Tag Archives: Monica James

BAD SAINT (All The Pretty Things Trilogy #1) by Monica James-a review

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BAD SAINT (All The Pretty Things Trilogy #1) by Monica James-a review 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 7, 2019

I was kidnapped on my honeymoon by three masked men.

Blindfolded.
Bound.
Destination unknown.

I was told to stay silent and abide by their rules. But they didn’t realize I wasn’t a victim…not anymore.

The open sea was my backdrop for nine torturous days. During that time, glimmers of my fate were revealed by a man with the mysterious chartreuse-colored eyes. He should have scared me, but he didn’t.

He intrigued me. And I intrigued him.

He punished me when I didn’t listen, which was every single day. But beneath his cruelty, I sensed he was guarding a grave secret.

I was sold.
And in a game of poker, no less.

My buyer? A Russian mobster who likes to collect pretty things. Now that I know the truth, I only have one choice.

Sink or swim.

And when one fateful night presents me the opportunity, I take it. I just never anticipated my actions would leave me shipwrecked with my kidnapper.

He needs me alive. I want him dead.

But as days turn into weeks, one thing becomes clear—I should hate him…but I don’t.

My name is Willow.
His name is Saint.

Ironic, isn’t it? He bears a name that denotes nothing but holiness yet delivers nothing but hell. However, if this is hell on earth…God, save my soul.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: BAD SAINT is the first instalment in Monica James’ contemporary, adult ALL THE PRETTY THINGS dark, romance trilogy focusing on Willow Shaw, and thirty-three year old, Saint Hennessy.

NOTE: Due to the story line content, there may be some trigger for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Willow) BAD SAINT follows in the aftermath of Willow Shaw’s abduction while on her honeymoon in Greece. Unaware that her husband had gambled and lost, Willow is the ultimate payment for indebted sins. At the mercy of her kidnappers Willow’s life is threatened on numerous occasions but for not the actions of one of her abductors Willow’s life would be forfeited, her body no longer her own. What ensues is the acrimonious relationship between Willow and Saint, and the fall-out as a storm lands our couple on a deserted island where Willow discovers there is more to Saint then she could have ever imagined.

BAD SAINT is a story of secrets and lies; of sexual slavery, payment for a debt, intimidation, assault, recklessness and death. Frightened yet strong, willing to stand up to her captors Willow battles between her head and heart fearing life as she knows it is spiralling out of control.

Monica James’ pulls the readers into an intense, raw and gritty story of payback and vengeance; of power and control; of repercussions, suspense, danger and more. The premise is tragic, impassioned and fascinating; the characters are strong, resilient, animated and energetic. BAD SAINT ends on a cliffhanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.

When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.

She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.

Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.

TWITTER/ FACEBOOK/ PINTEREST/AUTHORGRAPH/ WEBSITE

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Defiance of the Heart by Monica James-a review

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DEFIANCE OF THE HEART (Sins of the Heart #2) by Monica James-Review 

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: RELEASE DATE October 17, 2018

For never was there a story of more woe than that of Holland Brooks and her Romeo…

For as long as I can remember, London Sinclair was the boy who was forbidden. It didn’t matter that he made my heart skip a beat. Our surnames fated us to be sworn enemies. But when the truth was finally revealed, my life changed forever.

Lies have shaped our past, leaving London and me to pick up the pieces. But through the chaos, one thing is certain—I love London, and he loves me, and we won’t allow anyone to tear us apart again.

However, life has a funny way of proving us wrong.

As we attempt to make amends for the past ten years, we soon discover that the ghosts of our past will do anything to drive us apart. We are once again surrounded by deceit and betrayal, testing us in ways we never imagined.

When I’m faced with a proposition to end this heartache once and for all, I blindly agree. That decision changes everything, and I soon learn that those who act in haste create their own destruction.

Does love really triumph all? Or will London and I succumb to what was always written in the stars?

•••••••••

REVIEW:  DEFIANCE OF THE HEART is the second instalment in Monica James’ contemporary, adult SINS OF THE HEART erotic duet focusing bar owner London Sinclair, and attorney Holland Brooks. DEFIANCE OF THE HEART should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book one-ABSINTHE OF THE HEART.

SOME BACKGROUND: Sins of the Heart is a forty year saga of two families torn apart by love, infidelity, lies and hate. Holland Brooks grew up the daughter of two people whose lives imploded years before. A result of a teen-aged love affair Holland would bear the sins of her parents including the destruction of a love for a boy she was unable to hold.

