Tag Archives: New Adult

The Relationship Pact by Adriana Locke-Release Tour

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The Relationship Pact (Fake Dating: Kings of Football) by Adriana Locke-Release Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 17 2020

How hard can it be?

That was the question rolling around Larissa Mason’s mind just before she asked Hollis Hudson to be her fake boyfriend.

It was only supposed to be for five minutes, after all.

Granted, that was also before she felt his hand on the small of her back as he charmed the heck out of her family.

And it was definitely before she saw the football god shirtless. Otherwise, she would’ve had an idea of just how hard some things could be.

It turns out that pretending to be in love with a crazily handsome, somewhat enigmatic, and absolutely unforgettable tight end (that has an amazing tight end) is easy.

Reminding herself that just because opposites attract doesn’t mean they’re forever is much harder.

What they have isn’t love—it’s a relationship pact. Right?

••••••••

REVIEW:Ladies and Gents, please make sure your seats are in the upright position and your buckled in; this is going to be a wild ride!

The Relationship Pack is here, the third book in the Kings of Football series by the lovely Adriana Locke. While all the books in the series can be read as standalone books, I always recommend reading a series in order to get the most out of it.

Hollis Hudson.

Larissa Mason.

Two strangers, until they are not.

A moment that was only supposed to that a few minutes turns into something that lasts a lifetime.
I didn’t want this to end so bad! Hollis and Larissa are such a happy and fun couple, you can’t read them and not fall in love with their story. The plot is awesome, it moves at a steady pace, and when the secondary -not that they aren’t fab- characters come into play, it makes it all the better. Hollis and Larissa are like the golden Disney couple we all simp over, we stalk their social media pages, follow the trends they do, and support them till our last day. Both Hollis and Larissa are such great characters that when their story ends, you want to finish that bottle of wine we all know we popped open, both happy they got their HEA and because their story is over!

I love the growth Adriana Locke gives each of her characters, the lesson they learn throughout the story. 5 out of 5 stars from a loyal reader!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

USA Today and Washington Post bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket.

Connect with Adriana

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2Kxy33K
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3moqRDY
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3no5tQO
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2WjD96c
Website: https://adrianalocke.com/

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Arrogant Heir (The Heirs 2) by Michelle Heard-Review tour

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Arrogant Heir (The Heirs 2) by Michelle Heard-Review tour

 

 

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 7, 2020.

Mila West.
The feisty girl with ironclad determination.

Beneath all the quick comebacks lies a broken heart. Nothing sucks like unrequited love. Especially when it’s for one of your best friends.

Jase Reyes.
Hot. Arrogant. Untouchable.

He’s the playboy every girl hopes to catch. The future CEO of a billion-dollar empire. People worship the ground he walks on.

Jase and Mila fell in love,
but they fought each other at every turn.
Jase fell down,
and broke his crown;
And Mila?
Mila’s life shattered to pieces.

•••••••

REVIEW: Arrogant Heir by Michelle Heard is book two in The Heir’s series by Michelle Heard. A story of unrequited love told in dual perspectives. This book is next generation – the children of all the characters from Michelle’s Trinity Academy and Enemies To Lovers series.

This book follows the story of Mila West and Jase Reyes. Mila have been best friends all their lives and when they were teens Mila was going to tell Jase how she felt. When she went to tell him she found him with another girl. Breaking her heart, she realized they were better off as friends. Now some years later Mila is attending Trinity College. She battles every day with the feelings she has for Jase. Jase has become the consummate playboy! He’s arrogant, handsome, and simply protective of Mila. He constantly flirts with her and pushes her boundaries! Jase has always loved Mila but he wasn’t in love with her. That is until a tragic event happens. Jase vows to help Mila recover. And in that he realizes his feeling for her have changed. But is it too late for him to profess his love?

Mila is a strong willed woman who does not let anyone define her but herself. She loves deeply and completely. The love she had from page one for Jase was amazing! She held back on allowing herself to love Jase for so long. All I wanted was for her to have what she desired. Jase.

Jase is hilarious and charming. He is the one friend in the group that always makes you laugh. It takes Jase taking the long way around to realize how he really feels about Mila but its an amazing ride!

