ZAIN (Chosen Few 3) by Samantha Wilde-review

ZAIN (Chosen Few 3) by Samantha Wilde

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 3, 2024

He’s left everything behind, only to find himself again in the eyes of a beautiful stranger . .

He’s become one of them.

Zain Mitry has lost everything His name, his identity, and his humanity. All that’s left is a cold shell of the alias he’s become—an active member in Samad, a terrorist group.

Afghanistan isn’t for the faint of heart, but fear doesn’t reach his veins until he witnesses Samad’s leader take a woman hostage from a protest. Her electrifying blue eyes capture Zain’s and he’s spellbound by her bold, fiery nature.

Despite the distance between his heart and reality, he can’t turn a blind eye when the woman is attacked. He rushes to rescue her—and the first word she speaks to him—a word no one on this side of the world identifies him with. The only tether to his old life.

The name that will destroy him—Zain. She’s vowed to find a man she’s never met.

Ex-FBI analyst Dana McAvery can’t explain what drew her to Zain’s case. But finding the missing Green Beret soldier became her mission.

But coming face-to-face with the man who’s monopolized every spare moment of her mind shakes her. His tall, dark and formidable stare rocks her confidence. She expected to find a prisoner, a man in need of rescue—but a brutal killer stands before her.

One that places himself between her and danger. And god help her, she wants more of him. Finding Zain isn’t the issue—but with a terrorist group after them, getting them both home might be an impossible feat.

••••••

REVIEW: ZAIN is the third instalment in Samantha Wilde’s contemporary, adult CHOSEN FEW erotic, romantic suspense series, a cross-over with the author’s BLOOD BROTHERS series. This is US army soldier Zain Mitry, and former FBI analyst Dana McAvery’s story line. ZAIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty . Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary .

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

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Dana and Zain) ZAIN follows in the wake of the search and ‘rescue’ of our story line hero. Zain Mitry, is a USA army soldier / Green Beret who went missing in Afghanistan approximately three years earlier in the aftermath of an explosion that killed his entire team. When news came that Zain had been sighted, former FBI analyst Dana McAvery, now working as part of the team at Backcountry Protection Services, enacts an ill-gotten plan to rescue a man who did not need rescuing. On the run in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Dana and Zain were about to face down a familiar enemy, someone who refused to back down in the face of losing it all.

The world building focuses on the search and rescue of Zain Mitry; the revelation of betrayal from the top; and the building relationship between two people who have had enough excitement and danger to last a lifetime.

The relationship between Zain and Dana begins as a ‘rescue’, of sorts but our couple find themselves a target of some very powerful men. On the run, hopefully heading towards their own rescue, Zain and Dana find themselves facing down more than one person hoping to destroy them both. Back home, Zain and Dana take their relationship to the next level but the enemy has followed them Stateside, an enemy that won’t stop until they are both gone. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and enterprising secondary and supporting characters including Dana’s brother Taschen; Zain’s brother Rami (Chosen Few 1), August (Chosen Few 2), Toth Holmes, and their significant others; Zain’s CIA contact Maxine, and several members of some powerful terrorist groups in the Middle East. The requisite evil has many faces. Taschen’s story line is next.

ZAIN is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, murder and torture; family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is dramatic and dark; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are desperate, determined and dynamic.

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Reviewed by Sandy

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CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER (Apocalyptic Love 1) by Rose Wulf

CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER (Apocalyptic Love 1) by Rose Wulf-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 20, 2024

Death was never supposed to fall in love…

Fenn had long given up on knowing the warmth of another by the day he met her.
Sienna Jacobsen.

A woman who was somehow immune to the touch of Death.

With Christmas just around the corner, Sienna was once again desperate to find someone she could bring home for the weekend.

Talk about the perfect time to finally meet the very literal man of her dreams.

He was supposed to be investigating Sienna’s death-touch immunity, but the only touch on either of their minds was the kind he’d so long been denied. And he couldn’t keep his hands off.

