Tag Archives: Flame

Flame (Carmichael Family 5) by Adriana Locke-review tour

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Flame (Carmichael Family 5) by Adriana Locke-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 20, 2023

RSVP to my Marriage of Convenience

I swore I would only get married if my life depended on it. Oh, the irony.

Many things have happened over the past few weeks that I didn’t see coming. My family imploded. Our business was turned upside down. And someone threatened to harm me if I didn’t make good on my father’s promises.

But the biggest thing I didn’t see coming?

Foxx Carmichael demanding marriage.

He’s doing it out of loyalty to my brother. I know that. But I can’t help but think if, through that deliciously hot, grumpy exterior, my bodyguard doesn’t have ulterior motives.

There’s no denying the fire in his touch or the heat in his blue eyes. He protects me with a ferocity that leaves me breathless. He makes me rethink many things I thought I knew for sure—like my position on marriage.

But how we dance around our fake relationship makes me wonder what part of this is pretend. None of it matters if he doesn’t admit he feels the same way.

Our sham wedding will fall apart as soon as the threat is contained. But what happens if the flames between us burn everything to the ground first?

••••

REVIEW:Flame is the fifth installment of the Carmichael Family by Adriana Locke. Each book can be read as a standalone, and no real need is made in the story line to read them in any order. Fame is a traditional contemporary romance and marriage of convenience trope.

The plot and story is what I have come to expect with AL and the Carmichael family, however I think Flame was lacking … .sparks between the main leads. Foxx and Bianca have known each other for some time by the time we get their story, but it didn’t feel like there was much of a build up to them as a couple. Foxx was Bianca’s brother’s best friend as well and that I think played a part in the “slow get together”.

Foxx and Bianca work together, and when it comes to light that someone wants to hurt Bianca, Foxx is on the ball to protect her, and thus their romance begins. There wasn’t much chemistry between them in my opinion, and what there was felt forced, almost like a bad first date. Then when the marriage of convenience happens, they magically decide to act on their feelings.

Overall, I was a little disappointed in Flame, not what I have come to expect from this author. I love the Carmichael’s and was super excited for Foxx’s romance, but it just felt forced and rushed. For fellow AL fans, I’m sure you will like Bianca and Foxx.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Flirt
Fling
Fluke
Flaunt

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys dreamed up by other authors, she decided to create her own. She is the author of Tumble, the first novel in her Dogwood Lane series; the Exception series; the Gibson Brothers series; and the Landry Family series.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, her sons, two dogs, two cats, and a bird. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice, and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket. Besides cinnamon gummy bears, boxing, and random quotes, her next favorite thing is chatting with readers. She’d love to hear from you! Look for her at www.adrianalocke.com.

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Flame (Steel Brothers 20) by Helen Hardt-Review Tour

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Flame (Steel Brothers 20) by Helen Hardt-Review Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 28, 2021.

Her past is coming back to haunt her. His present is haunting him.

Callie Pike always considered herself the plain sister—stuck in the middle between beautiful Rory and vivacious Maddie—so she still can’t believe gorgeous perennial bachelor Donny Steel has fallen in love with her. She should be the happiest woman on the planet, and she is…but her nemesis from ten years ago seems intent on destroying her newfound bliss.

Donny Steel will do anything to protect his family, even sacrifice his ethics and his own happiness. As much as he loves Callie, he knows he can’t be the man she deserves—not until he solves the mysteries of his family’s past and finds out who shot his father.

Though the two erupt in flames whenever they’re together, the secrets they both harbor could destroy any chance for a future together.

•••••••

REVIEW:All consuming.

Flame is the twentieth installment of Helen Hardt’s Steel Brothers Saga, but also part two for Donny and Callie. Like most of the Steel brothers books this one involves family, love, mystery and secrets. It’s recommended to read the books in order to get the most out of them, but I promise, as soon as you start, you won’t be able to put them down.

I feel like Flame focuses more on Callie and Donvans relationship than anything else, but I’m not complaining about it. The steamy scenes are spicy, spicy, spicy, and really push Callie out of her comfort zone. While Callie starts to build a future with Donny, she still holds fears that he will one day find out her secrets, and leave her when he does. Donny on the other hand is on a search of his own, the search for a murder. The plot thickens, and just when you think you’ve figured out what is going on, that you have all the answers…

BAM! A new twist!

Just wow, I can’t get enough of this series! Callie and Donny’s story left off on such a cliff hanger last time and I was dying to get back to it. Helen Hardt sure doesn’t let her readers suffer. Callie and Donny have a love that girls dream of finding, they will literally do anything to protect the other, even if they don’t agree with it. *Swoon* Flame will keep you engaged and hopeful, eagerly waiting for the next moment to happen. I can’t wait to see where this mysterious, heart pounding, romantic drama leads us next.

