Tag Archives: Lexi Blake

Start Us Up (Park Avenue Promise 1) by Lexi Blake-review tour

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Start Us Up (Park Avenue Promise 1) by Lexi Blake-review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 8, 2023

Three young women make a pact in high school—
to always be friends and to one day make it big in Manhattan.

She’s a high-tech boss who lost it all…

Ivy Jensen was the darling of the tech world, right up until her company fell apart completely after she trusted the wrong person. Her reputation in tatters, she finds herself back in the tiny apartment she grew up in, living with her mom. When a group of angel investors offer her a meeting, she knows she has to come up with the new big idea or her career is over.

He’s an up and coming coder…

Heath Marino has always been fascinated with writing code. He’s worked on a dozen games and apps and is considered one of the industry’s more eccentric talents. But now he’s back in New York to spend time with his grandmother. She was known as one of the city’s greatest matchmakers, and he wants to know why. Surely there’s some kind of code in his grandmother’s methods, and he’s going to find them.

When Ivy meets Heath it’s instant attraction, but she’s got a career to get back to and he just might be her on-ramp. It could be a perfect partnership or absolute heartbreak.

•••••

REVIEW:START US UP is the first instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult PARK AVENUE PROMISE erotic, romance series focusing on three friends: Ivy, Harper and Anika. This is twenty-nine year old, tech whiz Ivy Jensen, and coder Heath Marino’s story line.

Told from first person perspective (Ivy) START US UP follows in the aftermath of the failure of Ivy’s online medical platform Jensen Medical Solutions. Struggling to move on from the humiliation, and the professional fall-out, Ivy is invited by a well-to-do investor, to meet and greet with up and coming talents but Ivy has been approached by a possible partner, a young man who is hoping to make it big in the world online dating and AI (artificial intelligence). Enter Heath Marino, coder and gamer, and the man with whom Ivy will fall in love but all does not go according to plan as Ivy’s past refuses to let go, and in doing so, threatens to destroy Ivy, all over again.

The world building introduces Ivy’s best friends: Harper Ross who owns her own construction company, and Anika Fox, who works in television production. Since the collapse of her online medical platform, Ivy has been floundering, struggling to discover or uncover the next best thing but working with Heath Marino finds Ivy falling for a man who has fallen hard for our story line heroine.

The relationship between Ivy and Heath begins as a business arrangement in which Ivy refuses to cross the line between business and pleasure, a line that all but destroyed her previous career. Eviscerated by her former partner, and humiliated in public, Ivy battles between head and heart, fearing another failure at the hands of someone she loved. The $ex scenes are passionate and emotional without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters include Ivy’s best friends: Harper Ross and Anika Fox whose tough love behavior threatens years of friendship and support; Ivy’s investor and mentor Cecilia Foust aka Cece; Heath’s roommate Darnell Green, as well as Ivy’s antagonistic mother Diane Jensen, and Ivy’s ex partner Nick Stafford.

START US UP is a story of betrayal and deception, mental illness and acceptance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is emotional yet captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are dynamic and desperate.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

“Were you planning on introducing me as your boyfriend?”
I shake my head. “No, but I wasn’t going to correct anyone if they got that impression, and now that I’m saying the words, I feel like an idiot. I’m not some sad chick who always needs a boyfriend. Nick was actually only my second long-term relationship. I’m perfectly content on my own. I don’t know what came over me. I can tell him the truth.”
“And waste my knight riding in moves? That feels harsh. Was the kiss that bad?”
“You know it was not. It was a perfectly fine kiss.”
“It was a pretty good kiss.” There’s a wealth of masculine arrogance in his tone, and I wish I didn’t find that charming coming from him.
It had been my only kiss in the last six months, and probably the most passion I’d had from a guy in a couple of years, and that was so sad. “It was a kiss we both need to forget because we’re going to be working very closely together for the next couple of months. We’ve got to hire at least one, maybe two contractors.”
“Where are we going to put them? I don’t know if you noticed, but neither one of us has a whole lot of space. I was a little worried about where I was going to put you.”
“They can work remotely if we can’t find someplace cheap.” The remote work might be a necessary thing since I intend to have one of the coders working on what I want them to work on—an interface for a social media/commerce app. I can give Heath a little, but I know what CeCe wants. The AI and Heath’s unique framework is what will sell this project.
“And if we get full finding?”
I like that he’s an optimist. One of us needs to be. “Then we find a small office probably somewhere in Jersey because that’s what we’ll be able to afford and we spend the next three or four years working our asses off only to fail because some asshole swoops in two months ahead of our launch date with something too similar. Then we can decide if we want to spend the money on the inevitable lawsuits, but that’s only if we get the choice. There’s also the possibility that someone out there gets word of what we’re doing and preemptively files for a patent that will block us even though the fucker doesn’t have enough to prove concept. Then, it’s back to the lawyers and we decide if we have deep enough pockets to fight, and that answer is almost always no.”
Heath stands, and I can’t help but notice how tall and fit he is. I need to take some me time because my brain is spending too much energy on how hot he is. He starts to lift one long leg over the railing.
I pop up. “What are you doing?”
His head turns slightly, lips curling in a mischievous grin. “Ending it all. I’ve seen the future, Ivy. It’s not worth it.”
He’s teasing me. I’m not sure why it rankles. Or maybe I am. “It can happen, and it does all the time. This is the big leagues, and it’s a battle every single day.”
He looms over me, so close I can practically feel the warmth of his skin. “Is it war or baseball? I need to know because you are the queen of mixed metaphors, and I want to be sure I’m all kitted up. So glove or rifle?”
He’s really not ready for this. “Both.”
“All right, then.” He glances down at his watch. “I should go. Apparently I’ve got both a game and a war to prepare for. I’m going to need some sleep. Now I know you said we shouldn’t kiss again, but we already went there so…”
I take a big old coward’s step back. If I let him kiss me now, it won’t be because someone’s watching and we need keep up our “cover.” It will be because I want him to, and I can’t want him to. I just can’t.
I’m lying to him. Oh, it’s for his own naïve good, but I’m still lying.