Her sisters had their reservations about Fenn, but it was his personal stalker that threatened to ruin the holiday

••••••

REVIEW: CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER is the first instalment in Rose Wulf’s contemporary, adult APOCALYPTIC LOVE erotic, paranormal, fantasy, mythology series. This is Death aka Fenn, and Sienna Jacobsen’s story line.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Sienna and Fenn) CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER focuses on the building relationship between Sienna Jacobsen, a woman with the ability to see the future, and Fenn, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Fenn has never known human touch or otherwise, and as one of the Four Horsemen, never expected to fall in love but the touch of a woman with powers of her own gives Fenn thoughts for a future even if only for a limited time. Sienna Jacobsen is a clairvoyant, one of three sisters with supernatural powers, and thought to be blessed by the gods, the Jacobsen sisters try to keep to themselves but a Christmas reunion forces Sienna to look for a plus-one, and Fenn is perfect for the time. Meanwhile Fenn has a stalker, a stalker who takes aim at our story line heroine, using her sisters as collateral damage.

The world building reveals some of Fenn’s history, and the introduction of the other Horsemen, as well as the deities and demi-gods seeking revenge or the ultimate prize.

The relationship between Fenn and Sienna begins by accident when Sienna touches a man who has never been touched.For years, Sienna, as a clairvoyant, has witnessed a stranger in her dreams, a stranger who is about to become her happily ever after. Falling in love was never meant to be, Sienna suspects her relationship with Fenn comes with an expiry date. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Sienna’s ‘magical’ sisters: Maya and Piper, and her best friend Sherri; as well as the other Horsemen: Cassian aka Famine, Sulien aka War, Rajan aka Famine; Florence Dossit; and Moirai Lauryn, aka Fate, and a demi-god with ulterior motives.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE REAPER is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance,obsession and madness, acceptance and love. The premise is enchanting and intriguing; the romance is provocative; the characters are magical and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Turmoil’s Target / Doc’s Decision by Elizabeth Knox -review

Turmoil’s Target / Doc’s Decision (Reaper’s Rejects MC: Second Generation 2 & 3) by Elizabeth Knox -review

TURMOIL’S TARGET
(Reapers Rejects MC: Second Generation : Nevada 2)
by Elizabeth Knox
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, MC, romance

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 31, 2024

She was meant to be a job, not the woman I couldn’t live without.

Turmoil

They were f***ing with the club’s money and we were tied of dealing with it. The moment Damon asked for one of us prospects to volunteer, I jumped at the opportunity. I was itching to prove myself to the club and this was my way to do that.

The task? Go undercover and get close to Seraphina Bernard—find out what her and family’s plans were with the club, and stop them before they got the chance to do anything else.

The problem? Seraphina got under my skin. She was cocky, privileged, and had the world at her fingertips. Getting her to want to be around me was one thing, but eventually, I proved myself to her.

Not long after knowing her, our relationship shifted. It started out as a friends with benefits situation, and one night at a club with her, someone tried to attack her. I intervened and that’s when it shifted. I crossed a line I shouldn’t have that night. I knew better, and somehow I was now in a fake relationship with her.

I had a duty to the club and I would fulfill my obligations, but after a time, I realized Seraphina was in the dark more than we anticipated.

As the truth came to light, my feelings for Seraphina grew, but how would she handle it when she found out the club sent me here to spy on her?

Would she forgive me, or would she view herself as nothing more than a target?

•••••

REVIEW: TURMOIL’S TARGET is the second instalment in Elizabeth Knox’s contemporary, adult REAPERS REJECTS MC: NEVADA Second Generation erotic, MC romance series, set in the author’s Reapers Rejects MC world. This is prospect Abram ‘Abe’ Morozov aka Turmoil, and heiress Seraphina Bernard’s story line. TURMOIL’S TARGET can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading Spark’s Inferno for background.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Turmoil and Seraphina) TURMOIL’S TARGET follows the undercover operation into the who, how and why of the people taking aim at the Reapers Rejects MC. Someone is targeting the MC for sins of the past, and at every opportunity, are one step ahead of the Reapers Rejects. Desperate, the Reapers Rejects send in two undercover prospects to ferret out information in an effort to put an end to what is happening and why. Enter Abram ‘Turmoil, Morozov. Turmoil is expected to seduce heiress Seraphina Bernard, a young woman with connections to the MC past but a woman caught in a spiral not of her making. As Turmoil’s seduction gains momentum, the possibility of a mole forces the club to look inward.

