ROYAL CALEVA GABRIEL (Royal Caleva 1) by Nancy Herkness-review

ROYAL CALEVA GABRIEL (Royal Caleva 1) by Nancy Herkness-a review

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About the book: Release Date April 25, 2023

Honor, passion, danger. A modern-day duke and an American computer hacker must confront all three.

Honor. Gabriel, Duke of Bencalor, allows himself to be kidnapped to save his cousin, the Prince of Caleva. He pays a price—a mutilation that damages his brilliant career as a Flamenco guitarist—yet he would not hesitate to do it again.

Passion. Quinn Pierson is hired to track down Gabriel’s abductors. As she follows the trail, she and the sexy duke spend more and more time together until a spark ignites between them. Quinn fights her feelings every inch of the way because she knows there can be no future between a royal duke and an American commoner with an ugly past.

Danger. The criminal mastermind who carried out Gabriel’s abduction travels to Caleva to threaten Quinn. Yet even he is less dangerous than the mysterious figure who set the kidnapping in motion.

Opposites attract in Caleva, where the royals are hot and the criminals are twisted.

••••••

REVIEW: ROYAL CALEVA GABRIEL is the first instalment in Nancy Herkness’ contemporary, adult ROYAL CALEVA erotic, romance series focusing on the royal family of the fictional island country of Caleva. This is twenty-nine year old, musician/ Gabriel Medina, Duke of Bencalor, and thirty-one year old, American profiler/computer wizard Quinn Pierson’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Gabriel and Quinn) ROYAL CALEVA GABRIEL follows in the aftermath of the abduction and torture of our story line hero. A few years earlier,the Duke of Bencalor Gabriel Medina was mistaken for his cousin Raul, second in line to the throne, and found himself at the mercy of an unknown enemy who thought he was the King’s son. A classically trained musician, Gabriel would discover that the injuries he sustained no longer allowed him to perform the music the way he once did. Desperate to locate the people responsible, the King called in a private investigator who contracted American born Quinn Pierson to help profile the guilty party. From the outset Gabriel and Quinn’s palpable sexual attraction is apparent to everyone but the couple involved, and will quickly escalate when neither is able to hold back their growing love. A trip abroad brings another attempted assassination, and the deeper Quinn researches, the more she believes the person responsible is someone close. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Gabriel and Quinn, and the potential fall-out as Gabriel continues to be the target of a desperate mind.

Quinn Pierson’s past has been kept a secret from our story line hero. As their relationship begins to unfold, Quinn knows that once the truth is revealed, she no longer will be welcomed by the Royal family. From her father and uncle’s questionable pasts, Quinn has been dragged into more family drama and activities than she is ready to admit. Duke Gabriel Medina has only ever wanted to play the guitar; to be a professional musician but the abduction and torture left Gabriel a shell of his former self. With the help of Quinn, Gabriel slowly climbs out of the depths of despair, into a working Royal who is about to discover where his talents lie.

The relationship between Gabriel and Quinn begins as an assignment when Quinn is contracted to profile a possible killer. Several people were involved in the abduction of our story line hero, and Quinn must begin to place the puzzle pieces together in an effort to take down the person responsible. Gabriel doesn’t want a babysitter or extra security; he sacrificed himself for the family he loves but a sacrifice that came at a cost. Struggling to move on from the past, Gabriel, with the help of our story line heroine, will come to terms with what was, and what will be. 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: King Luis, and his son Prince Raul: Gabriel’s parents Duke Lorenzo and his mother Helene; CEO Odette Fontaine of the Royal Family owned Archambeau Cosmetics; Quinn’s boss Mikel; her ‘uncle’ Pete Gleeson, and her father Brendan Pierson. The requisite evil has many faces.

ROYAL CALEVA GABRIEL is a story of power and control, family and relationships, royalty and greed, relationships and love. The premise is captivating and detailed but I struggled with the inordinate amount of world building, some of which read like a red herring, and nothing ever came to fruition (Iowa?) ; the romance is seductive; the characters are dynamic and determined.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Agent (The Consultants 3) by Nancy Herkness-a review

The Agent (The Consultants 3) by Nancy Herkness-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N paper /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 5, 2021

Letting down her guard leaves a woman vulnerable to love—and to a menacing stalker.

After fleeing her abusive ex, New Jersey salon owner Natalie Hart is reclaiming her life and self-esteem. Her fragile recovery doesn’t need a player like former FBI agent Tully Gibson, no matter how tempting a fling sounds. Then Natalie starts receiving anonymous notes, each more frightening and threatening than the last. To help track her stalker, Natalie knows whom to call. Their explosive chemistry together is an emotional hazard she’s willing to risk.