Highly recommend not only this series but The Trinity Academy and Enemies To Lovers series. Absolute great reads!!

Click HERE for Erin’s review of book one COLDHEARTED HEIR

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin

 

Michelle Heard is a Bestselling Romance Author who loves creating stories her readers can get lost in. She might have a slight obsession with alpha heroes who are not afraid to fight for their women.

Want to be up to date with what’s happening in my world? Sign up to receive the latest news on her alpha hero releases, sales, and great giveaways →http://eepurl.com/cUXM_P

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleAHorst

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Rough & Tumble by Shae Connor – a Review

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Rough & Tumble by Shae Connor – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple

 

Description:
My name’s Grant Clark, and I have managed to screw up my entire life. In triplicate.
Number one: I fell in love with my best friend.
Number two: I thought he was straight.
Number three: Because of number two, I didn’t make a move on number one. Until it was too late.

Or is it?

When I accidentally interrupt him with another guy—and he turns out to be the worst—well, I think it’s time I finally make a move.

Don’t you?

 

Review:

As a lover of M/M romance, I was very excited to adventure into Rough & Tumble by Shae Connor. While the book itself and its characters are good and the plot easy to keep up with, I was a little disappointed on the spice level.

 

From the cover and blurb, I thought this was going to be a slow burn, friends to lovers’ story, however it is not. Grant and Darryn are young, they are in college, but the amount of immature drama was really not needed. There is always a need for conflict in a story, but Rough & Tumble characters have little maturity or growth. There were some awesome supporting characters that I would love to have seen Grant grow with, as well as more compassion from Darryn. The issues and misunderstandings between Grant and Darryn go on way longer than they needed to and the actual romance part doesn’t come up until the book is practically over. This again felt like the author was dragging out unneeded conflict for as long as possible.

 

Now don’t get me wrong, there are some really good moments in Rough & Tumble, funny tidbits that give the readers a giggle and meaningful moments between friends. I think the story had a great message and it was a good book. 

 

Reviewed by Sarah

Copy provided by Publisher

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Kissing Lessons by Stefanie London – a Review

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Kissing Lessons by Stefanie London – a Review

 

Amazon / Kobo / Google Play / Apple

Description:

Welcome to Kissing Creek, where everything has a romance-themed pun for a name and love is lurking around every corner…

 

Audrey Miller doesn’t believe in happily-ever-after, so she is definitely living in the wrong town. But she’s never getting out of Kissing Creek, because playing pseudo-mom for her younger siblings doesn’t leave time for much else. She’ll do anything to make sure they don’t end up stuck like she is, working as a barista in a college town, serving Pink Passion mochas with Chocolate Smooch donuts.

 

Then Ronan Walsh, a new young professor and walking cliché, right down to the elbow patches on his blazer, steps in for a coffee and into her life. She knows his type—intelligent and charming, yet sweet as a cinnamon roll, the sort of man she’s inevitably attracted to but is always out of her league. So why does someone like him have any interest in a worker bee with no future?

 

Her bland-as-oatmeal existence has nothing to offer, but Ronan’s temporary teaching position is only a stepping stone on his way to somewhere else. He isn’t here to put down roots, Audrey’s roots are firmly planted—neither of them is looking for love. And maybe that’s just perfect.

 

But in a small town called Kissing Creek, sometimes love can be impossible to avoid…

 

Review:.

 

I’ve read a few of Stefanie London‘s  books, and they’ve always made me smile. Cute couples, laughs and enough passionate moments to keep me reading. Kissing Lessons is the first book in her new series “The Kissing Creek.”

 

Audrey had to become a mother to her siblings at the young age of 15, her father was still around, but he just fell apart! So she left school and ran the household. She worked hard and forgot about her dreams, she didn’t want the same thing for her siblings, so she pushed and helped them live their dreams. Working two jobs and finding odd jobs around town for extra money, Audrey doesn’t have a lot of spare time, but she goes to night classes at college when she can. 

I loved Audrey, although she’d put her siblings first, she never really resented them (even though they really put on her at sometimes!) And I know grief affects people in different ways, but her father needed a talking too!! 