The world building continues to focus on the business ‘attacks’ against the Reapers Rejects MC. Someone is outbidding and ensuring the MC’s business plans and success begin to fail, and in this, prospects Turmoil and Jolt are assigned to find out the who, how and why. Seducing heiress Seraphina Bernard was easy but falling in love was never in the plans.

The relationship between Seraphina and Abe aka Turmoil begins as an assignment; a seduction to uncover information but Abe found himself falling for his mark, a fall that threatens the future of the Reapers Rejects MC. Seraphina has no idea she is a pawn in a dangerous game but a game where she will discover all is not right in her well orderly world. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters include several OG members of the Reapers Rejects MC including club prez Damon and VP Dixon, as well as prospect Jolt, Doc, Shiver; Seraphina’s mother Sally Bernard, her grandfather, and her best friend Rita.

TURMOIL’S TARGET is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, determined and desperations, family and relationships. The character driven premise is dramatic and engaging but the seven month jump leaves too many unanswered questions; the romance is fated and flawed; the characters are stubborn and daring. TURMOIL’S TARGET ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of SPARK’S INFERNO

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

_________

DOC’S DECISION
Reaper’s Rejects MC: Second Generation 3
by Elizabeth Knox
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic, MC, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 30, 2024

She stepped up when she didn’t need to, and that was the moment she belonged to me.

Doc

With the immediate threat dealt with, the club could finally rest. At least, that’s what I thought at first. I thought we’d all get a break, that we’d enjoy the few moments of peace we had.

But, I was wrong.

Sassy delivered my son and I was accepting the truth—a clubwh*** had my baby. I was going to try to coparent with her, and I wasn’t opposed to the idea of trying to make an honest woman out of her.

I wasn’t going to be a jerk about it. I was going to be mature. I had my mind made up. I just never thought Sassy would leave a note in her room saying she wasn’t coming back and that I could have him.

I went from thinking my son would have a mother in his life, that he wouldn’t be raised in the same turmoil I was. Sadly, that wasn’t the case. The club stepped up, though. All of the ladies were there for my little man, but there was one woman who showed up more than the rest—Mandy.

I’d become good friends with her over the last year and seeing her with my son sparked something inside me. I don’t know when I made the decision, but I knew then I’d make her my ol’ lady.

I wasn’t going to let this magnificent woman slip through my fingers.

••••••

REVIEW: DOC’S DECISION is the third instalment in Elizabeth Knox’s contemporary adult REAPER’S REJECTS MC: Second Generation erotic, MC romance series-a spin off set in the author’s Reaper’s Rejects world. This is MC member /medic Darren ‘Doc’ Nixon, and Amanda “Mandy’ Blake’s story line. DOC’S DECISION can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion, as there is an ongoing premise throughout. Mandy was first introduced in book one Spark’s Inferno.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Doc and Mandy) DOC’S DECISION follows the building relationship between our story line couple. Darren ‘Doc’ Nixon is a single father who is struggling with his newborn son. Mandy Blake, adult internet entertainer, steps in to help which only adds to her attraction to our story line hero. Doc has lusted after Mandy from afar but all bets are off when Mandy’s past returns, while Doc claims our heroine as his own.

The world building follows several pathways including Mandy’s past, and Doc’s personal struggle with his ailing mother. When Mandy’s past returns, our heroine and the club become a target, a target of a sick and twisted mind.

The relationship between Mandy and Doc has been simmering for a long time but Doc’s new found fatherhood found our hero struggling but with Mandy’s help, Doc sees a potential future with the woman with whom he will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative including some scenes of Daddy kink.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Reaper’s Rejects MC, as well as Zoe and Spark, Turmoil and Seraphina. Seraphina figures prominently in the current time line.

