016

Lennox used to live in a paradise on earth with his best friend Jamie, in a place where visitors came and went, allowing their desires to run free. But everything changes when a deadly attack forces them to take up with Connor Mackenzie’s band of Outlaws. Lennox knows Jamie is hung up on someone else, but he’s always believed he’s the man for her—and won’t let her go without a fight.

Even though Jamie is well aware that Lennox is one hot specimen of a man, she refuses to let sex ruin the most important relationship in her life. But when the object of her interest spurns her, she indulges in a little pleasure-filled revenge with her very magnetic, very willing best friend. One thrilling night with Lennox is enough to awaken Jamie’s unexpected desires for him. And now that she’s had a taste, she’s not sure she can ever give him up.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: ADDICTED is the second installment in Elle Kennedy’s adult, post-apocalyptic/dystopian Outlaws erotica, romance series. This is Lennox and Jamie’s story line.

NOTE: CLAIMED contains scenes of M/M/, M/F and M/F/M sexual situations and may not be suitable for all readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: The OUTLAW series by Elle Kennedy focuses on the post-apocalyptic USA where the country is now divided into a number of respective territories without government control. There are various factions of bandits, enforcers, outlaws, and the people from the city. Life on the outside is hard; there are no laws, no law enforcement, and death is often the better option. Several groups of outlaws have banded together in gated communities for protection and control.

Told from several third person points of view ADDICTED is a friends to lovers story that follows Lennox and his best friend Jamie, as well as fellow outlaws Rylan, Pike and Kade, as they are ‘sent’ to another Outlaw camp to train their members for an upcoming war. But Connor is suspicious of the real reason that the other outlaw leader Reese has requested the help, and Connor believes he may be placing his friends in danger when the truth is finally revealed.

Lennox and Jamie have been best friends for most of their lives. Twenty years of watching family die, friends killed, and with only one another for support, Lennox and Jamie joined Connor Mackenzie’s band of Outlaws but now find themselves in a fight to survive. The relationship between our leading couple is one of friendship and love but Lennox has always rebuked Jamie’s advances until the day his jealousy can no longer be contained and he claims Jamie for himself. The $ex scenes are intimate, aggressive and provocative. Jamie is a woman willing to fight for the man that she loves.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of characters including many secondary and supporting roles. With Lennox and Jamie’s visit to Reese’s camp, the introductions are vast; the friendships are varied but not all survive to see another day.

ADDICTED, like the previous installment, is heavily weighted in graphic sexual situations including M/M, M/F/M, M/M/F and M/F material. Public displays of $ex acts are common; group $ex and multiple partners are encouraged but for all intents and purposes, the sexual situations detract from the story line premise. $ex is a commodity; bandits and enforcers use $ex as power and control therefore if you are sensitive to certain sexual situations, this series may not be for you.

Elle Kennedy’s ADDICTED has romance, suspense, action and love. There are moments of heartbreaking loss, emotional fall out, and the realization that you have to give love a try before life takes it all away. The premise is fated and entertaining; the characters are colorful, animated and passionate; the romance is a friends to lover trope filled with hope for the future. The OUTLAWS series is a provocative, erotic and dramatic look at a post-apocalyptic world where life is fleeting and love is shot in the dark.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one-CLAIMED

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Midnight Revenge (Killer Instincts 7) by Elle Kennedy-Review & Giveaway

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MIDNIGHT REVENGE (Killer Instincts #7) by Elle Kennedy-Review and Giveaway

Midnight Revenge Banner

MIDNIGHT REVENGE
Killer Instincts #7
by Elle Kennedy
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense
Release Date: February 2, 2016

Midnight Revenge

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 2, 2016

Out of all the stone-cold mercenaries in Jim Morgan’s black ops organization, Derek “D” Pratt is the most intimidating. He is tight-lipped and covered in tattoos, and even the other guys on his team are afraid to ask him about his past. D’s been off the grid for years, but after his teammate Sullivan is mistakenly captured in his place, D is forced to come out of hiding and face his demons.

When D lands in Mexico, he’s ready to risk everything to save his friend. To complicate matters, Sofia Amaro, a feisty doctor whom D had a one-night stand with months ago, has tracked him down. And in an instant she’s unintentionally caught up in his life-threatening rescue mission.