 

Ronan had moved back to the states from England so he could be closer to his grandmother after she had a stroke. He took a position at the college in Kissing Creek with only a one-year contract. He isn’t looking looking for a relationship or anything long term, because he doesn’t know where he’s going to be in a years time (he definitely doesn’t want to be here forever) he’s also not really family orientated, he loves his sister and his grandmother, but he just doesn’t believe his mother and her lies! 

He really doesn’t want to be in this dilly little town, but all that goes out of the window when he meets Audrey, she intrigues him, she challenges him (and he’s not had that in a long time) and her quirky manner makes him smile. 

 

The first time they meet is funny, she assumes he’s trying to get a professors discount on his coffee and muffin, then chaos and hilarity ensues. He leaves with a smirk on his face, Audrey is left red faced and ready for a rematch! 

Then it’s game on. He needs to find a question that will stump Audrey, she is just a female version of google. 

 

There were family members on both sides of the MC’s I just didn’t like. Ronan’s mother (a self absorbed woman was one) his grandmother although funny, spoke her mind, and was a little abrasive with it! Her father put her dreams down at every opportunity (would throw her dead mother at her and guilt her into backing down!) And Audrey’s siblings just took her for granted! No wonder neither MC wanted to find love! Love was painful, love was losing loved ones, no, not for either of them.  But there is an attraction between them that they just can’t deny, but Ronan wont be trapped here, and Audrey just can’t abandon her family!  The trivia parts were fun, but it became a little too much in places. 

 

So will Ronan stay and become a small town professor? Can Audrey continue her part time education? Or will it be easier just to walk away? 

 

I really enjoyed reading it and look forward to the next book in the series. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Pretty When She Cries by A. Zavarelli-Review tour

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Pretty When She Cries (Black Mountain Academy) by A. Zavarelli-Review tour

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 23, 2020

Your first kiss is supposed to be sweet. Ours was baptized in fire.

I was the new girl trying to find her place.

Landon was the brooding neighbor I tutored over the summer.

I didn’t know he was a legend at Black Mountain Academy.

I didn’t know they worshipped him like a religion.

But I fell for him before I knew those things.

To me, he was just the tortured soul who drew me in like a magnet.

And then he did something so unspeakable, so unforgivable, it shattered me.

I ran away then because I was weak, but I’ve shed my tears.

He stole my heart and my dignity, and I’m here to take it back.

The only problem is… he’s not giving it up without a fight

•••••••

REVIEW:PRETTY WHEN SHE CRIES by A. Zavarelli is a contemporary, young adult, dark, high school romance set in the multi-authored Black Mountain Academy series. This is teen actor Landon Blackwood, and high school student/ dancer Kailani Hale’s story line. PRETTY WHEN SHE CRIES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Landon and Kailani) PRETTY WHEN SHE CRIES follows several years (ages 15-20) in the lives of teen actor Landon Blackwood, and high school student/ dancer Kailani Hale. Kailani Hale is the ‘new girl’ at Black Mountain Academy and had never quite fit in with the popular crowd. A summer assignment tutoring her neighbor Landon Blackwood would end with a wild party wherein Kailani would disappear for the next two years, rumours and innuendo following in her wake. Upon her return to BMA, Kailani would discover she has become the pariah; persona non grata with a reputation she did not deserve.Accusations of blackmail and orgies, drugs and prostitution would pit Landon and Kailani against one another but someone else is pushing all of the buttons, buttons that are about to spiral their lives, out of control. What ensues is the acrimonious but building romance and relationship between Landon and Kailani, and the potential fall-out as jealousy and resentment threaten the lives of our leading couple.

Landon Blackwood is a teen heart throb who only wants to be left alone. Wild, uncontrolled weekend parties are only the tip of the iceberg for a man who has lost all control of his young life. From a troubled childhood and absentee parents, to the crowd of wanna-be friends and lovers finds Landon seeking the comfort and quiet of the girl he blames for almost destroying his life. Kailani Hale never told anyone but her best friend what happened that night two years before but Kailani doesn’t remember what happened, and in the ensuing time will discover that all is not well when she returns to Black Mountain Academy. Someone is determined to take down our heroine, someone who has lost and is determined to take everything back, at a cost.