DOC’S DECISION is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, madness and obsession, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and dramatic; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate and charismatic.. DOC’S DECISION ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Graham (Austin Fusion 2) by Samantha Lind -review tour

💙 Graham (Austin Fusion 2) by Samantha Lind -review tour 💙

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 20, 2024

Stay away from puck bunnies – easy.
When it comes to my best friend’s little sister…
That’s far more complicated.
I’ve spent my entire career focused on what happens on the ice.
Yet now that I’m nearing retirement, the beautiful Savannah Rhodes offers me something I never realized I wanted.
A future.
Our ten-year age difference doesn’t matter.
Even the risk to my friendship with her brother can’t extinguish the inferno of need that ignites with every touch.
There isn’t anything I crave more than her.
But when our secret is revealed and life takes a painful turn…
It threatens to change everything.
She’s all I want.
I just need to convince her that I’m worth the risk.

••••

REVIEW:GRAHAM is the second instalment in Samantha Lind’s contemporary, adult AUSTIN FUSION erotic,hockey romance series. This is thirty-six year old, Austin Fusion player Graham, Webber and twenty-six year old, teacher for the deaf Savannah Rhodes’ story line. GRAHAM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. There is a slight cross over with the author’s San Francisco Shockwaves, and Indianapolis Eagles Hockey series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Savannah and Graham) GRAHAM focuses on the building romance and relationship between Graham Webber and Savannah Rhodes. Graham Webber is best friends with Savannah’s brother Lucas Rhodes but Graham hasn’t seen Savannah in several years. Discovering Savannah now lives in the same city where Graham’s hockey team is based, Graham goes in search of our heroine at a local fund-raiser at the school for the deaf. Reconnecting brings with it memories from the past, and the added attraction of unrequited lust and hope for the future. As their relationship builds, Savannah finds herself reconsidering her future, a future that involves our story line hero.

The world building focuses on the issues of injuries and aging in the game of professional sport. Savannah has found someone to love, a man whose own career is nearing the end of its’ cycle.

The relationship between Savannah and Graham is a best friend’s younger sister, friends to lovers relationship in which there is little to no conflict except the potential for Lucas Rhodes to not accept his best friend’s choice. As Savannah and Graham quickly find themselves falling in love, Graham believes it is time to claim our heroine as his own. The $ex scenes are provocative and impassioned without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are familiar and dynamic including the return of teammate Zack Blackburn; Ryker and Tori Fox (San Francisco Shockwaves), Austin and Reece (Indianapolis Eagles). We are introduced to Savannah’s brother Lucas and his wife Carly, as well as the return of some of the players on the Austin Fusion.

GRAHAM is a story of family and friendships, professional sports and injury, romance and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is passionate and seductive; the characters are determined and charismatic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one ZACK

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Samantha Lind is a USA TODAY Bestselling contemporary romance author. When she’s not dreaming up new stories, she can often be found with her family, traveling, reading, watching her boys on the ice, or watching her favorite professional hockey team (Go Knights Go!), and listening to country music.  She can be contacted by email or found on Facebook.

Keep up with Samantha Lind and subscribe to her newsletter: http://bit.ly/FDSLNL

FOLLOW: Website / Newsletter / FacebookFacebook GroupInstagramTwitterGoodreadsAmazon Author /Bookbub

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FESTIVE (The Houston Defiance MC 9) by KE Osborn-review tour

💛🎄FESTIVE (The Houston Defiance MC 9) by KE Osborn-review tour💛🎄

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 10, 2024

Christmas is in the air, and the importance of family has never felt stronger.
Stepping into my brother’s shoes wasn’t going to be easy. Zero led with greatness—just like our father before him.

Now, it’s my time to prove that the Walker legacy is unbreakable.

My Old Lady is expecting again, and my family’s growing—there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to protect them. But I can’t turn my back when my brothers and I encounter a woman in distress on a run.

The protector in me demands I step in.

Yet, doing the right thing might come at a cost. Am I risking everything—my family, my brothers, and the love of my life—just to play the hero?

Sometimes, saving one life means putting everything else on the line.

With Christmas here, I know what matters. Family is everything, and I’ll risk it all, even my life, to get them back. Because during this festive time of year, there’s nothing more important than raining down hellfire to show your Christmas spirit.