Told from first person point of view (Holland Brooks) DEFIANCE OF THE HEART is the continuing story of bar owner London Sinclair, and attorney Holland Brooks. At the end of book one, Holland learns that the man she was about to marry keeps secret a past that was about to implode. Having loved only one man – London Sinclair- Holland must face the family she loves in an effort to move forward towards her own happily ever after but life doesn’t always go according to plans as Holland and London are forced to accept what was and what will always be. Holland and London must traverse a minefield of betrayal and vengeance but none more so than the betrayal of family and friendship in an effort to protect the people they love. What ensues is the continuing struggle towards their own happily ever after, and the fall out as Holland and London face the possibility of facing the future without one another.

DEFIANCE OF THE HEART is an emotional and realistic tale of secrets and lies, betrayal and revenge, infidelity and trust. The character driven premise is raw, real and dramatic; the characters are broken, scarred and dynamic; the romance is passionate and seductive. Monica James pulls the reader into a lively, spirited, and exceptional tale of enemies to lovers/ second chance romance between two people who have fought a heart breaking battle, and came away with the ultimate prize. Romeo and Juliet for the twenty-first century.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one ABSINTHE OF THE HEART

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.

When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.

She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.

Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.

TWITTER/ FACEBOOK/ PINTEREST/AUTHORGRAPH/ WEBSITE

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Absinthe of the Heart (Sins of the Heart #1) by Monica James-a review

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ABSINTHE OF THE HEART (Sins of the Heart #1) by Monica James-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 14, 2018-05-08

Two households, unlike in dignity, in the City of Angels is where we lay our scene…

London Sinclair was the boy my mother warned me about for as long as I can remember. His name alone has brought my family nothing but shame and suffering, so it’s no surprise we’ve been sworn enemies since the first moment we met.

With his bedroom eyes and cocky smile, he has all the girls under his spell. I have one more year of school left, and then I’m home free because I’m guarding a secret, one I’m ashamed to keep.

The boy who is completely off-limits is the one who drives me, Holland Brooks, wild. I want London, and I think…he wants me, too.

Some may compare it to a Shakespearian tragedy, as our surnames have fated our future, but when a single night changes my life forever, I can’t leave the City of Angels fast enough.

Ten years later, I have atoned for my sins and return to Los Angeles a changed woman. I’ve come home to get married. But the moment London walks back into my life, one thing is clear. Ten years can’t undo that night—that single, sinful night when I gave into temptation—because I want to do it again.

•••••••••

REVIEW: ABSINTHE OF THE HEART is the first instalment in Monica James’ contemporary YA to NA to adult SINS OF THE HEART romance series focusing on London Sinclair, and Holland Brooks.

Told from first person perspectives (Holland Brooks), and several third person perspectives ABSINTHE OF THE HEART is a forty-year saga of two families torn apart by love, infidelity, lies and hate. Holland Brooks grew up the daughter of two people whose lives imploded years before. A result of a teen-aged love affair Holland would bear the sins of her parents including the destruction of a love for a boy she was unable to hold.

ABSINTHE OF THE HEART follows a ‘Romeo and Juliet’ vibe in that two families have been destroyed by jealousy, rivalry, power and hate. From the rich and famous to the other side of the tracks, lives will be ruined, reputations destroyed as the cycle of hate and love perpetuates with the succeeding generation. London Sinclair has only ever loved one woman, a woman off-limits and forbidden by a feud not of their making. Sins of the past, control the present; threats are made forcing London to choose between family and love.

ABSINTHE OF THE HEART, in many respects, reads like a young adult story line with the love triangles, jealousy, mean girls, and belligerent adults who have yet to grow up. Secrets will be revealed throwing our story line heroine down a rabbit hole where the truth will kill any hope of a happily ever after. There is a fine line between love and hate, and that line is blurred one too many times.

Monica James writes an emotional and heart breaking story of jealousy and revenge; hatred and love; secrets and lies; money and power. ABSINTHE OF THE HEART is an intoxicating, stunning and tragic tale of young lovers destroyed by sins of the past. Absinthe of the Heart ends of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.

When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.

She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.

Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.