Now D must extract not one but two people from the most violent world he’s ever encountered. And one of them is carrying his child.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: MIDNIGHT REVENGE is the seventh installment in Elle Kennedy’s contemporary, adult KILLER INSTINCTS romantic, suspense series focusing on an elite group of mercenaries and assassins for hire. This is Derek ‘D’ Pratt, and Dr. Sofia Amaro’s story line. Although MIDNIGHT REVENGE can be read as a stand alone I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory. Elle Kennedy introduces many of her future story lines throughout the series and MIDNIGHT REVENGE follows in the same pattern.

Told from several third person perspectives, as well as several past and present time lines, MIDNIGHT REVENGE focuses on the search for missing team member Sullivan Port, and the building relationship between Derek and Sofia Amaro. Derek aka ‘D’ is an enigma; a dark and dangerous warrior whose past is the horror story of nightmares; whose conscience is mired in guilt about what had to be done; and whose intimidating exterior hides a broken and damaged soul. When Derek and Liam MacGregor’s latest assignment in Mexico goes to h*ll, Derek finds himself focusing on Sofia Amaro-the organization’s team doctor-and the woman who would one day steal his heart. Fast forward a couple of months when a mysterious phone call finds our leading man on the hunt for Sullivan Port and the people responsible for his abduction. Derek has never followed the rules, and taking down Sully’s captors has placed Derek in the direct line of fire-a lone wolf on the hunt willing to sacrifice himself to save the people he loves, Derek soon realizes he is never truly alone.

Sofia and Derek’s relationship begins as acquaintances that escalates into a one night stand with life altering consequences. Sofia’s return to Derek’s life is met with hostility and ambivalence further reinforcing Derek’s anti social persona and Sofia’s need to walk away. When Derek offers himself up in exchange for Sullivan Port, Sofia and several member of the team go along for the ‘ride’. The $ex scenes are aggressive, erotic and intense.

The world building continues to focus on Jim Morgan’s black ops organization; their assignments, their friendships; their life and death battles to save the world; but also on the growing families bonded by love and a future together. There is a potential story line for Liam and Sullivan-one that has been growing on the periphery for a couple of installments but Sully is a man whose months in captivity have changed both his emotional and mental outlook on life, and his continued reluctance to acknowledge his ‘friendship’ with the man who never gave up. There are scenes of graphic violence, and sexual assault that may be upsetting for some readers.

MIDNIGHT REVENGE is an intense, intriguing, suspense filled novel with impassioned characters and heartbreaking stories. The premise is compelling, disturbing and emotional; the characters are engaging and tragic but sympathetic; the romance is a struggle towards the future. Elle Kennedy weaves a startling tale where one man’s sins are laid bare for all to see; where the past has destroyed the present; where revenge is the ultimate form of letting go.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

Giveaway

The Reading Cafe and Elle’s publisher are offering a paper copy of MIDNIGHT REVENGE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

NOTE: If you are having some issues commenting after logging on, please refresh the page and you should have no more problems.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE Elle Kennedy on FACEBOOK.

4. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

5. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please LIKE us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from February 3-7, 2016, 2016

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Claimed (Outlaws #1) by Elle Kennedy-a review

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CLAIMED (Outlaws #1) by Elle Kennedy-a review

Claimed

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository / BAM

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 6, 2015

After a devastating war decimated most of the world, Hudson Lane has only known the oppressive life under her own father’s tyranny. She finally escapes, branding herself an outlaw and hunted by the Enforcers. Her best chance at survival is Connor Mackenzie, an aggressively sensual fugitive who opens her eyes to the wicked possibilities of a world without rules.

As the leader of a band of outlaw fighters, Connor can’t resist the beautiful stranger who asks for his protection. Despite his reservations, he agrees to introduce her to a whole new way of life. But when Connor discovers Hudson’s connection to the enemies of liberty, he wonders how far he can trust the woman who has abandoned all inhibitions to challenge every forbidden desire.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: CLAIMED is the first installment in Elle Kennedy’s adult, post-apocalyptic/dystopian Outlaws erotica, romance series. This is Outlaw leader Connor Mackenzie, and nurse Hudson Lane’s storyline.

NOTE: CLAIMED contains scenes of M/F and M/F/M sexual situations and may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives CLAIMED focuses on the post-apocalyptic USA where the country is now divided into a number of respective territories without government control. There are various factions of bandits, enforcers, outlaws, and the people from the city. Life on the outside is hard; there are no laws, no law enforcement, and death is often the better option.