Previous reviews
Ravenous
Insatiable
Fate
Legacy
Descent
Awakened
Cherished

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

Haven’t started the series? CRAVING book one is FREE

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Apple Books: http://apple.co/1KZrHnc
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#1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Helen Hardt’s passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award-winning author of romantic fiction, she’s a mother, an attorney, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family. Helen loves to hear from readers.

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Flame (Dark Kings 17) by Donna Grant-Review & Excerpt

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Flame (Dark Kings 17) by Donna Grant-Review & Excerpt

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 30 2020

If she believed in destiny, she would believe they were meant for each other.
But that fire was put out long ago. . .

Living among the Dragon Kings, Cain has spent lifetimes learning to distrust both mortals and Fae. He is a warrior born—and every instinct demands that he fight to keep his own kind safe. But when a fringe member of the Dark Fae contacts the Kings with an urgent warning, Cain is torn for the first time. How can he trust this beautiful creature when resisting his primal attraction to her is battle enough?

Noreen is horrified by what her kind and the malevolent Others are planning for the Dragon Kings. Dark Fae or not, there are lines she will not cross—even if it means risking her life. But she never imagined that she would risk her heart until she meets Cain. She wants him with a soul-deep desire that frightens her…and endangers them both. Is saying goodbye to everything Noreen has ever known worth a love that will span time and realms?

••••••••••

REVIEW:FLAME by Donna Grant is the seventeenth full-length instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult DARK KINGS paranormal/fantasy romance focusing on the Dragon Kings and the women they love. This is navy Dragon Cain, and Dark Fae Noreen’s story line. FLAME should not be read as a stand alone as the current story line continues to follow the ongoing series arc.

SOME BACKGROUND: The DARK KINGS is a spinoff from Donna Grant’s DARK WARRIOR series which in turn is a spin off from Donna’s DARK SWORD series- all set in the Highlands of Scotland, including the latest spin off about the Fae executioners known as the REAPERS. The Dragon Kings have a new enemy with the recent appearance of a group known as the Others, but their true identity and membership is currently unknown. As each Dragon King falls in love and finds his mate, King Constantine is pulled further away from the woman he loves, a woman he betrayed thousands of years earlier.

Told from several third person perspectives including Noreen and Cain FLAME focuses on the search for the truth, and the identity of the group known as the Others. An anonymous email to the Dreagon, the home of the Dragon Kings, finds Navy dragon Cain volunteering to ferret out the information the sender claims to know. Enter Dark Fae Noreen, a member of the Others, and the woman with whom Cain will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Cain and Noreen, and the potential fall-out as betrayal is inevitable when dealing with the enemy.

Navy dragon King Cain knows he has found his mate in the Dark Fae Noreen but trust doesn’t come easily for the other Kings. Having been betrayed in the past, and the obvious issue of Noreen’s identity, the Dragon Kings struggle to accept Noreen at face value including Rhi, a powerful Fae who sees more than most. While Rhi battles between head and heart, her Dragon King slowly begins to spiral out of control without the love of the woman he had chosen to destroy.

FLAME, like many of the previous storylines, recounts and chronicles the history of the Dragons, the Fae, the Druids and humankind; the betrayal leading to war between the dragons and human but also reveals the reason for the Others-their determination, their drive, their goals and their vengeance. We are introduced to their leader, their members and the powerful magic that controls the world but a magic that is slowly dissipating from other realms with prolonged and nefarious use.

FLAME is a story of betrayal, secrets, vengeance and lies. A tale of powerful magic and manipulation, broken minds and broken souls. The premise is intriguing and emotional; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are spirited, animated and impassioned.

Previous Reviews

Dark Craving
Night’s Awakening
Dawn’s Desire
Darkest Flame
Fire Rising
Burning Desire
Hot Blooded
Night’s Blaze
Soul Scorched
Dragon King
Passion Ignites
Smoldering Hunger
Smoke and Fire
Dragon Fever 9.5
Firestorm
Blaze
Dragon Burn 11.5
Constantine: A History Part 1
Heat
Constantine: A History Part 2
Constantine: A History Part 3
Torched
Dragon Night 13.5
Dragon Fire
Dragon Claimed
Ignite
Fever
Dragon Lost

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Click HERE for an excerpt of Chapter one from FLAME.

 

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

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Flame (Web of Desire #2) by Aleatha Romig-Review Tour

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Flame (Web of Desire #2) by Aleatha Romig-Review Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 25, 2020

No longer simmering and crackling beyond our realm, the fire smoldering in the distance roars to life. The blaze has the capacity to scorch and destroy everything and everyone in its path.