 

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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Tempted (Masters & Mercenaries) by Lexi Blake-review tour

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Tempted (Masters & Mercenaries/ 1001 Dark Nights) by Lexi Blake-review & excerpt tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 27, 2023

When West Rycroft left his family’s ranch to work in the big city, he never dreamed he would find himself surrounded by celebrities and politicians. Working at McKay-Taggart as a bodyguard and security expert quickly taught him how to navigate the sometimes shark-infested waters of the elite. While some would come to love that world, West has seen enough to know it’s not for him, preferring to keep his distance from his clients—until the day he meets Ally Pearson.

Growing up in the entertainment world, Ally was always in the shadow of others, but now she has broken out from behind the scenes for her own day in the spotlight. The paparazzi isn’t fun, but she knows all too well that it’s part of the gig. She has a good life and lots of fans, but someone has been getting too close for comfort and making threats. To be safe, she hires her own personal knight in shining armor, a cowboy hottie by the name of West. They clash in the beginning, but the minute they fall into bed together something magical happens.

Just as everything seems too good to be true, they are both reminded that there was a reason Ally needed a bodyguard. Her problems have found her again, and this time West will have to put his life on the line or lose everything they’ve found.

••••

REVIEW: TEMPTED by Lexi Blake is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense story line set in the author’s Masters and Mercenaries series, and a part of the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights. This is former rancher turned security specialist West Rycroft, and Hollywood actress Ally Pearson. TEMPTED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Lexi Blake’s participation in the 1001 Dark Nights focuses on the secondary and tertiary characters we may or may not have met in the previous story lines. West is Wade’s brother (Protected 16.5),

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Ally and West) TEMPTED follows with the knowledge that many someones may be threatening Ally Pearson. Ally Pearson is considered Hollywood royalty, and a reality show has brought out the crazies including more than one potential stalker. Cast for an upcoming movie, Ally’s step-father contracts with McKay-Taggart to provide protection for our story line heroine in the wake of threats against our story line heroine. Enter former rancher turned security guard West Rycroft, and the man with whom Ally will fall in love. West is part of a three-person crew assigned to protect Ally but West struggles from the outset believing Ally to be a spoiled princess, a brat, a child of privilege, and demanding. West would quickly discover that Ally is not the person the paparazzi has made her out to be, a paparazzi that is trying to discredit and destroy our story line couple. As West, and the team at McKay-Taggart hunt for the person responsible, the threats become more personal and dangerous, forcing our couple together in more ways than one. What ensues is the building but forbidden relationship between Ally and West, and the potential fall-out as the guilt party may be someone Ally knows.

The relationship between Ally and West begins as an assignment, a reluctant assignment in which West is quick to label and judge our story line heroine for who she is, and what she does.West had already completed one assignment with a real, spoiled princess, and he was in no mood to do it again. Ally knows she has a stalker but refuses to give in and give up her life.Falling for West was easy, staying with West may threaten both of their careers. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Martin Rehn and West’s twin brother Rand Rycroft, Tessa Santiago-Hawthorne, Ian ‘Big Tag’ and Charlotte Taggart, Ally’s sister Brynn, their mother and step- father Gavin Jacks; as well director Jay Clarke, several actors and actresses, and members of the crew.

TEMPTED is a story of power and control, greed and betrayal, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is intriguing, dramatic and captivating; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are desperate and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Soft music was playing. It was folksy but modern. Not at all what he would expect. And she wasn’t in front of the TV. She sat at the dining table which was covered in… Were those puzzle pieces?
“Hey,” he said. “I’m here for the rest of the night and through tomorrow. Was Tessa okay?”
Her head came up, and she damn near took his breath away. She was in pajama bottoms and a tank top, her face scrubbed free and hair piled on top of her head. She was every bit as gorgeous this way. “She was great. I liked her a lot.”
“But you didn’t like Matt?”
Her lips turned down. “Well, now I like Tessa less.”
He set down his duffel on one of the chairs and set the grocery bag on the table away from the numerous puzzle pieces. She’d started working on the edges, and it looked like she was a sorter. “Don’t. It’s literally my job to make sure you’re okay. She’s going to give me any information I need.”
“Did she tell you I thought you were an asshole?”
For some reason, that made him smile. “She did. And I was. And if Matt does anything at all to make you uncomfortable, I expect you to tell me. Ally, I had a job go weird a couple of weeks ago. I know men are supposed to want any pretty woman who comes their way…”
She sat up, her expression turning distinctly sympathetic. “Someone tried to sex you up when you didn’t want to?”
That was one way of putting it. “She was very aggressive, and it bothered me more than I realized. I think I took a little of that out on you today, and for that, I am truly sorry.”
“Did she look like me or something?”
“Not even close,” he said with a huff. “Like she wasn’t as… No, she didn’t look like you. But she was something of a celebrity. She was a European royal.”
“Please tell me it was Kate.” Her eyes had gone super wide like this would be the best gift ever.
She would so get along with his brother and Martin. “It was not. She’s a minor royal but a major pain in my ass. I’m sorry. I hope you’ll give me a second chance.”
She stared for a moment as though assessing the situation. “Are those Flamin’ Hot Cheetos?”
“My brother’s fiancé swears you like them. His name is Martin, and he’s a big fan.”
Her shoulders relaxed, and he would have sworn that girl…woman…glowed. “That’s so nice. If he has any time, he could come up to the set and have lunch with us. And he’s right. Gimme. I love them, but the camera adds five pounds and…”
“You always have four cameras on you.” He handed her the chips and sat down. It would be a much quieter night than he’d counted on, but he kind of liked that.
She opened them and had one of those suckers in her mouth very quickly. She sighed, obviously content. “Not now I don’t. All right, Rycroft, we start again. And Matt’s probably fine. You’ll know he’s done something wrong if he has to go to the hospital because I kicked him in the balls. Pass me that blue piece. I think it goes here.”
He handed her the piece, and they got on with their first night.