Hudson Lane is on the run and needs protection-enter Connor Mackenzie-leader of the local Outlaws-and the man who would break Hudson’s heart. Connor is a reluctant leader but a man who commands and demands the respect of the small band of Outlaws he oversees and controls, and with it comes the decision making that could make or break the cohesiveness of their small family unit. When Hudson asks for help, Connor demands something in return and Hudson is willing to give Connor what he wants to ensure her future protection. Connor is a man whose past is dark; he has lost everything to the enforcers, and with it comes betrayal, distrust and a heavy heart. Our hero is on a mission, and he isn’t afraid to use whatever means necessary to get what he wants.

CLAIMED has a large cast of secondary and supporting colorful, charismatic, animated and energetic characters-an ensemble storyline with graphic and aggressive sexual situations, dystopian style lawlessness, and a barter system where nothing is for free and payment can be whatever the seller demands. We are introduced to Connor’s band of Outlaws: Rylan, Pike, Xander and Kade; as well as several different factions of Outlaws, bandits and people who go it alone. Connor’s Outlaws are the epitome of sexually aggressive alpha males who make no excuses for their wants and needs.

The world building focuses on the lawlessness of the Global Council’s control where the self appointed people in charge are evil, dangerous and not afraid to destroy everyone who questions their controlling ways. OUTLAWS primary focus in on the area once known as Utah, and with it comes a disturbing scenario about the power and control of people, places and things. Survival is never a guarantee. My only concern is the lack of history and information as to what happened to incur the wrath of a destructive force that all but destroyed what was once the US of A.

As an erotica storyline CLAIMED is heavily weighted in graphically detailed $ex scenes such that the actual story gets lost in the numerous sexual situations; where nothing is off limits; and $ex is often a commodity used to barter for one’s life, a favor or for food. If you have issues with questionable or coerced consent and detailed aggressive $ex scenes, CLAIMED may not be your first choice in reading material. Connor is a man whose initial sexual aggression towards the storyline heroine makes for some dubious acceptance and compliance but in the end Hudson knows what she wants, and she wants Connor all to herself.

CLAIMED is a provocative storyline with a passionate heroine, an intense hero, and a powerful need for revenge and retribution in a world of desolation and pain. The characters are challenging and hopeful; the romance is uncertain and sometimes angry but in the end Connor and Hudson will get their happily ever after but the path is lined with desperation, rejection and pain.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Killer Instincts Series 1-3 by Elle Kennedy -a review

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Killer Instincts Series 1-3 by Elle Kennedy-a review

Killer Instincts 1 to 3

••••••••••••••••

Midnight RescueMIDNIGHT RESCUE
(Killer Instincts #1)
by Elle Kennedy
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 1, 2012

Dangerous. Ruthless. Savage. And she’s the good guy.

Abby Sinclair had a desperate childhood until she was rescued and adopted by a retired army ranger who molded her into a master of self-defense. Now, she’s a cunning and fearless assassin thrust into assignment after dangerous assignment, using everything she has-nerve, resilience, strength, sex-to come out on top. Her only rule: trust no one.

Abby’s latest assignment is in Columbia: go undercover and snuff out a dangerous arms dealer active in the underground sex trade. But when Abby purposely blows her cover in a last-ditch attempt to free the helpless victims, deadly mercenary Kane Woodland is recruited as back-up. His mission: get Abby out of that hell hole.

The last thing Kane expects is to feel a primal attraction for Abby. But when she convinces him to join her on her perilous mission, their newfound passion could put the lives of their whole team at risk.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: MIDNIGHT RESCUE is the first installment in Elle Kennedy’s adult, contemporary Killer Instincts military, romantic suspense series focusing on a group of highly trained men and women who go deep undercover to get the job done. This is assassin specialist Abby Sinclair and mercenary Kane Woodland’s storyline.

Told from several third person perspectives MIDNIGHT RESCUE focuses on the rescue of Abby Sinclair and a group of adolescent teen girls about to be auctioned off as sexual slaves. Abby is an alpha female; a warrior whose cold façade is as cold as her heart, and she isn’t afraid to use her body to get what she wants. Hoping to find the location of the young girls, Abby reveals her undercover operation to the Columbian in charge, and finds herself the victim of torture and abuse. Enter Kane Woodland, and his fellow team members who make it their business to rescue Abby, not only from her captors but from herself.