All that I’ve known and believed was obliterated the moment Madeline spoke a truth I’d never suspected. With one sentence, one plea, my life has taken an uncharted turn. Through the smoke and soot, I search for answers.

A man, an outfit, and my brothers-in-arms have been my solace, my calling, and my reason to live. Now that I know there’s more, what will the future hold?

The Ivanov bratva wants Chicago. I want what they possess. With the Sparrow world at war, and Madeline’s declaration, she and I are surrounded, trapped by the inferno.

What will remain when the flames cease and we are left surveying the ashes?

•••••••

REVIEW:FLAME is the second instalment in Aleatha Romig’s contemporary, adult WEB OF DESIRE dark, erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on Patrick Kelly, and Madeline ‘Maddie’ Miller. FLAME and the Web of Desire series is set in the author’s Web of Sin, and Tangle Web worlds but you do not have to have read the previous series to follow or understand the current timeline. FLAME should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book one SPARK

WARNING: Due to the nature of the premise, and the story line content, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Maddie and Patrick) using present day and memories from the past, FLAME follows immediately after the events of book one in which Maddie, a professional poker player, has lost to the man to whom she is married. Seventeen years earlier, just weeks after their were married, a then eighteen year old Maddie Tate Kelly disappeared from Patrick’s life, leaving Patrick a shattered man believing his wife was dead but Patrick had no idea as to the secret Maddie was protecting, a secret that found Maddie in a fight for her life. Fast forward to present day wherein Maddie is desperate, and with the loss to Patrick, come threats that will destroy someone she loves. What ensues is the search for the truth as Maddie and Patrick must defy the Sparrow, as they take on the Ivanov bratva on their own.

Maddie Miller is ‘owned’ by Andros Ivanov, and her life is no longer her own. Everything and everyone she loves is threatened as Ivanov enacts his plans to take over Chicago, a take over that is meant to destroy the Sparrow Crime syndicate. As a member of the syndicate Patrick Kelly knows first hand how to get the job done but this job requires care and finesse knowing that someone’s life hangs in the balance.

The rebuilding relationship between Maddie and Patrick struggles in the face of issues of trust, secrets and lies. Maddie has yet to reveal the entirety of her backstory to Patrick, a backstory that is heart breaking, emotional, painful and raw, but a backstory that controls every aspect of her life. The $ex scenes between Patrick and Maddie are passionate but filled with angst and conflict.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Sterling Sparrow and Araneae (Web of Sin Trilogy), Mason Pierce (Tangle Web Trilogy) and Reid Murray as well as several members of both the Sparrow Syndicate and the Ivanov Carte including notorious crime lords, and poker stars Andros Ivanov, Marion Elliott, and Antonio Hillman.

FLAME is a dark and gritty story of one woman’s struggle to survive against the odds. The premise is raw, real, strong and sensitive; the characters are broken, desperate, powerful and strong; the romance is provocative. FLAME is a dramatic, intense and passionate story line that ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

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

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

NEWSLETTER | WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | GOODREADS
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Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams and bring your imagination to life!

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha’s twisted style with an increase in heat.

In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.

In the spring of 2017, Aleatha released her first stand-alone, fun, and sexy romantic comedy with PLUS ONE, followed by the sweet stand-alone, ONE NIGHT.

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America.  She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Sign up today to receive her monthly newsletter  and /or text message alerts stay informed.

And if you’re new to ALEATHA, check out her FREE books.

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Flame (Men of Inked:Heatwave #1) by Chelle Bliss-Review Tour

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Flame (Men of Inked: Heatwave #1) by Chelle Bliss-Review tour

Flame
(Men of Inked: Heatwave #1)
by Chelle Bliss
Release Date: September 17, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / KOBO  /Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 17, 2019

Could you love a man surrounded by danger?
Gigi Gallo’s childhood was filled with the roar of a motorcycle and the hum of a tattoo gun. Fresh out of college, she’s about to start working at her family’s tattoo studio — Inked. But when she shows up the first day, she never expects to run into someone tall, dark, and totally sexy from her not-so-innocent past.

Pike Moore is a bossy biker with a cocky attitude and an even bigger ego. He came to Inked to start over. New town. New job. New roots. None of that included coming face-to-face with the hot chick who spent a week in his bed before she vanished without a trace.

But when Pike’s dark family history catches up with him, can he stop Gigi from being caught in the crossfire?

Flame is book one in the Men of Inked: Heatwave series by USA Today bestselling author Chelle Bliss. The Men of Inked: Heatwave series features steamy romance, hot heroes, and strong women.