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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Unexpected Bliss by Lexi Blake-review tour

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Unexpected Bliss (Nights in Bliss Colorado 13) by Lexi Blake-review tour

 

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

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3kU1HCI

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 9, 2023

Elisa Leal is looking for some joy in her life. Years of tragedy and struggle took their toll, and now she is searching for new connections to raise her spirits. When she discovers proof that her biological father is alive, she decides to find him and make contact. Her quest leads her to the small town of Bliss, Colorado, and the strangest man she’s ever met—Mel Hughes. He believes in aliens and sasquatch conspiracies, but he’s also kind of awesome. And there might be even more in Bliss to make her smile.

Sylvan Dean and Hale Galloway have enjoyed wandering their way through life, always in motion. Always searching for the woman who could make their life complete. Living in Bliss made them realize it’s time to settle down. Van’s finally going to college and has a job lined up with his brother when he finishes. That job is in Dallas, and while Hale is happy for Van, he can’t imagine leaving Bliss behind. It feels like everything is coming apart until they meet Elisa. She’s the one they have been searching for, and she is worth the wait.

The future looks bright until the guys’ past comes back to haunt them. Danger lurks in every corner, but it may not be the biggest threat to their happily ever after. The citizens of Bliss know how to handle a killer, but handling Elisa, Van, and Hale might require some cosmic intervention.

•••••

REVIEW:UNEXPECTED BLISS is the thirteenth instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult NIGHTS IN BLISS, COLORADO erotic, polyamorous MFM erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the small town of Bliss Colorado. This is thirty-five year old, former US military personnel Elisa Leal, twenty-seven year old , college student Sylvan ‘Van’ Dean, and renovator/handyman Hale Galloway’s story line. UNEXPECTED BLISS can be as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Sylvan ‘Van’ Dean is the young brother of Jake Dean (The Man with the Golden Cuffs/ Masters and Mercenaries 2).

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, some scenes may not be suitable for more sensitive readers including M/F/M sexual situations.

Told from three omniscient third person perspectives (Elisa, Van, Hale) UNEXPECTED BLISS follows the building romance and relationship between Elisa, Van and Hale. Having spent the better part of two years recovering from cancer and breast reconstruction, Elisa was on the hunt for the father she never knew, and the hunt was taking her to the small but peculiar town of Bliss, Colorado where she will meet her future in the guise of Van Dean and Hale Galloway. From the outset, Elisa is met with disquiet and uneasiness as she hunts for the man she believes is her father but Elisa never expected to find herself in a three way relationship with our story line heroes. Bliss, Colorado is a sanctuary, of sorts, for people involved in polyamorous relationships, and Elisa suspected Van and Hale just might be her future but all was not well when Elisa and Hale are targeted from an unknown source, someone who is threatening the lives of our story line trio. With her military experience, Elisa is offered a position with the local Sheriff’s office which affords Elisa the right to investigate what was going down. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Elisa, Hale and Van, and the potential fall-out as Hale struggles with the demons from his past, and Van believes his time in Bliss comes with an expiry date.

Sylvan ‘Van’ Dean is the family screw-up, and the last time his brother Jake had to rescue Van from the local jail, Van vowed to make good, finishing school, whereupon he would work with the brother to whom he owed his life but Van was falling hard to our story line heroine, and decided it would be better to walk away before he fell in love. Hale Galloway never had much of a childhood, having been shuffled between foster homes most of his life but Hale knew Elisa was their future, a future that could have ended before it began. Elisa Leal lost her mother but had never met her father until her sister Serena discovered a note in her mother’s possession. Hoping to meet the man she never knew, Elisa would come face to face with a man whose belief systems are out of this world, a man who was once a high-ranking member of the CIA.

The relationship between Elisa, Van and Hale begins when each of the men separately asks Elisa to dinner, never knowing the other was standing in the way. Van was quick to back away when he discovered his best friend was falling for our story line heroine, not realizing that Elisa was hoping for a three-way affair. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of fun and energetic secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have met in the previous story lines. Several characters cross-over from some of the author’s interconnected series including Van’s brother Jake, his lovers Adam and Sabrina, as well as the return of Luthor Melvin Hughes and his wife Cassidy.

UNEXPECTED BLISS is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; of obsession and greed, acceptance and moving forward. The premise is intriguing and suspenseful; the characters are fun and flirty, captivating and dynamic; the romance is provocative and seductive.

Previous Reviews

Pure Bliss
Up All Night in Bliss 6.5
Chasing Bliss
Once Upon a Time in Bliss
Back in Bliss
Sirens in Bliss
Happily Ever After in Bliss
Far From Bliss

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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BAYOU BELOVED (Butterfly Bayou 6) by Lexi Blake-review & giveaway

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BAYOU BELOVED (Butterfly Bayou 6) by Lexi Blake-review & giveaway

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 28, 2023

Quaid Havery always planned to follow in his father’s footsteps. He went to law school and then came home to take over his dad’s legal practice. Being the only lawyer in small-town Papillon, Quaid is pretty sure he’s seen everything. After all, he was once asked to sue an alligator for defamation of character. He’s prepared for anything the town can throw at him, until he encounters Jayna Cardet. She’s gorgeous, smart, funny, and unlike any woman he’s met before….Except he has.

Jayna never thought she’d return to Papillon, but when her life gets turned around she must learn to live in the close-knit community again. She certainly never dreamed she would practice law in her little town, but she finds herself in the courtroom, and the opposing counsel is her former high school crush, Quaid. It wouldn’t be so bad if the man had developed a beer belly, but Quaid is more handsome than ever. And instead of ignoring her like he did in high school, he’s made it plain that he wants to get to know her.

Thus begins a courtship destined to end in a wedding or a war. Either way, the locals are popping some corn and eagerly awaiting the outcome.

••••••

REVIEW: BAYOU BELOVED is the sixth instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult BUTTERFLY BAYOU romance series. This is attorneys Quaid Havery, and Jayna Cardet’s story line. BAYOU BELOVED 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 third person perspectives BAYOU BELOVED follows in the wake of the return to Papillon, Louisiana of Jayna Cardet. Jayna wanted our of Papillon, and the trailer in which she was raised but a successful practice in New Orleans ended with an ethical review, a divorce, and her tail tucked between her legs. Hoping to spend a few weeks considering her future, Jayne finds herself representing a few of the local riff-raff, representing against the man she lusted after years before. Enter attorney Quaid Havery, a man whose family has deep roots and even deeper pockets in Papillon, Louisiana, and the man whose heart Jayne is about to destroy. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Jayna and Quaid, and the potential fall-out as Jayna is offered a new opportunity, far away from the man with whom she is falling in love.