The relationship between Landon and Kailani begins as tutor and student when Landon returns to BMA to finish his education. Kailani has no idea as to the who or what of Landon Blackwood, and in this Landon finds her friendship a balm to his frenzied lifestyle but a summer’s end party destroys any semblance of normalcy for our leading couple when accusations, lies, betrayal and vengeance ensure there is no going back to what was or what could have been. 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 secondary and supporting characters including Kailani’s best friend Courtney, as well as Kailani’s mother Alana and step-father Theo; Landon’s friends Carson and Jared, as well as Landon’s mother, several teachers and coaches, and the obligatory mean-girls, controlling parents and vindictive students all vying for control.

PRETTY WHEN SHE CRIES is a story of betrayal and vengeance; power and control; secrets, lies, drug, physical, emotional and sexual abuse. With all of the requisite young adult, story line requirements PRETTY WHEN SHE CRIES is an emotional and heart breaking story of two young people torn apart by jealousy and madness. The premise is captivating; the romance is impassioned; the characters are colorful, energetic, broken and young.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

About A. Zavarelli:

Zavarelli is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of dark and contemporary romance.

When she’s not putting her characters through hell, she can usually be found watching bizarre and twisted documentaries in the name of research.

She currently lives in the Northwest with her lumberjack and an entire brood of fur babies. 

Connect w/A. Zavarelli:

Website: https://www.azavarelli.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AZavarelli
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AZavarellibooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azavarelli/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/a-zavarelli
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13549895.A_Zavarelli
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2S3zrKS
Newsletter Signup: http://www.azavarelli.com/#!mailing-list/c46c

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Come Here, Kitten by Emilia Rose – Review, Q&A & Giveaway

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Come Here, Kitten by Emilia Rose – Review, Q&A & Giveaway

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play

Description:
ARES
Warmonger Alpha Ares promises to kill anyone who has the Malavite Stone—a crystal packed with ungodly powers and healing properties. From slaughtering packs to building himself an empire, he will stop at nothing to find it.

That is until he meets Aurora.

AURORA
Aurora thinks she knows exactly how to destroy such an arrogant alpha: with a good night and some ale spiked with wolfsbane.

But she has three little secrets that could threaten her entire existence…

– She’s knows where the Malavite Stone is.

– A pack of bloodthirsty rogues are trying to kill her.

– And she’s falling for the man she once feared.

Can Aurora fend off the rogues alone? What will Ares do when he finds out Aurora’s secrets? Will their relationship survive their fate? Enter into this steamy, paranormal world today to find out!

 

 

Review:

Come  Here, Kitten by Emilia Rose is the first book in her God of War series. That was somewhat pretty good. Once you get past the sex, the corny lines. The story was original and captivating. I could not put it down….. 

You do need your brain in gear as I did have to read a few things twice!! 

Ares God of War!! Harbinger of doom and destruction, he’s after the Malavite Stone, why you ask? Well, I’ll tell you….. 

Aurora alpha in training (which is mentioned a lot!) but she’s not actually in training! Her mother the first female alpha of The DarkMoon pack is suppose to be training her daughter, but she’s spending more time fretting about the coming war with Ares and his pack of bloodthirsty wolves and training Aurora’s soon to be Beta!! 

The reason being, Aurora can’t shift! She was almost killed by rogues, she has the ability (she has the wolf inside) but her spine was shattered, so making shifting impossible (well it takes too long) and uncomfortable beyond belief…..

So as far as Aurora is concerned she’s broken, and believes her mother and pack thinks so too. So trying to believe Ares when he tells her she will be Luna of his pack is going to take time. 

If I say too much it’s going to give things away. But I will say it’s worth a little confusion. The storyline is good, the fight scenes are bloody, and the romance is hot and steamy. 

Ares is hard to read, he’s both hard and soft, caring and cruel. And when Aurora becomes his unwilling mate, she sees all those sides to him and more. So who is Ares, the soft and caring brother and mate, or the ruthless leader who crushes anyone and everything in his path? 