**City & Suzy’s Daughter**

••••••••

Vickie’s REVIEW: Flame begins with Gigi Gallo and some friends on spring break in Daytona, even though she knew she would be in big trouble with her family if they found out. As Gigi and her friends are sitting at a bar, there is a very handsome stranger who keeps looking across the bar at her. One of her friends keeps giving her a heard time about her being too scared to approach him. After a little liquid courage, Gigi approaches the guy and they head back to his hotel.

Pike Moore was in Daytona to catch up with some old friends who were attending Bikers’ Week. Once he and the pretty girl from the bar make it to his hotel room, it doesn’t take him long to see that she’s had a bit too much liquid courage, especially once she passes out. Being the good guy that he is, he sleeps on the couch and lets her sleep it off. When Gigi wakes the next morning, she really can’t remember much. When Pike assures her that nothing happened, they head out to have a little breakfast. They decide that the attraction they feel for each other should be explored, which leads to a few wild days together. However, when Gigi heads out for ‘coffee’ one morning, she never looks back, which leaves Pike wondering just what in the hell happened.

Flashing forward a year or so and Gigi is super excited to have finished college and finally being able to work in the family’s tattoo shop. When she goes in for her first day of work, to say she’s stunned to see none other than Pike Moore standing there, would be the understatement of the century. Unbeknownst to her, Pike was a tattoo artist who had been wanting to work for her family’s shop for years, and today was his first day as well. Gigi is antagonistic to Pike at first, but she can’t fight the attraction, even though she knows her dad will not be happy once the truth comes out. And, boy, does it come out.

Flame is an awesome book. The reader is drawn in from the very first word. Gigi and Pike are both amazingly written. Their chemistry is off the charts. I love Gigi’s spirit and her loyalty to her family. But, I also love her stubborn and independent streak. Pike’s easy-going nature hides a past that has left him searching for someone and a place to call his own. His back story is what it is, until he finds out that there was more to it and puts him and Gigi in danger. Gigi’s family, the Gallos, don’t let anyone or anything threaten those they consider family, and fortunately for Pike, he’s in that circle now. I fell in love immediately with the Gallos. (Full disclosure: I had never read this author before, so when I finished this book I went and looked her up. Imagine my surprise when I found out that there is a whole series about the Gallos! It took me about five minutes to acquire everything she has written up to Flame.) The world that Bliss has built with the people of Inked is second to none. Her writing style doesn’t waste words and everything you read is pertinent to the story. It’s been a long time since I’ve been so excited about finding a new (to me) author. I don’t care what type of romance reader you are, you will absolutely fall in love with Gigi and Pike and the entire Gallo family. I can’t wait for the next installment. Well done, Chelle Bliss! Very, very, very well done!

_________

Julie’s Review Joey/City’s (book THROTTLE ME) daughter Gigi has all grown up she’s aiming to take her place in the family business. Tattooing is all she’s ever known, and she’s excited to start the next chapter in her life. But she didn’t expect to run into past…..

Pike can’t believe his eyes, after spending a passionate week with this woman, she just disappears on him, the last place he thought he’d see her was at his new job. And wouldn’t you know it, she’s the bosses daughter!!! Out of his league and if he wants to keep his job, then she needs to stay that way…..

But the chemistry that drew them together, is still at work, they can’t keep their eyes or minds off of each other. It’s only a matter of time….. But time maybe running out. Pike’s past has caught up with him, and caught up Gigi too, he never wanted to hurt her, but things don’t always work out that way.

What the hell has Pike brought to town? It could get messy, and people could get hurt. Can Gigi forgive Pike? Or will she watch him ride out of town forever? And what will Pike think when he finds out her real “age”!!

This book is a spin off from her “The Men of Inked” you don’t need to read the precious series to enjoy this new series. But I might have to go and have a look at the old series ?

I liked the chemistry between Gigi and Pike. I also liked the fact the series is a next generation series. Very descriptive, really well written. I have several tattoos so I know how the process works, so it was nice to read.

?

 

USA Today bestselling author Chelle Bliss currently lives in a small town near the Gulf of Mexico. She’s a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, and coffee fiend. She’s written over ten books and has two series available. She loves spending her free time with her boyfriend, 2 cats, and her hamster.

 

Before becoming a writer, Chelle taught high school history for over ten years. She holds a master’s degree in Instructional Technology and a bachelor’s in History. Although history is her first love, writing has become her dream job and she can’t imagine doing anything else.

WEBSITE – FACEBOOK – NEWSLETTER – TWITTER – INSTAGRAM

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