Part of Quaid Havery’s family comes from old money, and the snobbery to match rankles many citizens of Papillon Louisiana. His brother Paul’s addictions, and his struggling Hollywood career have followed him home, and the threats are becoming personal for everyone involved. Quaid never expected to fall in love with Jayna Cardet, a woman he cannot remember but the woman with whom he has fallen in love; and Jayna knows that her time in Papillon has an expiry date, an expiry that is reinforced with her family’s history of trailer park trash.

The relationship between Jayna and Quaid begins as opposing council but Jayna quickly finds herself homeless, and living with the man with whom she will fall in love. Jayna’s return to Papillon comes with plenty of baggage, but Quaid’s extended family has baggage of their own. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are interesting and colorful including several locals who are fighting town ordinances and often, one another.We are reintroduced to Roxie and Zep (Bayou Dreaming), Seraphina (Bayou Baby), Lila and Armie (Bayou Butterfly), Sylvie and Rene (Bayou Beauty), Remy Guidry, as well as the introduction of Quaid’s brother Paul, and their mother Marian; Jayna’s sister Sienna, their mother Lissa, Jayna’s ex-husband Todd Shale, as well as several townies, and Judge Brewer.

BAYOU BELOVED is a story of family and dysfunctional relationships; power and money; discrimination and snobbery, acceptance and love. The premise is entertaining and edgy; the romance is tender and compelling; the characters are sassy and animated.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Butterfly Bayou
Baby Bayou
Bayou Dreaming
Bayou Beauty
Bayou Sweetheart

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

The Reading Cafe is offering a paper copy of BAYOU BELOVED 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. LIKE and Follow Lexi Blake on Facebook.

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5. LIKE and FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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9. Giveaway is open to USA only

10. Giveaway runs from  March 26-31, 2023

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The Dom Who Came In From the Cold by Lexi Blake-review tour

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The Dom Who Came In From the Cold (Masters and Mercenaries: Reloaded 5) by Lexi Blake-review tour

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

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3K9xHwE

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 21, 2023

Kyle Hawthorne once believed his future would be a job in the private sector—a simple, normal life. Fate had other plans and he wound up in the military. Some newly discovered talents caught the eye of the CIA, and in no time he was working with a covert team. He found himself in a relationship with fellow operative, Julia—until she turned out to be the enemy. When her betrayal was uncovered, things got bloody and Kyle returned home broken, searching for a chance to walk the road not taken.

MaeBe Vaughan has never been interested in normal. Her happy place is a dark corner of the Internet, where she disrupts all the bad guys. She has a great circle of friends and a full life. She doesn’t need a man. Until Kyle Hawthorne walked into her life. He’s all wrong for her. Surly. Damaged. His uncle is her boss. But she couldn’t help getting close to him. When his past threatened her safety, Kyle walked out without saying good-bye.

Kyle will do anything to keep MaeBe safe. He faked his death, hid in the middle of nowhere, and watched over her from afar. But when Julia resurfaces, he knows that to protect MaeBe, he’ll have to get close. So close that if they manage to survive, he will never let her go.

•••••

REVIEW:THE DOM WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD is the fifth instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult MASTERS AND MERCENARIES: RELOADED erotic, BDSM, romantic suspense series-a spin off from the author’s Masters and Mercenaries: The Forgotten, which in turn is a spin off from the author’s Masters and Mercenaries series. This is former CIA agent Kyle Hawthorne, and IT specialist MaeBe (Mae Beatrice) Vaughn’s story line. THE DOM WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout as well as references to previous events and interconnected characters. Kyle and MaeBe’s story line has been building since book one of the Reloaded spin off.

NOTE: If you have not read the previous instalments, there may be spoilers in my review. Some of the events of THE DOM WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD cross over with NO TIME TO LIE #4.

Told from third person perspective using present day and memories from the past THE DOM WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD follows in the wake of Kyle Hawthorne’s return from the dead. Years earlier, CIA operative Kyle Hawthorne had fallen in love with fellow CIA agent Julia Ennis, but soon discovered Julia had turned to the dark side, taking Kyle along for the ride. Upon his ‘escape’ from Julia, and his return to his extended family at McKay-Taggart Security and his mother Grace Taggart, Kyle would find himself falling for IT Specialist MaeBe Vaughn but Kyle’s past refused to let go, and our hero faked his death to protect the woman he loved. Fast forward eighteen months, and Kyle would, once again, come face to face with MaeBe Vaughn, the woman whose heart he destroyed in an effort to save her. Working for McKay-Taggart brought Kyle up close and personal with MaeBe but Kyle’s demons have returned gunning for everyone that Kyle has ever loved. What ensues is the acrimonious but rebuilding relationship between Kyle and MaeBe, and the potential fall-out as Julia Ennis sets her sights on our story line hero, killing anyone who stands in her way of reclaiming the man she lost.

The relationship between Kyle and MaeBe is a second chance relationship but a relationship destroyed by secrets and lies, issues of trust, and Kyle faking his death in an effort to protect MaeBe Vaughn. Having remained hiding in plain sight, Kyle had been in contact with family back home but MaeBe was kept out of the loop to protect her from future harm. Kyle’s return brought trepidation, more issues of trust, and the enemy only minutes behind, and with it, MaeBe’s life would once again hang in the balance. MaeBe is a submissive in the bedroom, but in the real world, MaeBe refuses to bend to the man she still loved. The $ex scenes are intimate erotic and intense with some scenes of spanking and bondage.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Big Tag and Charlotte, Sean and Grace Taggart; operatives Taylor Cline and Drake Radcliff, Deke Murphy and Maddie Hall, Hutch and Noelle, Adam Miles, Jake, Boomer and Yasmin, as well as the return of Julie Ennis, and newcomer CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service) Joseph Caulder who will lead the new teams in MASTERS AND MERCENARIES: NEW RECRUITS September 2023.