TWITTER/ FACEBOOK/ PINTEREST/AUTHORGRAPH/ WEBSITE

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Memories of Yesterday Duology by Monica James-Reviews & Giveaway Tour

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MEMORIES OF YESTERDAY Duology by Monica James – reviews & giveaway tour

FORGETTING YOU, REMEMBERING ME
(Memories From Yesterday #2)
by Monica James
Release Date: February 28, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 28, 2018

The stunning conclusion to this epic love story that began with Forgetting You, Forgetting Me from International Bestselling author, Monica James.

The truth sets you free…but what happens when everything you believe in changes in the blink of an eye?

All I ever wanted was for my fiancé, Samuel Stone, to remember me. And now that he does…all I want is for him to forget. Through tragedy, I found myself and who I was destined to become. But more importantly, I found who I was destined to be with.

With a single word, Saxon Stone changed my life forever. He taught me how to live again. But now that Samuel remembers and all secrets have been revealed, I’m left to wonder which life I’m meant to lead.

Divided by my head and my heart, I’m torn between duty and desire. Samuel is my past while Saxon is my forever. The choice should be easy.

But love never is…

••••••••••••

REVIEW:  FORGETTING YOU, REMEMBERING ME is the second instalment in Monica James’ contemporary, adult MEMORIES FROM YESTERDAY romance duology focusing on Lucy Tucker, and identical twins Samuel and Saxon Stone. FORGETTING YOU, REMEMBERING ME should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff-hanger of book one FORGETTING YOU, FORGETTING ME.

NOTE: If you have not read book one FORGETTING YOU, FORGETTING ME there may be some spoilers in my review. (see my review below for book one)

Told from first person point of view (Lucy Tucker) FORGETTING YOU, REMEMBERING ME is the continuing story line and love triangle trope focusing on Lucy Tucker, and identical twin brothers Samuel and Saxon Stone. At the end of book one Samuel Stone’s memories return (weeks following a devastating crash) and with it the realization that the woman he loves is in love with someone else. Lucy Tucker, having learned that everything about her life with Samuel was based upon a lie, must face the man she once loved and the truth when his memories return. Falling in love with Saxon Stone meant letting go of the past, but letting go was much harder than anyone could have imagined.

FORGETTING YOU, REMEMBERING ME follows in the aftermath of betrayal, not only between Samuel and Lucy, but Samuel’s betrayal of Lucy and, especially that of his twin brother Saxon. There are so many dysfunctional family issues within the Stone family, the heart break and emotional fall-out is almost cathartic but weighs heavily on everyone involved. Lucy and Saxon’s vulnerability is matched by their strength and resolve; Samuel’s betrayal is matched and propagated by his mother’s inability to love her sons equally and without condemnation.

FORGETTING YOU, REMEMBERING ME is an angst-ridden, emotional and painful story that will suck the life right out of your soul. The story behind the story will break your heart. The love-triangle trope is destructive and continues to read like a YA romance; disaster and devastation follow in the wake of revelations; second chances come with secrets and lies. In the end, the heart knows what it wants, and what it wants is real love and a happily ever after. Here’s hoping the author has plans for those who lost and have none.

Copy supplied for review

___________________

FORGETTING YOU, FORGETTING ME
(Memories From Yesterday #1)
by Monica James
Release Date: June 26, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 26, 2017

My name is Lucy Tucker, and my life…it was perfect.

I worked the dream job. I had the most incredible family and friends. My home, Whispering Willows, a ranch in Montana, was everything I could ever wish for. My adoring fiancé, Samuel Stone, loved me unconditionally.

I had everything a girl could ever want.

But one fateful event shattered my perfect life. It’s unimaginable how simple, ordinary words can change a person’s life forever. For me those words were, “There’s been an accident.”

I thought Sam was my forever, but that forever came to a close the day Saxon Stone, Sam’s identical twin brother, came back. Saxon returned to Montana to help save Sam, however, the moment he entered my life, he turned my world upside down. But through chaos I somehow found clarity—clarity of who I was meant to be.

As time progressed, as seasons changed, and as a fire began to burn, I soon realized that Saxon was there for another reason…he was there to help save me.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: FORGETTING YOU, FORGETTING ME is the first instalment in Monica James’ contemporary, adult MEMORIES FROM YESTERDAY romance series focusing on Lucy Tucker, Sam Stone and Saxon Stone.