Ares is a complex character, he hides facets of himself from most people, but he can’t help but show his softer side to Aurora, yes she’s his mate, but she’s distracting him from his mission! He wants to be her Alpha, but he also wants her to want all of him…. 

Oh, I forgot to tell you why Ares is after the Stone didn’t I? It’s because….. no, can’t tell you, it’s better if you read it for yourself. ?

First book in the series, and I’m hoping it’s going to be a series, there is a lot of potential, and I’m really hoping Marcel from Ares pack gets a book. A few minor characters give us a little light relief from all the angst that’s in this book, one being Raffles (named for the crisps she loves so much) a cat with attitude had me smiling whenever I read about the feline. 

The thing I was a little uncomfortable with was the way her mother treated her, that was sad, her spineless father never stood up for her, her beta who basically only wanted her for her position in the pack, I felt pity for her, but that never stopped her doing her own thing (and I liked that a lot her) she was crushed time and time again, but she dusted herself off and got on with it. 

The rogue’s add the element of mystery, why target Aurora? Do they know something Ares doesn’t? The whereabouts of the Malavite Stone? 

The interaction between the MC’s had me pinging from frustration to amusement, screaming at my kindle and rolling my eyes at the way they danced around one another! Neither would tell the other where the stone was or why the stone was so important! But when Aurora finds out why Ares wants the stone, can she help him? Will she want to help him? And when Ares finds out Aurora knows where the stone is, will he demand it? Or can he listen to reason? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

TRC: Hi, Emilia.  Welcome to The Reading Café.

Thank you so much for having me!

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Hi everyone! I’m a twenty-something year old living in Pittsburgh, PA with my two cats and my boyfriend. I went to college, thinking I was going to become a psychologist but launched my writing career before I finished school. I have been plugging away at it ever since and am so glad that I’ve taken the leap, so I could write steamy (and smutty) romance books all day, every day!

To everyone who hasn’t heard it yet, follow your dreams no matter how crazy they might be!

TRC:  When and how did you first become interested in writing? 

My book-loving journey started in middle school when I used to devour ALL of the Stephanie Plum novels. They were probably a bit too raunchy for 14 year old Emilia, but I couldn’t stop reading them.

And then in high school, I turned to Wattpad and found so many different werewolf novels that I absolutely fell in love with. I loved being able to think of myself in a supernatural world with beings who had different abilities like shape-shifting. So, I joined a creative writing club in high school called The Ink Bandits and have been writing ever since!

 

TRC: Can you please give us a brief description of Come Here, Kitten.

Taming an alpha is never easy—even when you’re his mate.

ARES

Warmonger Alpha Ares promises to kill anyone who has the Malavite Stone—a crystal packed with ungodly powers and healing properties. From slaughtering packs to building himself an empire, he will stop at nothing to find it.

That is until he meets Aurora.

AURORA

Aurora thinks she knows exactly how to destroy such an arrogant alpha: with a good night and some ale spiked with wolfsbane.

But she has three little secrets that could threaten her entire existence…

– She knows where the Malavite Stone is.

– A pack of bloodthirsty rogues are trying to kill her.

– And she’s falling for the man she once feared.

Can Aurora fend off the rogues alone? What will Ares do when he finds out Aurora’s secrets? Will their relationship survive their fate? Enter into this steamy, paranormal world today to find out!

Come Here, Kitten is an erotic werewolf romance written by Emilia Rose and is the first book in the God of War series.

 

TRC: What inspired you to write Come Here, Kitten?

My readers wanted to see me write more possessive alphas, and along came the cruel and ruthless Alpha Ares. This book has characters who face real-life problems and who have disabilities that many people face today–whether it’s mental disorders or physical limitations. I have found inspiration to bring those characters to life in a paranormal realm.

 

TRC:  What is your writing process?  Do you like to outline your story before you start? Do you have a specific place you like to write?  Is there a special time of day that works best for you? 

I am all over the place. Usually, for the first book in a series I let the character do whatever they want. They drive the story and lead me to places that I never thought I would go. By book two or book three, I outline the entire book chapter by chapter, so my characters don’t go out of character or do something crazy to mess with the growing story-line in my head.