A high-powered security expert at KRG Consulting, Tully has intimacy issues of his own. The stirring hum of attraction he feels with his new client comes with boundaries. Tully’s job: just keep Natalie safe. But keeping his distance is getting harder. Whoever is playing games with Natalie wants to take things one deadly step further. The deeper Tully and Natalie are drawn into danger, the closer they become.

It’s time for Natalie and Tully to face their fears—of falling in love and of falling prey to a vengeful killer.

•••••••••

REVIEW:THE AGENT is the third instalment in Nancy Herkness’ contemporary, adult THE CONSULTANTS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on three friends and business partners -Derek Killion, Leland Rockwell, and Tully Gibson who own KRG Consulting Group. This is former FBI agent, KRG co-founder and security specialist Tully Gibson, and hair stylist/salon owner Natalie Hart’s story line. THE AGENT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives ( Tully and Natalie) THE AGENT follows in the wake of a possible stalker for our story line heroine. Having met and connected through mutual friends (Alice and Derek- The Money Man #1) Tully felt drawn to Natalie Hart but never expected a phone call from Natalie fearing for her life. A series of questionable and aggressive emails from an unknown sender had now escalated to hand delivered messages threatening physical violence, and Natalie knew she was ill-equipped to uncover the identity of the person involved. Enter Tully Gibson and the guys at KRG Consulting Group. As Tully works to ensure our heroine’s safety including twenty-four hour security and surveillance, he struggles with his attraction to the woman that is calling to his heart. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Tully and Natalie, and the potential fall-out as Natalie battles between head and heart knowing Tully will never commit to forever, and Natalie’s stalker calls in reinforcements in his effort to seek vengeance against our story line heroine.

Natalie Hart has lived through an abusive marriage, and works behind the scenes to help women find somewhere safe to escape but Natalie is now facing the possibility that one of her client’s has brought the danger to her front door, and Tully Gibson is determined to stop the suspect at all costs. Tully Gibson, in his attempt to protect our story line heroine finds himself falling for a woman who is about to pull away before he breaks her heart. Tully is determined to remain single, never committing himself to one woman, and in this Natalie knows their time together comes with an expiry date.

The relationship between Tully and Natalie is one of immediate attraction predicated on their mutual friends, and wedding participation. Tully admits to being attracted to our heroine since the first time they met, and Natalie started to swoon when he asked her to dance. As the threats to Natalie become more personal and dangerous, Tully moves Natalie into his life but Natalie knows there time together is only temporary until they find the person trying to destroy her life. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including the previous story line couples: Derek and Alice (The Money Man 1), Leland and Dawn (The Hacker 2): security guards Pam Santos, and Jenya; several of Natalie’s co-workers and clients; abused woman Regina Van Houten; and Natalie’s tenant Deion. I am hoping the author has plans for Deion’s story.

THE AGENT is a story of family and friendships; domestic abuse, power and control; romance, relationships and love. The character driven premise is intriguing and engrossing; the characters are dynamic, animated and inspiring; the romance is spicy and seductive but I did have a couple of issues, all pertaining to our heroine’s need to be ‘independent’ and placing herself in danger because she is upset with the direction of her relationship with the man that she loves…a little TSTL (too stupid to live) that results in our heroine positioning herself in the direct line of fire.

Reading Order andPrevious Reviews
The Money Man
The Hacker

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Hacker (The Consultants #2) by Nancy Herkness-a review

The Hacker (The Consultants #2) by Nancy Herkness-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 4, 2020

Dawn Galioto is an expert in self-defense and the most in-demand personal trainer at her Jersey gym—a perfect position for a woman fighting her way out of a troubled past and the anxieties that come with it. Then, after complaints about baffling Wi-Fi glitches at the gym, Dawn calls in disarmingly hot, high-powered computer consultant Leland Rockwell. If she can trust anyone to fix her on-the-job problems, it’s Leland. As for healing her off-hours fears, time will tell.

The cybersecurity genius of KRG, Leland sees a lot to admire in Dawn. She’s strong, quick-witted, and sexy. And something of a puzzle—one Leland wants very much to solve. If only she’d let him. Every new reveal brings him intimately closer to Dawn, but there’s another, more dangerous riddle to decipher. After going undercover to solve her Wi-Fi problem, Leland’s found a dark workplace secret. As Dawn’s past threatens a burgeoning romance, the deepening mystery they’re discovering threatens their lives.

•••••••

REVIEW:THE HACKER is the second instalment in Nancy Herkness’ contemporary, adult THE CONSULTANTS romantic suspense series focusing on three friends and business partners Derek Killion, Leland Rockwell, and Tully Gibson who own KRG Consulting Group and their Small Business Initiative offering complimentary assistance to local businesses . This is cyber security specialist Leland Rockwell, and personal trainer Dawn Galioto’s story line. THE HACKER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Dawn is Alice’s best friend (The Money Man #1).