Told from first person point of view (Lucy Tucker) using present day and memories from the past, FORGETTING YOU, FORGETTING ME is a love triangle focusing on Lucy Tucker, her fiancé Samuel Stone, and his estranged identical twin brother Saxon. Hours before his wedding to Lucy, Samuel Stone is hit be a drunk driver leaving him comatose and clinging to life. Lucy knows the one person with the ability save the man that she loves is the last man anyone wanted to see. Enter Saxon Stone, Samuel’s twin brother, and the man with whom Lucy will fall in love. What ensues is the growing love between Saxon and Lucy; Samuel’s change in personality as amnesia continues to take hold; and the fall-out when Samuel’s memories comes flooding back.

Lucy Tucker has only ever loved one man-Samuel Stone. From age sixteen forward, the man she knows as her Samuel has been nothing but flirtatious, kind and loving but without his memories of the woman he loves, Samuel is nothing like the man Lucy remembers. Saxton Stone has been estranged from his family for most of his adult life-never good enough, and always second best-Saxon knew when the time was right he would take off to places unknown but a call from his brother’s fiancé finds Saxon returning to the town and the people that did him wrong.

The relationship between Samuel and Lucy is revealed through memories of the past, and the present day anger filled rages of a man who is unable to remember the woman who claims to know him best. Saxon Stone is a man destined for heart break knowing when his brother regains his memories, Saxon will lose everything-all over again. The love-triangle leaves me conflicted as I have a difficult time with this particular trope-someone will love, and everyone gets hurt.

FORGETTING YOU, FOGETTING ME is a contemporary, adult story line that reads more YA (young adult) and NA (new adult) with the aforementioned trope’s love triangle, uncaring parents, and best friend who’s in love with one of the boys. Interesting in its’ concept, the slow build up of Saxon and Lucy’s relationship is heightened with a confession of assured consequences, and a cliff-hanger that is about to break everyone’s heart. The premise is intriguing and emotional; the characters are broken and lost; the romance is a slow burn, forbidden love.

Copy supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy 

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.

When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.

She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.

Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.

TWITTER
FACEBOOK
PINTEREST
AUTHORGRAPH
WEBSITE

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact ‘A LITERARY PERUSAL’.

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY

**SIGNED PAPERBACK GIVEAWAY**
10 paperbacks, 1 winner!
To celebrate the release of my new book, FORGETTING YOU, REMEMBERING ME, I’m giving away 10 signed paperbacks! These amazing authors are coming to the party! Look at this Rockstar Line-up!!
Signed Paperbacks from:
  • Colleen Hoover, Title TBA
  • Anna Todd, Title TBA 
  • Vi Keeland- Sex, Not Love  
  • Mia Sheridan- Winner’s choice (Except the Indie of Archer’s Choice) 
  • Christina Lauren- Roomies 
  • Lexi Ryan- The Wrong Kind of Love 
  • S.C. Stephens- Furious Rush & Dangerous Rush 
  • Sylvain Reynard – Gabriel’s Inferno
  • Monica James- Forgetting You, Remembering Me 
To Enter:
LIKE/FOLLOW: Facebook: www.facebook.com/authormonicajames
Instagram: @authormonicajames
Twitter: www.twitter.com/monicajames81
  1. Tag some friends who’d be interested in this awesome giveaway.

 

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The Hunt ( A Hard Love Romance #3) by Monica James-Review & Excerpt Tour

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The Hunt (A Hard Love Romance #3) by Monica James-Review & Excerpt Tour

The Hunt BANNER2

THE HUNT
Hard Love Romance #3
by Monica James
Release Date: October 30,2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

The Hunt

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

About the book: Release Date October 30, 2017

My name is Hunter O’Shea and I have a confession to make…I’ve met a girl who consumes me. I know that makes me sound completely whipped, but Mary “Lamb” Mitts has the power to bring me to my knees…it’s just too bad she hates my guts. But that’s okay, because I hate hers, too. The fiery redhead stirs something in me that I can’t explain.

This temporary insanity could be due to the fact my best friend, who used to be a bigger player than me, is getting married. That must be it. I’m caught up in an Oprah moment.

The only solution is to get back in the game and forget she exists. That theory is great—too bad I don’t want anyone else.

I…just…want…her.

I’m so screwed.

••••••••••

REVIEW: THE HUNT is the third instalment in Monica James’ contemporary, adult HARD LOVE ROMANCE erotic, romance series. This is financial investor Hunter O’Shea, and interior design student Mary Mitts’ story line. THE HUNT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Mary and Hunter were first introduced in the first two instalments Dirty Dix and Wicked Dix. Mary is Madison’s BFF, and Hunter is Dr. Dixon Mathews best friend.