As for a specific writing place, it’s just wherever I feel motivation to write.

Morning/midday definitely work best for me. I CANNOT do night time writing. I’m not a night owl by any means because… well, I love my sleep.

 

TRC: Walk us through a day in the life of Emilia Rose.

I’m dreaming about the hero in my latest WIP, when my boyfriend’s alarm yanks me out of la-la land at 8am sharp. After lounging in bed for half an hour, I make my way to the living room to listen to music and day-dream some more about the scenes and chapters I’ll be writing during the day. At 10am, I grab my mask and leave for the coffee shop to work for a couple hours on one of my many WIPs, trying to get four to six chapters completed. After gulping down two large jasmine teas, I make it back home, do some admin stuff, make dinner, and watch a movie or netflix shows as my cat, Peanut, curls up in my lap.

 

TRC:  Can you please tell us what you are working on now, and what you have upcoming in the last quarter of 2020 and 2021.

I’m working on ten paranormal and contemporary romance books in 2021, including my God of War series, Submission Trilogy, and Excite Me trilogy.

My God of War series, which starts with Come Here, Kitten, will be a four or more book werewolf romance series following Aurora and Ares as they conquer vicious hounds in the Sanguine Wilds. It includes a mix of Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology and rates high on the steam scale!

My Submission Trilogy, which starts with my fan-favorite book Submitting to the Alpha, is a steamy werewolf romance. It follows Roman and Isabella as they face a deadly and corrupt god. There is also a fun spin-off about twin-alphas who both have the same mate!

And last but definitely not least is my Excite Me trilogy. Excite Me is a three-book contemporary romance about Mia and her best friend’s father. Their love is forbidden and oh-so-sexy! I have absolutely fallen in love with these characters and cannot wait for everyone to get their hands on these books!

Most of these books are currently available on Patreon but will be available on Amazon soon!

 

TRC: What other hobbies or interests do you have?

Like any other writer, I enjoy spending time with my two cats and my boyfriend, and getting lost in another Netflix show. My favorite show right now is The Witcher for plot purposes only… definitely NOT for Henry Cavill as the bad-ass, monster-slaughtering hunk Geralt 😉

 

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else?

All my current work is available on Patreon, including seven complete novels, three updating novels, and 40+ steamy one-shot stories which will eventually be expanded into books. You can read my work here: http://www.patreon.com/emiliarosewriting 

Or, if you’d like to join my newsletter for freebies, updates, and more, you can join here: https://www.subscribepage.com/emiliarosewriting

 

 

Emilia Rose is graciously offering a paper copy of  COME HERE, KITTEN  to ONE 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.

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8. Giveaway open to USA  only

9. Giveaway runs from October 19-23, 2020

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Love in the Wild by Emma Castle – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Love in the Wild by Emma Castle – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
A Sensual, Powerful, And Thought Provoking Tarzan Retelling

Eden Matthews stumbled upon the discovery of a lifetime while photographing wildlife deep in the heart of Africa…

A gorgeous god of a man living in the wilds of the African jungle among a family of gorillas…

When he saves her life she’s compelled to uncover the man’s tragic past and the fate which led him to grow up in the wild.

But Eden soon learns she can take man from the wild, but she can’t take the wild out of the man…

When her savage savior soon shows her just want he wants of her…her sensual surrender, she finds she can’t resist him teaching her how to love…in the wild.

 

 

Barb’s Review:

Love in the Wild by Emma Castle is a standalone novel that is a wonderful modern retelling of Tarzan.  I wasn’t sure what to expect from this retelling, but I am happy to say that I absolutely loved Love in the Wild.  I am amazed how Emma Castle made this into such a great story that I was unable to put down, which I read in one day. 