THE DOM WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD is another complex, detailed, exhaustive and meticulous storyline that wraps up this particular arc of the Masters and Mercenaries series, as well as the introduction to the next generation of operatives and spies-children of the couples we have met in the original and previous series. The premise is thorough, elaborate and intriguing; the characters are numerous, charismatic, determined and dynamic; the romance is passionate but struggles in the face of betrayal and loss. Lexi Blake pulls the reader into another wonderful, exciting and amazing series-you don’t want to pass by.

Previous Reviews and Reading Order

Submission Impossible
The Dom Identity
The Man From Sanctum
No Time To Lie

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

“Do you think he’s going to kill you? I know the man seems scary but he’s not. The key with Big Tag is to give as good as you get. Like fight his sarcasm with sarcasm. When he asks how my broom ride in was, I smile and ask him if he rode in on the back of a brontosaurus from his age. I know that sounds harsh, but it made him laugh, and now we’re cool. I spent the first couple of weeks terrified by him, thinking he was this big bully, but he’s actually the sweetest guy.”
The words had been said with a slightly husky feminine tone, and when he turned, sure enough there was a woman. A young woman who looked like she’d walked off the pages of a goth comic book. She was petite, a good foot shorter than him, with two purple pig tails, and she liked black. She had on a black miniskirt with sparkly suspenders over a black button-up. Dark green leggings and combat boots completed the look.
She was absolutely nothing like the two types of women he’d been surrounded by the last decade of his life. Military women who kept things neat and clean and practical, or the sophisticated crowd he’d run in when he’d been a spy. Women who were polished and thought out every single word they said and action made.
The first he would have nodded and made some simple conversation with. The second he would spend some time figuring out to ensure they weren’t here to spy on him.
He had absolutely no idea what to do with the woman in front of him. “Uh, I don’t think he’s going to kill me.”
She was weirdly fascinating. And just plain weird. She had a messenger bag over her shoulder, and the wide strap was decorated with a bunch of buttons, one which proclaimed her the Mistress of Code. She seemed to like code and the color green since she had a big button with the words I Always Play Green and some weird figure on it. “Confident. I like it. Are you a client or a new hire?” She gasped as she seemed to think of something. “Or a new vendor? Because if you are trying to sell the big guy anything that’s not a lemon tart, he might kill you. We should rethink this.”
It was her smile that did it. A small uptick of lips that let him know she was fucking with him and probably fucked with every guy in her life. Not in a “I’m looking to screw you over, take your secrets, and then probably murder you on the way out the door” way he’d gotten used to.
In the “I don’t take life too seriously” way. Like the women he’d been friends with in college. The ones he’d been comfortable with in another lifetime. In the life he’d had before he’d so brutally destroyed everything around him.
He should walk away from this woman. He was toxic, and his world for so long had been blood and secrets and death. She wouldn’t even know how to walk in his world. She also wasn’t his type. The last thing he needed was even a casual flirtation.
“I’m the new guy.” He held out a hand. “Name’s Kyle Hawthorne. I’m starting in the bodyguard unit today.”
She was completely harmless. It wouldn’t hurt to talk to the cute goth chick while he was here. He wouldn’t be here forever. He was giving this two months tops. That should be enough time to satisfy his family and the higher-ups at the CIA that he wasn’t going to do something dangerous. And then he would go do something dangerous.
She reached out, that smile turning into something truly glorious. Her black-tinged lips spread and showed even white teeth, but it was the way that smile lit up her eyes that made him pause. “MaeBe.”
Oh, she was playing with fire because for the first time in months he felt his groin tighten as he took her hand in his and felt an actual fucking spark that probably wasn’t static electricity. He couldn’t help the way his own lips curled up, and the words that flowed out of his mouth could have come from his twenty-year-old self. “Maybe? I would say that’s a little presumptuous of you, but I think I’ll go with it.”


 

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE /GOODREADS / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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The Rebel Guardian (Outlaw 2) by Lexi Blake-Review Tour

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The Rebel Guardian (Outlaw 2) by Lexi Blake-Review Tour

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 11, 2022

After fighting her way across another plane of existence and facing off against ancient witches, there should be nothing more satisfying than coming home. Unfortunately, Kelsey Atwood had a different experience. The world she returned to has changed. Twelve years have passed, and they’ve been twelve hard years for the friends and family she never meant to leave behind. The little boy she adopted is now a grown man. The husbands she longed to see are scattered and on different sides of a war for control of the supernatural world. Her most trusted friend is now the leather-clad minion of the enemy, Myrddin.

Dealing with the wreckage of her personal life will have to wait, though, because the only chance at a hopeful future is deciphering an obscure prophecy, and she means to solve it. This quest will take her crew to a nest of primal vampires and the fierce world known as The Under. Filled with fantastic creatures and wonders she never imagined she would see, this new discovery leads her to something she is all too familiar with—a murder to solve and a killer to catch.

Trying to reconnect with her husbands and her son is already challenging enough, but as she begins piecing together the story behind the crime, it becomes clear that this mystery may tear down The Under and everyone who calls it home.

••••

REVIEW: THE REBEL GUARDIAN is the second instalment in Lexi Blake’s adult OUTLAW erotic, paranormal/fantasy series set in the world of the author’s world of the THIEVES. This is guardian/hunter/wolf Kelsey Atwood and her husbands werewolf Trent, and half-demon/ lord of H*ll Grayson Sloane’s story line. THE REBEL GUARDIAN can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order, as well as the author’s THIEVES series.

SOME BACKGROUND: Approximately twelve years earlier, along with Queen of all Vampire / and the wife of the high priest of the Seelie and the Unseelie Zoey Donovan-Quinn, and king of the vampires Daniel Donovan, Kelsey Atwood travelled through a portal, a magical painting where they would spend four days in the land of the Faery but upon their return discovered twelve years in real time had past, twelve years in which a war between the supernatural creatures killed many, destroying friendships and families, leaving Kelsey struggling for the years that she lost with her husbands, family and children.