Told from dual third person perspectives (Dawn and Leland) THE HACKER follows the building relationship between cyber security specialist Leland Rockwell, and personal trainer Dawn Galioto, and the complaints regarding the Wi-Fi issues at Work It Out gym where Dawn is employed. Unable to get a decent response from the gym’s current owner and IT staff, Dawn’s friend Alice suggests cyber security specialist and her fiance’s business partner Leland Rockwell, an in effort to uncover what is happening and why. When all offers of help are refused by the owner, Leland Rockwell goes undercover as a member, in an effort to ferret out the reasons why. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Leland and Dawn, and the potential fall-out as Leland uncovers a dark web connection to the Work It Out gym.

The relationship between Dawn and Leland is an acquaintance to lovers relationship when Dawn is contacted by Leland Rockwell as a favor for his partner’s fiancé. Dawn has been attracted to Leland since the first time they met but Dawn felt intimidated by her lack of a degree and Leland’s genius status and overall smarts. Back and forth emails left Dawn wondering about the who and why of our leading hero when his attempts at getting to know Dawn stir something deep within our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large colorful and energetic cast of secondary and supporting characters including Derek and Alice (The Money Man #1), Leland and Derek’s business partner Tully Gibson, hair stylist and Alice’s friend Natalie, as well as gym owners Vicky and Ramon Vazquez, and trainer Chad.

THE HACKER is a story of intrigue and suspense; secrets and lies; relationships, friendships and love. The premise is captivating and entertaining; the romance is flirtatious and seductive; the characters are dynamic and spirited. THE HACKER is a welcome and enjoyable addition to The Consultants series.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE MONEY MAN

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Money Man (The Consultants #1) by Nancy Herkness-a review

The Money Man (The Consultants #1) by Nancy Herkness-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N paper /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 14, 2020.

New Jersey bookkeeper Alice Thurber has a carefully constructed risk-free life. Everything in perfect balance. Until little discrepancies show up in her clients’ accounts. Most would ignore it. Not the impeccably precise Alice. In desperation she reaches out to a high-powered consulting firm for help. New York City’s movie-star handsome financial wizard Derek Killion reaches back. All he has to do is smile and Alice’s fantasies stir. A girl can dream, can’t she?

A cofounder of KRG, Derek’s promise is to advise small-business owners in trouble. He never guessed that assisting the diffident but sexy Alice would be so captivating and make it so hard to keep his desires in check. But just as intriguing is the alarming puzzle behind the computer glitch that’s unsettled his client. As the investigation unfolds, they must also confront an attraction too palpable to ignore. Every new dark twist they follow is only bringing them closer together—in passion and in danger.

•••••••

REVIEW: THE MONEY MAN is the first instalment in Nancy Herkness’ contemporary, adult THE CONSULTANTS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on three friends and business partners Derek Killion, Leland Rockwell, and Tully Gibson who own KRG Consulting Group. This is KRG co-founder Derek Killion, and bookkeeper Alice Thurber’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Derek and Alice) THE MONEY MAN focuses on the building relationship between KRG co-founder Derek Killion, and bookkeeper Alice Thurber, and the search for the truth. Alice Thurber owns a small bookkeeping business but struggles with a few questionable results since installing a new accounting software that leaves her frustrated and looking for help. Enter Derek Killion of KRG Consulting Group, and the man with whom Alice will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Alice and Derek, and the potential fall-out as Derek, Alice and Derek’s partners uncover a dangerous trail of espionage, fraud, computer hackers and the possibility of financial ruin for thousands of small businesses.

Derek Killion doesn’t do relationships in the wake of his engagement that ended badly. Meeting Alice Thurber drew Derek like a moth to a flame but a flame with the potential to burn if he got too close. Alice Thurber believed Derek was out of her league in all things including romance and love. Growing up the daughter of a professional model, Alice never measured up to her mother’s ideals, and in this Alice considers herself less than worthy of Derek’s affections and love. Working together to uncover the truth behind the software anomalies, Derek would soon discover there is more to Alice than book smarts and a pretty face.

The relationship between Alice and Derek begins as a business arrangement when his firm offers ‘free’ services to small, independent firms. From the outset, Derek and Alice fantasized about one another but neither one had dared crossed the line from professional to personal until Derek offered Alice a night out of town. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Derek’s business partners Leland Rockwell, and Tully Gibson; Alice’s mother, and her friends Gabrielle, Natalie and Dawn.

THE MONEY MAN is a story of betrayal and fraud; friendships and partners; romance, relationship, and falling in love. The fast paced premise is imaginative and inviting; the characters are flirty, sassy and real; the romance is spicy and inspiring. THE MONEY MAN is an edgy and captivating introduction to Nancy Herkness’ THE CONSULTANTS series.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

reviewed by Sandy

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