The storyline follows Abby’s rescue and recovery, the plans to extricate the young girls, and the building relationship between Abby and Kane Woodland. The only problem-Abby doesn’t do nice; doesn’t do relationships; and doesn’t do love. Everything about Abby is emotionally distant, and in this she is willing to sacrifice herself to save the others. Abby’s past is mired in physical and sexual abuse, and herein lies the crux of the heroine’s personality.

The secondary and supporting characters are engaging, colorful and control a good portion of the storyline. We are introduced to all of Kane’s fellow team members who, like Kane, are specially trained mercenaries skilled in combat and rescue but it is apparent that each alpha male has a dark and tormented past; Abby’s mentor and superior Noelle, as well as Isabel Roma who goes under cover with Kane’s broken and guilt ridden teammate Trevor Callaghan. Isabel and Trevor’s storyline will be told in book three-Midnight Games.

MIDNIGHT RESCUE is a well written, graphically violent storyline with rape, torture, child sex trade, suicide and murder. Elle Kennedy goes for the jugular with her no nonsense story where nothing is off limits including the emotional violation of the human psyche. I am not sure if the author is going for shock value or sensationalism but Kennedy’s characters have not had an easy life.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

__________________

Midnight AliasMIDNIGHT ALIAS
(Killer Instincts #2)
by Elle Kennedy
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 5, 2014

She’s smart, seductive, and in way over her head.
He’s her only way out.

An undercover DEA agent has gone off the radar. Suspecting an internal mole, the government needs Luke Dubois and his elite team of operatives to recover their man, and the New Orleans native thinks he’s found his way inside the dark underbelly of Manhattan: Olivia Taylor, the girlfriend of a mob boss and the sexiest woman he’s ever laid eyes on. His new mission objective? Get past Olivia’s defenses and convince her to take a chance—on him.

All Olivia wanted was to finish law school and live a normal life, but that dream was shattered when one dangerous night put her deeply in a mobster’s debt. Now Luke and his team will help her escape—in exchange for intel on the missing agent. But Olivia doesn’t anticipate her intense attraction to the reckless Louisiana charmer or that she’ll be forced to risk everything—including her heart.

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REVIEW: MIDNIGHT ALIAS is the second installment in Elle Kennedy’s contemporary, adult Killer Instincts romantic, suspense series focusing on an elite group of highly trained men and women who are called into action when no one else can get the job done. This is New Orleans’s native/former Navy SEAL Luke Dubois and Olivia Taylor’s storyline. MIDNIGHT ALIAS can be read as a stand alone; some of the previous storyline information is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person points of view MIDNIGHT ALIAS fast forwards the series six months and follows the search for a missing DEA agent whose last know whereabouts placed him at a strip club fronting for a drug smuggling operation. Luke and his fellow team members have not been able to locate the missing agent but Luke finds himself attracted to a beautiful stripper whose role and character are out of place at the club. What ensues is a building relationship between our leading couple, one Luke hopes to use in ferreting out some information about what goes on behind the scenes at the club.

The relationship between Luke and Olivia is slow to build. Luke’s attraction to Olivia is immediate but Olivia is in no position to fall into Luke’s embrace. Our heroine has found herself in debt to the local mob and her mother’s health is dependent upon Olivia’s continued work. Luke and his team will find themselves pulled deeper into an undercover operation where not only do they discover the whereabouts of the DEA agent but put a plan into motion to take down the local drug cartel. There is some definite sexual tension between Olivia and Luke.

MIDNIGHT ALIAS is a suspense filled storyline with an ensemble cast of characters whose own stories are building throughout the series. Luke’s team of fellow mercenaries, headed by ex Ranger Jim Morgan, have set up shop in Mexico waiting for their next assignment that will place each man and woman on the frontline of potential danger and death. Derek or D as he is called is battling some personal demons and in this his character is about to self destruct or implode. Noelle’s team of female assassins is virtually invisible but Isabel does play a much larger role throughout the story. Unlike the previous storyline MIDNIGHT ALIAS is not as graphically or sexually violent. There are scenes of violence and abuse but the details are limited and mostly in the background; the destructive nature of drugs, drug smuggling and the sex trade does make for some interesting scenarios. Isabel and Trevor’s storyline continues to build and the epilogue points to a dangerous assignment for our female assassin.