Told from dual first person points of view (Mary and Hunter) THE HUNT focuses on the contemptuous and anger filled relationship between financial investor Hunter O’Shea, and waitress/interior designer Mary Mitts. Mary and Hunter’s hate-filled, visceral and verbal exchanges masks a heightened sexual energy that is barely contained in one another’s presence. Seeing something beyond the angry façade Dixon Mathews makes a suggestion that places Mary in the direct line of fire as it pertains to the man that she barely tolerates. What ensues is the slow building but acrimonious relationship between our leading couple, and the fall out as betrayal and jealousy destroy what was never meant to be.

THE HUNT is an emotional, intense and heart breaking story line about two people whose sexual histories are as diverse and different as night and day. Hunter is a manwhore whose reputation precedes his introduction to our story line heroine-a reputation that Mary takes to heart. Hunter doesn’t do relationships; has never fallen in love but something about Mary calls to his soul, a soul he believes isn’t worthy of a happily ever after. Mary’s only boyfriend destroyed her faith in men and her trust in love but her attraction Hunter is palpable and confusing knowing he is the last man she should ever hope to fall in love.

The relationship between Mary and Hunter is one of mutual animosity tethered by a mutual attraction that burns hot and electric. Their antagonistic love /hate dual does not go unnoticed by everyone concerned; it makes for some uncomfortable moments as Madison and Dixon’s wedding day approaches. The $ex scenes are erotic, intense and provocative but the lack of trust and miscommunication between our leading couple is frustrating and powerful. My only complaint is the over-use of a certain four-letter word that I do not find conducive or necessary in a romance story line.

We are re-introduced to Dr. Dixon Mathews and his fiancé Madison (Dirty Dix / Wicked Dix), as well as their mutual friendship with Finch and Heidi. The introduction of fellow investor Aaron Gail, and his PA Keira Celly adds the requisite evil that heightens the betrayal and jealousy between our leading couple.

THE HUNT is a story about one woman unable to let go of the past; and one man’s inability to let go of his heart. The premise is engaging, edgy and intense; the characters are edgy, spirited and flawed; the romance is emotional, dramatic and passionate. My only complaint- the language is graphic and course including the use of a certain four-letter word as I mentioned above.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Dirty Dix (formerly Addicted to Sin)
Wicked Dix
The Hunt

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

The Hunt Teaser

Excerpt

 

Something is happening and I have no idea what. Mary’s eyes drop to my lips before she uneasily licks hers. Her flushed cheeks, dilated pupils, and heavy breathing all point to one thing—but that’s not possible. This woman hates me, all delicious, lithe five-foot-four of her wants me dead.
So why is she not slapping my cheeks and calling me a dirty manwhore when I inch closer to her lips? And why am I not slamming on the brakes because I don’t kiss—ever, but that rule seems to be obsolete when the supplest pair of lips are a hairs breadth away?
I’m rolling in her perfume. Slathering it all over my body and inhaling it like a new drug. She is all goddess, and if I don’t touch her, I’m going to explode.
Placing my palm to her cheek, we both moan at the contact, and when she parts those lips, I’m as good as gone. “Hunter, wh-what are you doing?”
My name has never sounded sweeter. “Shortcake, I don’t know…you tell me.” The ball is in her court. I’m liquefying and my brain turned to mush about fifteen minutes ago, so I’m in no state to be the one calling the shots.
“I…I…” she fumbles, never breaking eye contact.
“You what?” I ask, tugging at the lobe of her ear, before tracing my pointer down her throat. Her pulse is hammering, a sure sign she’s about to either surrender, or flee.
“I…oh god,” she whimpers, biting her lip when I work my finger back up and paint over her jawline in a slow sweep.
“You have three seconds…three seconds to stop me before I part those lips with my tongue, and I won’t be gentle about it.”

 

About The Author

Monica James

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.

When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.

She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.

Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.

Facebook: facebook.com/authormonicajames
Twitter: twitter.com/monicajames81
Goodreads: goodreads.com/MonicaJames
Instagram: @MonicaJames
Website: monicajamesbooks.blogspot.com.au
Pinterest: pinterest.com/monicajames81

 

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Wicked Dix (Hard Love Romance #2) by Monica James-Review & Giveaway

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WICKED DIX (Hard Love Romance #2) by Monica James-Review and Giveaway

WICKED DIX

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 24, 2016

I’ve always been a bad boy, with a very wicked reputation.