Told from first person perspective (Kelsey) THE REBEL GUARDIAN focuses on Kelsey’s rekindling relationship with both of her husbands in the wake of the fall-out of time spent apart but all is not well in the ‘Under’, the plane where Kelsey and her family have been secreted away, when Kelsey is called in to investigate two murders that may or may not be connected to a prophecy foretold by her demonic husband. Along the way, Kelsey must contend with her best friend turned demon Olivia, a former friend who is determined to return to the H*ll plane with our heroine in tow. The search for a magical book of spells and Kelsey’s blade ‘Gladys’ only adds to the possibility that Myrddin Emrys aka Merlin, intends to close the portal to the Heavens, opening the portal to H*ll using the bloodlines of three powerful families, a portal he is hoping to send through the H*ll demons to Earth.

Lexi Blake has built a world of magical creatures and supernatural powers traversing several planes of history, times, and existence, as well as the intricate character revelations both living and dead, and the recently deceased who have become something else.

Like THE REBEL QUEEN, THE REBEL GUARDIAN is a complex, detailed, multi-levelled, action packed, character-filled and often humorous story line of power and control, betrayal and revenge, magic and mythology, family and love. I highly recommend reading the series in order, as well as the original THIEVES series as the history, background and world building is necessary in order to avoid any unnecessary confusion due to the references to previous encounters, and the complicated and intricate entanglements between characters including family, friends, and enemies.

Click HERE for Sandy’s reviews of book one THE OUTLAW QUEEN

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

I blinked in the bright light and allowed my eyes to adjust yet again. I’d gone from Frelsi, where magic kept the city warm, to the chilly depths of an underground nest to… I wasn’t sure where I was, but it was warm and there was water nearby and a small cabin. Trees rose around me, and I realized the water was more like a bayou.
That was the moment I knew someone was watching me.
The world went watery because Trent stood near the cabin. His beard had grown out and his hair was longer. He looked far more like the wolf he was than the soldier he’d presented to the world twelve years before.
I stood there, our gazes locked.
Twelve years. He’d taken in Fenrir because we were going to make a family together, and I’d left him alone. He’d had to raise not only Fen, but Lee and Rhys and Evan. He’d gone from single and free one day to raising a pack on the run, protecting and sheltering them.
From what I could tell the only person he’d been able to rely on had been Sasha Federov, a vampire. While Sasha had no doubt been an amazing general for their little army, he would also be dead at least half the day.
Years will pass. Your wolf will howl but he will remain steadfast.
Gray’s prophecy had told me that we would be standing here, Trent and I. We would be standing here with the years between us, my wolf’s steadfast faith still binding us.
I knew that because I could feel him. Even with yards between us, I could feel Trent’s love.
I had never seen my wolf cry, but there were tears rolling down that face I loved.
That was when my walls broke down. Trent was here, and we’d lost so much. We’d lost all that time, and he was still here with me. I recognized somewhere in the background that the old me would have wondered if he’d brought me out here so he could explain that he’d moved on.
But I’d meshed my soul with his, and I trusted and believed in him completely.
He was my mate.
The wall crumbled because he was here.
The world went watery, and I heard someone scream. Me. I let the pain out.
Twelve years. Twelve years. Myrddin had taken twelve fucking years. My son’s childhood. Twelve years of my marriage, of love between us. Gray was gone because I’d been trapped.
Olivia. He’d taken my best friend.
He’d killed people I knew, people who had lives and loves and should have had more of both. All gone because one wizard wanted power.
He’d scattered our families to the winds without a care for any of us.
I started to fall but Trent was there before I could hit the ground. His big arms went around me and through my wracking sobs, I could smell him. That woodsy, wolfy smell that felt safe, that brought me home, hit my soul, and I wrapped myself around him.
“I’m so sorry.” I was sorry I’d gone into that painting, sorry I’d spent the four days I’d been on the outer planes not thinking much about him. That was the worst. I’d practically viewed it as nothing more than a job. I’d felt inconvenienced, while his world had been turned upside down and he’d lost everything.
He squeezed me so tight. “I missed you. I missed you every second of every day for twelve years, Kelsey.”


 

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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No Time To Lie (M&M Reloaded) by Lexi Blake-Review & Excerpt tour

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NO TIME TO LIE (Masters and Mercenaries: Reloaded 4) by Lexi Blake-Review & Excerpt tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 13, 2022

A grandmaster of lies and deception

Drake Radcliffe has spent half his life in the shadows. Recruited by the CIA when he was barely out of high school, Drake doesn’t know how to have a normal life. While most people his age were playing sports or video games, he was playing spy games with the world’s most dangerous adversaries. It has been a life filled with thrills and adrenaline, but it’s also been lonely. All that might change when a mistake from Drake’s past rears its ugly head and he’s forced to face the only woman he ever loved—the one he pushed away.

A beacon of love and compassion

Taylor Cline committed the cardinal sin for an analyst—she fell for the operative she was working for. Drake was everything she wanted in a man, until he broke her heart. She had one unforgettable night with him and then he never looked back. Her career threatened, she shut down and moved on, hoping to never see him again. Just as she is beginning to put it all behind her, a critical assignment puts her under his authority and right back in his arms.

A deadly mission that brings them together

From the wilds of Wyoming to the glittering cities of Europe, Drake and Taylor must race against time to uncover the truth and expose an evil organization. The stakes couldn’t be higher. If they fail, the world could crumble. If they succeed, they could finally have everything their hearts desire.

••••••

REVIEW: NO TIME TO LIE is the fourth instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult MASTERS AND MERCENARIES: RELOADED erotic, BDSM, romantic suspense series-a spin off from the author’s Masters and Mercenaries: The Forgotten which in turn is a spin off from the Masters and Mercenaries series. This is former CIA agents and McKay-Taggart operators Drake Radcliffe, and Taylor Cline’s story line. NO TIME TO LIE can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is a continuing theme / plot line throughout. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s NIGHTS IN BLISS, Colorado series written as Sophie Oak.