The story starts off with a couple and baby having survived a plane crash in Africa, unable to get help. Then danger comes when a group of poachers (looking for gold) comes across the couple, and kills them, leaving the 3-year-old alone in the plane to die of natural causes.  Young Thorne is found by a band of Gorillas, with the mother of the leader enamored by the little human baby.  She takes him and he slowly learns to live in the wild, learns their language, and becomes part of their family, especially his new mother and brother

22 years later, we meet Eden Matthews, our heroine, who is a wildlife photographer. Her entire group of coworkers and friends are all killed by poachers (who years later are still looking for the gold mine), with the men planning to take Eden with them, until they hear a roar of the wild, and the workers who live in the area know that sound and run.  The leader then decides to kill Eden and run.  Only a wild man comes out and kills the bad man, and saves an injured Eden.

When he takes her to his cabin high in the trees, to help her recover, and though he doesn’t speak English, she slowly begins to trust him and not be afraid.  When he takes her to the river to clean up from the mud, she sees a gorgeous hunk of man, and in a short time manages to learn more about Thorne. She was amazed to learn he grew up in the wild with Gorillas, and knew when he became a teenager that he was different, but he still remained loyal to his only family.

What follows is a wonderful story of Thorne becoming enamored of Eden, and the feelings she gives him; he wants her as his mate.  Eden was so great with him, as she too is falling hard for the sweet wonderful Thorne.  A slow build romance begins, and it was so well done by Castle.

The last third of the book was Eden finding Thorne’s uncle, proving he is real, and bringing them together. This was a sweet scene when they realize the baby did survive to be Thorne.   But threats remain, as the man behind the killings 22 years ago, and in current, is still around. This evil man wants to find the gold mine, and will do anything to get what he wants.  Eden’s life is in danger, and Thorne with his newfound family will return to Africa to save her.  Will Thorne be in time to save Eden?

Love in the Wild was a such a great sensual romance between Eden and Thorne, as well as an exciting finish to the wild climax.  Bravo to Emma Castle for such a wonderful adventure. I wholly suggest to read this book, which was so well written.

Copy supplied for Review

 

Julie’s Review:

Love a good Tarzan and Jane story. It does jump around a little for the first couple of chapters. But bear with it, it’s worth the wait. 

Jane (Eden) is an up and coming wildlife photographer. With a chance of a lifetime trip to africa, Eden jumps at the chance. But the chance of a life time trip turns into a nightmare, her party is hijacked, and the people she bonded with were cruelly slaughtered! Thinking she was next, Eden closes her eyes and nothing….. but she hears noises to keep her eyes closed and hopes her death is a quick one. 

Tarzan (Thorne) is a modern day Tarzan, lost as a child, brought up by gorillas, friends to the animals. 

An innocent in the world of men (he lost his parents to killers at the age of three) he knows a little of the outside world (he had a tribesmen as a friend) but nothing prepares him as he gazes upon Eden for the first time. 

It’s beautifully written. With descriptions that bring the jungle alive. We wander through the jungle, trail our hands through clear cool water. Listening to birds and wildlife. It’s a descriptive joy. I was ready to swim in the waterfalls and lay on the furs. 

Thorne is aware he’s different from the animal in the jungle, he’s also aware that the female in from of him is no gorilla. He thinks she’s he’s mate, and will do everything in his power to care and protect her. 

After Eden gets over her initial shock of not being dead, and living in a treehouse, she needs to tame this wild man, and keep him at arms length (which proves difficult when he’s so sweet) she is amazed when he speaks to her (although a little rusty) he remembers a little of his past, and takes her to the plane that brought him here. 

With a little detective work Eden discovers Thorne has an uncle in England. She tries to persuade Thorne he needs to go, but he can’t leave the jungle, he needs to protect the animals that live there, so with a sad heart Eden makes the decision to leave Thorne. (There is also the matter of her dead companions, they need justice) 

And when Eden has to leave Thorne, you know your leaving your heart with that jungle man. He’s desperate roars of sorrow tug at your heartstrings, and your desperate for Eden to realize her mistake and turn back to Thorne. 

It’s not long before Eden and Thorne are reunited, and she persuades him to go to England. He will as long as she is by his side. His childlike wonder is infectious, it makes Eden look at her world through different eyes. She’s enjoying showing Thorne her world, but she wonders how he will cope when she has to go home? But with any luck his uncle will take care of him. But how will she explain that she has to leave him?! 