MIDNIGHT ALIAS is another well written, intriguing and engaging storyline of suspense and romance. The majority of the action takes place in the final pages of the story as the mercenaries try to uncover the truth about the missing DEA agent. Elle Kennedy has caught my attention with her amazing characters and stories.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

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Midnight GamesMIDNIGHT GAMES
(Killer Instincts #3)
by Elle Kennedy
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

About the book: Release Date August 6, 2013

She wears a thousand deadly identities. He sees through them all.

A master of disguise, Isabel Roma spends her life pretending to be other women. Normally, her emotions are reined in tight—but sexy mercenary Trevor Callaghan has a knack for getting under her skin. The elite operative’s quiet strength and raw magnetism affect her in ways she’s never felt before, a distraction that can quickly turn deadly in their dangerous line of work.

After putting his tragic past behind him, Trevor is ready to focus on his future—and he damn well intends for Isabel to be in it. When their entire operation is thrown into chaos, Trevor enlists Isabel’s talent for deception. And as they attempt to save their team in a world where the stakes are high and the danger is grave, Trevor must convince Isabel that the woman beneath all the disguises is the one worth having.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: MIDNIGHT GAMES is the third installment of Elle Kennedy’s contemporary, adult Killer Instincts romantic suspense series focusing on an elite group of highly trained men and women-mercenaries for hire. This is Trevor Callaghan and Isabel Roma’s storyline-one that has been building since book one. MIDNIGHT GAMES can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and character history I suggest reading the series in order.

Told from several third person points of view MIDNIGHT GAMES, advancing the series approximately six month, finds ex Ranger and head of the mercenary team Jim Morgan missing. Left in charge, Trevor sets into motion a plan, with the help of Noelle’s collection of female assassins including the woman who has stolen his heart, to locate their missing leader. The team will soon find themselves on the receiving end of a vicious and deadly attack leaving several dead, a grieving widower, and Trevor and Isabel fighting their attraction to one another. Going into hiding isn’t possible, when the team must search for the man in charge.

The relationship and attraction between Trevor and Isabel began in book one MIDNIGHT RESCUE wherein a grieving Trevor is unable to come to grips with the death of his fiancée. Guilt finds Trevor taking on suicide missions where he hopes to be on the receiving end of a sniper’s bullet. Time and thoughts of Isabel Roma have Trevor looking towards the future but Isabel is determined to keep away. Their latest assignment will find Isabel on the prowl with a mysterious casino owner, and Trevor fighting the urge to jump in and save the day.

Once again, like the previous two storylines, MIDNIGHT GAMES is an ensemble story that not only focuses on the current premise but sets into motion upcoming storylines. There is a definite history between Noelle and Jim, and Derek aka D is not the man we believe him to be. We are also introduced to Juliet and Paige-two of Isabel’s teammates, as well as all the introduction of a potential new team of mercenaries-currently known as Team B.

The world building continues to focus on the mercenary –for-hire premise as Jim Morgan’s team of retired SEALS, Rangers, Marines and soldiers take on the dirty jobs where crossing the line is all in a day’s work. From drug lords to human trafficking; murder for hire and undercover operations, nothing is off limits in the Killer Instincts series. There is violence and murder; kidnappings and threats but the graphic details are limited and mostly implied.

The reader is pulled into an action packed, suspense filled story where the past meets the present but not before travelling a road of twists and turns. Elle Kennedy teases with her slow reveal of character development, background histories, and everyone’s connection to everyone else. There is plenty of tension you can cut with a knife.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviews by Sandy

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One Night of Trouble /One Night of Sin (After Hours #3 & #1) by Elle Kennedy-a review

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ONE NIGHT OF TROUBLE / ONE NIGHT OF SIN (After Hours #3 & 1) by Elle Kennedy-a review

ONe Night of Trouble

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

About the book: Release Date January 5, 2015

No More Mr. Nice Guy…

The moment AJ Walsh sees the sexy, tattooed pixie walk up to his bar, it’s lust at first sight. He’s always been labeled the “nice” guy―opening doors, buying flowers, and never, ever having one-night stands. But with this wicked little angel with red lips and unfathomably dark eyes? Oh, yeah. Tonight, “nice” has nothing to do with it…

Brett Conlon is trying to convince her family that she’s put away her reckless wild girl side for good. Nothing―and no one―could be better for her reputation than golden boy AJ Walsh. So they make a deal: if he plays The Good Boyfriend for her family, he can be a very, very bad boy with her. Now their one naughty night is about to turn into a whole lot of trouble…

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: ONE NIGHT OF TROUBLE is the third installment in Elle Kennedy’s contemporary, adult After Hours erotic romance series. This is former MMA fighter AJ Walsh and tattoo artist Brett Conlon’s storyline. Although ONE NIGHT OF TROUBLE is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. The previous storyline couples play a secondary role and any important information is imparted where necessary.