Told from third person perspective NO TIME TO LIE focuses on the acrimonious relationship between operatives Taylor Cline and Drake Radcliffe, and the search for a killer who is obsessed with the take down of the employees at McKay-Taggart. Approximately eighteen months earlier, an injured Drake Radcliffe found himself on the mend in a safe house in Romania with CIA operative Taylor Cline, the woman with whom he planned to spend the rest of his life but a take down was in progress and Taylor was pulled out of his life, never to be seen again. Fast forward to present day wherein Drake discovers his new assignment involves the search for a woman he long thought dead, and his partner was none other than the woman he could never forget but all was not well within the Agency, McKay-Taggart or with international relations, and our couple, along with the operatives at McKay-Taggart would find themselves in the middle of a dysfunctional family plot to rule the government and eventually the world. What ensues is the second chance relationship between Drake and Taylor, and the potential fall-out as betrayal is at the heart of the entire operation.

Taylor Cline thought she found love the day an injured Drake Radcliffe arrived at the safe house in Romania but secrets and lies lead to another betrayal wherein Taylor found herself in custody, with the possibility of never again seeing the outside world. Drake Radcliffe had no idea the fall-out of his latest operation would result in a betrayal at the highest level but when he discovered he would be working with the woman’s whose heart he destroyed, Drake was determined to claim our heroine as his own.

The relationship between Drake and Taylor begins on the job wherein Drake will fall instantly in love with our story line heroine. Eighteen months apart where Drake believed Taylor was no longer in his life found Drake determined to reclaim what he once thought was lost but all was not well within the Agency, as a possible mole was working to take down everyone involved. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense with some BDSM and Dom/sub scenarioq.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic, fun and familiar characters many of whom we have met in the previous series including Big Tag and Charlotte, Sarge and Grace Taggart as well as Grace’s son Kyle Hawthorne who has been at the centre of the McKay-Taggart fall-out.

NO TIME TO LIE is a detailed, complex and multi-layered story line of betrayal, loss and vengeance, obsession and infatuation, power and control, ambition and rule, family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is twisted, dramatic, intriguing and driven; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are powerful, strong, animated and impassioned. The epilogue, once again, reveals a glimpse into the future-the second generation of McKay-Taggart agents, CIA operatives, and espionage and spies.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Submission Impossible
The Dom Identity
The Man From Sanctum

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

Drake’s attention was completely focused on her. “I think I want to be honest and upfront with you. I’m attracted to you, Taylor, and I think you feel the same.”
She felt a jolt of heat power through her. “Even if I was, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Can I ask why?”
She didn’t sense any threat from him. With any man who hit on her, she had to assess the potential of him taking rejection poorly. She didn’t think Drake was one of those guys. The last couple of days had made her comfortable with him. “I don’t think it’s smart to get involved with someone I work with.”
“You don’t work with me. From what you’ve said, you won’t be with the Agency for much longer.”
“Yes, and you will be,” she pointed out.
A thoughtful expression came over his face. “That’s kind of what makes it workable in my mind. I can’t tell anyone what I do. That makes for difficult relationships. You already know, and it won’t surprise you that I don’t talk about my work. You won’t get upset if I have to be gone for a couple of weeks without notice. I have a hard time making connections to people, but it was easy with you. Even if you’re not interested in me in a physical way, I hope we can be…friends.” He said the word like it didn’t quite make sense to him. Like it was a foreign word on his tongue.
There was no way for her to deny the electricity between them. She wasn’t sure she even wanted to. That inner voice kept getting stronger.
What would be the harm in seeing if it could work? You might get an orgasm or two out of it. He’s not saying he’s going to walk at the end. He’s actually saying he wants to see you outside this cabin. Why not try?
She was a careful woman. She’d learned that lesson from watching her father throw himself into deadly situations again and again.
But what was she risking? He was right. It was hard for her to connect. She’d had a couple of boyfriends over the years, and she had to hold back so much of herself to even have a chance at making the relationship work. She couldn’t talk about what her father did, couldn’t mention her own work. Wouldn’t it be refreshing to have no secrets between them?
“Did I make you uncomfortable?” Drake asked. “Because we can pretend like I didn’t say anything. This snow is going to stop soon, and I should be out of here in a couple of days.”
She reached for his hand. “You didn’t make me uncomfortable. I’m glad you were honest with me. The last couple of days have been…nice.”
A slow smile spread across his face, and he threaded his fingers through hers. “Nice? Awful sexual tension is nice to you?”
“I wouldn’t say awful. Anticipation can be fun.” It was good to know she hadn’t been the only one who felt the heat between them.
“Are you saying yes?” Drake asked.
Did she want to let him walk out of here and never know what it felt like to be in his arms? They’d been thrown together for a reason. It couldn’t be some random thing that they’d met again. She would hate herself if she didn’t give it a shot.
In a couple of months she would be out of this life and might be able to find some kind of normalcy. Maybe it was time to take a chance.
“Yes,” she said.
“Then come here and let me kiss you and tell you how the night’s going to go,” he said in a commanding tone.
Her whole body responded. She moved, standing and twisting so she sat on his lap. “How is my night going to go, Drake?”
One big hand cupped the nape of her neck while his other arm wound around her waist. “Let’s find out.” 


 

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE /Goodreads / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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Bayou Sweetheart by Lexi Blake-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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Bayou Sweetheart (Butterfly Bayou 5) by Lexi Blake-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 26, 2022

After leaving the military, Major Blanchard moved to Papillon, Louisiana, to be with his aging father, where he’s taken a deputy position with the sheriff’s department. Now that he’s settling into life on the bayou, he’s trying out the dating scene. Every single woman in town seems to be pining after the handsome newcomer. But so far, nothing’s worked out, and he’s had some spectacularly bad dates. Major’s getting ready to give up on love when a new lady roars into town to film a movie and turns his world upside down.

Actress Brynn Pearson is trying to make a successful transition from child star to leading lady. Now that she’s landed her first lead in a major film, nothing can stop her. She’s committed to focusing solely on her work, so romance is the last thing she needs—too bad she can’t get her mind off the dreamy deputy she keeps running into. He’s gorgeous, and something about him makes her feel safe. As Brynn’s feelings for Major deepen, she starts to wonder if maybe there’s more to life than her career.