Oh and don’t forget the poachers/smugglers, they are hot on Eden’s trail, she can’t be a witness to the crimes they committed. And when they find out Thorne knows where vast amounts of treasure is hidden in the jungle, Eden becomes a target twice over! 

So will Eden and Thorne settle in the hassle and bustle of the modern world? Or will the call of jungle become too much for Thorne to ignore?  

I would love to read a second book (maybe visit them wherever they decide to settle. Another author I’ll be adding to my reading list. Another highly recommended book. 

 

 

 

Emma Castle is offering a Love in the Wild Facemask for today’s giveaway to ONE (1) commenter :

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.

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9. Giveaway runs from September 28 TO October 2, 2020

10. Giveaway open to USA only.

 

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SCANDALOUS PRINCE (Mafia Royals) by Rachel Van Dyken-Review tour

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SCANDALOUS PRINCE (Mafia Royals #2) by Rachel Van Dyken-Review tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 22, 2020

The Woods are Lovely, dark, and deep, but I have promises to keep and miles to go, before I sleep —Robert Frost

I was born under fire and swore to protect her until my dying day, I just never knew that one day, I’d be the very monster I was protecting her from.
She didn’t know it was me.
She didn’t know that I had no choice and would do it again and again to save her.
I may as well have given her the mark on her finger.
The one that shows where her loyalty must lie.
Because we don’t sin in silence.
And eventually, you have to pay up what you owe.
My need to protect her turned into a lie to save her.
And when she found out—I turned in to the very monster I was trying to protect her from.
Watching Violet Abandonato walk out of my life was like a knife to the chest, a wound that refused to heal.
The bosses sent me to protect her, to watch over her even though I was the demon she fled.
We both carry scars.
But if all I can have is her hate for as long as I breathe.
I’ll take it.
Because at the end of the day, I should burn in Hell forever thinking Chase Abandonato’s perfect angel would pick me—over her perfect life.
“I broke you,” I confessed.
“The worst part… is that you liked it,” she snapped right back.

Welcome to the second generation of the mafia, may the best man or woman, be left standing.
May God bless our tainted souls.

••••••

REVIEW: SCANDALOUS PRINCE is the second full-length instalment in Rachel Van Dyken’s contemporary, new adult MAFIA ROYALS dark, mafia romance series, a next generation spin off set in the author’s Eagle Elite world.. SCANDALOUS PRINCE can be read as a stand alone: you do not have to have read the Eagle Elite series but I recommend the prequel novella Royal Bully for back story.

WARNING: SCANDALOUS PRINCE contains scenes of violence and assault that may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from four first person perspectives (Breaker, Violet, Valerian, Ash) SCANDALOUS PRINCE focuses on love, loss, betrayal, secrets and lies. Breaker Campisi has loved Violet Abandonato most of his life but Breaker knew he would never have been allowed to marry the woman he loved being the ‘adopted’ son of Capo Tex Campisi. With his life about to change direction, Breaker made plans that would break the heart of the woman he loved, and forever alter his connection with family and friends. When a new king of the Russian mob is crowned, Violet finds herself caught between love and hate as she is claimed by a stranger who professes to know everything and more about our story line heroine. Secrets run deep, betrayal and dishonesty are at the heart of the story as Violet must come to terms with her future, a future without the man that she loves.

SCANDALOUS PRINCE is a story of family, of blood, of perception, and power. In the world of the mafia, blood is power, and in this the rightful heir has claimed his throne. Valerian Petrov, back from the dead, takes controls in an effort to protect the woman he loves. One year earlier, Violet Abandonato, would be claimed by Valerian Petrov, and in doing so, sealed the fate and the families between the Cosa Nostra and the Russian mob.

Rachel Van Dyken pulls the reader into a tale of twists and revelations; of heart break, anguish and pain; of acceptance, retaliation, betrayal and love. The roller coaster premise is captivating and compelling; the romance is impassioned and fated; the characters are broken but strong, energetic and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Royal Bully
Ruthless Princess

ROYAL BULLY is FREE ebook Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

RUTHLESS PRINCESS only 99¢: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

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