•••••

REVIEW: FESTIVE is the ninth instalment in KE Osborn’s contemporary, adult HOUSTON DEFIANCE MC erotic ,MC romance series. This is the continuing story of MC president Koda ‘Six’ Walker, and his old lady Thayleah aka Rebel. FESTIVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.Rebel and Six’s story begins in book seven SECRETIVE

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

Told from three first person perspectives (Six, Rebel, Zero) FESTIVE follows in the weeks before the Christmas holidays. On a run with the club,Six, Zero and the men come upon a woman in distress, a woman they welcome into the family as one of their own but Rebel struggles with the woman’s arrival, never quite believing everything she sees. Pregnant with their third child, Rebel battles between head and heart with the man that she loves, a man whose preoccupation with everyone else leaves his family behind.

The world building focuses on the struggling relationship between Six and Rebel; the arrival of a woman no one knows; and the ongoing battle to reclaim their place in the underground world of drugs.

The relationship between Six and Rebel has already been established but there are cracks on the surface, cracks that are beginning to show. Rebel is struggling to trust the man whom she loves, a man who claims to want everything and more. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and dynamic secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Houston Defiance MC, as well as the return of Rebel’s father Shotgun, and newcomer Amber.

FESTIVE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies,heartbreak and sorrow, forgiveness and love. The premise is intriguing and entertaining but predictable; the romance is passionate; the characters are energetic and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Explosive
Addictive
Fugitive
3.5 The Unwanted Crown
Impulsive
Protective
Deceptive
Secretive
Survive

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

KE OSBORN

With a flair for all things creative, International Bestselling Author K E Osborn, is drawn to the written word. Exciting worlds and characters flow through her veins, coming to life on the page as she laughs, cries, and becomes enveloped in the storyline right along with you. She’s entirely at home when writing sassy heroines and alpha males that rise from the ashes of their pasts.

K E Osborn comforts herself with tea and Netflix, after all, who doesn’t love a good binge?

Turn lust into love at www.keosbornauthor.com

AUTHOR LINKS

Website / Instagram / Twitter/Facebook / Goodreads / Bookbub / Amazon Author PageNewsletter /

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Ask Me (Cherry Blossom Lake 4) by Tawna Fenske-review

Ask Me (Cherry Blossom Lake 4) by Tawna Fenske-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 6, 2024

Ask anyone in town for the best guy to rev your engine and they’ll point to me.
Ask anyone who’s read a book or watched TV, or hell…
Any human with a pulse knows Brooke Braham is America’s top advice guru.
I don’t need a PhD to see I shouldn’t fall for the famous shrink.
It’s not like an auto shop owner can’t run with the rich and beautiful, but guess what?
Turns out the good doc and I share more than scorching chemistry.
She lost her sister in the worst way, and I—
Well, let’s just say it messes with a guy to learn his dead addict mom isn’t.
Dead, I mean. Who knew?
Not my big pack of rowdy brothers.
My sister might’ve sensed it, but I had a different take.
One I’ve never told anyone.
There’s stuff I should take to the grave, but Brooke’s got me all up in my feelings.
Turns out they aren’t just below the belt.
She’s funny and smart and loves my big, doofy dog.
But we can’t get involved.
It says so right there in her book.
Love’s not for folks facing major life messes, which is us in a nutshell.
So much for sexy sand sledding lessons that can’t lead to more.
Ditto for using my childhood tire swing in ways that would make a mechanic blush.
I can’t fall for Brooke, no matter what my busted-up heart believes.
I’m a guy with a rep for fixing anything.
Almost anything. Let’s not dwell.
The last thing Brooke needs is me rescuing her like she’s some damsel in distress.
But what if we’re meant to save each other?

•••••

REVIEW:ASK ME is the fourth instalment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary adult CHERRY BLOSSOM LAKE erotic, romance series. This is mechanic Kaleb Spencer-King, and author/influencer / media psychologist Brooke Braham’s story line. ASK ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kaleb and Brooke) ASK ME follows Brooke Braham’s visit to Cherry Blossom Lake, the site of a tremendous loss but meeting Kaleb Spencer-King felt like meeting a kindred spirit, a man who knows loss first hand. As their relationship begins to develop, Brooke is pulled into the dysfunctional Spencer-King family, a family where she feels at home but Brooke’s time in Cherry Blossom Lake comes with an expiry date, and our couple are refusing to acknowledge the proverbial elephant in the room.