When a family crisis throws Major’s life into a tailspin, he turns to Brynn for support, and hopes their budding relationship will shine brighter than Hollywood lights.

•••••

REVIEW:BAYOU SWEETHEART is the fifth instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult BUTTERFLY BAYOU erotic, romance series focusing on the people who live and work in Papillon, Louisiana. This is thirty-three year old Papillon Deputy Major Blanchard, and twenty –five year old actress Brynn Pearson’s story line. BAYOU SWEETHEART 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 third person perspectives (Brynn and Major) BAYOU SWEETHEART follows the building romance and relationship between thirty-three year old Papillon Deputy Major Blanchard, and twenty –five year old actress Brynn Pearson. Brynn Pearson, her sister Allyson, and their ‘momager’ Diane Pearson, and fellow actor Gavin Jacks are in Papillon, Louisiana in preparation for an upcoming movie, a movie the ‘momager’ is hoping will make Brynn Pearson a star. Brynn has worked in the television industry since she was five years old, and jumping from childhood to adulthood in the world of movie stars meant missing all of the steps in between. Meeting local Papillon Deputy Major Blanchard went viral when our heroine had to rescue said deputy when he got himself and his dog stuck in the Bayou bog. From the outset Brynn and Major’s attraction was instant but Brynn was only in town for a few weeks, and the incoming paparazzi was about to blow up any chance of a relationship when scandal meets reality on the front pages of the news. What ensues is the building but struggling relationship between Brynn and Major, and the potential fall-out as a family emergency pulls Major out of Brynn’s life, and a scandal is about to destroy any hopes of Brynn’s burgeoning jump from child to adult star.

Brynn Pearson has been working since the age of five but work she no longer finds rewarding or fun. Wanting some time to recoup and reconsider the next stage of her life, Brynn considers setting down roots in Papillon Louisiana but Major Blanchard fears disappointment is only a matter of weeks away. Major Blanchard is struggling with family issues of his own but meeting Brynn gave Major hopes for something more but something more is going to have to wait in the wake of a paparazzi nightmare, and an ailing father who is caught between independence and his son.

The relationship between Brynn and Major is one of immediate attraction. As one of the few remaining single men in Papillon Louisiana, Major is has caught the eye of many women including women willing to set them up with somebody’s daughter but Major only has eyes for our story line heroine, a woman he refuses to tie down in Papillon Louisiana. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including many of whom we have me in previous story lines: Armie and Lila (Butterfly Bayou 1); Seraphine Guidry (Bayou Baby 2); Roxanne and Zep Guidry (Butterfly Dreaming 3) as well as the introduction of Brynn’s sister Allyson, their mother Diane; actor and mentor Gavin Jacks; several social pariahs and paparazzi reporters, as well as local gang leader and thief Brian.

BAYOU SWEETHEART is a story of family and relationships, power, control and acceptance ; fame and scandal; purpose and love. The premise is captivating and entertaining; the romance is seductive; the characters are charismatic and charming-there is plenty of witty banter, back and forth between many of the characters.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Butterfly Bayou
Baby Bayou
Bayou Dreaming
Bayou Beauty

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

“Are you still driving Harry’s truck? I only ask so I can have an idea of how many people are going to call the station about the pretty blond car thief.”
Brynn winced. “Sorry. I didn’t think it would be a big deal. And no. Harry had an emergency. Apparently his mother-in-law had some plumbing problems and he went out to help. I called a car service.”
“We have a car service?” Major asked and then winced. “Please tell me Greg Bonham isn’t still trying to make Guber happen.”
She snorted. “Yes. I heard all about his plan to create a fleet of golf carts.”
“That’s not road legal. You are not calling him to take you back.” He groaned, though it sounded like a sexy growl. “I’ll drive you home, and I’ll have a talk with Greg because putting twinkle lights all over a golf cart does not make it safe. So, where’s your buddy this evening?”
“Duke?” She didn’t have another buddy. She had acquaintances. She had coworkers. She had fans. She didn’t have buddies beyond her dog. She suddenly realized how sad that was.
“Yes. I miss his royal disdain.”
“Disdain?”
A brow rose over Major’s eyes. “That dog does not like me. And he didn’t like Dolly, either, which is a mistake on his part because she is delightful.”
Brynn chuckled. “That’s not what you were saying when she was wrapped around your shoulders.”
“Well, we’ve moved on and she’s delightful again. She never met a stranger, and I think she was hurt by Duke’s rejection of her love.”
Oh, this was an infinitely more dangerous man than the one she’d met before. Was he flirting with her? If he was, it was working, because she was ready to throw out everything she’d learned about him earlier in the day. “Duke takes his time warming up to people, but once he gets used to you, you’ll find him delightful, too. He’s back at the B and B. When I’m not able to take him with me, he usually stays with an assistant. In this case, he’s hanging out with Shep. What has you in a good mood? Did you get to ticket a bunch of people?”
He put a hand on his chest. “I do not enjoy ticketing people, Brynn. Especially not people around here. They’re mouthy and very creative in finding an excuse for not using their blinker when they turn. By the way, speaking of ticketing people, you have a lead foot. That is not going to do you well here. The boss is always on the lookout to upgrade the station house’s appliances, and the money from driving offenses goes straight into his budget. He’s got two small children at home now. He wants an espresso machine. He kind of needs it to keep functioning.”
Ah, the joys of small-town life. “Thank you for the warning. How about I gift him one and maybe you gently look the other way?”
That jawline of his straightened, and he turned on his serious stare. “Ma’am, are you trying to bribe an officer of the law?”
That cop voice got to her. She suddenly understood why people role-played. She’d always thought it was dumb, but now she could see how Deputy Major doing a slow search of her body could be sexy. In a playful way, of course. A consenting way.
Was she thinking about hopping into bed with him?

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

The Reading Cafe and Lexi Blake’s publisher are offering a paper copy of BAYOU SWEETHEART to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9. Giveaway is open to USA only

10. Giveaway runs from July 28-August 1, 2022

 

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