But then I met Madison – sweet, vulnerable, innocent Madison. She makes me feel as if there is hope for me. As if I could be a good man. I need her more than I need air to breathe.

There’s just one problem: Juliet. She’s a temptress who won’t take no for an answer. If I resist her, she’ll use our dirty secret to ruin everything with Madison.

I don’t want to lose Madison, but can I really change? This is my chance to prove that I can. But it’s going to be one hell of a ride.

Are you ready?

••••••••••

REVIEW: WICKED DIX (formerly known as Driven to Sin) is the second installment in Monica James’s new adult, contemporary HARD LOVE ROMANCE series (formerly known as ‘Sinful Pleasures’) focusing on psychiatrist Dr. Dixon Mathews, and college student Madison. Their continuing story follows our couple as they traverse a minefield of unprofessional ethics, dysfunctional family dynamics, and a myriad of lies and lies by omission wherein Madison will discover that everything she thinks she knows about the man that she loves is disguising the truth about the man he truly is. WICKED DIX should not be read as a stand alone as the story continues upon the events of book one-DIRTY DIX (formerly known as Addicted To Sin).

Told from dual first person points of view (Dixon and Madison) WICKED DIX looks at the fall out of Dixon’s man-whoring way; his unprofessional actions of the past; and his need to control the woman who is about to destroy his life. Dixon is caught between a proverbial rock and a hard place as it pertains to one of his former patients-a woman with close ties to Madison, and the woman who is about to destroy his life. But Dixon isn’t about to go down without a fight, and embarks on an ill-fated mission of abuse of power and professional charm. What ensues is the building relationship between Dixon and Madison, and the fall out of their relationship when the truth is finally revealed.

The ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters includes both Dixon and Madison’s extended family; their friends, co-workers, and the requisite evil that continues to attack our leading couple at every turn. But, to be honest, by keeping secret the truth about his relationship with Juliette, Dixon continued to poke the bear; add fuel to the fire; and circle the abyss of betrayal and heartbreak. His fear for the woman the he loved prevented him from seeing the whole picture, no matter how many times he was warned about the potential for disaster. Dix’s actions were irrational and unreasonable under the circumstances-there would never have been any positive outcome from the games and situation with Juliette of which he was slowly losing control.

I will add, that I am not a fan of mid-series title and cover changes due to the potential for confusion. When I first discovered WICKED DIX on Netgalley, I thought, WOW, another new series by Monica James, but then realized, it was a part of a series that I was already reading, but the title, the series name and the covers had all been changed. This is confusing to readers, especially long time followers of the author who has a habit of frequently changing covers e.g. one of her series has had three (3) complete cover changes to date.

WICKED DIX is an intense, dramatic and heartbreaking story line with a predictable outcome to Dixon’s loss of control. There are some humorous moments when Dix gets together with his friends and buddies. The premise is fateful and intoxicating; the characters are passionate and sometimes destructive; the romance is a startling fight towards a happily ever after. There were several points at which my frustration level rose knowing that the end results were not going to be good but in true romance style, all will be forgiven, but not necessarily forgotten.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of DIRTY DIX (formerly known as Addicted to Sin)

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Wicked Dix teaser

rafflecopter giveaway

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the author.

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Addicted to Sin (Sinful Pleasures #1) by Monica James-a review

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ADDICTED TO SIN (Sinful Pleasures #1) by Monica James-a review

Addicted to Sin

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 8, 2015

Tell me your deepest, darkest secrets. I dare you.

Addiction comes down to one simple, primitive concept. Desire.

My name is Dr. Dixon Mathews, and I’m New York’s finest shrink. For $500 an hour, people tell me their darkest, most sinful secrets.

My own addiction? Sex.

I might be certified in solving other people’s problems, but not mine –
I know I’m a lost cause. I don’t do relationships. I don’t even do the same woman twice.

But that’s all about to change, thanks to two entirely different women who awaken my deepest desires.

Who will I choose?

I know who I should choose, but I never said I was the hero of this story, or even the good guy. And besides, who wants to be good, when it feels so good being bad?