The focus of the storyline is on the building relationship between SIN Nightclub owner and former MMA fighters AJ Walsh and Brett Conlon. Brett is the only daughter and female tattoist in a family of tattoo artists and she is trying to prove that she is capable of running the family business. But a series of bad relationships and poor choices have left Brett with the title of black sheep. Enter AJ Walsh-a night of erotic and passionate sex-and an offer to pretend to be Brett’s boyfriend for three weeks in the hopes of Brett gaining her father’s support.-to show that she is now a responsible adult by dating a responsible young man. What Brett and AJ never intended was to fall in love with one another.

The relationship between Brett and AJ is passionate, spontaneous and adventurous. The chemistry between our couple is one of immediate attraction and sexy fun. Brett and AJ’s relationship is purely physical-both offer up friendship, companionship and sex without any of the trappings of love and support. But AJ hides a dark past; one that haunts his day to day life; and one that finds him on the periphery of his family’s support. Brett is willing to endure ridicule and heartbreak to help AJ come to terms with a darkened past and family grief.

The secondary and supporting characters include Gage and Skyler (One Night of Sin), Reed and Darcy (One Night of Scandal) and both AJ and Brett’s families. Aj’s estrangement from his family is difficult for Brett to understand and she will risk everything, including the man that she loves, to show that forgiveness and understanding is but a heartbeat away.

ONE NIGHT OF TROUBLE is a sexy, fun, imaginative and spirited storyline. There are moments of heartbreak for a young man who blames himself for decades of grief; followed by an emotional reunion between a son and the family who had no idea their child was in such pain. Elle Kennedy writes a fascinating and hopeful story about two people whose need for one another began as a one night stand but turned into something so much more.

READING ORDER:
1. One Night of Sin
2. One Night of Scandal
3. One Night of Trouble

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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ONE NIGHT OF SIN
( After Hours #1)
by Elle Kennedy

One Night of SinABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 4, 2014

ebook ONLY .99¢: Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Sometimes it’s good to be bad…

When it comes to sex, good girl Skyler Thompson always plays it safe, choosing stable and sedate over wild and thrilling. She doesn’t do one-night-stands, but one look at sinfully sexy Gage Holt and she’s willing to reconsider. He makes her want to be bad for once in her life, and she’s prepared to take what she wants.

Danger follows former MMA fighter Gage Holt like a shadow. Despite his successes as part owner of Sin, an exclusive nightclub in Boston, Gage can’t risk getting involved with a woman, especially one as sweet as Skyler. Still, he can’t resist a taste—and it’s so damn good he has to see her again.

As addicted as he is to her, Gage knows there’s no future for him and Skyler—not with his past lurking in the dark corners of an MMA cage. But Skylar’s tougher than she looks, and she’s ready to fight for her man.

••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: ONE NIGHT OF SIN is the first installment (and novella) in Elle Kennedy’s contemporary, adult After Hours erotic romance series. This is MMA fighter and night club owner Gage Holt and psychology student/waitress Skyler Thompson’s storyline.

ONE NIGHT OF SIN focuses on the instant attraction between good girl Skyler Thompson and MMA fighter Gage Holt. Gage doesn’t do relationships and Skyler is only looking for sex and fun but their friends with benefits arrangement quickly crosses the line when Gage and Skyler start looking for something more. Skyler is the pursuer and knows exactly who and what she wants.

Gage’s life in the arena has an end date-three more fights and a debt will be paid-but the people in charge are not so easy to let go. When physical threats find Gage fighting for his life, he will push Skyler away hoping to protect the woman with whom he has fallen in love. The sex scenes are erotic and steamy; Gage likes to talk dirty during sex.

We will be introduced to Gage’s partners at SIN-former MMA fighters AJ Walsh and Reed Miller-two men whose stories have yet to be told. Skyler’s roommates and BFFs are colorful, energetic and hoping for see their bestie find love. The world building takes the reader into the underground world of MMA fighting, the nightlife at club Sin, and the dance floor and backrooms where fantasies come true.

Elle Kennedy’s ONE NIGHT OF SIN is a fast paced, energetic and revealing introduction to her AFTER HOURS erotic romance series.

Reviewed by Sandy

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