The world building focuses on love and loss, grief and guilt. The Spencer-King family has struggled with lies, loss, betrayal and guilt .Unable to get past the betrayal of someone close, Kaleb battles between head and heart, struggling with issues of trust but Kaleb’s mistrust is equaled by Brooke’s inability to let go for the grief and guilt of her own loss.

The relationship between Brooke and Kaleb is one of immediate attraction and commiseration over similar yet different losses. Kaleb continues to struggle with a former betrayal, and Brooke abides by her own rules regarding grief and loss. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Kaleb’s siblings, as well as their struggling mother; Brooke’s assistant Maxine.

ASK ME is a story of secrets and lies, loss and grief, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The premise is riveting and enthralling; the characters are broken and struggling; the romance is seductive and passionate.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Try Me
Charm Me
Hold Me

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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A Kiss of Flame (Shadows Eternal 3) by Ashley Lockwood-review

A Kiss of Flame (Shadows Eternal 3) by Ashley Lockwood-review

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 30, 2024

One last adventure. A dragon bound by duty. A simmering passion that could change everything.

A Kiss of Flame will be the third book in the Shadows Eternal Series.

Barith thought he’d find his true mate long before his mother, Queen Eithne of the Sun Dragon horde, chose one for him. But time has run out. As the eldest of her five children, the queen is ready for her son to make a match and return to the horde to fulfill his duty. Fate intervenes when Barith learns his oldest friend, the half-fae mage Levian, has vanished while tracking a group of dangerous thieves. Seizing the chance to delay his impending fate, Barith embarks on a rescue mission that could be his last taste of freedom.

Levian agrees to let Barith join her investigation into the mysterious dark thieves she calls the Black Masks, knowing their friendship will change forever once he’s mated. When their efforts lead them to an exclusive club catering to magickal creatures’ darkest desires, their act to blend in ignites a firestorm of temptation and long-suppressed feelings that threatens to consume them both.

As duty and desire collide, Barith and Levian must confront the true nature of their bond before it’s too late. Will they risk everything for a chance at love, or will ancient traditions and old wounds tear them apart?

•••

REVIEW:A KISS OF FLAME is the third instalment in Ashley Lockwood’s contemporary, adult SHADOWS ETERNAL paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is dragon prince Barith McCroy, and mage/Fae Levian Myrddin’s story line. A KISS OF FLAME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Barith and Levian) A KISS OF FLAME follows the best friends to lovers / forbidden relationship between dragon prince Barith McCroy and half Fae/mage Levian Myrddin. Prince Barith is betrothed to a female dragon in the hopes of making a stronger horde for the Queen but Barith has been in love with his best friend Levian for as long as he can remember, and struggles with his mother’s choice. Levian, the Wizen Council of Mage’s official Ambassador to the Zephyr High Court, finds herself on the hunt for stolen artifacts, artifacts imbued with magical power. The Black Masks, shadow thieves, are working alongside a power mage, a mage who has mastered the dark arts but with the help from a prisoner with inside knowledge, Levian journeys towards the darkness, in an effort to reclaim what doesn’t belong.

The world building follows several paths including the introduction of Prince Barith’s siblings, and their Queen mother, a woman who is determined to control her only son. On her own, Levian searches for the stolen relics, wherein she will be come face to face with the darkness.

The relationship between Levian and Barith is a best friends to lovers; a forbidden relationship in which neither one is willing to admit their love, a love that is prohibited by the dragon Queen. Betrothed to someone he doesn’t love, Barith struggles between duty and honor, and the love of a woman he cannot have. 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 coloful, magical and powerful secondary and supporting supernatural characters including the introduction of Barith’s sisters Catriona, Judith, Flora and Gwen, and their mother Queen Eithne; half-faes Lucian Vane and his co-conspirator Tsuki; as well as Levian’s father Merlin McCroy; and High Daemon Lord Carvatticus; The requisite evil has many faces.