My tale isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you’re game, strap yourself in and expect the unexpected. But don’t say I didn’t warn you…

Achingly sexy and highly addictive, the first in the Sinful Pleasures Series will have you hooked. Driven to Sin coming very soon…

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REVIEW: ADDICTED TO SIN is the first installment in Monica James’s contemporary, adult Sinful Pleasures erotic, romance series focusing on thirty two year old psychiatrist Dr. Dixon Mathews, and twenty three year old college student Madison.

Told from dual first person points of view (Madison and Dixon) ADDICTED TO SIN focuses on Dr. Dixon Matthews and his addiction to sex. Dixon is a man-whore; a man, who six weeks prior to his wedding, discovered his fiancé was sleeping with his best friend, and in the ensuing year our ‘hero’ has acted out his heartbreak and pain by screwing everything anyone has to offer. One year later Dixon will meet his future-a dual path of addiction-one for a woman who offers nothing but $ex, and the other for the woman who would steal his heart. But Dr. Dixon Mathews will soon discover that the two paths will cross and with it more heartbreak and the potential to destroy his life.

ADDICTED TO SIN follows Dixon’s spiral into h*ll. As a psychiatrist he continues to cross the line of professional ethics; as a man he has lost sight of what it is he truly wants and needs. The storyline is as tragic as a Shakespearean Play; heartbreaking as it reaches its inevitable final act; and as twisted as a gnarly branch of a family tree where sins of the past meet the sins of the present. The storyline twist is predictable, fateful and tortured; our heroine’s life is about to spin out of control.

Monica James pulls the reader into a story of one man’s addiction; an uneasy realization that his choices have led him to desperation; and a possible future where everything he knows will be ripped apart through blackmail and betrayal. There are moments of loss and acceptance; rejection and grief; falling in love and letting go. ADDICTED TO SIN is a story of impassioned need; detestable acts; and desperate attempts to make everything all right.

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Something Like Redemption / Something Like Love by Monica James-reviews

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Something Like Redemption / Something Like Love by Monica James (Something Like Normal 2 & 3) by Monica James

something like normal series

SOMETHING LIKE LOVE
(Something Like Normal #3)
by Monica James
Genre: new adult, contemporary, romance, suspense
Release Date: February 3, 2015

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

Something Like LoveThe secret’s out…

Fate has never been kind to Mia Lee, but her misfortune has driven her to seek redemption from a past filled with regret.

Mia’s future depends on uncovering her past, but sadly, the answers lay with her mother, a mother who abandoned Mia when she was only a child.

Now that Mia has finally found her kin, she’s determined to get the answers she so desperately seeks.

But those answers come with a price…

Mia’s blossoming relationship with Quinn Berkeley is the sole reason she carries on. But Quinn has a secret of his own. Will his secret destroy the one stable foundation in Mia’s life? And more importantly, what will Quinn’s secret do to him once he confesses the sins of his past?

Life for Mia and Quinn is about to explode in a way she never thought possible..

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: SOMETHING LIKE LOVE is the third installment in Monica James’s contemporary, new adult, Something Like Normal series focusing on Mia Lee and Quinn Berkeley. Because SOMETHING LIKE LOVE is the continuing story of Mia and Quinn, it should NOT be read as a stand alone; there is too much information revealed in the previous two storylines. This is NOT the final installment-Something Like Love ends on a frustrating cliffhanger.

Told from first person point of view (Mia) SOMETHING LIKE LOVE follows Quinn and Mia on their escape into Alberta, Canada. Still on the run while the people back home struggle to prove their innocence for a murder they did not commit, Quinn and Mia find an uneasy truce with Mia’s mother-a woman who abandoned Mia at three years old. While Mia struggles with the truth about her early childhood, Quinn reveals his deepest darkest secrets-ones that parallel some of Mia’s earlier years about family, abandonment and neglect.

The relationship between Mia and Quinn becomes sexual. There is no denying they have been attracted to one another since they met, but Quinn’s brother Tristan has always had eyes on the woman his brother loves. There is a slight love triangle formula that continues throughout the storyline one that will pit brother against brother for the love of a woman whose life has spiraled out of control.

SOMETHING LIKE LOVE is a graphically violent, angst filled and disturbing storyline about dysfunctional families, abuse and the law. There are some questionable plot points especially Mia’s actions and choices, which are completely distressing and difficult to understand. A debt must be paid and Mia is willing to sacrifice herself for everyone involved. She will place everyone in danger in the belief she is protecting the others from further harm. There are also continuing issues of jealousy; anger control; and the need to run as her psychotic father is always one step behind.