A KISS OF FLAME is a story of power and control, magic and mayhem, secrets and lies, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The slow building premise is detailed and dramatic; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are desperate and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Shadow of Dark Desire
A Heart of Ice and Shadow

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

__________

Haven’t started the series? Book 1-SHADOW OF DARK DESIRE is FREE

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Book 2-A HEART OF ICE AND SHADOW is only 99¢

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Neutral Zone Trap (For Puck’s Sake 10) by Crea Reitan-review tour

🏒💜Neutral Zone Trap (For Puck’s Sake 10) by Crea Reitan-review tour🏒💜

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 12, 2024

I want something true.

Torin

Hiding behind my mascot mask has always worked in my favor. As someone with social anxiety and paralyzing shyness, the ability to be out in the world without being seen is the only way I’m able to function. It also means I can long for my crush from afar without him knowing.

I’m invisible inside my costume and try to go unseen otherwise. Except that Hugo always sees me because he’s such a sweet, kind, thoughtful man. Is it any surprise that I’m completely in love with him?

What starts out as an accidental anonymous text turns into a date but there’s just one problem. Hugo thinks he’s texting a girl. What happens when he finds out that’s not the case?

Hugo

When my closest friends all pair up, I’m left as the unpartnered ninth wheel, which becomes awkward and makes me feel out of place. That’s where my new friend, Torin, comes in.

The face behind the Surry the Seal is Torin Jonah. He’s so quiet and nice, I try to always make sure to say hi to him when I see him. It’s not hard to make sure someone knows that you see them.

We start hanging out all the time – having sleepovers, platonic cuddling, maybe a little throwback to teenage mutual jerking sessions in the shower amongst bros. When I tell him that I’ve been talking to this girl and I think I like her, suddenly I feel like I’m being unfaithful to him.

Now I’m not sure what to do. Date this girl or maybe see if Torin could possibly be interested in me and see what happens.

•••••

REVIEW:I absolutely loved this book. It’s my second favourite in this series.

Yes it’s a slow burn (but I’m so glad it was) is there plenty of hockey? (yes there is) do we catch up with regulars from the series? Absolutely.

Torin although part of this series, hasn’t really been seen in previous books. He’s the clubs mascot. Hidden behind a mask is just how Torin likes it. Suffering from crippling anxiety meant Torin can’t really get a job that he’s seen! So hiding gives him a wage and a sense of purpose.

Torin also has a HUGE crush on Hugo. It started also as soon as Torin spots Hugo, and when he says hi, or waves to him, it just makes his crush grow.

But Hugo is straight, and Torin wouldn’t ever put himself in a position to say hi.

Hugo is a defender, it’s his job to keep the puck away before it gets to the goal. He’s a big guy, and has been told often he’s just a “jock”, he’s been told to think before he speaks as he often offends! He loves his team mates, and he loves what he does…..

But….. Hugo is lonely! He’s watching his friends pair off and find their happy ever afters. And the puck bunnies don’t really hold any interest for him anymore. (In fact, there is a part in here that makes me 😱 and then 😢)

Torin starts the ball rolling by accidentally texting Hugo! (I’m not going to give that part away, as I did chuckle at that incident.) Hugo responds, and they start a conversation…..

Meanwhile Hugo has started coming over and saying hi to Torin, and a friendship begins…..

Hugo is socially awkward, he just says whatever he thinks or feels. (Not really the done thing, but I found it endearing) he likes the friendship that is growing between Torin and him, but he’s also looking forward to the texts he receives from his new friend. And as his feelings for both of the people, start to grow, he has to make a choice….

So what happens when Hugo goes on a date with his text “girl” and meets the man who has slowly taken over Hugo’s every waking moment?

OMG!! There is apart in here, that absolutely broke me 😢 I kept fingers, toes and everything in between crossed 🤐

The storyline is absorbing, the characters had my attention from the first word, until the last one. I just wanted this story to go on and on and on.

I like the words we get from the author in the beginning of her book, and at the end. Usually very thought provoking.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Shiver
Starting Line
Lucky Shot
The Crease
Wingman Score
Coach Stare Down
Stick Lessons
The Defending Goal
Just Winging It

Copy supplied for review

🦋 Reviewed by Julie B

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

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

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