The world building continues as our couple face insurmountable problems on the run. Mia and Quinn find themselves in difficult situations that placed them in danger-time and again. Mia’s temper and immaturity in certain matters, threatens not only her relationship with Quinn but with her ability to survive on the run. She is a one woman wrecking ball whose has little faith in mankind because of the dark and destructive life she has lead.

I did have some issues with the author’s misinformation regarding the Canadian provinces, cities, and the reality of border crossing but these could have been alleviated with some research. I am Canadian after all… 😉

Monica James pulls the reader into a modern day story of Bonnie and Clyde. Two young lovers on the run from their pasts, their presents and the demons that continue to destroy their hopes and their dreams. SOMETHING LIKE LOVE is passionate, intense, alarming and dark. There are moments of emotional turmoil and passionate bliss followed by the painful realization that everything could end in a heartbeat or two. Let’s hope that our couple survive and their story doesn’t end like Bonnie and Clyde’s.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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SOMETHING LIKE REDEMPTION
(Something like Normal #2)
by Monica James
Genre: new adult, contemporary, romance, suspense

Something Like RedemptionAmazon.com / Barnes and Noble /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 24, 2014

Some secrets are best left untold…

Mia Lee escaped to the sleepy little town of South Boston, Virginia with the intent to be normal, and to find a place she could call home.

Sadly for Mia, her past has come back with a vengeance, and forced her to flee yet again.

This time, however, she’s not alone…

Mia and Quinn are on the run, fleeing for their lives, while attempting to prove their innocence for a crime they did not commit.

But with a tainted past like Mia’s, it was inevitable that one day, it was going to catch up to her in a way she never fathomed.

One ill-fated decision leads to an explosion of unimaginable events, and now Mia and Quinn are not only running for their lives, but also, for their redemption.

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: SOMETHING LIKE REDEMPTION is the second installment in Monica James’s contemporary, new adult Something Like Normal series focusing on Mia (aka Paige) Lee and Quinn Berkeley. The series must be read in order. There is important information contained within each storyline and each novel ends with a cliff hanger leading to the next installment.

Told from first person point of view (Mia) the premise follows Mia and Quinn on the run from the law and from the man who wants to destroy her life. Suspected in not one but two murders in Quinn’s hometown, Mia and Quinn struggle to remain in control on the road. Mia continues to keep Quinn at arm’s length hoping to protect him from the horrors of her life but her continuous need to push Quinn away is aggravating and infuriating; at times almost impossible to accept especially when her need to run from Quinn, and her jealous behavior, places both of them in danger time and again. Mia does not want to depend on anyone and she is fast becoming dependent on the man by her side.

We follow Quinn and Mia as they make their way across country heading to Canada in search of Mia’s mother; from seedy bars to even seedier motels, beautiful scenery and busy cities, our couple battle one another while on the run, hoping someone will prove their innocence back home. Quinn’s dark secret and even darker past continues to build a wall between our couple when Quinn refuses to talk.

While on the road, the relationship between Quinn and Mia continues to build. There are moments of pure happiness followed by painful memories and the realization that they are on the run. Mia and Quinn will cross paths with a former friend and in this their life on the road will never be the same.

SOMETHING LIKE REDEMPTION is a story of revenge mixed with graphic violence, hatred and loss. Monica James pulls the reader into an intense battle of wills between Mia and Quinn; and a blossoming romance for a present day ‘Bonnie and Clyde’. Their continuing story is heartbreaking; adrenaline filled terror of action and suspense.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Something Like Normal
Something Like Normal #1
by Monica James
Genre: New Adult, contemporary
Release Date: May 13, 2014

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble /

Something LIke NormalABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 13, 2014

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL (book 1)

Mia Lee has a secret…

A secret she’s kept hidden since she was eight years old, however, Mia will no longer allow that secret to define her.

An irrevocable decision has left Mia Lee a fugitive and on the run—a circumstance that should leave her weak and scared, yet Mia has never felt so alive.

Under the pseudonym of Paige Cassidy, Mia is ready to live the life she’s never had, and she’s determined not to allow her tainted past dictate her promising future.

Paige is on a Greyhound bus heading from L.A. to South Boston, Virginia, to start a new life. A life that includes finding her mother, who abandoned her at age three. But what she finds, is four people, who will change her life forever.

Yet no one can outrun their past…

Especially one filled with bitter memories, which refuse to remain hidden

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